New business is a center for old-style photography
Back when most people were transitioning from film photography to the more instant gratification of digital photography, Jason Lane of Brookline was still using a point-and-shoot camera. He considered going digital, but as an optical engineer who designs lenses for aerospace and defense, he didn’t think it would be much fun to take photos using the same kinds of technology that he used at work all day.
Lane eventually set up a darkroom in his basement, taking his film photography hobby to the next level ― and then the next, as he started to make dry plates.
Photo Retro Shop. Photo courtesy of Jason Lane.
“Dry plates are what photographers used to take pictures with before film was developed,” Lane said. “Pun not intended.”
In 2017, under the business name Pictoriographica, Lane started selling these handmade glass plate negatives. He now ships them around the world.
“The business got to the point where I had to move out of my basement,” Lane said.
Enter Photo Retro. While Lane was looking at space to expand Pictoriographica, he found what he was looking for, and more, in Amherst.
“It was kind of set up really nicely to be a public darkroom,” he said. “It used to be a spa so the space is set up into a bunch of rooms that have running water in them.”
That seemed like a sign to Lane.
“Photo Retro sort of spun out of that realization that I’ve got enough room in this space that I can expand the dry plate making part of the business but also, at the front of the shop, set up a retail store to sell film and also set up these darkrooms … and also do things like have workshops and have a little gallery for guest photographers and kind of make it a center for analog film,” Lane said. “With the film photography popularity kind of coming back … I think there’s a need for it.”
Photo Retro, which is co-owned by mechanical engineer Max Affleck of New Boston, opened on Nov. 5.
“It’s kind of a niche thing so people aren’t beating down the doors, but we have had a steady stream of people coming in,” Lane said.
Dry Plate Ambrotype on Black Glass photo of Jason Lane. Photo by Sid Ceaser.
Lane said he gets the sense that the appeal of digital cameras and their instant gratification are no longer quite as important to people who are interested in the art of photography as the process of taking the picture.
“Younger people are sort of more interested in getting their hands dirty, so to speak,” he said. “For that, it’s not as important to see the image right away. … There’s sort of an anticipation of not finding out right away whether you got a good picture [and that] anticipation appeals to people.”
Lane referred to the “magical moment” in the darkroom when the image starts to form. He thinks that for anyone who wants to get more serious about photography, it’s moments like that in the film process that make it worth trying out.
Photo Retro has some film cameras and photo supplies for sale, though Lane said that stuff is readily available online too. He doesn’t want people to think of the space as a store, but more of a hub for analog photography. The darkrooms are available to the public and have everything needed to develop color or black and white images. There’s a photo studio with special lights and backdrops for early-style portraits, and a small gallery will be available for film photographers to show their work on a revolving basis. For local photographers who shoot film but don’t want to use the darkroom themselves, Photo Retro has partnered with film processor Tomorrow’s Studio of Nashua for processing and scanning.
Lane said they’ve already had their first round of classes but are planning more, to teach the basics of film photography as well as more advanced topics and alternative processes.
Lane thinks of traditional photography and digital photography not as opposing methods but as different options, like oil painting versus acrylic painting.
“It’s just a different art form,” he said.
Photo Retro
Where: 141 Route 101A, Unit B7 (around the back of the plaza), Amherst Hours: Photo Retro will be open Fridays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. As the business grows the hours will expand. More information: photoretro.biz or find it on Instagram
Featured Photo: Photo Retro Shop. Photo courtesy of Jason Lane.
See holiday classics like Elf, The Polar Express, It’s a Wonderful Life and more on the big screen at these local film events.
• Regal Fox Run(45 Gosling Road in Newington; regmovies.com) is showing a series of classic holiday films, including The Polar Express (G, 2004) on Saturday, Nov. 27, at 1 p.m.; Gremlins ( PG, 1984) on Saturday, Dec. 4, at 1 p.m.; Elf (PG, 2003) on Saturday, Dec. 11, at 1 p.m.; and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (PG-13, 1989) on Saturday, Dec. 18, at 1 p.m. Tickets cost $5.
• Chunky’s Cinema Pub (707 Huse Road, Manchester; 151 Coliseum Ave., Nashua; 150 Bridge St., Pelham, chunkys.com) has several holiday-themed events on the schedule. On Thursday, Dec. 2, at 7:30 p.m., Chunky’s Manchester will host a 21+ Die Hard-themed trivia night (It’s a Christmas movie! Debate settled!). For this and other trivia nights, purchase a $5 food voucher to reserve a spot.
Also on Thursday, Dec. 2, at all Chunky’s, catch the 21+ “Christmas Vacation Ugly Sweater Party” starting at 7 p.m. in Manchester and Pelham and 8 p.m. in Nashua. The PG-13 1989 movie will screen during the event, where people who wear ugly Christmas sweaters get extra prizes. Tickets cost $5.99. Take notes — there will be a 21+ Christmas Vacation trivia night on Thursday, Dec. 16, at 7:30 p.m. in Manchester.
There are also two Elf (PG, 2003) screenings on the schedule. On Wednesday, Dec. 8, catch a family-friendly screening at all three locations — 6 p.m. in Manchester and 7 p.m. in Pelham and Nashua. On Thursday, Dec. 9, at 7 p.m. at all three locations there will be a 21+ Elf screening.
On Thursday, Dec. 9, at 7:30 p.m. in Manchester, it’s a 21+ Home Alone-themed trivia night.
