Friday night, February 2, we welcome esteemed singer / songwriter PETER MULVEY to Keene. Peter has been a songwriter, road-dog, raconteur, and almost-poet since before he can remember. In 1989 he spent a year in Ireland, busking on the streets of Dublin and hitchhiking to whatever gigs he could find. Back stateside, he spent a couple years gigging through the bars of his native Midwest before taking off for Boston, where he returned to subway busking and coffeehouses. Small shows led to larger shows, which eventually led to regional and then national touring. The wheels have not stopped since. Twenty albums, one illustrated book, thousands of live performances, a TEDx talk, a decades-long association with the National Youth Science Camp, opening tours and gigs for luminaries such as Ani DiFranco, Greg Brown, Emmylou Harris and Chuck Prophet, appearances on NPR, an annual autumn tour by bicycle, emceeing festivals, hosting his own Lamplighter Sessions for years in Boston and in Wisconsin... he has built his life's work on collaboration, on an instinct for the eclectic and the vital.

Brought up in a family of harmonizers, Liza Constable's first guitar was bought with mom's green stamps. She kept that love of sound (but not the guitar), moving into musical performance in her 20s, working in bands ranging from tex-mex to Appalachian fiddle tunes, from Cajun to Western swing. Her undeniable first love is old vintage jazz. You'll hear a bit of everything, and a few originals.

Saturday, February 3, we'll have an evening of music with THE ISNESS ENSEMBLE.

In the heart of musical exploration and artistic camaraderie, the Isness Ensemble emerges as a beacon of sonic diversity, weaving together the timeless threads of roots, rock, and jam. With a lineup comprising seven exceptional musicians, each a virtuoso in their own right, Isness Ensemble creates a melodic tapestry that captivates the soul and propels audiences into a realm where genres dissolve, and musical expression reigns supreme.

Isness Ensemble is more than just a collection of talented musicians; it is a musical brotherhood bound by a shared passion for sonic exploration. The band's live performances are a testament to the alchemical synergy that arises when seven individual voices converge into a harmonious whole. Each member contributes their unique sonic signature, creating a collective expression that transcends the boundaries of genre.

The band's improvisational prowess allows them to embark on sonic journeys that are never the same twice. From soulful ballads that tug at the heartstrings to high-energy jams that ignite the dance floor, Isness Ensemble invites audiences to join them on a musical odyssey where the destination is uncertain, but the experience is always transformative.

Drawing inspiration from the rich tapestry of American musical heritage, Isness Ensemble pays homage to its roots while fearlessly pushing the boundaries of tradition. Elements of blues, folk, and rock intertwine with the improvisational spirit of jam, creating a sound that is both timeless and contemporary. The band's commitment to authenticity and musical integrity is evident in every note, inviting listeners to connect with the raw, unfiltered essence of their artistry.

Doors open at 7:00 p.m. with music beginning at 8:00 p.m. for both shows. Tickets are available at novaarts.org/events, at Brewbakers / Terra Nova Coffee, or at the door.