Arts and Recreation

The Accidental Discovery Behind the New Elvis Documentary That Debuts at Jaffrey's Park Theatre This Friday

"EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert" directed by acclaimed filmmaker Baz Luhrmann, is bringing the King of Rock 'n' Roll to the big screen in a groundbreaking way, and the Monadnock Region is set to experience it firsthand

Image courtesy of The Park Theatre

JAFFREY, New Hampshire (March 17, 2026) The Park Theatre in Jaffrey, New Hampshire, is thrilled to announce the local theatrical run of EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert, the electrifying new documentary from Academy Award-nominated director Baz Luhrmann (Elvis, Moulin Rouge!, The Great Gatsby). The film begins its screening engagement on Friday, March 20, 2026 (ends on 3/28) with tickets priced at $10 and $9 (students, teachers, seniors, active military).

This one-of-a-kind cinematic experience captures Elvis Presley at the peak of his legendary showmanship, featuring never-before-seen footage and recordings primarily from his iconic 1970s Las Vegas residencies. Luhrmann, whose 2022 biopic Elvis revitalized interest in the King, serves as director and producer on this spiritual follow-up.

The film's remarkable origin story centers on Luhrmann's accidental discovery while researching for his earlier Elvis biopic. While delving into Warner Bros. archives--and following leads that took researchers to a secure salt mine storage facility in Kansas--Luhrmann uncovered long-lost reels of high-quality concert footage, including 65 reels of previously unseen material stored in archival boxes for decades. Described by Luhrmann as feeling "like Raiders of the Lost Ark," this serendipitous find provided raw, intimate glimpses of Elvis rehearsing, performing, and interacting with his band, restoring vibrant energy to The King's legacy.

The documentary lets Elvis "sing and tell his story like never before," blending restored archival performances with insights from those who knew him best. Interviewees include key members of Elvis's TCB Band and inner circle, such as guitarist James Burton, pianist Glen D. Hardin, and longtime friend and backing vocalist Charlie Hodge, offering personal reflections on the man behind the myth.

Critics have hailed EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert as a triumphant resurrection of Elvis's electrifying stage presence:

"Resurrecting Elvis Presley at the peak of his showmanship, Baz Luhrmann's truly epic concert documentary restores some joy into The King's legacy." - Rotten Tomatoes consensus

"Baz Luhrmann's exhilarating documentary-concert film gives us Elvis in his prime... a breathtaking, energy-filled, razzle-dazzle affair." - The Arts Fuse

"EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert isn't just a movie--it's an event, a resurrection, and a reminder of why Elvis Presley still towers over popular music." - BatmanonFilm.com

Don't miss this rare opportunity to see Elvis like never before on the Park Theatre's big screen with enhanced 17-speaker sound in the 330-seat Eppes Auditorium (most shows; check schedule for exceptions). Tickets are on sale now at parknh.org or at the box office (603-532-8888). The theatre is located at 19 Main Street in downtown Jaffrey. The facility is totally accessible.

Rebuilt and reimagined as a premier performing arts center, The Park Theatre hosts a dynamic mix of live performances, independent films, and arts-focused screenings. Located in historic downtown Jaffrey, it serves as a vibrant hub for the Monadnock Region's cultural scene.

Coming Up at Nova Arts in Keene

Saturday, March 21, we will be joined by The Great Groove Theory and Reckoners

The Great Groove Theory will bring their signature high-energy sound to the venue. Formed at the well-known Rynborn Restaurant and Blues Club, the band has been entertaining audiences throughout the Monadnock region for nearly two decades. With deep roots in the blues, The Great Groove Theory blends funk, blues, and jam influences into a lively, danceable performance that has made them a staple in the local music scene.

Joining them for the evening is Reckoners, a Boston-based band rooted in soul and rock 'n' roll. Fronted by singer and guitarist Tim Gearan, the group features a lineup of highly respected New England musicians, including guitarist and bandleader Johnny Trama, drummer Tom Arey, bassist Marc Hickox, and keyboardist Darby Wolf. Together, the band brings decades of musical experience to a sound that channels the grit and groove of classic soul and rock while creating something fresh and deeply personal.

