Arts and Recreation
Historical Piano Concerts' 39th Spring Season
Ashburnham - April 17, 2025 - The Historical Piano Concerts series' 39th Spring season opens Sunday, April 27: Trio Confero - Maksim Shtrykov, clarinet, Anita Balázs, cello, and Misuzu Tanaka, piano - will play sonatas by Johannes Brahms and Wilhelm Berger. The 3:00 p.m. concert will take place at the New Dawn Arts Center /Ashburnham Community Church, located at 84 Main Street (Rte. 12) at the corner of Chapel Street. The entrance is at the back of the building, which is wheelchair accessible.
Each concert, continuing every Sunday through the month of May, will feature a single piano from the Frederick Collection of Historical Grand Pianos, in music of that piano's time and place. Ms. Tanaka will be playing a piano made in 1871 by Streicher of Vienna, the same make and vintage as composer Brahms's own piano for the last twenty-five years of his life. Each piano from the Frederick Collection has its own distinctive "voice", specially suited to music chosen by the pianist for that instrument.
Admission to the concerts is $20. per adult, children and students, free; just pay at the door - no tickets or advance reservations. A season pass, for $80, offers a fifth concert free of charge, and includes a free guest pass, good for one concert. Cash and personal checks are accepted, but not credit or debit cards. Details of the programs and information on the musicians are posted on the organization's website, www.FrederickCollection.org and concert videos are posted on YouTube, as "Music from the Frederick Collection". Videos there from past seasons offer a wide sampling of piano solo and small ensemble repertoire from Beethoven through the early 20th century.
The Frederick Piano Collection, in Ashburnham's former town library on Main Street, is open for guided tours by appointment most days. A typical tour takes three hours, due to the number of pianos to be heard and played. There are no tours on concert days.
For further information, please contact the Fredericks at piano.fred@juno.com, or by phone, at 978-827-6232.
AMADEUS--Winner of 8 Academy Awards Comes to The Park
The 40th Anniversary 4K Restoration on the Big Screen at Jaffrey's Park Theatre, SHOWN ON THE GIANT SCREEN
JAFFREY, New Hampshire (April 7, 2025) AMADEUS, winner of 8 Academy Awards comes to The Park Theatre in Jaffrey. The gorgeous 40th Anniversary 4K restoration will be shown on the Big Screen, Friday, April 25, at 7:00 p.m.
Amadeus was adapted from the hit play by its author, Sir Peter Shaffer. Described by Shaffer as "a fantasia based on fact," Amadeus was inspired by persistent rumors from the early 19th century that Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart had been poisoned by a jealous rival, Antonio Salieri. Salieri was a successful court composer driven mad by the knowledge of his own mediocrity when compared to Mozart's God-given genius. The film Amadeus much more than the stage production is a celebration of Mozart's timeless music. All the music in Amadeus was newly recorded for the film by the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields under the direction of Sir Neville Marriner. Amadeus was nominated for 11 Academy Awards and won eight including Best Film. The soundtrack on Fantasy Records won the Grammy for Best Classical Album and was certified gold, selling over 100,000 copies. Astin, Josh Brolin, Jeff Cohen, Corey Feldman, and Kerri Green.
Tickets for AMADEUS are $10 and $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 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.
AN AMERICAN IN PARIS--Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron in Glorious Technicolor on the Big Screen at Jaffrey's Park Theatre
JAFFREY, New Hampshire (April 7, 2025) Winner of 6 Oscars and ranked among the American Film Institute's 100 greatest American movies of all time, An American in Paris is a glorious, Technicolor paean to the golden age of the Hollywood musical. An American in Paris will be shown on The Park Theatre's Big Screen, Saturday, April 26, at 7:00 p.m.
Inspired by George Gershwin's musical suite of the same title, the film, set in post-War Paris, is a delightful romantic romp with eye-popping set design paying homage to the great French painters, and a full-scale 17-minute ballet that showcases the dazzling, athletic artistry of dance legend Gene Kelly and the whimsical grace of Leslie Caron.
Gershwin's jazz-infused orchestral piece titled An American in Paris was inspired by his own experiences in Paris in the 1920s, a time when many notable artists, such as Hemingway, Picasso and Fitzgerald were living and working there. The composition premiered in 1928 at Carnegie Hall in New York City and became one of Gershwin's best-known pieces, performed by orchestras regularly throughout the 1930s and 1940s. The composition inspired the movie and its famous final dance sequence is set to it.
