Theme shows for 2025 Artist Association
The Seacoast Artist Association in downtown Exeter has announced their 2025 Theme Show calendar, and all Seacoast artists are invited to enter. All themes are announced ahead of time, so artists have plenty of time to create. Members receive half-price entry, so now is the perfect time to join or renew. This can be done in person at the gallery or online at seacoastartist.org. The first show of the year is “Winter Wonderment.” You can...
Historical Society to host talk on democracy
The Pembroke Historical Society will present “Why Democracy,” a talk by Dr. Joshua Duclos of St. Paul’s School, on Monday, Jan. 6, at 7 p.m. at the Pembroke Town Library, 313 Pembroke St. The presentation will explore the concept of democracy, historical and contemporary criticisms of it, and arguments supporting its value. Dr. Duclos, a humanities professor at St. Paul’s School, is a former Fulbright scholar and the author of...
FIT4MOM celebrates expansion to Concord
Concord moms are about to get a new community. FIT4MOM – the nation’s largest wellness company with programs exclusively designed for moms – expands its presence with its newest location in the Concord-Kearsarge area, currently the only FIT4MOM location in New Hampshire. A grand opening class will be held at the Boys & Girls Club (55 Bradley St., Concord) on Jan. 22 at 9 a.m.; this will include a free Stroller Strides...
The history of the Grappone’s
“The Founding” is a vivid and detailed story of European immigrant life at the turn of the 19th century in New England, by local author Amanda Grappone Osmer. The tale follows the origin journey of a well-known New Hampshire family through difficult times on their way to settling in Concord. The storytelling sources a wide variety of newspaper accounts, weather conditions, ships’ logs, and family diaries into a...
“Annie” comes to Concord
RB Professional, a branch of RB Productions, will present a production of Annie at the Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord this January. The show will feature a mix of professional actors and local community performers in a heartwarming tale of hope and resilience. Performances will take place in the Chubb Theatre, located at 44 S. Main Street, Concord. Showtimes are as follows: Friday, Jan. 17, at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.)...
A love story comes to the Players’ Ring Theatre
The extraordinary love story of Fyodor Dostoevsky and the woman who became “the architect of his life,” will be on stage at the Players’ Ring Theatre in Portsmouth, from Jan. 3 through the 19, written and directed by Richard McElvain. When his unscrupulous publisher had a gun to his head to complete a book in a month, Fyodor Dostoevsky reached out to a school that taught a new science called stenography. The woman he hired,...
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...
