Arts and Recreation
Rock Legends Reborn: KISS and Poison Tribute Bands Bring Arena Rock to the Park Theatre This Weekend
Get ready to rock and roll all night! The Park Theatre is thrilled to host the ultimate tribute to two of rock's biggest legends--KISS and POISON--this weekend
Photo courtesy of the Park TheatreJAFFREY, New Hampshire (May 26, 2026) The ultimate arena rock experience arrives at The Park Theatre in Jaffrey, New Hampshire, this weekend! A high-octane double bill featuring premier KISS and POISON tribute bands will take the stage on Saturday, May 30, at 7:30 p.m., promising a thrilling night of classic 70s and 80s glam metal.
The high-energy, multi-band concert spectacular will take place on Saturday, May 30, promising fans a heavy dose of nostalgia, theatrical flair, and timeless anthems.
Concertgoers can expect the full-throttle sights and sounds of arena rock at its finest. The KISS tribute (Kiss Forever Band) will bring the fire, the famous facepaint, and authentic costumes, playing all the beloved classics from "Detroit Rock City" to "Rock and Roll All Nite". Fans can also prepare for authentic 70s-style showmanship. The Poison experience (Poison'd Band) will keep the energy soaring with massive 80s glam-metal hits, capturing the unmistakable spirit of the Sunset Strip.
"It is going to be a loud, wild, and unforgettable night of pure rock and roll exhilaration," said Steve Jackson, CEO of The Park Theatre. "Whether you're a die-hard KISS Army member or a lover of 80s hair metal, this double-bill delivers."
Tickets for the KISS/POISON Tribute Concert are $35 and can be purchased online via The Park Theatre website (theparktheatre.org), by visiting the box office, or by calling (603) 532-8888. The theatre has a bar (ID required) and traditional concessions with the best fresh, real butter popcorn in New Hampshire.
The Park Theatre, located at 19 Main Street in downtown Jaffrey, is New England's unique showplace for live entertainment and film. The theatre is a historic, award-winning venue, dedicated to presenting diverse live performances, classic and contemporary films, and community events in a beautifully reimagined 330-seat auditorium that opened its doors five years ago.
Frank Sinatra Tribute Returns To Park Theatre
Acclaimed Frank Sinatra tribute artist brings his band back to The Park Theatre in Jaffrey, NH, on June 5
Photo courtesy of the Park TheatreJAFFREY, New Hampshire (May 26, 2026) The Eppes Auditorium at The Park Theatre will be swinging once again with the always memorable sounds of Frank Sinatra. Patrick Tobin, New England's premier Sinatra tribute artist, brings his band and tuxedo back to the Jaffrey stage on Friday, June 5 at 7:30 p.m.
Singing professionally since 1996, Patrick Tobin is a leading, internationally acclaimed Frank Sinatra tribute artist, impersonator, and singer. Feeling at home in a club environment, on stage in a symphony hall, or anything in between, Patrick delivers a thrilling musical experience.
Covering songs from all of Sinatra's career eras, every fan will feel included as Patrick croons his way through the American Songbook. A common statement from more "experienced listeners" is that they were taken back 50 years after watching Patrick's show. Amazingly, younger listeners are always surprised at how "cool" Sinatra's music is.
Tickets are $30, $35 and $40. They can be purchased online at theparktheatre.org or by calling the box office (603) 532-8888. Group sales are also available. Doors open at the theatre's Lounge Bar at 6:30pm. ID required for alcoholic beverage purchases.
The Park Theatre Performing Arts Center is at 19 Main Street in downtown Jaffrey, New Hampshire. The facility is fully accessible.
Coming Up at Nova Arts in Keene
Friday, May 29 - Honky-Tonk Night!
On Friday, May 29, The Rear Defrosters return for our semi-regular Honkytonk night! They are a beloved Connecticut River Valley institution, and the best Honkytonk band that we know, and we know quite a few. Led by Michael Roberts and featuring some of the best, and most creative, players in the area. We've got them here on a Friday night for once, so get ready to dance and hear a great mix of classic tunes and their incredible originals!
Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and music begins at 7:30 p.m.!
