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Area galleries and studios are gearing up for a colorful new season.
• Currier Museum of Art: 150 Ash St., Manchester, 669-6144, currier.org. Now on view until Dec. 30, "New Hampshire and the American Studio Craft Movement" tells of New Hampshire's pivotal role in the development of studio craft, featuring ceramics, quilts, glassware, furniture, etc. Upcoming exhibits include "Printmaking in the Age of Rembrandt," Sept. 29 through Jan. 6. Other events to look forward to at this Manchester museum: "Exclamation Point!" on Thursday, Sept. 6, 6-8 p.m., an informal joining of playwrights, poets, filmmakers, visual artists, puppet masters, and more ($10); "The Currier Museum of Art and Its Neighborhood," on Sunday, Sept. 23, noon to 5 p.m. ($25) offers a tour on the Currier and the architecturally significant neighborhood surrounding it; Josh Logan and a Steamroller Printmaking workshop on Thursday, Oct. 4; Art Talks, classes, film screenings and more.
• New Hampshire Art Association Summer Exhibit: Visitors can see local art at the Discover Portsmouth Center (10 Middle St., Portsmouth, 436-8433) from Friday, Sept. 7, through Sunday, Sept. 30. This free program's opening reception is on Friday, Sept. 7, 5-8 p.m.
• Concord Arts Market: New Hampshire's first weekly arts market (since 2008) is alive and well, available for visitors on Saturdays, Sept. 8 through Oct. 27, at Bicentennial Square, downtown Concord. This juried, weekly outdoor artisan and fine arts market is home to a variety of creative artists selling their work in all forms. Admission is free. Visit concordartsmarket.com.
• Londonderry's Art on the Common: Gather on the common Saturday, Sept. 8, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the corners of Mammoth and Pillsbury Road in Londonderry. Hosted by the Londonderry Arts Council, this annual show features the standard display of fine art in painting, drawing, sculpture, 3D works, fine art photography and a multiform category, titled "Eclecticco." Artists from New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Maine will present their work all day. Londonderry Friends of Music will also be on hand, selling chrysanthemums from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 801-0701 or visit londonderryculture.org.
• Inspired Recovery: This annual exhibit features artists' work inspired through recovery from drug and/or alcohol abuse. This free event invites all to experience the journey, on Friday, Sept. 14, 6-10 p.m., in the French Building at the New Hampshire Institute of Art (148 Concord St., Manchester). Visit inspiredrecovery.org.
• Paint the Town live art auction: Support local artists at this art auction on Friday, Sept. 14, at Kimball Jenkins School of Art (266 N. Main St., Concord). The event consists of a silent auction and a wine cellar raffle at 5:30 p.m. Visit kimballjenkins.com for more information.
• Open studio tour: The Hillsborough Area Artists Open Studio Tour is Saturday, Sept. 15, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 16, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Attendees will drive from studio to studio during this time (all of which are within a 20-mile radius of the downtown area) to visit with the artisans and learn their creative process. Also during this weekend, The Gallery at Well Sweep (584 Center Road, Hillsborough) will be exhibiting paintings, wood art and blown glass of Hillsborough artisans. Visit hillsboroughartisans.com.
• Artisan Festival: Create art the way we used to at this festival on Saturday, Sept. 15, and Sunday, Sept. 16, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Canterbury Shaker Village (288 Shaker Road, Canterbury, 229-2157). The festival celebrates the Shaker tradition of craft, from the Americana bands that will "make you dance," a Smuttynose Brewery beer tent, a collection of handmade things from area vendors, to name a few. Children's activities include creating corn-husk and yarn dolls, making handmade pies and participating in the community mosaic project. Admission is $12, and tickets may be purchased by calling 783-9511 or online at eventbrite.com/event/3146678801/eorg. The first 40 people to register may also register for a yoga class at 1 p.m.; call 783-9077. Visit shakers.org.
• Andres Institute Symposium: "Ancient Enigma" opens on Sunday, Sept. 16, and is available for viewing through Sunday, Oct. 7, at Andreas Institute of Art, 98 Route 13, Brookline Sculptures Amgalan Tsvegmid (Mongolia/Potomac, Maryland), Isidore Batu Siharulidze (Republic of Georgia/Brookline, Mass.), Hoa Bich Dao (Hanoi, Vietnam) and Nikolay Stefanov Stoychev (Sofia, Bulgaria) are to be featured, and their work will be on display at the Institute lands. Special guided tours occur on Saturday, Sept. 22, at 10 a.m.; Saturday, Sept. 29, at 10 a.m.; and Saturday, Oct. 6, at 10 a.m. Visit andresinstitute.org or call 673-8411.
• Art you live in: The Furniture Masters annual auction offers a chance to see (and purchase) beautifully crafted one-of-a-kind pieces created by New Hampshire's own Furniture Masters occurs on Saturday, Sept. 22, at the Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St., Manchester), at 6 p.m. Attire is business casual, and admission is $75 per person. The event begins with a gala reception and a silent auction featuring smaller, modestly priced handmade items, donated by each participating master, to which proceeds support the Furniture Masters educational initiatives, followed by a live auction. Visit furnituremasters.org to purchase tickets.
• Art at the Audi: The Audi hosts its Gala Part and Arts Fair on Sunday, Sept. 23, at 6 p.m., outside with an ice cream social with Arnie's Ice Cream. It's followed by the Gala Variety show at 7 p.m., with a fast-paced, 90-minute preview of coming attractions and a gala raffle. Admission is $5, and tickets are available at UPS, 75 S. Main St., and at the door. Call 225-7474.
• ArtWalk: About 50 artists are expected to be showing in downtown Nashua and the Millyard Sept. 29 and Sept. 30. Registration is open — visit cityartsnashua.org.
• Canterbury Shaker Village: Just because it's 2012 doesn't mean you can't enjoy some old-fashioned activities. Some upcoming events at Canterbury Shaker Village (288 Shaker Road, Canterbury, 229-2157): "Ghost Encounters" on Friday, Oct. 12, at 6:30 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 13, at 6:30 p.m. ($12; not recommended for children); a Vintage Car show on Saturday, Oct. 20, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. ($17, call 783-9511); and "Gift in hand" Friday, Nov. 9, through Sunday, Nov. 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (free). Visit shakers.org.
• Deerfield Arts Tour: This self-guided tour on Saturday, Oct. 20, and Sunday, Oct. 21, leads attendees to more than 10 studios in Deerfield. The tour begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m., and shows the artwork of a dozen-plus craftspeople. Visit deerfieldartstour.com.
• Open Doors Manchester: The trolley is coming around again for Open Doors Manchester on Thursday, Nov. 1, 5-8 p.m. The event that happens three times a year will offer yet again a trolley route for art-seers to ride and enter galleries around Manchester for free. The trolley stops at each location for 30 to 40 minutes, however, gallery-goers can get on and off for the free trolley tour as much as they wish. Visit majestictheatre.net or call 669-7469.
• Not Your Grandma's craft fair: The event was "spawned from the need to fill a gap in the local artsy craft market," writes the website, and it does so at the McDonough Elementary School (Manchester) on Saturday, Nov. 10, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Art, jewelry, craft, clothing, pet items and home items will be on sale at this annual fair. Visit notyourgrandmascraftfair.org.
The summer of beach reading is coming to a close, but there are plenty of literary offerings this fall to keep you intellectually engaged. Dennis Lehane visits Concord, Jane Hamilton visits Nashua, local poets read their work and book clubs are discussing all kinds of topics.
• War: Rajiv Chandasekaran, a senior correspondent and associate editor of The Washington Post, will give a presentation titled "War Within the War for Afghanistan" on Thursday, Sept. 6, at 6 p.m. at the University of New Hampshire Manchester (400 Commercial St., Manchester, www.unhm.unh.edu).
• Authors arrive at Gibson's: Gibson's Bookstore, (27 S. Main St., Concord, 224-0562, www.gibsonsbookstore.com) hosts a number of authors of fiction, nonfiction and poetry this fall for a variety of readings, book signings and Q&As. The events are free and open to the public. Tom Ryan, author of Following Atticus: Forty-Eight High Peaks, One Little Dog, and an Extraordinary Friendship, will be at Gibson's Bookstore in Concord on Thursday, Sept. 6, at 7 p.m. for a Q&A session. The bookshop will host a reading, Q&A and book signing with author Nichole Bernier, who wrote The Unfinished Work of Elizabeth D., on Wednesday, Sept. 12, at 7 p.m. Jim Salmon will talk about his book Rime of the Ancient Underwriter: How I Stowed the Day Job and Went to Sea on Thursday, Oct. 4, at 7 p.m.
• One Nashua, One Book: Nashua's One City, One Book program for this fall centers on When Madeline Was Young by Jane Hamilton. The program at the Nashua Public Library (2 Court St., Nashua, 589-4600, www.nashua.lib.nh.us) includes seven weeks of events culminating with a visit from Hamilton on Oct. 21. The program includes a RISE Nashua Reads class on Tuesdays from 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Lisa Allen, literature instructor at Southern New Hampshire University, will lead book discussions on When Madeline Was Young on Tuesday, Sept. 11, Tuesday, Sept. 25, and Tuesday, Oct. 2. The library will also host a book discussion on Thursday, Oct. 11, at 7 p.m. Contact Carol Eyman at 589-4610 or email@example.com. The program includes a film series. On Thursday, Sept. 27, from 7 to 9 p.m., guitarist Jason Crigler and his sister Marjorie will tell Crigler's story of suffering a brain hemorrhage on stage. Crigler is featured in the film Life. Support. Music., part of the Nashua Reads film series. Hamilton will visit on Oct. 21, at Rivier College Dion Center, 16 Clement St. in Nashua, for a private reception at 1 p.m. and a public presentation at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $7 in advance or $10 at the door, and $25 for the preceding reception with the author. Purchase tickets at the library or at www.mktix.com/npl. Visit www.nashuareads.com.
• Concord library events: The Concord Public Library (45 Green St., Concord, 230-3682) will host local authors Paul Brogan, Terry Tibbetts and Lynn Durham on Tuesday, Sept. 11, at 7 p.m. On Wednesday, Oct. 10, at 7 p.m. fiction writer Elaine Isaak talks about influence of Edgar Allan Poe on her writing. The library will host a discussion of The Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford on Monday, Nov. 5, at 12:10 p.m.
• Authors in Portsmouth: The Music Hall (28 Chestnut St. in Portsmouth, 436-2400, www.themusichall.org) presents a series of meet-the-author events this fall. Lee Child will talk about his suspense novel, A Wanted Man on Thursday, Sept. 13, at 7:30 p.m. in the Music Hall Loft (131 Congress St. in Portsmouth). Tickets cost $42 and include a reserved seat, book and bar beverage. Salman Rushdie will talk about his memoir, Joseph Anton, on Wednesday, Oct. 10, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $13. On Wednesday, Nov. 14, Colm Toibin will talk about The Testament of Mary. Tickets cost $37 and include a reserved seat, book and bar beverage.
• Concord Reads: This year's Concord Reads title is The Weight of Water by Anita Shreve. Book discussions will take place in the library auditorium (45 Green St., Concord, 225-8670). Suzanne Brown, visiting assistant professor of English at Dartmouth College, will host book discussions of The Weight of Water at the library on Sunday, Sept. 16, at 2 p.m. and on Wednesday, Sept. 19, at 7 p.m. John Perrault will host "Crime and Punishment on the Isle of Shoals" on Thursday, Sept. 27, at 7 p.m. as part of Concord Reads and Rebecca Rule will lead a fun discussion centered on the question, "What's your favorite mystery?" on Sunday, Oct. 7, at 2 p.m. Shreve will visit the library on Thursday, Oct. 11, at 7 p.m. www.onconcord.com/library.
