Category: Music This Week

• Truffle man: Leading one of the Seacoast’s most enduring bands, Dave Gerard brings the same good-time vibe and constant smile to his solo music. Normally the group that began as Savoy Truffle would be marking 2021 with shows celebrating 35 years together, but these aren’t those times. At least there’s still the chance to dine out and enjoy live performers, abbreviated though it may be. Thursday, Feb. 11, 7 p.m., Telly’s Restaurant, 235 Calef Highway, Epping, 679-8225.

• Wide ranging: Take in a stunning view of the Merrimack River as Brien Sweet entertains at a Queen City eatery. The curly haired singer and guitarist plays covers that range across decades, from Elvis to Coldplay and The Weeknd. Recently he did a full set of boy band songs on his Facebook Live. When warm weather allows he’ll again be seen as David Bowie in area tribute band Young Americans. Saturday, Feb. 13, 6 p.m., The Foundry Restaurant, 50 Commercial St., Manchester, 836-1925.

• Off the road: BecauseProvidence-based singer-songwriter Kevin Horan began as a drummer, his original tunes are pulsing and percussive. In addition to his solo work, such as the local brewery show he’s doing at midpoint of the three-day weekend, Horan fronts Ocean State rockers the Stone Road Band, who are currently at work on a follow-up to their debut album, Alive At Dusk. Sunday, Feb. 14, 3 p.m., To Share Brewing Co., 720 Union St., Manchester, 458-2033.

• Sushi country: Throughout the past challenging months, April Cushman has managed to keep her calendar full, even packing rooms with fans on occasion — using the pandemic definition, of course. The countrified singer plays a Valentine’s Day set at a Gate City Japanese restaurant. Cushman’s autobiographical single “Hometown Girl” is lately getting traction on download and streaming sites, and local radio. Sunday, Feb. 14, 6 p.m., San Francisco Kitchen, 133 Main St., Nashua, 886-8833.

• Song pull: A weekly open mic night continues apace, hosted by Brian “Burnout” Peasley. The middle moniker is a nod to his punk rock days, though lately he leans toward roots and Americana with his bands Hometown Eulogy and Raid The Larder. Peasley also played mandolin support on Will Hatch’s most recent album. A rich local music scene means anything can happen at the basement hoot. Thursday, Feb. 4, 8 p.m., Penuche’s Ale House, 16 Bicentennial Square, Concord, 228-9833.

• Make good: Her original booking last April canceled due to Covid, singer-songwriter Becca Myari finally debuts at an Auburn restaurant, bar and favorite local hang. With percussive guitar and a lilting voice, Myari is a charming performer who mixes inventive originals with covers. Her version of Tom Petty’s “Cabin Down Below” was a highlight at the recent Rex Theatre tribute. Friday, Feb. 5, 6 p.m., Auburn Pitts Bar & Grill, 167 Rockingham Road, Auburn, 622-6564.

• Gotta giggle: A Rhode Island comic with an impressive list of credits, Brad Pierce headlines a bill with four other standups and host Pete Andrews. Pierce’s TheGoldenMic YouTube channel has over 300,000 views and videos featured on the two Jimmy (Kimmel & Fallon) late night shows. He’s performed with some big names, including Jim Gaffigan and Jerry Seinfeld at NYC’s Gotham Comedy Club. Saturday, Feb. 6, 7 p.m., Kathleen’s Irish Pub, 90 Lake St., Bristol ($5), 744-6336.

• Super brunch: Start off big game day with Nate Comp singing and playing, because whichever side of the Tom Brady divide you land on, everyone agrees brunch is a good thing. Comp is a constant presence on the area music scene, as a member of D-Comp Trio (and duo), as well as perennial host of open mic at Wild Rover and KC’s Rib Shack and, for this appearance, as a solo performer. Sunday, Feb. 7, 11 a.m., Copper Door Restaurant, 41 S. Broadway, Salem, 458-2033.

• Soulful: Along with winning a NEMA for best male performer a few years back, Munk Duane is skillful at making money in the music business, with thousands of paid downloads and licensing deals. He often fronts powerhouse band Soul Jacker, but the pandemic dictates Duane play solo for now. Check out his latest video, “Fanblade,” a groove-soaked throwback with a serious Prince vibe. Thursday, Jan. 28, 7 p.m., Stumble Inn, 20 Rockingham Road, Londonderry. See munkduane.com.

• Stretch: Uniquely combining exercise and music, Disco Funk Yoga with DJ Funky Foley-B adheres to safety protocols with a class size limit of eight participants and a program with a bevy of disco-era booty-shakers, over 90 minutes of high-energy vinyasa yoga flow. Head back to the ’70s as the lights go down and a laser show mixes with a few dance breaks throughout the practice. Friday, Jan. 29, 6:30 p.m., Vibe Yoga, 182 Main St., Nashua, $25 and $30 at vibeyoga603.com.

• Relaxing: A microbrewery and restaurant housed in a historic fire station offers Tyler Allgood as part of its regular live music schedule. “Brewery shrinks” Jason Palmer and Stanley Tremblay make beer and food on site. Their latest tap creation is an amber lager dubbed Men Are From Marzen; their Cinnamon Cookie Cream Ale is also tasty. Allgood plays covers and many fine original songs. Saturday, Jan. 30, 8 p.m., Liquid Therapy, 14 Court St., Nashua, 402-9391.

• Paternal: Enjoy a hearty meal and music from Pete Peterson at a hub for the local scene. Over the winter the restaurant-bar has weekend entertainment, but as things warm up there’s someone playing every night. One of the more ubiquitous performers in the state, Peterson also performs with his daughter Yamica in the band Family Affair and hosts several open mics. Saturday, Jan. 30, 7:30 p.m., Derryfield Restaurant, 625 Mammoth Road, Manchester, 623-2880.

• Regular: A Seacoast eatery does its part to keep musicians working as Alex Anthony holds down multiple dates, Saturday, Monday and Wednesday, playing solo. Anthony is a singer and songwriter who received radio airplay a few years back for “Burning In The Sun,” which he released as Seven Mile Drive. He covers artists like Ray Lamontagne, James Taylor, City and Colour, and Damien Rice. Monday, Feb. 1, 9 p.m., The Goat, 142 Congress St., Portsmouth, 590-4628.

• 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.