Cover Story — Holiday Stroll Entertainment Guide

A Hippo Guide To Entertainment During The 2004 Winter Holiday Stroll
 

By Patty Caya

 

 

Sure, Santa is coming to town. But have you seen the lineup of cloggers, harmonica players, fiddlers, singers, dancers, magicians, mimes, ice sculptors and storytellers slated for this year’s Stroll?

If you just can't wait until the stroll begins (on Saturday, Nov. 27 at 5 p.m.), start your day at City Hall Plaza, where at 9 a.m., the giant blocks of ice will be delivered for the ice sculptures.

This year's theme is “Dueling Dragons.” A group of 12 professional chefs will be carving these dragons from 35 blocks of ice, each weighing 250 pounds and standing 10 feet tall.

It takes all day to complete the sculptures, so check in every hour or so to see how they progress. And if the temperature climbs into the higher numbers, you can stop by and watch the chefs cry as the dragons melt.

So lace up your strolling shoes and get out your highlighter because we've got the low-down on the ho, ho, ho-down. (Sorry, a little too much eggnog.)

To make your strolling easier, Hippo has put together the definitive entertainment guide for the Stroll. Accept no substitutes.

We've researched each act and organized them according to themes to help you choose what to see and when. Your stroll can be leisurely or frenetic, obsessive or serendipitous. Visit a new act, or reacquaint yourself with an old favorite.

1. The ‘I’d Like To Teach The World To Sing (in perfect harmony)’ Stroll

Okay, so they’re not hippies on a mountaintop, singing in homage to a world-dominating soft drink (like in the 1970s TV commercial), but these masters of harmony are as diverse as their singing selections. Barbershop, a cappella, traditional and new age, this stroll spans the octave. Bring your pitchpipe and you’ll blend right in.

• Aksara

An eight-woman a cappella group featuring soft, unusual music. Expect beautiful harmonies, pleasant blends, but no barbershop. Heart-centered music for spiritual peace and justice. An uplifting inner-tune up for the aching holiday soul. Venue: City Hall Rotunda at 8 p.m.

• Granite Statesmen

This award-winning, all-male barbershop chorus has been performing at the stroll for almost as many years as there has been a stroll. They will sing their holiday repertoire of seasonal songs and carols. One of Nashua’s oldest performing groups, 50 years and counting. Venue: First Church at 6 p.m. & 9 p.m.

• New England Voices In Harmony

These are the new kids on the local barbershop pole. This chapter of Harmony, Inc., is an all-women barbershop chorus 32 members strong. Their Stroll repertoire will include some old-fashioned barbershop favorites and a modern mix. Venue: Citizen’s Bank at 6 p.m.

• Tuckermans at 9

Don’t expect an old-style attitude from this new seven person, mixed a cappella group. Rockapella styling and songs from the early 1960s to the present include Queen, Billy Joel, The Beatles, James Taylor and others in the pop genre. “We steal only from the best.” Venue: Triangle Credit Union at 8 p.m.

2. The ‘Island of Misfit Toys’ Stroll

There are Stroll entertainers whose specialty just doesn’t fit easily into another category. They aren’t as rare as a train with square wheels or a cowboy that rides an ostrich, but they do bring a bit of entertainment diversity to our fair hamlet.

• Bellringers ®

If there are two words that are guaranteed to get you into the holiday mood, they’ve got to be, bell and ringers, right? This 13-piece group will ring secular and sacred Christmas music. Arrive early; they’ve attracted standing room only audiences for almost as long as the Stroll has been in existence. Venue: Church of the Good Shepherd at 6 p.m.

• Compaq Big Band

When you think ‘Glenn Miller’ and ‘Count Basie’, you don’t necessarily think, ‘Nashua’ or even ‘big computer conglomerate.’  It’s a rare treat to hear a 21-piece big band up close and personal. Take advantage of this great opportunity. Swing, jazz, and big band arrangements of all your favorite holiday tunes. Grab your dancin’ shoes and head over to Court Street. Venue: Court Street Theater, from 9 p.m. until someone calls the cops.

• The Harmonica Saints

No one in the group is under age 65. The group consists of 12 harmonicas and one accordion. Enough said. Go see them and sing along. Venue: City Hall Rotunda at 6 p.m.(just after the early bird special).

• Hudson Post 48 American Legion Band

The 25 members of this band play the full range of musical instruments. You may have seen them before at parades, memorial observances and town events around the state, but they call Hudson their home. They will showcase their Christmas music repertoire at this, their 7th Stroll. Venue: First Church at 8 p.m.

