History
Dec. 19, 1774: The British frigate Scarborough arrives at Portsmouth Harbor, the second of two ships whose presence quells an insurrection. In two raids during the week, dissident colonists have taken light cannons, muskets, and gunpowder from Fort William and Mary. The presence of the British ships is credited with keeping the dissidents from returning to seize the fort’s 45 heavy cannons. Dec. 19, 1975: The state accepts as a gift...
CCA Events
Here’s what’s coming up at the Capitol Center for the Arts through the end of the month: Buzz Ball 7 p.m., Dec. 19, Chubb Theatre deSol 7:30 p.m., Dec. 20, BNH Stage The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight 8 p.m., Dec. 20, Chubb Theatre Charlie Brown Jazz Christmas 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Dec. 21, BNH Stage Zach Nugent’s Dead Set 8 p.m., Dec. 27, Chubb Theatre R-Rated Comedy Hypnotist Frank Santos Jr. 8 p.m., Dec. 28, BNH Stage Joe Gatto:...
Calendar
Dec. 19 Concord Handmade Pop-Up Shop: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Join Concord Handmade for handmade goods from 30+ artists local to New England. Open at 3 Bicentennial Sq., Concord. concordhandmade@gmail.com. Crafting Joy: The Art of Optimism Exhibition: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 49 South Main St., Suite 100, Concord. The Greg and The Morning Buzz Ball: 7 p.m. Capitol Center for the Arts, 44 South Main St., Concord. Winter Solstice Soirée: 4 to 7...
Last-minute holiday gifts
By ARIANNA MacNEILL Insider staff The holidays are so close that you can almost hear the faint ring of bells worn by Santa’s reindeer as he glides through the sky. But for those of us who play Santa (because there’s a little bit of holiday spirit in us all, right?), and also procrastinate, finding those last-minute gifts can feel a tad stressful. That’s where we at the Insider have you covered! Luckily, Concord has a unique blend of...
Local author’s novel is finalist for two awards
“Beautiful and Terrible Things” by S.M. Stevens, published by Black Rose Writing, has been named a finalist in two major book competitions: the 2024 “Shelf Unbound” Best Indie Book Competition and the 2024 American Writing Awards. The “Shelf Unbound” competition selected the novel as one of five finalists across all genres, with awards based on creativity, writing quality, originality, and impact. The winners are featured in the...
Annual popsicle bridge competition
On Nov. 13, NHTI – Concord’s Community College hosted the annual New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) Popsicle Stick Bridge Competition on its Concord campus. The event featured 43 teams from high schools across the state, including Concord High School, Gorham Middle High School, Hopkinton High School, Milford High School, Nashua High School South, Plymouth Regional High School, and Winnisquam Regional Middle School....
Players offer free workshops
Enhance theatre skills for all ages during these 2025 classes The Community Players of Concord (CPC) will offer a series of free workshops designed to develop and enhance theater skills for participants of all levels. Running from December through June, the workshops cover topics such as acting, set design, and Shakespeare. All sessions take place at the Players’ Studio. To reserve a spot, email Cindy Dickinson at...
Calendar
Dec. 12 Concord Handmade Pop-Up Shop: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Concord Handmade, 7 South Main St., Concord. Handmade art and goods from 20+ artists locally and from across the nation. concordhandmade.com. Crafting By: The Art of Optimism Exhibit: 5 to 7 p.m., League of NH Craftsmen, 49 South Main St., Suite 100, Concord. Gene-O-Rit: 10:30 a.m., Free. A genealogy class, Concord Public Library, 45 Green St., Concord. Peter Yarrow: 7 p.m.,...
Dining hall renovations complete
North Branch Construction is pleased to announce the successful completion of several renovations at St. Paul’s School in Concord. The renovations, which took place over the summer, focused on the Coit Dining Hall and aimed to enhance the dining experience for students and staff. The project included a comprehensive range of upgrades and improvements, beginning with the installation of a new epoxy floor in the dish room. This durable...
Seamus Egan’s Celtic Christmas
Live music on Dec. 14 The Wolfeboro Friends of Music will host Seamus Egan’s Good Winter: A Celtic Christmas on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 7 p.m. The concert will be held at the First Congregational Church, South Main Street, Wolfeboro. Seamus Egan, a renowned figure in traditional Irish music and founder of the acclaimed band Solas, will perform with his ensemble, The Seamus Egan Project. Known for redefining the sound of Irish music,...
