Tag: 231228

Treasure Hunt 23/12/28

Dear Donna,

Found these 45 records and about 100 more. I think some were my parents’ and mine too. Can you tell me if there is any value to them? They are in pretty good condition for being in a basement. Thanks, Donna, for any help.

Carla

Dear Carla,

Yikes, you got your hands full of records.

45’s have been around since the late 1940’s. It’s tough to put a value on a pile of them. Certain ones can be worth so much more. It depends on the artist, condition and sleeves. So you need to consider each one individually.

You want them in a scratch-free condition and with the original sleeve to bring a higher value. If they are scratched, it makes it easier unless they’re rare. Lots of 45’s from the 1950s through the 1960s in original condition are in the range of $10 to a few hundred dollars.

Carla, I’m sorry to be so vague. I think you should bring them to a used record store to have them looked at. This is the best way to get a better value. I hope you have a hidden treasure in your records.

Thanks for another memory of myself listening to my favorite 45’s in the 1970s.

Kiddie Pool 23/12/28

Family fun for whenever

Everybody entertainment

• Catch the family-friendly magician Ben Pratt, whose show is described as “high energy and super fun,” at Chunky’s Cinema Pub in Pelham (150 Bridge St.; chunkys.com) on Thursday, Dec. 28, at 6:15 p.m.; at Chunky’s in Nashua (151 Coliseum Ave; chunkys.com) on Friday, Dec. 29, at 6:15 p.m. and at Chunky’s in Manchester (707 Huse Road; chunkys.com) on Saturday, Dec. 30, at 6:15 p.m. Admission costs $15.

• The Harlem Globetrotters 2024 will come to the SNHU Arena (555 Elm St., Manchester, 644-5000, snhuarena.com) with shows Thursday, Dec. 28, at 2 and 7 p.m. Tickets cost $44 through $134, with pre-game VIP options.

• The Swiftie Party at the Rex Theatre (23 Amherst St. in Nashua; palacetheatre.org) is billed as an all-ages dance party event with space still available for the party at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 30. Admission costs $25 for adults and $20 for 12 and under.

More museums

Here are some museums with special offerings and hours through the holiday week.

• At the Aviation Museum of New Hampshire (27 Navigator Road in Londonderry; nhahs.org, 669-4820) see the exhibit “Flying Home for the Holidays,” on display through Jan. 14. The museum is open daily through Saturday, Dec. 30, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as well as Sunday, Dec. 31, from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission costs $10 for ages 13 and above, $5 for 65+, veterans/military and kids ages 6 to 12, and is free for ages 5 and under.

• The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire (6 Washington St. in Dover; childrens-museum.org, 742-2002) has play sessions from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. daily through Saturday, Dec. 30. On Sunday, Dec. 31, a Family New Year’s Eve celebration takes place at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. and will feature a “countdown to midnight” along with other activities. Buy admissions for a time slot online in advance; admission costs $12.50 for adults and children over 12 months, $10.50 for 65+.

• The Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St. in Manchester; currier.org, 669-6144) will have December Days Thursday, Dec. 28, through Saturday, Dec. 30, with a lineup of family-friendly activities daily including a magic show on Friday, Dec. 29, at 2 p.m. (tickets cost $10 to $30, depending on age, and are available online); the museum will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (and until 8 p.m. on Dec. 28) during those days. The museum will also be open Sunday, Dec. 31, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission costs $20 for adults, $15 for ages 65+, $15 for students and $5 for ages 13 to 17 (children under 13 get in for free).

The Art Roundup 23/12/28

The latest from NH’s theater, arts and literary communities

Brass to the Max

Symphony NH will team up with the Spartans Drum and Bugle Corp for “Brass to the Max,” a show at the Keefe Center for the Arts (117 Elm St. in Nashua) on Saturday, Jan. 13, at 7:30 p.m. “For the first time, Symphony NH’s brass and percussion join forces with the award-winning musicians of Nashua-based Drum Corps International’s The Spartans in a thrilling, high-octane performance of brass and percussion favorites…. The program will be visceral and high-energy. Be prepared to feel this one all the way through your bones with great music like Aaron Copland’s ‘Fanfare for the Common Man’ and ‘Celebrate’ by Kool and the Gang,” according to a press release. Tickets cost $10 to $60 and are available at symphonynh.org or by calling 595-9156.

You, Me and The Woodsmoke

The original surrealist drama You, Me and The Woodsmoke, by Catherine Stewart, will come to the Players’ Ring Theatre (105 Marcy St. in Portsmouth; 436-8123, playersring.org) Friday, Jan. 5, through Sunday, Jan. 14, with shows at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. In the play, which runs two hours and has an intermission, two women are on a camping trip to rekindle a long-lost friendship, but the forest holds secrets, according to a press release. Tickets cost $28, $25 for students and 65+.

