I have three of these toys, all metal and marked Tootsietoy on the bottom. This one is in the best used condition. It’s about 5 inches long. Can you share a value with me?
Thank you, Donna.
Bob
Dear Bob,
The Tootsietoy company was located in Chicago, Illinois. It’s been around since the 1920s. They produced diecast toys (metal poured into molds, then other parts added).
Not only did they make toy cars, tractors, etc.; they made a great line of doll house furniture in metal as well. It has an interesting history to read up on.
The value of your 1930s trailer truck should be in the $50 range to collectors in that condition. Don’t disregard the other two either, Bob. Parts of one can be used on another, so collectors will buy used, broken toys as well.
I hope this helps, Bob, and thanks for sharing.
Donna Welch has spent more than 35 years in the antiques and collectibles field, appraising and instructing. Her new location is an Antique Art Studio located in Dunbarton, NH where she is still buying and selling. If you have questions about an antique or collectible send a clear photo and information to Donna at footwdw@aol.com, or call her at 391-6550.
• So fetch! The Palace Youth Theatre, featuring performers in grades 2 through 12, will present Mean Girls Jr. at the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St. in Manchester; palacetheatre.org, 668-5588) on Thursday, Jan. 25, at 7 p.m.; Wednesday, Jan. 31, at 7 p.m. and Thursday, Feb. 1, at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $12 to $15.
• Concord Community Music School (23 Wall St. in Concord; ccmusicschool.org) will hold a student recital and puppetry performance on Friday, Jan. 26, at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public but seating is limited, according to a newsletter.
• The Majestic Academy (majestictheatre.net) will present Footloose The Musical Youth Edition at the Derry Opera House (29 W Broadway in Derry) on Friday, Jan. 26, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 27, at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday, Jan. 28, at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $10 to $15.
Family gametime
• Play Theater Candy Bingo at Chunky’s Cinema Pub (chunkys.com) this weekend. On Friday, Jan. 26, at 6:30 p.m., the Manchester location (707 Huse Road) hosts a game. On Saturday, Jan. 27, at 6:30 p.m., Pelham (150 Bridge St.) hosts the game. For either game, reserve a seat for $10 per person, which gets you a $5 food voucher, a bingo card and a box of candy that goes into the pot, according to the website. The event lasts about an hour and a half with a goal of getting in about eight rounds, the website said.
Classic family film
• Singin’ in the Rain (1952) will screen at Red River Theatres (11 S. Main St., Concord, 224-4600, redrivertheatres.org) on Saturday, Jan. 27, at 10 a.m. Tickets cost $10. The event coincides with Concord’s Winterfest this weekend. For more family fun at this event, see the story on page 23.
• Celebrate 85 years of the yellow brick road, ruby slippers and flying monkeys at a screening of The Wizard of Oz(1939) presented by Fathom Events. Catch the movie Sunday, Jan. 28, at 1 p.m. at AMC Londonderry, Cinemark Rockingham Park in Salem, O’neil Cinemas in Epping and Regal Fox Run in Newington and also at 7 p.m. at AMC Londonderry and Regal Fox Run; on Monday, Jan. 29, at 7 p.m. at all of those theaters and on Wednesday, Jan. 31, at 7 p.m. at AMC Londonderry, Cinemark and Regal Fox Run.
Not all the festival fun has to be reserved for summer. Ice sculptures, curling, telescope viewings, a beer garden, puppies and more will be at the Concord Winter Fest from Friday, Jan. 26, to Sunday, Jan. 28, presented by Intown Concord in partnership with The Hotel Concord.
“This is our sixth year,” said Jessica Martin, the director of Intown Concord. “It started [during] The Hotel Concord grand opening and we partnered with them and it’s just gained momentum.”
While the festival is usually scheduled to coincide with the Black Ice Pond Hockey tournament, weather has caused the tournament to be rescheduled the past few years, and this year is no exception, with the postponement dates being Friday, Feb. 9, through Sunday, Feb. 11.
Nonetheless, there will be plenty to do around the downtown area with a free shuttle sponsored by Concord Area Transit on Saturday. Festivities start with the Art & Bloom exhibition at Kimball Jenkins, presented by the Concord Garden Club. While the opening reception is on Thursday, Jan. 25, the dates coinciding with the festival are Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The exhibition features works of art accompanied by floral designs created by the community, Concord Garden Club members and professional designers.
Other happenings over the course of the festival include free wine tastings at Wine on Main, Singin’ in the Rain at Red River Theatre, telescope viewing at the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, a doggie meet and greet with Darbster Rescue, Snow-ga with blossom yoga, and an ice carving competition and viewing.
“We’re going to have a judging panel that will judge them but we will also post the photos of them on social media … for people to vote on their favorite and then we do … a people’s choice award,” Martin said.
There will also be vendors, a beer garden and food trucks on Capitol Street on Saturday and Sunday, including Wicked Tasty Food Truck and Bubble Bee Milk Tea. New this year is an outdoor curling rink sponsored by NH Scot on Saturday and a Winterfest Family Dance Party with Mr. Aaron at the Bank of NH Stage on Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m.
“The overall hope is to give people something fun to do during a time of year where people are sometimes lacking options for things to do. It’s a little bit of a slower time of year for our downtown on the heels of the holidays, so we want to create something that drives people to the downtown [and] helps get people out there. In addition to the festival we have a great downtown with lots of shops and restaurants for people to enjoy. … It’s winter, but there’s nothing saying that we can’t be outside.”
Concord NH Winter Fest When: 3pm Friday, Jan 16th, to 4pm Sunday, Jan 28th
The latest from NH’s theater, arts and literary communities
• Classical by candlelight: Candlelight Concerts, thea presentation of classical and other musical genres in “a live, multi-sensory musical experience,” will perform Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and more on Thursday, Jan. 25, at 6 and 8:30 p.m. at the Rex Theatre (23 Amherst St. in Manchester; palacetheatre.org). Tickets cost $43 to $61. See candlelightexperience.com for more on the concerts.