Gershwin died tragically of a brain tumor in 1938 at the age of just 37. Hollywood producer Arthur Freed bought the rights to Gershwin's An American in Paris composition from his brother, Ira Gershwin for $158,750, after seeing it performed in concert. Ira insisted that the piece be surrounded exclusively by Gershwin compositions and penned the now familiar movie lyrics to his brother's standards such as "I Got Rhythm," "Our Love Is Here to Stay" and "S Wonderful."
Gene Kelly not only played the lead role of Jerry, the soldier-turned-painter who calls Paris home after World War II--he also choreographed the film and helped with casting. Kelly earned an honorary Academy Award as an "appreciation of his versatility as an actor, singer, director and dancer, and specifically for his brilliant achievements in the art of choreography on film." Kelly was one of the first superstar choreographers to incorporate what, at the time was considered "lowbrow, pop-culture" forms of dance such as tap and jitterbug into his routines.
Gene Kelly discovered co-star Leslie Caron after seeing her in Paris's Ballet des Champs Elysées. The 17-year-old ballet dancer had been so weakened by wartime malnutrition that she could only work on alternate days and so the movie's schedule adapted accordingly.
Many have critiqued the film for its corny storyline and lack of chemistry between the main love interests (a good thing considering their age difference). Yet, no one can argue the film's stunning dance sequences, incredible music and visual splendor. Oh, and Oscar Levant, who plays Jerry's neighbor Adam, is just hilarious.
Tickets for AN AMERICAN IN PARIS are $10 and $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 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
Tuesday, April 29: Check Out TAKAAT and Pile's Rick Maguire at Nova Arts
TAKAAT (pronounced tuh-cot), means "noise" in the Tuareg language Tamashek. The trio is composed of Ahmoudou Madassane, Mikey Coltun, and Souleymane Ibrahim, also known as the rhythm section of Mdou Moctar. This electrifying trio was born on the road, as they all shared a love for intense volume, punk rock, and improvisation. Towards the end of 2023, the trio decided it was time to write music, bonding over their admiration for DIY ethos of punk, and Drawing from Hauso bar bands, gritty soukous, and 2000s post-punk, TAKAAT is an energetic combination of thrilling music that takes listeners on a journey of dark rhythms and powerful riffs. Their debut Is Noise Vol. 1 (10") EP, was recorded in a single take on a cold winter day in Washington, D.C.
Opening for TAKAAT is Rick Maguire, a singer, guitarist, and frontrunner of the band Pile. What started as his own solo act became an increasingly popular band especially in the Boston indie rock scene. Maguire's music exists in a realm of its own, both the chaos of a storm and the calmness that proceeds it.
Don't miss out! Doors at 7:00 p.m. and music will begin at 7:30 p.m. All ages! Seating will be very limited. For more information visit: https://www.novaarts.org/events/takaat. Nova Arts is located at 48 Emerald St, Keene, NH.
That Thing in the Spring 2025!
Nova Arts is proud to announce the 2025 edition of The Thing in the Spring, an annual ecstatic celebration of music and art, which has happened here in southwestern NH for 17 years. This year's festival features exciting collaborative presentations with the Colonial Theatre and Monadnock Music, as well as thirty plus performances across 3 stages in 3 days, from May 16 through May 18.
Friday May 16, we'll be featuring jazz, avant-garde, classical, and shoegaze. Josh Johnson has performed on record with everyone from Miley Cyrus to Meshell Ndgeocello, as well as being the musical director for Leon Bridges, and creating some of the best albums of contemporary jazz with Jeff Parker, sml, Anna Butterss, and Makaya McCraven. The Argus Quartet will be here presenting a varied programme featuring work by composer Molly Herron, a Peterborough native; this is co-presented by our friends in Monadnock Music. Irish songwriter Maria Somerville will be here for her only stop in New England, Mission of Burma frontman Roger Clark Miller will be presenting his solo electric guitar ensemble, plus we'll have Sailor Down, as well as the first night of psych / experimental behemoth Sunburned Hand of the Man's three day residency.
Saturday May 17 we are partnering with the Colonial Theatre to present indie rock architect and Pavement frontman Stephen Malkmus in a solo performance at the theatre; Mirah opens. Leading folks to this special evening concert will be the Undertow Brass Band, an incredible punk rock marching band from Providence, parading from the Nova Arts stages to the Colonial. Before this momentous trek, you can see a slew of indie and punk bands from around New England: Speedy Ortiz, Kal Marks, and Rong, all from Boston, Wake in Fright from Maine (featuring Micah Blue Smaldone), Chinese psych outfit Dakoudakou, another Mission of Burma side-project Minibeast, Manchester's Cozy Throne, and day two of Sunburned Hand of the Man.
