Making Spirits Bright – 12/23/21
Put some festive flavor into your holiday drinks! John Fladd mixes up cocktails based on some fun seasonal history and pop culture. Pottersville Special, anyone?
Also on the cover, celebrate Scotland’s New Year’s Eve traditions at NHSCOT’s Hogmanay, p. 10. Level up your grilled cheese at Prime Time, p. 28. And find music, laughs and more to ring in the new year, starting on p. 36.
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Music, comedy and more for New Year’s Eve Send off 2021 in style with music, comedy and more on Friday, ...
Thursday, Dec. 23 Bedford Copper Door: Lou Antonucci, 7 p.m. Brookline Alamo: Jordan Quinn, 4:30 p.m. Hermanos: Paul Hubert, 6:30 ...
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Music this week – 21/12/23
Thursday, Dec. 23
Bedford
Copper Door: Lou Antonucci, 7 p.m.
Brookline
Alamo: Jordan Quinn, 4:30 p.m.
Hermanos: Paul Hubert, 6:30 p.m.
Concord
Area 23: Karaoke with DJ Dicey, 8 p.m.
Hermanos: Paul Hubert, 6:30 p.m.
Derry
Fody’s: music bingo, 8 p.m.
Epping
Telly’s: Alex Roy, 7 p.m.
Exeter
Sawbelly: David Corson, 5 p.m.
Sea Dog: Todd Hearon, 5 p.m.
Goffstown
Village Trestle: Brian James, 6 p.m.
Hampton
CR’s: Barry Brearly, 6 p.m.
Whym: music bingo, 6 p.m.
Hudson
Lynn’s 102: Karaoke w/ George Bisson, 8 p.m.
Kingston
Saddle Up Saloon: karaoke with DJ Jason, 7 p.m.
Londonderry
Stumble Inn: Mugsy Duo, 7 p.m.
Manchester
Angel City: open mic with Jonny Friday, 8 p.m.
Currier: Alli Beaudry, 5 p.m.
Fratello’s: Paul Lussier, 5:30 p.m.
KC’s: Pete Peterson, 6 p.m.
Strange Brew: Peter Higgins, 8 p.m.
Merrimack
Homestead: Justin Cohn, 5:30 p.m.
Milford
The Hills: Justin Jordan, 5:30 p.m.
Stonecutters Pub: Blues Therapy, 8 p.m.
Nashua
Fody’s: DJ Rich karaoke, 9:30 p.m.
Fratello’s: Clint Lapointe, 5:30 p.m.
Stella Blu: Ryan Williamson, 8 p.m.
Newmarket
Stone Church: Myles Burr & Designated Drive & Citizen Kane, 8 p.m.
Stones Social: live music, 4 p.m.
Northfield
Boonedoxz Pub: music bingo, 6:30 p.m.
Portsmouth
Clipper Tavern: Max Sullivan, 9 p.m.
Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues: live music, 7:30 p.m.
Salem
Copper Door: Chad Lamarsh, 7 p.m.
Seabrook
Red’s: Francoix Simard, 7 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 24
Bedford
Copper Door: Nate Comp, 4 p.m.
Concord
Area 23: early music event, 9 p.m.
Hampton
CR’s: Jeff Auger, 6 p.m.
Manchester
Angel City: musical bingo, 6:30 p.m.
The Goat: MB Padfield, 8 p.m.
Northfield
Boonedoxz Pub: karaoke night, 7 p.m.
Rochester
Potter’s: Max Sullivan, 6:30 p.m.
Salem
Copper Door: Phil Jakes, 4 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 25
Bow
Chen Yang Li: Mikey G, 7 p.m.
Manchester
The Goat: MB Padfield, 8 p.m.
Portsmouth
The Goat: Mike Forgette, 9 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 26
Alton Bay
Dockside: Matt Laughlin, 4 p.m.
Bedford
Copper Door: Steve Prisby, 11 a.m.
Brookline
Alamo: Jae Mannion, 4:30 p.m.
Concord
Craft Brewing: Colin Hart, 3 p.m.
Exeter
Sawbelly: Parker Richards, 11 a.m.; Elijah Clark, 3 p.m.
Hampton
Whym: Max Sullivan, noon
Hudson
Lynn’s 102: Tequila Jim, 5 p.m.
Manchester
The Goat: Mike Forgette, 10 a.m.
Strange Brew: jam, 7 p.m.
Newmarket
Stone Church: Sans Souci JGB, 3 p.m.; open mic night, 7 p.m.
Northfield
Boonedoxz Pub: open mic, 4 p.m.
Portsmouth
The Goat: Rob Pagnano, 9 p.m.
Marriott: Killough & O’Neill, 11 a.m.
Salem
Copper Door: Steve Aubert, 11 a.m.