On Saturday, Dec. 11, and Sunday, Dec. 12, at noon, 3:15 and 6:30 p.m., all three locations will hold screenings of The Polar Express (G, 2004). Tickets cost $5.99.
All three locations will screen It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) on Sunday, Dec. 19, at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $5.99.
After multiple TV viewings of A Christmas Story, bring your knowledge of Ralphie and his desire for a Red Ryder BB Gun to the 21+ trivia night on Thursday, Dec. 23, at 7:30 p.m.
• The Capitol Center for the Arts (44 S. Main St. in Concord; 225-1111, ccanh.com) presents an evening with Chevy Chase including a screening of National Lampoon’sChristmas Vacation (PG-13, 1989) on Saturday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $59.50.
• The Park Theatre (19 Main St. in Jaffrey; theparktheatre.org) will have a free screening of The Polar Express (G, 2004) on Saturday, Dec. 18, at 1 p.m. Admission is free but go online to get tickets. Have a photo taken with Santa and Elves in the lobby.
• The Strand (20 Third St. in Dover; 343-1899, thestranddover.com) hosts its Christmas Break on a Budget event on Saturday, Dec. 18, starting at noon, featuring a screening of Elf (2003, PG) plus family activities and a story time. Tickets cost $8 per person or $20 for a family of four.
• Catch a screening of a broadcast presentation of The Bolshoi Ballet —The Nutcracker on Sunday, Dec. 19, at 12:55 p.m. at the Bank of NH Stage (16 S. Main St. in Concord; 225-1111, banknhstage.com). Tickets cost $15.
• The Music Hall will show a series of holiday movies during Christmas week at its Historic Theater (28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth), including White Christmas (1954) on Tuesday, Dec. 21, at 3 p.m.; Love Actually (R, 2003) on Tuesday, Dec. 21, at 7 p.m.; It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) on Wednesday, Dec. 22, at 3 and 7 p.m.; The Grinch (2018, PG) on Thursday, Dec. 23, at 3 p.m.; and Last Christmas (2019, PG-13) on Thursday, Dec. 23, at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $12 for seniors age 60 and up, students, military and first responders. Visit themusichall.org or call 436-2400.
• The Senior Movie Mornings Series at the Rex Theatre (23 Amherst St., Manchester) presents White Christmas(1954) on Tuesday, Dec. 28, at 10 a.m. Tickets cost $10. Call 668-5588 or visit palacetheatre.org/rex-theatre.
Find festive art and unique handmade gifts by local artists and craftspeople at these holiday art shows and sales.
• The annual holiday showcase at Twiggs Gallery (254 King St., Boscawen), “Sleighbell Studio,” is open now through Dec. 18, featuring a wide selection of fine art, jewelry, cards, books, honeys, soaps and more, all locally made and priced affordably for gift buying. Gallery hours are Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Visit twiggsgallery.wordpress.com or call 975-0015.
• “Small Works —Big Impact,” the annual holiday exhibit at Creative Ventures Gallery (411 Nashua St., Milford), is going on now through Dec. 31, in person at the gallery and virtually on the gallery’s website (creativeventuresfineart.com/product-category/small-works-show). The exhibit features non-juried small works of art in a variety of media and styles, created by area professional and nonprofessional artists, priced affordably for holiday gift buying. Visit creativeventuresfineart.com or call 672-2500.
• The Seacoast Artist Association has its holiday exhibit, “Big Gifts in Small Packages,” up at its gallery (130 Water St., Exeter) now through Jan. 7, featuring a variety of small works of art priced under $100 for gift buying. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. Visit seacoastartist.org or call 778-8856.
• Two Villages Art Society (46 Main St., Contoocook) will have its Holiday Art Show and Sale from Nov. 26 through Dec. 23, featuring handmade gifts by more than 30 local artists, including paintings, pottery, mixed media, photography, fabric art and more. Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday, from noon to 4 p.m. Visit twovillagesart.org.
• The Craftworkers’ Guild’s Holiday Fair will run from Nov. 26 through Dec. 23, with in-person shopping at the historic Kendall House (3A Meetinghouse Road, Bedford), open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and an online shop. The fair will feature seasonal decor, photography, fine art and prints, cards, gourmet treats, woodworking, fiber and fabric, stained and fused glass, mixed media, jewelry and more by juried local artists and craftspeople. Visit craftworkersguild.org.
Craft Workshops • Muse Paintbar (42 Hanover St., Manchester) is offering family-friendly and paint-and-sip painting classes with a variety of winter and holiday themes now through December. The cost ranges from $20 to $45, depending on the class. Visit musepaintbar.com to see the full schedule and book a class. • AR Workshop Manchester (875 Elm St., Manchester) is hosting a series of family-friendly Cocoa, Cookies & Crafts DIY workshop sessions, where participants can paint their own wooden ornaments. Session dates are Saturday, Nov. 27, and Sunday, Dec. 5, with start times at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. The cost is $29.50 for a pack of six ornaments. Registration is required. Call 573-9662 or visit arworkshop.com/manchester. • Twiggs Gallery (254 King St., Boscawen) will have a series of holiday craft workshops on Sunday, Dec. 5. From 10 a.m. to noon visitors can make a holiday boxwood tree centerpiece and decorate it with their choice of color theme, holiday decor and fresh flowers. The cost is $70. Then, from noon to 3:30 p.m., make a tiny book ornament that, when opened, transforms into a three-dimensional star. The cost is $75. The final workshop of the day, which runs from 1 to 3 p.m., is a wintry balsam door-hanging wreath. The cost is $70. Visit twiggsgallery.wordpress.com. • AR Workshop Manchester (875 Elm St., Manchester) will have a holiday gift making workshop on Saturday, Dec. 18, from 2 to 5 p.m. There will be several different projects to choose from, including mini plank trays, round lazy susans, centerpiece boxes and photo boards. The cost ranges from $49.50 to $89.50, depending on the project chosen. Registration is required. Call 573-9662 or visit arworkshop.com/manchester.
