NOW MAGAZINE • JANUARY/MID-FEBRUARY 2022
Hilarity
DREW LYNCH 1/19
Intimately Yours
CITIZEN COPE 1/25*
Intimately Yours
AN EVENING WITH
COWBOY JUNKIES 2/4
Intimately Yours
PINK TALKING FISH WINTER CARNIVAL 2/5 & 2/6
*ON THE COVER
SEASON SPONSORS
ON SALE NOW
Be the first to know about Just Announced shows! Sign up for enews at TheMusicHall.org
CHECK OUT THE REST OF OUR 2022 SEASON ON PAGES 10-13
HILARITY CHARLIE
IL CINEMA RITROVATO
BERENS
March 25-27 • Historic Theater
Thu., February 24 • 7:30pm • Historic Theater Charlie Berens is an Emmy-winning journalist, comedian, host, red carpet interviewer, and creator of the viral Midwest comedic news series Manitowoc Minute.
BROWN’S WILD SYMPHONY WITH PORTSMOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
WRITERS ON A NEW ENGLAND STAGE AMOR
Sat., April 2 • 2pm • Historic Theater
Tue., May 10 • 7pm • Historic Theater
Join bestselling author Dan Brown and the PSO for a roaring afternoon of orchestral music!
A propulsive new novel from the bestselling author of A Gentleman in Moscow.
RENTAL PARTNERS
THE MUSIC HALL PRESENTS DAN
Every summer, the Cineteca of Bologna presents a festival of restored films, early silent cinema, and director’s portraits. The Music Hall is partnering with UNH to bring a number of films from Il Cinema Ritrovato to New Hampshire. Stay tuned for more festival details!
RECYCLED PERCUSSION
MIKE MCDONALD’S 21ST ANNUAL COMEDY EXTRAVAGANZA
Sat., January 15 • 4:30pm & 7:30pm Historic Theater
Fri., Feb. 18 • 7:30pm • Historic Theater
The legendary New England drumming group returns with a turbo-charged performance.
Mike McDonald brings his Comedy Extravaganza back to The Music Hall for its 21st year of big laughs.
TOWLES
COMEDIAN BOB MARLEY
Sat., March 12 • 8pm • Historic Theater Maine native Bob Marley is one of the most sought-after comedians in the country.
COVID-19 UPDATES For up-to-date information about what we're doing to keep you safe and what to do when you visit, go to TheMusicHall.org/CovidProtocols
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS
MAGAZINE
DESIGN
Monte Bohanan
Wesley Lovell
Sara Turner
Lauren Hodge
Tina Sawtelle
Brittany Wason
THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE PARTNERS
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Kaitlyn Huwe
CURATOR'S CORNER
NOTES FROM NEW YORK: LOOKING TO 2022 LAUREN HODGE, Talent Buyer Hi there! I’m Lauren Hodge, Talent Buyer here at The Music Hall. I am based in New Jersey just outside the Big Apple, but as an alumni of Berklee College of Music, New England is my second home. Having just hit six months at The Music Hall in December, I’m so excited to play a role in bringing entertainment to the Seacoast and for what 2022 has in store! We have quite a mix of shows for a wide variety of interests already on sale in 2022! A few of my must-see shows in early
2022 are Drew Lynch, Aoife O’Donovan, and Rachael & Vilray. I’ve had Aoife O’Donovan on heavy rotation on my work playlist; her new song “Phoenix” is always stuck in my head. If you’ve never heard of comedian Drew Lynch, you can check out his recent special Concussed on YouTube. Whatever event you attend in our Historic Theater, I hope you have a night full of great music and laughter, two of my favorite things! Right around the corner on January 15, we are attending the Association of Performing Arts Professionals conference (APAP) in NYC. I’m eager to be representing The Music Hall at the conference, as it is one of the biggest in the country for Performing Arts Centers. In meeting with agents and attending showcases, it is a great opportunity to start working on events we can bring to Portsmouth later in 2022 and 2023. I’m looking forward to having Tina and James in my neck of the woods, and I can promise they will not leave without a NY slice of pizza. As we progress into 2022, the goal at the forefront of my work is to bring in artists who frequent big cities like New York City, so our members can see world-class shows right at home. I’ll be up to visit again soon and I hope to see you in the theater this year!
