Arts and Recreation
Bobcat,The One Man Band, Comes To Jaffrey's Park Theatre on March 28
Punk Rock meets The Beatles and Psychobilly meets Motown with a unique musician who has an infectious, fresh sound
Photo courtesy of The Park Theatre
JAFFREY, New Hampshire (March 18, 2024) A singular and unique talent is coming to The Park Theatre. His name is Bobcat, The One Man Band and he will be performing Friday, March 28 from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. in The Park's King Cabaret room. Punk Rock meets The Beatles and Psychobilly meets Motown with a unique musician who has an infectious, fresh sound. Tickets are $20.
Bobcat, the awe-inspiring one-man band, is a captivating force in the realm of music and entertainment. Currently, on a thrilling two-year tour of the continental U.S., he's playing in every region. Adding an extra layer of excitement to his performances, with a repertoire that spends a unique blend of rock 'n' roll comic, comedic, antics, and instrumental renditions of popular covers, Bobcat is the true embodiment of a multifaceted artist. Experience an extraordinary blend of rockabilly, punk rock, garage rock, power, pop, psycho Billy, and Indie rock that defines Bobcat's musical style. A true original, his performances channel the spirit of The Meteors, Koffin, Kats, Reverend Horton Heat, and the Black Keys. If you crave an authentic rock 'n' roll experience, Bobcat is the act that brings the real deal to audiences everywhere.
Bobcat, the One-Man Band hails from Long Island, NY, reimagining musical frontiers as punk rock intersects with the Beatles, and psychobilly intertwines with the magic of Motown.
"Known for [his] versatile musicality that seamless moves from garage rock to power pop and more, Bobcat consistently delivers diverse sonic experiences with a touch of slapstick comedy as he continues to leave an indelible mark on the music scene." - Malvika Padin - Earmilk
Tickets for Bobcat, The One Man Band are all $20 and they can be purchased by going to theparktheatre.org/bobcat. Any questions about the show can be answered by calling the theatre's box office at (603) 532-8888. The bar will be open for this performance (ID required).
The Park Theatre performing arts center is located at 19 Main Street in downtown Jaffrey, New Hampshire, just 90 minutes from Boston. There is a bar lounge, and the facility is fully accessible.
Comedian Juston McKinney Returns To Park Theatre
Acclaimed comic who has over 200,000 followers on Facebook re-takes the Jaffrey, NH stage on March 29
JAFFREY, New Hampshire (March 20, 2025) New England and now all of America is loving comedian Juston McKinney. Over 214,000 followers on Facebook says it all. After multiple legendary performances at The Park Theatre in Jaffrey, New Hampshire, Juston returns to The Park on Saturday, March 29, at 7:30 p.m. for a one-night-only event. He will bring his always relatable and fresh humor to their stage.
Born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, McKinney has appeared on numerous Comedy Central shows, including his half-hour Comedy Central Presents special and his own one-hour special. He has had two Amazon Prime specials, including Parentally Challenged. He has appeared several times on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Conan O'Brien and a Showtime Comedy Special with Rob Gronkowski. He has appeared twice at Denis Leary's Comics Come Home at the TD Garden. His TV & movie credits include The King of Queens, 100 Centre Street, The Zoo Keeper, and Here Comes the Boom.
Tickets for the Juston McKinney show are all $30, and seats are reserved. Purchase online at theparktheatre.org or by calling the box office at (603) 532-8888.
The Park Theatre is located at 19 Main Street in downtown Jaffrey, NH, just 95 minutes from downtown Boston. The theatre’s bar, The Lounge, will be open at 6pm with music from Diane Ammons playing the Steinway Baby Grand (no charge). ID required for alcoholic beverage purchases.
The One and Only Lord of the Rings Movie Marathon Festival with Hobbit Feast at The Park Theatre in Jaffrey, NH
Exclusive "extended version" screenings of all 3 films in a single day with breakfast, lunch, dinner and afternoon tea, too!
Photo courtesy of The Park Theatre
JAFFREY, New Hampshire (March 19, 2024) The Park Theatre is calling all Hobbits, Elves, and Rangers for an epic journey like no other! On Sunday, March 30, 2025, New England film fans and fantasy lovers alike will gather for a Lord of the Rings Movie Marathon Festival, featuring all three extended edition films on the theatre's giant screen with immersive 17-speaker surround sound. Doors open at 8:00 AM, with the adventure lasting until 11:00 PM.