Join the band

Ted Herbert Music School will hold auditions for its Ted Herbert Community Big Band for ages 13 to 19 on Sunday, Jan. 14, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Ted Herbert Music School and Rentals (880 Page St. in Manchester). Students in the band can rehearse, perform and learn in an ensemble setting and will be mentored by professional working musicians, according to a press release. The audition will feature sight reading and improvisation, the release said. Auditions are open to kids who are not students at Ted Herbert Music School. Band rehearsals will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on the second Sunday of each month from February through June, the release said, with a final performance held on June 9 at the Majestic Studio Theatre (at the Page Street location). Reserve an audition spot by emailing [email protected] or calling 669-7469. See tedherbert.com for more.

A year of arts and theater

Experts talk about their 2023 achievements

From musicals, festivals, murals and new exhibitions, 2023 was an eventful year for the arts scene. To look back on the highlights of the year and to see what lies ahead in the new year,

we caught up with museums, theater companies and others involved in New Hampshire’s art community.

Meg Gore is the artistic director, manager and founder of Ovation Theatre Company in Londonderry. This year they’ve produced shows such as Little Shop of Horrors, Newsies and Mean Girls among others. Here is how the year went for them and what lies on the horizon for 2024.

What show from 2023 that you were involved in are you most proud of and why?

In 2023, Ovation Theatre Company produced the poignant drama Dark Road. I am very proud of the director, Tim Gore, and the entire cast and crew for tackling and successfully presenting this difficult material.

What show that you weren’t involved in did you enjoy most as a spectator and why?

This year I saw several productions that I was not involved with and thoroughly enjoyed. Most recently I saw a production of Arsenic and Old Lace put on by the Python Players at Pelham High School and directed by Shannon Krumlauf. What I appreciate about Shannon is that she singlehandedly provides a safe place for the students to express themselves and an opportunity for them to share their talents with others. In this production, all of the students portrayed their characters with conviction and heart.

What shows are you most looking forward to in 2024?

In 2024 I’m looking forward to many new experiences with Ovation Theatre Company. I am excited to rock out and relive the ’80s with Rock of Ages [Friday, May 3, and Saturday, May 4]. I am also thrilled to be directing the spectacular musical Legally Blonde [running Friday, July 19, and Saturday, July 20] and working with a combined cast that will include adults, college and high school students. And in the fall Ovation is excited to bring the reimagined enchanted tale of Cinderella to life with magical costumes and classic music.

From the Manchester International Film Festival to the Manchester Citywide Arts Festival, the Palace Theatre had quite the year. Here’s what David Rousseau, the director of sales and marketing, had to say about it.

What show from 2023 that you were involved in are you most proud of and why?

Kinky Boots. It was the first time the Palace Theatre was producing this professional show and I and my staff were responsible for the entire marketing of the four-week show. The end result: incredible. Ticket sales and so many new faces in the audience made it a true success. Amazing choreography by Carl Rajotte, our artistic director.

What show that you weren’t involved in did you enjoy most as a spectator and why?

The Palace Theatre’s celebration of Night of 1,000 Stars. This is the end-of-the-year tribute to all graduating seniors from the Palace Youth Theatre program. These are children that have matured into young adults, constantly gaining confidence and self-respect for themselves and the amazing wonderful friends they have met and acted with along the way. [It was] just a wonderful evening of celebration that included the granting of more than 20 college scholarships to many graduating seniors!

What events or shows are you most looking forward to in 2024?

The Children’s Summer Series, the professional productions of Dancing Queens, The Prom, Beautiful, 42nd Street, A Christmas Carol and all of the many Palace and Rex Theatre shows, performers and patrons.

2023 was a noteworthy year for the visual arts as well. We checked in with Yasamin Safarzadeh from Kimball Jenkins art school in Concord to see how things went there.

What show or exhibit from 2023 that you were involved in are you most proud of and why?

We had two completed murals with two different groups of interest from Waypoint and MyTurn.

There is extensive coverage of the latter in 603 Diversity, but the former did not [yet] receive too much coverage. These interns, about 15 a piece, were paid for their labor for over six weeks of work! Incredible. We also had a blast for our annual fundraiser, this year called Equinox.

What show or exhibit that you weren’t involved in did you enjoy most as a spectator and why?

I thoroughly enjoyed visiting Akwesasne and seeing their annual art and craft market. It was incredible to see the whole community turn out for the event and to meet so many people from a sovereign nation.

What events or shows are you most looking forward to in 2024?

[I’m] looking forward to having some of the Akwesasne artists come down to Kimball Jenkins for a three-month-long show with curator Margaret Jacobs! Many different nations will be represented for this contemporary indigenous show and the curatorial preparations have been great and we are so honored to be hosting this show.

The Currier Museum of Art knows the importance of diversity and representation, which they displayed this year through their exhibits and, according to their press contact, Courtney Starrett, plan to continue in the new year.

