Musical Holidays

‘Tis the Season

By Kathi Caldwell-Hopper

The holiday season just isn’t the holiday season without music and fun events. Luckily for those who want to savor the season, there are many events in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

The Lakes Region Symphony Orchestra will bring its “Holiday Spectacular” Concert for great music. The concert takes place at the Inter-Lakes Auditorium in Meredith on December 11 at 7 p.m. and December 12 at 3 p.m. For information, visit www.lrso.org.

Experience what life was like when candles lit the streets at the Gilford Candlelight Stroll on December 11 in Gilford village from 5 to 7 p.m. Dress warmly and stroll the streets to take in the evening lit with hundreds of candles. For more information, call 603524-6042.

The Colonial Theatre of Laconia at 617 Main Street brings some great holiday music to the Lakes Region for one night only on December 8: The Gift of Hope will be presented at 7 p.m. The entire family will enjoy a memorable presentation of music, dance, and drama, featuring children, teens, and adults from an area performing arts group.

If you love Irish music and Christmas, don’t miss Eileen Ivers and her band when they take to the stage at The Colonial on December 11 at 8 p.m. The skilled musicians celebrate the story of Christmas in a unique, upbeat show. Eileen’s Irish and American roots shine throughout the evening’s beautiful mix of traditional, story-fi lled, age-old Wren Day songs, poems, and foot-stomping roots music. The ensemble’s instruments and voices weave throughout the evening, coupled with Ivers’ signature warmth, inviting listeners to enjoy the tuneful, soulful celebration capturing the true spirit and joy of the season. There will be three performances from which to choose: December 17 and 18 at 7:30 p.m., and December 19 at 2 p.m., when “The Christmas Carol: The Musical Ghost Story” adapted by Joel Mercier, comes to the Colonial Theatre. Part of the Powerhouse Theatre Colonial Series, the story features a bright score, twists and turns in the plot, stunning costumes and special effects, and some frightful ghosts, while staying true to Dickens’ original story. Last seen in New Hampshire in 2018, the production will be remounted in Laconia as a new holiday tradition, featuring actors of all ages from the Granite State. Visit www.coloniallaconia.com, or call 1-800-657-8774.

The Wolfeboro Friends of Music will present a holiday treat in Wolfeboro on December 12 at 2 p.m., when the 13-member New England Flute

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Dec. Hours: 10-5 pm, Friday-Saturday-Sunday-Monday & First Fridays, 12-7 pm Jan.& Feb. Hours: 10-5 pm, Saturday & Sunday, closed for March. 603-323-8041 Orchestra of Indian Hill Music (Littleton, Massachusetts) performs a concert of seasonal music. The orchestra features members of the fl ute family, from piccolo to contrabass fl ute. Music performed by the Flute Orchestra includes selections composed specially for fl ute orchestra as well as arrangements of music for other ensembles. Tickets are available in Wolfeboro at Avery Insurance, Black’s Paper & Gift Store, online at www.wfriendsofmusic. org or at the door. High school students with ID will be admitted free of charge and children accompanied by an adult ticket -purchaser will be admitted free of charge.For more information, visit www.wfriendsofmusic.org or call 603569-2151.

Those who love Christmas put certain holiday movies on their must-do list, and topping the choices for many is the smash-hit movie, “Elf.” The beloved story will come to the Franklin Opera House on Central Street in Franklin, presented by the Franklin Footlight Theatre, from December 3 to 11. “Elf — the Musical” is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware he is actually human, Buddy’s enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to fi nd 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.

The Tall Granite Big Band will perform at the Franklin Opera House on December 18 at 7 p.m. Grab your twotone shoes, turn back the clock, and swing to the band’s horn harmonies and Big-Band beat. On December 18, the Franklin Area Lions Club brings the band to Franklin to benefi t Health First Family Care Center.

For information about the performances at the Franklin Opera House, call 603-934-1901 or visit www. franklinoperahouse.org.