This one-of-a-kind event is more than just a movie marathon--it's an experience worthy of Middle-Earth! Attendees will enjoy a Hobbit Feast with food (all day-long) inspired by Tolkien's legendary world. Whether you stay for the entire trilogy or join for just one film, this is an event you won't want to miss. Dress-up in appropriate costume is encouraged. Are you Frodo? Or Gollum? Or...?
Tickets & Packages:
Tickets are now on sale. Choose your journey:
- Fellowship Package ($125): Includes access to all three extended edition films, the Hobbit Feast, and an exclusive event t-shirt.
- Hobbit Package ($55): Includes access to all three films.
- Single Movie Ticket ($20): Choose one film to experience.
- 8:00 - 9:00 AM: Check-in and breakfast box pickup
- 9:00 AM: The Fellowship of the Ring screening (Extended Edition)
- 11:00 AM: (Elevensies) Cookies & treats at the Coffee Station
- 12:30 - 1:00 PM: (Luncheon) Lunch box pickup
- 1:00 PM: The Two Towers (Extended Edition)
- 3:00 PM: (Afternoon Tea) Cookies & treats at the Coffee Station
- 4:30 - 6:00 PM: (Dinner) Buffet in the King Screening Room with live music
- 6:00 PM: The Return of the King (Extended Edition)
- 7:00 PM: Concessions open for late snacks, drinks, and popcorn for purchase
The Hobbit Feast is being catered by The Optimist Café (Jaffrey) and the Phoenix Smokehouse (Rindge).
Gather your Fellowship and embark on this unforgettable cinematic quest! Secure your tickets early, as space is limited. Tickets for Lord of the Rings Marathon Festival can be purchased by going to theparktheatre.org. Tickets and questions about the show can be answered by calling the theatre's box office at (603) 532-8888.
The Park Theatre performing arts center is located at 19 Main Street in downtown Jaffrey, New Hampshire, just 90 minutes from Boston. There is a bar lounge, and the facility is fully accessible.
Mount Wachusett Community College Presents "Operation Comedy" - A Night of Laughter Supporting Veterans Services
Image courtesy of Nia Carignan, MWCC
GARDNER, MA - March 18 2025 - Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC) is proud to present Operation Comedy, a stand-up comedy show in support of the MWCC Veterans Services. The event will take place on April 18 at 7:00 p.m. at the Theater at the Mount in Gardner. Hosted by comedian Andrew Mayer, the night will feature an exciting lineup of talented comedians from Boston: Nicholas Stubblefield, Kaitlin Buckley, Jesse Farris, and Ryan Ellington.
Tickets are available for $21 for general admission and $11 for veterans and students. Note, this event may not be appropriate for those under 17 years of age. Proceeds from the event will directly benefit MWCC Veterans Services, providing much-needed support for the unique needs of veterans transitioning from soldier to student, including funding for educational services, resources, and community-building initiatives.
This event also highlights the outstanding work of MWCC's Media Arts and Technology students, who will handle the audio and video production for the show as part of their coursework. Additionally, Graphic and Interactive Design program student Pierce Rhinhart has designed all the promotional materials for the event. Students are gaining invaluable hands-on experience in a professional setting, further enhancing their education while supporting the cause.
"We are thrilled to host such a fun event for an important cause," said MWCC President James Vander Hooven. "Not only will attendees enjoy a night of laughter, but they'll also be helping our veteran students and their families get the support they need to succeed."
The Theater at the Mount provides an intimate setting perfect for enjoying the performances. A great opportunity to laugh, connect, and make a difference, Operation Comedy promises to be an unforgettable evening. Visit mwcc.edu/OperationComedy to purchase tickets.
About Mount Wachusett Community College: Mount Wachusett Community College is dedicated to providing high-quality education and support to a diverse student body. With a commitment to civic engagement and community service, MWCC strives to enrich lives and create opportunities for success for all students, including veterans and their families.
Coming Up at Nova Arts in Keene
Friday, March 21 at Nova Arts, enjoy The Greys and Tumbletoads!
