☼ ☼ ☼ Ishna “Slí Amach”: from There to Here | Nelson Town Hall | May 29, 2026

 

Ishna “Slí Amach”: from There to Here

A joyous exploration of the music & stories of Ireland

Friday, May 29 at 7:30 PM in the Nelson Town Hall.

Admission $30 ($25 in advance, under 16 free w/paying adult)

Ishna is a Boston-based contemporary Irish folk band, exploring the traditional repertoire of Ireland within the context of a global setting. It is fronted by husband-wife duo Ciaran Nagle and Tara Novak, and has been together as this lineup of 6 musicians for more than a decade. Over that time, the group has evolved, honing in specifically on the acoustic traditional music of Ireland, while finding ways to allow each band member to bring their unique musical vocabulary to the overall sound.
 
Their show, “From There to Here”, features the music from their debut album, “Slí Amach: Way Out”.  The album was recorded over a week in 2025, in a barn in Peterborough NH. It was recorded, mixed, and mastered by Oscar-and-Grammy-winning Robert L. Smith at Defy Recordings, and the artwork was designed by the legendary Steve Averill (creator of all the logos and artwork for U2).
 
Ishna is fronted by Irish Tenor Ciarán Nagle and fiddler/vocalist Tara Novak (both of Riverdance and the Three Irish Tenors). The husband-and-wife duo bring their humor and dynamic energy to the stage, and are accompanied by their stellar band of traditional musicians: Dan Meyers: uilleann pipes/whistles; Bjorn Wennas – guitar; David McGrory – piano/accordion/banjo; Brian O’Neill – bodhrán/percussion.
 
Ishna’s performance is energetic and uplifting, infusing new rhythms and harmonies into their traditional repertoire. For Ishna, music is about finding common connections. They invite the audience into the fold of their community and to experience the beloved music of Ireland in a new way.
 

☼ ☼ ☼ Scottish Fish | Nelson Town Hall | March 15, 2026

Join us for an exciting afternoon of traditional and original music at the Nelson Town Hall on Sunday, March 15 at 3:00 PM. Admission is $25/$20 (in advance).

Scottish Fish present a fiddle-forward infusion of original and traditional Scottish and Cape Breton music. After growing up steeped in the Boston Celtic music scene, these five young women began touring at an early age, quickly enchanting domestic and international audiences with their youthful enthusiasm, creative arrangements, and sensitive performances. As described by a concertgoer, “this powerhouse quintet wows listeners with a luscious and exciting sound, at times five instruments sharing one voice, and others a dynamic orchestra of harmony. Their years of friendship cultivate a truly unique musical bond. Their love for each other and the music they create is a gift they offer to anyone willing to listen.”

In their decade of bandhood, the Fish have performed at a wide variety of venues and festivals across the U.S. and Europe, including Celtic Connections (Scotland), Festival Interceltique de Lorient (France), and Festival de Ortigueira (Spain). Their music and performances have earned them features on WGBH, KALW, and in American Girl and Folkworld Magazines; attracted the attention of programs such as America’s Got Talent; and secured an international audience of over four hundred thousand followers across social media platforms. In 2017, the group released their debut album, “Splash,” and followed it with “Tidings,” a 5-track holiday EP, in 2019. “Upscale,” produced by pianist and composer Neil Pearlman, was released in October, 2022, marking the band’s ten year anniversary. Scottish Fish’s newest record “Currently” was released in July, 2025.

Scottish Fiddler Hanneke Cassel has described the Scottish Fish sound as “both incredibly musical, and just a little unusual.”

“Individually they are all creative and talented,” writes Cassel, “and together they spark each other, pushing each other even further to make amazing music.”

“One of the most energetic and creative acts to take root in the local Celtic music scene this century… the Scottish Fish ensemble has made the transition from carrying the mantel of the ‘future of Celtic music’ to thoroughly occupying the present”

– Sean Smith, the Boston Irish Reporter (2023)

☼ ☼ ☼ Lissa Schneckenburger Trio | Nelson Town Hall | February 27, 2026 – 7:30 PM

On Friday, February 27 join Lissa (fiddle and vocals), Rachel Aucoin (piano), and Samuel Foucher (accordion) for a night of traditional fiddling, folk songs, and more! The concert begins at 7:30 PM. Admission is $25/$20 (in advance).

Over the last several decades Schneckenburger has made music that showcased everything from traditional New England dance tunes, to original songs inspired by her experience as a foster and adoptive parent. Her new album, Falling Forward, has blended her love of traditional music with her love of writing, in her first fiddle forward album in over a decade. Raised in a small town in Maine, Schneckenburger grew up with music. She began playing fiddle at the age of six, inspired by her parent’s interest in folk music. In 2001 she graduated from the New England Conservatory of Music with a degree in Contemporary Improvisation. She has been writing, performing, and teaching music around the world ever since.