What show/exhibit from 2023 that you were involved in are you most proud of and why?

The Currier was delighted to display the current exhibition ‘Heart of a Museum: Saya Woolfalk’— on view though Feb. 4 — shining a light on diversifying representation in museum galleries. Woofalk’s immersive and mesmerizing installations reimagine the narrative of traditional museum art work by predominantly white male artists. She takes it a step further by including cosmic and universal elements, reminding the viewer that we are all connected — to each other, to nature, to the universe as a whole.

What show that you weren’t involved in did you enjoy most as a spectator and why?

We were thrilled to recently host the Manchester Choral Society on Dec. 2. It’s always amazing to hear their voices soar with the beautiful acoustics of the 1929 Historic Court and see families and friends come back each year for this seasonal tradition.

What events or shows are you most looking forward to in 2024?

The museum looks forward to welcoming in the work of artist Kara Walker this spring, featuring her series ‘Harper’s Pictorial History of the Civil War (Annotated),’ which continues our commitment to showing the best in American art. The show offers us an opportunity to process the brutality of enslavement by retelling the story of emancipation. Beautifully constructed, Kara Walker’s artwork adds critical voices into our gallery through her visually impactful approach to storytelling.

In September, Mike Howat and Fallon Andrews opened Pillar Gallery and Projects (205 N. State St., Concord) with the intention of providing a hub for artists and the community. Here’s how their first few months have been.

What exhibit from 2023 that you were involved in are you most proud of and why?

‘Flora & Fauna’ [and] opening the gallery. We opened in September with our inaugural exhibition, ‘Flora & Fauna,’ and we worked with a range of artists we admire. Connecting a range of creators and seeing the support from the community has been inspiring. ‘Flora & Fauna’ was meant to shake up what curatorial projects mean in New Hampshire and [we] have been excited at the response. We are looking forward to transforming the space with every show.

What show that you weren’t involved in did you enjoy most as a spectator and why?

Katzman Contemporary’s ‘Paint Pals: Good Enough for Our House’ features an artist takeover of the space by five regional artists. It’s an amazingly immersive show with floor-to-ceiling murals covering every surface of the gallery walls, as well as exhibited works on the murals by the artists. The space is entirely transformed with subjects ranging from geometric abstraction, to street art-inspired work and expressionism. Katzman Contemporary has become a regional hub and gathering place for artists in the Northeast. Their openings are always exciting, and you’re always likely to run into some good people and artists.

What events or shows are you most looking forward to in 2024?

We’re really looking to see our neighboring business, State Street Kitchen, run culinary events, ghost kitchens and classes in the new year. The community kitchen space opened last month with a lot of community excitement. There will be classes on knife skills, running a kitchen and a range of culinary education. The space will also have pop-up events of local chefs and bakers. We’re excited to see how the project develops and grows.

In 2024
Palace Theatre Youth presents Mean Girls
When: Wednesday, Jan. 24; Thursday, Jan. 25; Wednesday, Jan. 31, and Thursday, Feb. 1, at 7 p.m.
Where: Palace Theatre, 80 Hanover St., Manchester
More info: palacetheatre.org

Majestic Theatre presents Footloose the musical youth edition
When: Friday, Jan. 26, 7 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 22, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Sunday, Jan. 28, 2 p.m.
More info: Derry Opera House, 29 W. Broadway, Derry

Polymer Clay Workshop
When: Friday, Feb. 2, 6 to 8 p.m.
Where: Manchester Craft Market, 1500 S. Willow St.
More info: manchestercraftmarket.com

Community Players of Concord presents Witness for the Prosecution
When: Friday, Feb. 16, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 17, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Feb. 18, 2 p.m.
Where: Concord City Auditorium, 2 Prince St., Concord
More info: communityplayersofconcord.org

Theatre Kapow presents On the Exhale
When: Friday, Feb. 16, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 17, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Feb. 18, 2 p.m.
Where: Bank of NH Stage, 16 S. Main St., Concord
More info: tkapow.com

BB King photographs by Charlie Sawyer
When: January through February, dates TBD
Where: Kimball Jenkins, 266 N. Main St., Concord

14th Annual New England Winter Blues Festival: A Gulf Coast Records Review
When: Thursday, Feb, 15, 7:30 to 10 p.m.
Where: The Rex Theatre, 23 Amherst St., Manchester
More info: rextheatre.org

Featured photo: Ovation production of Mean Girls. Courtesy photo.

Quality of Life 23/12/28

Toys!

The 12th Annual Tower of Toys initiative in Manchester marked another successful year by collecting approximately 1,100 gifts and raising more than $15,000 for local children and families during the holiday season. According to a press release, the donated toys were assembled into a tower for public viewing at the Beacon Building’s atrium before distribution to beneficiaries through schools, churches and nonprofit organizations. Local businesses, individuals and 10 restaurants actively participated in the campaign, which also received support from various sponsors.

