It’s been said that art can give a soul to the universe, and luckily for us, Southern New Hampshire is bursting with local talent in all aspects of the arts! There are many events this summer that highlight this kind of talent – be it visual arts, photography, or jewelry making, the region has something for everyone. Musical talent is absolutely no exception. Check out some of the upcoming events that put local harmonies at the forefront during this warm and sunny season!
Monadnock Music presents a Progressive Garden Party July 27, 2019
A Mountain Melody
Peterborough, NH
Monadnock Music is a nonprofit organization with headquarters in the quaint and cozy town of Peterborough. It was founded in 1966, and the association hosts a variety of exceptional composers throughout the year, ranging from classical to contemporary styles. Monadnock Music also has an education program that is part of the curriculum for several elementary schools in the area. The program gives students a hands-on experience with a variety of instruments, nurturing their curiosity about music.
Each summer, Monadnock Music puts on twelve concerts throughout the region, hosting larger shows at the Town House in the heart of Peterborough and smaller shows in nearly two dozen towns that surround the mountain. The events are all-ages and feature much local talent!
For the month of July, Monadnock Music is hosting the following performances:
- JULY 18th / 7PM: American Stories Village Concert – Aldworth Manor, Harrisville, NH. The music is set to the poetry of Walt Whitman and Donald Hall (a New Hampshire native).
- JULY 27th / 1-5 PM: Progressive Garden Party – Downtown Peterborough. David Ross will be on guitar, Tara Novak on violin, and Alison Chapman Hale on flute. Each artist will present a live solo performance. Food and drinks (with Chef Jordan Scott) will be provided at each of the three garden locations (tickets include the drinks, tasting, and musical performances). Tickets are $45 each ($40 for members).
- JULY 28th / 3PM: The Hancock Village Concert – First Congregational Church. Vivian Choi will perform on the piano. This show is free and open to the public.
A summer day at Apple Hill in Nelson
Fruitful Compositions
410 Apple Hill Road / Nelson, NH
Apple Hill is a nonprofit located on 100 acres in rural Nelson, NH. The program offers mentoring and educational programs to 300 students each year during the Summer Chamber Music Workshop. Each summer, the Apple Hill String Quartet coaches local musicians of all ages (ranging from 13-80).
Together they put on a series of concerts, along with guest faculty artists. The performances are held every Tuesday between June 18th and August 20th, and each show is preceded by a dinner and lecture series (listenUP), hosted by the director of the program, Leonard Matcynski. Musicians are thoughtfully placed in chamber groups, and different chambers perform each week.
On August 6th, Apple Hill will host a Summer Gala Fundraiser to support their programming. Tickets are $75 per person (with a pre-concert dinner at $15 per person). Resident artists, summer faculty, and alumnus perform. You don’t want to miss it!
Get on over to Uplift Music Festival!
Boogie Down – Uplift Style
Marty’s Driving Range / Mason, NH
Uplift Music Festival is a volunteer-run event aimed to “uplift” the community through family-oriented music and arts. Each year, one nonprofit organization is deemed the beneficiary to receive a portion of profits from the festival. This year, profits will go to END 68 HOURS OF HUNGER, an effort to end childhood hunger in America by confronting the 68 hours of hunger some children experience between free school lunch on Friday and free breakfast Monday morning.
Uplift is a unique event that offers an opportunity to do good while having a good time. In the past, the festival has been hosted in the heart of Greenfield, directly across from the state park. This year, however, it will be held at a larger space, Marty’s Driving Range in Mason, NH on July 27th. Tickets are $45, and the show is all ages. Camping accommodations can be made at the Ashby Campground, located about two miles from the festival site.
Not only will there be an array of local (and not-so-local) musicians performing this year, but there will also be plenty of area farmers, artists, and small businesses there to share their products and talents as well!
Robert Randolph and the Family Band will be headlining, along with:
- Ryan Montbleau Band (MA)
- Donna the Buffalo (NY)
- Adam and the Flood (NH natives)
- Varsity Material (NH natives)
- Senie Hunt (NH)
There we have it! Those are just a few of the numerous musical activities the Monadnock region serves up each summer. Whichever events you choose to attend, a grand time is sure to be had by all!