• The New Hampshire Art Association presents its holiday exhibition, “Let it Snow,” at the Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery (136 State St., Portsmouth) from Dec. 1 through Jan. 2. There will be works in a variety of media, as well as books and cards for sale. An opening reception will be held on Friday, Dec. 3, from 5 to 8 p.m. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Visit nhartassociation.org.
• The Concord Arts Market will host its Winter Giftopolis Art Walk in downtown Concord as part of the city’s Midnight Merriment event on Friday, Dec. 3, from 5 p.m. to midnight. Local artists and craftspeople will be selling their handmade gifts at different businesses throughout downtown. Visit concordartsmarket.net.
• Studioverne Fine Art Fused Glass and Creative Framing Solutions (81 and 83R Hanover St., Manchester) will host their annual Holiday Open House on Saturday, Dec. 4, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Browse and purchase work by local artisans and make your own fused glass snowman ornament for $15. There will be refreshments and live music. Visit facebook.com/verneorlosk.
• The Picker Collaborative Artists (3 Pine St., Nashua) host their Holiday Open House on Saturday, Dec. 4, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Browse handmade items including stained glass, jewelry, woodworking, quilting, fiber arts, pottery and more, and meet the artists. Visit pickerartists.com.
• The Concord Arts Market will host a MiniHoliday Arts Market at the Kimball Jenkins Estate (266 N. Main St., Concord) on Saturday, Dec. 4, from noon to 3 p.m. featuring handmade items by around 30 artists and craftspeople. Visit concordartsmarket.net.
• Art Gallery 46, located at Remember This Antiques and Collectibles (46 Route 101A, Amherst) will have its Holiday Open House on Saturday, Dec. 4, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Browse paintings by seven local artists, who will be on site to talk about their work. Visit facebook.com/artgallery46.
Featured photo: The Craftworkers’ Guild’s Holiday Fair in Bedford. Courtesy photo.
Downtown holiday Deliciously fun events for the holidays
Experience the tastiest of what the holidays have to offer in New Hampshire this season, with cookie tours, plated dinners, holiday shopping events and more.
• Averill House Vineyard (21 Averill Road, Brookline) will hold a snowman felting workshop and winter wine tasting on Thursday, Dec. 2, or Friday, Dec. 10, from 6 to 8 p.m. each evening. Tickets are $45 per person and include felting kits plus a seasonal flight of four wines (for 21+ participants) or a non-alcoholic beverage. Additional felting kits will be available for purchase at the end of the class. Visit averillhousevineyard.com.
• Backyard Brewery & Kitchen (1211 S. Mammoth Road, Manchester) will hold its third annual Backyard Winterfest on Friday, Dec. 3, from 6 to 9 p.m. The outdoor event brings together multiple craft breweries from the Derry, Londonderry and Manchester areas for a night of pouring. Tickets are $30 per person and include a 4-ounce tasting glass. Visit backyardbrewerynh.com.
• Holy Trinity Cathedral (166 Pearl St., Manchester) is taking orders for its annual Polish frozen food sale, featuring pierogi, kielbasa and a few other items. Pre-orders are preferred, for pickup on Saturday, Dec. 4, between 10 a.m. and noon. Visit holytrinitypncc.org.
• Join LaBelle Winery at its Amherst location (345 Route 101) for a holiday tea party and performance of The Nutcracker with Southern New Hampshire Dance Theater, scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 4, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Also available for purchase will be several tea sandwiches, sweet treats and special Nutcracker-themed cocktails. Tickets are $25. Visit labellewinery.com.
• The Made in New England Expo returns to the DoubleTree by Hilton Downtown (700 Elm St., Manchester) on Saturday, Dec. 4, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 5, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event features specialty food items and unique gifts from all over New England that will be available for sale. Admission is $9 for adults, $7 for seniors over 65, $2 for kids ages 2 to 12 and free for kids under 2. Masks are required for all attendees. Visit businessnhmagazine.com.
• Zorvino Vineyards (226 Main St., Sandown) will hold a holiday sip and shop event on Sunday, Dec. 5, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring the opportunity to discover unique gift ideas from local vendors. Admission is free, and ticket holders who book their spot online will receive a 10 percent off coupon for use in the winery. Visit zorvino.com.
• Join the Nashua Public Library in welcoming Chef Liz Barbour of The Creative Feast in Hollis, for a virtual event on savory pies and tarts on Monday, Dec. 6, from 7 to 8 p.m. Barbour will demonstrate her favorite pie dough recipe and prepare a meat pie and a seasonal vegetable tart. Visit nashualibrary.org to register and receive a Zoom invitation link.
• St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church (1160 Bridge St., Manchester) is offering a takeout only baked lamb dinner, also featuring Greek-style green beans, rice and salad. Dinners must be pre-ordered no later than Dec. 7, with pickups at the church on Sunday, Dec. 12, beginning at noon. Contact Barbara George at 623-6115 or at [email protected] to reserve your dinner.
