January/Mid-February 2022 Magazine

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

603.436.2400

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.

TheMusicHall.org

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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.

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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.

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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