Seabrook
Red’s: Amanda Cote, 8 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 27
Concord
Area 23: Irish music, 6 p.m.
Hudson
The Bar: karaoke with Phil
Gilford
Patrick’s Pub: open mic w/ Paul Luff, 6 p.m.
Londonderry
7-20-4: live music, 5 p.m.
Stumble Inn: Lisa Guyer, 7 p.m.
Manchester
Fratello’s: Phil Jakes, 5:30 p.m.
The Goat: live band karaoke, 8 p.m.
Merrimack
Homestead: Justin Jordan, 5:30 p.m.
Nashua
Fody’s: karaoke night, 9:30 p.m.
Fratello’s: Ted Solovicos, 5:30 p.m.
Portsmouth
The Goat: Alex Anthony, 9 p.m.
Press Room: open mic, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec 28
Concord
Hermanos: Scott Solsky, 6:30 p.m.
Tandy’s: open mic night, 8 p.m.
Hampton
Shane’s: music bingo, 7 p.m.
Kingston
Saddle Up Saloon: line dancing, 7 p.m.
Manchester
Fratello’s: Jodee Frawlee, 5:30 p.m.
The Goat: Rob Pagnano, 9 p.m.
KC’s Rib Shack: Paul & Nate open mic, 7 p.m.
Strange Brew: David Rousseau, 7 p.m.
Merrimack
Homestead: Dave Zangri, 5:30 p.m.
Nashua
Fratello’s: Sean Coleman, 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 29
Brookline
Alamo: Ralph Allen, 4:30 p.m.
Concord
Area 23: open mic, 6 p.m.
Hermanos: Brian Booth, 6:30 p.m.
Penuche’s: Lee Ross, 9 p.m.
Tandy’s: karaoke, 8 p.m.
Exeter
Sea Dog: Gabby Martin, 5 p.m.
Hampton
Bogie’s: open mic, 7 p.m.
Wally’s: Chris Toler, 7 p.m.
Hudson
Lynn’s 102: Chris & Paul Belley, 7 p.m., 7 p.m.
Kingston
Saddle Up Saloon: Musical Bingo Nation, 7 p.m.
Manchester
Fratello’s: Jeff Mrozek, 5:30 p.m.
The Goat: country line dancing, 7 p.m.
Stark Brewing: Cox Karaoke, 8 p.m.
Strange Brew: Howard & Mike’s Acoustic Jam, 8 p.m.
Merrimack
Homestead: Chris Cavanaugh, 5:30 p.m.
Milford
Stonecutters Pub: open mic, 8 p.m.
Nashua
Fratello’s: Doug Thompson, 5:30 p.m.
Newmarket
Stone Church: Villains w/ Bass Sabbath & Jake Russell, 7 p.m.
Rochester
Porter’s: karaoke night, 6:30 p.m.
Seabrook
Red’s: Charlie Chronopoulos, 7 p.m.
Somersworth
Speakeasy: open mic night, 7 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 30
Bedford
Copper Door: Jordan Quinn, 7 p.m.
Brookline
Alamo: Jeff Mrozek, 4:30 p.m.
Hermanos: Brian Booth, 6:30 p.m.
Derry
Fody’s: music bingo, 8 p.m.
Epping
Telly’s: Justin Jordan, 7 p.m.
Exeter
Sawbelly: David Corson, 5 p.m.
Goffstown
Village Trestle: Jennifer Mitchell, 6 p.m.
Hampton
CR’s: Don Severance, 6 p.m.
The Goat: Alex Anthony, 8 p.m.
Whym: music bingo, 6 p.m.
Hudson
Lynn’s 102: Karaoke w/ George Bisson, 8 p.m.
Kingston
Saddle Up Saloon: karaoke with DJ Jason, 7 p.m.
Londonderry
Stumble Inn: Rob & Jody, 7 p.m.
Manchester
Currier: Kevin Horan, 5 p.m.
Fratello’s: Joanie Cicatelli, 5:30 p.m.
KC’s: Jessica Olson, 6 p.m.
Merrimack
Homestead: Chris Lapointe, 5:30 p.m.
Tomahawk: Chad LaMarsh, 6:30 p.m.
Milford
Stonecutters Pub: Blues Therapy, 8 p.m.
Nashua
Fody’s: DJ Rich Karaoke, 9:30 p.m.
Fratello’s: Austin McCarthy, 5:30 p.m.
Newmarket
Stone Church: Bearly Dead, 9 p.m.
Salem
Copper Door: Pete Peterson, 7 p.m.
Seabrook
Red’s: Pete Massa, 7 p.m.