• Get your tickets now for the annual Feast of the Seven Fishes happening at the Bedford Village Inn (2 Olde Bedford Way, Bedford) on Wednesday, Dec. 8, at 6 p.m. The dinner will feature a wide variety of hot seafood options to choose from, like fra diavolo, haddock puttanesca, and lobster and crab-stuffed sole, in addition to a chef-attended pasta station with accompanying sauces, and an Italian dessert station. Tickets are $95 per person (event is 21+ only) and reservations are required. Visit bedfordvillageinn.com.
• LaBelle Winery is hosting a holiday-themed cooking with wine class at its Amherst location (345 Route 101) on Wednesday, Dec. 8, from 6 to 7 p.m. Participants will learn how to cook a variety of holiday-themed dishes and get to take home recipe cards for each featured item, which will include cranberry punch, bacon pecan cheese logs, herb roasted potatoes and carrots, maple mustard roasted chicken thighs and eggnog pudding. Admission is $32.70 per person after taxes. Visit labellewinery.com.
• Join Birch Wood Vineyards (199 Rockingham Road, Derry) for the Birch Wood Experience, a public dinner event scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 8, at 6 p.m. The dinner aims to give guests an inside view of what a typical event at the venue looks like. In addition to hors d’oeuvres and a Caesar salad, guests can choose one of three entrees (pork tenderloin, chicken piccata or stuffed poblano peppers). Admission is $50 and reservations are required (reserve no later than Dec. 1). Visit birchwoodvineyards.com.
• Great New England Craft & Artisan Shows will present their annual holiday shoppingextravaganza on Friday, Dec. 10, from 5 to 9 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 11, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Hampshire Hills Athletic Club (50 Emerson Road, Milford). The event features dozens of artisan and specialty food vendors selling all types of items for the holiday season, plus holiday music and a cash bar with specialty holiday cocktails available. Admission and parking are free. Visit gnecraftartisanshows.com.
• Don’t miss the 24th annual Inn to Inn Holiday Cookie and Candy Tour happening on Saturday, Dec. 11, and Sunday, Dec. 12, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. During this two-day self-guided tour participants visit inns in various White Mountain region towns to taste cookies and candy and get holiday recipes and decorating tips. This year’s tour stretches across nine inns, with each no more than 15 minutes from another. Advance tickets come with reserving a lodging package at one of the participating inns, but single tickets are also available for $35. Visit countryinnsinthewhitemountains.com.
• The Canterbury Community Farmers Market Association will hold a special indoorholiday-themed market on Saturday, Dec. 11, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. inside the gymnasium of Canterbury Elementary School (15 Baptist Road). Masks are required for all attendees. Visit canterburyfarmersmarket.com.
• The Currier & Ives Cookie Tour returns for its 16th year on Saturday, Dec. 11, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nearly a dozen businesses in and around the Monadnock region participate in this guided tour, providing visitors with homemade treats, refreshments, recipes and more. Tickets are $15 per person (cash only) and will be available for purchase beginning on Dec. 1. Tickets may be purchased at New England Everyday Goods (16 Colls Farm Road, Jaffrey), The Inn at East Hill Farm (460 Monadnock St., Troy) and the Woodbound Inn (247 Woodbound Road, Rindge). Visit currierandivescookietour.com.
• The Bedford Village Inn (2 Olde Bedford Way, Bedford) will hold its next Champagne brunch on Sunday, Dec. 12, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in its Great Hall. The event features unlimited mimosas and a brunch buffet, including a raw bar, a chef-attended omelet station and a selection of desserts. Tickets are $95 per person (event is 21+ only) and reservations are required. Visit bedfordvillageinn.com.
• Enjoy holiday afternoon tea with The Cozy Tea Cart at the Gatherings at the Colonel Shepard House (29 Mont Vernon St., Milford) on Sunday, Dec. 12, from 1 to 3 p.m. In addition to a selection of fine quality teas there will be a variety of foods available to try, like tea breads, sandwiches, pastries and more. The cost is $39.95 per person and reservations are required. Visit thecozyteacart.com.
• The Culinary Playground (16 Manning St., Derry) is hosting its annual parent-childgingerbread house decorating workshops, with available dates on Friday, Dec. 17, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., 6 to 7 p.m. or 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.; and on Sunday, Dec. 19, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., 3 to 4 p.m. or 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Adults and kids will work together with royal icing and all types of colorful treats and edible decorations to design their own houses. The cost is $45 per parent-child team and registration is required (houses and treats are provided). Visit culinary-playground.com.
• LaBelle Winery is hosting a Polar Express brunch with Santa Claus on Saturday, Dec. 18, from 10 a.m. to noon at its Amherst location (345 Route 101). In addition to assorted scones, muffins and rolls the menu will feature a multi-course food offering and holiday-inspired cocktails. The event also includes a screening of The Polar Express and photo opportunities with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. Admission, after taxes, is $41.31 for adults and $23.09 for kids ages 3 and up. Visit labellewinery.com.
• Join LaBelle Winery at its Derry location (14 Route 111) for a New Year’s Eve dinner on Friday, Dec. 31, from 6 to 10:30 p.m. The three-course plated dinner will be served inside the vineyard ballroom, and there will also be a featured performance by the Freese Brothers Big Band. General admission is $100 per person, plus tax and gratuity, and also includes access to the winery’s LaBelle Lights festival on the golf course. Visit labellewinery.com.