• Poets take the mike: The Poetry Society of New Hampshire will hold its monthly gathering on Wednesday, Sept. 19, at 7 p.m. at Gibson's Bookstore (27 S. Main St., Concord, 224-0562, www.gibsonsbookstore.com) with headliners Kyle Potvin and Robert Crawford and Walter Butts followed by an open mike; see poetrysocietyofnewhampshire.org. The society meets on the third Wednesday of the month at Gibson's.
• Books in the Mill: UNH Manchester (400 Commercial St., Manchester, www.unhm.unh.edu) will host book discussions on certain Thursdays this fall. The discussion will center on Last Orders, by Graham Swift on Thursday, Sept. 20, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and the discussion will focus on Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel on Thursday, Oct. 18, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Call 641-4173.
• The humanity: The New Hampshire Humanities Council, www.nhhc.org, holds a variety of events each year, including a presentation on the history of one-room schoolhouses in New Hampshire on Tuesday, Sept. 25, at 7:30 p.m. at St. John's Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 270 Stark Highway North in Dunbarton. Check the Humanities Council website for events close to you.
• Authors arrive at Water Street: Water Street Bookstore (125 Water St. in Exeter, 778-9731, waterstreetbooks.com) hosts several authors this fall, including novelist Ashley P. Norton, who wrote The Chocolate Money, on Tuesday, Sept. 25, at 7 p.m. The bookstore will also feature historian Eric Jay Dolin, who will talk about his latest work, When America First Met China, on Tuesday, Oct. 16, at 7 p.m.
• Manchester library books: Manchester City Library (405 Pine St., Manchester, 624-6550, www.manchester.lib.nh.us). Local author David Maher will read from his book One for the Road Thursday, Oct. 4, at 7 p.m. Author Richard Hatin will visit the library on Thursday, Oct. 25, at 7 p.m.
• Events at the Cap: David H. Souter, retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice, takes the stage at the Capitol Center for the Arts (in Concord) on Friday, Sept. 14, at 6 p.m. Tickets are sold out but there's a waiting list at the New Hampshire Humanities Council website, www.nhhc.org. Souter will be conversing on stage with PBS NewsHour correspondent Margaret Warner. This is the opening event in the "Constitutionally Speaking" series. Dennis Lehane, author of Mystic River and Gone, Baby, Gone, will talk about his latest work, Live by Night, on Wednesday, Oct. 29, at 7 p.m. at the Capitol Center for the Arts (44 S. Main St. in Concord, 225-1111, www.ccanh.com) in Concord, hosted by Gibson's Bookstore. Tickets cost $28.50, which includes a copy of the book, available for pickup at Gibson's beginning Oct. 2. Each buyer who is purchasing a $28.50 ticket may purchase, in addition, as many as six tickets at $6 each without the book, for family or group members.
• Authors at Toadstool: The Toadstool Bookshop (Lorden Plaza in Milford, 673-1734, www.toadbooks.com) hosts several author events throughout the fall. The Milford bookshop will host Hilary Weisman Graham and Kristen-Paige Madonia will talk about their young adult books, Reunited and Fingerprints of You on Friday, Sept. 7, at 7 p.m. Barbara Myers will discuss and sign her book, Common Ground, Uncommon Gifts, on Saturday, Sept. 22, at 2 p.m. at the Keene bookshop (Colony Mill Marketplace).
• Big-box author visits: Barnes & Noble (1741 S. Willow St. in Manchester, 668-5557, www.barnesandnoble.com) will host a series of authors this fall, including Hilary Weisman Graham and Kristen-Paige Madonia, who will talk about their young adult books, Reunited and Fingerprints of You respectively, on Saturday, Sept. 8, from 3 to 5 p.m.; Anne Deidre, who will talk about her book Extreme Intuitive Makeover on Friday, Sept. 21, from 6 to 8 p.m.; Lisa Greenleaf, a descendant of John Greenleaf Whittier and illustrator of Barefoot Boy, will visit the bookstore on Saturday, Sept. 22, from 2 to 4 p.m.; and Tyler Whiteside, author of The Janitors - Book 2, will visit the shop on Friday, Sept. 28, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• An axe or not? Annette Holba, assistant professor at Plymouth State University, will present "Lizzie Borden Took an Ax, or Did She?" on Thursday, Sept. 20, at 7 p.m. at Kelley Library (234 Main St. in Salem, 898-7064, www.kelleylibrary.org)
• Civil War: Kelley Library (234 Main St. in Salem, 898-7064, www.kelleylibrary.org) is hosting a four-month Civil War book discussion group. The discussion kicks off Thursday, Sept. 13, at noon, with a discussion about America's War: Talking about the Civil War and the Emancipation on their 150th Anniversaries, edited by Edward Ayers. On Thursday, Oct. 11, at noon, the discussion will be centered on The Killer Angels, by Michael Shaara. On Thursday, Nov. 7, at noon, the discussion will be about Crossroads of Freedom, by James McPherson, and on Thursday, Dec. 13, at noon, discussion will be focused on March, by Geraldine Brooks.
• The Art of Racing in the Rain: The Concord Public Library (45 Green St. in Concord, 230-3682) will host a discussion of Garth Stein's The Art of Racing in the Rain on Monday, Oct. 1, at 12:10 p.m.
• Book Fest: the New Hampshire Book Festival: Murder in New Hampshire, will take place from Wednesday, Oct. 10, through Sunday, Oct. 14, in Concord. The festival will feature book discussions, Literary Flash, readings, poetry/author events and more. Visit writersday.org for details.
• Book discussion series: The Kelley Library (234 Main St. in Salem, 898- 7064, www.kelleylibrary.org) hosts a book discussion group on the last Wednesday of each month: Wednesday, Sept. 26, at 7 p.m., discussing Garden Spells, by Sarah Addison Allen; Wednesday, Oct. 31, at 7 p.m., discussing The House of the Seven Gables, by Nathaniel Hawthorne; Wednesday, Nov. 28, at 7 p.m., discussing Red Garden, by Alice Hoffman. The library also hosts a book-to-movie film and book discussion series.
• Evening book group: The Manchester City Library (405 Pine St., Manchester, 624-6550, www.manchester.lib.nh.us) hosts an evening book discussion group on the second Thursday of the month at 7 p..: Thursday, Sept. 13, discussing Molokai, by Alan Brennert; Thursday, Oct. 11, discussing Before I Go to Sleep, by S.J. Watson; and Thursday, Nov. 8, discussing A Reliable Wife, by Robert Goolrick.
• Brown-Baggin it: Manchester City Library (405 Pine St., Manchester, 624-6550, www.manchester.lib.nh.us) hosts a Brown Bag Book Club on the last Tuesday of the month from 12:15 to 1:30 p.m. Bring a bag lunch. The club will be discussing this fall: Salt by Mark Kurlansky on Tuesday, Sept. 25; Pope Joan: A Novel by Donna Woolfork on Tuesday, Oct. 30; and Caleb's Crossing by Geraldine Brooks on Tuesday, Nov. 27.
• Book club at the Cellar: The Book Cellar (34 Northwest Blvd. Nashua, Westside Plaza, 881-5570, www.bookcellaronline.com) hosts a book club on the first Wednesday of each month.
• Buddhist philosophy: The Buddhist Philosophy book discussion group focuses on current literature on Buddhist topics, and meets the second Monday of each month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Anyone with an interest in Buddhist philosophy is invited to join: www.meetup.com/Manchester-Buddhism-Sangha. Check the meeting website for the location.
• British classics discussion: The Milford Toadstool Bookshop (toadbooks.com) focuses on 19th-century British classics every other month to discuss books.
• Book chats: Gibson's Bookstore (27 S. Main St., Concord, 224-0562, www.gibsonsbookstore.com) hosts a book discussion on the first Monday of each month.
• More library book groups: Check your local library for book discussion groups, or start one of your own. Among others, the Goffstown Public Library (2 High St., 497-2102, www.goffstownlibrary.com) evening book group meets weekly; the Hooksett Library (1701B Hooksett Road, 485-6092, hooksettlibrary.org) book group meets monthly the Hollis Social Library (2 Monument Square, Hollis, 465-7721, www.hollislibrary.org) hosts a group on the third Tuesday of the month; the Merrimack Public Library (470 DW Highway, Merrimack, 424-5021,www.merrimack.lib.nh.us) hosts a book group on the third Wednesday of each month; the Nashua Novel Readers meet monthly at Nashua Public Library (2 Court St., Nashua, 589-4600, www.nashualibrary.org); Pembroke Town Library (313 Pembroke St., Pembroke, 485-7851) group meets on the second Wednesday of each month; Rodgers Memorial Library (194 Derry Road, Hudson, www.rodgerslibrary.org) hosts a group each month; the Wadleigh Memorial Library (49 Nashua St., Milford, 673-2408, www.wadleighlibrary.org) hosts book clubs that meet monthly.
• Science Fiction: The Salem Science Fiction Book Group meets at the Kelley Library (234 Main St., Salem, 898- 7064, www.kelleylibrary.org) on Wednesday, Oct. 3, at 7:30 p.m. to discuss The Codex, by Douglas Preston; on Wednesday, Nov. 7, at 7:30 p.m., to discuss In the Garden of Iden, by Kage Baker; and on Wednesday, Dec. 5, at 7:30 p.m. to discuss The Princess of Mars, by Edgar Rice Burroughs.
A little Bach, a little Beethoven
• Capitol Center for the Arts: Concord is a prime place to go for classical music and shows, starting with Celtic Thunder: Voyage on Wednesday, Sept. 26, at 7:30 p.m. (tickets are $48 to $88). For something more American, maybe try "The President's Own" United States Marine Band on Friday, Oct. 12, at 7:30 p.m. at the center (44 S. Main St., Concord, 225-1111). This is a free event, but requires tickets for admission, so visit ccanh.com to learn how to obtain one (it will be available for purchase by Sept. 10). Or check out the California Guitar Trio and Montreal Guitar Trio on Thursday, Oct. 11, at 7:30 p.m. (tickets are $35).
• Granite State Symphony Orchestra: Come for an "Afternoon with Beethoven" at the Concord Audi (2 Prince St., Concord) on Sunday, Sept. 30, at 3 p.m. The GSSO opens its 19th season with performance, which includes the Coriolan Overture, Concerto no. 2 with soloist George Lopez, and Sympnony No. 7 (Tickets are $10-$35; visit gsso.org or call 226-4776). On Saturday, Nov. 3, at 8 p.m., is "Baroque is Back," celebrated with works by the period's masters. Call for ticket pricing.
• Symphony NH: Symphony NH is ready to premiere its new face this fall season, which kicks off on Saturday, Oct. 6, at the Keefe Memorial Auditorium (117 Elm St., Nashua). Conductor Jonathan McPhee conducts this show, which comprises of music by Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Johannes Brahms and Felix Mendelssohn. Other shows include "Pops for Pipes IV" on Sunday, Oct. 21; and "Flying Colors" on Saturday, Nov. 17. Call 595-9156 or visit symphonynh.org.
• The Phil: Beethoven also makes its way to the New Hampshire Philharmonic on Saturday, Oct. 13, featuring eminent pianist George Lopez, at the Palace Theatre in Manchester (80 Hanover St., Manchester). Tickets range in price from $12 to $50. Also on the schedule for this season's performances is the Holiday Pops concert on Saturday, Nov. 24, at 7:30 p.m., with holiday favorites, conducted by Mark Latham. Tickets also range in price, $12 to $50. Visit nhphilharmonic.org to purchase tickets.
• New Hampshire Opera: Yes, we have opera in New Hampshire — the season starts on Friday, Oct. 19, at the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester). "I've Got a Little Twist" is described as "The Mikado meets the Music Man," a show that's fun, fresh and full of life. Tickets start at $20. Visit operanh.org or call 647-6564.