Reckoners recently released their self-produced debut album, now streaming on major platforms, which has already attracted more than 43,000 monthly listeners. The album includes the standout single "Looking for a Reason," featuring guest vocals from Susan Tedeschi. The band has been steadily building momentum across New England, performing sold-out headline shows and sharing stages with artists such as Tedeschi Trucks Band, The Wallflowers, and Bonnie Raitt. Their music and live performances were also recently featured in Relix Magazine.

More information about the band, including tour dates and music, can be found at reckonersband.com.

Fans of blues, soul, and rock can expect a powerful night of live music as these two bands bring their distinct sounds together on the Nova Arts stage.

Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and music begins at 7:30 p.m.! Seating is first come first serve!

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.

Tickets and more info available at www.novaarts.org/events

Nova Arts is located at 48 Emerald St, Keene, NH.

Regional News

Community Foundation Awards $150,000 to Heywood Hospital for Life-Saving Diagnostic Imaging Technology

Gardner, MA - January 22, 2026 - The Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts is proud to announce a $150,000 investment in Heywood Hospital to support the purchase of critical diagnostic ultrasound equipment. This grant reflects the Foundation's deep commitment to strengthening healthcare access across the region and ensuring that residents receive the timely, high-quality medical care they deserve--close to home.

Diagnostic ultrasound is an essential tool in modern medicine, enabling physicians to quickly and accurately evaluate conditions affecting the heart, abdomen, blood vessels, and more. By modernizing Heywood Hospital's imaging technology, this investment will help reduce wait times, improve diagnostic accuracy, and expand the range of imaging services available to patients in Gardner and surrounding communities.

"This grant is transformative for our patients and our community. With modern ultrasound technology, we can deliver faster, more accurate diagnoses right here in Gardner, so patients spend less time waiting and more time healing." - Rozanna Penney, President & CEO, Heywood Healthcare.

For many residents of north central Massachusetts, Heywood Hospital is a lifeline, as it is the closest and most accessible source of comprehensive medical care. The Community Foundation recognizes that community hospitals like Heywood play an irreplaceable role in the regional healthcare ecosystem, and that equipping them with modern technology is essential to meeting the evolving needs of the people they serve.

This grant is part of the Community Foundation's broader strategy to invest in the health, vitality, and resilience of north central Massachusetts. By directing philanthropic resources toward critical infrastructure, like diagnostic imaging technology, the Community Foundation works to ensure that local institutions have the apacity to deliver excellent care today and for generations to come.

The new ultrasound equipment funded by this investment will benefit patients who might otherwise face significant barriers to accessing imaging services at larger, more distant facilities. In a region where transportation and economic challenges can limit access to healthcare, having state-of-the-art diagnostic capabilities available locally makes a meaningful difference in patient outcomes.

The new equipment is expected to be operational later this year. The Foundation looks forward to seeing the positive impact this investment will have on patients and families throughout the region.

Financial Focus®

Take charge of your debt, one step at a time

If you're dealing with debt, you're far from alone. More than 80% of U.S. households carry some form of debt (2025 Federal Reserve report), and since 2019, total household debt for Americans has increased more than 31%, to $18.59 trillion.

While debt can help you achieve important goals, such as buying a home or getting an education, it can also create strain on your life and finances. If you only make minimum payments, for example, you'll hold debt longer and pay more in interest.

Having a clear debt reduction plan can help you take control, reduce anxiety and even save money.

Know your debt. The first step is understanding what you owe. Make a comprehensive list of all your debts, including credit cards, mortgages, auto loans, student loans and medical bills. For each one, note the total amount owed, the interest rate and your minimum payment requirements.

Next, add it all up to see your total debt load. Then calculate your debt-to-income ratio by dividing your total monthly debt payments by your gross monthly income. A good rule of thumb is to keep this ratio below 35% if you have a mortgage or 20% if you don't.

Manage what you owe. Now that you have the big picture, look for opportunities to reorganize your debt more effectively. Perhaps you can refinance existing loans at lower interest rates, consolidate multiple debts into a single payment or transfer high-interest credit card balances to cards that offer lower or 0% introductory rates for up to 12 months.