• Ring in 2022 with a New Year’s Eve Celebration at Averill House Vineyard (21 Averill Road, Brookline) on Friday, Dec. 31, from 6:30 to 9 p.m., featuring a Brazilian-themed five-course dinner and wine pairing. Tickets are $89 per person and include a complimentary wine glass. Visit averillhousevineyard.com.
• Chunky’s Cinema Pub in Pelham (150 Bridge St.) will host a special New Year’s Eve DinnerParty along with a screening of the 2013 film The Great Gatsby, scheduled for Friday, Dec. 31, at 9 p.m. The evening will feature a five-course menu courtesy of Ya Mas Greek Taverna & Bar of Pelham along with the movie. The party will continue with a Champagne toast and a big-screen viewing of the Times Square ball drop at midnight. The cost is $90 per person and includes the dinner, the movie and the toast. Visit chunkys.com.
Party on a board In the Nov. 18 issue of the Hippo, Matt Ingersoll looked at the charcuterie board trend. These boards (and boxes and bowls and in at least one case jars) of meats, cheeses and other tasty items make for good snacks, gifts or party accompaniments. Find out more about the local businesses that construct this edible art in the story, which starts on page 20. Find the e-edition of the issue at hippopress.com.
Featured photo: Photo courtesy of Fig & Olive of Milford.
Experience the sounds of the season through classical music with these performances by local orchestras, choirs and ensembles.
• Symphony NH performs its Holiday Brass concert on Saturday, Nov. 27, at 7:30 p.m. at St. Mary and Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church (39 Chandler St., Nashua); Sunday, Nov. 28, at 3 p.m. at The Dana Center (Saint Anselm College, 100 Saint Anselm Dr., Manchester); and Friday, Dec. 10, at 7:30 p.m. at the Park Theatre (19 Main St., Jaffrey). Tickets range from $20 to $60 for adults, from $18 to $55 for seniors age 65+ and are free for children. Visit symphonynh.org.
The Granite State Ringers. Courtesy photo.
• The Granite State Ringers handbell choir presents a holiday concert series with shows on Sunday, Nov. 28, at 3 p.m. at LaBelle Winery (14 Route 111, Derry); Sunday, Dec. 5, at 2:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s Methodist Church (335 Smyth Road, Manchester); and Saturday, Dec. 11, at 2 p.m. at 320 Main St. in Sandown. Tickets cost $20 for adults and $15 for kids age 10 and under for the Nov. 28 show and $10 in advance and $12 at the door for the Dec. 5 show. The Dec. 11 show is free, but reservations are required. Visit granitestateringers.org.
• The Strafford Wind Symphony performs its holiday concert at the Rochester Opera House (31 Wakefield St., Rochester) on Tuesday, Nov. 30, at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $8 for seniors and military. Visit rochesteroperahouse.com.
• Boston Brass performs its holiday concert at the Capitol Center for the Arts (44 S. Main St., Concord) on Friday, Dec. 3, at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $30. Call 225-1111 or visit ccanh.com.
• The New Hampshire Gay Men’s Chorus presents its holiday concert series, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” with shows on Saturday, Dec. 4, at 7:30 p.m., at Londonderry United Methodist Church (258 Mammoth Road, Londonderry); Sunday, Dec. 5, at 4 p.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church (79 Clinton St., Concord); Saturday, Dec. 11, at 7:30 p.m. at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (22 Fox Run Road, Newington); and Sunday, Dec. 12, at 4 p.m. at The Derryfield School (2108 River Road, Manchester). Tickets cost $20 for adults; admission is free for children ages 12 and under. Visit nhgmc.com.
• The Nashua Choral Society performs its holiday concert, “Season of Lights,” on Sunday, Dec. 5, at 3 p.m., at Immaculate Conception Church (216 E. Dunstable Road, Nashua). Tickets cost $20 for adults and $10 for students. Admission is free for children. Visit nashuachoralsociety.org.
• The New Hampshire Philharmonic performs its Holiday Pops concert on Sunday, Dec. 5, at 3 p.m. at LaBelle Winery in Amherst (345 Route 101), and on Sunday, Dec. 12, at 4 p.m. at LaBelle Winery in Derry (14 Route 111). Tickets cost $30 for adults and $20 for kids age 10 and under. Visit labellewinery.com. The group will also perform on Saturday, Dec. 18, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 19, at 2 p.m., at the Seifert Performing Arts Center (44 Geremonty Dr., Salem). Tickets cost $30 for adults, $25 for seniors and $8 for students. Visit nhphil.org.
• The Manchester Community Music School (2291 Elm St., Manchester) presents its Holiday Pops concert on Friday, Dec. 10, and Saturday, Dec. 11, at 6 p.m. Tickets cost $45. Call 644-4548 or visit mcmusicschool.org.
• The Lakes Region Symphony Orchestra performs its Holiday Spectacular show at the Colonial Theatre of Laconia (617 Main St., Laconia) on Friday, Dec. 10, at 7 p.m., and at the Inter-Lakes Community Auditorium (Route 25, Meredith) on Saturday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 12, at 3 p.m. Tickets cost $10 to $20 for students and $20 to $30 for adults for the Dec. 10 show, and $10 for students and $25 for adults for the shows on Dec. 11 and Dec. 12. Visit lrso.org.
• The Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra performs its Holiday Pops concert at the SNHU Arena (555 Elm St., Manchester) on Saturday, Dec. 11, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $54. Visit snhuarena.com.