• More Classics at the Audi: Don't miss the barbershop Harmony Festival on Sunday, Oct. 28, at 2 p.m. at the Audi (2 Prince St., Concord) — 2012 Best Small Chorus winner Concord Coachmen share the stage with Northeastern District medalist quartets Average Joes and Downtown Crossing ($11-$15, call 483-8295). Visit harmonize.com/coachmen. The Concord Auditorium will also welcome Red Priest on Tuesday, Nov. 6, at 7:30 p.m. Visit redpriest.com or call 483-8295 for pricing information.
• Lakes Region Symphony Orchestra: If you don't mind a bit of a ride, travel to the Lakes Region for a change of pace. The Lakes Region Symphony Orchestra (Inter-Lakes Auditorium, Route 25, Meredith, lrso.org) performs on Saturday, Nov. 3, at 7:30 p.m., featuring guest artist, LRSO Concerto Competition winner pianist Joseph Parker. Tickets are $60 for adults, $30 for students. Email firstname.lastname@example.com.
• Dana Center: The Taiwan National Choir in Concert will perform at the Dana Center for the Humanities (100 Saint Anselm Drive, Manchester, 641-7700, email@example.com) on Saturday, Nov. 17, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $32.50. Following is the Ying Quartet, "Masters of the Romantic Period in Music," who take the stage on Thursday, Nov. 29, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15. Visit anselm.edu for more information on classical music events.
• Verizon classics: The Trans-Siberian Orchestra returns to the Verizon Wireless Arena (555 Elm St., Manchester) on Saturday, Nov. 24, at 3 p.m. and at 8 p.m. They'll perform their acclaimed rock opera, "The Lost Christmas Eve." Tickets range in price from $32 to $68 and go on sale on Friday, Sept. 14. Purchase tickets by visiting ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Visit trans-siberian.com.
Want someone to make you laugh? Try one of these:
• Cap Center: Margaret Cho brings her Mother Tour to the Capitol Center for the Performing Arts, 44 Main St., Concord, 225-1111, on Sunday, Sept. 30, at 7:30 p.m. Her act, based partially on her famous impersonations of her mother, will be followed by Steven Wright on Saturday, Oct. 6, at 8 p.m.; Ron White on Thursday, Oct. 25, at 7 p.m. and Bob Marley on Saturday, Nov. 10, at 7 p.m. See www.ccanh.com.
• Colonial Theatre: Before hitting Concord, Steven Wright presents a night of laughs at the Colonial Theatre, 95 Main St., Keene, 352-2033, on Friday, Oct. 5, at 8 p.m. On Tuesday, Oct. 30, at 7 p.m., Red Green presents the Wit & Wisdom Tour. Bill Cosby's Friday, Nov. 2, performance is sold out, but check back for more comedic acts and buy tickets at www.thecolonial.org.
• Flying Monkey: On Thursday, Oct. 18, at 7:30 p.m. see Maine favorite Bob Marley take the stage at the Flying Monkey, 39 S. Main St., Plymouth, 536-2551. Then on Saturday, Nov. 10, at 7:30 p.m., check out "Last Comic Standing" and "Celebrity Fit Club" alum Ant. For tickets, see www.flyingmonkeynh.com.
• Music Hall: The Music Hall, 28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth, 436-2400, presents classic comedian and favorite funnyman Bob Newhart on Thursday, Oct. 4, at 7:30 p.m. On Saturday, Oct. 27, Bernadette Pauley and Al Ducharme perform at 7 and 9 p.m. at The Loft, 131 Congress St., Portsmouth, 436-2400. See www.themusichall.org.
• Palace: Comedian, filmmaker and commentator for 60 Minutes II Jimmy Tingle presents "Jimmy Tingle for President: The Funniest Campaign in History" at the Palace Theatre, 80 Hanover St., Manchester, 668-5588, on Sunday, Oct. 7, at 7 p.m. A one-hour documentary will be shown for the first half of this show. The Palace also brings Juston McKinney to the stage on Saturday, Oct. 20, at 8 p.m. See www.palacetheatre.org.
• Rochester Opera House: The Super Secret Project brings its unique blend of comedy and music to the Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester, 335-1992, on Saturday, Oct. 6, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15. See www.rockesteroperahouse.com.
Celebrate the leaves and the crisp air at these family-friendly events.
• Humongous pumpkins: The New Boston Fair Grounds (15 Hill Dale Lane, New Boston) will host the 55th annual Hillsborough County Agricultural Fair Sept. 7 through Sept. 9. Music, live animals and food will ring in the fall season, and the giant pumpkin weigh-in could see pumpkins exceeding 1,000 pounds. Visit www.hcafair.com.
• Parish fair: St. Pius X Church (575 Candia Road, Manchester) hosts a three-day event featuring a flea market, raffles, a penny sale and a grand-prize raffle for $2,000. On Saturday evening, there will be a dinner catered by Goldenrod Restaurant. The fair runs Friday, Sept. 7, from 4 to 7 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 8, from 8 to 5 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 9, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Call 627-5846 or visit www.stpiusxnh.org.
• Green harvest: Green Concord is sponsoring a Harvest Festival, Saturday, Sept. 8, from 4 to 9 p.m. A 3 p.m. herb walk will lead into the evening's events. All proceeds benefit the Triacca/Dimond Hill Field Conservation Project. Tickets are $15 for children and $30 for adults in advance, or $20 for children and $35 for adults if purchased the day of the event. Visit www.greenconcord.org.
• Everyone joins together: The Multicultural Market Day returns to downtown Laconia on Saturday, Sept. 8, to connect cultures from all around the world. Check out dancers, live music, food and crafts from a wide variety of cultures. Email email@example.com or visit www.laconiamulticulturalmarketday.org.
• This really old house: Visit the oldest house in northern New England on Saturday, Sept. 8, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Jackson Hill Cider Day will celebrate all things fall at the Jackson House (76 Northwest St., Portsmouth). Throughout the event, there will be music, games crafts and refreshments. Visitors will also have a chance to help make cider by grinding the apples and pressing the cider. Admission is $6 ($3 for children). Call 436-3205 or visit www.HistoricNewEngland.org.
• Speed cycle: Downtown Portsmouth will be turned into a high-speed bike course for the Portsmouth Criterium and LifeStyle Expo. The races and expo start at 11 a.m., on Sunday Sept., 9. In addition to the races, the LifeStyle Expo will feature demonstrations, exhibits, children's activities and entertainment. Call 617-2418 or e-mail email@example.com.
• Shred into the season: The Antrim Home & Harvest Festival combines extreme sports and fall fun. Slalom skateboarding is mixed in with food, crafts, music and more in downtown Antrim on Friday, Sept. 14, Saturday, Sept. 15, and Sunday, Sept. 16. Visit www.homeandharvest.org.
• Go home again: Celebrate the annual tradition of Hollis Old Home Days at Nichols Field (28 Depot Road, Hollis) on Friday, Sept. 14, and Saturday, Sept. 15. Enjoy a parade, music, rides and fireworks. Visit hollisoldhomedays.org.
• Derry celebrates Derry: Beginning with Derry's Got Talent on Friday, Sept. 14, at 7 p.m. at the Derry Opera House (29 W. Broadway, Derry), Derryfest returns for a 23rd year on Saturday, Sept. 15, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Enjoy live music, dance and live animal presentations. At 12:30 p.m., watch a followup performance by the winners of Derry's Got Talent and at 4 p.m., enjoy the Souled Out Show Band, a local band fronted by singer Donna Salviati who will be a judge in Derry's Got Talent.
• Appraising eyes: All varieties of antiques will be displayed and sold on the Amherst Village Green for the 17th annual Antiques on the Green show on Saturday, Sept. 15, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Historical Society of Amherst and there will be approximately 30 dealers present on the Green. Admission is $5 and will benefit the study of the town's history and a scholarship for a graduating Amherst senior planning to study history or a similar field. With the admission fee, visitors can also have one item appraised from 11 a.m. to noon by Jason Hackler, owner of the New Hampshire Antique Co-op. Call 672-4710 or visit www.hasnh.org.
• Pelham parade: For the 106th year, the First Congregational Church (3 Main St., Pelham) will host Old Home Day in Pelham. This year's event is scheduled throughout the day on Saturday, Sept. 15. Check out the craft fair, food tent and grand parade. The parade theme will be "Celebrating Those Who Served." Visit www.pelhamoldhomeday.org.
• Just six short months away: The Half Way to St. Patty's Day 5K Road Race and Celtic Fest will take place on Sunday, Sept. 16, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Wild Rover Pub (21 Kosciuszko St., Manchester). Enjoy food, drink and Irish entertainment. The race will begin at 10 a.m. at Wild Rover. Call 669-7722 or visit wildroverpub.com.
• Preserving the past: Hooksett Old Home Day's theme this year is Preserving the Past. It's scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 22. After starting with a parade that will leave from Lambert Park on Merrimack Street, the festivities will continue on the field behind the town offices at 35 Main St. In addition to music and entertainment, this year's event will feature a classic car show for charity, music by local band King Chrome and a fireworks display. Activities are all free of charge. Call 785-6639, email email@example.com or visit www.hooksettoldhomeday.org.
• Moon goddess: Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, otherwise known as the Moon Festival, traditionally celebrated by Chinese and Vietnamese families. The festival honors Chang'e, the goddess that stole the elixir of immortality and flew with it to the moon. The event will be held at UNH Manchester (400 Commercial St., Manchester) on Thursday, Sept. 27, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
• Deerfield Fair: The oldest family fair in all of New England, the Deerfield Fair is readying for its 136th year of rides, food, live animals, shows and vendors. Beginning Thursday, Sept. 27, and running through Sunday, Sept. 30, check out the top show horses in New England and watch as a new Miss Deerfield Fair is crowned. Call 463-7421 or visit www.deerfieldfair.com.
• Art, cider, owls: The 32nd annual Fall Festival and Art Show is coming to the Beaver Brook Association (117 Ridge Road, Hollis). On Saturday, Sept. 29, and Sunday, Sept. 30, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., local artists' work will be on display as apple cider pressing, kids crafts, live music and a live owl presentation provide the fun. Call 465-7787 or visit www.beaverbrook.org.
• Henniker tunes: Music on Main Street will take over downtown Henniker on Saturday, Sept. 29, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. In addition to musical acts, check out food, crafts and games. Contact the Spirit of Henniker Organizational Team at email@example.com or visit www.spiritofhenniker.org.
• Pick pumpkins, ride hay: Get excited for all things pumpkin at Charmingfare Farm's (774 High St., Candia) annual pumpkin festival. This year's festival is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 29, and Sunday Sept. 30, and Saturday, Oct. 6, Sunday, Oct. 7, and Monday, Oct. 8, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy pumpkin picking, hay rides and farm games. Admission is $17 per person (children younger than 1 get in free). Call 483-5623, e-mail firstname.lastname@example.com or visit www.visitthefarm.com.
• Native ways: Celebrate the season at the Harvest Moon Festival at the Mount Kearsarge Indian Museum (18 Highlawn Road, Warner) on Sunday, Sept. 30, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kids can enjoy crafts, while other activities include an herb identification walk and craft vendors. Tickets cost $8.50 for adults, $7.50 for seniors and students, $6.50 for children 6-12. The family maximum price is $26. Call 456-2600 or visit www.indianmuseum.org.
• They're going to catapult a pumpkin: Downtown Milford will host the annual Milford Pumpkin Festival from Oct. 5 to Oct. 7. Music, comedy and the Haunted Trail kick off the events on Friday night from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Events on Saturday run from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. culminating in the Talent Contest on the Amato Center (56 Mont Vernon St., Milford), which features a $500 grand prize. Sunday's events run from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and features the Punkin Chunkin target shooting event, arts and crafts show and a variety of music. Call 249-0676, email email@example.com or visit www.milfordpumpkinfestival.org.
