Category: Music This Week

• Rocker: When playing plugged in with his band, Max Sullivan can positively wail, channeling guitar gods from Jimmy Page to Stevie Ray. Solo, Sullivan gets soulful, doing a cool version of Bill Withers’ “Grandma’s Hands” and the Stevie Wonder groove fest “Boogie On Reggae Woman.” His set list mixes things up; he can pivot to punk rock as easily as to a Motown hit. Thursday, Jan. 21, 5:30 p.m., Homestead Restaurant & Tavern, 641 Daniel Webster Hwy., Merrimack, 429-2022.

• Twanger: Start the weekend with comfort food and country comfort as Eric Grant performs solo at a Lakes Region haven. Over a dozen years fronting his eponymous band, the singer, songwriter and guitarist has won awards and a solid following, opening for stars like Blake Shelton, Lady A, Sugarland and others. “Who Would You See,” his 2017 tribute to a friend and fan who battled cancer, is a gem. Friday, Jan. 22, 7 p.m., 405 Pub & Grill, 405 Union Ave., Laconia, 524-8405

• Joker: While the quest for herd immunity goes on, laughter is a great medicine; Brian Beaudoin will provide plenty. The veteran comic performs consecutive nights, drawing from absurdities in everyday life while engaging in crowd banter to hilarious effect. He’s won awards in his home state of Rhode Island, including the annual Comic Throwdown’s Grand Prize. Friday, Jan. 22, and Saturday, Jan. 23, 8 p.m., Chunky’s Cinema & Pub, 707 Huse Road, Manchester. Tickets $20 at chunkys.com.

• Etcher: Live music is back at a Queen City craft brewery as Nate Cozzolino entertains. The Providence singer-songwriter has serious guitar prowess and an ethereal vocal delivery; writer Vic Garbarini likened him to “early Van Morrison,” calling him “one of the most promising artists working today.” Along with his musical prowess, Cozzolino is a talented visual artist; his etched glass work is particularly striking. Saturday, Jan. 23, 4 p.m., To Share Brewing, 720 Union St., Manchester, 836-6947.

• Strumming: Offering a range of tunes from pop to rock, reggae and country, Acoustic Tandem features Tom Colantuoni and David Hoffman trading guitar licks and singing; Hoffman keeps rhythm with a pair of claves. Their set list includes classics — Creedence’s “Bad Moon Rising” is done as a harmony-rich rave-up — and newer hits like Little Big Town’s “Boondocks.” Friday, Jan. 15, 8 p.m., Chantilly’s Restaurant & Pub, 1112 Hooksett Road, Hooksett, 625-0012.

• Drumming: The instrument played by Senie Hunt is many things, including a guitar, which he loops through a sound machine to produce a mini symphony, and uses for percussion in amazing ways, drawing from rhythms of his native Sierra Leone. As a five-year-old refugee from the Diamond Wars, he was adopted by a Stateside family that owned an instrument import business. Saturday, Jan. 16, 8 p.m., Backyard Brewery & Kitchen, 1211 S. Mammoth Road, Manchester, 623-3545.

• Supporting: A weekly series of pre-recorded concerts kicks off with Soggy Po’ Boys and runs through the end of March with a goal of helping the regional music scene’s beleaguered members raise some money and provide them with a well-produced, multi-camera video to showcase in further endeavors. Fans receive a great snapshot of a vibrant community and the chance to make difference. Premieres Saturday, Jan. 16, 7 p.m. on facebook.com/winterwarmermusic, $20/show; season passes available.

• Brightening: Enjoy a snack, a beverage and a midweek performance from Jessica Olson, a New Hampshire native who calls herself an “uncaged song bird.” When she’s not playing solo — like most everyone these days — Olson fronts her eponymous band. She recently joined the lineup of streaming musicians at sessionslive.com, so those interested in her sound can check her out there. Wednesday, Jan. 20, 8 p.m., Homestead Restaurant, 641 Daniel Webster Hwy., Merrimack, 479-2022.