QOL score: +1

Comment: “With heartfelt appreciation, the 12th annual Tower of Toys initiative celebrates the collective generosity that has made the holidays truly magical for New Hampshire children and families,” Larry Thibodeau, Tower of Toys founder and sponsor, said in the release.

Little extra

Following advocacy efforts by the New Hampshire and Vermont Congressional delegations, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has announced an increase in pay for federal employees in certain counties of New Hampshire and Vermont. According to a press release, this change, impacting workers in Carroll, Cheshire, Grafton and Sullivan counties in New Hampshire, aligns their locality pay with most counties in New Hampshire and the Greater Boston area. Over 1,000 federal employees, including those working at the White River Junction VA Medical Center, White Mountain National Forest and the Army’s Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory, will benefit from more competitive pay rates.

QOL score: +1

Comment: The pay raise aims to improve hiring and retention of federal employees, which is crucial for initiatives like the implementation of the PACT Act, a law passed to secure health care and benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances, according to the release.

Money management

A recent analysis by the Pew Charitable Trusts commended New Hampshire for its prudent use of the $995 million received from the American Rescue Plan, NHRP reported. The state allocated the majority (72.5 percent) of these funds to one-time expenses and dedicated over 19 percent to direct pandemic response, such as vaccine distribution and support for long-term care facilities. Only a small portion (8.1 percent) was used for operating expenses, which are typically recurring and could lead to future budget shortfalls.

QOL score: +1

Comment: New Hampshire’s strategic spending on pandemic response and one-time investments, like purchasing Hampstead Hospital and expanding housing, is in line with Pew’s recommendations for minimizing the risk of future fiscal imbalances, the article said.

QOL score: 90

Net change: +3

QOL this week: 93

What’s affecting your Quality of Life here in New Hampshire?
Let us know at [email protected].

Featured photo: 12th Annual Tower of Toys. Courtesy photo.

This Week 23/12/28

Big Events December 28, 2023 and Beyond

Thursday, Dec. 28

Recycled Percussion begins its multi-show run today at the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester, 668-5588, palacetheatre.org) running through Jan. 7 (see the Nov. 9 issue for an in-depth interview with Justin Spencer). Showtimes include today at 7 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 29, through Monday, Jan. 1, at 3 and 7 p.m.; Friday, Jan. 5, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 6, at 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m., and Sunday, Jan. 7, at 3 and 7 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 28

Take a moment for some art at the Currier Museum of Art’s (150 Ash St. in Manchester; currier.org) Art After Work today from 5 to 8 p.m., when admission is free and live music will be provided by Max Sullivan Band. This is the last Art After Work Thursday before a winter break, according to the museum’s website.

Sunday, Dec. 31

Catch Adam Ezra tonight at 9 p.m. at the Tupelo Music Hall (10 A St. in Derry; tupelomusichall.com) — tickets cost $45 for the show ($95 for a dinner-and-show ticket). Find more ideas for New Year’s Eve celebration in the Dec. 21 issue of the Hippo at hippopress.com, where you can flip through the e-edition. On page 28, find alist of restaurants with special meals and seatings; on page 36 find a listing of music and parties.

Sunday, Dec. 31

Juston McKinney is just one of several comedians dishing out the last laughs at 2023. He’s performing tonight at the Nashua Center for the Arts (201 Main St. in Nashua; nashuacenterforthearts.com) at 5 and 8 p.m. Tickets cost $39. Find more comedy in our Comedy This Week listings in the Nite section.

Monday, Jan. 1

Start the year with a brisk run — the Apple Therapy & Derry Sports Rehab Millennium Mile in Londonderry steps off at a New Year’s Eve party-attendee-friendly 2 p.m. Registration costs $20 for everyone 12 and over; $10 for 11 and under. The course is described as “a point-to-point, downhill 1-mile course for all ages and abilities starting on Mammoth Road in front of Londonderry High School,” according to millenniumrunning.com, where you can find out more about the race and register.

Wednesday, Jan. 3

Andrew North and the Rangers host RangerZone Open Mic tonight at the Bank of New Hampshire Stage (16 S. Main St. in Concord; ccanh.com). Signups start at 6:30 p.m. and participants will get a slot based on a lottery; music starts at 6:45 p.m. Bring your instrument; amps are provided and the band can serve as your backing band. Admission is free.

Save the Date! Friday, Jan. 19
Heat up with winter with Dancing Queens, billed as “the Ulimate ABBA and Disco Tribute,” at the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St. in Manchester; palacetheatre.org, 668-5588) Friday, Jan. 19, through Sunday, Feb. 11, with shows at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, plus Thursday, Feb. 8, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $28 to $49.

Featured photo: Adam Ezra Group

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