BIG CHANGES TO OUR SMALL SPACE TINA SAWTELLE, Executive Director Big changes are happening at our smaller venue, the Loft! You may have seen the paper up in the windows along Congress Street—we are thrilled to announce a major renovation is underway and demolition is in progress. We heard you! Feedback from our patrons is driving the transformation. You can look forward to cabaret-style, comfortable Credit: Chris Keeley Photography
seating; a more open concept for the entire space; an easily accessible bar area; and upgraded technology including improved sound, lighting, and video capabilities. These new elements will transform the Loft space into a versatile,
contemporary venue that can accommodate up to 125 people. We will continue to host intimate music and comedy performances, author talks, panels, livestreaming, hybrid meetings, and more. The Loft will be still available for rentals as well. Join us for the grand re-opening in the spring of 2022! Stay tuned for sneak peeks coming up at TheMusicHall.org/Loft2022 and on our socials for the latest construction updates and new features!
Credit: Studio KL TheMusicHall.org
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ON STAGE
HILARITY SERIES SPONSORS:
INTIMATELY YOURS SERIES SPONSORS:
H A M P T O N F O R D
H Y U N D A I
HILARITY
DREW LYNCH
Wed., January 19 • 7pm Historic Theater Drew Lynch captured the hearts of America with his performance on America’s Got Talent, where he finished in second place. Since, Drew has appeared on IFC’s Maron and CONAN, and amassed over 2 million subscribers on YouTube.
INTIMATELY YOURS
CITIZEN COPE
Tue., January 25 • 8pm Historic Theater Citizen Cope takes us all on a journey with his unique brand of urban-folk. EVENING SPONSOR: Popzup Popcorn
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ON STAGE INTIMATELY YOURS SERIES SPONSORS:
H A M P T O N F O R D
H Y U N D A I
INTIMATELY YOURS KEB'
MO'
Fri., January 28 • 8pm • Historic Theater This five-time Grammy Award winner draws upon his bottomless roots-music expertise to make deeply expressive, highly personal music. EVENING SPONSORS: Market Square Architects; Northeast Delta Dental; Petersen Engineering; Popzup Popcorn
INTIMATELY YOURS RACHAEL
& VILRAY
Sat., January 29 • 8pm • Historic Theater Rachael Price of Lake Street Dive and guitarist-singer-composer Vilray return to Portsmouth with their jazz, old vinyl duo, adding a new chapter to the American Songbook. EVENING SPONSOR: Office Resources, Inc. TheMusicHall.org
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ON STAGE INTIMATELY YOURS SERIES SPONSORS:
H A M P T O N F O R D
H Y U N D A I
INTIMATELY YOURS AN
EVENING WITH COWBOY JUNKIES
Fri., February 4 • 8pm • Historic Theater
Cowboy Junkies pull the rich tradition of country, folk, and blues from the earth, and make it their own by running it through an achingly heartbeatpaced psychedelia. EVENING SPONSOR: Carpe Diem Coffee Roasting Co; Office Resources, Inc. 6
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ON STAGE
INTIMATELY YOURS SERIES SPONSORS:
H Y U N D A I
INTIMATELY YOURS PINK
INTERCONNECTIONS PRESENTING SPONSOR:
GENEROUS SUPPORT PROVIDED BY: D.F. Richard; Demoulas Foundation; The Fabulous Find; The French Foundation
H A M P T O N F O R D
SCHOOL DAYS SERIES SPONSOR:
TALKING FISH WINTER CARNIVAL
Sat., February 5 • 8pm • Historic Theater
Pink Talking Fish is a hybrid tribute-fusion act that takes the music from three of the world’s most beloved bands and creates a special treat for fans.