• Not a secret festival: The fourth annual Rochester October Festival is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 6, on Hanson Street, in Central Square and in Factory Court from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Businesses are encouraged to set up along the sidewalk. After the festival, an art stroll will run from 5 to 7 p.m. and the events will be complete with an 8 p.m. performance by the Super Secret Project at the Rochester Opera House (31 Wakefield St., Rochester). Tickets for the Super Secret Project are $15. Call 330-3208 or email firstname.lastname@example.com
• Eat an apple, run a race: Apple Harvest Day in downtown Dover will feature more than 300 vendors, four stages and activities for kids on Saturday, Oct. 6, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. At 8:30 a.m., the Apple Harvest Day 5K Road Race will take off from River Street. Call 742-2218.
• Pretty leaves: The Warner Fall Foliage Festival will return for a 65th year on Oct. 6 & 7. At the height of the fall foliage season, enjoy carnival rides, crafts, food and entertainment along Warner's main streets. Admission to the event is free and parking is $5. Call 456-9775 or visit www.wfff.org.
• Petting zoo and cars: The Hudson PumpkinFest is back for another year and will span the weekend of Friday, Oct. 12, through Sunday, Oct. 14. The fifth annual event is sponsored by Kiwanis and will feature a petting zoo, live music and children's trick-or-treats. Check out the classic car show on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will be held at the Hills House Grounds (211 Derry, Road, Hudson). Call 320-8020.
• Fun for kids: This Bedford tradition is back after a year off and will take place at the Riley Field Complex (Nashua Road, Bedford) on Saturday, Oct. 13, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy kids' activities and fun events throughout the day. Call 472-5242 or email email@example.com.
• Extreme fun: It's 3.1 miles of running and climbing followed by hours of celebration. The Adventure5k is coming to Liquid Planet Water Park (Candia) on Thursday, Oct. 13. It consists of a 5k run through water, mud and obstacles and is geared toward people aged 15 and up and athletes of all abilities. Join a team or run on your own. Celebrate after with music, food and beverages, or during the pre-race bib-pickup party on Oct. 12, from 3 to 8 p.m. at the water park, with kids' activities, like pumpkin-decorating and -bowling, and a concession stand. Registration is open through Sept. 30; race costs $70. To sign up visit www.Adventure5k.com.
• Pumpkins on the river: Check out some of the largest pumpkins around at the Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off and Regatta on Main Street in Goffstown on Saturday, Oct. 13, and Sunday, Oct. 14. Booths open at 9 a.m. on Saturday and the weigh-off will take place at 11 a.m. on the town common. On Sunday, the regatta booths open at noon and the boats set sail at 3 p.m. In addition to kids' games and a pie-eating contest, a historic trolley tour is new for this year. Call 497-9933.
• Mystical nature tour: Take a fall-themed tour of the Massabesic Audubon Center (26 Audubon Way, Auburn) at the Enchanted Fall Festival, Saturday, Oct. 20, every 45 minutes from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Follow the lighted pathway and encounter naturalists, storytellers and musicians before reaching the 'Enchanted Bonfire.' Tours cost $25 per family. Call 668-2045 to register.
• A lot of pumpkins: One of the largest and most well-known pumpkin festivals nationwide, the Keene Pumpkin Festival returns Saturday, Oct. 20, from noon to 8:30 p.m. Check out the kids events, pumpkin bowling, food, crafts and of course the iconic pumpkin tower. Visit www.pumpkinfestival.org.
• Downtown treats: Visit downtown Concord on Friday, Oct. 26, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., for the Halloween Howl. Downtown businesses will be open for trick-or-treaters and wagon rides and a costume parade will make their way down Main Street. E-mail email@example.com or visit www.intownconcord.org/events/halloween-howl.
• Community market: Arts, crafts and food will be on display at the eighth annual Peddler's Market Saturday, Nov. 3, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Atkinson Community Center (4 Main St., Atkinson). All proceeds from the market will benefit the Kimball Library in Atkinson.
• Films for everyone: The SNOB (Somewhat North Of Boston) Film Festival is Thursday, Nov. 8, through Sunday, Nov. 11, at Red River Theatres in Concord and features several categories for your viewing pleasure, including comedies, dramas, animations, and, new this year, "Trailers Without Films." See www.snobfilmfestival.com for prices and a detailed schedule as it develops.
• A newfangled craft fair: Not Your Grandma's Craft Fair will have art, music, crafts and jewelry that stray from the norm of the average craft fair. The fair is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at McDonough Elementary School (550 Lowell St., Manchester). E-mail email@example.com.
Celebrate a season of harvest treats, from apples to schnitzel.
• Twenty-three years of celebrating seafood: The Hampton Beach Seafood Festival boasts 60 seacoast seafood joints and continuous entertainment. Running Friday, Sept. 7, through Sunday, Sept. 9, festivities like arts and grafts vendors, Ocean Boulevard merchants offering end-of-the-season sidewalk sales, a "Kiddie Land" featuring notable children's entertainment celebrities, two stages of music, and culinary chef demonstrations. A Lobster Roll Eating Competition and a fireworks display are happening Saturday and on Sunday, view a skydiving extravaganza by Sky Dive New England. Festival runs on Friday 4 to 9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Each day is $5 per adult, children younger than 12 admitted free. No pets are allowed at the festival. For more maps, event schedule and parking info, visit www.hamptonbeachseafoodfestival.com.
• Back to 1664: Because it's when the Jackson House (76 Northwest St., Portsmouth, 436-3205) was built and cider, just like today, was a sure sign of fall. Saturday, Sept. 8, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. is Jackson Hill Cider Day, an all-ages event, with cider-pressing and crafts, music, spinning demonstrations, tours and refreshments for sale. Farm animals from Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm will be on site. Admission $6 ($3 for children). See www.historicnewengland.org for tickets.
• Wicked wines, boisterous beers: Funway Park (54 Charles Bancroft Hwy., Litchfield) on Saturday, Sept. 8, from 2 to 6 p.m. will be host to the Wicked Wine and Beer Fest. Taste brews and mulls from New England breweries and wineries. Event is hosted by The Telegraph in collaboration with the NH Food Bank. Local musicians, artisans and vendors will also be on hand. Each sampling attendee will receive a commemorative glass to be used at the event, but quantities of each are limited so purchase your tickets early. Tickets are available at www.nashuatelegraph.com. Also enter to win a Krups Beertender by texting WWBF to 821-0622 and entering your date of birth. Winners will announced at the event.
• Baking, wellness and green living classes: Check out The Concord Cooperative Market (24 S. Main St. in Concord, 410-3099) for upcoming fall classes covering a range of topics. Some classes are held at different locations. Beginning Monday, Sept. 10, an eight-week class called "Spontaneous Happiness Community Workshop," which is based on the teachings of Dr. Andrew Weil, will be held in the Concord Fire Department HQ Training Room, 24 Horseshoe Pond Lane. A grand reopening celebrating recent renovations to the co-op is being held on Saturday, Sept. 15. Some classes have fees associated, but even free classes require registration. See www.concordfoodcoop.coop for a schedule, or call 225-6840.
• Munch in Manch: The Taste of Downtown Manchester is back for its ninth year. On Wednesday, Sept. 12, from 5 to 8 p.m. Walk down Hanover to Elm, then southward sampling local fare and products from area restaurants and retailers. For the past several years the event has been selling out and drawing more and more restaurants to participate. For tickets, visit Intown Manchester (1000 Elm St. at Brady Sullivan Plaza, Manchester) or go to www.intownmanchester.com.
• Time for baklava: Glendi, the annual celebration of Greek food and music at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral (650 Hanover Street, Manchester), takes place Friday, Sept. 14, through Sunday, Sept. 16. Barbecued lamb shanks, chicken, Greek meatballs, stuffed peppers and dolmathes are among the dinner offerings. Pastries, desserts and snacks will also be available along with musical stylings of Kostas Taslis and his Orchestra and DJ Meleti. Cooking demos, local sports teams, Greek souvenirs and gifts and a Taverna serving Mythos beer are also scheduled. For a complete schedule, visit www.saintgeorgeglendi.com. The festival runs Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free, but bring money for the gyros, baklava and other treats.
• Passport to beer: Portsmouth's Strawberry Banke Museum (14 Hancock St., 433-1100) offers guests a tour of 20 craft beers alongside appetizers from local food purveyors at the Passport Craft Beer and Food event on Sept. 15. The main event runs from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Pairings will be headed up by Smuttynose Brewing's director of brewing operations and master brewer David Yarrington and Chef Evan Hennessey of Flavor Concepts Catering. The Jim Dozet Trio will perform throughout the evening. Smuttynose will be joined by The Portsmouth Brewery, Allagash Brewing Co., Dogfish Head, The Flying Goose Brew Pub, Moat Mountain Brewing Co., The Prodigal Brewery, Samuel Adams, Stone Brewing Co., Throwback Brewery, Tuckerman Brewing Co., and Lagunitas Brewing Co. Food purveyors include Flavor Concepts Catering, Black Trumpet, Blue Mermaid Island Grill, Black Birch Kitchen, Cabot Cheese, Cava, Four Restaurant, Green Monkey, Lindt Chocolate, Holy Grail Beer & Spirits, Kitchen Deli and Catering, Meat House, Moxy, North Country Smokehouse, One Hundred Club, Pete and Gerry's Heirloom Eggs, Popper's Artisanal Meats, Ristorante Massimo, Stages at One Washington, and When Pigs Fly. Tickets are $60, designated driver ticket is $25. A Diplomat VIP event, which begins with early admission at 4 p.m. and a special tent area is $85, designated drivers $45.
• Shedding light on charity: St. Joseph Hospital will "Lighten Up" the Nashua farmers market on Saturday, Sept. 15, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the St. Joseph School of Nursing Campus (5 Woodward Ave., Nashua). Local farmers will be selling fresh fruits, vegetables, maple products and other locally produced foods. Attendees are invited to taste healthy foods and take part in activities, like climbing a rock wall, while celebrating the winners of the hospital's Lighten Up Nashua summer session. Admission is free. Visit www.stjosephhospital.com or call 595-3168.
• Well, it's time to eat: It's an all-natural polka at the Concord Cooperative Market (24 S. Main St., Concord, 410-3099) Octoberfest on Thursday, Oct. 18, from 6 to 8 p.m. Nearly 1,000 people came out last year for a harvest-time tasting of local and craft brews, all-natural bratwurst, fresh baked bread, and homemade soups from the in-house Celery Stick Cafe. There's live music too. Visit www.concordfoodcoop.coop for schedule or call 225-6840 or e-mail firstname.lastname@example.com.
• Edible Art: Eat the rainbow on Saturday, Sept. 15, at 10:30 a.m. at the Children's Museum of New Hampshire (6 Washington St. Dover, 742-2002). A nutritionist from Hannaford Supermarkets will lead a discussion on the healthy benefits and fun of eating different fruits and vegetables. Visitors can then make edible art with the different colors of the natural rainbow. Admission is $9.
• Fish + Fest = Fishtival: The NH Fishtival celebrates the Portsmouth area's rich, long history of local seafood with games, music, seafood-tastings and more. It happens Saturday, Sept. 22, at Prescott Park (105 Marcy St., Portsmouth). Admission is free, but tastings are pay-as-you-eat from $4. See www.prescottpark.org.
• Pie enthusiasts, unite: It's the Great NH Pie Festival and its aim is to showcase bakers in pie fan heaven: an all-you-can-eat venue. Both join forces at the New Hampshire Farm Museum (Route 125, White Mountain Highway, Milton, 652-7840) on Sunday, Sept. 23, from noon to 4 p.m. There will be pie-making, a kids' pie eating contest, music, farmhouse tours and farm animal visits. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children. Pie contest entrants admitted free. See www.farmmuseum.org.