Also on Saturday we'll have readings at the Toadstool Bookshop and a hands-on Creature Workshop with Big Nazo, an artist collective from Rhode Island. Plus, once the show at the Colonial wraps, head over to Kilkennys for a Saturday afterpary featuring Paper Castles, All Feels, and Commemorative Cup!
Sunday May 18 it will be an incredible combination of experimental pop, jazz, and folk music. Chicago's Califone will be here, a truly unique electro-acoustic ensemble and songwriting vehicle. Vocalist and activist Amirtha Kidambi is bringing her group Elder Ones, blending jazz and devotional music in opposition to oppression and white supremacy. Kentucky songbird Joan Shelley will be here, along with performances by Aisha Burns, Derek Sensale, Maryse Smith, Sam Moss, and the conclusion of Sunburned Hand of the Man's epic three day journey to the core.
Attend for a day, an evening, or the whole weekend: day passes, tickets to the Colonial show, as well as a limited number of weekend passes are available now at thethinginthespring.com. The Thing in the Spring is a project of Nova Arts, fiscally sponsored by Arts Alive, and supported by the Putnam Foundation & the Osier Fund. Please visit the website for more information on the weekend as well as our great partners and underwriters who make it possible.
Regional News
A Growing Crisis in Animal Welfare: As Adoptions Plummet, Second Chance Animal Services Leads with a Bold, Proven Solution
EAST BROOKFIELD, MA (April 22, 2025)--Across the country, animal shelters and rescues are facing an unprecedented challenge: adoption rates are falling, intake numbers are rising, and more pets than ever are at risk of being left behind.
While the headlines may suggest a sudden spike, those working in animal welfare know the reality has been building for years. Families are adopting less often--and surrendering more frequently--not because they don't care, but because the commitment feels too great. With rising costs, economic uncertainty, and the high price of veterinary care, many potential adopters are saying "not now," and many pet owners feel they have no choice but to give up their beloved companions.
Second Chance Animal Services, a Massachusetts-based nonprofit, has taken a different path--one that addresses the root causes of surrender and hesitancy to adopt. Through a pioneering Access to Care model, Second Chance offers affordable veterinary services, vaccine clinics, spay/neuter programs, and pet food assistance, helping to keep pets where they belong: at home with the people who love them.
"We knew the traditional model wasn't enough anymore," said Sheryl Blancato, CEO of Second Chance Animal Services. "People don't surrender pets lightly. They do it because they feel out of options. So we decided to give them options--real, meaningful support that can prevent surrender before it starts."
While some larger organizations have turned to free adoptions as a quick fix, Second Chance encourages a more thoughtful and sustainable approach--one that protects smaller shelters and the long-term health of animal welfare services.
"Free adoption promotions can be helpful when used thoughtfully--for example, when a donor steps up to cover the fees as a way to inspire more adoptions," explained Blancato. "That kind of support allows us to remove barriers for adopters while still ensuring we can provide quality care for every animal. But when adoption fees are waived across the board, it can put smaller shelters and rescues in a difficult position. These fees help cover essential medical care and prepare pets for adoption--it's about sustaining the work, not profit."
Smaller shelters and rescue groups play a vital role in the animal welfare ecosystem, often serving as lifelines for at-risk pets in underserved communities. When funding streams like adoption fees are removed system wide, it can destabilize these essential organizations--many of which do not have the fundraising reach of larger groups.
Instead of focusing solely on adoptions, Second Chance has chosen to invest in prevention. By addressing the most common reasons pets are surrendered--unaffordable vet care, food insecurity, and housing-related challenges--the organization is redefining what it means to "rescue" an animal.
"We believe animal welfare isn't just about rehoming pets. It's about creating communities where pets don't have to be rehomed in the first place," said Blancato. "That's the future--and we're already building it."
Second Chance Animal Services is calling on donors, partners, and advocates to support its pioneering approach, which is now being recognized as a national model. With four full-service veterinary hospitals, mobile vaccine clinics, a pet food pantry, and a robust adoption program, Second Chance is saving lives through access, compassion, and action.
"It's not the easiest road," said Blancato. "But it's the one that's working."
On Earth Day, Coalition Renews Calls for Safe Drinking Water Protections for Private Well Owners
Legislation Gains Momentum as State Evaluates Well Water Safety in Massachusetts
WORCESTER, Mass. (April 22, 2025) - In observance of Earth Day on April 22, the Coalition for Safe Drinking Water is urging lawmakers to advance legislation that would, for the first time, establish statewide water quality standards for over half a million Massachusetts residents who rely on private wells.
The Coalition, a grassroots group led by RCAP Solutions and supported by The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts, has been advocating for the legislation, which would expand a financial assistance program to remediate wells affected by harmful contaminants in drinking water supplies such as "forever chemicals" like PFAS, as well as arsenic, uranium and other harmful substances.