• At the music school: The Concord Community Music School (23 Wall St. in Concord; ccmusicschool.org) will hold a Purple Finches Youth Chorus open sing on MOonday, Jan. 29, according to a newsletter. The event is free and open to the public. Fledglings (for kids in grades kindergarten through 2nd) meetsmeet at 4:10 p.m., Fliers (for grades 3 to 5) meetsmeet at 5 p.m. and Finches Select (for grades 6 through 8) meet at 6 p.m.
A Canterbury Singers open sing for adults meets on Tuesday, Jan. 30, from 7 to 8:15 p.m. Find out more about the group and how to join at ccmusic.org/canterbury-singers.
The school’s spring semester of classes begins on Monday, Jan. 29. Go online to see the spring offerings or call 228-1196.
And Slide Guitar 101, a workshop for early intermediate to advanced guitar players interested in the blues, will be held Wednesday, Feb. 7, from 7 to 8 p.m. The cost is $25 and the class will provide slides, ; bring your own guitar. Register online.
In addition to the Bach’s Lunch lecture on Thursday, Feb. 1, at 12:10 p.m., Peggo and Paul (the wife and husband team of Peggo and Paul Hodes) will offer a concert on Thursday, Feb. 8, at 12:10 p.m. called “Bach’s Lunch: Share the Love Valentine’s Day Concert with Peggo, Paul and Friends.” The event is held in the Recital Hall and is free and open to the public, according to a newsletter.An Integrated Arts Recital will be held on Thursday, Feb. 22, at 7 p.m. featuring student musicians who will also display visual art they’ve created to go along with the recital, according to a newsletter. The event is free and open to the public.
Blossoming Beyond “Blossoming Beyond: Celebrating Queerness in Nature,” an exhibition that “showcases work that embodies the resilience, strength and beauty of both the natural world and the LGBTQ+ community,” according to queerlective.com, is slated to open at the New Hampshire Audubon Massabesic Center (26 Audubon Way in Auburn) on Wednesday, Jan. 24, and run through Saturday, March 30. An opening reception will be held Saturday, Jan. 27, from 2 to 5 p.m.
• More Paul: You can also catch the former 2nd District U.S. Congressman Paul Hodes on Saturday, Feb. 17, at 7 p.m. at a fundraiser for Gather (a nonprofit providing healthy food to individuals experiencing food insecurity in Seacoast communities), at 3S Artspace (319 Vaughan St. in Portsmouth; 3sarts.org), according to a press release. Tickets are pay what you choose starting at $22. Hodes will play with The Blue Buddha Band, the release said.
• At the audi: The Concord Community Concert Association will present the Frisson Ensemble at the Concord City Auditorium (2 Prince St. in Concord; theaudi.org) on Sunday, Feb. 4, at 2 p.m. The concert will feature a trio of cello, piano and clarinet, according to the website. Tickets cost $20 at the door or $23 online at ccca-audi.org. See frissonensemble.com for a look and listen to Frisson performances.
Saya Woolfalk There are two more weekends to catch “Heart of a Museum: Saya Woolfalk” at the Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St. in Manchester; currier.org, 669-6144). Described as “a new experiential installation by artist Saya Woolfalk, the exhibition is a commission for the museum that investigates the history of the institution and revisits its iconography and original design,” according to the website, which says the exhibition uses the mosaics designed by Salvatore Lascari that were the entrance of the Currier as the starting point. The exhibition is on display through Sunday, Feb. 4. The Currier is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission costs $20 for adults, $15 for 65+, $15 for students, $5 for ages 13 to 17, and children 12 and under get in free.
• Afternoon of dance: NSquared Dance Company will present A Continuation of Love, a dance fundraiser with a Valentine’s Day theme, on Sunday, Feb. 18, at 4 p.m. at the Rex Theatre (23 Amherst St. in Manchester; palacetheatre.org). “This performance is full of vignettes and will treat the audience to the full breadth of the company’s high-caliber dance styles,” said Zackery Betty, Cco-Ffounder of NSquared Dance, in a press release. “It’s also a chance for people to learn more about what we do and the importance of dance within the community as an expressive art form for entertainment and community engagement.” The event will also feature catered food and a silent auction, the release said. Tickets cost $40. See nhdancecollaborative.org.
Footloose The Musical: Youth Edition Can Ren bring dancing to Bomont? The Majestic Academy of Dramatic Arts (669-7469, majestictheatre.net) presents Footloose The Musical: Youth Edition Friday, Jan. 26, through Sunday, Jan. 28, at the Derry Opera House (29 West Broadway in Derry). Shows are at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets cost $15 for adults, $13 for 65+ and $10 for youth ages 17 and under.
• February at SAA plus a call for art: “Photos as Canvas,” a show featuring the digital artwork of photographer Dean Scott of Exeter, will open at the Seacoast Artist Association (130 Water St. in Exeter; seacoastartist.org) on Wednesday, Jan. 31, and run through Sunday, Feb. 25, according to a press release. An artist reception will be held on Friday, Feb. 9, from 5 to 7 p.m. as part of the Second Friday Artwalk and will feature SAA exhibiting artist Cheryl Sager and her husband, Neal Zweig, in a Valentine concert, the release said.
Artists are also welcome to submit artwork for the February Valentine e-themed show “Let Me Show You What I Love,” the release said. Drop-off is Saturday, Jan. 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or at the aAssociation’s website, according to the press release. Attendees at the Second Friday event will vote for a people’s choice award, with the winner receiving a future free month’s entry, the release said. The March theme will be “Shadows and Light” with a drop -off on Saturday, Feb. 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The gallery is open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. Email gallery@seacoastartist.org with questions.