• Twang: Enjoy country music from singer and guitarist Jackie Lee, who borrows nicely from Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn and others masters of the genre. She’s a regular at this and other Lakes Region venues. Expect a setlist with classics like “Ring of Fire” — her version is a solid recreation of the June Carter Cash original — along with a few modern favorites. Thursday, Jan. 7, 8 p.m., Tower Hill Tavern, 264 Lakeside Ave., Laconia. See facebook.com/jackie.lee.967806.

• Song: A series of virtual concerts kicks off with Natural Woman, a tribute to legendary singer and songwriter Carole King. The evening of music, originally scheduled as a live audience show before the winter Covid-19 surge forced a change of plans, will focus on King’s breakthrough album, Tapestry, which became a blueprint for multiple generations of female performers. Friday, Jan. 8, 7 p.m., the show is presented by the Palace Theatre. Stream tickets $15 at palacetheatre.org.

• Giggle: Despite the challenges, comedy shows remain popular in the pandemic. Veteran Steve Scarfo performs two nights in the repurposed movie theater that’s now home to the Headliners franchise. Born in Maine, Scarfo came up in the Boston club scene and once took part in a hilarious mashup of Survivor and Last Comic Standing that’s worth checking out on YouTube. Friday, Jan. 8, and Saturday, Jan. 9, at 8 p.m., Chunky’s Cinema Pub, 707 Huse Road, Manchester, tickets $20 at chunkys.com.

• Flame: Tradition lives, even in these socially distanced days, as Carl Solo provides musical entertainment for the annual Christmas Tree Burning Party at an Auburn dining and drinking hub. It’s the 25^th year for the event, as pines go up in flames and a heartfelt goodbye is offered to the worst year ever (though music fans may argue for 2016), along with food and libations. Saturday, Jan. 9, 7 p.m. Auburn Pitts, 167 Rockingham Road, Auburn, more at facebook.com/Carl-Solo-105864034170907.

• Lighten: Arguably the hardest-working man in local music, Brad Bosse recently announced plans to scale back his performing schedule to weekends only and pursue a career in real estate, pivoting from rocking houses to selling them. Here’s to the best for Brad, whose deep catalog of covers and regular venue selfies will be reduced but thankfully not extinguished for good. Monday, Jan. 11, 8 p.m., The Goat, 142 Congress St., Portsmouth, more at facebook.com/Brad4Bosse.

Local music news & events

• Junk out: Ever since America’s Got Talent made them a national sensation, Recycled Percussion has returned for a run of shows across their home state; in 2019 they performed for 22,000 people in three weeks, including a sold-out New Year’s Eve at Manchester’s Palace Theatre. The junk rockers will ring out this year virtually from their New Hampshire headquarters. A 12-hour marathon is planned with support from local artists. Thursday, Dec. 31; tickets are $40 at chaosandkindness.store.

• Fresh start: Whatever challenges 2021 may bring, it won’t match 2020’s misery index. Tyler Allgood helps kick things off with hope at a rustic restaurant that has supported local musicians throughout the plague year. Allgood released The Weight of Thunder in 2019 and has written some good new songs since, including the mournful “Dirty Red Shoes,” up on his Facebook page. Friday, Jan. 1, 6:30 p.m., Molly’s Tavern, 35 Mont Vernon Road, New Boston, tinyurl.com/ya9uzyd7.

• Local hero: Hunkered down area musicians like Lucas Gallo used the quarantine to polish and release original material. A tireless booster of the Concord scene for years as a performer and promoter, Gallo completed From The Attic and debuted it at an outdoor summer show in his Concord hometown. His album contained recently written songs along with some dating back nearly two decades. Saturday, Jan. 2, 4 p.m. Concord Craft Brewing, 117 Storrs St., Concord, facebook.com/NHMusicCollective.

• Staged act: Seacoast supergroup Marble Eyes launches a series of livestream shows from the stage of storied club The Press Room. The songwriter collective promises “rock ’n’ roll for the soul” and includes Eric Gould of Pink Talking Fish, Indobox guitarist Mike Carter, Adrian Tramontano of Kung Fu and The Breakfast, along with Max Chase, solo performer and scene staple. Monday, Jan. 3, 8 p.m., airing on nugs.tv, nugs.net, YouTube and Facebook Live, facebook.com/marbleeyesband.

