On a warm spring evening in downtown Nashua Jim Richards parked his bike near the Persian Rug Gallery, found a perch, set out a plastic cup for tips, and played some classic rock music. Although we didn't see anyone drop a tip in his jar, someone offered him a smoke, which is something. Richards says he's been playing guitar up and down the East Coast, from Portland, Maine, to South Beach, Miami, Florida, for almost 30 years. "I started out in Boston, because that's where I'm from, then I went up north, and then down south. Now I'm back in New Hampshire," said Richards. "I play because I …
Mike Wing, 20, of Hudson has been expressing himself and his world view through rap music for about a year and a half. He will tell you all about it in the clip above. He's legit – seriously pursuing a future through his lyrical rhymes, made possible by his "video man," Evan Leith, of Litchfield. We've also uploaded his single, "Just Chill," here* (Editor's Note: It's Rated R for occasional language). But don't let that deter you. It's filmed at several familiar New Hampshire locations and, as the chorus says, Wing is just trying "to be real for a minute," as he talks about watching his peers…
If you see a guy in a fedora walking down Main Street, a smudgy aqua Ibanez slung around his neck and a spring in his step, just ask him for a song. Alpha Runt, aka American't, aka Arrogant Rat (the opposite of Modest Mouse, one of his favorite bands), aka "Trenchy" otherwise known as Ryan Mixon, will oblige. He sings for his supper. When that doesn't work out, he lives on pocket change and cans of sustenance from the soup kitchen, and church lettuce. Couch surfing for Mixon is just another word for being a starving artist, which is a euphemism for being without a home of his own. He isn't …
For its opening night concert on Saturday, October 6, Symphony NH has added dimension not only to its interpretation of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, but to the entire event. The performance, entitled “Fifth Dimensions” will highlight important changes in the organization, honor members of the community, introduce audiences to the improved acoustics in the concert hall, and delight everyone present with a program that also features the Symphony Chorus and young violin sensation Caroline Goulding. Music Director & Principal Conductor Jonathan McPhee will conduct. The Symphony has released the …
You've seen how cool the new Downtown Dinner & a Movie series is. Now, you can behold the wonder of a downtown open air concert as the Downtown Music Festival series continues July 21 with '90s Night on Temple Street (between Main and Court streets.) Where to Park: Remember that there's always free parking downtown on Saturdays in all off-Main Street lots and parking garages, but meters remain in effect until 7 p.m. More parking information and a parking map can be found here.The DMF Downtown Music Festival, presented by Sunnyside Acura and sponsored by Granite State College, is a joint …
Sort of like unsung heroes, only they actually did sing, these "street musicians" added just the right touch to Wednesday night's Taste of Downtown Nashua – including the rhythmic clippity clop of Chip the Clydesdale, closing out this musical interlude.