Also at SAA, Cleo Huggins’ show of oil paintings “Sea Creatures” will open on Wednesday, Jan. 31, and run through Sunday, Feb. 25. according to a release. Huggins will also be at the artist reception, which will feature a raw bar provided by Huggins and her husband, according to the release.
• Author event: Matthew Delmont, author of the new book Half American: The Heroic Story of African Americans Fighting World War II at Home and Abroad, will discuss his book on Wednesday, Feb. 28, at 7 p.m. at the Music Hall Lounge (131 Congress St. in Portsmouth; themusichall.org), according to a press release. The event will include author conversation, audience Q&A and a post-show meet and greet, the release said. Tickets cost $34 and include a signed book.
Bach’s Lunch The Bach’s Lunch at Concord Community Music School (23 Wall St. in Concord; ccmusicschool.org) will feature a “Songwriting Lecture with Peggo and Paul” on Thursday, Feb 1, at 12:10 p.m. This husband-and-wife duo (together for 45 years) have collaborated on numerous compositions and recordings, according to a newsletter. Peggo is a classically trained vocalist and Paul plays by ear, the newsletter said. The lecture will include discussion of their composition process along with performances of examples, the newsletter said. Call 228-1196 or visit ccmusicschool.org/event/bachs-lunch-songwriting-2024.
There are a few things to know before heading out to see the Palace Theatre’s latest musical extravaganza, Dancing Queens — The Ultimate ABBA & Disco Tribute, running through Feb 11. First, a bit of ’70s finery, like white bell bottoms or a mohair fedora, will definitely heighten the mood, and glitter’s not a wrong touch either. Second, patrons should come prepared to dance, with swaying arms held high, and a Palace-provided glow stick in hand.
Finally, as the title implies, the evening doesn’t just center on the Swedish pop sensation, though every important song is represented, along with a few nuggets like “Thank You for the Music.” The show is also about the musical craze that made ABBA’s ascension possible, from Donna Summer to two dance floor numbers still vying for the title of the genre’s all-time best, “Disco Inferno” and “I Will Survive.”
ABBA is a winning formula for the Palace, which staged Mamma Mia! in 2021 — for the second time. Dancing Queens differs from the Broadway musical. Conceived and directed by the venue’s Creative Director Carl Rajotte, it has no storyline, just joyous songs performed by co-lead singers Michelle Rajotte, Militia Vox and Sydney Phipps. There’s also a lot of dancing, by duos and well-choreographed ensembles.
Rajotte, the director’s younger sister, played Donna in both Palace Mamma Mia! productions, while the other two singers are newcomers to the Palace stage. Phipps last performed with the Lancaster, Pennsylvania-based American Music Theatre, while Vox’s credits include a duet with Judas Priest’s Rob Halford and tours with TheRocky Horror Show and Rock of Ages.
Vox shines in both the Gloria Gaynor “I Will Survive” segment and the three-song Diana Ross tribute.
“I really wanted Militia for the cast,” Director Rajotte said the Monday after Dancing Queens’ opening weekend. “I found her voice to be so different from the other two, and it definitely gives a different feel to the music with her metal background.”
A house band includes John Tengowski, Jay Walters, Mike Lecuyer, Will Tecia, and backup singers Asia DeShields and Cara Chumbley. They’re led by Musical Director GE Enrique on piano, who also sings lead on Rick James’ “Super Freak” and the Michael Jackson smash, “Don’t Stop ‘til You Get Enough.”
Featured dancers include two American Music Theatre alums, Andy Kastrati, who recently served as Show Captain there, and Missy Clayton, who’s also performed in several Palace shows, as has Brad Weatherford, another Mamma Mia! cast member. Dancers Dylin McCarthy, Rachel Muhleisen, Rose Meyers and Savannah Enoch are Palace newcomers.
Wardrobe, designed by Jessica Moryl, is another show highlight; most cast members are changing outfits 25 times over the course of the evening. Moryl served as Rajotte’s assistant for many years before moving to Washington, D.C., where her husband leads a military band, “but she still flies out to design our costumes,” Rajotte said.
Although Dancing Queens is the Palace’s third bite of the ABBA apple, enthusiasm for the group hasn’t abated. If anything, social media has spread their music across generations. That’s what prompted Rajotte to revisit it, but this time with some additional musical context.
“ABBA’s music is really mainstream again,” he said. “I think it’s social media, TikTok and other platforms used by influencers. That’s why I wanted to do it.”
When the opening night show on Jan. 19 was peppered with dressed up 50- and 60-somethings, Rajotte wondered if three more weekend shows would be similar. They were.
“All ages came, and everyone was just as loud,” he said. “It’s a hit in that way and that was the goal, appeal to the crowd that grew up with it, and with new fans.”
Mindful that the bands’ fans are a pretty dedicated bunch, the show maintains a four-to-one ABBA-to-disco ratio.
“I’d love to do just a disco show, and that may yet happen — even those hits are becoming mainstream for this generation,” Rajotte said. “But people are coming to see ABBA, and the disco hits are a little extra. So it’s made for their music.”
Dancing Queens – The Ultimate ABBA & Disco Tribute Where: Fridays, 7:30pm; Saturdays, 2 and 7:30pm, and Saturdays, 2pm, through Feb. 11 When: The Palace Theater, 80 Hanover St. Manchester More info: $28 and up at the palacetheater.org
Featured photo: Previous New Hampshire Theatre Awards. Courtesy photos.
There’s a lot more to nuptials than saying “I do.”
In fact, there are so many moving parts that it might make sense for you to hire someone to help out — or several someones. Here’s a look at some of the available professional services to help take some of the stress out of planning and putting on a wedding. Why not simply enjoy your day?
