Arts and Recreation
Whiskey Tasting at The Park Theatre
The Grateful Dads of Jaffrey play host to a night of music and fine whiskey!
JAFFREY, New Hampshire (April 5, 2025) Enjoy an evening of fine music and great music at Jaffrey's Park Theatre, Friday, April 11, at 7:00 p.m.
Whiskey expert, Matt Morin, will take you through four tastings of premium whiskeys. You will learn where they come from, how they are made and how to enjoy them to their fullest potential. Jaffrey's own Grateful Dads will serenade you while you sip.
Tickets are $50 per person, which includes the tasting, food and music. For those not partaking in the tasting, your ticket is $25 which includes food and music. Limited seating is set at 75, so get your tickets early. Concession items and the bar will be available for purchases.
Purchase tickets in advance by going to theparktheatre.org or by calling the box office (603) 532-8888. You can buy at the door as well.
The Park Theatre performing arts center is located at 19 Main Street in downtown Jaffrey, New Hampshire, just 90 minutes from Boston & 60 minutes from Worcester, MA.
BEING PETTY The Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers Experience LIVE at The Park Theatre
Back by Popular Demand BEING PETTY returns to Jaffrey's Park Theatre.
JAFFREY, New Hampshire (April 5, 2025) Being Petty, a renowned Tom Petty tribute band, has captivated audiences across the United States with their authentic and heartfelt performances that honor the legacy of the late rock icon, Tom Petty. Formed by a group of talented musicians deeply inspired by Petty's work with the Heartbreakers and his solo career, Being Petty meticulously recreates the sound, energy, and spirit of his music. From classics like "Free Fallin'" and "American Girl" to deeper cuts that showcase Petty's songwriting genius, the band delivers a live experience that transports fans back to the heyday of rock 'n' roll. Their attention to detail--down to the vintage instruments, signature outfits, and Petty's unmistakable vocal style--has earned them a reputation as one of the premier tribute acts performing today.
The band has garnered widespread praise from fans and critics alike for their exceptional performances. One enthusiastic attendee declared, "I'm a die-hard fan of Tom Petty and I've seen other tribute bands, but Being Petty is next level...hands down the best," highlighting their ability to stand out in a crowded field. Another review raved, "The way you were dressed, sound, mannerisms...you really did give us the Tom Petty experience!" emphasizing their commitment to authenticity. A particularly glowing comment came from a fan who noted, "I've seen TPATH [Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers] OVER 100 times and seen numerous TPATH tribute bands...Being Petty was the greatest I've ever seen!" This kind of positive press underscores how Being Petty not only pays tribute to Tom Petty's music but also captures the emotional connection he forged with his audience, ensuring his legacy lives on through every note they play.
BEING PETTY plays the Park on Saturday, April 12, at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets for BEING PETTY are $25. Purchase in advance by going to theparktheatre.org or by calling the box office (603) 532-8888. You can buy at the door as well. The theatre doors will open at 12:00 pm.
The Park Theatre performing arts center is located at 19 Main Street in downtown Jaffrey, New Hampshire, just 90 minutes from Boston & 60 minutes from Worcester, MA.
FLOW on the Big Screen at Jaffrey's Park Theatre
The Academy Award Winner SHOWN ON THE GIANT SCREEN
JAFFREY, New Hampshire (April 7, 2025) "Flow," the groundbreaking animated feature directed by Latvian filmmaker Gints Zilbalodis, returns to The Park Theatre on Sunday, April 13, 2025. Showtimes are 2:00 p.m and 6:30 p.m.
"Flow" made history at the 97th Academy Awards on March 2, 2025, by clinching the Oscar for Best Animated Feature, marking Latvia's first-ever Academy Award win. This dialogue-free ecological parable follows a solitary black cat as it navigates a surreal, flood-ravaged world alongside a diverse crew of animals--a dog, capybara, ring-tailed lemur, and secretary bird--relying on trust and cooperation to survive. Created using the open-source software Blender with a modest budget of $3.4 million, "Flow" stunned audiences and critics alike, outshining big-budget contenders like Disney/Pixar's "Inside Out 2" and DreamWorks' "The Wild Robot." The Associated Press hailed it as "a wordless cat parable that prompted a sleepless night for Latvians celebrating the historic accolade," while Variety praised its win as a testament to "the growing prominence of independent animation," with Zilbalodis expressing hope that it would "open doors to independent animation filmmakers around the world."
Beyond its Oscar triumph, "Flow" has garnered an impressive array of accolades, cementing its status as a global cinematic phenomenon. Prior to the Academy Awards, the film secured the Best Animated Feature at the Golden Globes—another first for Latvia—and swept four prizes at the Annecy International Animation Festival, including the Audience Award, Jury Award, Gan Foundation Award for Distribution, and a special prize for its original music composed by Zilbalodis and Rihards Zalupe. Its critical acclaim was further bolstered by nominations at the Critics Choice Awards, Annie Awards, and a longlist spot for three BAFTA categories. Euronews celebrated its Golden Globe win as "a significant achievement for the Baltic nation," noting its victory over major U.S. productions like "Moana 2." With over 320,000 theatergoers in Latvia alone—making it the country's most-watched film in three decades—and a special stamp issued in its honor, "Flow" has not only captured hearts but also sparked a wave of national pride, as CBC News described it as "a dreamy, dialogue-free tale" that "scored best animated feature film… sparking a wave of national pride."
