Category: Music This Week

Local music news & events

• Supergroup: With members from four big north-of-the-border acts, Trans-Canada Highwaymen is more than the sum of its parts. In addition to playing hits from their old bands Barenaked Ladies, Sloan, Odds and The Pursuit of Happiness, they have fun with songs from their recent Explosive Hits album, a compendium of Canadian classics from the late ’60s and early ’70s. Thursday, June 13, 8 p.m., Tupelo Music Hall, 10 A St., Derry, $54 and up at tupeleohall.com.

• Worldly: Berklee student Noah Harrington began forming Acoustic Nomads in search of a sound that didn’t exist. He found like-minded musicians with wide-ranging backgrounds, from Venezuelan Cuatro to bluegrass and jazz, gathering them into what he referred to as “a bunch of weirdos, an island of misfit toys.” Their eclectic Pan-Americana music is stunning. Friday, June 14, 7 p.m., Word Barn Meadow, 66 Newfields Road, Exeter, $12.50 and up at thewordbarn.com.

• Laughs: A packed comedy lineup is headlined by Ryan Shea, who fronted a hardcore band before getting into standup. He started telling jokes in response to his mother, who had a brief comedy career that included making fun of him a lot. Fourteen years later, he’s carved his own niche. Dan Donahue, Joni Grassey, Katy Coughlin, Tristen Hoffler and Damien Chruniak round out the bill. Saturday, June 15, 8:30 pm., Murphy’s Taproom, 494 Elm St., Manchester, $20 at eventbrite.com.

• Furious: A showcase from hip-hop label Leathal Wreckords has Fury, touring in support of latest album Rage Quit, and Juggalo-adjacent rapper Tre Lb, who is both one half of the duo Chop Shop and the younger half-brother of Shaggy 2 Dope of Insane Clown Posse. Also performing are Dr. Gigglez, a horror-centric group named after the 1992 slasher movie, and Trench Town Mafia. Sunday, June 16, 7 p.m., Jewel Music Venue, 61 Canal St., Manchester, $15 at eventbrite.com.

• Celtic: Though formed in Los Angeles, the origins of Gaelic Storm are English; co-founder Steve Twigger was born in Coventry. Widely known for playing in the steerage party scene during the movie Titanic, their style a melting pot of influences including traditional Irish music, folk, pop and rock. Wednesday, June 19, 7:30 p.m., Nashua Center for the Arts, 201 Main St., Nashua, $39 and up at etix.com.

Local music news & events

• Island country: Get ready for Kenny Chesney’s three-night stand at Gillette Stadium with No Shoes Nation, a tribute band from Seabrook that recreates the tropical troubadour’s sound and energy. Thursday, June 6, 8 p.m., LaBelle Winery, 345 Route 101, Amherst, $40 at labellewinery.com.

• Phish stew: An inventive mashup of the Vermont jam band and the likes of Miles Davis, Jazz Is Phsh is an instrumental supergroup led by Adam Chase that can take “Sample in a Jar” and fold in a bit of John Coltrane along with some Herbie Hancock and finish it all with original grooves for a funky, soulful and classy new take on a genre that’s already built on improvisation. Friday, June 7, 9 p.m., Stone Church, 5 Granite St., Newmarket, 21+, $20 at portsmouthnhtickets.com.

• Rockabilly roll: A high-octane gumbo of country, surf music and punk rock, Reverend Horton Heat is not a person but a band, fronted by singer, songwriter and guitar player Jim Heath. The group became a staple in the 1990s with songs like “Bales of Cocaine” and “Psychobilly Freakout.” They’re currently on a spring-long tour with the similar-minded band The Surfajettes. Saturday, June 8, 9 pm., The Goat, 50 Old Granite St., Manchester, 21+, $29.50 at ticketmaster.com.

• Banjo afternoon: Though she began her musical career in bluegrass — Alison Brown was for a brief moment in the late ’80s a member of Alison Krauss & Union Station — she’s taken the banjo to another place in recent years. Her eponymous quintet performs an area show, weaving jazz, Celtic and other influences into “a sonic tapestry” that’s earned comparisons to fellow banjoist Bela Fleck. Sunday, June 9, 2 p.m., Rex Theatre, 23 Amherst St., Manchester, $29 at palacetheatre.org.

• Living link: Evocative as both a singer and a guitarist, Keb’ Mo’ performs in Nashua. The five-time Grammy winner’s shows are soulful and compelling affairs; in 2022 he released Good To Be, with an infectious title track. One of those Grammys was won under his given name Kevin Moore, for co-writing “Git Fiddler,” from Jefferson Starship’s Red Octopus. Tuesday, June 11, 7:30 p.m., Nashua Center for the Arts, 201 Main St., Nashua, $49 and up at etix.com.

