Category: Music This Week

• Mainstay: As his band Truffle marks 35 years together, front man Dave Gerard performs solo as he waits for the regional club scene to flower again. Truffle is perhaps the longest-running band in New Hampshire, a constant presence. The secret? “We keep writing music and bring back things we haven’t done in a while,” Gerard said once. “We’re always blowing the rust off of something and changing up the set list.” Friday, March. 12, 8 p.m., Telly’s Restaurant & Pizzeria, 235 Calef Highway, Epping, 679-8225.

• Interplay: Always a fun evening of music and comedy shaped by audience participation, Dueling Pianos is served up in Celtic green with a side of shamrock for a St. Patrick’s Day themed performance. The formula is simple: Two piano players play requests dropped in a tip jar — and occasionally pre-empt a song when someone’s friend outbids, say, “She’s Got A Way” into silence (or, in this case, “Danny Boy”). Friday, March 12, 8 p.m., Chunky’s Cinema & Pub, 151 Coliseum Ave, Nashua, $20 at chunkys.com.

• Countrified: In the early days of the pandemic lockdown, Maddi Ryan hosted weekly Couch Sessions with drummer and guitarist Charles Greenwood, playing everything from Dolly Parton to Buffalo Springfield, along with many of her own twanged-up originals. She and Greenwood are playing out again, Friday, March 12, 8 p.m., Bonfire Restaurant & Country Bar, 950 Elm St., Manchester, facebook.com/MaddiRyanMusic.

• Reunited: Even a three-fifths JamAntics reunion is cause to celebrate, as The Special Guests — guitarist Lucas Gallo, bass player Eric Reingold and singing drummer Masceo — perform in the Capital City’s own cellarful of noise. The power trio promises a musical stew of rock, blues and funk, an extension of the genre-bending, “high energy, tasty licks” jammy, jazz-inflected sound the band established its reputation with in the late Zeroes. Saturday, March 13, 8 p.m., Penuche’s Ale House, 16 Bicentennial Square, Concord, 228-9833.

• Greenery: 2020’s first Covid cultural casualty was St. Patrick’s Day. The Cam McMaster Irish Trio is one of several performers trying to keep the spirit alive this year at both branches of a pub that in past times would have a line wrapped around the building to feast on corned beef and cabbage washed down with a Guinness, but these are different days. Mark Lapointe kicks things off in Manchester at 8 a.m. Wednesday, March 17, 4 p.m., Murphy’s Tap Room & Carriage House, 393 Route 101, Bedford, murphystaproom.com.

• Starman: Along with his occasional David Bowie tribute act, George Belli performs with The Retroactivists, a band that mines well-known British Invasion hits and nuggets. For a show at a Seacoast watering hole that recently resumed live music, he’ll be in a duo format but likely still leaning on material from The Kinks, Small Faces, the Zombies and others acts from ‘cross the pond. Thursday, March. 4, 8 p.m., Clipper Tavern, 75 Pleasant St., Portsmouth, facebook.com/clippertavern.

• Rounder: It’s a sizable lineup at the weekly Swappin’ Sets local music showcase, with Becca Myari, Craig Greenman, David Mulchaney and Colby Priest sitting in; Myari will end the night with a second set. A steady booster of original artists, the restaurant-taproom encourages others to get involved by curating a Spotify playlist of frequent performers (linked elsewhere in this issue). Friday, March 5, 6 p.m., Area 23, 254 N. State St. (Smokestack Center), Concord, facebook.com/area23concord.

• Tapper: Call ahead for a reservation to hoist a pint, have a snack and hear Frank Alcaraz perform on acoustic guitar. A singer, songwriter and troubadour in the mold of Billy Bragg or John Hiatt, Alcaraz can belt out a folk song with alacrity, but he also has punk rock roots. He’s lead guitarist with The Cryptics, a band that released the rollicking Continuous New Behavior early last year. Saturday, March 6. 26, 6 p.m., To Share Brewing, 720 Union St., Manchester, tosharebrewing.com.