• Spiced up: A celebration of Latin culture stars Chimbala, a Dominican singer who had a hit with “Rueda” in 2019, garnering nearly 50 million streams. The indoor fiesta is hosted by Chocolate & Rafide Los Santos and features additional music from DJs Jundaddy, Bently and Coro King. Covid-19 regulations will be strictly enforced at the socially distanced, 21+ event. Thursday, Jan. 7, 8 p.m., Jewel Music Venue, 61 Canal St., Manchester, tickets $40 at boletosexpress.com.

Local music news & events

• Holiday green: Trying to make the best of the worst year ever, Celtic Thunder will air its annual Christmas concert online. The show, filmed in front of a live audience in Poughkeepsie, New York, is presented by the Capitol Center and will be available on demand for 48 hours after it premieres. Enjoy favorites like “Let It Snow” and “Silent Night” delivered with an Irish and Scottish flavor directly to your Christmas Eve living room. Thursday, Dec. 24, 6 p.m. Tickets are $35 at ccanh.com.

• Hometown girl: Returning from the West Coast for the holiday season, M.B. Padfield performs solo at a Londonderry restaurant that was among the first to offer live music post-lockdown, and continues until another stay-at-home order comes. Padfield moved to L.A. in early 2018 and has had success with her own efforts and session work, including a co-write on Yeti Tactics’ recent Guest House. Saturday, Dec. 26, 8 p.m., Stumble Inn, 20 Rockingham Road, Londonderry. See mbpadifield.com.

• Spin city: Featuring upbeat house music and an array of DJs. Open Decks revives a popular night of EDM and camaraderie, with all Covid regulations enforced, according to the club’s Facebook page. Professional gear is provided, but though the evening’s name implies an open mic event, it’s not an opportunity to learn how to DJ; only the experienced should apply. Tuesday, Dec. 29, 9 p.m., Central Ale House, 23 Central St., Manchester, information on facebook.com/thedadum

• Early goodbye: The urge to close out 2020 ahead of time is easily understood. Leathal New Year includes sets from DJ Clay, Waraq, Problemattik and Leathal Wreckords, the underground rap group behind the event, whose fitting slogan is: “Bringing an end to the adventures of 2020 … with a HAMMER!” Covid-19 regulations will be strictly enforced at the 21+ event. Wednesday, Dec. 30, 6 p.m., Jewel Music Venue, 61 Canal St., Manchester, tickets at leathalweekend.com.

Local music news & events

• Food music: Though Covid-19 ate his annual booze cruise, Chad LaMarsh is still performing out at places like a Salem restaurant/bar and its Bedford counterpart. A set list can include everything from Peter Gabriel to the Eagles to Matchbox 20 to Nine Inch Nails. LaMarsh is a diverse guy, and a charitable one as well; his annual Bundles of Books effort has helped a lot of folks over the years. Thursday, Dec. 17, 6 p.m., Copper Door, 41 South Broadway, Salem. See chadlamarsh.com.

• Song circle: While live music continues in some venues, this year’s Holiday Java Jam will be a virtual affair. Beloved Manchester native Alli Beaudry again hosts, inviting local musicians to sign up and play original or traditional holiday songs for the event, which is usually held downtown at Café La Reine. Dress up in seasonal finery and light the home tree for this unique evening. Friday, Dec. 18, 6 p.m., get a Zoom link by signing up at facebook.com/javajamswithallibeaudry.

• Brew-versary: A Queen City craft brewery celebrates two years of business with Paul Nelson playing songs. “Song crafter, blues explorer, mystery muser” Nelson has appeared at Club Passim in Cambridge, opening for folk legend Ellis Paul, and has been featured on many big stages since he broke out as musician in 2018. Last year he released his first album, Over Under Through, to solid praise. Friday, Dec. 18, 4 p.m. at To Share Brewing, 720 Union St., Manchester, tosharebrewing.com.

• Holiday giving: While the Bank of NH Stage is dark until at least mid-January, Seth Glier will perform a free online show with the Concord venue’s imprimatur. The Holiday Spectacular promises music, jokes and dancing offered by Glier and his good friends — he promises, “even Jesus Christ will be there!” While there’s no cost to watch on Facebook Live or YouTube, those with the means can and should donate. Saturday, Dec. 19, 8 p.m., login information at banknhstage.com.