Concerts
• Christmas with the Spain Brothers with Green Heron Thursday, Dec. 23, 7 p.m., Rex Theatre
• Recycled Percussion Monday, Dec. 27, 4 p.m.; Tuesday, Dec. 28, 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Wednesday, Dec. 29, 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 31, 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022, 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Palace Theatre
• Bearly Dead Thursdays Thursday, Dec. 30, 9 p.m., Stone Church
• Adam Ezra Group Friday, Dec. 31, 5:30 & 9 p.m., Tupelo
• Club d’Elf Friday, Dec. 31, 9 p.m., Stone Church
• New Year’s Eve Champagne Pops with the Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra Friday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m., Music Hall
• Brooks Young Band Friday, Jan. 7, 2022, 8 p.m., Bank of NH Stage in Concord
• Jamie Saft Trio Friday, Jan. 7, 2022, 8 p.m., Stone Church
• Fortune Friday, Jan. 7, 2022, 8 p.m., Tupelo
• Livin’ on a Bad Name (Bon Jovi tribute), Jan. 8, 2022, 7:30 p.m., Rex Theatre
• Recycled Percussion Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022, 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Palace Theatre
• Get the Led Out Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022, 8 p.m., Cap Center
• 1964: The Tribute (Beatles Tribute) Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022, 7 p.m., Palace Theatre
• Ronan Tynan (Irish Tenor) Friday, Jan. 14, 2022, 7:30 p.m., Palace Theatre
• EJ Oulette and Crazy Maggie/Carol Coronis Friday, Jan. 14, 2022, 8 p.m., Stone Church
• Beatlejuice Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022, 8 p.m., Tupelo
• Blood, Sweat & Tears Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022, 2 & 7:30 p.m., Palace Theatre
• Recycled Percussion Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022, 4:30 & 7:30 p.m., Music Hall
• Dueling Pianos Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022, 7:30 p.m., Franklin Opera House
• Morgan James Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022, 7:30 p.m., Rex Theatre
• Beau Sasser Trio/Slack Tide Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022, 9 p.m., Stone Church
• Dave Gererd and Tim Theriault Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022, 7 p.m., Stone Church
• An Evening with Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals Friday, Jan. 21, 2022, 7:30 p.m, Palace Theatre
• Red Hot Chili Pipers Friday, Jan. 21, 2022, 7:30 p.m., Flying Monkey
• The Dave Matthews Tribute Band Friday, Jan. 21, 2022, 8 p.m., Tupelo
• The Gilmour Project Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022, 8 p.m., Tupelo
• Who’s Bad (tribute to Michael Jackson) Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022, 2 and 7:30 p.m., Palace Theatre
• Beechwood & Boomsoss Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022, 8 p.m., Bank of NH Stage in Concord
• The Skunk Sessions Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022, 8 p.m., Stone Church
• Citizen Cope Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2022, 7:30 p.m., Music Hall
• Bearly Dead Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022, 9 p.m., Stone Church
• Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives Friday, Jan. 28, 2022, 7:30 p.m., Flying Monkey
• Keb’Mo’ Friday, Jan. 28, 2022, 8 p.m., Music Hall
• The Bulkheads/Adrienne Mack-Davis/Villains Row Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022, 8 p.m., Stone Church
Escape to 2022
Music, comedy and more for New Year’s Eve
Send off 2021 in style with music, comedy and more on Friday, Dec. 31. Know of a party not mentioned here? Let us know at [email protected].
• 603 Bar & Lounge (368 Central Ave., Dover, 742-9283) A night of DJs offers Sex on Decks with support from DJ Deja and Pete Vitello. 9 p.m.
• 815 Cocktails & Provisions (815 Elm St., Manchester, eventbrite.com) $100. The theme at this downtown speakeasy is Red Carpet — think Music Awards, and the fun wardrobe that goes with that. Open bar, eats, dancing, unlimited photo booth, midnight Champagne toast. 9 p.m.
• Alan’s (133 N. Main St., Boscawen, 753-6631) NYE with Stray Dog, $15 per person, 8 p.m.
• American Legion Post 47 (551 Foundry St., Rollinsford, 742-5833) Acoustic Radio fifth annual bash with opener Aunt Peg, $15, with prime rib dinner available. 7:30 p.m.
• American Legion Post 70 (169 Walton Road, Seabrook, 474-2430) Ghost Riderz rock in the New Year, $20 per person. Starts at 9 p.m.
• American Legion Post 98 (43 Baboosic Lake Road, Merrimack, 429-0343) Kid N’ Play Style New Year’s Eve Bash with a mix of ’80s/’90s hip-hop and R&B music. 9 p.m.
• Angel City Music Hall (179 Elm St., Manchester, 931-3654) Rock in 2022 with Everybody Wants Some – A Tribute to Van Halen ’78-’84; The Hellion – Judas Priest Tribute; and Caliente Pistolas. $50 dinner buffet by Chef Sean, Champagne toast at midnight. Starts at 7 p.m.
• Area 23 (State Street, Concord, 881-9060) With edgy new song “Deathmask,” Faith Ann Band performs, joined by special guests Alfredo Benavides and Ben Harris. 7 p.m.