• The Souhegan Valley Chorus performs its holiday concert, “A Celebration of Christmas,” on Saturday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m. at Souhegan High School (412 Boston Post Road, Amherst). Tickets are available at the door and cost $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors. Visit souheganvalleychorus.org.
• Symphony NH performs its Holiday Pops concert on Saturday, Dec. 11, at 7:30 p.m. at the Keefe Center for the Arts (117 Elm St., Nashua); and Sunday, Dec. 12, at 3 p.m. at the Concord City Auditorium (2 Prince St., Concord). Tickets range from $20 to $60 for adults, from $18 to $55 for seniors age 65+, and are free for children. Visit symphonynh.org.
• The Concord Chorale presents its holiday show “Gloria!” at South Congregational Church (27 Pleasant St., Concord) on Saturday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 12, at 3 p.m. Tickets cost $20 for general admission and $15 for seniors in advance, and $25/$20 at the door. Visit concordchorale.org.
• The Manchester Choral Society performs its holiday concert at LaBelle Winery (345 Route 101, Amherst) on Sunday, Dec. 12, at 3 p.m. Tickets cost $20 for adults and $10 for kids age 10 and under. Visit labellewinery.com.
• The Piccola Opera presents “The Dickens Carolers on Tour” at the Concord City Auditorium (2 Prince St., Concord) on Saturday, Dec. 18, at 6 p.m. Tickets cost $15 for seniors and children and $20 for adults. Call 344-4747 or visit ccca-audi.org.
• The Rockingham Choral Society presents its holiday concert, “Invitations and Carols,” on Saturday, Dec. 18, at 7 p.m. at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (22 Fox Run Road, Newington), and on Sunday, Dec. 19, at 3:30 p.m. at Christ Church (43 Pine St., Exeter). Tickets cost $12. Visit rockinghamchoral.org.
• The Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra presents its New Year’s Eve Champagne Pops concert at the Music Hall Historic Theater (28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth) on Friday, Dec. 31, at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $38. Visit themusichall.org or call 436-2400.
Concerts for all musical tastes
From jazz and big band to rock and classic country, these holiday concerts have something for any kind of music fan.
• The Trans-Siberian Orchestra brings its holiday concert to the SNHU Arena (555 Elm St., Manchester) on Friday, Nov. 26, with shows at 3:30 and 8 p.m. Tickets start at $59.50. Visit snhuarena.com.
• A Holiday Piano Bash with George Lopez comes to the Spotlight Room (96 Hanover St., Manchester) on Saturday, Nov. 27, at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $19. Visit palacetheatre.org or call 668-5588.
• The Majestic Theatre presents “A Piano Christmas,” a holiday piano cabaret and sing-alongwith Robert Dionne, at the Majestic Studio Theatre (880 Page St., Manchester) on Saturday, Nov. 27, at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $20. Visit majestictheatre.net.
• The Wizards of Winter performs its holiday rock opera at the Tupelo Music Hall (10 A St., Derry) on Sunday, Nov. 28, at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $40 to $55. Call 437-5100 or visit tupelomusichall.com.
• The Maccabeats perform “Chanukah at the Palace” at the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester) on Monday, Nov. 29, at 6:30 p.m. Tickets cost $18 for adults, $12 for children ages 4 through 12, and are free for children ages 3 and under. Visit palacetheatre.org or call 668-5588.
• The Compaq Big Band performs “A Big Band Christmas” at the Rex Theatre (23 Amherst St., Manchester) on Thursday, Dec. 2, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $29. Call 668-5588 or visit palacetheatre.org/rex-theatre.
• Rockapella performs its annual holiday show at the Stockbridge Theatre (5 Pinkerton St., Derry) on Friday, Dec. 3, at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $25. Visit stockbridgetheatre.com.
• Gary Hoey’s “Ho! Ho! Hoey!” holiday show comes to the Tupelo Music Hall (10 A St., Derry) on Friday, Dec. 3, at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $35 to $40. Call 437-5100 or visit tupelomusichall.com.
• Morgan James brings her “Very Magnetic Christmas” tour to the Rex Theatre (23 Amherst St., Manchester) on Saturday, Dec. 4, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $25 for the show or $65 for a VIP package that includes a meet-and-greet, private acoustic song performance and autographed show poster. Call 668-5588 or visit palacetheatre.org/rex-theatre.
• The Carpenters tribute band Top of the World presents “A Carpenters Christmas Show” at the Capitol Center for the Arts (44 S. Main St., Concord) on Saturday, Dec. 4, at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $35. Call 225-1111 or visit ccanh.com.
• Rich DiMare performs A Sinatra Christmas at the Music Hall Historic Theater (28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth) on Thursday, Dec. 9, at 6 and 8 p.m., and Wednesday, Dec. 15, at 6 p.m. Tickets are by table and cost $100 for a small table of up to two people, $200 for a medium table of up to four people and $300 for a large table of up to six people. Visit themusichall.org or call 436-2400. DiMare also brings the show to the Rex Theatre (23 Amherst St., Manchester) on Sunday, Dec. 12, at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $29 to $39. Call 668-5588 or visit palacetheatre.org/rex-theatre.
• The Eric Mintel Jazz Quartet presents Charlie Brown Christmas on Saturday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m. at The Spotlight Room (96 Hanover St., Manchester). Tickets cost $29. Visit palacetheatre.org or call 668-5588.
