July/Mid-August 2022 Magazine

NOW MAGAZINE • JULY/MID-AUGUST 2022

2022-2023 SEASON SHOWS

LITERARY AT THE LOUNGE

BRETT ELDREDGE* ROBERT CRAY BAND COLBIE CAILLAT PAULA POUNDSTONE JOHN IRVING ELF THE MUSICAL & MORE!

TOM PERROTTA 7/12

MUSIC AT THE LOUNGE

CHRIS PIERCE 7/21 MUSIC AT THE LOUNGE

TAKÉNOBU 7/30 LIVE UNDER THE ARCH

SONGWRITERS IN THE ROUND 8/6

PGS 10-18

*ON THE COVER

LEAD SPONSOR

SEASON SPONSORS

INTRODUCING THE CURATORS

TINA SAWTELLE

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR We are beyond thrilled to be presenting the mega country star Brett Eldredge (9/2) to kick off our fall season. I've been following this artist for years and can't believe we will get to see him perform right here in Portsmouth, NH!

Our expert Curatorial Team wants to draw your attention to these highlights but there's programming for everyone at The Music Hall. Check out upcoming shows on pgs 3-7 and 2022-23 programming on pgs 10-18.

JAMES PAONE

LAUREN HODGE

For me, comic relief has become as necessary as my morning coffee.

Luckily, we’ve got a wide range of comedians coming through both venues. A few of my picks: Pat McGann (7/7), Adam Ray (8/7), and Eddie B’s “Teacher’s Only” show (10/22).

With summer on the horizon, we’re thankfully that much closer to the legendary Dionne Warwick (9/7) gracing our stage. That’s not to say I’m wishing away the sunny days, because up-and-coming folk singer-songwriter Bella White (8/20) is on my must-see list at The Lounge.

PROGRAMMING MANAGER

TALENT BUYER

BRITTANY WASON

MONTE BOHANAN

Just as it’s difficult to pick my favorite book, I can't pick my favorite event, especially when Writers on a New England Stage is in full force: NPR’s Nina Totenberg (9/21), Hillary Clinton’s aide Huma Abedin (9/27), and the Seacoast’s own John Irving (10/18)!

I can't wait to bring Elf The Musical back to the Hall with our partners, the Ogunquit Playhouse, this holiday season. My family and I already have our tickets, and I’m dusting off my curly shoes and green tights!

LITERARY PRODUCER & CONTENT MANAGER

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

MARK PRUETT

ASHLEIGH TUCKER POLLOCK

DIRECTOR OF DATA SERVICES & CINEMA CURATOR

CHIEF OF STAFF & DANCE CURATOR

Cinema is alive and well, screening exclusively on our big screen at the Historic Theater. Telluride by the Sea, indie films, Art House pics, Hollywood flicks, concerts in HD, opera, and documentaries of all kinds!

I am so excited to welcome Paul Taylor Dance Company (9/10) back to our historic stage!

Curator Photo Credits: Chris Keeley Photography

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS

MAGAZINE

Monte Bohanan

Mark Pruett

Sara Turner

Lauren Hodge

Tina Sawtelle

Brittany Wason

James Paone

Ashleigh Tucker Pollock

THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE PARTNERS

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DESIGN Kaitlyn Huwe

COMEDY AT THE LOUNGE Laugh along with us COMEDY SERIES SPONSORS:

PAT MCGANN

Thu., July 7 • 6pm & 8:30pm • The Lounge

MICHAEL IAN BLACK

Sat., July 9 • 6pm & 9pm • The Lounge

Pat McGann is quickly rising as one of the sharpest stand-ups in the comedy world as Sebastian Maniscalco’s opening act.

Michael Ian Black is a multi-media talent who has starred in films and shows like Wet Hot American Summer, and regularly tours with his ribald brand of jokes.

JIMMY TINGLE LIVE!

ADAM RAY

Jimmy Tingle weaves the good, the bad, and the ugly of the pandemic with the humor, hope, and humanity the world so desperately needs in 2022.

You know him from shows Curb Your Enthusiasm and Arrested Development; films The Heat and Ghostbusters; and his About Last Night podcast.

Sat., July 16 • 6pm & 8:30pm • The Lounge

Sun., August 7 • 8:30pm • The Lounge

TheMusicHall.org

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MUSIC AT THE LOUNGE Local legends & rising stars

DARLINGSIDE [SOLD OUT]

TOMBERLIN

Known for their harmonies, intelligent songwriting, and hilarious stage presence, the Boston-based quartet is a live-performance favorite on the Seacoast!