• Rocker: Singer, guitarist and College of Musical Knowledge Professor Ted Solovicos does an afternoon set. OK, that’s not a real school, but were it so, Solovicos would definitely have tenure; he cohosts a radio show with fellow muso Rosemarie Rose — the two often perform as a duo — that regularly dives deep into rock history, featuring interviews with many greats of the classic rock era, particularly the ’60s. Sunday, March 7, 5 p.m., Lynn’s 102 Tavern, 76 Derry Road, Hudson, facebook.com/lynns102tavern

• Returning: A vital force in the region’s live music scene is back, virtually. Parsonsfield, now a duo of Antonio Alcorn and Chris Freeman, performs at the Riverwalk Cafe in an online show sponsored by Symphony NH. The two met at UConn and bonded over Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan and traditional folk music from Ireland to Appalachia. The band broke through with 2014’s Poor Old Shine. Thursday, Feb. 25, 7:30 p.m. $20 per household at eventbrite.com. More at symphonynh.org.

• Laughing: Enjoy a trio of standup comics topped by Mike Hanley. The Boston funny man went viral with a five-minute video of him dancing with his daughter. The clip garnered national television exposure along with 22 million YouTube hits. Hanley’s storytelling comedy is delivered with full-on intensity; joining him are Brian Plumb and host Rob Steen. Friday, Feb. 26, and Saturday, Feb. 27, 8 p.m., Chunky’s Cinema Pub, 707 Huse Road, Manchester. Tickets are $20 at chunkys.com.

• Changing: A Lakes Region watering hole renames, but a show from Jodie Cunningham at the newly opened High Octane Saloon promises a vibe similar to the former Broken Spoke. It even bills itself as “Weirs’ newest yet oldest tavern … the owners take pride in keeping this a popular biker bar.” Cunningham has lately been playing her country rock acoustically with guitarist Tim Kierstead. Friday, Feb. 26, 6 p.m., High Octane Saloon, 1072 Watson Road, Laconia, 527-8116.

• Deciding: Band To Be Named Later will suffice as the moniker of a new project involving singer-guitarist Andy Laliotis, who has spent time in Lamont Smooth, Kitchen, Diamond Joe and Dead tribute act Blue Light Rain. Expect a jammy, eclectic sound from a group that includes Eric Bilodeau on guitar and a rhythm section of drummer Logan Kessler and bassist Ryan McGowan. Saturday, Feb. 27, 9 p.m., Alibi Lounge, 137 Wilson St., Manchester, facebook.com/andy.laliotis.

• Serenading: Check out a recent Facebook Live stream from Jessica Olson for an idea of her musical outlook. The Granite State native can switch from a classic Carpenters song to Carrie Underwood country pop and pivot to a vintage rocker like Stealers Wheel’s “Stuck In the Middle With You.” She has a few originals, too, such as the lover done wrong scorcher “Worth It.” Thursday, Feb. 18, 5:30 p.m., Fratello’s Italian Grille, 194 Main St., Nashua, 889-2022; more at facebook.com/JessSongBirdOlson.

• Localized: Musician, promoter and Capitol City booster Lucas Gallo has a six-song EP ready for mastering and due to drop next month. Darlingside’s Don Mitchell helmed the project, a follow-up to From The Attic, an album assembled from many years’ worth of material while Gallo was hunkered down early in the pandemic. He plays an acoustic set at a favorite scene spot. Friday, Feb. 19, 8 p.m., Penuche’s Ale House, 16 Bicentennial Square, Concord, facebook.com/penuches.concord.

• Welcoming: Guitar man Chris Lester has built a lengthy resume, from ’90s rockers Wild Horses to backing Godsmack’s Sully Erna and playing “Faux Walsh” in tribute act Dark Desert Eagles. He’s earned a reputation for talent and versatility as a player, singer and producer. Most recently, his band Ghosts of Vinyl released a pair of songs, “Amnesia” and “Zero Gravity.” Tuesday, Feb. 23, 5:30 p.m., Homestead Restaurant & Tavern, 641 Daniel Webster Hwy., Merrimack, 429-2022.

• Irelander: A weekly tradition continues with Marty Quirk performing Irish music in the afternoon. The “Marty Party” is preceded by a brunch that includes traditional Irish fare like black sausage and white pudding, washed down with a pint of Guinness if the mood suits. Optimistically, the downtown haven will have corned beef dinners ready the week of St. Patrick’s Day. Sunday, Feb. 21, 3 p.m., Shaskeen Pub, 909 Elm St., Manchester, facebook.com/theshaskeen.

• 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.