• Tasting Nashua: Downtown Nashua's Fifth Annual Fall Restaurant Week pairs great dining with great discounts. Customers dining at participating restaurants from Monday, Sept. 24, through Sunday, Sept. 30, can enjoy prixe-fixe meals like gourmet pizza at Portland Pie Co., award-winning tapas and martinis at Stella Blu or bistro food at Unums. O'Brien's Sports Bar, The Peddler's Daughter, Saffron Bistro and Villa Banca are also participating. See www.downtownnashua.org, or call 883-5700.
• Napa Valley vs. Sonoma: Learn the difference betwixt California's titan wine regions.WineNot Boutique (170 Main St., Nashua, 204-5569) will host a class and tasting of the varying styles of these geographically adjascent areas. One is bold and dramatic, the other renowned for its finesse; find out which is which and what factors contribute to the differences, on Thursday, Sept. 27, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Schnitzel-a-go-go: Celebrate authentic German food at Schnitzelfest, now in its 10th year, on Saturday, Sept. 29, from noon to 5 p.m. in Butler Park in Hillsborough. Breaded and grilled schnitzel, bratwurst, wieners, German potato salad, rotkohl and sauerkraut, sreads, desserts are being served along with beer and wine. Additional entertainment including music, "Schnitzelmen" souvenirs and local crafters will also be on hand. Visit www.schnitzelfest.com for more.
• Soups for a good cause: Buy a bowl, sample soup and the proceeds go to a good cause. The Empty Bowls Fundraiser benefits New Horizons for New Hampshire and is taking place on Sunday, Sept. 30, at the Brookside Congregational Church (2013 Elm Street, Manchester) from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Now in its 10th year, this event is sponsored by the NH Potters Guild and raises money to fight hunger. Guild members make and donate ceramic soup bowls, which guests can choose from and sample soups from 17 local restaurants. Bowls are $20, $5 for children. Soup quarts to go $10 and potter's wheel demo. Participating restaurants include: Airport Diner, Bertucci's, Billy's Bar & Grill, Cactus Jacks, Cotton, Fratello's, Ignite Bar and Grill, Jerome's Deli, Ninety-Nine, Outback, Panera Bread, Piccola Italia Ristorante, Puritan Back Room, Red Arrow Diner, Southern NH University Culinary Arts and Tinker's Seafood. More at www.newhorizonsfornh.org.
• Harvest weekend: Farm Harvest Day has the New Hampshire Farm Museum (Route 125, White Mountain Highway, Milton, 652-7840) making cider, applesauce and dried pumpkins the old-fashioned way. Winnow buckwheat, dry beans and help dig up potatoes and carrots for the farm's Stone Soup. Also features farmhouse tours, horse drawn wagon rides, blacksmith and spinning demonstrations and local harvest market with homemade goods and produce. Event is on Saturday, Sept. 29, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and costs $7 for adults, $4 for children 4 to 17.
• Applemania: Downtown Dover's Apple Harvest Day is Saturday, Oct. 6, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in downtown Dover. After 28 years of celebrating, the event now attracts upward of 25,000 visitors. A 5K Road Race starts at 8:30 a.m. and an apple pie baking contest will be held later in the day along with food vendors, arts and crafts, kids' activities and four stages of live entertainment. See www.dovernh.org for event map, apple pie contest entry form and road race registration.
• Redhook Brewfest: Sample around 100 craft beers on Saturday, Oct. 6, at the Redhook Brewery (1 Redhook Way, Portsmouth). A matinee session goes 1 to 4 p.m. still has tickets available. It features free 3-ounce samples from participating breweries, food vendors and live music by the Jeff Conley band. Tickets are $25 advance, $35 day of. Visit www.brewnh.com for tickets and public transportation information. Also see www.prescottpark.org or call 436-2848.
• Concord is tasty: The seventh annual Taste of Concord, sponsored by the Concord Boys & Girls Club, will be held on Thursday, Oct. 11, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Grappone Center (70 Constitution Avenue, Concord). More than 30 local restaurants will be offering generous samplings of entrees and desserts. Food will be paired with beer and wine from local wineries and distributors, bringing beverages from around the world. Live music, art auction and top chef competition part of the evening as well. For tickets, go to www.tasteofconcord.com. Entry is $30 per person or a group of 10 for $250.
• Creative feasts: Liz Barbour (Liz Barbour's Creative Feast, www.thecreativefeast.com) has four-course cooking demos and wine tastings scheduled for the fall. September's "Feasting from a French Country Kitchen" is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 12, from 6 to 9 p.m. and features a menu of charcuterie with fall fruits, sweet potato Spätzel with brown butter sauce, and roast pork. For October, "Feasting on Harvest Soups & Stews" will cover French-style pork and white bean stew, sweet potato and corn chowder, vanilla soup with biscotti croutons and other stews. And in November, cut through the holiday anxiety with "Thanksgiving Dinner … Make it Ahead!" featuring cider gravy, cornbread stuffing, brined roast turkey and other takes on classic Thanksgiving fare. Classes are $70 and held at Granite State Cabinetry (384 Route 101, Bedford, 472-4080). Pre-registration is required through email at firstname.lastname@example.com or on the website.
• Celebrity chefs and wines: The Bedford Village Inn (2 Olde Bedford Way, Bedford, 472-2001) is inviting two celebrity chefs, Mike Isabella and Carla Pellegrino, for stays as chef-in-residence at the restaurant. Isabella is coming Oct. 13 and Pellegrino on Nov. 8 and they will be working side by side with BVI staff to create five-course dinners to be paired with wines. Throughout autumn, the BVI will also be hosting their own five course meals paired with European wines by an in-house sommelier. First, second, entrée, cheese and dessert courses each get their own complement. Tastings are Wednesday, Sept. 19, with wines from Loire Valley, Wednesday, Oct. 17, with Burgundies and Wednesday, Nov. 21, with cabernets. Tastings are $65 per person. Check www.bedfordvillageinn.com for menus and updates.
• Chili Olympics: The New England Chili Classic annual event takes over Veterans Park in Manchester on Oct. 13 & 14. Restaurants from New Hampshire and neighboring states will compete for awards including best Red Chili, Vegetarian Chili, Most Creative Chili, People's Choice and the overall Classic Champion. Each day from noon to 6 p.m. the cook-off features public chili sampling, live entertainment, a beer garden, vendor booths, a kids' activity area and visits from well-known chefs. Tickets are $5 in advance at www.newenglandchiliclassic.com, by calling 624-6505 or by emailing firstname.lastname@example.com, and are $7 at the door. They come with five sampling passes and admission into the entertainment area. Part of ticket sales will be donated to local nonprofits.
• A very spicy autumn: Both the NH Fall Festival and Chili Cookoff are being held in Portsmouth on Saturday, Oct. 13, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For the fall fest, visit Strawberry Banke Museum (14 Hancock St., 433-1100) and for chili, Prescott Park (105 Marcy Street). This event is two festivals in one. Gardening talks on topics like heirloom seeds, farm animal breeding, canning and food presentation and demos of livestock, fiber arts and historic crafts and industries will take place at the museum while the chili cook-off is held in the park. More than a dozen local restaurants will vie for chili supremacy behind decorated booths and served with Redhook. Food vendors as well as special autumn activities in the museum's Children's Garden, and harvest-themed crafts in the Family Discovery Center are scheduled too. Admission to the coinciding events costs $15 for adults, $6 for children. See www.prescottpark.org.
• Pick it, carve it, paint it: Pumpkins, that is. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 13, the NH Farm Museum (Route 125, White Mountain Highway, Milton, 652-7840) is hosting a Pumpkin Party, a fall celebration of the peculiar, round orange gourd, featuring stories and kids games, a campfire for roasting pumpkin seeds and horse drawn wagon rides. Event is $7 for adults, $4 for children 4 to 17, including pumpkin.
• Wine—MCA: Local vineyards and distributors will be joining with restaurants at the Brady Sullivan Plaza (1000 Elm Street, Manchester) for the YMCA's annual wine tasting event. Jewell Towne, Zorvino and Candia vineyards will be set up, as well as distributors Martignetti, Dunn Wine Brokers, Pine State Beverages, R.P. Imports and more. Typically each brings between five and eight wines to sample; restaurants provide pairing dishes. Sipping starts at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 18, and goes till 8:30 p.m. Admission is $60 and tickets can be ordered by calling 232-8624 or emailing email@example.com.
• Beer and chili as it gets chilly: The Powderkeg Beer and Chili Festival is a new event for 2012 and an addendum to the Exeter Fall Festival. Breweries and beer fans will meet with chilimakers and chili enthusiasts to sample chilis and beers of all colors, styles and tastes. Vote for the best chili from local restaurant entries. This event will be held at the Swasey Parkway in Exeter on Saturday, Oct. 20, from noon to 4 p.m. Tickets are $25 and available at www.powderkegbeerfest.com
• Dia de Los Muertos: The annual Mexican celebration of friends and family who have passed on is coming to Consuelo's Taquria (36 Amherst St., Manchester, 622-1134) on Thursday, Nov. 1, from 6:30 to 8:30. Dancing Lion Chocolate (625-4043, www.dancinglion.us) will be hosting the Day of the Dead celebration, its third year, and serving traditional holiday treats alongside dinner. Event costs $20 per person, 40 seats available and reservations required.
• Country-style Thanksgiving: An old-fashioned Thanksgiving, complete with homemade pumpkin pie, horse-drawn wagon rides, popcorn over the campfire and a special farmhouse tours with costumed roleplayers,is being held on Monday, Nov. 17, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the the NH Farm Museum (Route 125, White Mountain Highway, Milton, 652-7840). Event is $10 for adults, $5 for children.
• Doughnuts for a good cause: Cider Bellies Doughnuts is hosting its second fundraiser for a nonprofit at Moulton Farm (18 Quarry Road, Meredith, 279-3915, www.moultonfarm.com).For 2012, Cider Bellies has chosen the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) for children who suffer from malnutrition, are exposed to unsafe drinking water, and lack affordable health care. Proceeds from doughnuts sold at the farm on Saturday, Nov. 17, will go to the cause.
The colorful leaves, the crisp air, the sunshine and the autumn breeze: Fall is a wonderful time to be outdoors.
• All about nature: The two-day celebration of nature is back at the Beech Hill Farm (107 Beech Hill Road, Hopkinton). On Saturday, Sept. 8, and Sunday, Sept. 9, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., celebrate all things nature with live animal presentations, lectures on local wildlife, kids' activities and guided nature walks. NatureFest is a free event.
• Paw prints: While the study of animals is important, much can be learned by the tracks they leave behind. Casting on the Suncook will take participants on a trek along the banks of the Suncook River in Epsom in search of animal imprints in the ground that can be preserved with a plaster cast. The event, on Saturday, Sept. 8, from 2:30 to 5 p.m., is offered through Bear-Paw Regional Greenways and will be led by board member Lisa Clark. While the plaster casts are being prepared, Eric Orff who recently retired from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department will lead another walk along the river. Pre-register at www.bear-paw.org/events-news/online-registration.asp or by calling 463-9400 or e-mailing firstname.lastname@example.com.
• Things that fly: If it can leave the ground, it will be part of the celebration at the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center (23 Science Center Road, Holderness) Festival of Flight on Saturday, Sept. 8, from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Live birds including falcons, hawks and ospreys will be on display and those in attendance can also search out birds on their own during the hawk watch. A kite making craft station will be available for kids and a hot air balloon will be on hand for a high-flying ride. Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors (65+), $10 for children 3 through 15. Kids younger than 2 are admitted free. Call 968-7194 or visit www.nhnature.org.
• Seeds: Amoskeag Fishways (4 Fletcher St., Manchester) will host a day for kids to learn all about seeds. On Wednesday, Sept. 12, from 10 to 11 a.m. or 1 to 2 p.m., learn how seeds move around, where they come from and how they turn into plants. Collect as many as you can find and create a seed craft to bring home. Cost is $5 per family and prior registration is required. Call 626-3474 or visit www.amoskeagfishways.org.
