Fall, 2023
All shows are free, with no tickets or reservations required. Performances begin at 7:30 PM at the Concord City Auditorium, 2 Prince Street, except for Messiah at St. Paul’s Church.
Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at 7:30 PM
Egypt, a Cruise Down the Nile, a travelogue with Marlin Darrah
This cinematic study by award-winning filmmaker Marlin Darrah tells the story of Egypt and the Nile, taking you on a journey to the Pyramids of Giza and Sakkara, through the market streets of the city of Cairo, to ancient Memphis, to the beautiful city of Alexandria by the Mediterranean, to the remarkable achievement known as the Suez Canal, to the holy sites in Sinai, and to the Red Sea and the great Temples of Luxor, Karnak and Aswan.
Marlin Darrah will be with us at the City Auditorium for questions and conversation.
Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at 7:30 PM
The Blizzard of ‘78 with Mike Tougias
In February 1978, New England was knocked to its knees by incredible snow and wind some called the worst storm of the century. Michael Tougias, author of The Blizzard of ’78, combines an array of photographs with riveting narration, bringing the blizzard to life again. Tougias first chronicles the period before the storm, then follows its progression, causing commuter nightmares and devastation. From Cape Cod to Connecticut, Tougias explains how people survived the storm by spending up to 48 hours in their cars and how coastal homes were torn from their foundations, then smashed by giant waves. He also recalls the lighter side of the storm including neighborhood parties, the fun of cross-country skiers skiing down major highways, and the way people helped strangers stranded by the storm.
Michael J. Tougias is a New York Times bestselling author and co-author of 29 books.
Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at 7:30 PM
Secret Stories Behind Iconic Paintings with Jane Oneail
From American Gothic to Whistler’s Mother, from Starry Night to The Nighthawks, some images are so ubiquitous that we have stopped looking at them closely. This program delves into these iconic works and shares the secret stories behind their creation and reception.
Jane Oneail holds a master’s in Art History from Boston University and a master’s in Education from Harvard University. Born and raised in NH, she has worked at some of the state's most esteemed cultural institutions, including the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen, where she served as Executive Director, and the Currier Museum of Art, where she held the role of Senior Educator.
Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at 7:30 PM
Southern Rail Bluegrass Band
The Southern Rail Bluegrass Band brings high-energy acoustic fun with stunning harmonies, good humor, and sparkling banjo, guitars, and mandolin. The group has 11 recordings to their credit, one of which was nominated for a Gospel Album of the Year Award by the International Bluegrass Music Association. Two of the band’s members were recently inducted by the Rhode Island Bluegrass Alliance into their Bluegrass Hall of Fame.
Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at 7:30 PM
An Evening of Yankee Humor with Rebecca Rule and Fred Marple
Rebecca Rule hosted the New Hampshire Authors Series for ten years on NHPBS and now hosts Our Hometown on NHPBS She’s been telling stories in New England, especially NH, for more than thirty years. She hasn’t visited every town in the Granite State but has found her way to many of them — speaking at libraries, historical societies, church groups, and charitable organizations. She likes collecting stories because “they’re free and you don’t have to dust them."
For New Hampshire Magazine she writes the monthly AYUH column, humor of our region and our time.
Her books include N is for New Hampshire, an ABC book with photographs by Scott Snyder; The Iciest Diciest Scariest Sled Ride Ever!, a picture book illustrated by Jennifer Thermes; Headin’ for the Rhubarb, A NH Dictionary (well, kinda); and The Best Revenge, which was named one of five essential NH Books by New Hampshire Magazine. Her latest book is That Reminds Me of a Funny Story, Hobblebush Press.
Yankee humorist Fred Marple has appeared on New Hampshire Chronicle, on the radio, at town halls, church basements, and the homes of most of his friends, usually right around dinner time. Fred’s humor columns have appeared in Yankee Magazine, New Hampshire Magazine, and many others. He is the author of Welcome to Frost Heaves—a collection of stories from the most under-appreciated town in New Hampshire—and two CDs, Crabby Road and My Mountain. Fred’s video spoof “Yoga for Yankees” has been viewed more than 6 million times online, which just goes to show that people have way too much time on their hands. Fred is a graduate of the Frost Heaves Academy and the East Coast School of Knife Sharpening and Carburetor Repair.
Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at 7:30
Nature in New Hampshire:
The Brilliant Beaver with Willa Coroka and An Uncommon Look at the Common Loon with Ian Clark
Considered pests by some and a keystone species by others, beavers are fascinating mammals with a reputation as large as they are. Did you know they can max out around 100 pounds? Willa will introduce the Walker audience to North America’s largest rodent, recognized in fables and unrivaled in their engineering abilities.
Willa Coroka is a wildlife educator, keeper of plants, and lover of nature. She has presented at NH Herb & Garden Day, NH’s Northeast Organic Farming Association, and Strawberry Banke Museum.
With their haunting cries and beautiful plumage, common loons are an iconic symbol of the northern wilderness. Join us for an Uncommon Look at the Common Loon, a slideshow exploring the natural history of loons in the North Country. Vermont-based photographer Ian Clark spent nearly 2,000 hours kayaking with loons over the last decade and he has taken more than 250,000 photos of loons and their behaviors.
Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at 7:30 PM
The Cartells
A returning Walker favorite, the Cartells will bring their musical prowess and vocal harmonies to the City Auditorium to treat the audience to a night of pop, rock, jazz, Motown and swing. The band covers everyone from Elvis to Norah Jones.
Saturday, December 2, 2023 10:00 AM open rehearsal Sunday, December 3, 2023, 7:00 PM concert
Handel’s Messiah
A musical rite of the holiday season, this Baroque-era oratorio still awes listeners more than 250 years after the composer’s death. Concord’s performance, conducted by Benjamin Greene, will include professional soloists and a community chorus.
The Messiah will be performed at St, Paul’s Church, 22 Centre Street, Concord, NH. The main entrance is the set of red doors on Park Street across from the NH State House. The elevator is on the Main Street side of the building.
Frederick Moyer Holiday piano concert
Broadcast on Concord TV during the holiday season (not a live event)
Pianist Frederick Moyer celebrates the holiday season and Beethoven's birthday. (December 16, 1770.) Joining Moyer will be bassist Peter Tillotson and drummer Jim Gwin.
The winter concert will include:
Bach (arranged by Myra Hess): “Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring"
Beethoven: "Waldstein” Sonata (complete)
Bartok: Rumanian Christmas Carols
Jazz arrangements of "Let It Snow", “The Christmas Song", "Borukh Ate, Zingt Der Tate" (Hannukah song), "Christmas is Coming" and others.
We look forward to seeing you in the spring.