Up-and-comer Tomberlin’s music has been widely praised for the sparsity and delicacy of its instrumentation, especially in contrast with the emotional heft of her lyrics.

SÉAN MCCANN

CHRIS PIERCE

Founder of the iconic Canadian band, Great Big Sea, Séan McCann presents a rollicking return to his own maritime roots and an invigorating breath of salty sea air.

The #1 charting singer-songwriter Chris Pierce has toured with Seal, Cold War Kids, Keb' Mo', Sunny War and more, in addition to topping the Billboard Blues chart and Americana lists.

Fri., July 8 • 8pm • The Lounge

Wed., July 13 • 7pm • The Lounge

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Sun., July 10 • 8pm • The Lounge

Thu., July 21 • 7:30pm • The Lounge

MUSIC AT THE LOUNGE Music to our ears

TAYLOR O'DONNELL

BITTER PILL

Sun., July 24 • 8pm • The Lounge

Fri., July 22 8pm The Lounge Bitter Pill’s “rhythm and bluegrass” music is a dark and anachronistic twist of folk, blues, jazz, rockabilly, and country.

Known for her exploratory use of vocal timbre and texture in her musical stylings, Taylor O’Donnell’s musical dialogue combines her R&B, folk, jazz, rock, and classical music training.

PETER MULVEY & MARK ERELLI

TAKÉNOBU

Two singer-songwriter veterans bring decades on the road and Americana artistry together with no holds barred.

This multi-layered string duo is known for their dreamy and dramatic instrumental pieces.

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Thu., July 28 • 7:30pm • The Lounge

Sat., July 30 • 8pm • The Lounge

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LITERARY AT THE LOUNGE Summer reads & bestselling authors

TOM PERROTTA

Tue., July 12 • 7pm • The Lounge Tracy Flick is back and, once again, the iconic protagonist of Tom Perrotta’s Election—and Reese Witherspoon’s character from the classic movie adaptation—is determined to take high school politics by storm.

Evening’s Moderator: Richard Russo, Pulitzer Prize-winning author.

CHRIS VAN ALLSBURG

Sun., July 31 • 2pm • The Lounge Join The Music Hall and Portsmouth Historical Society for a special conversation with Caldecott Medalist and bestselling author of Jumanji and The Polar Express, Chris Van Allsburg!

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LIVE UNDER THE ARCH ON CHESTNUT ST. Our outdoor series in the sunshine!

LIVE UNDER THE ARCH PRESENTING SPONSOR:

ERICK BAKER WITH SPECIAL GUEST LYDIA LUCE

LIZ FRAME & THE KICKERS

Erick Baker has toured alongside artists like John Legend, Brandi Carlile, and the Goo Goo Dolls, performing with passion and unguarded emotional energy. Virtuoso Lydia Luce joins for a spellbinding show.

With a voice like Patsy Cline and songwriting style in the vein of Dolly Parton and Lucinda Williams, Liz Frame delivers honest, unbridled Americana with serious soul.

Sat., July 2 • 6pm & 8pm • Chestnut Street

Fri., July 15 • 7:30pm • Chestnut Street

SONGWRITERS IN THE ROUND:

DAN BLAKESLEE, KATE REDGATE, & CHAD VERBECK Sat., August 6 • 8pm • Chestnut Street

A NIGHT OF SINATRA WITH RICH DIMARE

Three immensely talented singer-songwriters and troubadours share their own unique styles of folk and Americana in this special in-theround performance under the stars.

Rich DiMare is an American jazz singer who specializes in the Frank Sinatra songbook.

Thu., August 18 • 6pm & 8pm • Chestnut Street

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SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT Gratitude for a Generous (and Growing!) Group As we welcome a new season at The Music Hall, we welcome a new Season Sponsor to the ranks of this storied group of steadfast supporters: JGroup Hospitality. Passionate hospitality professionals, JGroup is the team behind Jumpin’ Jay’s Fish Cafe, Moxy, The Franklin, Luigi’s West End Pizzeria, White Heron Tea & Coffee, STREET, Ore Nell’s Barbecue, Vida Cantina, The Railpenny Tavern, Dos Amigos, and Liars Bench Beer Co., as well as the Water Street Inn, The Sailmaker’s House, the Hotel Thaxter, and more.

JGroup Founder and CEO Jay McSharry is a longtime champion of The Music Hall. In addition to serving on the Board of Trustees from Zachary Williams Credit: Chris Keeley Photography

2010 to 2019 (with a three-year stint as President), Jay and his wife and

business partner Amanda are Music Hall members, sponsors, and regular patrons.