Tickets for FLOW are $10, $9. Purchase in advance by going to theparktheatre.org or by calling the box office (603) 532-8888. You can buy at the door as well.
The Park Theatre performing arts center is located at 19 Main Street in downtown Jaffrey, New Hampshire, just 90 minutes from Boston & 60 minutes from Worcester, MA.
NEIL YOUNG--COASTAL on the Big Screen at Jaffrey's Park Theatre
One night only SHOWN ON THE GIANT SCREEN
JAFFREY, New Hampshire (August 26, 2024) Coastal takes you on an intimate journey with maverick musician Neil Young. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker and Young's wife, Daryl Hannah, Coastal offers a behind the curtain glimpse of this unguarded iconoclast, as he navigates a return to the stage post-Covid. Coastal shows for one night only at The Park Theatre on Thursday, April 17, at 7:00 p.m.
Join Neil Young in his private refuge, his silver eagle tour bus, where his impromptu observations on the bus naturally evolve into his candid, wry banter with his audience. The illuminating film also features songs rarely, if ever played live, performed in breathtakingly beautiful theaters.
Coastal finds moving, human moments in the most prosaic details of life on the road. An insight into the coexistence of loneliness and humor of a solo tour. The amalgamation of the up-close concert footage and behind-the-scenes footage creates a deeply personal experience.
The film had its world premiere screening out of the Woodstock Film Festival in October 2024 and its West Coast premiere in February at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. The documentary is produced by Gary Ward, edited by Rachel Simmer, with cinematography by Adam CK Vollick and Daryl Hannah.
"With Coastal I wanted to highlight Neil's authenticity, openness and vulnerability as a person, musician and performer," director Daryl Hannah said in a statement. "He is as pure and honest as they come. Deeply devoted to his musical muse, which at times presented a challenge in capturing the songs, as we never knew what he might play or what instruments he'd pick up next. But what we were able to capture has an unpretentious magic that reveals the truth, sentiment, and emotions in these hidden gems as well as a close-up look at a performer who plays from the heart with a total lack of pretense."
Hannah's feature film directorial work includes the poetic film Paradox, as well as documentaries Mountaintop, which takes an unfiltered look at Neil Young's process with Crazy Horse making their first album in seven years, and the Grammy Nominated film Barn which follows the band recording their homonymous album Barn in their element, in a restored 19th century log barn standing in the wilderness, under the full moon.
Tickets for COASTAL are $15. Purchase in advance by going to theparktheatre.org or by calling the box office (603) 532-8888. You can buy at the door as well. The theatre doors will open at 6:00 p.m.
The Park Theatre performing arts center is located at 19 Main Street in downtown Jaffrey, New Hampshire, just 90 minutes from Boston & 60 minutes from Worcester, MA.
Coming Up at Nova Arts in Keene
Friday, April 18: Get Groovy with Jatoba and Rock out with Splatter at Nova Arts!
Since 2008, Jatoba has been electrifying audiences with their signature "groovegrass" sound, a dynamic fusion of bluegrass, rock, and improvisational energy. Based in Brattleboro, Vermont, the trio features John Jamison (guitar, mandolin, vocals), Jason Scaggs (guitar, banjo, vocals), and Jeff Richardson (upright bass, vocals), each exemplifying exceptional skills as musicians and a hint of spontaneous creativity to the stage. They are a thrill to listen to and their unique musical chemistry is truly unmatched.
From the hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains all the way to Vermont, Jatoba has toured up and down the East Coast, sharing stages with top acts like Greensky Bluegrass, Trampled By Turtles, and The Infamous String Dusters. With festival appearances at North lands Music Festival and Friendly Gathering and recent recognition from Rolling Stone their momentum continues to grow. Blending tight three-part harmonies, intricate instrumentation, and even touches of beatboxing, Jatoba delivers a fresh, and high-energy take on bluegrass. Their fun and unpredictable performances create an experience that is bound to keep audiences on their feet and coming back for more.
Blending classic rock, folk, and jam influences, Splatter brings a fresh, electrifying sound to every stage. Formed in August 2023, this five-piece band from southern NH featuring Max Orio (bass/vocals), Jake Heisey (guitar), Julia Baer (guitar/vocals), Owen Keyes (guitar), and Emma Toscano (drums) delivers powerhouse harmonies, ripping guitar work, and deep grooves. Several band members have taken their knowledge from classical training and applied it to improve their sound and the quality of their work. Born from Keene State College's jazz scene, Splatter thrives on improvisation, fusing their ambitious sound with raw energy and good vibrations. They've lit up house shows, campus events, and stages like Domefest and Birdies in Keene. With a constantly evolving mix of originals and reimagined classics, every show is an unpredictable, enthusiastic experience.