Planning services
Wedding planners are hired to look at the big picture, making sure everything works in concert as your wedding day unfolds. In some cases, you may be able to break apart their responsibilities, but others don’t offer a la carte options. They want to make sure it all unfolds flawlessly. During your initial consultation meeting, you’ll discuss personal expectations, their available packages, and information on coordinating during your actual wedding day.
Don’t worry about a venue if you hire a wedding planner. They will listen carefully to your explanation and then select a series of possible facilities to meet your criteria. Once your big day arrives, the wedding planner will then take control of every aspect of the wedding event. They’ll hire and manage vendors, as needed, while providing directions to guests and your wedding party.
Photographer
You’re going to want lots of documentation from this special event. Don’t rely on friends and family to get the best photos. Make sure a professional photographer is on hand to capture the quality images you’ll keep with you for a lifetime. Ask for referrals before hiring someone, ask people in your circle about their experiences, and look over examples of their previous wedding assignments. Then create a detailed plan based on how the event will unfold, and what you are looking for from the pre-wedding activities and reception.
Florist
You want to get the most out of the bounty of spring, so splurge on an expert in floral arrangements. A florist will help create centerpieces, fun accents and your bouquets, adding pops of color and intrigue. When you meet, explain your expectations and color palette in as much detail as possible. This is a particularly important hire if you have booked a destination wedding, since you’re likely unfamiliar with the local varieties and when they are at their peak.
Spring Wedding Necessities
Spring offers its own natural beauty.
Blossoming flowers complete the gorgeous setting, adding pops of color and fresh scents to your special day. But no spring wedding would be complete without a few other necessities. Here’s a look:
Fresh style looks
The warmer weather opens up all sorts of style options for fashionable brides. Make sure your look matches the moments with soft colors and lightweight material so friends and family can enjoy the nuptials in comfort. Choosing the bridesmaids’ dresses can be particularly fun this time of year, with lots of options in shades of the same color.
Outdoor dancing
Look for venues with space for outdoor dancing, so you can celebrate your new union in the warmth of a starry night. Setting all of this up can add another layer of logistical issues, considering you’ll need both power and lights. Discuss where the band or DJ will need to set up, and ensure the facility has everything needed. Of course, the best venues are old pros at this and will have a detailed plan ready to share. Be sure to update them on the number of guests who are expected to ensure there’s room for everyone.
Hydration station
Everyone is bound to be thirsty after the ceremony, and particularly after cutting a rug for a while at the reception. Be sure there are plenty of drinks on hand to quench their thirst, both non-alcoholic and alcoholic.
Spring is the perfect time for eye-catching libations, from lemonade and margaritas to iced tea and fruity drinks. Ask about clear glass pitchers to show everything off. If the venue can accommodate it, consider making separate stations for different kinds of drinks.
Light desserts
Don’t forget that desserts are about more than the wedding cake. Take advantage of the opportunity to wow your guests by bringing the same level of creativity to the final course of the evening. Besides a wedding cake that’s bound to be beautiful and delicious, create something that makes use of in-season fruits and berries to garnish colorful cookies and pies. Your decorator can complete the look with centerpieces based on similar colors. Spring-themed cakes are always a hit, and you can also have lots of fun with cupcakes. Top it all off with a champagne toast. What better way to celebrate such a huge occasion?
Take it Outside
There’s something special about an outdoor wedding, especially if you’re planning a gorgeous, romantic destination event.
But even if you are planning on having your nuptials in the backyard, there are certain benchmark elements that you’ll need to have in place to pull it all off. Here’s a checklist to make your spring outdoor wedding a stress-free success:
Communication plan
There needs to be a central communication hub so that check-ins and changes can be communicated, whether that’s a group text, a Facebook event page, wedding website or online meeting space. Vendors, guests, friends and members of the wedding party should be able to quickly and easily get in contact if they have questions or concerns. This will become particularly important if there is a major change in plans, but can be helpful in even small situations — such as when someone is running late.
If you don’t hire a wedding planner, designate a family member or friend to monitor the agreed-upon communication hub.
Know the rules
Be aware of local noise and crowd regulations. There may be local statutes or venue guidelines when it comes to how loudly and how long a band or DJ can play music.
You also need to make sure you don’t block traffic, or create other issues for people who live in or are traveling through the area. Make sure you know where and when people are allowed to park. You don’t want to end up with unforeseen issues with neighbors or business owners because of overflow traffic.
If you’re worried about having enough space for all of your guests to park, contact nearby churches or schools — and then direct people there.
Alternate location
The biggest risk with outdoor events of any kind, of course, is bad weather. Your wedding will be planned out months in advance, meaning there’s no way to check the forecast for rain. Create a backup plan just in case. Tour suitable alternate venues or look for outdoor sites that have nearby buildings so everything can be quickly transferred.
Wedding Favors
Wedding favors are your way of saying thank you to everyone who was a part of your special event.
The average cost of these gifts, according to The Knot wedding website, is several hundred dollars. Still, that’s worth it. They let guests know that you care, while providing them with a small special memory of their own from the big day. Here are a few gift ideas:
Go green
Giving plants as a wedding favor is hip and eco-friendly, and they’re especially attractive if your wedding is being held in an outdoor setting. Match with local flora or fauna, and you’re literally allowing your friends and family to take a piece of your wedding home with them. Once it’s home, their plant will become a living memory. Succulents are on trend, and also easy to care for. Stop by a local nursery to ask for specifics, keeping in mind that some native plants may not transfer well when brought back home.
Get going
Destination weddings offer a great opportunity to match the event with a travel theme. Pick fun items like luggage tags, maps and travel snacks, then arrange them in attractive totes. Or go hyper-local, giving your guests things that are only found in the area where you’re getting married. That might be a special food, handmade good, or art object. Having a beach wedding? Don’t forget the sunscreen!