• Animal and plant kingdoms: Visit Odiorne Point State Park and the Seacoast Science Center (570 Ocean Blvd., Rye) on Saturday, Sept. 15, for BioBlitz. The daylong program runs from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., and participants will seek out and record as many species in that time frame as possible. Throughout the event, experts in the field will be on hand to assist in the search and teach about the species that are discovered. Cost is $5 per person and $20 per family. Call 436-8043 or visit www.seacoastsciencecenter.org/events to register.
• Have a ball: The 12th annual Bug Ball is coming to Amoskeag Fishways (4 Fletcher St., Manchester) Saturday, Sept. 15, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Get up close and personal with some six-legged creatures with an insect petting zoo. Create some bug crafts and learn even more from Dr. Paul Johnson, an insect expert from the University of New Hampshire. The Fishways staff will also be giving a presentation on moths and butterflies. Admission is $3 per person or $6 per family. Prior registration is not required. Call 626-3474 or visit www.amoskeagfishways.org.
• Look up at the stars: The New England Fall Astronomy Festival is back for a second year Friday, Sept. 21, and Saturday, Sept. 22, at the University of New Hampshire Observatory (Spinney Lane, Durham). Throughout the event, experience activities for kids, watch a weather balloon launch, identify rocks from space and of course, do some observing of your own with telescopes right on site. Dr. Alex Filippenko of the History Channel's series The Universe will deliver the keynote talk Friday night. This is a free event. Call 862-3996 or e-mail firstname.lastname@example.com.
• Fly south: Amoskeag Fishways (4 Fletcher St., Manchester) presents "Bye, Bye Birdie" — not the classic musical, but a program for kids about birds. On Wednesday, Sept. 26, from 10 to 11 a.m. or 1 to 2 p.m., learn about where all the birds that were here in spring and summer are headed now that the leaves are changing and temperatures are dropping. Kids can play bird games and will go on an outdoor bird walk. Cost is $5 per family and prior registration is required. Call 626-3474 or visit www.amoskeagfishways.org.
• Go for a hike: Check out the woods of southern New Hampshire with guided hikes at Beaver Brook Association (117 Ridge Road, Hollis). On Saturday, Sept. 29, meet in front of Maple Hill Barn and hike to Spatterdock Pond, traversing Eastman Meadow and return by way of the Bouchard Bridge. On Sunday, Sept. 30, hike from the Maple Hill Barn along the Wildflower and Big Tree Trail. On Sunday, Oct. 7, meet at the Association for the First Sunday Guided Hike. This hike will center on a specific theme. Call 465-7787 or visit www.beaverbrook.org.
• Thoreau's New Hampshire: Landmark College professor Robert Sargent Fay will present five of Henry David Thoreau's favorite locations through photography, including the Monadnock Region and the White Mountains at the McLane Audubon Center (84 Silk Farm Road, Concord) Thursday, Oct. 11, at 7 p.m. Visitors are invited to interpret the natural images much like Thoreau did. Call 224-9909.
• Pumpkin seek: Nothing in nature says fall fun like the pumpkin. On Saturday, Oct. 13, starting at 7 a.m., the search is on for 225 pumpkins that have been hidden throughout Goffstown. Bring tagged pumpkins to the Goffstown Parks and Recreation booth at the Pumpkin Regatta from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., in exchange for a bag of candy. Call 497-3003.
• Forests of fall: Take in the color of the season with the Amoskeag Fishways Fall Forest Exploration on Wednesday, Oct. 24, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. or 12:30 to 2 p.m. Meet at the Fishways (4 Fletcher St., Manchester) and then travel with the group to the Hackett Hill natural area. Play games and learn all about what the woods are like during autumn. Cost is $5 and prior registration is required. Call 626-3474 or visit www.amoskeagfishways.org.
• Beekeeping: Spend the weekend perfecting your beekeeping techniques at Beaver Brook Nature Center's Maple Hill Farm (117 Ridge Road, Hollis) on Saturday, Oct. 27, and Sunday, Oct. 28, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 465-7787 or visit www.beaverbrook.org.
• Beneath the Moon: Let the moon be your guide on Monday, Oct. 29, at the Peabody Mill Environmental Center (66 Brook Road, Amherst). From 7:30 to 9 p.m., visit the center for stories and a walk through the woods under a full moon. The walking paths can accommodate all ages, but bring a flashlight to help guide your way. Prior registration is requested. Call 673-1141.
• Hoot: Learn about these birds that come out at night on Saturday, Nov. 3, with presentations at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m., at the PSNH Five Rivers Auditorium, Energy Park (780 Commercial St., Manchester). This event, presented by Amoskeag Fishways, will feature Marcia Wilson, an owl expert along with live owls. Cost is $10 per person or $25 per family. Prior registration is required. Call 626-3474 or visit www.amoskeagfishways.org.
Get loud, or lyrical.
• Big-time fun: Big talent will feature at the Capitol Center for the Performing Arts, 44 Main St., Concord, 225-1111, this fall, including old-time string band Carolina Chocolate Drops on Thursday, Sept. 13, at 7:30 p.m. and Beatlemania Now on Friday, Sept. 28, at 8 p.m. For a full schedule, see www.ccanh.com. Other acts this fall: Steve Vai on Saturday, Sept. 15, at 8 p.m.; David Wax Museum on Sunday, Sept. 23, at 7:30 p.m.; Susan Werner on Friday, Nov. 2, at 7 p.m.
• Huge acts at the Colonial: Keene's Colonial Theatre, 95 Main St., 352-2033, has big names on the bill this fall, including Led Zeppelin tribute band Get the Led out on Saturday, Oct. 6, at 8 p.m. Oldtime favorites The Temptations take the stage on Thursday, Nov. 29, at 7:30 p.m. For full schedule, see www.thecolonial.org. Other names on the bill: Mary Chapin Carpenter on Friday, Sept. 14, at 8 p.m.; Bruce Hornsby on Friday, Sept. 28, at 8 p.m.
• Good talent and good company: After Badfish: A Tribute to Sublime takes over the Flying Monkey, 39 S. Main St., Plymouth, 536-2551, on Thursday, Oct. 11, at 7:30 p.m., Jefferson Starship play on Friday, Nov. 2, at 7:30 p.m. The bands are in good company. Other acts hitting the Flying Monkey this fall include: Jonathan Edwards and Michael Martin Murphey on Friday, Oct. 13, at 7:30 p.m.; Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks on Saturday, Oct. 20, at 7:30 p.m.; Nanci Griffith on Sunday, Nov. 11, at 7:30 p.m.
• Songs by the sea: Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom, 169 Ocean Blvd., Hampton Beach, 929-4100, has massive acts scheduled through November, like Hootie and the Blowfish lead singer Darius Rucker on Thursday, Sept. 6, at 8 p.m. Uber guitarist Slash takes the stage on Sunday, Sept. 16, at 8 p.m. and Huey Lewis and the News take over on Saturday, Oct. 27, at 8 p.m. See www.casinoballroom.com for full schedule. Other acts include The All-American Rejects and Boys Like Girls on Thursday, Sept. 13, at 8 p.m.; Joss Stone on Friday, Oct. 12, at 7:30 p.m.; Chris Isaak on Saturday, Nov. 10, at 8 p.m.
• Epic in Epping: Mary Gatchell, New York City-based singer, pianist, and composer, takes the Leddy Center, 38c Ladd's Lane, Epping, 679-2781, by storm on Friday, Oct. 12, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $13 to $18. See www.leddycenter.org.
• Wrap it up: The 2012 Lowell Summer Music Series wraps up at Lowell House Boarding Park, 40 French St., Lowell, Mass., with a performance by The Machine playing Pink Floyd songs on Friday, Sept. 7, at 7:30 p.m., and the 33rd Annual Banjo and Fiddle Contest on Saturday, Sept. 8. More than 75 contestants compete for prizes. See www.lowellsummermusic.org.
• Manchester Music Festival: This inaugural event takes place at Palace Theatre, 80 Hanover St., Manchester, 668-5588, on Fri., Sept. 7, at 6 p.m. and Sat., Sept. 8, at 8 p.m. Acts will be featured outside the Palace Theatre in downtown Manchester with one performance inside each night. Acts include Farren Butcher, Inc., James Montgomery and friends, Jon Poussette-Dart, Napoleon in Rags, Orleans, Little Texas and more. Street admission is $10, street and indoor admission is $25, and VIP passes that include inside and outside shows as well as pre-show meet and greets are $50. See www.palacetheatre.org.
• So long, sweet summer: The summer season at Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion, 72 Meadowbrook Lane, Gilford, 293-4700, wraps up with with just two more shows. On Thursday, Sept. 20, at 6:30 p.m., take the kids to see The Fresh Beat Band (Simone Cardoso on the second stage at 5:30 p.m.). Tickets are $20 to $40. Then on Sunday, Oct. 20, at 7 p.m., leave the kids at home to see Heart (Alejandro Escovedo and the Sensitive Boys open; Ron Noyes Band on the second stage at 6 p.m.). Tickets are $34 to $53. See www.meadowbrook.net.
• Variety in a historic space: The Music Hall, 28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth, 436-2400, has big names and a lot of variety. But quick! These shows will definitely sell out: Art Garfunkel on Friday, Sept. 21, at 8 p.m.; La Vie en Rose on Sunday, Sept. 30, at 7 p.m.; The Punch Brothers on Tuesday, Oct. 2, at 8 p.m.; Gladys Knight on Sunday, Oct. 21, at 7:30 p.m.; Rufus Wainwright on Wednesday, Oct. 24, at 7:30 p.m.; Ingrid Michaelson on Friday, Oct. 26, at 8 p.m.; Justin Earle Townes on Thursday, Nov. 8, at 7:30 p.m.; Juanito Pascual Trio on Saturday, Nov. 17, at 6 and 8 p.m.
• Outdoor October treat: On Thursday, Oct. 11, at 7 p.m., see jazz-classical-bluegrass fusion act The Kruger Brothers as they wrap up the 2012 season at Prescott Park Arts Festival, 105 Marcy St., Portsmouth, 436-2848. $8 to $10 donations are suggested. See www.prescottpark.org to reserve a table or blanket.
Palace Theatre, 80 Hanover St., Manchester, 668-5588, will bring Bruce in the U.S.A., one of the biggest Bruce Springstreet and the E Street Band tributes in the world, on Friday, Oct. 12, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $24.50 to $34.50. Then on Thursday, Nov. 15, see Arlo Guthrie pay tribute to Woody Guthrie's 100th birthday. Tickets are $29.50 to $59.50. See www.palacetheatre.org.
• Pawtuckaway Music Festival: This year's festival takes place over the course of two days at Pawtuckaway State Park in Nottingham on Sat., Oct. 6, and Sun., Oct. 7. Performers include Lady Bones, Dan Blakeslee, The Migs, The B.A. Canning Band, Christine Hayward, Honey Watts and more. Attendees looking to stay for both days do have the option of camping overnight and should contact coordinator Joey Pratt at email@example.com for information. Saturday tickets are $12, Sunday tickets are $10, and a two-day pass is $20. See www.facebook.com/PawtuckawayMusicFestival.
• Escape the cold: Stockbridge Theatre at Pinkerton Academy, Route 28, Derry, 437-5210, offers entertainment in November for those looking to get out of the early winter weather. See: Sam Bush and Del McCoury on Saturday, Nov. 17, at 7 p.m.; Rita Coolidge on Thursday, Nov. 29, at 7 p.m. See www.stockbridgetheatre.com.