We are grateful for the support of JGroup and all of our Corporate Sponsors. Season Sponsor Carey & Giampa, Realtors have pledged their support for 2022-23, marking their 10th year in that role, as has Portwalk Place, now celebrating 9 years as a Season Sponsor. Our Lead Sponsor, B2W Software continues to make exemplary, inspirational contributions, this year committing to sponsor the B2W Box Office through the 2024-25 Season.

Please visit our website to see all our Corporate Partners, learn more about them in the Playbill (available in person and online), and thank them on our behalf at the next opportunity!

UPCOMING MEMBER EVENTS DIRECTOR'S CLUB THE LOUNGE

Wed., 7/6 • 5:30pm 131 Congress St., Portsmouth

with acoustic ambience from Music Hall favorite Sarah Blacker More Book Club and Director’s Club events are coming in the fall!

For information, please visit our website or contact Wesley Lovell at WLovell@themusichall.org DIRECTOR'S CLUB SPONSOR: Newburyport Bank

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.

TheMusicHall.org

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MUSIC AT THE HISTORIC THEATER Tickets are going fast!

MUSIC SERIES SPONSORS: H A M P T O N F O R D

H Y U N D A I

AN EVENING WITH THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS [SOLD OUT] Thu., September 1 • 8pm • Historic Theater

In honor of the album that made them an international act, They Might Be Giants is celebrating Flood's 30th anniversary by performing the album, in its entirety, on stages in select cities across the US. EVENING SPONSOR: BANKW Staffing

BRETT ELDREDGE

Fri., September 2 • 8pm • Historic Theater Brett Eldredge brings the electrifying Songs About You Tour to Portsmouth for an incredible night of powerhouse vocals and music from the new album.

ARTIST UNDERWRITING MADE POSSIBLE BY:

Black Rock Sports Club David and Karen Della Penta Stephen A. Gaykan

DIONNE WARWICK

Wed., September 7 • 7:30pm • Historic Theater Dionne Warwick is a six-time Grammy Awardwinning music legend who has recorded more than 75 charted hit songs and sold over 100 million records.

EVENING SPONSORS: Leone, McDonnell and Roberts, PA; Piscataqua Savings Bank; Whole Life Health Care

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MUSIC AT THE HISTORIC THEATER Music Hall favorites return MUSIC SERIES SPONSORS: H A M P T O N F O R D

H Y U N D A I

THE ROBERT CRAY BAND

Tue., September 13 • 7:30pm • Historic Theater Over the past four decades, Cray has created a sound that rises from American roots with five Grammys and dozens of albums that punctuate the Blues Hall of Famer’s career.

EVENING SPONSORS: Avery Insurance

COLBIE CAILLAT

Wed., October 19 • 7:30pm • Historic Theater Two-time Grammy Award-winning Colbie Caillat has performed her platinum albums and chart-topping songs all around the world with the likes of John Mayer and Sheryl Crow.

EVENING SPONSORS: Avery Insurance; Harbor Advisory Corporation; Harvey Family Dentistry

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MUSIC AT THE HISTORIC THEATER Celebrating with the best!

MUSIC SERIES SPONSORS: H A M P T O N F O R D

H Y U N D A I

JANIS IAN: CELEBRATING OUR YEARS TOGETHER

Thu., October 27 • 7:30pm • Historic Theater With special guest Tom Rush The multi-Grammy Award-winning artist, songwriter, and musician celebrates a lifetime in music with her latest album and her last North American tour.

EVENING SPONSOR:

NEW YEAR'S EVE CHAMPAGNE POPS WITH PORTS. SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Sat., December 31 • 8pm • Historic Theater

Join the Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra and The Music Hall for an effervescent New Year’s Eve celebration as we welcome a fresh start together.

On sale soon!

NATALIE MACMASTER & DONNELL LEAHY

Sun., February 26 • 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 SPONSOR: Piscataqua Savings Bank

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WRITERS ON A NEW ENGLAND STAGE Authors return in-person to the stage WRITERS ON A NEW ENGLAND STAGE IS A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN:

PRESENTING SPONSOR:

MEDIA PARTNER:

NINA TOTENBERG

Wed., September 21 • 7pm • Historic Theater Celebrated NPR correspondent Nina Totenberg delivers an extraordinary memoir of her personal successes, struggles, and life-affirming relationships, including her beautiful friendship of nearly fifty years with Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

EVENING SPONSOR: The Fifth Flavor

HUMA ABEDIN

Tue., September 27 • 7pm • Historic Theater A New York Times bestseller, this extraordinary memoir from Hillary Clinton’s famously private top aide and longtime advisor offers a behind-the-scenes look at life both/and, good and bad.