Access For All tickets available thanks to support from Savings Bank of Walpole. (Note: To purchase more than one Access For All ticket, each must be done in a separate transaction.)
Shows are all ages and seating is first come first served.
Wednesday, June 3 - Guitarist Mdou Moctar
On Wednesday, June 3, experience an evening with Nigerien master guitarist Mdou Moctar, in a solo performance. His music is an energetic transformation that invites one to dance and feel in solidarity with the human condition. Mdou Moctar recently released the album Funeral For Justice. Doors open at 7:00 p.m., with music starting at 8:00 p.m.. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 day-of-show, with a pay-what-you-want option also available.
Saturday, June 6 - Guitarist Marisa Anderson
On Saturday, June 6, Marisa Anderson channels the history of the guitar and stretches the boundaries of tradition. The New Yorker calls her "one of the most distinctive guitar players of her generation," and NPR refers to her as among "this era's most powerful players". Her playing is fluid, emotional, and masterful, re-imagining the landscape of American music by blending elements of blues, jazz, gospel, country, minimalism, electronic music, and drone. Opening the show is Footings, the solo project of Eric Gagne. Doors open at 7:00 p.m., with music beginning at 7:30 p.m.. Tickets are $20, with some pay-what-you-can options available.
Tickets and more info available at www.novaarts.org/events
Nova Arts is located at 48 Emerald St, Keene, NH.
Regional News
Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces May 29 as "Growing Wild Day" as Native Planting Movement Returns for 6th Year
Expanded Growing Wild Starter Kit Program Will Provide Free Native Plants to Support Pollinators and Encourage Statewide Planting
BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) and the Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association (MNLA) today announced the return of the Growing Wild campaign. The program provides free native plant materials to help residents create habitats for pollinators across the state. Governor Maura Healey has proclaimed May 29, 2026, as "Growing Wild Massachusetts Day," recognizing the program's continued growth and statewide impact as it enters its sixth season. On Friday, May 29, leaders from DCR, MDAR and MNLA will gather at Mahoney's Garden Center in Winchester to celebrate the first pollinator kit giveaway of the season.
Pollinators play a critical role in keeping ecosystems healthy and supporting the food supply. Bees, butterflies, and other insects move pollen between plants, helping flowers, fruits, vegetables, and native species to grow and reproduce. This season, Growing Wild will distribute pollinator kits at 21 nurseries and six DCR parks. The campaign will also continue partnerships with Tribal communities in Massachusetts to provide kits that include native plant species of cultural significance to Tribal communities.
"Pollinators are important to healthy ecosystems, local farms, and the food we rely on," said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. "Native plants support bees and other insects while also creating landscapes that can better handle drought and heavy rain. Growing Wild helps residents plant species that use less water, thrive in Massachusetts conditions, make our communities healthier and more resilient."
"Growing Wild gives people a simple way to make a real difference for pollinators, strengthen biodiversity, and protect the health of our environment right in their own communities," said DCR Commissioner Nicole LaChapelle. "Whether you are planting in a backyard, a community garden, or a flowerpot on your porch, every native plant helps support the birds, bees, butterflies and wildlife that keep our ecosystems thriving and our natural resources healthy. This program is about shared stewardship and helping communities across Massachusetts create healthier habitats for generations to come."
"Massachusetts greenhouses and nurseries supply garden enthusiasts of all levels with beautiful native flowers and plants that support pollinators, which in turn allows our farmers to grow the food that sustains us," said MDAR Commissioner Ashley Randle. "We are proud to continue this important collaboration with our sister agency at DCR and our partners at the Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association to bring awareness to the importance of planting native species."
"As green industry professionals, we're proud to help residents create landscapes that are not only beautiful, but also support pollinators, conserve resources, and strengthen local ecosystems," said Rena Sumner, Executive Director of Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association. "Local nurseries across Massachusetts are helping homeowners make informed choices about native plants and sustainable landscaping practices that can have a lasting impact."
Coinciding with Native Plant Month, this year's effort will feature kits containing two native perennials, native seed packets and educational materials on how to cultivate a pollinator-friendly garden. Each kit provided by Growing Wild will help grow plants that support pollinator habitats and are frequently under threat by invasive species, pesticide use, habitat loss and climate change. Additionally, this year's campaign includes seed germination kits that include native wildflower seeds. Participants are encouraged to use water wisely, including collecting rainwater when possible, and to follow local water conservation guidance.
