Category: Music This Week

Local music news & events

• Mellow time: Sip a bit of local wine while watching Sam Hyman & JT Express perform the music of New England treasure James Taylor. Singer-guitarist Hyman resembles Taylor in both sound and appearance; the three-piece group runs through “Fire and Rain,” “Sweet Baby James” and “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight” as smoothly as chardonnay and rosé flow from the bottle. Thursday, May 27, 7:30 p.m. (cocktail hour starts at 6:30 p.m.), LaBelle Winery, 14 Route 111, Derry, tickets $35 at eventbrite.com.

• Chicken pickin’: With her Grammy-nominated band’s touring plans on hold, Celia Woodsmith spent the past year networking with Seacoast musicians around her home, including her husband and a couple of his friends, who’ll back her at a family farm barbecue. Woodsmith recently reunited with her mates in bluegrass band Della Mae to record a new EP, and her roots group Say Darling recently put out an LP. Friday, May 28, 4 p.m., Vernon Family Farm, 301 Piscassic Road, Newfields, tickets $10 to $30 at vernonfamilyfarm.com.

• Downtown rap: Hip-hop entrepreneur and Nashua native son Cody Pope performs in front of City Hall to celebrate the return of live music. It’s his first hometown show since then, with a number of special guests promised, including 8-bza, who co-produced his first album in three years, The Howling Man, released in February. Saturday, May 29, 2 p.m., City Hall, 229 Main St., Nashua. See facebook.com/codypopeHC.

• Midcity mixing: Enjoy an afternoon patio party as the EDM scene shifts into gear at HEAT.WAV, led by Manchester Dean of DJs John Manning, a.k.a. DJ Midas, host of WMNH’s Late Night Delight and the Meltdown City podcast. There will be a tiki bar and other warm-weather pleasures to blend with the beat drops, sick mixes and nonstop music at the 21+ event, which is outdoors and indoors should the climate not cooperate. Sunday, May 30, 2 p.m., Central Ale House, 23 Central St., Manchester, 935-7779.

Local music news & events

• Irish vibe: A Celtic-themed pub offers folk, rock and pop from Somerville singer-songwriter Karen Grenier, who carries a voluminous songbook of covers and the willingness to take lots of requests. Grenier’s original material is also wonderful; her most recent CD is Crazy Love, a 2011 effort that featured the memorable “Superhero (Ryan Michael’s Song),” the positivity anthem, “It Gets Better” and an up-tempo title track. Friday, May 21, 8 p.m., Killarney’s Irish Pub, 9 Northeastern Blvd., Nashua, karengrenier.com

• Island night: Enjoy a mix of rock, blues, soul and pop from singer-guitarist Pete Massa along with a varied selection of food to please every palate, including the King Kong Burger, a study in carnivore madness. Massa has a long history in the New England music scene, including residencies at Boston pubs. His setlist ranges from Bill Withers “Ain’t No Sunshine” to tracks from the Doobies and John Mayer. Saturday, May 22, 5 p.m., Big Kahunas Smokehouse, 1158 Hooksett Road, Hooksett, nhkahuna.com.

• SoCal disciples: Named after a late ’90s song by ska punk band Catch 22, Concord-based Supernothing has a percolating rock reggae sound that’s perfect for returning to the beach sporting board shorts, sandals and a summertime attitude. The group began when Dillan Welch, then attending a Christian high school, received the first Sublime album as a gift from his sister and got hooked on the Long Beach band. Sunday, May 23, 7 p.m., Bernie’s Beach Bar, 73 Ocean Blvd., Hampton Beach, 926-5050.

• Moondance double: Expect Van Morrison tribute act Into The Mystic to draw from a wide range of hits without the on-stage prickliness that seems to be as much a part of Morrison’s act as his iconic voice. Led by former Bearquarium singer Justin Panigutti, the eight-piece band also includes several of the region’s top players coalescing around gems like “Real Real Gone” and “Saint Dominic’s Preview.” Sunday, May 23, 1 and 6 p.m., Tupelo Drive-In, 10 A St., Derry. Tickets are $22 per person (tent) and $75 per car at tupelohall.com.

