Category: Music This Week

• Holiday bash: Concord’s cellar full of noise celebrates early as Lucas Gallo & the Guise return for a jam-filled party that’s becoming an annual tradition. The group includes Gallo, his JamAntics mates Eric Reingold and Freeland Hubbard, and Curtis Marden. They draw from Gallo’s solo material, stuff from his old band and more, and surprise guests often stop by. Thursday, Dec. 18, at 9 p.m., Penuche’s Ale House, 16 Bicentennial Square, Concord, facebook.com/lucasgallomusic.

• Holy bow: A musician born to play her instrument, Eileen Ivers recalls using a pink toy guitar as an air fiddle at age 3. She’s been called the Jimi Hendrix of the violin, winning multiple All-Ireland fiddle championships, and she has toured with Riverdance. That said, Ivers is an American, born in New York City. Her “Joyful Christmas” show mixes Wren Day faves and roots music. Friday, Dec. 19, at 7:30 p.m., Colonial Theatre, 609 Main St., Laconia, $54 and up at etix.com.

• Charlie time: Many suburban American kids, including pianist Eric Mintel, got their first taste of jazz from A Charlie Brown Christmas and its Vince Guaraldi soundtrack. Mintel didn’t know it was jazz, but he knew he liked it. The special spawned a lifetime love of it that’s seen him play the White House twice. Mintel is back to perform the holiday favorite with his quartet. Friday, Dec. 19, at 7:30 p.m., Rex Theatre, 23 Amherst St., Manchester, $34 and up at palacetheatre.org.

• Bass power: The regional EDM scene welcomes Denver-based dubstep trio Hostage Situation for a multi-act evening of floor-shaking sonic fury called Hachi Holiday. Fellow Denverite Noetika, who blends funk and hip-hop into his sound, is also on the bill, rounded out by New England DJs Wubson, who offers a punk edge, Mary AK, and the genre-shifting Hachi cofounder Kr3wl. Saturday, Dec. 20, 8 p.m., Jewel Music Venue, 61 Canal St., Manchester, $28 and up at posh.vip.

• Caroling trio: Winners of CW’s Christmas Caroler Challenge a few years back, The Sugarplums are a holiday favorite throughout the country. The classic modern trio offers solid choreography, humorous banter and scintillating harmonies on favorites like “White Christmas” done in the doo-wop style of The Drifters, and “Jingle Bells” given a Puppini Sisters and Michael Bublé treatment. Sunday, Dec. 21, at 12:30 p.m., LaBelle Winery, 14 Route 111, Derry, $35 at labellewinery.com.

• Holiday Peanuts: Inspired to play piano by watching A Charlie Brown Christmas, David Benoit later was the composer for Peanuts specials in the 1990s and 2000s. His holiday concerts are an annual tradition, with songs like “Linus & Lucy” and “Christmastime Is Here.” He’s joined by singer Courtney Fortune, who does Barbra Streisand’s take of “Jingle Bells” and more standards. Thursday, Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m., Nashua Center for the Arts, 201 Main St., Nashua, $43 and up, etix.com.

• Horn-driven: Led for decades by guitarist Chris Vachon and anchored by a potent horn section, Roomful of Blues made a big change a few years back when “powerful, soul-stirring” DD Bastos joined as the band’s first female lead vocalist. Their recently released LP Steppin’ Out is a buoyant effort, an “exhilarating mix of jump, swing, proto rock ’n’ roll and tough blues” in the words of one writer. Friday, Dec. 12, 8 p.m., BNH Stage, 16 S. Main St., Concord, $49 at ccanh.com.

• Blues power: Casting back across a century for inspiration, Blūz Chiīe is a local band that released their debut album, Hard Road To Sorrow, this summer. Highlights include the harmonica-driven opener, “Badlands” and the title track, a chugging ballad with nice slide guitar. The homage “Led Sled” is also tasty, a growling blues number. Friday, Dec. 12, 8 p.m., Riley’s Place, 29 Mont Vernon St., Milford, bluzchile.com.

• Big Eighties: Still rocking after 45 years, Loverboy hits town to relive the MTV era and hits like “Turn Me Loose” and “Working For the Weekend.” Apart from a switch in bass players, the band’s lineup is unchanged. Lead singer Mike Reno is in top form, even if he’s not wearing red leather pants, and guitarist Paul Dean, who came up with the band’s name in a dream, hasn’t lost a step. Saturday, Dec. 13, 8 p.m., Tupelo Music Hall, 10 A St., Derry, $132 and up at tupelohall.com.

• Family bash: Cape Breton musical ambassadors Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy’s Celtic-themed Christmas show is back, with seven of their children also in the spotlight. The evening features updated holiday classics, and overall good vibes. Tuesday, Dec. 15, 7 p.m., Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester, $48 and up at rochesteroperahouse.com.

