Category: Music This Week

• 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.

Local music news & events

• Scene support: Among those hit hardest by this no good, awful, horrible, please-let-it-end year are working musicians and the venues they play in. For the latter, a great present for your favorite fan is a gift certificate, or even a ticket for a future show. Tupelo Music Hall (tupelohall.com), Capitol Center for the Arts and Bank of NH Stage (ccanh.com) and The Palace and Rex (palacetheatre.org) are among the places that could use a boost, and music lovers will appreciate something to anticipate.

• Teacher, teacher: Since March, it’s gone from total lockdown to sort of quarantined and back again; in short, a lot of time spent indoors, and more in the forecast. So why not gift an experience that can be enjoyed in spite of the current malaise? Plenty of musicians are offering one-on-one lessons via Zoom or Facetime, among them Danielle Miraglia, an ace blues guitarist and stop box champion. Children or adults will love them. Half-hour slots are $37 each at daniellem.com.

• Get equipped: Learning to play requires an instrument, and a great resource is Manchester Music Mill. From a beginner’s Epiphone Les Paul Express six-string electric ($127) to a vintage 1976 Gibson Johnny Smith Hollowbody approaching seven grand, they’ve got the aspiring musician covered. On the acoustic side there’s everything from an entry-level Cort Earth ($99) to top-of-the-line Martins. Keyboards too — get in the game with a used Yamaha PSR portable or go all in with something grander.

• Direct connect: There are a lot of ways to give local musicians some love. Buy a track or more on sites like SoundCloud or Bandcamp — among the artists with new offerings this year are Hunter, Conniption Fits, Dead Harrison, Town Meeting and a joyful holiday album Dan Blakeslee. Grab a vinyl copy or some swag on a band website, and then put it under the tree. Nobody makes much from streaming, but ordering direct is a guaranteed way to maximize an artist’s profit.

• Be conventional: For those deserving of a sweeping gesture, big-ticket items are there to be found. Duetto is a $599-and-up tabletop radio/turntable combo that plays internet radio stations from around the world along with Spotify or Amazon Music while offering an outlet for when the retro mood strikes. Box sets this year include Tom Petty’s complete Wildflowers sessions and Bob Dylan’s work with George Harrison from 1970. Find that last one and be a true hero — it’s very limited.

Local music news & events

• Northern south: New Hampshire native April Cushman finds musical inspiration from singer-songwriters like Lori McKenna and James Taylor, covering them in her shows while offering solid originals like “Once Upon a Time,” a charming, anti-Disney song. “I’ve tried really hard to kind of stay on my path,” she said last summer, “to know that my music is telling stories that are true to me.” Thursday, Dec. 3, 6 p.m., Copper Door, 15 Leavy Dr., Bedford, facebook.com/aprilcushmanmusic.

• Rhythm king: When he’s not performing solo — a necessity these days — Kevin Horan does the Don Henley bit, playing drums while fronting the Stone Road Band. On his own, Horan sings and plays guitar, offering a sound that’s often compared to Richie Havens and Dave Matthews. Friday, Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m., To Share Brewing Co., 720 Union St., Manchester, kevinhoranmusic.com.

• Star pupils: A socially distanced outdoor event, the Holiday Stroll features performances from Manchester Community Music School students. Stroll the grounds to the strains of “Silver Bells” and other favorites while safely experiencing the season and enjoying holiday treats. Saturday, Dec. 5, and Sunday, Dec. 6, at 5 p.m., Manchester Community Music School, 2291 Elm St., Manchester. Tickets $25 each and $225 for a block of 10; make reservations at mcmusicschool.com.

• Hold pattern: As Covid cases tick up in the state and country, the Geoff Tate Empire 30^th Anniversary Tour show will be the last at Tupelo Music Hall for the next few months, possibly longer. Venue owner Scott Hayward wrote recently that challenges to both lower-capacity and scheduled events have “all but guaranteed that we will be closed through February of 2021 at least.” Wednesday, Dec. 9, and Thursday, Dec. 10, Tupelo Music Hall, 10 A St., Derry. Tickets $55 at tupelohall.com.