Spontaneity: Weekend of April 12-14
Check out what's going on this weekend (and this weekend only) across the Granite State
Are you itching to get out and try something new, but aren’t sure where to look and what to do? Have no fear, “Spontaneity” is here! Every week, we provide a region-by-region breakdown of events and activities from across the Granite State that you won’t want to miss. From arts and crafts, to hole-in-the-wall music venues, our short list will have something for everyone, no matter what you’re looking to do. If you see something you like, make sure you act fast- we’re only looking at what’s going on this weekend.
Seacoast:
Masterclass in World Jazz Drumming
April 13, 3 p.m.- 4 p.m.
The Press Room
77 Daniel St., Portsmouth
In this World Jazz Drumming masterclass, Mark will reveal the secrets to a better technique, a more authentic feel, chart reading, and organizing your practice. All drummers, drum teachers, and others interested in drumming are welcome!
BOOM: A Burst & Bloom Podcast Live Show
April 12, 7 p.m.
The Word Barn
66 Newfields Rd., Exeter
Join us for a very special evening featuring a medley of live music, poetry and interviews with Stu Dias (Soggy Po’ Boys), Rebecca Hennessy (poet), Jake Mehrmann (Tan Vampires), Pale Wallace (Jim Rioux & Guy Capecelatro III), Jim Rioux (poet/songwriter) – and hosts Dylan Metrano & Guy Capecelatro III. This live show and taping at the Word Barn focuses on local poets and singers who are part of the Burst & Bloom family! Poets Jim Rioux and Rebecca Hennessy will read from their books and talk with our hosts. There will be music from singers Stu Dias (Soggy Po Boys) and Jake Mehrmann (Tan Vampires), who are both readying solo albums for the label later this year. Be the first to hear their new material in an intimate setting. Additionally, Capecelatro and Rioux’s collaborative musical project Pale Wallace will perform live for only the second time ever. A rare treat! This event is one-night-only, and promises to be an unforgettable night of music, words, and community. We hope you can join us!
Merrimack Valley:
Goffstown SpringFest
April 13, All Day
The Sullivan Arena at Saint Anselm College
100 St. Anselm Drive, Manchester
SpringFest is a community fun day for Goffstown and Central/Southern New Hampshire. After a long winter, SpringFest offers friends and neighbors the opportunity to have some fun and meet some of their local business owners and community groups. This event was formerly sponsored by the Goffstown Lions Club with the Goffstown Economic Development Council. After a 7-year hiatus, SpringFest was revived in 2023 by the Goffstown Citizens Committee. All proceeds raised from this event help support the non-profit Goffstown Citizens Committee. The Goffstown Citizens Committee supports the Goffstown BSA program and provides scouting opportunities in the Goffstown community.
Popovich Comedy Pet Theater
April 13, 3 p.m.
Chubb Theatre at CAA
44 S. Main St., Concord
The Popovich Comedy Pet Theater is entertainment for the whole family, featuring the unique blend of comedy and juggling skills of Ukranian circus performer Gregory Popovich and the extraordinary talents of his performing pets. His entourage consists of world-class jugglers, Diamond the Shetland Pony and over 30 performing pets including house cats and dogs (all rescued from animal shelters!), geese, white doves and parrots.
Monadnock:
Egg Hunt
April 13, 10 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Allison’s Orchard
57 Alyson’s Lane, Walpole
The Egg Hunt at Alyson’s Orchard has been postponed due to the weather and poor conditions. The rescheduled date is this Saturday, April 13. At 10 a.m., the eggs will be dropped in the playground for ages 6 and under. Older kids can take a wagon ride through the Orchard and hunt for hidden eggs! All are welcome!
Thrifter’s Market: Everything but the Kitchen Sink
April 13, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m..
The Shared Space of Keene
43 Main St., Keene
This is a monthly market on the 2nd Saturday of every month, with a new theme each month! Thrifters Market isn’t your typical market—it’s a vibrant monthly gathering of local vendors showcasing unique goods, from vintage to handmade merchandise and more. It’s an interactive experience celebrating community, creativity, and craftsmanship. Here, connections flourish. It’s not just a marketplace; it’s a celebration of local talent and a hub where creativity thrives, connections are made, and lasting memories are formed. Come vend with us or come shop with us! Either way, you’ll be glad you did!
Lakes:
Beginner Line Dancing
April 13, 10:30 a.m.- 11 a.m.
Gilford Public Library
31 Potter Hill Rd., Gilford
Begin your day with some smooth moves in this lower intermediate Line Dancing class with Bonnie Deutch.
Sketch with Phil
April 13, 10 a.m.
Gilman Library
100 Main St., Alton
For all kids who can, or want to sketch!
Dartmouth/Sunapee:
Pride Second Chance Prom
April 13, 6 p.m.- 9 p.m.
Lebanon Opera House
51 North Park St., Lebanon
Rewrite a special night and enjoy an evening of music, dancing, and mingling in a safe, affirming, and accessible atmosphere at this 21+ event! Grab a partner or friend — or just come by yourself. Dress to impress (or come as you are) and walk the red carpet, stop by the photo booth, have a light bite and grab a drink, then dance the night away with DJ gEndEReNdeR!
Upper Valley Symphony Orchestra
April 14, 3 p.m.- 5 p.m.
Upper Valley Music Center
8 South Park St., Lebanon
The Upper Valley Symphony Orchestra explores an exciting and varied program under the direction of Mark Nelson in the newly renovated Lebanon Opera House. Ralph Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending, inspired by an 1881 poem of the same name, features Marshall Meade whose violin solo represents the bird’s flight in this pastoral and lyrical piece. In Gabriela Ortiz’s Kauyumari, commissioned by the LA Philharmonic as a celebration of the post-pandemic return to the stage, inspiration comes from the spiritual guides of the Huichol people of Mexico and their traditional music. Haydn’s Drum Roll symphony and Janáček’s fanfare round out the concert with music full of grandeur and joy. Formerly known as Upper Valley Chamber Orchestra, UVMC’s longest-running ensemble has taken on a new name to represent the growth of participation in recent years.
White Mountains and Great North Woods:
Big Wind Day’s 90th Anniversary
April 12, 3 p.m.- 6 p.m.
Tuckerman Brewing Company
66 Hobbs St., Conway
April 12, 2024 marks the 90th anniversary of Big Wind Day, when a world record wind gust of 231 mph was measured by Mount Washington Observatory’s first weather team of Alex McKenzie, Sal Pagliuca, and Wendell Stephenson. Celebrate with the Mount Washington Observatory in a big way with an array of engaging events to explore this landmark event. The 90th Anniversary Celebration will feature fun for families with kites and anemometers for kids, educational programs, live music, food, drinks, and a ceremony with the families of Alex, Sal and Wendell. You can even celebrate Big Wind Day with a limited edition shirt or sweatshirt!
Cat’s Meow Spring Fling
April 13
Wildcat Mountain
542 NH-18, Gorham
Come show off your wild style at the raddest spring celebration around! Join Wildcat as we scratch the springtime itch! They have a packed weekend celebrating the spring season with a DJ and Retro costume contest, and the return of the Pond Skim!
Have an event we should know about or that should be considered for the next edition of “Spontaneity”? Shoot me an email at EGonzalesVerdi@nhmagazine.com