• Julie Corey – Community Drum Circle

A rhythmic event generated by the creativity, unity and intent to “groove” together by a collection of people. The music is made by playing African Djembe drums, Djun-Djuns, congas, bells, shakers, wooden sticks, and individual voices joined together. Bring your own drum or percussion instrument if you can. Some will be provided. Venue: City Plaza (weather permitting) at 8 p.m.

• MAGIC, etc.

Like any good magician, Stephen Lechner of Wilton won’t reveal his secrets. In this case, it’s the mystery of what he’ll be performing at The Stroll that’s being kept under wraps. Abracadabra…Sorry, I still don’t know. Venue: Tokyo Joe’s at 6 p.m.

• Nashua Theater Guild

A child’s playroom comes alive. Toys talk to one another and there is a secret twist. A short, fun, family drama, Christmas Tea. Venue: Flegal Law Office at 6 p.m.

• NHS/MHS FIRST Robotics Team

Nerd Christmas. Robot demo and Lego play table. Venue: B & S Locksmiths, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

• Totally Useless Skills with Rick Davis

Entertainer Rick Davis treats audiences to a family-oriented comedy show. Not sure what to give that special someone in your life for Christmas?  Perhaps treat them to some yodeling or a few pencil tricks. Voted “Best Totally Useless Guy” in NH. (I swear his wife told me that.) Venue: Blackbird Books & Café at 7 p.m.

• The Misfit Toy Players

The newest community theater group in town performs scenes from their upcoming world-premiere play by local playwright Tom Anastasi. Three separate stories intertwine in three acts to create a guaranteed feel-good holiday play (with music), Christmas Stories. Venue: Citizen’s Bank at 7 p.m. 

3. The ‘Six Ladies Dancing’ Stroll

Okay, there are more than six and they’re not all women, but you get the idea. These are the hoofers of the Stroll, with a wide range of styles and experience, but all celebrating the holidays through movement.

• Academy of Movement

Students from the academy perform holiday numbers and tap, jazz and modern pieces. Venue: Academy of Movement at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.

• The Dancing Corner

Holiday Stroll old-timers (11th year), the Dancing Corner’s resident dance company will perform tap, jazz and ballet numbers from their annual Winter Celebration, including a full company number to that version of “The Little Drummer Boy” featuring Bing Crosby and David Bowie. Admit it, you get choked up when you hear it on the radio. Venue: Church of the Good Shepherd (auditorium) at 5 p.m. (during the tree lighting) and again at 7 p.m.

• Granite State Cloggers

Clogs? Pointed wooden shoes worn by the Dutch? No. Clogs are actually a special kind of tap shoe where the taps hit against each other. Basic American step dancing, percussive dancing and western tap dancing to country and popular music and Christmas carols. Venue: City Hall Rotunda at 9 p.m.

• Northern Ballet

These young dancers all aspire to dance in professional companies and train for three to four hours per day. No eggnog for them. Their holiday program will be an audience-pleasing dance buffet with a little something for everyone: A swing piece, “Sing, Sing, Sing”; “Sleek, Sharp and Slick” set to 1990s techno music and “Variations on Bach” a lyrical ballet sequence. Also, the professional company offers a sneak peak of the upcoming production of the Nutcracker. Venue: Court Street Theater at 6 p.m.

4. The ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’ Stroll

These groups put the Christ back in Christmas with spiritual songs and faith-based entertainment. Enjoy this (mostly) Christian-themed Stroll, but don’t expect a rousing rendition of “Frosty the Snowman.” Their version of The Christmas Story doesn’t involve magic feed corn, the oppressed children of Sombertown or even a Claymation Burgermeister Meisterburger.

• Christopher’s Soul

This contemporary Christian singing group has been entertaining family audiences at community and church events for several years, including the past four Holiday Strolls. Along with traditional and novelty Christmas music, they will showcase contemporary pop and rock from the 1960s to today (just like a radio station). Venue: Grace Fellowship Church at 7 p.m

• Faith Baptist Church of Nashua Choir

Like Boston Marathon runners without numbers, this group has been strolling The Stroll for the past several years in an unofficial capacity. This year they’re going legit, singing old-fashioned Christmas carols and giving out thousands of cookies with holiday messages attached to ribbons. Venue:  Faith Baptist Church, 6 to 8 p.m.

• Rahel

Rahel reminds us that there are ‘other’ holidays to celebrate during this season. She will perform Tikkunn, the psalms sung in Hebrew with original music from American folk traditions with a Middle Eastern influence. She will also sing in English and perform selections from her new CD.  Music for spiritual meditation, healing and general well-being. Venue: Tokyo Joe’s at 7 p.m.