Local music news & events

• Bucolic: Now that the weather is improving, a Word Barn concert starring Ryan Montbleau happens outdoors in their meadow for the first time this season. A few years ago, Montbleau made a series of records titled Wood, Fire, Water and Air, with the final song of the last disc offering a sense of closure and peace. Musician and artist Dan Blakeslee will open. Thursday, May 30, 7 p.m., The Word Barn Meadow, 66 Newfields Road, Exeter, $15 and up at portsmouthnhtickets.com.

• Quirky: Purposeful, political and widely varied in musical approach, Bella’s Bartok is a band that defies description. On “Graveyard Funk” they build on a “Monster Mash” drum riff for a masterful bit of horror funk, while “Into the Woods” is an eerie gothic waltz. The band is part of a terrific double bill, with Seacoast-based Bitter Pill opening with a special brand “rhythm and bluegrass.” Friday, May 31, 8 p.m., Bank of NH Stage, 16 S. Main St., Concord, $23.75 at ccanh.com.

• Fab: Spanning the eras, home-grown tribute act Beatlejuice performs. Originally led by Brad Delp until his death in 2007, the reverent cover band carries on with changing members, all with long resumes in the regional music scene. They delight in doing Beatles songs from “Love Me Do” to “Paperback Writer,” with drummer John Muzzy perched behind a genuine “Ringo” kit. Saturday, June 1, 7:30 pm., Rex Theatre, 23 Amherst St., Manchester, $29 at palacetheatre.org.

• Reflective: When he performed in the Lakes Region a year ago, John Hiatt brought the band behind Slow Turning, the follow-up to his breakout album, Bring the Family. This time, he plays solo. Sunday, June 2, 7 p.m., Colonial Theatre, 609 Main St., Laconia, $49 and up at etix.com.

• Doomy: A twilight show at a growing craft brewery has five acts, led by VRSA, a New Haven band making its Concord debut. The title track of its latest album, Saltwater Circadian, echoes early Black Sabbath at the outset, then morphs into a bullhorn, slash and burn affair, great stuff. Also on the bill are Manchester-based Hobo Wizard, Komodo, BÜZÊM and Evil Bong. Tuesday, June 4, 6 p.m., Feathered Friend Brewing, 231 S. Main St, Unit 2, Concord. More at songkick.com.

Local music news & events

• All inclusive: Million Dollar Quartet star and piano prodigy Nat Zegree’s The History of Rock ’n’ Roll is a Cliffs Notes version of Andrew Hickey’s 500 Songs podcast, charting the early days of the genre before it had a name. Follow the rise of Bill Haley & the Comets, Elvis Presley and Buddy Holly, as well as Jerry Lee Lewis, who Zegree portrayed in the musical. Thursday, May 23, 7:30 p.m., The Music Hall, 28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth, $42 and up at themusichall.org.

• Ocean Stater: Though he calls Rhode Island home these days, J. Michael Graham is originally from New Hampshire and is pleased to be returning to perform at a favorite watering hole. The singer, songwriter and guitarist has released a pair of well-received original albums, and performed with a wide range of artists, from James Montgomery to Deer Tick and the Dresden Dolls. Friday, May 24, 8 p.m., Village Trestle, 25 Main St., Goffstown. More at jmgrahammusic.com.

• Horror show: The EDM pop culture soiree Halloween Stories is set in fictitious Grimoire Village, where the spooky night never ends. Come dressed as a werewolf, witch, zombie or demon and experience house, drums n’ bass, dubstep and other beat-heavy sounds by Snaggletooth, Too Hard to Spell, and DJ LAWR. Advance purchase is required for the 21+ event. Saturday, May 24, 9 pm., Jewel Music Venue, 61 Canal St., Manchester, $19.99 at grimoireacademy.com.

• Boston laughs: Though his admiration of Bill Murray made him want to be an actor early on, Will Noonan has made his name as a comic, winning accolades from the now-defunct Improper Bostonian as the city’s best, and he recently appeared in the broadcast booth at Fenway Park alongside Sox legend Jim Rice. His relatable standup makes him a regular favorite in New Hampshire. Saturday, May 25, 8:30 p.m., Chunky’s Cinema, 707 Huse Road, Manchester, $20 at chunkys.com.

• First nights: Outdoor concerts in the Lakes Region kick off for the summer. The Beach Boys headline the weekend-closing show, with Mike Love now the last of the band’s old guard, along with Bruce Johnston, who joined in 1965. Also on the bill is Dave Mason and Traffic Jam, reviving the group he co-founded; he wrote their early hit “Feelin’ Alright.” Sunday, May 26, 7:30 p.m., Bank of NH Pavilion, 72 Meadowbrook Lane, Gilford, $41 and up at livenation.com.