INTIMATELY YOURS PTF
4 KIDS
Sun., February 6 • 1pm • Historic Theater An interactive, kid-friendly concert experience full of singing, dancing, gadgets, prizes, and more!
SCHOOL DAYS SERIES
WARRIORS DON'T CRY
Mon., February 7 • 9:30am & 11:30am • Historic Theater School Days Series is back! Join Ya Girl and all the young warriors who raise their hands and make a difference in the fight for social justice. Based on the Little Rock Nine memoir. Check out the rest of our season on page 11 and online at TheMusicHall.org/SchoolDays.
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ON STAGE STAGE DOOR CABARET PRESENTING SPONSOR:
STAGE DOOR CABARET KAT
WRIGHT
Sat., February 12 • 6pm & 8pm • Historic Theater
STAGE DOOR CABARET TAYLOR
O'DONNELL
Fri., February 11 • 6pm & 8pm • Historic Theater Taylor O’Donnell mixes her unique sound and background with R&B, folk, jazz, rock, and classical music.
CINEMA
EXHIBITION ON SCREEN SERIES SPONSOR: Sheehan Phinney
Kat Wright, Bob Wagner and Josh Weinstein lean into their trio formation, showcasing their folky/rootsy selves, all stripped down, a triangulation of their strengths, their bareness, their imperfect humanness, their voices, their ferocious tenderness, their love of songs and singing and story.
MOVIES ARE BACK!
MET AT THE MUSIC HALL SERIES SPONSOR: RiverWoods Exeter
EXTRAORDINARY CINEMA
C'MON C'MON
CLEAN
LOVE IT WAS NOT
CRAZY, STUPID, LOVE
HIVE
EXHIBITION ON SCREEN
Fri., Jan. 21 • 3pm & 7pm • Historic Theater
Fri., Jan. 7 3pm & 7pm Historic Theater •
LICORICE PIZZA •
SWEETHEART
Sat., Jan. 22 • 3pm & 7pm • Historic Theater
Sat., January 8 • 7pm • Historic Theater
Thu., January 27 • 7pm • Historic Theater
THE NOVICE
Wed., January 12 • 7pm • Historic Theater
NEW WORLDS
Thu., February 3 • 7pm • Historic Theater Mon., February 14 • 7pm • Historic Theater
THE DANISH COLLECTOR
Tue., January 18 • 7pm • Historic Theater
Wed., February 2 • 7pm • Historic Theater
THE MET AT THE MUSIC HALL EURYDICE
(AUCOIN)
Sat., January 8 • 12:55pm • Historic Theater
Rising composer Matthew Aucoin presents a new take on the familiar tale from Eurydice’s point of view, with a libretto by Sarah Ruhl. 8
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THE MET AT THE MUSIC HALL CINDERELLA
(MASSENET)
Sun., January 16 • 12:55pm • Historic Theater
Laurent Pelly’s storybook staging is presented with an all-new English translation with mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard as its princess.
SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT Spotlighting Our Intimately Yours Sponsors The Intimately Yours concert series is a perennial favorite at The Music Hall, providing you, our members and patrons, with opportunities to get up close and personal with the most talented musicians of our time. For The Music Hall, Intimately Yours realizes the greatest earned revenue each year through ticket sales and concessions, leverages memberships, and creates a value proposition for major support from individuals as well as corporate partners. For our community, Intimately Yours brings foot traffic downtown and into the dozens of businesses surrounding the Historic Theater. We have been delighted to welcome so many of you back into the house this fall for Melissa Etheridge, Lindsey Buckingham, Elvis Costello, and so many other great IY shows. We hope to see you in the audience this month for Citizen Cope, Rachael & Vilray, and Keb' Mo', and for shows in February, March, and beyond. Your support of this series (and The Music Hall in general) has been incredible, in the true meaning of the word. Our Intimately Yours series sponsors have also been incredible, and we thank The Lighting Center at Rockingham Electric, Raka Creative, 92.5 the River, and our newest IY sponsor, Hampton Ford Hyundai, for their continued generosity. Our reemergence would not be possible without your support!