These strategies won't reduce the total amount you owe, but they can make your debt more manageable and potentially save you money on interest. Just watch out for fees and make sure you understand new terms before making changes.

Set your payment target. Start by identifying your required minimum payments across all debts. Missing these can trigger fees and penalties and damage your credit score, so treat them as non-negotiable expenses in your budget.

Next, look at your budget to identify any funds available after covering all essential expenses. Consider how much of this surplus to put toward paying down debt versus saving for other goals. Remember that building an emergency fund and saving for retirement are also important priorities that shouldn't be sidelined.

If you have no surplus, you may need to cut back on things like eating out, clothes shopping, on-line subscriptions, entertainment or expensive vacations while you bring your debt in line. Consider an additional part-time job for extra income to pay off your debt sooner.

Prioritize your debt. Finally, decide which debts to tackle first with any extra payments. One approach is to focus on paying off the debt with the highest interest rate first, which minimizes the total interest you'll pay over time. Alternately, you can target the smallest balance first to help you build momentum and motivation.

Taking control of your debt doesn't happen overnight, but with a clear strategy, you can make steady progress toward your financial goals.

Gardening

Raise Your Garden to New Heights

Raised bed vegetable gardens make planting, weeding and harvesting easier.
Photo courtesy of www.MelindaMyers.com

by Melinda Myers
Elevated and raised bed gardens can expand your planting options and make planting and maintenance easier and more convenient. You'll be able to plant, weed and harvest with minimal bending or even from the luxury of a chair or bench.

Elevated gardens are basically containers on legs. You can find plans to make your own or purchase one from your local garden center or garden supply retailer. Consider one on wheels or add your own for ease of moving. You'll be able to move your garden into the sun or shade as needed each day or out of the way when you entertain.

Set the garden in place first. Once filled with soil, it will be very heavy and difficult to move unless you have added wheels. Those who garden on a balcony should confirm the space will hold the weight of the elevated garden bed once it is filled with moist soil and mature plants.

Including raised beds in your gardens and on or near your patio is another way to increase planting space and easier access. Purchase a prefab raised bed or make your own from a long-lasting material such as interlocking block, fieldstone, plastic lumber or naturally long-lasting wood. Consider the available space, your gardening goals and one that provides a comfortable height for gardening. Select one with corners or edges suited for sitting or narrow sides to allow easy access from a garden bench.

Line the bottom of your raised bed with hardware cloth to reduce the risk of animals burrowing into your garden. Lay the hardware cloth over the ground and bend it up along the inside of the raised bed walls. Add a liner of landscape fabric to keep the soil in place when placing your raised bed on a patio.

A three- or four-foot width makes it easy to reach all parts of the garden for planting, weeding and harvesting. Raising your planting bed at least 8 to 12 inches improves drainage and provides an adequate space for most plants to root and grow. If you want to minimize bending, go higher or add benches to increase your gardening comfort and ease.

Once your raised bed is complete or elevated garden is in place, fill it with quality planting mix. You can calculate the volume of soil that is needed yourself or use one of the many soil calculators available online.

Check the soil moisture regularly as the limited soil mass and increased exposure to wind, heat and sunlight make raised beds dry out more quickly than in-ground gardens. Reduce the need for frequent watering by incorporating a certified organic and sustainable soil amendment, like Wild Valley Farms wool pellets (wildvalleyfarms.com). Research found adding these pellets made from 100% wool waste helps reduce watering by 25% and increases air space in the soil for better plant growth. You'll only need a one-pound bag of these wool pellets to cover about 30 square feet if you add the pellets as you plant or it is enough to amend 12 gallons of soil when mixing thoroughly in your mix, following label directions.

Further boost your gardening success by selecting the best plants suited to the growing conditions and your gardening goals. In no time, you'll be enjoying the flavor and beauty these gardens provide.

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 and was commissioned by Wild Valley Farms for her expertise to write this article. Myers' website is www.MelindaMyers.com.