Local music news & events

• Join together: One sign that things are, as the song goes, closer to fine, is the return of Thirsty Thursday Jam. The event, hosted by Jay Frigoletto, will be outside for the near term, but it’s encouraging to see musicians to play together and network future endeavors. The musical options are wide open — blues, rock, country and soul all happen, and there is no age limit, so bring the family and enjoy a community again come to life. Thursday, May 13, 6:30 p.m., Auburn Pitts, 167 Rockingham Road, Auburn, 622-6564.

• Celtic comic: For those wondering why Irish pubs serve Mexican food, Sean Finnerty has the same question, and many laughs on his way to an answer. The Longford, Ireland, born comedian moved to the U.S. four years ago and quickly hit, with his bemused tourist bit landing him on the Tonight show, a first for an Irish comic. Finnerty’s two-night Manchester run will be his first ever New Hampshire appearance. Friday, May 14, and Saturday, May 15, 8 p.m., Chunky’s Cinema & Pub, 707 Huse Road, Manchester, tickets $20 at chunkys.com.

• Soaring songs: Enjoy eclectic music in a bucolic setting as Red Tail Hawk performs on the porch of a country store. The multi-genre quartet, led by Ben Zanfagna on guitar, sax and vocals, is leaning in a funky direction these days; 2020’s Strokes offered “Rock Steady,” a groove-drenched affair, alongside the Santana-esque guitar journey “Run Run,” which also featured an infectious bass solo. Saturday, May 15, 4:30 p.m., Farm at Eastman’s Corner, 267 South Road, Kensington, eastmanscorner.com.

• Capitol contest: The chance to play for a Market Days crowd later in the summer is the lure of Tandy’s Idol, which holds its first of four open auditions leading to a June 30 callback round. The karaoke singing competition is celebrating a 15th anniversary; audience members decide the ultimate winners, American Idol style. Wednesday, May 19, 6 p.m., Tandy’s Pub & Grille, 1 Eagle Square, Concord, 856-7614

Local music news & events

• Local light: A regular around the region with his band Dancing Madly Backwards, Lewis Goodwin performs solo for the dinner crowd to lead into the weekend. His band’s rock leanings are clear from its name, which comes from a Captain Beyond song, and a pair of albums released mid-decade. Goodwin keeps the same vibe playing alone, citing influences from Queen to Stephen Kellogg & the Sixers. Thursday, May 6, at 6 p.m., T-Bones Great American Eatery, 25 S. River Road, Bedford, 641-6100.

• Friday funnies: Celebrate Mother’s Day early with a slate of female comedians led by Kathe Farris, a past Boston Comedy Festival finalist and self-described snack cake enthusiast. Kristin O’Brien, whose Auntie Kristin persona has fan bases in Texas and New England, and Jolanda Logan also perform. Logan is described as “a sassy boymom, devoted wife, punk-at-heart,” who’ll “either make you laugh or kick your ass with her martial arts moves.” Friday, May 7, at 8 p.m., Lions Club, 256 Mammoth Road, Londonderry, tickets $10 at tplust.org.

• Blues power: Live music happens at a venerable craft beer bar, as Lisa Marie & All Shook Up kick out the jams once again. A vocal powerhouse with the ability to move from a sultry Barbara Lewis groove to raucous Janis Joplin shout, Lisa Marie is a natural front woman, keeping things fiery and fun at the same time. She draws from a rich catalog of American music, from swampy Delta blues to gospel and Motown. Saturday, May 8, at 8 p.m., Strange Brew Tavern, 88 Market St., Manchester, allshookup.us.

• Saucy songs: When he’s not playing originals with TOS or rocking out with Bourbon Outfitters, Jae Mannion and his guitar are touching a lot of points along the highway of American music, from Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young to Green Day — his cover of the latter’s “Forever Now” is a treat. He also does a good job with Violent Femmes’ “Blister in the Sun” and Sister Hazel’s “All For You.” Sunday, May 9, at 4:30 p.m., The Alamo Texas Bar-B-Cue, 99 Route 13, Brookline, 721-5500.