• Big names and an intimate venue: The schedule is packed this fall at Tupelo Music Hall, 2 Young Road, Londonderry, 437-5100, with major artists like Amy Helm performing on Friday, Sept. 7, at 8 p.m., and Howie Day performing on Saturday, Nov. 10, at 8 p.m. For a full schedule, see www.tupelohall.com. Other artists on the fall line-up include: The Yardbirds on Sunday, Sept. 9, at 7 p.m.; The Fools on Saturday, Sept. 15, at 8 p.m.; Antigone Rising on Friday, Sept. 21, at 8 p.m.; Sonny Landreth on Sunday, Sept. 30, at 8 p.m.; Al Stewart on Friday, Oct. 19, at 8 p.m.; Maria Muldaur on Saturday, Oct. 20, at 8 p.m.; Iris DeMent on Thursday, Nov. 8, at 8 p.m.; Ryan Montbleu Band on Wednesday, Nov. 21, at 8 p.m.
• Headlining the arena: Verizon Wireless Arena, 555 Elm St., Manchester, 664-5000, presents Rush on Friday, Sept. 7, at 7:30 p.m.; Carrie Underwood on Friday, Sept. 14, at 7:30 p.m.; Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson on Sunday, Oct. 21, at 7:30 p.m.; Journey, Pat Benatar, Neil Giraldo and Loverboy on Saturday, Nov. 3, at 7:30 p.m.; The Australian Pink Floyd Show on Sunday, Nov. 11, at 6:30 p.m. For tickets, go to www.verizonwirelessarena.com.
Take your seat, and watch the stage.
• Lovely Lowell: If you're in the mood for a drive, trek down to Lowell's Merrimack Repertory Theatre (50 E. Merrimack St., Lowell). Upcoming shows are Homestead Crossing, Sept. 6 through Sept. 30; Memory House, Oct. 25 through Nov. 18; and Half 'N Half 'N Half. Tickets begin at $20; call 978-654-4678 or visit mrt.org.
• Our own 2012 Outstanding Historic Theatre: Recognized nationally, this fall will be no exception in putting on a great show. The theater (80 Hanover St., Manchester) hosts the Manchester Music Festival Friday, Sept. 7, at 6 p.m., and Saturday, Sept. 8, at 6 p.m., but the next biggest production begins Sept. 14, with The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, which will be showing more productions than ever before (through Sept. 29; tickets are $15 to $45). The Palace Youth Theatre presents The Legend of Pocahontas, Oct. 10 through Oct. 18 (tickets $12), and Footloose will show Oct. 26 through Nov. 10 (tickets $15 through $45). Other productions include the Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol. Visit palacetheatre.orgwww.palacetheatre.org or call 668-5588.
• The Amato Center: This coming weekend, see Same Time, Next Year at the Amato Center (56 Mont Vernon Road, Milford), which shows Friday, Sept. 7, at 8 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 8, at 8 p.m.; Friday, Sept. 14, at 8 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 15, at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 16, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15; call 838-3006. Other shows include And Then There Was Nun (Sept. 27-29), The 39 Steps Friday, Oct. 19, through Sunday, Oct. 29, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.; and Oliver! Nov. 9-11. The center will also be home to the Milford Pumpkin Festival's talent show on Saturday, Oct. 6, at 8 p.m. (milfordpumpkinfestival.org).
• Readings and broadcast productions: This fall at the Music Hall Loft (28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth, 436-2400) there's plenty of drama; on Monday, Sept. 10, Kent Stephens' Stage Force Presents the Play Reading Series with November — top professional actors read exceptional contemporary plays with no costumes, props sets or special lighting ($12). Upcoming readings from the Play Reading series include The Retreat from Moscow by William Nicholson on Monday, Oct. 15, at 7:30 p.m. ($12), and on Monday, Nov. 12, actors will read Murderers by Jeffrey Hatcher. Then, come for some spoofs with Ida's Book Club with author Ida LeClair (the alter-ego of performer Susan Poulin), who wants to help you live a better life ($12 each). Arbeat Inc. presents In the Mood: A Musical Revue on Friday, Oct. 19, at 3 .m., and Friday, Oct. 19, at 7:30 p.m. ($49.75, $37.75). Also throughout the season: The Music Hall Portsmouth also shows major productions from National Theatre London and the Met throughout the season, with The Curious Case of the Dog in the Night-Time showing on Wednesday, Sept. 19, at 7 p.m.; The Last of the Haussmans showing on Tuesday, Oct. 23, at 7 p.m.; Otello on Saturday, Oct. 27, at 1 p.m.; Timon of Athens on Wednesday, Nov. 7; and The Tempest on Sat., Nov. 10, at 1 p.m. Visit themusichall.org for times, pricing and tickets.
• Events at the Verizon: The 11th Annual Fight to Educate comes to the Verizon Wireless Arena (555 Elm St., Manchester, verizonwirelessarena.com) on Thursday, Sept. 20, at 5:30 p.m. This black-tie event features professional boxing, entertainment, a black tie dinner, live and silent auctions and some boxing legends. Tickets are $10-$50. This fall, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey travel to the Verizon "Fully Charged," starting Thursday, Sept. 27, at 7 p.m. There are seven shows you can catch this weekend, with the last shows on Sunday, Sept. 30. Tickets to the circus are $17-$92. Call 800-745-3000 for tickets.
• New Hampshire Community Theatre Festival: It'll be a competition but a great show at the NH Festival of Community Theatre on Saturday, Sept. 22, at the Amato Center for the Performing Arts (56 Mont Vernon St., Milford). Five theater companies from around the state will perform, spread over two sessions from noon to 6 p.m., with each production having exactly one hour to perform and 10 minutes to "strike a set." Performances include Milford Area Players with Cabin 12; Actorsingers Love, Loss and What I Wore; Nashua Theatre Guild's City of Bones; Bedford Off Broadway's Skin Deep; and the Ghostlight Theatre Company's Mr. Marmalade. Adjudicators will choose two performances to represent the Granite State at the regional festival next February. Tickets are $25 for the entire day, available at the door.
• Concord City Auditorium: New Hampshire's capital will be swinging this fall, starting with "Puttin' on the Ritz" on Friday, Sept. 28, and Saturday, Sept. 29, at 7:30 p.m., a spectacular and ritzy revue by the Majestic Theatre's singers, who will present a tribute to Irving Berlin (free, no tickets; call 225-6497 or visit walkerlecture.org). Also at the Audi this season: the Miss Capital Area pageant will be held on Sunday, Oct. 7, at 6:30 p.m.; The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe shows on Friday, Oct. 19, at 7 p.m., and Sat., Oct. 20, at 2 p.m., featuring Concord's Community Players and the Children's Theatre Project (Tickets are $10; communityplayersofconcord.org, 224-4905). The Pajama Game shows on Friday, Nov. 16, at 8 p.m.; Sat., Nov. 17, at 8 p.m.; and Sun., Oct. 18, at 2 p.m. (tickets are $17; call 224-4905). All shows are at 2 Prince St., at City Hall; Visit theaudi.org, email email@example.com.
• On the Seacoast: (125 Bow St., Portsmouth) offers the Woman in Black on Friday, Oct. 5, through Sunday, Oct. 28, which tells the ghost story and mysterious journey into the mind. Following this production is Plaid Tidings, Nov. 30 through Dec. 30. Tickets are $24 to $52. Visit seacoastrep.org or call 433-4793.
• Off to work we go: Nashua's Peacock Players show Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Oct. 9 through Oct. 21 at the theater at 14 Court St., Nashua, 886-7000. Also playing this fall: Les Miserables,Nov. 9-18. Call or visit peacockplayers.org for ticket information.
• Nashua Theatre Guild: In the second show of their 52nd season, the Nashua Theatre Guild presents Come Back to the 5 & Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean by Ed Graczyk. The production will show at the Janice Be. Theater, 14 Court St., Nashua, on Thursday, Oct. 11, at 8 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 13, at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 14, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person; call 320-2530 or visit nashuatheatreguild.org.
• New Thalian Players: This season brings in all kinds of wonderful with the production Bat Boy: The Musical, which is set to take the stage on Friday, Oct. 19, at 8 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 20, at 8 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 21, at 1 p.m., at Southern New Hampshire University (2500 N. River Road, Manchester). Tickets are $17. Visit newthailainplayers.org or email email@example.com.
• At the Capitol Center: In for a funny evening? Come to the Capitol Center for the Arts (44 S. Main St., Concord, 225-1111, ccanh.com) for Late Nite Catechism, which shows Sunday, Oct. 21, at 7:30 p.m., and is a funny play that will bring audiences back to their youth, at which the "irrepressible Sister" teaches a roomful of students. Tickets range in price, $40-$52. Or go for something a bit more modern: Virtually Me: A Cyber Musical shows on Tuesday, Oct. 30, at 10 a.m. and noon (tickets $7); Angelina Ballerina the Musical is Sunday, Nov. 4, at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. (tickets $20); A Brown Bear, a Caterpillar and a Moon: Treasured Stories by Eric Carle premieres Monday, Nov. 5, at 10 a.m. and noon (tickets $7); and on Wednesday, Nov. 28, at 7:30 p.m., The Improvised Shakespeare Company will create a fully improvised play in Elizabethan style ($25). National Theatre Live, the Met, and Broadway productions will also be broadcasted throughout the season; visit ccanh.com for details.
• The Dana Center: The Dana Center (100 Saint Anselm Drive, Manchester, 641-7700) brings to life a childhood favorite book, Amber Brown Is Not a Crayon, which shows on Friday, Oct. 26, at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. The center also features The Man Who Planted Trees Friday, Nov. 16, at 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Call 641-7710 for information and pricing for school group programs. Tickets range in price, $7 to $28.50. Visit anselm.edu.
• Follow the yellow brick road: The Leddy Center (38 Ladds Lane, Epping) presents The Wizard of Oz from Oct. 26 through Nov. 14 this fall. Shows are Friday evenings at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m., and Wednesday, Nov. 9, at 2 p.m. Call 679-2781 to purchase tickets or visit leddycenter.org. Tickets are $18.
• Arrr! Stage Coach Productions brings Pirates of Penzance to life Oct. 26 through Oct. 28 at 14 Court St., Nashua. Written by Gilbert and Sullivan. Ticket prices are $18-$20. For show times, visit stagecoachproductions.org or call 320-3780.
• Dinner and a show: No need to rush through dinner for the show if you're going to the Chateau Restaurant (201 Hanover St., Manchester); The restaurant hosts performances by both Stage One Productions and the Majestic Theatre throughout the season. Majestic shows are on Friday, Nov. 2, Saturday, Nov. 3 and Sunday, Nov. 4, at 6:30 p.m., and Stage One performances are on Friday, Nov. 16, Saturday, Nov. 17 and Sunday, Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. Shows will be announced soon; call the box offices (Stage One is 669-5511, Majestic 669-7469) for tickets.
• Bedford Off Broadway: Their fall production is Heaven Can Wait, a comedy by Harry Segallf. The show takes the stage on Friday, Nov. 2, Saturday, Nov. 3, Friday, Nov. 9, and Saturday, Nov. 10, all of which show at 8 p.m. at the Old Town Hall (3 Meetinghouse Road, Bedford). Tickets are $12. Visit bedfordoffbroadway.com.
• Little orphan: See Annie this fall, on Friday, Nov. 9, at 8 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 10, at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Nov. 11, at 2 p.m., at the Edmund Keefe Auditorium, Elm St., Nashua. Tickets are $10 each. Visit actorsingers.org or call 320-1870.


text:
Burien City Council Nixes Elected Mayor Proposal on 3-3 Vote Monday Night
Burien city council members defeated a motion to place the question of an elected city mayor on the April 2013 special election ballot at Monday night's meeting (Nov. 26).
Councilmembers Jack Block Jr., who made the motion for such an election at their Nov. 19 meeting, Bob Edgar and Lucy Krakowiak voted yes. Opposing it were Deputy Mayor Rose Clark and Councilmembers Joan McGilton and Gerald Robison. Mayor Brian Bennett was absent.
The motion died on a tie vote, as did a prior amendment to offer the motion as a resolution, which City Attorney Craig Knudsen said was the proper legal format.