• Psycho-delic: Celebrating their debut album, Girl For Me, local blues rockers Lee & Dr. G perform a release show, with a merch table offering red vinyl copies of the disc, a true talisman of success these days. Powered by the twin guitar talents of Lee Durham and Brandon “Dr. G” Gauthier, the band was recently nominated as a Rising Star In New Hampshire at the New England Music Awards. Thursday, Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m., BNH Stage, 16 S. Main St., Concord, $20 at ccanh.com.

• Tinsel twang: Experience a Nashville Christmas up north as Ayla Brown and her band play a Storytellers-styled concert to mark the holiday season. Among the songs the American Idol veteran will do is “Christmas Without You,” from 2013’s A Little Bit of Christmas, an EP that also contained the standards “O Holy Night,” “Silent Night” and “Angels We Have Heard On High.” Friday, Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m., Dana Center, 100 Saint Anselm Drive, Manchester, $44.50 and up at tickets.anselm.edu.

• Aughts rock: Coming to prominence with “The Boxer,” an anthemic Celtic-infused rocker, Carbon Leaf offered a fresh sound in the pop-crowded early 2000s, cementing its reputation as a top touring act after being the first unsigned band to appear at the American Music Awards. The band’s latest LP, Time Is the Playground, is solid, with great tracks like the storytelling “Backmask 1983.” Saturday, Dec. 6, 8 p.m., Tupelo Music Hall, 10 A St., Derry, $50 at tupelomusichall.com.

• Village holiday: A midday appearance by youthful country singer Olivia Conway is part of a family-friendly Christmas in the Village event. Along with her set at a live music-forward Main Street spot, there are crafts, hayrides, magic, cookie decorating, face painting, visits with Santa, balloon art and children’s favorite Mr. Aaron, all of it sponsored by Pembroke Women’s Club. Sunday, Dec. 7, 1 p.m., Pembroke City Limits, 134 Main St., Suncook, more at oliviaconwaymusic.com.

• Sister act: Ann and Nancy Wilson appear with their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band Heart at a show augmented by an abbreviated version of Starship led by Micky Thomas, singer of hits like “We Built This City” and “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now.” After a few fractious years apart, the Wilson sisters made up and resumed doing “Barracuda,” “Crazy On You” and other faves. Wednesday, Dec. 10, 7:30 p.m., SNHU Arena, 555 Elm St., Manchester, $76 and up at ticketmaster.com.

• Leftover laughs: Now in its third year and becoming a tradition, Emily Ruskowski hosts a post-Thanksgiving comedy show with Chris D, Adam Hatch and Dan Donahue. “People are home and looking to decompress from travel or holiday stress,” Ruskowski said ahead of the first show in 2023. It’s also a good way to shake off the tryptophan and memories of any oversharing relatives. Friday, Nov. 28, 8 p.m., Rex Theatre, 23 Amherst St., Manchester, $34 at palacetheatre.org.

• Roots champion: Nominated for multiple categories at this year’s New England Music Awards, Nate Ramos won for Americana Act of the Year. That’s fitting; the singer-songwriter’s inspirations include Noah Kahan and Zach Bryan. His band finds a solid country-rock groove on songs like “Catching Up,” which opens their fine 2024 debut album, Across The States. Friday, Nov. 28, 8:30 p.m., Derryfield Restaurant Lounge, 625 Mammoth Road, Manchester, nateramosmusic.com.

• Raucous rock: It’s always a hilarious good time when The Fools play a show. Next to fried clams, the irreverent band is the most famous thing to come from Ipswich, Mass. They’re known for the late ’70s hits “It’s A Night For Beautiful Girls” and “She Looks Alright In The Dark,” along with the proto parody “Psycho Chicken.” The group is fronted by the very funny singer Mike Girard. Saturday, Nov. 29, 8 p.m., Tupelo Music Hall, 10 A St., Derry, $42 at tupelohall.com.

• Season sounds: Get in the holiday spirit as the Heather Pierson Trio is back with an evening of music from A Charlie Brown Christmas. The intimate show at a Lakes Region winery is preceded by a complimentary tasting. Pianist Pierson’s performance of the holiday special includes other Vince Guaraldi songs and jazzed-up favorites. Sunday, Nov. 30, 12:30 and 5 p.m., The Loft at Hermit Woods, 72 Main St., Meredith, $39; more dates at heatherpierson.com

• KISS uncovered: Though they’re paying tribute to one of rock’s most visual acts, Kuarantine eschews the makeup and sticks to the music of KISS, and they’re era-specific, playing ’80s material only. Oh, and their front man is wrestler Chris Jericho, who won the WCW championship in 2001 by pinning The Rock. Accordingly, he’s considered one of the sport’s all-time greats. Wednesday, Dec. 3, 9 p.m., Rock N Roll Meatballs Angel City Music Hall, 179 Elm St., Manchester, $44 at ticketweb.com.