Local music news & events

• Crafted tunes: Enjoy an early evening set from Nate Cozzolino, a Providence-based singer-songwriter with ace guitar skills and an ethereal vocal delivery. Writer Vic Garbarini likened him to “early Van Morrison,” calling Cozzolino “one of the most promising artists working today.” In addition to his musical skills, he makes beautiful etched glasses, which are perfect for beverages on offer at this show. Thursday, April 29, 6:30 p.m., To Share Brewing Co., 720 Union St., Manchester, 836-6947.

• Music machine: A one-man band with rootsy sensibilities, ODB Project is the latest effort from Michael Dion, ex-Hot Day at the Zoo and currently in Daemon Chili. Dion loops together a wall of sound around an array of diverse material, from Frank Sinatra to the Dead and Cake, along with his originals. The tech doesn’t end there; the new RequestNow app lets audiences help him build a setlist in real time. Friday, April 30, 8 p.m., Penuche’s Ale House, 16 Bicentennial Square, Concord. See facebook.com/odbproject.

• Rock al fresco: Weather permitting, hard-rocking quartet Crave will take to the outdoor stage for a sunset show of covers from the heavy side of the songbook, from Volbeat’s “Hangman’s Body Count” to Breaking Benjamin, Seether, Stone Sour and Devour the Day, dressed in biker regalia with a banner of skulls behind them. Saturday, May 1, 6 p.m., The Bar Food & Spirits, 2B Burnham Road, Hudson, 943-5250.

• Blues day: A transplant from Nashville to New England, Ms. Vee is a blues, jazz, soul and occasional rock singer who has a lot of fun with the culture shock she’s experienced since moving here; her show offers both music and comedy. For her first post-pandemic appearance, the vocalist — real name Valyria Lewis — is joined by Lady Ro, part of a weekly series at the homey eatery. Reservations are recommended. Tuesday, May 4, 7:30 p.m., Madear’s Southern Eatery & Bakery, 141 Main St., Pembroke. See facebook.com/MsVeeSings.

• Lakeside sound: The first weekend in May provides a good excuse to hear No Limitz draw from the classic catalog of the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s while playing on a stage perched on the edge of Lake Winnipesaukee, hosted by a restaurant that offers free tie-ups to all who arrive by boat and an unrivaled ice cream selection; there’s also a nice tiki bar for outdoor imbibing, proving that channeling Jimmy Buffett can be done even while inland. Sunday, May 2, 5 p.m., Town Docks, 289 Daniel Webster Hwy., Meredith, 279-3445.

Local music news & events

• Hometown girl: Enjoy country songs with a local sparkle as Nicole Knox Murphy starts the weekend early at a rustic pub that has live acts three nights a week. Murphy’s paean to her home state “My 603” was honored by the New Hampshire Senate with a resolution in June 2020. Thursday, April 22, 6 p.m., Village Trestle, 25 Main St., Goffstown. See nkmsings4u.com.

• Showing respect: Fans of old-school hip-hop should check out DJ Shamblez paying tribute to legendary producer DJ Premier at a late afternoon session of spinning. In November 2019, he unearthed vocals from Guru, his late performing partner in Gang Starr, to create One Of The Best Yet, and he recently released a video of “Glowing Mic” from the follow-up instrumental LP, featuring Big Shug. Friday, April 23, 4 p.m., Lithermans Limited Brewery, 126B Hall St., Concord, lithermans.beer.

• Amateur hour: Aspiring standup comics should check out the return of Comedy Open Mic and see how their Zoom meeting snark lands on a live audience of non-coworkers. Here’s a sample joke posted on the restaurant/pub’s Facebook page for recruiting purposes: “The next time your wife gets angry, drape a towel over her shoulders (like a cape) and say, ‘Now you’re SUPER ANGRY!’” Saturday, April 24, 5:13 p.m., Area 23, 254 N. State St., Unit H (Smokestack Center), Concord, facebook.com/area23concord.

• Tuesday tunes: Massachusetts guitar ace Ryan Foley has a range of influences, from Hendrix to Alan Holdsworth and Doc Watson. He’ll pair his music with craft spirits and ales at a riverfront brewery, distillery, bar and restaurant. Foley is celebrating the recently released album, North Hadley Tobacco. Fans of Nickel Creek and Union Station will appreciate his fretwork. Tuesday, April 27, 6:30 p.m., Stark Brewing Co., 500 N. Commercial St., Manchester, facebook.com/RyanFoleyMusic.