Spring, 2024
All shows are free, with no tickets or reservations required. Performances begin at 7:30 PM at the Concord City Auditorium, 2 Prince Street.
Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at 7:30 PM
Freese Brothers Big Band: Celebrating the Swing Era and The Great American Songbook
The Freese Brothers Band will play the Count, the King, the Duke, the Chairman and the Sentimental Gentleman of Swing. Yes – Basie, Goodman, Ellington, Sinatra and Dorsey, along with updated arrangements of classic hits from Michael Buble and others.
Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at 7:30 PM
Man on the Hill
What if you took the simplicity of Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town” and crossed it with the musical intensity of the rock opera “Tommy?” The result would be “Man on the Hill”, a two-act performance that intertwines a heartwarming story with powerful music. Your soul will be captivated as an old man shares his journey with each turning point punctuated and enhanced by song. The cascade of musical styles will have you smiling, crying, clapping, dancing, and singing along.
Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at 7:30 PM
Exotic and Tropical Asia, a Travelogue with Marlin Darrah
Set sail with the world’s most traveled filmmaker, Marlin Darrah, on a journey to many of Southeast Asia’s most intriguing, alluring and lovely countries.
The adventure begins in Hong Kong, then travels south to the exciting back streets of old Hanoi, the dramatic beauty of the ancient karst limestone mountains rising out of Ha Long Bay, the temples and markets of Nha Trang, and to Saigon, the dynamic and hustling city on the great Mekong. Next are highlights of Angkor Wat, the 1000-year-old marvel that is the largest complex of religious temples in the world.
And then we travel to the Thai paradise isles of Similan, Ko Phi Phi, Phuket, Phang Nga Bay and to Bangkok, for a look at exotic Thailand, “The Land of Smiles.”
Indonesia is next with an exploration of the fabled Spice Islands of Ternate and Tidore – the dream of Magellan and other European explorers 500 years ago. Meet the Sultan of Ternate, in his palace, for an annual celebration honoring his family's 600 years of often generous rule over this beautiful Spice Island.
Marlin Darrah will join us at the City Auditorium for questions and conversation.
Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at 7:30 PM
An Evening of A Cappella with Tonehenge and the Afternotes
The men of Tonehenge have been entertaining audiences throughout New England since 2009 with their blend of popular and traditional music. Their tagline, “rock solid a cappella” is a play on the group’s name as well as their repertoire, with a focus on familiar tunes from the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s. In 2018, and 2019, Tonehenge appeared on WGBH’s popular talent show “Sing That Thing.”
The Afternotes is a women’s a cappella group based on the seacoast of New Hampshire and Southern Maine. This multi-generation group of UNH alumnae bring a fun style and varied repertoire to their performances, with sets that include songs by Pink, The Bangles, Fleetwood Mac, and Billie Eilish.
Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at 7:30 PM
Jeff Rapsis presents Harold Lloyd in “Kid Brother” (plus a short!)
He was the bespectacled young man next door whose road to success was paved with perilous (and hilarious) detours. Harold Lloyd and his fast-paced comedies made him the most popular movie star of Hollywood’s silent film era. See for yourself why Lloyd was the top box office attraction of the 1920s in “Kid Brother,” one of his best comedies. Jeff Rapsis will improvise a musical score for both films.
Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at 7:30 PM
Why Calvin Coolidge Matters Today
A century after taking office, Calvin Coolidge stands as perhaps America’s most misunderstood and underappreciated president. Caricatured as “Silent Cal,” Coolidge is often dismissed as an accidental, do-nothing president. But a more careful study of history reveals a leader of remarkable substance who offers urgent lessons for our own age of inflation, exploding debt, and partisan rancor.
Coolidge restored trust and credibility to the presidency. He balanced the federal budget and lowered the national debt. He ushered in an era of American prosperity. And he proved to be a pioneer for civil rights. Coolidge showed that modesty, even in a president – especially in a president – can get results for the American people.
Join us for a feature presentation of the new documentary film: Coolidge: Rediscovering an American President. Following the film, Matthew Denhart, president of the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation will share his thoughts on “Why Calvin Coolidge Matters Today.”
Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at 7:30 PM
The Shana Stack Band
Named the Independent Country Music Association's Country Band of the Year, the Shana Stack Band focuses on modern country hits and original music. The band has opened for Reba McEntire, Sugarland, Rascal Flatts, Chuck Wicks, Travis Tritt, Little Big Town, Craig Morgan, Aaron Parker, Toby Keith, and the Marshall Tucker Band.
We look forward to seeing you next season.