UPCOMING MEMBER EVENTS We’re excited to welcome back Book Club and Director’s Club events in 2022! For information, please visit our website or contact Wesley Lovell at 603.766.2182 or WLovell@themusichall.org
PORTWALK PLACE
Make Portwalk Place part of your next Portsmouth experience!
TheMusicHall.org
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WINTER SHOWS TO WARM YOU UP
HILARITY SERIES SPONSORS:
INTIMATELY YOURS SERIES SPONSORS:
H A M P T O N F O R D
H Y U N D A I
HILARITY
CHARLIE BERENS
Thu., February 24 • 7:30pm • Historic Theater Charlie Berens is an Emmy-winning journalist, comedian, host, red carpet interviewer, and creator of the viral Midwest comedic news series Manitowoc Minute.
INTIMATELY YOURS
BIG BAND OF BROTHERS: A JAZZ CELEBRATION OF THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND
Fri., February 25 • 8pm • Historic Theater The Big Band of Brothers features jazz interpretations of the Allman Brothers Band’s hits, with the likes of Jaimoe, Sammy Miller and The Congregation, Lamar Williams Jr, and Drew Smithers! EVENING SPONSORS: Troiano Wealth Advisory Group; Whole Life Health Care
INTIMATELY YOURS
NATALIE MACMASTER & DONNELL LEAHY
Sun., February 27 • 4pm • Historic Theater Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy’s electrifying performances on the fiddles have propelled their dazzling careers since childhood while cementing their status as Canada’s reigning couple of Celtic music. EVENING SPONSORS: Northeast Delta Dental; Piscataqua Savings Bank
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LOOKING FORWARD TO SPRING INTIMATELY YOURS SERIES SPONSORS:
H Y U N D A I
INTIMATELY YOURS AOIFE
INTERCONNECTIONS PRESENTING SPONSOR:
GENEROUS SUPPORT PROVIDED BY: D.F. Richard; Demoulas Foundation; The Fabulous Find; The French Foundation
H A M P T O N F O R D
SCHOOL DAYS SERIES SPONSOR:
O'DONOVAN
INTIMATELY YOURS THE
Tue., March 1 • 7:30pm • Historic Theater
TALLEST MAN ON EARTH
Fri., March 4 • 8pm • Historic Theater
Grammy award-winning Aoife O’Donovan’s gorgeous genre-bending music shines through, whether performing solo, as part of several bands, or when collaborating with artists like Yo-Yo Ma or Chris Thile.
The Tallest Man On Earth comes to the Historic Theater following the release of his first album in 4 years, I Love You. It’s A Fever Dream., which was recorded almost entirely in his apartment in Brooklyn, NY.
EVENING SPONSOR: UNH Conferences & Catering
EVENING SPONSOR: The Friendly Toast
SCHOOL DAYS SERIES
SCHOOL DAYS SERIES
SCHOOL DAYS SERIES
Wed., March 9 • 9:30am & 11:30am Historic Theater
Mon., March 14 • 9:30am & 11:30am Historic Theater
Tue., May 10 • 10am & 12:30pm Historic Theater
ROSIE REVERE, ENGINEER & FRIENDS
In the new musical based on Andrea Beaty’s books, Ms. Greer's class has three inquisitive out-of-the-box thinkers: Rosie Revere, the engineer; Iggy Peck, the architect; and Ada Twist, the scientist.
THE ADVENTURES OF HAROLD AND THE PURPLE CRAYON
Follow Harold on his zany adventures as he creates the world he wants to explore, using nothing more than a big purple crayon and his sky’s-the-limit imagination.
PSO PRESENTS DAN BROWN’S WILD SYMPHONY The Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra presents an abbreviated version of Dan Brown’s Wild Symphony, a whimsical adventure for children about the symphony orchestra and its instruments. TheMusicHall.org
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LOOKING FORWARD TO SPRING THE MUSIC HALL PRESENTS MEDIA PARTNER:
INTIMATELY YOURS SERIES SPONSORS:
H A M P T O N F O R D
H Y U N D A I
RENTAL PARTNER/RESIDENT ORCHESTRA
PORTSMOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA WINTER CONCERT
Sun., March 13 • 3pm • Historic Theater The PSO’s Winter Mainstage Concert features the internationally renowned pianist Ya-Fei Chuang and a sublime trio of works that highlight the symphony’s capacity for melodic richness.