• Ashworth by the Sea (295 Ocean Blvd., Hampton, 926-6762) Party with a live band, hors d’oeuvres and a seated surf & turf dinner, a cash bar, late-night snack, midnight Champagne toast, and fireworks on the beach. DJ dancing. 6:30 p.m.
• Auburn Pitts (167 Rockingham Road, Auburn, 622-6564) Stuck In Time Band performs ’60s, ’70s and ’80s covers, with free buffet and midnight Champagne toast. 8 p.m.
• Backstreet Bar & Grill (102 Plaza, 76 Derry Road, Hudson, 578-1811) DJ Bobby Lane leads a dance party. 8 p.m.
• Bank of NH Stage (16 S. Main St., Concord, eventbrite.com) $45 to $90. Shuttavac NYE Spectacular is inspired by the bold speakeasies of the Roaring 1920s to the iconic New York nightclubs of the 1970s, where people escaped to celebrate in inclusive, bold and glamorous worlds. 8 p.m.
• Belmont Hall & Restaurant (718 Grove St., Manchester, 625-8540) New Year’s Eve dance party with DJ Hustle Boy, $55, cash bar. 7 p.m.
• Blue Ocean Music Hall (4 Oceanfront North, Salisbury, Mass., 462-5888) The tradition continues with a New Year’s Eve bash starring The Fools & Psychedelic Relics, with optional dinner buffet. Champagne toast, party favors and midnight balloon drop. Dinner and show $92; show only $28 general admission. 7 p.m.
• Bonfire Restaurant & Country Bar (950 Elm St., Manchester, 217-5600) Martin & Kelly perform country rock. 9 p.m.
• Boston Billiard Club (55 Northeastern Blvd., Nashua, 943-5630) Live music from The Apathetics, $10 cover. Reserve a pool table for the night for $175. Includes an appetizer platter, bottle of Champagne and the cover is waived for up to four people in your party. 9 p.m.
• Breezeway Pub (14 Pearl St., Manchester, 621-9111) Drag Roulette Fridays. 8 p.m.
• Bridgewater Inn (367 Mayhew Turnpike, Bridgewater, 744-3518) Mystical Magic performs downstairs, with DJ upstairs spinning all night long. $45 per person includes buffet (5:30 to 7:30 p.m.) and party; $20 for party only. Hats & tiaras, noisemakers, beads and Champagne toast. 8 p.m.
• Buckey’s (240 Governor Wentworth Hwy., Moultonborough, 476-5485) Red Hat Band plays its traditional NYE set. 9 p.m.
• Cask & Vine (1 East Broadway, Derry, beerfests.com) Celebrate this gastropub’s 10th year with its NYE masquerade party. $25 deposit will be applied to the bill. Includes midnight Champagne toast. 6 p.m.
• Castleton Banquet and Conference Center (58 Enterprise Dr., Windham, eventbrite.com) $200. Dress to impress with three-course meal, open bar all night, 50/50 raffle, Joey Dion from Main Event Entertainment, photo booth, midnight Champagne toast. 7 p.m.
• Central Ale House (23 Central St., Manchester, 660-2241) Gatsby Gala Midnight Masquerade with 1920s style dress code, midnight Champagne toast. Starts at 6 p.m. Email [email protected] to RSVP.
• Cercle National Club (550 Rockland Ave., Manchester, 623-8243) Drink specials, party favors and Plan B playing rock covers at this members club. 6 p.m.
• Chen Yang Li (520 South St., Bow, 228-8508) Great Gatsby party hosted by DJ Kenny P. 8 p.m.
• Chop Shop (920 Lafayette Road, Seabrook, 760-7706) An evening of active rock with Leaving Eden and Band, Inc., led by 18-year-old singer and bassist Giuliana Amaral. 6:30 p.m.
• Chunky’s Cinema Pub (151 Coliseum Ave., Nashua, headlinersnh.com) Two events: Comedy with Matt Barry, James Dorsey and Greg Boggis in one room, Dueling Pianos in another. $30 each show, 7 and 10 p.m.
• Chunky’s Cinema Pub (707 Huse Road, Manchester, headlinersnh.com) Two events: Comedy with Joe Yannetty, Joey Carrol and Mark Scalia in one room, Dueling Pianos in another. $30 each, 7 and 10 p.m.
• Coach Stop (176 Mammoth Road, Londonderry, 437-2022) Pete Peterson performs an early set. 7 p.m.
• Common Man (88 Range Road, Windham 898-0088) Singer-songwriter Karen Grenier performs an early set. 6 p.m.
• Concord Holiday Inn (172 Main St., Concord, 224-9534) Comedy with Mike Donovan and Amy Tee, dancing and toast — with dinner and room $276 per couple, dinner-only $188 per couple, $94 single. 8 p.m.