• Ruth Choate – Gospel Music

Ruth Choate and her daughter and son have been performing together for more than 20 years and will bring their blend of family harmony and vocal power to The Stroll for the fourth year in a row. Enjoy “Go Tell It On the Mountain,” “Joy To the World” (gospel style) and other gospel and holiday favorites. Venue: Citizen’s Bank at 8 p.m.

• The Sonshine Kids and Company

This children’s group from the Grace Fellowship Church will act out “Carols by Candy Light,” a story about a group of young carolers trying figure out the meaning of Christmas. They will also perform songs with Muppet-like hand puppets. Venue: Grace Fellowship Church at 6 p.m., 7 p.m, and 8 p.m.

• The Grace Fellowship Mime and Dance Troup

The mime and dance troupe will perform five different pieces with a gospel message. The dance pieces will feature a variety of dance styles including hip-hop, jazz, jazz mime, and  flag-twirling set to a contemporary Christian music back track. Venue: Grace Fellowship Church at 6 p.m., 7 p.m, & 8 p.m.

5. The ‘Jazz the Halls with Blues and Coolness’ Stroll

These stroll performers are a blending of styles and a synthesis of generations, just like the art form itself. You’ll hear a bit of jazz, folk and blues. 

• Akashic Records

This Jazz/Funk group takes their name from an Edgar Casey book and is a newcomer to the stroll this year. Their playlist is three quarters originals and the remainder they fill with pieces they call “obscure covers.” Venue: Tokyo Joe’s at 9 p.m.

• Dylan Leuers

These young musicians describe their style as progressive, expressive, aggressive jazz—jazz with a back-beat. They get their style of jazz from funk, Indian and Latin influences. Venue: Nault’s Cyclery at 7 p.m & 8 p.m.

• Freedom for Gus

These guys met while they were students at Berklee College of Music and have been together ever since. They play mostly original music, folk, jazz and blues on guitar, organ and drums. Ask them about the name. Venue: Tokyo Joe’s at 8 p.m.

• Handrick & Daniels

Nashua natives and 11-year Stroll veterans Bob Daniels and David Handrick will perform jazz standards and blues covers with guitar, vocals and sax. You’ve seen them around town at other events, private functions and clubs. A tried and true favorite. Venue: Blackbird Books & Café at 9 p.m.

6. The ‘Tiny Tim’ Stroll

Let’s be honest. This one isn’t so much a stroll as perhaps a seat adjustment every hour or so. These performers are all going to be at the Nashua Public Library on two different stages throughout the stroll. If it’s too cold, or the kids are too much to wrangle or if you’re just plain lazy, pull up a chair at the NPL and listen to a story, sing a song and clap along. Some advice for those of you without kids: sit close to a family unit, smile, clap to the sing-a-longs and laugh at the jokes. No one will notice that you’re just too lazy to stroll.

• Amy Conley

Amy Conley performs a variety of sing-a-long songs for families and audience participation on guitar, banjo and harmonica. Her upbeat songs are easy to learn and come from the oral tradition, folk songs and contemporary songs for banjo. Venue: NPL Theater at 6 p.m.

• Scott Kepnes

Music and storytelling for kids and family groups. Toddlers through 4th or 5th grade will enjoy his mix of holiday and winter songs and original stories. Get ready to dance and clap along with his funny, funky folk rock style. Venue: NPL Theater at 7 p.m.

• Steve Blunt

Popular local singer Steve Blunt rounds out this trio of children’s entertainers, all members of the Children’s Music Network. His spontaneous repertoire is mostly music, with stories-in-song that will get the kids out of their seats dancing and singing. Venue: NPL Theater at 8 p.m.

• Julie Corey – The Village Drum

Julie Corey leads “Mother Drum Chants & Dances” workshop where participants will dance and sing songs of the Earth and Native America to the powerful reverberations of the “Mother Drum” made of deer and elk skin and cedar wood. Venue(s): NPL Music/Art/Media Dept. at 6 p.m.

• Claudia Altemos

Storytelling, like in the old days, before X-Box and DVDs. Claudia Altemos will engage the imaginations of young and old alike with her Christmas folk tales. Her stories are drawn from German, Irish, and other European traditions. For adults as much as for the kids. Venue: NPL Music/Art/Media Dept. at 7 p.m.

• DeLuna

A concert for people of all ages. Listen as she offers the glorious sounds of the Celtic harp, Native American flute, recorder, Tibetan Singing Bowl, and bells, along with some storytelling. She tells tales based on several world traditions, weaving the sounds of the instruments with her own voice. Venue: NPL Music/Art/Media Dept. at 8 p.m.