From December 9 to 19, the Rochester Opera House in Rochester will present “A Christmas Carol.” It is the tale of the penny-pinching and bad-tempered old miser, Ebenezer Scrooge, and the awakening of his long-forgotten festive spirit. This ghostly tale of the Past, Present, and Future is brought to life in this exciting musical adaptation.

For some holiday fun on December 23 at 7:30 p.m., be at the Rochester Opera House for the favorite pocket-sized diva Li Monahd. Come jingle your merry at the last Rochester Opera House Drag series performance of 2021! For tickets and information, visit www.rochesteroperahouse.com or call 603-335-1992.

At the Flying Monkey Movie House and Performance Center in Plymouth, “Christmas With The Celts” will light up the stage on December 17 at 7:30 p.m. “Christmas With The Celts” is the brainchild of producer Ric Blair, a respected purveyor of Celtic music. The high-stepping spirited musical selections will have audiences clapping with Christmas classics such as “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”, “Little Drummer Boy”, and “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”, as well as “Count Your Blessings”, “White Christmas”, and John Lennon’s perennial “Happy Christmas”. The show is a combination of ancient Irish Carols, contemporary Christmas standards, spontaneous humor, and Irish dancing. The Celts’ lineup features founder Ric Blair on vocals, guitars, Bodhran, and piano; Laura McGhee on vocals and Scottish fi ddle; and an ensemble of musicians playing uilleann pipes, Irish whistles,

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drums, mandolin, and banjo, plus Irish step dancers.

The Flying Monkey ends the year with a great comedy show featuring Bob Marley on December 31. Choose from a 5:30 or 8 p.m. show.

The Flying Monkey is located at 39 South Main Street in Plymouth. Call 603-536-2551 or visit www.flyingmonkeynh.com.

Canterbury Shaker Village offers some unique entertainment this holiday season, with the world premiere performance of “Birdie,” the first holiday “Entertainment” produced at the Village in nearly 90 years.The dance-focused theatrical production will be presented on December 18 and 19 at 3 p.m. in the Hubbard Gallery as part of the “Merry Merry Canterbury” festivities that will make the season bright from 1 to 5 p.m. After reading Canterbury Shaker Village’s archives, Dance-Artist-In-Residence Lorraine Chapman was inspired by the story of the last girl raised by the Canterbury Shakers. Chapman created “Birdie” with a group of six dancer-performers. The piece harkens back to the beloved “entertainments” produced by the Shakers, which included reading, reciting, singing, playing instruments, and performing scenes from plays. “Birdie” is the story of Alberta MacMillan Kirkpatrick, who, after her mother’s death, lived in foster homes before arriving at Canterbury Shaker Village at the age of 11.Sister Marguerite Frost, who became Alberta’s “Shaker Mother,” welcomed the child.Chapman’s work reflects the simple gift of kindness that filled the young girl’s heart with love and hope. Alberta lived the next seven years in the caring and compassionate community of Canterbury where Sister Marguerite affectionately called her “Birdie.”

Tickets for “Birdie” are free for children, $15 for members, $20 for adults, and include all “Merry Merry Canterbury” entertainments, including access to the multi-sensory experience “Stairway to the Clouds” and pomander and cinnamon-tree making activities for the kids. In addition, Candlelight Tours, a Canterbury Shaker Village favorite, will be offered at 4 and 5 p.m. for a $50 admission. Canterbury Shaker Village is located at 288 Shaker Road in Canterbury. For further information, visit www.shakers.org.

The Festival of Trees in Wolfeboro is a sparkling event, taking place at The Wright Museum on Center Street. The festival features more than 60 trees, uniquely decorated by area businesses, non-profit organizations, families, and individuals. This year’s festival theme is “Main Street — Wolfeboro Celebrates the Holidays.” The trees will be on view December 8, 11, and 12. The price of admission benefits local organizations. For more information, visit www.wolfeborofestivaloftrees.com.