• An Irish Christmas in America comes to the Dana Center (Saint Anselm College, 100 Saint Anselm Drive, Manchester) on Saturday, Dec. 11, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $45. Call 641-7700 or visit anselm.edu/dana-center-humanities.
• See A Nashville Christmas, featuring holiday music by country music legends like Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, Loretta Lynn and others, at LaBelle Winery (14 Route 111, Derry) on Thursday, Dec. 16, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $35. Visit labellewinery.com.
• Million Dollar Quartet, a tribute to the music of Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley, performs its holiday show at the Capitol Center for the Arts (44 S. Main St., Concord) on Friday, Dec. 17, at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $35 to $85. Call 225-1111 or visit ccanh.com.
• The Winter Solstice Mini-Fest featuring Matt Flinner and Low Lily will take place at the Bank of NH Stage (16 S. Main St., Concord) on Friday, Dec. 17, at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $23 purchased in advance and $25 at the door. Call 225-1111 or visit banknhstage.com.
Rock This Town Band. Photo by Scott Sta.
• Brian Setzer Orchestra tribute band the Rock This Town Orchestra performs its Christmas Spectacular concert on Saturday, Dec. 18, at 7:30 p.m. at the Rex Theatre (23 Amherst St., Manchester). Tickets cost $29 to $39. Call 668-5588 or visit palacetheatre.org/rex-theatre.
• The Capital Jazz Orchestra’s Holiday Pops concert will be held at the Capitol Center for the Arts (44 S. Main St., Concord) on Sunday, Dec. 19, at 4 p.m. Tickets start at $27.50. Call 225-1111 or visit ccanh.com.
• Christmas with the Spain Brothers with Green Heron comes to the Rex Theatre (23 Amherst St., Manchester) on Thursday, Dec. 23, at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $29. Call 668-5588 or visit palacetheatre.org/rex-theatre.
Featured photo: The Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Courtesy photo.
Plenty of chances to see The Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol
The Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol are back, with plenty of opportunities through the end of the year to see the holiday classics performed live and in person.
• The Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester) presents A Christmas Carol from Nov. 26 through Dec. 22, with showtimes on Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at noon, with additional shows on Tuesday, Dec. 21, and Wednesday, Dec. 22, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $25 to $46. Visit palacetheatre.org or call 668-5588.
• The Methuen Ballet Ensemble performs The Nutcracker at the Dana Center (Saint Anselm College, 100 Saint Anselm Drive, Manchester) on Saturday, Nov. 27, at noon and 4 p.m. Tickets cost $34. Visit anselm.edu/dana-center-humanities.
• New England Dance Ensemble presents The Nutcracker on Saturday, Nov. 27, and Sunday, Nov. 28, at 2 p.m. at the Windham High School Theater (64 London Bridge Road, Windham). Tickets cost $30 to $45. Visit nede.org.
• Gerald Dickens, the great-great-grandson of Charles Dickens, brings his one-man performance of A Christmas Carol to Sky Meadow Country Club (391 E. Dunstable Road, Nashua) on Thursday, Dec. 2, at 7:30 p.m., and to the Dana Center (Saint Anselm College, 100 Saint Anselm Drive, Manchester) on Friday, Dec. 3, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $35 for the Dec. 2 show and $45 for the Dec. 3 show. Visit anselm.edu/dana-center-humanities and fortingage.com.
• Sole City Dance presents The Nutcracker at Rochester Opera House (31 Wakefield St., Rochester) on Thursday, Dec. 2, and Friday, Dec. 3, at 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 4, at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 5, at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $28 for adults and $24 for seniors, military and children. Visit rochesteroperahouse.com.
• The Hatbox Theatre (Steeplegate Mall, 270 Loudon Road, Concord) presents Dickens’ A Christmas Carol from Dec. 3 through Dec. 19, with showtimes on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $22 for adults, $19 for students, seniors and members and $16 for senior members. Visit hatboxnh.com.
• The Players’ Ring Theatre (105 Marcy St., Portsmouth) presents A Christmas Carol from Dec. 3 through Dec. 23, with showtimes on Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2:30 p.m., with additional shows Monday, Dec. 20, through Thursday, Dec. 23, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $25 for adults, $22 for students and seniors age 65 and up and $15 for kids under age 12. Visit playersring.org or call 436-8123.
• Bedford Dance Center presents The Nutcracker Suite on Saturday, Dec. 4, at 6 p.m. at the Dana Center (Saint Anselm College, 100 Saint Anselm Drive, Manchester). Tickets cost $25. Visit anselm.edu/dana-center-humanities.
• Portsmouth School of Ballet presents The Nutcrackeron Saturday, Dec. 4, at 5 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 5, at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., at Exeter High School auditorium (1 Blue Hawk Drive, Exeter). Tickets cost $20. Visit psb-nh.com/nutcracker.
• The Rochester Opera House (31 Wakefield St., Rochester) presents A Christmas Carol from Dec. 9 through Dec. 19, with showtimes on Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 5 p.m. Tickets range from $16 to $26. Visit rochesteroperahouse.com.
• The Manchester Community Music School (2291 Elm St., Manchester) hosts a “My First Nutcracker” holiday children’s show on Saturday, Dec. 11, with start times between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. The show includes a 45-minute interactive experience with storytelling and classical music centered on The Nutcracker. Tickets cost $15, with a $10 discount for families of four people or more; admission is free for children under age 2. Reservations are required. Call 644-4548 or visit mcmusicschool.org.