CYPN professional of the month: Rae Easter supports the music community
Merrimack native gives back through the arts Concord Young Professionals Network (CYPN) introduces you to the “Young Professional of the Month,” Rae Easter. Each month, the CYPN Steering Committee recommends an individual in the community it thinks readers would enjoy getting to know better. How old are you? 29 Where do you live? Concord Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do. I am Development Manager at the Capital...
Vintage Vocal Quartet to perform on Dec. 14
Hermit Woods Winery & Eatery in Meredith will host the Vintage Vocal Quartet for an evening of vintage harmony and swing on Saturday, Dec. 14. The performance will take place in the winery’s Loft Listening Room, offering an intimate venue for an up-close musical experience. Event Details Date: Saturday, Dec. 14 Location: Hermit Woods Winery & Eatery, 72 Main St., Meredith Schedule: Complimentary wine tasting at 5:30 p.m.,...
Mill Falls at the Lake to Host Breakfast with Santa
Mill Falls at the Lake in Meredith invites families to join Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 14. This new holiday event offers a festive morning of delicious food, cheerful activities, and a magical visit from Santa Claus in a beautifully decorated setting. The event will feature a holiday breakfast buffet, ornament-making, and cookie decorating, providing fun for all ages. Children will have the chance to share their Christmas...
Nature Conservancy hosts Winter Solstice Soiree
The Nature Conservancy in New Hampshire will host its annual Winter Solstice Celebration on Thursday, Dec. 19, from 4 to 7 p.m. at its new offices inside The Hotel Concord, located at 11 South Main St., Concord. The event marks the shortest day of the year and offers an opportunity to celebrate the season with friends, food, and fun. Guests can drop in anytime during the open-house-style gathering to enjoy drinks, light appetizers,...
Local director captures New England history
Featuring Vermont in historical action drama By JAY CRAVEN I’ll play my new film, Lost Nation, at Concord’s Red River Theatres, Dec. 13 through Dec. 19. The picture is a Revolutionary War-era action drama set in the early upstart Republic of Vermont — which considered itself, crucially, as a vital part of the Province of New Hampshire, up to the moment of Vermont’s founding and declaration as an independent republic on Jan. 15, 1777....
The Chorale’s ‘Winter Cheer!’
Concert takes place on Dec. 14 and 15 The Concord Chorale will present Winter Cheer! on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 15, at 3 p.m., at South Church, 27 Pleasant St., Concord. This festive concert will feature seasonal music performed by the Chorale, accompanied by a brass quintet and The Purple Finches youth choir from the Concord Community Music School. The program celebrates winter and the joy that can be found...
Trio to perform at fundraiser
Electric Earth Concerts Presents the Horszowski Trio Electric Earth Concerts will present the acclaimed Horszowski Trio on Sunday, Dec. 8, at 4 p.m. at The Park Theatre in Jaffrey. This event serves as EEC’s annual fundraiser, supporting its programming and outreach activities. Admission is a minimum donation of $65 per person. The Horszowski Trio, featuring violin, cello, and piano, will perform works by Rebecca Clarke, Arnold...
Book of the Week
“The Restaurant of Lost Recipes” by Hisashi Kashiwai (2014 — translation copyright 2024, 210 pages, fiction) This is another book by the author of The Kamogawa Food Detectives, featuring the same unique father-and-daughter duo who cook and solve mysteries. Their restaurant is hidden in a backstreet in Kyoto, and you might only discover it through a small advertisement in the Gourmet Monthly magazine. The building looks unassuming,...
Artisans holiday shopping event
Warner Historical Society Hosts Annual Holiday Artisans Shopping Event The Warner Historical Society will host its annual Holiday Artisans shopping event at the Upton Chandler House Museum, located at 10 West Main St. The open house runs on Friday, Dec. 6, from 5 to 7 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event features a wide selection of locally made gifts and crafts, including: Artwork by Denise Green Hand-woven...
Ellis Paul and Radoslav Lorkovic to Perform at Bass Hall
Singer-songwriter Ellis Paul and pianist Radoslav Lorkovic will perform at Bass Hall at the Monadnock Center in Peterborough on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Ellis Paul, a celebrated figure in contemporary folk music, has built an incredible 30-year career with 20 albums, 15 Boston Music Awards, and performances at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and the Newport Folk Festival. Known for his...