Time to indulge
Trendy items this year include coffee mugs and miniature candles. For the more offbeat, consider heart-shaped tea bags or mini-pizza cutters. Edible wedding favors like small chocolates, jars of honey or cupcakes can both surprise and delight. If you’re already indulging in plenty of flowers, add floral-inspired lollipops in flavors like champagne and roses, lemon and thyme, and rosemary and mint. One memorable offering even has seeds infused into the sticks, so they can be planted afterward.
Fun and games
Add flair with personalized items like napkins, plastic cups, shot glasses, wine glass charms and miniature bottles of liquor, beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages with your names and the wedding date. Other personalized options include koozies, matchboxes, playing cards and mugs which can be made with messages, names, dates or even pictures. Everyone can enjoy them right away at the reception, or bring things home as a special memento from your nuptials.
A New Take on Dairy
Wine and cheese may have long been staples at weddings, but cheese is now having its own moment.
Wedding celebrations are now including everything from upscale charcuterie and exciting cheesecake options to comfort foods like macaroni and cheese and grilled cheese sandwiches. Here’s how to join this growing trend:
Boards and wines
Charcuterie is a French word that originally referred to preparing meats, particularly pork, and then presenting them in a variety of ways. Today, the selection and variety of ingredients have wildly expanded. Ham, sausages, bacon or confit can be paired with complementary cheeses, jams, fruits or nuts of your choosing. Create your own unique charcuterie boards or enticing spreads on a main table, or smaller versions at individual seating areas, so everyone can join in the cheesy fun. They’re attractive and often cost-efficient.
Consider hiring a sommelier, or wine expert, if the budget allows. They’ll know just which libation matches with the unique flavor combinations you’ve created on these charcuterie boards. Ideally, there will be a variety of choices in both whites and reds, so everyone can enjoy the evening. Some couples also choose to pair all of this with craft beer, to add a modern twist.
Comfort foods
Grilled cheese sandwiches and macaroni and cheese aren’t just easy home-cooked meals anymore. Caterers are increasingly including these warm, cheesy delights are part of their wedding reception offerings, but with more polished culinary twists, of course. Nutty Gruyere, gooey fontina and sharp cheddar jazz up mini-bite sandwiches, which are made using inventive breads and spreads. Macaroni and cheese is also being elevated, with inviting new cheese choices and fun pasta shapes. Try cavatappi, penne or rotini. Then dive into Swiss, blue cheese, creamy Alfredo or Gruyere-based sauces. Top it all off with pancetta or crispy bacon, diced tomatoes (particularly welcome if it gets a little too warm at your spring wedding), spicy jalapenos, fresh broccoli or chopped herbs.
After dinner
The multi-tiered wedding cake still rules in all of its confectionery glory. But cheese is elbowing its way to the table too in the form of exciting cheesecake options or cheeses matched with sweets like fresh fruit.
Cheese and fruit are a great alternative if the spouses-to-be or guests are going low-carb or gluten-free.
A look at the Winter Music Series heating up the local scene
With sunny gazebo concerts hovering between distant memory and faint promise, live music has moved indoors for the coming months. Fortunately a lot of venues are stepping up, most with original artists in unique settings like wineries, brewpubs, museums and apres-ski shows.
Here’s a look at a few places using music to help shake winter’s chill.
The Flying Goose Brewpub & Grille is home to New Hampshire’s longest-running listening room series.
“It started in 1993 or 1994,” Tom Pirozzoli, who founded it and played its first show, said recently. “I approached my old friend Tom Mills with the idea … after having released a new CD.”
In the late ’80s Pirozzoli ran a similar effort in Keene at a place called Chalkboard West, doing booking, sound and occasionally performing. The contacts he made there helped to get the Flying Goose effort off the ground.
Every year from autumn to early spring it hosts the cream of New England’s folk and roots scene.
“We try to mix some new acts in each year and also stay true to our longtime friends like Tom Rush, David Mallett and Aztec Two Step,” Pirozzoli said.
Among the performers in the current series is Lucy Kaplansky, who’s taking a quick break from the successful On a Winter’s Night tour with fellow folk singers John Gorka, Cliff Eberhart and Patty Larkin (who’s also appearing this year). Kaplansky, whose most recent album is 2022’s Last Days of Summer, is a returning favorite of the series.
“I’m always so happy to play there,” Kaplansky said by phone from her home in New York City. “The audience is great and people come no matter what the weather is like — one time, it was literally 20 below. Tom does a great job with the sound, the staff is super nice, the food is great. It’s a wonderful gig.”
Thursday, Feb. 1, 7:30 p.m. – New England Bluegrass Band
Thursday, Feb. 8, 7:30 p.m. – Mark Erelli
Thursday, Feb. 29, 7:30 p.m. – Ari Hest
Thursday, March 7, 7:30 p.m. – Lucy Kaplansky
Thursday, March 21, 7:30 p.m. – Patty Larkin
Thursday, April 4, 7:30 p.m. – David Francey
Thursday, April 11, 7:30 p.m. – Ordinary Elephant
Thursday, April 25, 7:30 p.m. – Garnet Rogers
Currier Museum of Art
The Currier Museum of Art is a longtime friend of live music, with its Thursday After Work concerts a prime example. While those are on seasonal hiatus and will be back in the spring, there are currently regular Sunday performances in the museum’s Winter Garden restaurant.
Majed Sabri, the Currier’s Digital Operations Manager, said in a recent phone interview that the museum tends to re-book musicians who connect with the brunch crowd, adding that the performers share a common thread.
“They’re local, and we’re always about uplifting local talent,” he said. “They all have a really great vibe; we don’t want to have an overpowering sound, and they’re really good at being beautiful background music. People ask to have them back.”
