GOOD AFTERNOON, UPPER VALLEY!
The end of summer generally sees a break from events as school gets started and everyone takes a breath ahead of Labor Day. This weekend’s no exception, but there’s still plenty on hand. Like…
Friday
River Roost Brewery in WRJ hosts Dead Men Strumming. Corey Unger and Dan Weintraub with the music of the Grateful Dead, 5-7:30 pm.
At Artistree in S. Pomfret, and opening reception for the Vermont Pastel Society’s exhibit. With 44 artists from around the state participating, it “showcases a diverse collection of landscapes, portraits, still lifes, and contemporary works by talented Vermont pastel artists,” Artistree writes. Reception 5:30 to 7:30 Friday, exhibit through Sept. 26.
Classicopia presents a weekend of “Four-Hand America.” Dan Weiser and Philip Liston-Kraft perform works for two side-by-side pianists by great American composers: Aaron Copland’s “Appalachian Spring”, Leonard Bernstein’s “Candide”, and George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue”, Samuel Barber’s “Souvenirs”, and some songs by Irving Berlin. Friday’s performance is sold out, but you could go Saturday at 2 pm to the home of Andrew Bauman in WRJ, Saturday at 6:15 pm in the Contoocook home of Kristie and Douglas Doll, or Sunday at 2 pm at the First Congregational Church of Lebanon.
Saturday
Tucker Mountain Day in Newbury, VT. A celebration of 250 years on Tucker Mountain, with talks about flora and fauna, the mountain’s geological history, stories about the mountain from longtime residents, a horse logging demonstration, music by the Sacred Harp Singers and the Tucker Mountain Boys, and more. 10 am to 2 pm, rain or shine, in the East Parking Lot, 1576 Tucker Mtn. Road, West Newbury.
In Woodstock, Puppies & Pooches on Parade. It’s a fundraiser for the Friends of the Norman Williams Public Library that’s just what the name says (the money comes from dog-registration fees). Categories include Precious Petite (under 20 lbs), Mightiest Midsize (21-50 lbs), Gentlest Giant (over 50 lbs), Ms. Fashionista (female dog in costume), Mr. Beau Geste (male dog in costume). On the Woodstock Village Green, parade ambles (or bounds) off at 10:30 am.
West Leb Feed & Supply celebrates its 100th year in business. Music by Brooks Hubbard, pony rides, petting zoo, and more. Noon to 2:30 pm.
Barnard Street Dance. The annual event (which ran from 1994 to 2015, then picked up again in 2022) starts up with boat races on Silver Lake at 1 pm, then gets going on land at Barnard Town Hall at 2 pm with games, art making, an open mic, a contra dance with Blind Squirrel and caller Emma Greenough at 3:30 pm, and Radio Kingston at 5:30 pm. Plus food.
Pizza Night at Crossmolina Farm with Turnip Truck. The Corinth-based bluegrass, swing, and folk band plays the W. Corinth farm’s regular Saturday-night event. Food at 5, music at 6, and you’ll need reservations.
Sunday
Braintree Bluegrass Brunch with Ida Mae Specker & Her Band. It’s the final bluegrass brunch of the season, with the traditional mountain bike ride with the Ridgeline Collective kicking things off at 10 am, gates opening at 11, and food, drink, and eventually music getting going at noon. The band will be joined by caller Sarah Gibson for a community “square dance” that also includes contra dances and reels with roots in Ireland and Scotland. At Braintree Hill Meetinghouse, 2756 Braintree Hill Rd in Braintree, VT.
An Afternoon of Brahms at the Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park in Cornish. With pianist Sally Pinkas, violinist Markus Placci, violist Lila Brown, and cellist Rhonda Rider performing Brahms piano quartets. 2 pm.
Cameo Baroque at the Hall Art Foundation. Leslie Stroud, Laurie Rabut, Beth Hilgartner, and Ernie Drown will be performing “Bach and Before: Music of J.S. Bach, Telemann, Pachelbel, Sebastian Anton Scherer, Henricus Albicastro, and Johann Schenck.” 4 pm, 544 VT Rte. 106 in Reading, VT.
At The Fells in Newbury, NH, Jazz on a Sunday Afternoon with Back Bay Transit. Things actually get going at 4 pm with a guided sculpture walk through the 2026 Art in Nature Sculpture Exhibit in the estate’s gardens, with a chance to meet the artists. At 5 pm, the seven musicians who make up Back Bay Transit light into their three-part harmonies, horn arrangements, and covers of artists from Aretha Franklin to Steely Dan to Billy Preston.
Derek Burkins at Loch Lyme Lodge. The lodge’s Sunday Summer Soirées continue with the guitarist and Tim Berry on fiddle playing a mix of bluegrassy folk that includes many of Derek's own songs as well as a long list of favorites from other songwriters. Food by Fresco Catering. 5:30 to 7 pm.
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