Local music news & events

• Scotsman: Punk rock fans will delight in a multi-act downtown show headlined by Billy Liar. The Scotland native’s latest album, Crisis Actor, is a post-pandemic gem, with a guest appearance from Frank Turner and a batch of songs that rage, scream and snarl. Rounding out the bill are Oh The Humanity, regional favorites Jonee Earthquake Band and The Doldrums. Thursday, May 16, 7:30 p.m., Shaskeen Pub, 909 Elm St., Manchester, $5 at the door, 21+. See billyliarmusic.com.

• Guitar man: Three decades after breaking through with his surf-shredding Endless Summer, Gary Hoey has been in a blues mood for the past few albums; his most recent is 2019’s Neon Highway Blues. More than a few polls list him among the top 100 guitarists in the world, and Hoey has performed with everyone from Johnny Winter to Jeff Beck and Queen’s Brian May. Friday, May 17, 8 p.m., Tupelo Music Hall, 10 A St., Derry, $40 at tupelohall.com.

• Crowd work: When veteran standup comic Cory Gee bounds onstage, he’s almost immediately mixing with the crowd; learning who’s married, which couples are dating for the first time, and who might be celebrating a birthday. The rapid-fire back and forth helps him size up the audience, but it’s not a call for a longer conversation. He’s setting up jokes. Saturday, May 18, 8:30 pm., Headliners Comedy Club, 700 Elm St., Manchester, $23 at headlinersnh.com.

• Blues contest: The road to Memphis 2025 begins at the Granite State Blues Challenge, where bands, solo and duo performers and youth acts compete for tops in the state. The event is presented by Granite State Blues Society, which is dedicated to preserving the blues while raising money for children’s charities. Winners will perform at the International Blues Competition next year. Sunday, May 19, 1 p.m., Bank of NH Stage, 16 S. Main St., Concord, $15 at ccanh.com.

• Trumpeter: Legendary horn player, composer and producer Herb Albert and singer Lani Hall perform. With Tijuana Brass, the album cover of his Whipped Cream & Other Delights was the ’60s version of clickbait; interestingly Alpert was also the co-owner of the label that released it, A&M Records. A decade later, Alpert hit with the dance floor classic Rise. Monday, May 20, 8 p.m., Nashua Center for the Arts, 33 Main St., Nashua, $49 at nashuacenterforthearts.com.

Local music news & events

• Musical meetup: This week’s Blues Therapy gathering has Willie J. Laws, a Texas guitar slinger who’s been in New Hampshire long enough to win a New England Music Award twice. Hosted by local maven Mickey Maguire, currently bass player for Frankie Boy & The Blues Express, the regular event always has a headliner and is a hub for the regional blues scene. Thursday, May 9, 8 p.m., Stonecutters Pub, Downstairs, 63 Union Square, Milford. See williejlawsband.com.

• Classic brand: With drummer Phil Ehart sidelined by a heart attack, Kansas has one remaining original member, lead guitarist Rich Williams. Beginning as a progressive rock band, and one of the first to feature violin as a lead instrument, the group streamlined its sound and had a series of AOR and Top 40 hits starting with 1977’s “Carry On My Wayward Son.” Friday, May 10, 8 p.m., Capitol Center for the Arts, 44 S. Main St., Concord, $67.75 and up at ccanh.com.

• Funny women: Celebrate the maternal side of life at Mother of a Comedy Show, with Kerri Louise, Christine Hurley and Kelly MacFarland providing the laughs. For those who prefer their entertainment before dinner, there’s a late afternoon matinee along with an evening set. Saturday, May 11, 5 and 8 pm., Rex Theatre, 23 Amherst St., Manchester, $30 at palacetheatre.org.

• Treasured songs: A reunion with producer Russ Titelman helped Rickie Lee Jones earn a Grammy nomination for her 2023 album Pieces of Treasure, her first foray into the Great American Songbook. Titelman helmed Jones’ eponymous debut, with the hit “Chuck E’s In Love,” and her follow-up, Pirates. Jones is a celebrated writer; her memoir Last Chance Texaco won several awards. Sunday, May 12, 8 p.m., Tupelo Music Hall, 10 A St., Derry, $45 and up at tupelohall.com.

• Country kid: Up and coming singer-songwriter Taylor Hughes plays an intimate midweek set at a favorite restaurant and bar. Hughes offers up aching originals like “Dear Today” and “Deadman” along with covers of Chris Stapleton and Tyler Childers, and the buzz on him is so strong that his upcoming showcase at Bank of NH Stage in Concord is close to sold out. Wednesday, May 15, 7 p.m., The Forum Pub, 15 Village St., Concord. See facebook.com/tayhughesmusic.