Currier Museum (150 Ash St., Manchester, currier.org)
Sunday, Jan. 28, 11 a.m. – Mac Holmes
Sunday, Feb. 4, 11 a.m. – Joey Clark (plays harmonica too), alt country
Sunday, Feb. 11, 11 a.m. – Seth Connolly, original rock and blues, very talented guitarist
Sunday, Feb. 18, 11 a.m. – Mac Holmes
Sunday, Feb. 25, 11 a.m. – Joey Clark (tentative)
Sunday, March 3, 11 a.m. – Joey Clark
Sunday, March 10, 11 a.m. – Seth Connolly
Sunday, March 17, 11 a.m. – Mac Holmes
Sunday, March 24, 11 a.m. – Harry Borch
Hermit Woods Winery
Musician Katie Dobbins launched the Songwriter RoundUp Series at Hermit Woods Winery a year ago. Happening the final Wednesday of the month, each show features Dobbins and two other artists doing original material in a classic “song pull” format. The evening ends with all three joining together for a cover, anything from Sara Bareilles to The Band’s “The Weight.”
Sometimes the guests are people she’s worked with in the past, like Brooks Young, who’ll be at the Feb. 28 event. Other times a performer is one that Dobbins knows by reputation and wants to work with.
“I spend a lot of time… trying to cultivate a bill of folks that will complement each other and make a really special evening,” Dobbins said from her home in the Lakes Region. “A lot of times it’s our first time meeting each other, so you never know quite what’s going to happen. But it’s always been really fun.”
With great sound and sightlines, along with a small capacity, the winery provides an intimate, artist-centric space. Working for an audience that’s completely focused on music “matters a lot,” Dobbins said. “Bar gigs are fun too; there’s a place for them in their own way, but there is something really special about getting away from that.”
Hermit Woods Winery (72 Main St., Meredith, hermitwoods.com)
(tickets $10 to $15 at eventbrite.com)
Wednesday, Jan. 31, 7 p.m. – Katie Dobbins, Dan Fallon & Dylan Patrick Ward
Wednesday, Feb. 28, 7 p.m. – Katie Dobbins, Brooks Young & Tim Winchester
Wednesday, March 27, 7 p.m. – Katie Dobbins, Sam Luke Chase & Jay Psaros
Apres-ski action at Henniker’s Pats Peak resort includes Irish-flavored acoustic group The McMurphys stopping in frequently. This year the big news is Monkeys With Hammers: guitarist Chris Lester (Sully Erna, Mama Kicks), drummer Eric Wagley and bass player Rich Knox who’ll play a one-off reunion show on Saturday, March 2.
Pats Peak Ski Area (686 Flanders Road, Henniker, patspeak.com)
Saturday, Jan. 27, 6 p.m. – Kimayo
Saturday, Feb. 3, 6 p.m. – The McMurphys
Saturday, Feb. 10, 6 p.m. – The 603s
Saturday, Feb. 17, 6 p.m. – The McMurphys
Saturday, Feb. 24, 6 p.m. – April Cushman Trio
Saturday, March 2, 6 p.m. – Monkeys With Hammers
Saturday, March 9, 6 p.m. – River Sang Wild
Sunday, March 10, 6 p.m. – Supernothing
Saturday, March 16, 6 p.m. – Tyler Levs
Saturday, March 23, 6 p.m. – Andrea Paquin
Saturday, March 30, 6 p.m. – The McMurphys
Bank of NH Stage
The Capitol Center for the Arts hosts a recurring afternoon series at its Cantin Room, located upstairs in their Bank of NH Stage’s lounge. The event is curated by NH Music Collective.
“We focus on local performers who often don’t get a chance to see their name up in lights on Main Street,” NHMC’s John McArthur said recently. “The audiences and performers love that everyone is there to listen. It’s a beautiful way for performers to closely connect with their fans without distractions.”
Bank of NH Stage (16 S. Main St., Concord, ccanh.com)
Sunday, Feb. 4 – Heather Pierson Duo
Sunday, March 3 – Alex Preston
Sunday, April 7 – Senie Hunt
Sunday, May 5 – Run Like Thieves (EP release)
Nippo Lake Golf Club & Restaurant
Acoustic music fans delight in the Nippo Lake Bluegrass Series, which lasts from October through April. The long-running event features some of the region’s finest players and over the years has grown into a Sunday evening tradition.
Nippo Lake Golf Club & Restaurant (88 Stagecoach Road, Barrington – nippobluegrass.com)
Sunday, Jan. 28, 6 p.m. – She Gone
Sunday, Feb. 2, 6 p.m. – New England Bluegrass Band
Sunday, Feb. 18, 6 p.m. – Chicken Shack
Sunday, Feb. 25, 6 p.m. – Lunch at the Dump
Sunday, March 3, 6 p.m. – Cedar Mountain
Sunday, March 10, 6 p.m. – High Range
Sunday, March 24, 6 p.m. – Unsung Heroes
Sunday, April 7, 6 p.m. – Cordwood
Sunday, April 14, 6 p.m. – Wide Open Spaces
Sunday, April 21, 6 p.m. – Old Hat
Joey Clark. Courtesy photo.
The Livery
NH Music Collective’s monthly events at Sunapee’s Livery land on a number of goals, including dinner and fundraising along with music. Upcoming beneficiaries include Full Circle Farm Therapeutic Riding Program and The Newport Recreation Program.
“Through business sponsorships we can bring both local and national touring acts to this intimate 100-seat venue in an historic building,” NHMC’s McArthur said, noting that American Idol favorite Alex Preston is among the performers appearing in coming months.