THE MUSIC HALL PRESENTS THE
MOTH MAINSTAGE
Sat., March 19 • 8pm • Historic Theater
SPRING CONCERT
Sun., June 5 • 3pm • Historic Theater
True stories, told live, no notes. This flagship program featuring a mix of national voices makes its return to The Music Hall for one magical night.
Join the PSO for a colorful and vibrant Spring Mainstage Concert with a wide range of performances.
EVENING SPONSORS:
Riverworks Printing; Petersen Engineering
IL CINEMA RITROVATO
March 25-27 • Historic Theater The Music Hall is partnering with UNH to bring a number of films from Il Cinema Ritrovato to New Hampshire. Stay tuned for more festival details!
THE MUSIC HALL PRESENTS DAN
BROWN’S WILD SYMPHONY WITH PORTSMOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Sat., April 2 • 2pm • Historic Theater
Join New York Times bestselling author Dan Brown and the Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra for stunning orchestral music from Wild Symphony, Brown's illustrated children's book! Proceeds benefit Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra and The Music Hall. 12
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LOOKING FORWARD TO SPRING HILARITY SERIES SPONSORS:
INTIMATELY YOURS STRAIGHT
WRITERS ON A NEW ENGLAND STAGE IS A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN:
PRESENTING SPONSOR:
MEDIA PARTNER:
SERIES SPONSORS:
NO CHASER
Mon., April 4 • 8pm • Historic Theater
HILARITY KEVIN
NEALON
Sat., April 16 • 8pm • Historic Theater
Straight No Chaser is the real deal, the captivating sound of nine unadulterated human voices coming together to make extraordinary music, having built a reputation as an unforgettable live act.
Best known for his time on SNL and for his role on Weeds, Kevin Nealon sets himself apart from other comedic performers with his unique sense of humor, dry wit, and likable demeanor.
EVENING SPONSORS:
EVENING SPONSORS:
AC Hotel Marriott; BANKW Staffing, LLC; Leone, McDonnell and Roberts, PA
The Friendly Toast; Prime Buchholz & Associates, Inc.
INTIMATELY YOURS ANGÉLIQUE
KIDJO
Sat., April 30 • 8pm • Historic Theater
Four-time Grammy Award winner Angélique Kidjo is one of the greatest artists in international music today, a creative force delivering highenergy, rousing live performances around the globe. EVENING SPONSOR: Petersen Engineering
WRITERS ON A NEW ENGLAND STAGE AMOR Tue., May 10 • 7pm • Historic Theater
TOWLES
Join us in person for the bestselling author of A Gentleman in Moscow and master of absorbing, sophisticated fiction returns with a propulsive novel set in 1950s America—now a #1 New York Times bestseller! TheMusicHall.org
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proud supporters of the Music hall
bringing the arts home...
The ArTs Are The Answer to vibrant and prosperous communities where we treasure our heritage, celebrate our diversity and nurture our ingenuity.