7. The ‘Joy to the World’ Stroll

Several performers bring a more global perspective to The Stroll. With varied entertainment options spanning the world of music and dance, these performers are a nice break from homogenized Christmas carols.

• Bernhardt’s Bavarian Band

German music. Traditional polkas, waltzes and two-steps played by a Bavarian band that’s been in the family since the 1960s. Makes me think beer hall and full stein, not church on Main Street. Venue: Main Street Methodist Church at 6 p.m.

• Inca Son

Inca Son plays music from the Andes of Peru, and of all Latin America, music for all ages. The group performs traditional songs in traditional costumes with enchanting handmade instruments. And they’re back at the Stroll this year by overwhelming popular demand. Venue: Church of the Good Sheperd at 8 p.m. & 9 p.m.

• Raymond Street Klezmer Band

I’m told that Klezmer music is very much in demand. For those of you who asked for it, here it is. A very cheerful, lively, Eastern European, get-up-and-dance atmosphere is what you’ll get from this well-known Klezmer Band. Venue: Grace Fellowship Church at 9 p.m.

• Spirit Fiddle

Champion fiddler Robin Warren and guitarist Brian Clancey perform a wide variety of high-energy music, ranging from bouncy Southern and Texas swing tunes towaltzes, old popular songs, bluegrass, French Canadian and Celtic jigs and reels, and Parisian musette. Venue(s): Fleet Bank at 6 p.m.; Main Street Methodist Church at 9 p.m.

• Shake, Rattle & Bow

One of the guys in this group is the All Ireland Bones Champion. What are ‘bones’?, you may ask. Two pieces of wood that are clapped together, of course. They will perform a repertoire of old Irish, old time Cajun and French Canadian songs, bones and all. Venue: Davis Funeral Home (yes, you read that right) at 6 p.m.

8. The ‘Nollaig Shona Duit’ Stroll

That’s Gaelic for ‘Merry Christmas’. These performers bring a bit of Ireland right here to Nashua. Grab a Guinness and sit back for a seshun or two.

• Sharmane Simard

Sharmane Simard delivers a lyrical performance of Celtic, Irish, Scottish, Welsh, and Bretion music on several harps including the Celtic harp, better known as a lap harp. This Nashua native has opened for The Chieftans and has been a regular at the Stroll for at least 10 years. Venue: Citizen’s Bank at 9 p.m.

• Pookah Finn

I could tell you that they play traditional Irish pub songs and sea shanties and that they also play upbeat, high-powered music with percussion and drums. Or I could tell you that they requested to perform at the funeral home venue. Which makes you want to see them more? Venue: Davis Funeral Home at 7 p.m., 8 p.m., & 9 p.m.

• Réagánta

Regina Delany and her partner bring a little bit of the Emerald Isle to Nashua’s holiday Stroll with traditional Irish seshun music, dance and story-telling. Accompanied by Irish harp and penny whistle, they will perform some Irish and some traditional Christmas songs, with an Irish twist. Venue: Blackbird Books & Café at 8 p.m.

9. The ‘Partridge in a Pear Tree’ Stroll

The Heat Miser had the Snow Miser and there are eight reindeer (plus Rudolph). Scrooge was visited by three ghosts and Frosty had that little girl Karen (who let him melt). But some performers prefer to go it alone. The acts on this stroll are all solo artists. Sometimes you don’t need any help from your friends. Frosty take note.

• George Parker

A solo guitar performance mixing contemporary acoustic, some flamenco and some new age. To mix things up a little, expect a few pieces on the Koto, a traditional Japanese harp. “Japanese meets George.” Improvisational new age acoustic covers. Venue: Blackbird Books & Café at 6 p.m.

• Mark Lutton

Pianist Mark Lutton will be working the Santa Room at the Hunt Building. While parents stand in those Disney-esque snaking lines waiting for their progeny to meet the Big Guy, Mark will be providing ragtime piano and sing-alongs as entertainment-while-you-wait. Guess we know who’s not getting coal in his stocking this year. Venue: Hunt Building, 6 to 9 p.m.

• Santa Claus

Emissary of good will, recruited from the upper northern hemisphere to bring cheer and conditional love (naughty/nice determination). Travels with posse of oddly-dressed height-challenged, play apparatus engineers, and a herd of exotic elk. Expect long lines and stressed parents, otherwise known as “holiday cheer.” Probably the best place for people-watching all night. Venue: Hunt Building, 6 p.m to 9 p.m

• Tim Cannon

Vocals and acoustic guitar, pure and simple. You’ll remember him from previous Strolls, where he was actually strolling down Main Street. This year he’ll be sitting; playing some Beatles, Led Zepplin and some originals. Venue: Fleet Bank at 8 p.m.