The Livery in Sunapee Harbor (58 Main St., Sunapee, thelivery.org)
Saturday, Feb. 17 – Slim Volume
Sunday, March 17 – JD and the Stonemasons
Saturday, April 20 – Alex Preston
Sap House Meadery
The NHMC ticketed series at Sap House Meadery offers dinner and music in a bucolic setting. “We curate a very eclectic program that has included international and regional music from Ukraine, Brazil, Cuba, Quebec, India, Ireland, Scotland, Appalachia and West Africa,” NHMC’s McArthur said, calling the varying cuisines “perfect complements to the performances.”
Sap House Meadery (6 Folsom Road, Ossipee, saphousemeadery.com)
Thursday, Feb. 15 – David Hamburger
Thursday, March 14 – Jud Caswell
Thursday, April 18 – Senie Hunt
More winter music series
Front Four Cellars (13 Railroad Ave., Wolfeboro, frontfourcellars.com)
Jan. 26, 5 p.m. – Garrett Smith
Jan. 27, 5 p.m. – Jordan Quinn
Feb. 17, 5 p.m. – Eric Lindberg
Feb. 23, 5 p.m. – Garrett Smith
Feb. 24, 5 p.m. – Chris Lester
March 9, 5 p.m. – Cat Faulkner Duo
March 16, 5 p.m. – Ian Galipeau
March 22, 5 p.m. – Garrett Smith
March 23, 5 p.m. – Mikey G
March 30, 5 p.m. – Tyler Levs
Twin Barns Brewing Co. (194 Daniel Webster Hwy., Meredith, twinbarnsbrewing.com)
Friday, Jan. 26, 5 p.m. – The Lone Wolf Project (Chris Perkins)
Friday, Jan. 27, 5 p.m. – Karen Grenier
Friday, Feb. 2, 5 p.m. – Andrea Paquin
Saturday, Feb. 3, 5 p.m. – Dave Clark
Friday, Feb. 9, 5 p.m. – The Sweetbloods
Saturday, Feb. 10, 5 p.m. – the hArt of Sound
Friday, Feb. 16, 5 p.m. – Dave Zangri
Saturday, Feb. 17, 5 p.m. – Rebecca Turmel
Friday, Feb. 23, 5 p.m. – Tom Boisse
Saturday, Feb. 24, 5 p.m. – Kimayo
Friday, March 1, 5 p.m. – Garrett Smith
Saturday, March 2, 5 p.m. – Slim Volume Duo
Friday, March 8, 5 p.m. – Chris Lester
Saturday, March 9, 5 p.m. – Brooks Young
Friday, March 15, 5 p.m. – Jud Caswell
Saturday, March 16, 5 p.m. – Mikey G
Friday, March 22, 5 p.m. – Henry LaLiberte
Saturday, March 23, 5 p.m. – Eric Lindberg
Friday, March 29, 5 p.m. – Andrea Paquin
Saturday, March 30, 5 p.m. – Ian Galipeau
Gunstock Ski Resort (719 Cherry Valley Road, Gilford, gunstock.com)
Saturday Series – 3 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 10 – Rhys Chalmers
Saturday, Feb. 17 – Arlene Wow!
Saturday, Feb. 24 – Garrett Smith
Saturday, March 2 – B Man
Saturday, March 9 – Paul Warnick
Saturday, March 16 – Arlene Wow!
Saturday, March 23 – Garrett Smith
Saturday, March 30 – Rhys Chalmers
Saturday, April 6 – B Man (Après Annual Pond Skim event)
Drum Tao, a show with costumes and staging highlighting Japanese Taiko drums, will be at the Capitol Center for the Arts Chubb Theatre (44 S. Main St. in Concord; ccanh.com), today at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $44 through $76. See drum-tao.com/en for a look at the performance.
Thursday, Jan. 25
The Concord Garden Club and local artists kick off the annual “Art & Bloom,” the show featuring floral arrangements paired with art, today at Kimball Jenkins Estate (266 N. Main St. in Concord). The show will be on display today from 2 to 5 p.m., with a reception from 5 to 7 p.m.; Friday, Jan. 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, Jan. 27, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The show is just one of the events happening during Concord’s Winter Fest; find more in the story on page 23.
Thursday, Jan. 25
Do you know your Midge and Allan? Check out the 21+ Barbie movie trivia night tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Chunky’s Cinema Pub in Manchester (707 Huse Road, chunkys.com). For a closer look at trivia nights, check out the Jan. 11 cover story (go to hippopress.com and look for the e-edition). For more trivia events this week, see page 42.
Friday, Jan. 26
It’s comedy night at the Tupelo Music Hall (10 A St. in Derry; tupelomusichall.com) featuring Kenny Rogerson, Jody Sloane and David Lamb. The show starts at 8 p.m.; tickets cost $22. Find more comedy this weekend and beyond in the Comedy This Week listings on page 41.
Friday, Jan. 26
Mosaic Art Collective (66 Hanover St., Suite 201, in Manchester; 512-6309, mosaicartcollective.com) will host an artist talk with photographer Gary Samson from 5:45 to 7 p.m. The event is free but reserve a spot via EventBrite (find a link on Mosaic’s Facebook page). See garysamsonphotography.com for more on Samson and his work.
Saturday, Jan. 27
As of earlier this week there were still a few spots left for Date Night in the Pottery Studio at Studio 550 Arts Center (550 Elm St. in Manchester; 232-5597, 550arts.com) tonight at 6 p.m. The class runs about an hour and a half and participants get a basic pottery lesson and then can make their own creations, according to the website, where you can sign up.
Tuesday, Jan. 30
See the professional dance company Step Afrika! today at 7 p.m. at the Capitol Center for the Arts (44 S. Main St. in Concord; ccanh.com, where you can see videos of the company’s performances). The show is part of the William H. Gile Concert Series, so tickets are free, but go online to reserve seats.