Children adore Santa, and a chance to visit him and his holiday helpers in his workshop should not be missed. The Tapply-Thompson Community Center at 30 North Main Street in Bristol will present the 66th annual Santa’s Village and Craft Fair on Friday, December 10, from 6 to 8 p.m., Saturday, December 11, from 2 to 5 p.m., and Sunday, December 12, from 2 to 5 p.m. The cost of admission is a canned good donation. Visit Santa’s elves as they work on toys and wrap presents, enjoy one of Mrs. Claus’ famous cookies, check out the North Pole train station,and spend time with Santa. Then do some holiday shopping at the Center’s craft fair. For more information, call 603-744-2713 or visit www.ttccrec.org.

“The Nutcracker” ballet will be performed in the Lakes Region at Kingswood Arts Center in Wolfeboro on December 18 at 7 p.m. and on December 19 at 2 p.m. Don’t miss this classical story, performed by the Northeastern Ballet Company. For ticket information, visit www.northeasternballet.org.

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Last Night Wolfeboro 2021 will mark the return of in-person, family-friendly events for the New Year’s Eve celebration. Popular performances, including music and magic, will be streamed on Wolfeboro Community Television (WCTV-channel 25) and YouTube.

Last Night Wolfeboro fi reworks are scheduled to take place over icy Wolfeboro Bay about 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. (Postponement date January 1.)

Festivities will begin with an in-person scavenger hunt at Wolfeboro shops and businesses, beginning on December 27 and continuing through 11:30 a.m. on December 31. Participants of all ages can register in mid-December by downloading local trivia and history questions @WolfeboroLastNight on Facebook; forms will also be available at Wolfeboro Town Hall, (84 S. Main Street), Wolfeboro Parks and Recreation (390 Pine Hill Rd.) and Wolfeboro Chamber of Commerce (Railroad Avenue). Scavenger hunt answers will be discovered by visiting Wolfeboro shops and businesses. Prizes will be awarded at Great Hall at Town Hall around noon on New Year’s Eve; contestants do not need to be present.

Last Night Wolfeboro events at Town Hall December 31 will feature two hours of interactive games, crafts, community displays, and more. Masks are strongly recommended during indoor events. Afternoon events and live performances being planned include local singer-songwriter and recording artist Stacey Kelleher, a Wildlife Encounters live animal show sponsored by the Children’s Center, Dance Expressions, Perform It, an Escape Room from Wolfeboro Girl Scouts, and magic by Brewster alumnus Yu Koriki (streamed via WCTV/YouTube).

Programming and event details will be updated as they become available on Facebook @WolfeboroLastNight.

“The Wolfeboro community and entire Lakes Region have been looking forward to kicking up their heels after yet another diffi cult year. Barring health or safety concerns, we are on track to provide free Last Night Wolfeboro events for our residents and visitors thanks to our generous sponsors and the Wolfeboro Economic Development Committee,” says Linda Murray, a town selectman who is the committee chair.

Fireworks over Wolfeboro Bay will take place – weather permitting – on December 31 at 6 p.m. If there’s severe weather on New Year’s Eve, the postponement date is Saturday, January 1, at 6 p.m.

Presenting Last Night Wolfeboro fi reworks sponsors include Black’s Paper Store, 8 S. Main Street, Wolfeboro; Avery Insurance, 21 S. Main St., Wolfeboro; Leone, McDonnell & Roberts, 61 S. Main St., Wolfeboro; Edward Jones, Kevin J. Lawlor, Financial Advisor, 35 Center Street Unit 1, Wolfeboro Falls; and Hunter’s Shop ‘n Save, 50 S. Main St., Wolfeboro.

Sponsorships and donations to defray programming costs are welcomed by contacting Wolfeboro Parks and Recreation Director Christine Collins, 603-569-5639, parksdirector@ wolfeboronh.us.

Last Night Wolfeboro 2021 is produced by the Wolfeboro Special Events and Wolfeboro Parks and Recreation.