A full list of locations where Growing Wild pollinator kits can be found is available on DCR's website (https://www.mass.gov/guides/growing-wild-massachusetts). Kits can also be obtained at the following DCR properties while supplies last:
Middlesex Fells Reservation (Flynn Rink) - Medford, MA
Lawrence Heritage State Park (Riverfront Park) - Lawrence, MA
Waquoit Bay - East Falmouth, MA
Blackstone River Greenway (Worcester Visitor Center) - Worcester, MA
Holyoke Heritage State Park - Holyoke, MA
Clarksburg State Park - Clarksburg, MA
All Massachusetts gardeners can join in the state's effort to protect pollinator habitats by registering their gardens on the Massachusetts Pollinator Map, a growing visual record of native plantings across the state. Residents are also encouraged to "Pledge Your Garden" on the Growing Wild Partnership webpage (https://mnla.com/pollinator/growingwild/) and join a statewide network of pollinator-friendly plantings across Massachusetts.
Since its launch in 2021, and including the 2026 Growing Wild season, Growing Wild will have distributed more than 22,000 native plants through its complimentary Growing Wild starter kits, resulting in an estimated 12 acres of new pollinator habitat across 10 counties and 37 towns throughout Massachusetts.
Last year, Growing Wild received the National Association of State Park Directors' Innovation Award in recognition of its efforts to expand pollinator habitats and engage the public in conservation across Massachusetts.
Learn more about Growing Wild and other pollinator protection resources by visiting MNLA's Growing Wild webpage.
Gardening
Eco-Friendly Ways to Manage Squash Bugs
Squash bugs feeding on a plant, resulting in leaf spotting.
Photo courtesy of MelindaMyers.com
When growing pumpkins, squash, gourds and melons watch for the squash bug. Their feeding damage can cause leaf spotting, damage to the fruit and in severe cases wilting of the plant.
This insect overwinters as an adult in sheltered locations under plant debris, rocks and around buildings. The 1/2" to 3/4" gray or dark brown adults emerge in spring and begin feeding, mating and laying eggs on plant members of the squash family.
Both adults and immature nymphs move quickly and shelter under the leaves during the day. Female squash bugs lay up to 200 eggs in clusters on the underside of leaves. Look for the eggs, often where the veins meet forming a V, and crush them to help manage this pest. There may be eggs, nymphs and adults on the plants at the same time so watch for and be prepared to manage all stages as needed.
Keep plants healthy as older, sturdier plants are more tolerant of their feeding. Consider growing these plants on trellises where the plant tends to be less susceptible to this pest.
Manage weeds, remove plant debris and avoid straw mulch that can provide hiding spots for squash bugs.
Trap these insects by placing boards on the ground near the plants. These insects will congregate under the boards overnight. In the morning lift the boards, collect the insects and drop them into a can of soapy water.
Grow blue Hubbard squash as a trap plant for both squash bugs and squash vine borers. Plant this squash three to four weeks prior to other members of the squash family and at the perimeter of the garden at least several feet away. Both insects prefer the blue Hubbard squash, focusing their feeding on this plant instead of desirable plants. Do continue to monitor the other squash plants as well.
Placing floating row covers over seeds and transplants at planting can help reduce the risk of both squash bugs and squash vine borer. Loosely cover the planting area and secure the row cover edges to keep these pests out. Use this method where these insects were not previously a problem. Remove the cover as soon as female flowers appear for pollination and fruit formation to occur.
Rotating plantings, if space allows, is an excellent way to reduce the risk of these and other insect pests and diseases. Crop rotation involves growing a series of unrelated crops in the same area over several years. Clean up the garden in fall by removing weeds and plant debris that can provide winter homes for this pest.
Monitor this insect and employ the appropriate eco-friendly management strategies to help ensure an abundant harvest. These efforts will be rewarded with plenty of produce to enjoy and share with others.
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" instant video series and the nationally-syndicated Melinda's Garden Moment radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. Her website is www.MelindaMyers.com.