After Block made his motion from the floor on Nov. 19, which was promptly seconded by Krakowiak, Clark recessed the meeting and then walked out of the meeting with Robison (read our coverage here). This left only three council members present – one short of a quorum – and that meeting was not continued.
Both McGilton and Bennett were absent and excused from that meeting, giving the Block-led faction a 3-2 majority at the moment.
Recalling the events of Nov. 19, Clark read a lengthy statement at the beginning of Monday's meeting in which she noted that since Burien incorporated in 1993, councilmembers have deferred to each other by granting the courtesy of not taking major actions unless all members are present.
This, she said, had never been infringed on until last August, when, in her absence, Block moved to withdraw the North Highline annexation measure from the ballot, and then again with two motions including the elected mayor issue last week.
Block defended his action, saying that after a divisive fight over annexation he was trying to focus the city on something positive by proposing an elected mayor.
But Robison countered that talking about changing the form of city government is "irresponsible" without a study and discussion of the question by the full council.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Like Lori Carson, Stina Nordenstam has spent a fair amount of her career shedding comparisons to Rickie Lee Jones. Though a little similar, the majority of Nordenstam's work is more fragile — delicate enough to be knocked over by the slightest of breezes. Since the early '90s, Nordenstam has developed a highly intimate, childlike sound that has either lured or repelled listeners. Though her debut, Memories of a Color, was quite formative and was held back by bland jazz leanings, it nonetheless earned the admiration of British label 4AD, who were interested in signing her. It didn't work out, but the encounter put Nordenstam under the spell of the label's Red House Painters and This Mortal Coil. The recording of her debut left her emotionally drained; three years passed before the release of And She Closed Her Eyes, a wider-ranging and more brooding record that critics viewed as a major step forward. Darker still was 1996's Dynamite, which all but abandoned any of the soft ambience of prior LPs in favor of industrial-informed beats and guitar scrapings. The covers album People Are Strange surfaced in 1998, featuring renditions of songs by the likes of Prince, Tim Hardin, and Leonard Cohen. This Is Stina Nordenstam was issued in 2001, which featured a pair of duets with Suede's Brett Anderson. Three years later, she released The World Is Saved. Also in demand as a session vocalist, Nordenstam has worked with Vangelis, Bill Laswell, and the Flesh Quartet. ~ Andy Kellman
Composer, Lyricist, Vocals
Composer, Lyricist, Vocals
Producer, Writer
Composer, Lyricist


text:
Grifter said:Alex - For pete's sake, stop changing the numbers....
AlexD30 said:Yes, what counts is the money per hour that you make. Even if you only get 30 top quality hands per hour when you enter the shoe at TC+1 end exit at TC=0 you will have on average an edge of about 2.0% for the entire.....
Ray said:Alex- I assume you're going in on a low limit table for one shoe and then
out the door and down the street. Is that right or do you figure the flat
bet fools everyone? I don't see how they could say or do much. Maybe
put up the mid shoe sign or have the floor man track you around the casino.
stainless steel rat said:But for Alex's bankroll, that seems a bit over the top based on looking back at his posts here for several months. He used to go on and on about how counting didn't work. He pointed to a post at another web site where a player mentioned a running count in the 50's, and losing hand after hand, as an example of why counting didn't work. Now suddenly he is a "big player" on a team?
Anything can happen, of course. But it stretches the imagination a bit...
The reality is that this game is hard as hell to beat, even with good counting skills and a reasonable bankroll. A team approach is far better, but most of us might do that on rare occasions, and play solo most of the time. We were talking solo here until we took a tangent into teams.
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Status Report
From: Goddard Space Flight Center
Posted: Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Astronomers were excited in December 2011, when Comet Lovejoy swept right through the sun's corona with its long tail streaming behind it. NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) captured images of the comet, showing how its long tail was buffeted by systems around the sun, offering scientists a unique way of observing movement as if they'd orchestrated the experiment themselves. Since comet tails have ionized gases, they are also affected by the sun's magnetic field, and can act as tracers of the complex magnetic system higher up in the solar atmosphere.
// end //
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International Style: Italian-Inspired Design Ideas
Italian design is known for being elegant, distinguished and casually grand. From traditional Old World Italian architecture to vibrant Tuscan-style designs, these extravagant and eye-catching rooms will leave you longing for Italia.
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November 24, 2014
©Design by Jackie Depew of Depew Design Interiors. Photo by Mark Knight.
Casual Elegance
Tuscan design celebrates its simple luxury and at-home feel through this warm kitchen. A low, cove-vaulted brick ceiling, hex terra-cotta flooring and rustic sage cabinetry in this kitchen deliver natural warmth while comfortably enclosing the space for an intimate feel. Designer Lori Venners incorporated notable Tuscan themes by displaying copper pots, vases and a dramatic wrought iron chandelier above the island. In Italy, the kitchen is the heart of the home, and this Western-Italian representation elegantly mirrors the designs found among the Tuscan countryside. Architecture by Thom Oppelt. Image courtesy of Gene Northup of Synergy Sotheby's International Realty
Elegant Gathering
Nothing says Old World magnificence quite like the hand-painted cathedral ceiling and two-tier chandelier of this elegant gathering room. Looking up, the room emits a feeling of Italian renaissance and splendor, while the furnishings and accessories deliver a traditional and comfortable spin on Old World style. The most spectacular piece in the room is the 16th-century fireplace imported from Cyprus. The stone detail looks especially stunning against Austrian hand-scraped wood floors. Designer Lori Venners added beige Knole sofas to pull in the gold hues from the ceiling detail, while also complementing the chocolate-brown draperies and dark wood furniture. Architecture by Thom Oppelt. Image courtesy of Gene Northup of Synergy Sotheby's International Realty
Sophisticated Retreat
This inviting master bathroom will compel you to leave all worries at the door. Bath time is never complete without enjoying the warmth from a gas-burning fireplace or staring at soothing water reflections on a vaulted ceiling above. Jerusalem stone, travertine floors, walls and countertops, and solid wood accents deliver an overwhelming cozy Italian feel within the small space. Travertine, a traditional building material, is especially symbolic in Italian design as it was the primary material used in the construction of the Colosseum in 72 A.D. Design by Debra Campbell Design
Stylish Dining
Perfect for both holiday entertaining and everyday meals, this Old World dining room offers elegant, Italian Renaissance appeal with a comfortable and cozy dining experience. Cantera stone walls, often used in Spanish and Southwestern designs, immediately set this room apart from the home's plastered walls and intricate murals. The brick barrel-vaulted ceiling subtly mimics the kitchen's ceiling detail, while providing a delicate contrast from the stone walls. For a decorative feature against au naturel surroundings, designer Lori Venners added coordinating artwork and accessories to the back-lit art niches and built-in cabinets, as well as the 19th-century Italian neoclassical brass chandelier. Convenient for entertaining, storage alcoves house the owner's fine wine collection. Architecture by Thom Oppelt. Image courtesy of Gene Northup of Synergy Sotheby's International Realty
Private Sanctuary
Just off the master bedroom, this sanctuary room is truly a unique in-house getaway. The most dramatic and eye-catching feature of the room is undeniably the ornate, hand-carved reclaimed ceiling from Ecuador. Venetian plastered walls in a fresh ivory hue serve as a soft complement to the ceiling detail and reclaimed ash wood flooring. Mirroring the elaborate ceiling designs, designer Lori Venners added a custom sake wood hearth as a welcoming accompaniment to a simple tiled fireplace. No home sanctuary is complete without an oversized chaise lounge ideal for reading, relaxing or taking an afternoon nap. Dark wood French doors open to a private balcony, providing sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and lake. Architecture by Thom Oppelt. Image courtesy of Gene Northup of Synergy Sotheby's International Realty
Chilled to Perfection
Designer Cindy Aplanalp transformed a small walk-in closet and former office into a stylish Old World wine grotto. Viticulture, also known as winemaking, has been around since 3200 B.C., but it wasn't until the 2nd century B.C. that winemaking really began to thrive in Italy. Now, Italy is known for being one of the world's top wine producers, and proper wine storage is a common asset in Italian homes. A welcoming staple of this room in particular is the octagonal stone mosaic that breaks up the storage shelves and provides a unique focal point. A Mediterranean-gothic light fixture delivers additional European edge among the wood beamed ceiling and stone surround. Soft, diffused lighting further enhances the overall mood and tone of the space. Vertical storage shelves guarantee that the wine bottles will be properly stored (horizontally), ensuring graceful aging. Small cubbies allow proud collectors to show off their finest pieces, while keeping others stored, chilled and organized.
Grand Cucina
Warm, natural elements, like stone walls, wood cabinetry and green marble countertops, enhance the cozy feel of this Italian-style kitchen. The wood-beamed cathedral ceilings and natural stone focal wall add to the grandeur of the room along with the antique wrought iron chandelier and wall sconces. The copper range hood, tumbled marble backdrop and cabinetry hint at traditional Old World kitchens, while providing an eclectic mix of old and new elements. Image courtesy of White River
A Taste of Tuscany
Although simple in design, this antique 12-light chandelier makes a dramatic statement in a cozy white casita. True to traditional Italian style, designer Lori Venners coordinated wood-beamed ceiling, reclaimed larch hardwood floors and a neutral color palette for an open, airy feel. The white walls and linens allow the Old World-inspired furnishings to provide visual interest in the room. With an ebonized finish and detailed hand carvings, the antique four-poster bed ensures guests will have opulent dreams. Architecture by Thom Oppelt. Image courtesy of Gene Northup of Synergy Sotheby's International Realty
Modern Take on Tradition
Old World design elements look especially stunning when paired with a more traditional Mediterranean style. While natural stone walls like to remain as such, stucco walls are often covered with colored Venetian plaster or faux-painting techniques for a textured and aged look. Venetian plastered walls, cypress beams and custom-made wrought iron lighting set an elegant tone upon entering the living room. Designer Troy Beasley mixes contemporary chairs, tables and accessories with charming Moorish art and rich, Tuscan hues. Tuscan style is known for its natural, earth-toned colors, like golden yellow, terra cotta and green for an airy effect in warm-weather places, and this ivory and gold color scheme provides just that.
Open Doors
For a contemporary take on Italian style, this home welcomes guests with custom wrought iron doors and a gothic-inspired lantern chandelier hanging from a dramatic dome ceiling. An ornate chest and mirror incorporate Tuscan-style copper hues, while drawing in the hand-painted details prominent in Italian design. A pair of antique Italian gilded altar sticks makes perfect lamps for a contemporary Old World foyer.
Villa Style
Nestled in the California hills, designer Debra Ryan of Debra Kay George Interiors brought the feel of Tuscany straight into this Pacific home. To evoke that warm, Italian feel, she used several architectural details to deeply portray the Mediterranean style, like limestone, artistic murals, Venetian plastered walls, rough-hewn beams and coffered wood ceilings. "The use of honed and distressed materials creates an inviting, warm atmosphere for this home that retains a feel of grandeur and elegance," Debra says. A custom-made stone fireplace serves as the living room's focal point, while a coffered wood ceiling with embossed metal insets provides Italian details unique to the home.
Old World Charm
Gold Venetian plastered walls and wide archways set the stage for this Old World living room. HGTV fan hodji combined cozy leather furniture with unique accessories and decor to bring in the cultural elements that help make up traditional Italian design. Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus, is often seen in Roman Catholic environments and Old World designs, particularly through antique artwork like the small piece hanging above the mantel. The floor-standing candelabrum provides an additional Old World element among a mixture of Spanish- and Southwestern-inspired accessories.
Vibrant Culinary
This modern Tuscan-style kitchen pays homage to the traditional details associated with the design through its use of color, architecture and accessories. Wood rafters help enclose the kitchen, while exposing the cathedral ceilings and intricate, artistic murals along the walls and ceilings. Simple wrought iron fixtures showcase Old World appeal with a contemporary edge.
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