• Copper Door (41 S. Broadway, Salem, 458-3033) Jodee Frawlee plays an early set. 3 p.m.
• Copper Door (15 Leavy Dr., Bedford, 488-2677) Jordan Quinn plays an early set. 3 p.m.
• CR’s (287 Exeter Road, Hampton, 929-7972) Rico Barr Trio playing holiday hours 5 to 11 p.m.
• Crow’s Nest (181 Plaistow Road, Plaistow, 974-1686) DJ Golo provides the music with prizes, giveaways and extended hours. 9 p.m.
• Derryfield (625 Mammoth Road, Manchester, 623-2880) Chad LaMarsh rocks the party. $20 a ticket includes admission to see the music, Champagne toast at midnight and party favors. 9 p.m.
• Farm Bar & Grille (1181 Elm St., Manchester, 641-3276) The Gold Everything Party: Jam’n 94.5’s DJ Sammy Smoove and Boston’s DJ Real Ace spin top 40, hip-hop and Latin hits. Gold attire is encouraged but not mandatory for entry. $25. 8 p.m.
• Flying Monkey Movie House (39 Main St., Plymouth, 536-2551) Comedian Bob Marley is back, performing three times, at 3, 6:30 and 9 p.m. Tickets start at $39.50. 8 p.m.
• Fody’s (9 Clinton St., Nashua, 577-9015) Joe Wedge Experience performs. 9 p.m.
• Fody’s Derry (187 1/2 Rockingham Road, Derry, 404-6946) Pop Roks plays fun covers. 9 p.m.
• Fratello’s (155 Dow St., Manchester, 624-2022) Clint LaPointe plays. 8 p.m.
• Fratello’s Italian Grille (194 Main St., Nashua, 889-2022) Justin Jordan entertains. 9 p.m.
• Gibb’s Garage Bar (3612 Lafayette St., Portsmouth, portsmouthnh.com) Elijah Clark plays an early set at this throwback automotive-themed restaurant. 7 p.m.
• Grill 28 (200 Grafton Road, Portsmouth, 766-6466) Dave Gerard of Truffle plays an early set. 6 p.m.
• Headliners (700 Elm St., Manchester, 988-3673) Open after a long hiatus, with three comics and DJ spinning in the ballroom. Packages include food, drink and dancing, starting at $40. 8 p.m.
• High Octane (1072 Watson Road, Laconia, 527-8116) Masquerade party with EXP Band playing, best mask cash prize, Champagne toast as this Lakes Region club celebrates its first anniversary. 8 p.m.
• Hillsboro Moose Lodge (15 School St., Hillsboro, 464-6024) Cellar Dwellers, Superbug and Probable Cause perform, with a Champagne toast at midnight plus snacks, appetizers and food. $10 in advance, $15 at the door. 6 p.m.
• Homestead (641 Daniel Webster Hwy., Merrimack, 429-2022) Ralph Allen performs. 6:30 p.m.
• Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club (135 Congress St., Portsmouth, ticketmaster.com) Grammy-winning jazz pianist Eddie Palmieri & La Perfecta Big Band perform. $375 to $425. 7 p.m.
• Jocelyn’s (355 S. Broadway, Salem, 870-0045) Brian Walker performs an early set. 6 p.m.
• L Street Tavern (17 L St., Hampton, 967-4777) Craig LaGrassa performs. 8 p.m.
• LaBelle Winery (345 Route 101, Amherst, 672-9898) New Year’s Eve dinner with Freese Brothers Big Band followed by a stroll through the LaBelle Lights. $121.50. 9 p.m.
• Lynn’s 102 Tavern (76 Derry Road, Hudson, 943-7832) Sindicate rocks in the new year. 9 p.m.
• Murphy’s Taproom (494 Elm St., Manchester, scampscomedy.com) Dancing Madly Backwards follows a comedy show with Dave Rattigan, Chris Cameron, E.J. Murphy and Casey Crawford. $22. 8 p.m.
• Music Hall (28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth, themusichall.org) $38, Champagne Pops, Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra led by special guest conductor Dr. Dirk Hillyer and guest vocalist Jacyn Tremblay, performing selections from Frozen, The Greatest Showman, Cabaret, Chicago, The Godfather, West Side Story and a collection of Gershwin swing favorites. 8 p.m.
• Nan King Restaurant (222 Central St., Hudson, 882-1911) Patty Shock’s Energizer Karaoke provides entertainment. 8 p.m.
• Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester, 668-5588) Recycled Percussion is again home for the holidays — ring in 2020 with junk rock. Two shows, 4 and 7:30 p.m. $35 to $45.
• Pasta Loft (241 Union Sq., Milford, 672-2270) Fatha Groove fills the dance floor. $10 includes Champagne toast at midnight. 7 p.m.