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AT A GLANCE
B2W BOX OFFICE AT THE HISTORIC THEATER: 28 Chestnut Street
LEGEND: At the Historic Theater | Loft | Offsite/Online
JANUARY 2022
FEBRUARY 2022
APRIL 2022
The Met at The Music Hall
Intimately Yours
The Music Hall Presents
Friday, February 25 • 8pm
Saturday, April 2 • 2pm
Eurydice (Aucoin)
Saturday, January 8 • 12:55pm Rental Partner
Recycled Percussion
Saturday, January 15 • 4:30pm & 7:30pm The Met at The Music Hall
Cinderella (Massenet)
Sunday, January 16 • 12:55pm Hilarity
Big Band of Brothers: A Jazz Celebration of The Allman Brothers Band Rental Partner
Opera Connection
Saturday, February 26 • 8pm
Sunday, April 3 • 10am
Another Tequila Sunrise - Eagles Tribute
Intimately Yours
Citizen Cope
Tuesday, January 25 • 8pm Intimately Yours
Keb' Mo'
Friday, January 28 • 8pm Intimately Yours
Rachael & Vilray
Saturday, January 29 • 8pm
Met at The Music Hall
Sunday, February 27 • 4pm
Sunday, April 3 • 12pm
Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy
MARCH 2022 Intimately Yours
Aoife O'Donovan
Tuesday, March 1 • 7:30pm Intimately Yours
The Tallest Man on Earth Friday, March 4 • 8pm School Days Series
Rosie Revere, Engineer & Friends
Wednesday, March 9 • 9:30am & 11:30am Rental Partner
Intimately Yours
Saturday, March 12 • 8pm
Friday, February 4 • 8pm
Comedian Bob Marley Rental Partner
Intimately Yours
Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra Winter Concert
Saturday, February 5 • 8pm
School Days Series
Pink Talking Fish Winter Carnival Intimately Yours
Pink Talking Fish 4 Kids
Sunday, February 6 • 1pm School Days Series
Warriors Don't Cry
Monday, February 7 • 9:30am & 11:30am Stage Door Cabaret
Taylor O'Donnell
Friday, February 11 • 6pm & 8pm Stage Door Cabaret
Kat Wright
Saturday, February 12 • 6pm & 8pm Rental Partner
Mike McDonald's 21st Annual Comedy Extravaganza Friday, February 18 • 7:30pm The Met at The Music Hall
Rigoletto (Verdi)
Sunday, February 20 • 12:55pm Hilarity
Don Carlos (Verdi) Intimately Yours
FEBRUARY 2022 An Evening with Cowboy Junkies
Don Carlos
Intimately Yours
Drew Lynch
Wednesday, January 19 • 7pm
Dan Brown’s Wild Symphony with Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra
Sunday, March 13 • 3pm
The Adventures of Harold and the Purple Crayon
Monday, March 14 • 9:30am & 11:30am The Music Hall Presents
The Moth Mainstage
Saturday, March 19 • 8pm Opera Connection
Ariadne auf Naxos
Sunday, March 20 • 11am
Straight No Chaser
Monday, April 4 • 8pm Hilarity
Kevin Nealon
Saturday, April 16 • 8pm Intimately Yours
Angélique Kidjo
Saturday, April 30 • 8pm
MAY 2022 Met at The Music Hall
Turandot (Puccini)
Saturday, May 7 • 12:55pm School Days Series
PSO presents Dan Brown's Wild Symphony Tuesday, May 10 • 10am & 12:30pm Writers on a New England Stage
Amor Towles
Tuesday, May 10 • 7pm Rental Partner
Gordon Lightfoot: 80 Years Strong Tour Wednesday, May 11 • 8pm Opera Connection
Lucia di Lammermoor
Saturday, May 21 • 11am Met at The Music Hall
Lucia di Lammermoor (Donizetti)
Met at The Music Hall
Saturday, May 21 • 12:55pm
Sunday, March 20 • 12:55pm
JUNE 2022
Ariadne auf Naxos (R. Strauss) Il Cinema Ritrovato
Friday, March 25 - Sunday, March 27
Rental Partner
Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra Spring Concert Sunday, June 5 • 3pm Met at The Music Hall
Hamlet (Dean)
Sunday, June 12 • 12:55pm
Charlie Berens
Thursday, February 24 • 7:30pm
TheMusicHall.org
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PUBLISHED EVERY SIX WEEKS BY:
Friends of The Music Hall 28 Chestnut Street Portsmouth, NH 03801
NON PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT NO. 609 MANCHESTER, NH
VOLUME 10, ISSUE 1
UPCOMING SHOWS
DREW LYNCH January 19
PINK TALKING FISH WINTER CARNIVAL February 5 & 6
JAN./MID-FEB. 2022
RACHAEL & VILRAY 1/29