Category: Music This Week

Local music news & events

• Beach music: Part of a tour working its way up the East Coast, Ballyhoo! and Tropidelic help usher in summer at Hampton with a deck show. Tropidelic fuses reggae and hip-hop Thursday, June 10, 8 p.m., Bernie’s Beach Bar, 73 Ocean Ave., Hampton, tickets $20 at ticketmaster.com.

• Northern soul: Toward the end of last year, Charlie Chronopoulos released Chesty Rollins’ Dead End, an album that reflected “the backward narrative of poverty” in his home state of New Hampshire. It touched on friends and family lost to addiction, and the struggle of everyday life; “fragile things” that “spend their lives about to break.” Friday, June 11, 7 p.m., Molly’s Tavern, 35 Mont Vernon Road, New Boston. See charliechronopoulos.com.

• Throwback time: Local bands pay tribute to Prophets of Punk at the first in a three-week series that will include nights featuring Bruce Springsteen (June 19) and AC/DC (June 26). The lineup thus far has Dank Sinatra covering Social Distortion, Dana Brunt doing Ramones’ “Pet Sematary” and The Damn Nobody’s take on Bad Brains’ “Against.” The Graniteers do Blondie and, in an apt display of attitude, one of their own songs. Saturday, June 12, 8 p.m., Shaskeen Pub, 909 Elm St., Manchester. See Facebook.

• Hard-hitting: As if their sound couldn’t get any heavier, a New England Rock & Metal Showcase will feature doom rockers Dead Harrison playing with two drummers for the first time ever. The packed lineup includes Infinite Sin, Dawn of End, Machine Gun Mayhem, and King Polo. If that wasn’t enough, there’s also a mechanical bull for riding, which is, uh, very metal? Saturday, June 12, 6 p.m., Granite State Music Hall, 546 Main St., Laconia, tickets $10, see granitestatemusichall.com.

Local music news & events

• Backyard fun: Enjoy acoustic folk rock from The Clavis Brudon Band at an outdoor space created during last year’s al fresco imperative — one pandemic silver lining is the many similar venues that popped up and still remain. The band’s name doesn’t refer to a person; it’s an amalgamation of the first three letters of the members’ surnames — Stephen Clarke, Kevin Visnaskas, John Bruner and Otis Doncaster. Thursday, June 3, 5 p.m., Tooky Mills Pub, 9 Depot St, Hillsborough, 464-6700.

• Bon temps: The outdoor Arts in the Park Series continues with Catfish Howl performing an early evening gazebo show. The band specializes in New Orleans-style blues, rock, zydeco and soul, served up as what they call “Mardi Gras mambo and beyond.” It’s a lot of fun, and the New Hampshire/Massachusetts combo has been entertaining crowds in the region for over a decade now. Friday, June 4, 6 p.m., presented by Belknap Mill in Rotary Park, 30 Beacon St., Laconia, catfishhowl.com.

• Guitar man: Kicking off a summer concert series, Joe Sabourin performs. The versatile guitarist has released four solo albums, most recently Leaves in late 2020, while playing in bands that range from Celtic to reggae, folk and jazz. One of the region’s best steel string players, he’s also an in-demand session musician. The Capitol Center-sponsored series runs through September. Sunday, June 6, 3 p.m., Fletcher-Murphy Park, 28 Fayette St., Concord. Tickets $12 at ccanh.com.

• Song spirit: Equal parts singer-songwriter and motivational coach, Kimayo offers uplifting music born from life experience and delivered with passion and power. Her 2019 debut album, Phoenix (The Acoustic Sessions), was named one of year’s 10 best by Folk New Hampshire. She pairs nicely with the farm-to-table restaurant she’ll perform in, which sits near New England’s geographical center. Sunday, June 6, 4 p.m., The Grazing Room, Colby Hill Inn, 33 The Oaks, Henniker, colbyhillinn.com.

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.