• Pats Peak Ski Area (686 Flanders Road, Henniker, 728-7732) New Year’s fireworks (slopes close at 10 p.m.) and dancing to The McMurphys in the Sled Pub. 6 p.m.
• Penuche’s Ale House (6 Pleasant St., Concord, 228-9833) NYE party with Felix Holt. 9 p.m.
• Players’ Ring Theatre (105 Marcy St., Portsmouth, 436-8123) Lady Ro drag show is back after two years. 10 p.m.
• Portsmouth Gas Light (64 Market St., Portsmouth, 430-9122) Boston Circus Guild – Welcome to The Show. Cirque du Soleil-inspired evening with live entertainment and DJ music. VIP packages available by emailing [email protected]. 8 p.m.
• Rex Theatre (23 Amherst St., Manchester, 668-5588) Juston McKinney’s Year In Review comes to Manchester, $35 (also New Year’s Day). 8 p.m.
• River Hill Grange (32 Horse Hill Road, Penacook, penacook.org) Midlife Crisis album release party with K Daver, Kinetik, Mass Militia, Livid Rhymer and Quincer. $20 includes free drinks. 7 p.m.
• Rochester Elks Lodge (295 Columbus Ave., Rochester, 332-9700) Bill Vendasi performs at a Mad Hatter’s party, $45 per person includes cocktail hour with appetizers, prime rib or chicken cordon bleu dinner, dessert and midnight toast. 9 p.m.
• Saddle Up Saloon (92 Route 125, Kingston, 369-6962) Bite The Bullet Band plays fourth annual bash, $55 tickets include buffet from 7 to 9 p.m. and a late-night pizza buffet, Champagne toast and party favors. 7 p.m.
• Salt Hill Pub (2 W. Park St., Lebanon, 448-4532) 19th annual New Year’s Eve party featuring Vermont and New Hampshire’s only cowpunk-thunder boogie band, Road Trash. $10 admission, 8 p.m.
• Sawbelly Brewing (156 Epping Road, Exeter, 583-5080) Parker Richards, back for the holidays from Nashville, performs an early set. 5 p.m.
• Shaskeen (909 Elm St., Manchester, 625-0246) Lock The Doors Bash is reprised with limited $50 tickets covering a food buffet, midnight Champagne toast, giveaways, Chris Bennett, a.k.a. DJ Myth, spinning and open bar. The club will be closed to anyone without tickets (21+ only). 8 p.m.
• Sheraton Hotel (250 Market St., Portsmouth, eventbrite.com) Mark Riley, Ryan Gartley and host Steve Scarfo provide the laughs at the 12th annual show presented by Live Free and Die Laughing. Early show $28 (8:30 p.m.), late show $38 (10:30 p.m.).
• Soho Bistro (20 Old Granite St., Manchester, 222-1677) $20 for starters with up to $600 for VIP packages gets you into an elegant NYE party. 9 p.m.
• South Side Tavern (1279 S. Willow St., Manchester, 935-9947) Cox Karaoke hosts with dancing, party favors and Champagne toast at midnight. No cover. 9 p.m.
• Stone Church (5 Granite St., Newmarket, 659-7700) Club d’Elf with special guests John Medeski & David Tronzo. $75. 6 p.m.
• Stonecutters Pub (63 Union Sq., Milford, 213-5979) KJ-Dave O hosts New Year’s Eve karaoke with spot prizes for ugly sweaters and much more fun in store. 9 p.m.
• Stumble Inn (20 Rockingham Road, Londonderry, 432-3210) Swipe Right Band performs. 8 p.m.
• Sweeney Post #2 (251 Maple St., Manchester, 623-9145) The Lexi James Band, with lots of food, lots of great music and lots of fun. 8 p.m.
• The Big House (322 Lakeside Ave., Laconia, 767-2226) Back in the Day plays this Weirs Beach room at 8 p.m. $10.
• The Goat Hampton (20 L St., Hampton, 601-6928) Alex Anthony performs at Hampton Beach’s only country bar at 8 p.m.
• The Goat Manchester (50 Old Granite St., Manchester, 603-4628) NYE party with Those Guys at this club family’s newest location at 8 p.m.
• The Goat Portsmouth (142 Congress St., Portsmouth, 658-4628) Chris Toler plays early. 9 p.m.
• Thirsty Moose (21 Congress St, Portsmouth, 427-8645) Connecticut pop rock band Mattson performs in the basement music space while great beer flows on both floors, 9 p.m.
• Tower Hill Tavern (264 Lakeside Ave., Laconia, 366-9100) $10. Resident DJ Kadence hosts a karaoke NYE party, 8 p.m.
• Tupelo Music Hall (10 A St., Derry, 437-5100) Adam Ezra Group and opening duo Sirsy play with a four-course dinner at 5:30 p.m. for $95; 8:30 p.m. show only is $40, and all tickets include a Champagne toast.