• Old friends: Legend is that fiddler Michael Doucet ditched rock and began BeauSoleil after hearing “Cajun Woman” by Fairport Convention in the early 1970s, and began immersing himself in the immigrant music of his native Louisiana. He later met Richard Thompson, who wrote the song. Thompson is currently a special guest on a tour celebrating the band’s 50th anniversary. Thursday, Nov. 20, 7 p.m., Tupelo Music Hall, 10 A St., Derry, $65 and up at tupelohall.com.

• Band stand: The Zajac Brothers, Vanna Pacella and other regional artists revisit The Last Waltz, The Band’s farewell concert held at San Francisco’s Winterland on Thanksgiving Day in 1976, immortalized by director Martin Scorsese. Pacella’s turn as Joni Mitchell performing “Coyote” and backing up Neil Young on “Helpless” is a highlight, along with Dylan and Van the Man. Friday, Nov. 21, 8 p.m., Stone Church, 5 Granite St., Newmarket, $30 at stonechurchrocks.com

• Retro pop: Looking to give Journey, Rick Springfield and other ’80s Top 40 hitmakers their due, Waltham formed in 1999 when such a notion was very uncool. A raucous party changed all that; guests stopped drinking to gawk and the buzz began — “they’re from Waltham, they’re called Waltham, the guy points to girls and sings to them and rips off his shirt.” Donaher and Colleen Green open. Saturday, Nov. 22, 8:30 p.m., Shaskeen Pub, 909 Elm St., Manchester, $15 at the door, 21+.

• Not eggmen: Maine-based Beatles tribute act Spencer & The Walrus are now called We Are The Walrus according to an announcement from the Concord venue they’re returning to. Far from a Fab Four recreation, there are many musicians on stage playing strings and keys for an evening of late-period Beatles songs never performed in concert, like “Fool on the Hill” and “Come Together.” Saturday, Nov. 22, 8 p.m., BNH Stage, 16 S. Main St., Concord, $36 and up at ccanh.com.

• Christmas croon: Feel-good New Romantic singer Anthony Nunziata brings his annual holiday show to town to give a boost of spirit. Nunziata’s new album, Christmas & You, consists of all original songs. “My Every Wish” is a soulful tune, while “The Miracle” and “Heavenly Father” are “faith-affirming” anthems and “El Regalo Eres Tú” is a Spanish language classical crossover. Sunday, Nov. 23, 2 p.m., Rex Theatre, 23 Amherst St., Manchester, $40 and up at palacetheatre.org.

• Shredder clinic: Guitar fans have the chance to enjoy a free performance by Gary Hoey as he demos the Fender Tone Master Pro effects pedal and dazzles with frenetic fretwork, part of an event celebrating the brand. It’s followed by a meet and greet with the Ho Ho Hoey guitar hero, who will be back in town next month for his annual Christmas concert at Tupelo Music Hall in Derry. Thursday, Nov. 13, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Manchester Music Mill, 329 Elm St., Manchester, manchestermusicmill.com.

• Parrothead pair: Carrying on Jimmy Buffett’s legacy, Mac MacAnally performs with fellow Coral Reefer Band mate Eric Darken. The last time the 10-time CMA winner and writer of “Old Flame” and “It’s My Job” came to town, the show sold out quickly, but there are some tickets still left for this show. Lately he’s been doing his old bandleader’s poignant song “Bubbles Up.” Friday, Nov. 14, 7:30 p.m., Dana Center, 100 Saint Anselm Drive, Manchester, $65 at anselm.edu.

• Floydian dream: Mary Fahl returns to Concord for an evening of music focused on one of her favorite albums, Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon, along with other selections from her ethereal catalog. She’s so enamored of the ’70s classic that she released a surround sound version of it, which is quite the listening trip with the right equipment. Saturday, Nov. 15, 7 p.m., BNH Stage, 16 S. Main St., Concord, $44 and up at ccanh.com.

• Fitful music: When the Vermont-based Conniption Fits squeeze in an original from one of their many albums, expect a power-pop blend of swagger and finesse belying bandleader and guitarist Stevens Blanchard’s metal kid past. For bar shows, the band plays mostly well-chosen “re-makes” — don’t call them covers — from Foo Fighters, Green Day, Weezer and others. Saturday, Nov. 15, at 8 p.m., Stumble Inn Bar & Grill, 20 Rockingham Road, Londonderry, conniptionfits.com.

• Soothing songs: Jim Brickman’s upcoming concert promises a collection of hits like “Love of My Life,” “Valentine” and “Angel Eyes,” favorites like “The Gift” and “Merry Christmas Beautiful.” Sunday, Nov. 16, at 7 p.m., Nashua Center for the Arts, 201 Main St., Nashua, $54 and up at etix.com.