Image courtesy of Nova Arts
The Greys are a talented four piece band based out of Western Massachusetts. They released their debut album Sixteen Eyes in December of 2024, a mix of indie, soul, and art rock. After Chris Merritt and Caity Simpson graduated from college, they decided to put the band together, and in 2015, it was fully formed. At first it began as an intimate solo and upright bass duo, which then evolved over the next four years. Tim Zucco and Kevin Mason joined the group in the summer of 2021, officially solidifying the band's sound. Sixteen Eyes reflects on the band's evolution and perfectly captures their message. Written over several years, the songs featured on the album describe themes of perception, identity, and everything in between. The Greys use a variety of different genres to capture these emotions, such as psychedelic rock paired with exceptional melodies. Their lyrics tell a story about being heard, reality and how we perceive it, and the idea of vulnerability and exploration. The band touches on themes of loneliness, self
discovery, and most importantly, joy. This incredible band reminds us of what it means to be human and the level of introspection that comes along with it.
Tumbletoads provides music lovers with an incredible mix of genres. Hints of psychedelic rock, blues, funk, and soul are woven together to create this band's exceptional sound. Nate Bosworth is on guitar and vocals accompanied by Chrissy Cunningham. Keith Valcourt is on bass, and Ian Hayes is on drums. All together, these members create a phenomenal, out of this world experience that takes listeners on a journey. Known for their hypnotizing guitar solos, groovy baselines, and dynamic drum patterns, they enhance the music and make it their own. Doors are at 7:00 p.m. and music will start around 7:30 or so. Seating is limited and first come first served. All ages! For more information visit: https://www.novaarts.org/events/thegreys. Nova Arts is located at 48 Emerald St, Keene, NH.
Glenn Jones with Liam Grant & Helen Hummel Trio Saturday March 29!
Join us at Nova Arts to experience a night of incredible guitar performances, with the legend himself Glenn Jones!
Glenn Jones, one of the most influential and enigmatic figures in contemporary guitar music, unveils his latest album, "Vade Mecum". With over four decades of experience playing guitar and banjo, Jones has built a unique musical legacy as both a solo artist and a pivotal member of the genre-defying band Cul De Sac. His contributions to acoustic guitar, particularly through his fingerstyle approach, have left a profound mark on modern experimental and folk music. Jones' profound connection to American Primitive guitar music is apparent in every note, drawing from the late John Fahey, conversations with Jack Rose, and his mother, Nora Smith. He channels these experiences into a record that feels deeply personal yet relatable to everyone.
Vade Mecum, which translates to "go with me", marks another chapter in Jones' ongoing musical exploration. The album is an invitation to join him in a journey through complex emotional landscapes, blending personal history with intricate guitar work. On "Vade Mecum", he captures moments of raw intimacy, from the sound of seals barking at Bass Harbor Head to the delicate crumble of A Handful of Snow. Each piece speaks volumes about the artist's life, his family and friends who encouraged his career, and the concept of fleeting time. Jones views his albums as "ongoing musical diaries," each one a reflection of his continual curiosity and creative exploration. "I don't write pieces to order or with anything much in mind," he shares. "I simply follow wherever the music leads me."
For over 30 years, Jones has expanded the boundaries of steel string guitar, combining introspective fingerstyle melodies with experimental flourishes. With "Vade Mecum", he invites listeners into his sonic world--a testament to his artistry and the ongoing narrative of his musical journey.
Liam Grant is a New England-based guitarist whose punk ethos intersects with the timeless spirit of American Primitive music. Drawing influence from John Fahey, Robbie Basho, Peter Walker, and Max Ochs, Grant's restless guitar explorations and uptempo rags evoke the legacy of his predecessors while simultaneously defining his distinct voice. Rooted in the landscape of his upbringing along the Merrimack River, Grant's instrumental pieces serve as both memoirs and reflections on the natural world around him. From the waters of Amoskeag to the exodus from Stratton-Eustis, his music paints vivid pictures of the region's history, including moments like the last night on Dead River before the great flood.
The incredible trio with Helen Hummel, joined by Sturgis Cunningham on Drums & Percussion and Matthew Thornton on Cello & Bass. Originally from Vermont, Helen's songwriting reflects on her upbringing, and the addition of Sturgis and Matthew brings new depth and emotion to Helen's dynamic sound. Through classic and original songs, Helen fills out the limits of her vocal range and also brings the bright and playful sound of her guitar. The trio is based in Western Massachusetts and is booking more shows through New England.
Tickets are available at novaarts.org/events or at Brewbakers / Terra Nova Coffee. They'll also be available at the door the night of the show. Nova Arts is located at 48 Emerald St, Keene, NH.
Regional News
Second Chance 26th Annual Auction Gala March 29th
Online Auction Opens Friday, March 21st
EAST BROOKFIELD, MA (March 18, 2025) - The 26th Annual Auction Gala, Second Chance Animal Services' biggest and most important fundraiser of the year, is just weeks away! Set for Saturday, March 29, at the AC Marriott in Worcester, this event supports over 56,000 pets annually by providing veterinary care, shelter services, community outreach and a pet food pantry program.