JOHN IRVING

Tue., October 18 • 7pm • Historic Theater John Irving, one of the world’s greatest novelists, returns with his first novel in seven years—a ghost story, a love story, and a lifetime of sexual politics.

EVENING SPONSOR: Eastern Bank

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COMEDY AT THE HISTORIC THEATER We could all use a laugh COMEDY SERIES SPONSORS:

PAULA POUNDSTONE

Sat., October 1 • 8pm • Historic Theater Paula Poundstone is known for her smart, observational humor, and a spontaneous wit that has become the stuff of legend.

EVENING SPONSORS: Carpe Diem Coffee Roasting Co; Petersen Engineering

EDDIE B.

Sat., October 22 • 8pm • Historic Theater The teacher-turned-comic is known for his raw and hysterically realistic portrayal of a teacher’s hectic life.

EVENING SPONSOR: Mad*Pow

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COMEDY AT THE HISTORIC THEATER India's biggest comedian and the Seacoast's own COMEDY SERIES SPONSORS:

VIR DAS

Sat., October 29 • 8pm • Historic Theater Catch the global phenomenon, who has five Netflix stand-up specials and most recently starred in the Judd Apatow film The Bubble, live in Portsmouth, NH.

JUSTON MCKINNEY: A YEAR IN REVIEW 2022

Mon., December 26 • 7pm; Tue., December 27 • 7pm; Wed., December 28 • 8pm; Thu., December 29 • 8pm • Historic Theater End the year with laughter as comedian Juston McKinney performs what have become annual must-see shows at The Music Hall!

EVENING SPONSORS: Eastern Bank; Harvey Family Dentistry

TheMusicHall.org

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DANCE IN THE HISTORIC THEATER THEATER/DANCE MEDIA PARTNER:

PAUL TAYLOR DANCE COMPANY

Sat., September 10 • 7:30pm • Historic Theater One of the most famous and dynamic modern dance ensembles of our time, Paul Taylor Dance Company returns to The Music Hall with an excitingly diverse repertory for the historic stage.

TELLURIDE IS BACK AT THE HISTORIC THEATER TELLURIDE BY THE SEA FILM FESTIVAL

Fri., September 16 - Sun., September 18 Historic Theater ​​ One weekend festival of new movies fresh from their debuts at Colorado’s Telluride Film Festival.

Films will be announced and individual tickets will go on sale Labor Day weekend.

Credit: David J. Murray/ClearEyePhoto.com

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THE OGUNQUIT PLAYHOUSE AT THE MUSIC HALL PRESENTS

NOVEMBER 30 - DECEMBER 18 Elf The Musical is the hilarious tale of Buddy, an orphan child who thinks he’s one of Santa’s elves.

With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.

This modern day Christmas classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner Elf.

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT

Don’t be a cotton-headed ninny-muggins, get your tickets early! Promotion runs through July 31.

10% DISCOUNT

20% DISCOUNT

30% DISCOUNT

Friend level Save up to $9.90/ticket

Advocate-Patron level Save up to $19.80/ticket

Backer-Stakeholder level Save up to $29.70/ticket

PRESENTING HOLIDAY SPONSOR:

TheMusicHall.org

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UPCOMING MUSIC AT THE LOUNGE Something for everyone!

EANDA BAND:

BELLA WHITE

Fri., August 19 • 8pm The Lounge

A truly original new voice in songwriting, Bella White creates an undeniable magic on her debut album that Rolling Stone praised as “sublime Appalachian heartbreak.”

ANGER, HARTMAN, WALSH, GILCHRIST, POOL The best of Boston’s American string and bluegrass scene create a spirited musical conversation for all.

WILL DAILEY

Fri., September 2 • 8pm The Lounge Award-winning artist Will Dailey’s rich vintage sound has earned him #1 hit records.

Fri., September 9 • 9pm The Lounge

Versatile and innovative artists, Taylor Ashton and the Oshima Brothers make for a beautiful night of music.

MELISSA FERRICK

The Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter’s deep, smooth voice is seriously easy to get lost in.

Ferrick is one of the most prolific independent artists and songwriters on the scene today.

SARAH BLACKER BAND

JONATHA BROOKE

The band presents seamless songs that expand into danceable grooves and playful improvisational journeys.

With an edgy roots-rock sensibility, Jonatha Brooke has been making music for decades.

WILLY PORTER & TOM PIROZZOLI

ELLIS PAUL

Fri., September 30 • 8pm The Lounge

Fri., October 21 7:30pm The Lounge •

Rich guitar work and world travels complete these singer-songwriters’ live performances.

