Category: Music This Week

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.

Local music news & events

• Leading in: Enjoy a variety of musical genres with Tim Hazelton, a singer-songwriter based in Holderness who moves from guitar to ukulele and covers songs across the spectrum — his “Folsom Prison Blues” is a good one — along with some tasty originals. He made an album a while back with David Young as the Tim & Dave Show. Hazelton can also rock out and dig deep into the blues. Wednesday, Nov. 25, 6 p.m., Hermanos Cocina Mexicana, 11 Hills Ave., Concord, facebook.com/Tim-Hazelton-Music.

• Dining out: Small plates and country music are on the menu as Nicole Knox Murphy performs. The Candia-based singer-songwriter used her spring lockdown time to finish and release “I’m So Done” and “The 802” — the latter tune is an ode to Murphy’s Vermont roots. She was a working musician and a beauty show contestant in her teenage years. Friday, Nov. 27, 7 p.m., Granite Tapas & Cocktail Lounge, 1461 Hooksett Road, Hooksett, nkmsings4u.com.

• Laughing up: Ending an 11-year run as a comedian, according to an announcement on his Facebook page, Jay Grove and his sharp observational style of standup will be missed. Along with being a talented storyteller, he helped the scene grow, hosting Monday night open mic shows at Penuche’s in Concord and opening a few clubs of his own. The most recent was Curlie’s, in his hometown of Rochester. See him one last time Friday, Nov. 27, 8 p.m. Chunky’s Cinema Pub, 151 Coliseum Ave, Nashua, tickets are $15 at headlinerscomedyclub.com.

• Working it: Acoustic singer and guitarist Christopher Perkins performs as The Lone Wolf Project. His set list includes everything from Queensrÿche to Cyndi Lauper, with sweet tunes like John Denver’s “Annie’s Song” offered as well; he even covers “Cum On Feel The Noize.” He has some nice originals as well; “Today” is a family-centered song written during lockdown. Saturday, Nov. 28, 8 p.m., South Side Tavern, 1279 Willow St., Manchester, facebook.com/ASoloAcousticExperience.