Tickets are on sale for $75 per person, with reserved tables for 10 guests available for $650. Seating is limited, and the last day to purchase tickets is Sunday, March 23. Organizers encourage guests to secure their seats now to ensure they don't miss this special evening to help pets in need.
The Auction Gala will feature a variety of items available for bid, including exclusive experiences, raffles, and more. For those unable to attend, an online auction provides a unique opportunity to support. Starting on Friday, March 21, and running through Thursday, March 27, online bidding will feature a selection of gift certificates, local attraction tickets, and one-of-a-kind items, including a custom porch swing and a behind-the-scenes zoo tour.
"The Auction Gala is our most important fundraiser of the year, and the funds raised at this event help us continue our work of providing life-saving care to thousands of pets," said Lindsay Doray, Chief Development Officer at Second Chance. "We look forward to celebrating with animal lovers and welcoming those who may not be able to attend the event in person to participate in the online auction. Every bid helps us provide care for more pets in need."
Whether attending in person or bidding online, every contribution directly supports Second Chance's mission to help pets in need. Visit www.secondchanceanimals.org/dinner-auction to purchase tickets, browse the auction catalog, and learn more about how you can make a difference.
Gardening
Grow an Abundant Harvest of Peppers This Season
Peppers can be grown in container gardens or the ground.
Photo courtesy of All-America Selections
Whether you garden on an acre or a balcony, there's always room for peppers. Grow them in a vegetable garden, container, or with your flowers. The colorful fruit of many varieties makes them a decorative addition to any garden.
For those that like it hot, get to know the Scoville scale. This system rates the relative hotness of peppers with bell peppers rating 0, jalapeno at 2,500 to 5,000, cayenne rated 30,000 to 50,000, and habanero receiving the superhot 100,000 to 300,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU). This scale can help you determine which hot pepper is best for you. For those who like really hot peppers, the Ghost pepper averages about 1 million SHU, Carolina Reaper averages 1.6 million SHU and Pepper X measures 2.7 million SHU.
Whether you grow sweet or hot peppers, proper care from planting to harvest will yield the best flavor and an abundant harvest. Grow peppers in a sunny location with moist, well-drained soil. Add several inches of organic matter into the top 8 to 12" of soil, if gardening in poorly drained clay soil or fast draining sandy or rocky soils. This compost improves drainage and increases the water holding ability of fast draining soils. This is also a good time to add a low nitrogen, slow-release fertilizer.
Peppers, like its cousins, tomatoes and eggplants, like it warm. Wait for the soil to warm to 60 degrees, about two weeks after the last spring frost. Colder temperatures in the 40s can stunt and damage your transplants.
You can jump start the season with the help of cloches, wall-o-waters, and floating row covers. These protect your plants from frost and cooler temperatures, which are often common at the start of the season. Use them to keep plants warm and help shorten the time to harvest.
Plant peppers 18 to 20 inches apart depending on the variety. Check the tag for mature size and recommended spacing. Make the most of your available space by planting in wide rows. Stagger rows within the bed, allowing just enough room for plants to reach their full size. Design pathways to allow for easy access to all the plants within the wide row.
Grow a few peppers in containers alone or mix them with herbs and flowers. A 2-to-3-gallon pot is perfect for a pepper plant and its smaller companions. Check the soil moisture daily and water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry.
Make sure pepper plants growing in the ground receive about an inch of water each week. Supplement rainfall as needed, applying water to the soil surface using a watering wand, soaker hose or drip irrigation. Spread a layer of shredded leaves, evergreen needles or other organic material over the soil surface to conserve moisture, keep roots cool as temperatures soar, and help suppress weeds.
Once the fruit forms, you may need to add fertilizer. Let the plants' growth and fertilizer directions be your guide.
Peppers grow and produce best when day temperatures are 70 to 80 degrees and night temperatures are 60 to 70 degrees. Hot peppers seem to tolerate the heat better than sweet varieties. Cold, heat, and drought are the most common causes of blossom drop, misshapen fruit, and a poor harvest. Night temperatures over 90 degrees and under 55 degrees can cause blossoms to drop. Continue providing proper care and wait for better weather for flowering and fruiting.
With proper care throughout the season and a bit of cooperation from the weather, you are sure to enjoy an abundant harvest.
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.