Save the Date! Sunday, March 10 Team Police takes on Team Fire, for a good cause, on Sunday, March 10, at 1 p.m. at the SNHU Arena (555 Elm St. in Manchester; snhuarena.com) at the Battle of the Badges Hockey Championship presented by the Elliot Perry Foundation (elliotperry.org) to raise money for Dartmouth Health’s Children’s. See childrens.dartmouth-health.org/events for more on the event and to purchase tickets which cost $16 (plus fees) for ages 6 and up. On the day, tickets will cost $20.
‘The key is to get involved,’ says Central High student
Can you describe your roles and activities at Central High School?
At Central High School, I have several roles. As class president, I like to listen to my classmates’ concerns, like the high cost of prom tickets, and work toward solutions. I’ve also brought in presidential election candidates to speak at Central, leveraging our position in New Hampshire’s first-in-the-nation primary to encourage civic engagement among students. Besides this, I play three sports: golf, hockey and track, representing Central in each. I’m involved in the Safe Sports Student Ambassador Program, which teaches about safe sports practices and the importance of community service. I also lead the ‘Faceoff Friends Program’ in association with the Choose Love movement, teaching elementary students at our Boys and Girls Club about kindness, gratitude, and choosing love, with a hockey theme. … Additionally, I serve as the editor-in-chief of the ‘Little Green’ newspaper, the oldest public high school newspaper in New Hampshire.
What is the U.S. Senate Youth Program, and how were you selected to be a part of it?
The U.S. Senate Youth Program is a two-part initiative. The first part includes a scholarship, which is fantastic. The more exciting part for me is the opportunity it provides to visit Washington, D.C., and get an in-depth look at how our government functions. It’s a chance to interact with politicians we usually see on TV and really understand the workings of the government. … As for my selection, it began with my principal nominating me from my school. The process involved an initial application round where I submitted several essays along with a recommendation. After advancing from that round, I participated in an interview round with a select group of students from my state. Following our interviews, a council decided that myself and one other student from New Hampshire were the best fits for the program.
What inspired you to become involved in programs like the U.S. Senate Youth Program and other leadership activities?
I’m really passionate about helping others, and this passion started in my freshman year with Safe Sports, where I saw the importance of building up our community. As class president, I realized how much I could help just by listening to my peers and working with school administration to address their concerns and adapt our school to better serve its students. This experience sparked my interest in other programs like the Choose Love program, where I saw a chance to extend my reach and encourage more people. Hearing about the Youth Senate Program, I thought it would be interesting to see how government works, especially in today’s polarized environment. I wanted to understand how politicians interact and are treated, then bring back that knowledge to my community to help reduce polarization and work toward a more unified country.
What are your future goals or career aspirations?
I definitely want to go to college … Where college will take me is something I’ll have to see, but I am interested in going into political science. Maybe in a few years, I’ll find myself in Congress or in some role within politics. For me, politics is the way I feel I can best help people and reach as many as possible.
What advice would you give to other students who are interested in leadership or public service?
The key is to get involved. … The biggest thing is to engage in extracurriculars and clubs that build up our community, which is crucial for anyone wanting to be a leader. You can’t be a leader just by pointing out what needs to change; you need to be actively involved in these groups, making the change happen. So my best advice is to get involved in a variety of clubs, learn from these experiences, and then use what you’ve learned to advocate for positive change within your communities and beyond.
In a comprehensive report by Retirement Living, New Hampshire has been ranked the best state for retirement in 2024. This accolade comes as part of a detailed analysis of various factors critical to retirees, including cost of living, quality of life, and health care. The state’s appeal is bolstered by its tax benefits — no tax on income, estate, or sales — and the availability of year-round activities. Retirees make up 20% of New Hampshire’s population, and they enjoy discounts on tourist attractions. The ranking is based on a Retirement Living Score, derived from a survey of more than 1,075 people age 55 and older, alongside government data from sources like the U.S. Census Bureau and FBI. The report aims to guide individuals considering relocation for their retirement, highlighting the importance of factors like retirement taxes, access to health care and overall affordability in making such a decision.
QOL score: +1
Comment:This is the second consecutive year that New Hampshire has taken the spot in the study.
Easier college funding
The recent changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) have wide-reaching implications, particularly for students in New Hampshire, NHPR reported. The simplified FAFSA, featuring just 36 questions instead of the previous 108, has altered the aid formula, shifting from the expected family contribution to the student aid index as the metric for calculating a student’s ability to pay for college. This change benefits New Hampshire students, with approximately 12,000 more becoming eligible for Pell Grants and over 24,000 qualifying for the maximum grant amount.
QOL score: +1
Comment:Additionally, a new state law now mandates high school seniors in New Hampshire to complete a FAFSA or opt out through a waiver, a policy expected to increase competition rates for eligible students, aligning with trends seen in other states with similar requirements.
Now I can find my texts!
Last weekend, texts from QOL’s dad and other real people were lost in a sea of desperate pleas that QOL Vote For Whomever! or take someone’s survey. Any real phone calls QOL got were ignored along with the flood of calls from one presumes candidates or something, who knows, because QOL stopped answering. According to a WMUR report from Jan. 22, some people who did answer their phone heard what sounded like (but wasn’t) the voice of President Joe Biden telling them not to vote on Tuesday and the NH attorney general is now investigating those calls. But, hark! With the primary now over (hopefully, as of press time on the morning of Jan. 23), we can all look forward to finding our real texts, answering our phones and getting our precious magazines from the mailbox without wading through election stuff.
QOL score: +1 (-1 for the fake phone calls but +2 for, hopefully, an overall lessening of calls and texts)
Comment: At least until mid October.
QOL score: 49
Net change: +3
QOL this week: 52
What’s affecting your Quality of Life here in New Hampshire? Let us know at adiaz@hippopress.com.