As band videos go, this one is not slick, or edgy. It's just a humble Nashua Patch production, captured off the cuff when four residents of Nashua Children's Home were introduced at the end of the May 15 annual meeting. Listen all the way through and hear what hope for the future sounds like. "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey was a great, and appropriate, ending to a wonderful celebration of Nashua Children's Home on its 109-year anniversary. Meet bandmates Samantha and Matt on vocals, Danny on drums, and Adam on guitar. They are Youth Opinion. Beyond that – for the purpose of this story, at …
There's a difference between being a starving artist and being a hungry one. Matt Jackson is the hungry kind; the singing-songwriter kind, who wakes up every day ready to see what random, unexpected moment leads him to a new song. Music is so much a part of his life it's beyond second nature. It's organic. "I don't ever plan to write a song, but I think in lyrics. It's not like I'm always looking, but I end up seeing song ideas in the world; things songs can be written about, and then randomly a melody or lyric will pop into my head, and then it's over. I've gotta get it out, and after that …
Before he was Mark Cookson: Alderman-at-Large, he was Mark Cookson: Tutor to the Stars, teaching math to cast members of the "The New Mickey Mouse Club" at Disney-MGM Studios in Orlando, back in 1992. "I had just completed my undergrad at Florida State in secondary math education, and went back to Orlando to search for a job. I came across this want-ad in the classifieds for a full-time 'studio instructor.' I had no idea what that meant," Cookson said. He soon discovered that what it meant was teaching an incubating A-list of fledgling pop-culture icons, including Britney Spears, Justin …
Tonight's musical trifeca, Three For the Road, at Studio 99 is hard to beat. Three singer/songwriters, each with her own unique brand of soul and grit and could be a band unto herself – soaring vocals, percussive guitar, stomp box, harmonies, piano and honest to the bone songwriting. Each is a dynamic performer with splashes of Blues, R&B, Folk and Pop. When the three join forces, the experience will leave you breathless. Add to that, an intimate setting and a biting sense of humor, and this show is sure to fill your soul in all the right places. Show starts at 9 p.m. $10 ($15 for BYOB) We've…
Tom Mungovan is a graphic designer, business owner, poet, educator and drummer – as eclectic as all that is, it's the drummer in him that's focused on promoting a unique event, coming soon to a night spot near you. Drum Fun is, as far as he knows, the first event of its kind in this area. It's happening April 21 at Murphy's Taproom in Manchester. Mungovan, of Nashua, said this is just the beginning. He's working hard to get the word out to fellow music lovers and, especially, dedicated drummers, to come out and enjoy this inaugural event. Beyond the prizes and $3,000 in drum-centric loot that…
Josh Logan and Paul Costley were making some beautiful music together Friday night at Stella Blu, bringing their unique blend of classic rock meets soulful acoustic, to a totally appreciative crowd. We almost gave up and scrapped the video because it came out so dark, but we couldn't let the music go to waste. Just close your eyes and listen! Better yet, you can catch some configuration of The Josh Logan Band live at Fody's Great American Tavern most Thursday Nights (although he will be on a brief hiatus for the next 2 weeks for a gig on St. Bart's Island in the Caribbean.) And Sunday Feb. 19…
Now that the old city library is restored to its former glory, the Friends of the Hunt Memorial Building are creating all kinds of great programming to get the public through the doors. Sunday's Valentine's Day concert was a great addition to the line-up, drawing a full house of about 50 to enjoy selections performed by Resonance Chamber Group, featuring Sue Hurwitz on flute/alto flute; Kim Farah on flute; vocalist Sue Soucy; and Lynne Wilby on piano. Here we bring you two minutes of "Theme and Variations on Trockne Bluemen, D 802 by Franz Schubert, as performed Feb. 12 at the Hunt.
As always, our Musical Interlude is meant to bring you more than just a minute-long break from the daily grind. Be inspired today by the ten-fingered tenacity of Rollie Breault, who remains young at heart every time he slides behind the keyboard to do what he's been doing so well for most of his life. This excerpt was taken during a Jan. 9 town hall-style meeting at the Nashua Country Club where GOP candidate Newt Gingrich stopped by to speak during a regular meeting of Nashua Rotary Club. Enjoy.
Liam Flannagan doesn't drive anymore, so he walked to the Riverwalk, and didn't bring his conga drums, because of the rain. Plus, he forgot it was bi-monthly Drum Jam night. "I got mixed up with the dates, or I'd have brought my congas," Flannagan said. But the beat went on, with an assist from cafe owner Steven Ruddock, who says he'll keep the Drum Jam going every Thursday if people want to come. Check out this 30-second Musical Interlude; then consider joining in next time around.
We dropped by Studio 99 Nov. 20 to catch some of this set by Bryan Thomas Trio, performing a jazzy mix of music for an appreciative crowd. Enjoy. While you're here, you should know that Studio 99, 17 Factory Street in Nashua, is a beautiful space where amazing music happens most nights. You can stop by during tonight's Holiday Stroll and catch Tristan Omand. Learn more about Studio 99 by clicking here.