• Tony Pace

The “headliner” of the holiday stroll will open the festivities by hitching a ride with Santa and Mayor Bernie Streeter (hey, there’s proof they’re not the same people after all) on the antique fire truck. After the tree-lighting ceremony, he’ll be performing his crowd-pleasing Vegas-style show. “The Man with the Voice who just happens to be funny.” The show will be made even more-Vegas-y thanks to a spotlight in the second-floor Hippo office across the street. Venue: 89-95 Main Street (In front of Jordan’s Luggage), shows at 6 and 8 p.m.

• Travis Catello

Travis Catello knows all about the organ and he’s not afraid to use it. His solo organ concert will be a mix of classical and Christmas music in concert arrangements: big, elaborate renditions, with fancy key changes and trills. Think Phantom of the Opera with a Santa hat. This year he’s performing on what he deems to be the best church organ in Nashua. Venue: First Church at 7 p.m.

10. The ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing’ Stroll

They may not be angels but these choirs sound heavenly. They run the gamut in both age and musical styles, but there’s not a sour note to be heard.

• Actorsingers Stroll Chorus

You know their name from 50 years of community theater. Come hear them sing on their way toward 50 more.

Venue: Church of the Good Shepherd at 7 p.m.

• Nashua Symphony Orchestra Choral Ensemble

The 16-member chorus will perform ten pieces for the Stroll. All the music will be Christmas-themed with international influences. They will also perform jazzy arrangements of a few contemporary carols. Venue: Fleet Bank at 7 p.m.

• Silver Lining Chorus

These sassy seniors have been around as a chorus for 25 years and as individuals for 60 to 90 years. They have become a staple of the Holiday Stroll with their mixture of seasonal and humorous songs. Venue: City Hall Rotunda at 7 p.m.

• Souhegan Valley Chorus

SVC is a 25 year-old chorus of mixed voices drawn from Milford and Amherst area towns. They will perform popular and light holiday classics along with excerpts from Handel’s Messiah. Well, Hallelujah! Venue: Main Street Methodist Church at 8 p.m.

• Main Street United Methodist Church Adult Choir

Tom Fettke has arranged the Cantata, “Carols & Classics” for the choir’s performance this year. Up to 50 members will perform with an organist. A cantata, by the way, is a compact musical form, similar to an un-acted opera. Venue: Main Street United Methodist Church at 7 p.m.

• Peacock Players Show Choir

This new choir started performing in September. They serve as community ambassadors for the Players. Their Stroll selections will draw together excerpts from their growing repertoire of Broadway and Disney-type songs. And they may fit in a sneak preview of their upcoming production, Children of Eden. Venue: Court Street Theater at 7 p.m.

• Community Chapel  Worship & Arts (may be o come all ye faithful stroll)

These volunteers come together for one night a year, the Holiday Stroll. They will perform a variety of Christmas music, both sacred and secular. The 22 members will be accompanied by guitar, flute and dulcimer. Venue(s): Triangle Credit Union at 7 p.m.; City Plaza at 9 p.m.

11. The ‘Have a Blue (grass) Christmas’ Stroll

Bluegrass conjures images of hillbillies and banjos, not Santa hats and reindeer, but these groups will provide a nice respite from the Jingle Bells, Ho, Ho, Ho holidays. High-energy bluegrass is hard to find in the Granite State so stop on by and set a spell.

• Jerry Jean and his Bluegrass Pickin’ Buddies

Jerry Jean sounds a lot like his music. He is friendly and quick, quirky and a little bit foreign-sounding. And he’ll tell you proudly that he’s 84 years old. Pickin’ is what fiddlers do and he and his pickin’ buddies have been together for the better part of 16 years. People who like acoustic string music, vocals and rich harmonies will sit a spell when they hear these bluegrass buddies. Venue: Triangle Credit Union at 6 p.m.

• Monadnock

Monadnock is the offspring of Jerry Jean and his Buddies (also performing in The Stroll). Not in the Jerry Springer-DNA-paternity-test sense, but in the tradition of band members spawning new off-shoots to take the music in another direction. Monadnock performs Bluegrass, traditional and some contemporary, with guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle and a stand-up bass. Venue: Flegal Law Office at 7 p.m & 8 p.m.

12. The ‘We Need One More to Make 12’ Stroll

Not into strolling, community activities or holiday cheer of any sort?

SpongeBob Sqaure Pants just opened.

- Patty Caya

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