Many people who discover contaminants in their wells resort to drinking bottled water, which is expensive and harmful to the environment as a large amount of this plastic waste ends up in landfills.
"Earth Day is about honoring the beauty and power of nature as well about protecting people from the damage that has already been done to our environment," said Brian Scales, President & CEO of RCAP Solutions. "We cannot ignore that thousands of families in Massachusetts may be drinking contaminated water that can cause both short- and long-term health impacts. Pending legislation supports a path to learning what is in their water and remediating where needed."
The bills (S.585 and H.900) are co-sponsored by Sen. Jamie Eldridge (D-Marlborough), Rep. Natalie Blais (D-Sunderland) and Rep. Meg Kilcoyne (D-Clinton), and have drawn support from nearly 20 legislators. The legislation would address a regional equity issue because areas with public water systems have access to water that is regularly tested, treated and maintained.
"Every resident in Massachusetts deserves access to safe and clean drinking water, regardless of where they live or how their water is sourced," said Rep. Kilcoyne. "Establishing statewide standards for private wells is a crucial step toward health equity, environmental protection, and supporting our rural communities. I'm proud to support this legislation and to stand with the Coalition for Safe Drinking Water in advocating for this long-overdue public health safeguard."
RCAP Solutions' Private Well Program to Protect Public Health, funded by The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts, conducted over 500 water quality tests of private wells across several Massachusetts communities from 2020 to 2022, finding that about a third of the wells contained levels of contaminants higher than state health standards or suggesting potential health risks.
"I own a private drinking water well and benefited greatly from participating in the Private Well Program to Protect Public Health," said Arthur Allen, who lives in the Town of Princeton. "Our water test and well inspection found contaminants in the water and deficiencies in the well that we had to have corrected. I fully support this legislation and hope it becomes law in Massachusetts."
A study by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is underway to make recommendations for a statewide program to ensure that drinking water from private wells is safe to consume. It is expected to be completed this summer.
For more information about the legislation and the Coalition for Safe Drinking Water, please visit www.whatsinyourwellwater.org.
Gardening
Gift Ideas for Mom that Keep on Giving
Stylish garden gloves and a pruner with comfort grip handles are functional gifts, allowing mom to garden longer.
Photo courtesy of Corona Tools
Even though your mom may say "It's the thought that counts", you want to find the perfect gift this Mother's Day to express how much you appreciate all she does throughout the year. No matter your budget, it's possible to give mom a gift that provides days, months, and even years of joy.
Cut flowers rank as one of the most popular Mother's Day gifts. No dusting and maintenance are required, and they are sure to generate a smile. Behavioral research at Rutgers University found the gift of flowers had immediate and long-term benefits.
Extend her enjoyment further by helping her grow, tend, and enjoy gardening throughout the growing season. A gift certificate to her favorite garden center, hobby store, or retail location allows mom the freedom to select her own gift. She can enjoy time shopping for something special that she wouldn't normally buy for herself.
A hanging basket or container garden is another way to give mom a season of flowers and much more. Gardening helps improve health and well-being by reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, strengthening muscles, and increasing flexibility.
If mom likes to cook, a potted tomato, container of greens, or window box of herbs may be the perfect gift. She can grow, prepare, and boost the flavor and health benefits with fresh, flavorful, and nutrient-rich vegetables and herbs.
If she prefers to do her own planting, consider giving her a container, potting mix, and some seeds or plants. Add some plant labels and let her create her own container garden.
Update her garden tools and accessories with something colorful like the Burgon & Ball® British Meadow pruner and holster set. This pretty and functional gift with comfort grip handles allows mom to keep gardening longer. The colorful holster keeps them right where she needs them for deadheading and pruning small branches.
No matter what mom's age or fitness level is, it's important to protect her joints when gardening. Gifting her a colorful Kneelo® kneeler or knee pads (coronatools.com) will encourage her to do just that. The bright colors make them easy to find and the shock-absorbing foam interior provides a very comfortable surface that helps reduce knee stress.
Add a hat to further protect mom from the heat and sun when working outdoors. If it's comfortable and looks good, she's more likely to wear it. Include some sunscreen and a pair of sunglasses for added sun protection.
Many mothers appreciate the gift of time. Helping mom in her garden, working around her home, or assisting her with another hobby is a great way to spend time together and create memories while doing something mom loves.
Consider giving mom one of these or another gift that provides immediate and long-term enjoyment. She'll appreciate your thoughtfulness when she opens the package, unwraps the flowers, or puts the tools and accessories to use all season long.
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.