• Tuscan Market & Village (9 Via Toscana, Salem, 912-5467) The Deviant (Mindset X leader Scott Haiduchuk’s acoustic alter ego) performs. 8 p.m.
• Veteran’s Club (118 John Stark Hwy., Newport, 863-3945) $10 for Talkin’ Smack, a popular cover band playing the hits. 7 p.m.
• Village Trestle (25 Main St., Goffstown, 497-8230) Paul Lussier plays an early set. 5 p.m.
• Wally’s Pub (144 Ashworth Ave., Hampton, 926-6954) Boston based rock/pop cover band Down A 5th performs at this party. 9 p.m.
• Waterville Valley Ski Area (1 Ski Area Road, Waterville Valley, 236-8311) Gabby Martin at T-Bars and Henry LaLiberte at Freestyle, with fireworks at midnight. 3 p.m.
• XO Bistro (827 Elm St., Manchester, 560-7998) Acoustic Moxie performs an early set. 6:30 p.m.
• Yankee Lanes (216 Maple St., Manchester, 625-9656) Roll New Year’s Eve three-hour bowling party $99.95 per lane for up to six people. 9:30 p.m.
Featured photo: Courtesy image.
Enter laughing
New Year’s Eve comedy across the state
Laughter just may be the best medicine as New Hampshire and the rest of the world lurch into 2022, evidenced by the number of standup comedy shows on tap for New Year’s Eve. No fewer than eight events are scheduled, from marquee shows at Manchester’s Rex Theatre and The Flying Monkey in Plymouth, to clubs, movie houses and all manner in between.
Start with the big names. A Seacoast mainstay moves to Manchester for 2021’s final night, though Juston McKinney – A Year in Review will have a four-day run at Portsmouth’s Music Hall from Dec. 26 to Dec. 29. Along with his New Year’s Eve Rex Theatre appearance, McKinney has a New Year’s Day show slated. Up north, comedian Bob Marley does three shows at Plymouth’s Flying Monkey, in what’s becoming an end of year tradition for the Maine funny man.
Similarly venerable is the annual bash at the Sheraton Harborside in Portsmouth, now in its 12th year. Presented by Live Free or Die Laughing, an early and a late show stars Mark Riley, with support from Ryan Gartley and Steve Scarfo. In Manchester a showcase with Dave Rattigan, Chris Cameron, E.J. Murphy and Casey Crawford precedes a New Year’s party with a live band.
The rest of the night belongs to New England King of Comedy Rob Steen, whose Headliners franchise is offering no fewer than five standup showcases, along with a pair of dueling pianos events. Three are gala events, capped with DJ dancing and midnight toasts, preceded by dinner and laughs.
The biggest of the bunch is at their Manchester flagship location. It stars Robbie Printz, Tim McKeever and Tom Spohn; Steen will host. It’s a Roaring Twenties, Great Gatsby themed event. Attendees are encouraged to dress accordingly, and for those wanting an extra touch, fedoras will be provided for the guys, with feathered headbands available for women.
Making the show happen meant clearing a few hurdles.
“We were supposed to start back up a year ago, but they had no staff,” Steen said by phone recently; a planned summer 2021 reopening was also delayed. “We opened soft the first week of November, in the small room…. Dec. 11 was our first night in the comedy club.”
Safety is a watchword, Steen continued.
“Every customer that buys a ticket has to call me for seating, and the first thing I ask them is, ‘How do you feel about going — are you comfortable?’ We’re only doing 500 people, not 1,000 like in the past, so it’s not going to be jammed.” As for masking and vaccination protocols, “we’re following the guidelines.”
Low capacity requirements this year have led to one event already selling out, a show with Mike Donovan and Amy Tee at Concord’s Holiday Inn. The final gala is up in the Lakes Region, at the Wolfeboro Inn, with Boston funny man Mike Bain and Jody Sloane, who parlayed her talents as a Duck Tour guide into a standup career.
If all the galas sell out, customers can redirect to two shows each at Chunky’s Cinema in Manchester, where Joe Yannetty, Joey Carroll and Mark Scalia perform, or the moviehouse and pub’s location in Nashua, where Matt Barry, James Dorsey and Greg Boggis hold forth. Each location also offers a 10 p.m. Dueling Pianos show to ring in the new year.
Though there are a lot of options for comedy fans this year, Steen doesn’t expect a plethora of choices to impact his efforts. In fact, he’s prepared for more than a few patrons to double dip in the fun, and head to one of his late shows after seeing an early one.
“One thing feeds the other,” he said. “People will tell me, ‘you’ve got too much competition,’ but in a way we’re all working together. I’m having one of the better years I’ve ever had in 2021, because people are dying to get out.”