• Turning Pointe Center of Dance presents The Nutcracker on Saturday, Dec. 11, at 2 p.m. at the Concord City Auditorium (2 Prince St., Concord). Tickets cost $18. Visit turningpointecenterofdance.com.
• Northeastern Ballet Theatre presents The Nutcracker on Saturday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 12, at 2 p.m., at Dover High School (25 Alumni Drive, Dover) and Saturday, Dec. 18, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 19, at 2 p.m., at the Kingswood Arts Center (396 S. Main St., Wolfeboro). Tickets purchased in advance cost $30 for adults, $25 for seniors age 60 and up and $17.50 for students and children; tickets purchased at the door are an additional $5. Visit northeasternballet.org.
• Dance Visions Network presents The Nutcracker Suite Acts I & II on Sunday, Dec. 12, at 12:30 and 5 p.m. at the Dana Center (Saint Anselm College, 100 Saint Anselm Drive, Manchester). Tickets cost $22 plus a $4 surcharge. Visit dancevisionsnetwork.com.
• The Peacock Players present A Christmas Carol: An Original Live Radio Play at the Court Street Theatre (14 Court St., Nashua) on Thursday, Dec. 16, and Friday, Dec. 17, at 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 18, at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 19, at 2 p.m. Tickets range from $15 to $19. Visit peacockplayers.org.
• New England School of Dance presents The Nutcracker on Saturday, Dec. 18, at 2 and 5:30 p.m. at the Stockbridge Theatre (Pinkerton Academy, 5 Pinkerton St., Derry). Tickets cost $30. Visit newenglandschoolofdance.com.
• See a broadcast presentation of The Bolshoi Ballet’s performance of The Nutcracker at the Bank of NH Stage (16 S. Main St., Concord) on Sunday, Dec. 19, at 12:55 p.m. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $12 for students. Call 225-1111 or visit banknhstage.com.
• Ballet Misha presents The Nutcrackeron Saturday, Dec. 18, at 1 and 6 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 19, at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., at the Dana Center (Saint Anselm College, 100 Saint Anselm Drive, Manchester). Tickets cost $26. Visit dimensionsindance.com.
• The New Hampshire School of Ballet presents The Nutcracker Suite at Concord City Auditorium (2 Prince St., Concord) on Sunday, Dec. 19, at 2 p.m.; and at the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester) on Sunday, Dec. 26, at 6 p.m. Tickets cost $22. Visit nhschoolofballet.com.
• The New Hampshire School of Ballet presents The Nutcracker Suite at the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester) on Sunday, Dec. 26, at 6 p.m. Tickets cost $22. Visit palacetheatre.org or call 668-5588.
Also on stage
Dance, comedy and more holiday-centric shows
Theater
• The Players’ Ring Theatre (105 Marcy St., Portsmouth) presents The Toymaker’s Apprentice from Dec. 4 through Dec. 19, with showtimes on Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m. and noon. Tickets cost $25 for adults, $22 for students and seniors age 65 and up and $15 for kids under age 12. Visit playersring.org or call 436-8123.
• The Majestic Theatre presents Scrooge in Love at the Derry Opera House (29 W. Broadway, Derry) on Friday, Dec. 10, at 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 11, at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 12, at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $20 for adults and $15 for seniors age 65 and up and students age 17 and under. Visit majestictheatre.net.
• The Pinkerton Players present Coney Island Christmas at the Stockbridge Theatre (5 Pinkerton St., Derry) on Friday, Dec. 10, and Saturday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 12, at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Visit stockbridgetheatre.com.
• The Palace Youth Theatre presents Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer at the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester) on Tuesday, Dec. 14, and Wednesday, Dec. 15, at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $12 to $15. Visit palacetheatre.org or call 668-5588.
• The Rochester Opera House (31 Wakefield St., Rochester) drag series presents Li Monahd’s Holiday Hoopla on Thursday, Dec. 23, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $15. Visit rochesteroperahouse.com.
Dance
• Concord Dance Academy performs its Holiday Spectacular at Concord City Auditorium (2 Prince St., Concord) on Saturday, Dec. 4, at 1 and 6 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 5, at 1 p.m. Tickets cost $20. Visit ccca-audi.org.
• The New Hampshire School of Ballet presents its Holiday Performance at the Dana Center (Saint Anselm College, 100 Saint Anselm Drive, Manchester) on Sunday, Dec. 5, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tickets cost $15. Call 641-7700 or visit anselm.edu/dana-center-humanities.
Comedy
• Jimmy Dunn’s Comedy Christmas comes to the Rex Theatre (23 Amherst St., Manchester) on Friday, Dec. 10, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $25. Call 668-5588 or visit palacetheatre.org/rex-theatre.
• ImprovBoston presents “The Improvised Holiday Extravaganza” on Friday, Dec. 17, at 7:30 p.m. at the Rex Theatre (23 Amherst St., Manchester). Tickets cost $25. Call 668-5588 or visit palacetheatre.org/rex-theatre.
• Local comedian Juston McKinney performs his annual “A Year in Review” show at The Music Hall Historic Theater (28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth) on Sunday, Dec. 26, and Monday, Dec. 27, at 6 p.m., and Tuesday, Dec. 28, at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $28 to $34. Visit themusichall.org or call 436-2400.
Featured photo: Turning Pointe Center of Dance presents The Nutcracker. Courtesy photo.