Doors are at 7:00 pm and music will start at 7:30 sharp! Seating is limited and first come first served (we will make room for dancing)! All ages! For more information visit: https://www.novaarts.org/events/jatobareckoners. Nova Arts is located at 48 Emerald St, Keene, NH.
Saturday, April 19: The Sun Ensemble at Nova Arts: A Sonic Exploration Led by Zoh Amba, Lex Korten, and Miguel Marcel Russell with David William Ross
oh Amba Sun Ensemble, the latest project from composer and instrumentalist Zoh Amba, brings together pianist Lex Korten and percussionist Miguel Marcel Russell for a fusion of avant-garde, noise, and devotional hymns. Commissioned by Roulette's 2023-2024 season, the trio explores the concepts of sound and spirit.
A Tennessee native, Zoh Amba has made waves in the experimental music world, collaborating with artists like Chris Corsano, Vijay Iyer, and William Parker. Her albums "O, Sun" (produced by John Zorn) and "Bhakti" showcase her distinctive vision, and she has performed at major festivals such as Big Ears, Jazz En Agosto, and Willisau Jazz Festival. Amba has collaborated with a variety of great artists, including Chris Corsano, Vijay Iyer, Myriam Gendron, Glen Hansard, Gabby Fluke-Mogul, William Parker, and Bill Orcutt.
Also performing is David William Ross, a New England based guitarist whose work spans jazz, classical, and contemporary music. An advocate of new compositions, Ross has premiered works by Frank Wallace, Ferdinando DeSena, and Pierre Schroeder. His upcoming album, "Upon the Blue Guitar", is set for release in March 2025 under Navona. Ross is also a skilled recording engineer, shaping high-fidelity, artistic recordings that illuminate a musician's creative intent. According to Seven Days VT, "Ross does more than simply produce… he covers his work in gossamer and weaves a foundation of lush beauty and haunting sounds." He currently serves as Director of Music at The Putney School in Vermont. His degree in music theory, composition, and guitar from the University of Southern California influenced him to teach courses in the New England area. He will be performing with his combo.
Doors are at 7:00 pm and music will begin at 7:30. The show is all ages and seating is first come first served. For more information visit: https://www.novaarts.org/events/zohamba. Nova Arts is located at 48 Emerald St, Keene, NH.
Gardening
Plant a Tree and Make a Difference
National Arbor Day, celebrated on the last Friday of April, recognizes the important role trees play in our environment.
Photo courtesy of MelindaMyers.com
Trees provide many benefits to the environment and our health and well-being. These long-lived members of our landscapes and communities provide shade, help reduce energy costs, clean the air we breathe, prevent soil erosion and stormwater runoff, and attract and provide homes for birds and pollinators. National Arbor Day, celebrated on the last Friday of April, recognizes the important role trees play in our environment.
Spending time among the trees also helps boost our immune system. Studies reveal that tree-filled landscapes help decrease domestic conflict, as well as aggression and violence at schools. A mindful walk through the woods, known as forest bathing, helps reduce blood pressure and stress. It increases focus and energy levels, improves sleep, and much more.
When planting new trees make sure to select one that will fit in the space when mature and thrive in the growing conditions. Plant tags and catalog descriptions can provide you with this important information. Consider including trees that provide multiple seasons of beauty with flowers, fruit, fall color, and form. Look for those that also support birds and pollinators as they deliver many other environmental benefits.
Select a planting location away from overhead and underground utilities to avoid future conflicts. Avoid plants that eventually could grow into wires or structures that may interfere with utilities and power transmission, creating a real hazard.
Always call 811 or file a request online at https://call811.com/811-In-Your-State at least three business days before putting the first shovel in the ground. When your request is received, this non-profit group contacts all the appropriate underground utilities. The utilities' locators will then mark the location of the underground utilities in your work area. Contacting them first reduces the risk of injury, the inconvenience of accidentally knocking out power, cable, or other utilities, and the potential cost incurred to repair a utility you damage when skipping this step.
Once the location is cleared, you're ready to start planting. Locate the tree's root flare (where the roots curve away from the trunk) by gently pulling the soil away from the trunk as needed. Dig a hole two to five times wider and the same depth as the distance from the root flare to the bottom of the root ball. Set the tree in the hole, carefully remove it from the container, and loosen or prune off any circling roots. Cut back burlap and wire baskets when planting balled and burlapped trees.
Plant the tree so the root flare is even with or slightly above the soil surface. Roughen the sides of the hole and backfill with the existing soil. Water thoroughly and spread a two-to-three-inch layer of mulch over the soil surface, keeping the mulch away from the tree trunk.
Continue watering throughout the growing season, the following year, and as needed once established. Check the soil moisture and thoroughly water the root ball and surrounding soil when the top few inches of soil are crumbly and slightly moist. Apply ten gallons of water for every inch of the trunk's diameter at four- and one-half feet high.
If you don't have room for your own tree, contact your municipality, park, or nature center. Many organizations are looking for volunteers to help plant and care for trees which will benefit even more people in your community.
Melinda Myers has written over 20 gardening books, including The Midwest Gardener's Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses "How to Grow Anything" DVD series and the nationally-syndicated Melinda's Garden Moment radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. Myers' web site is www.MelindaMyers.com.