New Year’s Eve comedy shows
Who: Juston McKinney’s Year In Review
Where: Rex Theatre, 23 Amherst St., Manchester, 8 p.m. (also Jan. 1)
Tickets: $35 at palacetheatre.org
Who: Bob Marley
Where: Flying Monkey Movie House, 39 Main St., Plymouth
Tickets: $46.50 and up at flyingmonkeynh.com (shows at 2, 5:30 and 8 p.m.)
Who: Dave Rattigan, Chris Cameron, E.J. Murphy and Casey Crawford
Where: Murphy’s Taproom, 494 Elm St., Manchester, 8 p.m.
Tickets: $22 at scampscomedy.com
Who: Mark Riley, Ryan Gartley, Steve Scarfo
Where: Sheraton Harborside Hotel, 250 Market St., Portsmouth, 8:30 and 10:30 p.m.
Tickets: $28 and $38 at livefreeordielaughing.com
Who: Robbie Printz, Rob Steen, Tim McKeever, Tom Spohn
Where: Headliners at the DoubleTree, 700 Elm St., Manchester, 8 p.m.
Tickets: $35 and up at headlinersnh.com
Who: Mike Donovan, Amy Tee
Where: Holiday Inn, 172 N. Main St., Concord, 8 p.m.
Tickets: SOLD OUT
Who: Matt Barry, James Dorsey & Greg Boggis
Where: Chunky’s Cinema Pub, 151 Coliseum Ave., Nashua, 7 and 10 p.m.
Tickets: $30 at headlinersnh.com
Who: Joe Yannetty, Joey Carroll & Mark Scalia
Where: Chunky’s Cinema, 707 Huse Road, Manchester, 7 and 10 p.m.
Tickets: $30 at headlinersnh.com
Who: Mike Bain & Jody Sloane
Where: Wolfeboro Inn, 90 N. Main St., Wolfeboro, 8 p.m.
Tickets: $369 per couple (room, dinner and show) $169 per couple (dinner and show) at headlinersnh.com
Featured photo: Robbie Printz. Courtesy photo.
The Music Roundup 21/12/23
Local music news & events
• Back for Xmas: In what’s become a holiday tradition, Abrielle Scharff returns for her fifth annual Abby Holidays show. Now living in New York City — a few years back, her original “New York Makes Me Cry” earned a top three finish in Pop Dust’s Coffee Music Project competition — the Portsmouth native promises “seasonal songs, bad jokes and a lot of love” for her homecoming set. Thursday, Dec. 23, 7 p.m., Portsmouth Book & Bar, 40 Pleasant St,, Portsmouth. Tickets $20 and $25 at eventbrite.com.
• Lead into fun: Head to a music-friendly taphouse and eatery for Early Music Christmas Eve, a local showcase starring Becca Myari, Angela Stewart, John Farese and Crazy Steve sharing songs, stories and good cheer. Singer and guitarist Myari has a gorgeous acoustic rendition of the classic “O Holy Night” to anticipate, along with various stouts and barley wines. Friday, Dec. 24, 4 p.m., Area 23, 254 N. State St., Unit H (Smokestack Center), Concord, facebook.com/area23concord.
• Rock it forward: Work out post-Christmas ya-yas at Holiday Hardcore Fest 2021, a two-stage event commencing in late afternoon with a sprawling list of bands including Trauma Kit, Hard Target, Sophisticated Adult, Clock Out, I Know A Ghost, Bleach Temple, Trading Heroes For Ghosts, Duress, Spit, Duress, Ten to One, Voluntary Victim, Choke Out, and Slug; by showtime likely a few more will be added. Sunday, Dec. 26, 5 p.m., Jewel Music Venue, 61 Canal St., Manchester, $12 and up at eventbrite.com.
• Tri tip time: Joined by area mainstays Paul Costley and Nate Comp, Jess Olson hosts an Artist Showcase. The Granite State singer-guitarist has kept busy of late, recently spending time in Nashville, sharing a stage with new expat Amanda McCarthy at Pete & Terry’s Tavern, and performing at a songwriter round at the Copper Branch club there, along with doing a photo shoot at the Opryland Resort. Tuesday, Dec. 28, 7 p.m., KC’s Rib Shack, 837 Second St., Manchester, facebook.com/TheJessOlsonBand.
• All in one: Midweek mirth and music, including an EDM-infused version of “Tequila,” comes from Lee Ross, a Boston dance machine who works keyboards, horns and a psychedelic light show into his act. If that’s not enough, his wild head of hair takes over. One set highlight is the New Orleans second line staple “Money Back,” and he also has a long list of funk, reggae and rhythm & blues bangers at the ready. Wednesday, Dec. 29, 9 p.m., Penuche’s Ale House, 16 Bicentennial Square, Concord, youtube.com/HouseOfLeeRoss.