Get your gifts before the holiday crunch
Shop Downtown on Dec. 6, from 5 to 7 p.m. Downtown Peterborough invites residents and visitors to start their holiday shopping early during its First Friday shopping event on Friday, Dec. 6, from 5 to 7 p.m. and later. Local businesses, galleries, and restaurants will stay open late, offering unique gifts, seasonal treats, and festive experiences. The event includes the Greater Keene & Peterborough Chamber’s annual tree...
Calendar
Event Calendar: Dec. 5 Bach’s Lunch: “Harmonious Heights” by Zefira Trio: 12:10–12:50 p.m., Free. Concord Community Music School, 23 Wall St., Concord. reception@ccmusicschool.org. Books & Brew: 5:30 p.m., Free. Heights Branch Library, 14 Canterbury Rd., Concord. jsalemy@concordnh.gov. Concord Fall Leaf Collection: 7 a.m.–3 p.m. Craft Apprentice Program Capstone Exhibition: 9 a.m.–4 p.m., 49 South Main St., Suite 100,...
Sally Cragin to discuss ‘Moon Sign Almanac’
Astrologer Sally Cragin to Present Moon Sign Almanac Astrologer and author Sally Cragin will present the Moon Sign Almanac and discuss the influence of the moon phases on Wednesday, Jan. 8, at 6:30 p.m. at Gibson’s Bookstore, 45 South Main St., Concord. Cragin, a Llewellyn Worldwide author, will explain how the new and full moon phases in 2025 can guide decisions in daily life. From knowing the best times to clean, throw a...
Jean’s Playhouse presents ‘A Christmas Carol’
The North Country Center for the Arts at Jean’s Playhouse presents A Christmas Carol: The Musical Ghost Story The North Country Center for the Arts at Jean’s Playhouse will present A Christmas Carol: The Musical Ghost Story from Dec. 13-15. This reimagining of Charles Dickens’ classic blends original music, traditional carols, supernatural elements, and striking visuals to tell the story of redemption with a haunting twist. Written...
Getting crafty
The annual Contoocook Artisans Holiday Craft Fair The Contoocook Artisans Holiday Craft Fair will take place from Friday, Dec. 6, to Sunday, Dec. 8, at the American Legion Post 81 E.R. Montgomery Event Center, 169 Bound Tree Road, Hopkinton. Admission is free. This juried fine arts and crafts fair will feature over 30 local artisans offering a wide variety of handmade items. Shoppers can find gifts for the home, baked goods, maple...
Juston McKinney returns
Show is at Hermit Woods Winery & Eatery, Dec. 13 Hermit Woods Winery & Eatery will host acclaimed comedian Juston McKinney for an exclusive, intimate comedy night on Friday, Dec. 13. The show will take place at the winery, located at 72 Main St., Meredith, and will feature McKinney’s signature humor in a cozy venue seating just 60 guests. The evening kicks off with a complimentary wine tasting from 5:30 to 6 p.m.,...
Midnight Merriment returns to downtown
Midnight Merriment returns to downtown Concord on Friday, Dec. 6, from 5 p.m. to midnight. This beloved annual tradition features a festive evening of shopping, entertainment, and holiday cheer. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. with the debut of the Parade of Lights, which will light up Main Street. Main Street will be closed from Hills Avenue to Loudon Road from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. to accommodate the parade. After the parade, families...
Turning Pointe dancers present ‘The Nutcracker’
Holiday performance now in its 42nd season Celebrate the holiday season with a family friendly performance of The Nutcracker, a timeless tradition filled with magic and wonder. The Turning Pointe Center of Dance will present the full length ballet on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 2 p.m. at the Concord City Auditorium, 2 Prince St., Concord. Now in its 42nd season, the Turning Pointe Center of Dance has become a staple in the greater Concord...
Reed Cullen named next Young Professional
25-year-old works remotely while building community in Concord Concord Young Professionals Network (CYPN) introduces you to the “Young Professional of the Month,” Reed Cullen, CPA. Each month, the CYPN Steering Committee recommends an individual in the community it thinks readers would enjoy getting to know better. How old are you? 25 Where do you live? Washington, NH — the first town to be named after George Washington himself. Where...
Art on display: ‘Where Do We Go From Here?’
The Highly Seasoned Artists are presenting their mixed media exhibition, Where Do We Go From Here, at the Epsom Public Library Gallery until Jan. 11– opening was Nov. 23. The show features works by Jan Wittmer, Teresa Taylor, Mary Straub, Ann Saunderson, Mary Nichols, Grace Mattern, Kathy Hanson, and Donna Catanzaro. The exhibition centers on maps as a metaphor for personal and collective journeys, addressing the question,...