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TAYLOR ASHTON & OSHIMA BROTHERS

ARI HEST

Thu., September 15 • 7:30pm The Lounge

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Sat., August 20 • 8pm The Lounge

Fri., September 23 • 8pm The Lounge

Sat., October 8 • 6pm The Lounge

Fri., October 28 • 8pm The Lounge A national treasure and New England’s own, Ellis Paul is a singular storyteller unlike any other.

AT A GLANCE

B2W BOX OFFICE AT THE HISTORIC THEATER: 28 Chestnut Street

Schedule subject to change.

Check TheMusicHall.org for updates.

LEGEND: At The Historic Theater | At The Lounge | Offsite/Online

JULY 2022

AUGUST 2022

SEPTEMBER 2022

Live Under the Arch

Live Under the Arch

Cinema

Erick Baker with special guest Lydia Luce Saturday, July 2 • 6pm & 8pm Comedy

Pat McGann

Thursday, July 7 • 6pm & 8:30pm Music

Darlingside [SOLD OUT] Friday, July 8 • 8pm Comedy

Songwriters in the Round: Dan Blakeslee, Kate Redgate & Chad Verbeck Saturday, August 6 • 8pm Comedy

Adam Ray

Sunday, August 7 • 8:30pm Live Under the Arch

A Night of Sinatra with Rich DiMare

Thursday, August 18 • 6pm & 8pm

Telluride by the Sea Film Festival

Friday, September 16 - Sunday, September 18 Writers on a New England Stage

Nina Totenberg

Wednesday, September 21 • 7pm Music

Melissa Ferrick

Friday, September 23 • 8pm Writers on a New England Stage

Michael Ian Black

Music

Music

Friday, August 19 • 8pm

Music

Sunday, July 10 • 8pm

Music

Friday, September 30 • 8pm

Literary

Saturday, August 20 • 8pm

Saturday, July 9 • 6pm & 9pm

Tomberlin

Tom Perrotta

Tuesday, July 12 • 7pm

EandA Band: Anger, Hartman, Walsh, Gilchrist, Pool Bella White

Huma Abedin

Tuesday, September 27 • 7pm

Sarah Blacker Band

OCTOBER 2022

Music

SEPTEMBER 2022

Comedy

Wednesday, July 13 • 7pm

Music

Saturday, October 1 • 8pm

Live Under the Arch

Thursday, September 1 • 8pm

Séan McCann

Liz Frame & the Kickers

They Might Be Giants [SOLD OUT]

Friday, July 15 • 7:30pm

Music

Comedy

Friday, September 2 • 8pm

Jimmy Tingle Live!

Brett Eldredge

Saturday, July 16 • 6pm & 8:30pm

Music

Music

Friday, September 2 • 8pm

Chris Pierce

Will Dailey

Thursday, July 21 • 7:30pm

Music

Music

Wednesday, September 7 • 7:30pm

Bitter Pill

Dionne Warwick

Friday, July 22 • 8pm

Music

Music

Friday, September 9 • 9pm

Taylor O’Donnell

Taylor Ashton & Oshima Brothers

Sunday, July 24 • 8pm

Dance

Music

Saturday, September 10 • 7:30pm

Peter Mulvey & Mark Erelli

Paul Taylor Dance Company

Thursday, July 28 • 7:30pm

Music

Music

Tuesday, September 13 • 7:30pm

Takénobu

The Robert Cray Band

Saturday, July 30 • 8pm

Music

Literary

Thursday, September 15 • 7:30pm

Chris Van Allsburg

Ari Hest

Paula Poundstone Music

Jonatha Brooke

Saturday, October 8 • 6pm Writers on a New England Stage

John Irving

Tuesday, October 18 • 7pm Music

Colbie Caillat

Wednesday, October 19 • 7:30pm Music

Willy Porter & Tom Pirozzoli

Friday, October 21 • 7:30pm Comedy

Eddie B

Saturday, October 22 • 8pm Music

Janis Ian: Celebrating Our Years Together Thursday, October 27 • 7:30pm Music

Ellis Paul

Friday, October 28 • 8pm Comedy

Vir Das

Saturday, October 29 • 8pm

Sunday, July 31 • 2pm

FROM OUR PARTNER - THE OGUNQUIT PLAYHOUSE

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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 5

UPCOMING SHOWS

MICHAEL IAN BLACK July 9

BITTER PILL July 22

LEAD SPONSOR:

JULY/MID-AUGUST 2022

PAT MCGANN 7/7