“To me, music creates community,” Schneckenburger says. “Music is what people sing along to, dance to, fall in love to… music brings people together. These songs are part of all of us, and it’s an honor to have had the chance to record them.”

Rachel Aucoin – “I have been playing and writing music since I was a child growing up in Southern Maine and wrote my first song about my dog, Red, at the age of seven . Recently I have been compelled to share my music and hopefully others will enjoy listening as much as I enjoy writing. My style is alternative rock, pop, instrumental rock, and singer/songwriter to folk.”  

Samuel Foucher – “I grew up in the Monadnock region of southern New Hampshire. My love for the accordion began at a new years’ eve concert at a young, impressionable age. Bob McQuillen, Jimmy Keane and Jeremiah McLane were some of my mentors and sources of inspiration on this versatile instrument. Contra dancing was a frequent and beloved part of my childhood, and I have a deep appreciation for music and dance traditions of all sorts. I also love song, especially songs about the land and local history. While not playing my instrument, I enjoy woodworking and carpentry, riding bicycles, growing food, making useful and beautiful items, and anything that can serve as a catalyst for building community.”

For Advance Reservations, Click Here.

☼ ☼ ☼ Los Sugar Kings | Nelson Town Hall | January 30, 2026 7:30 PM

You’re invited to leave the comfort of your wood stove and get out on the town for an energizing evening of music from the Afro-Cuban band, Los Sugar Kings. Admission $25/$20 (in advance).

Sugar Kings (named after a Cuban baseball team) is a Boston-based quartet known for their dynamic live performances, rich harmonies, intense musicianship and ability to transcend genres with an authenticity rarely heard. In their world, respect is paid to the forefathers of Afro-Cuban Son, Salsa, and Rumba-Flamenca. But that’s only part of their story. Sugar Kings also actively draw on influences from nearly every continent in their unique Roots-Rock-Reggae repertoire. All are highly accomplished on their instruments, however the true magic of Sugar Kings is how these four individuals come together to put on a performance worthy of any festival, party, club or concert hall. Every show is an intimate, spontaneous and joyous dialogue between the band members on stage and their audience.

“You gotta see this band… Patino Vazquez is a dynamic performer and singer who is at once approachable, intimate and completely mesmerizing. Mik Mersha brings in the Funk, Reggae and harmonic and rhythmic influences from Ethiopia. Then Dan Abreu hits you with soaring, take-you-for-a-ride solos and harmonic accompaniment. Underneath all of that is the hidden gem in the band, the soulful voice and rhytmic talents of Tony Curtis Hall. Put these guys together on a stage and it’s impossible for a party to stop from breaking out, wherever Sugar Kings perform.”  

☼ ☼ ☼ Nelson Solstice Party | Nelson Town Hall | December 20, 2025 ***SOLD OUT***

On Saturday, December 20, we’ll hold our Annual Solstice Party starting at 7:00 PM`

The Monadnock Folklore Society brings this community event to the Nelson Town Hall each year, admission is $10, and treats are appreciated for the dessert potluck.

Tickets are SOLD OUT, do not attend if you don’t already have a ticket! Our apologies for the amazing and wonderful popularity of this event.

This year the evening will begin with a holiday concert featuring a selection of traditional and original seasonal music performed by The Solstice Sisters (Alouette Iselin, Kim Wallach, Heather Bower, Margaret Iselin, Natalie Backes, Grace Johnson, & Patricia Blanchard) and friends. The Folklore Society invites you to bring along your favorite holiday dessert and we’ll supply the beverages for the intermission. After the concert the chairs and benches are cleared to make way for a traditional New England Contradance. Unfortunately, or not, the dance is often interrupted by various groups of unsavory characters presenting their idea of seasonal entertainment. These diversions, sometimes involving costumed individuals making complete fools of themselves or performing ancient ritual dances to help us through this dark time of the year, are generally tolerated as once they are applauded and fed we can return to dancing the night away.

 

☼ ☼ ☼ Peterborough Fall Ball | Saturday, October 18, 2025

Saturday, October 18, 2025

Noon to Midnite

Peterborough Town House

Noon Eloise & Co. (Becky Tracy, Rachel Bell, Bethany Waickman) with Qwill Duvall

3:00 Calico (Eric Boodman, Casey Murray, Jesse Ball) with Annie Kidwell

6:00 Stomp Rocket (Dave Langford, Glen Loper, Bethany Waickman) with Steve Zakon-Anderson

9:00 Bubblegum Society (Cecily Mills, Tom Krumm, Abe Joyner-Meyers, Jared Kirkpatrick, Silas Hamilton, Simon Lace) with Hannah Chamberlain

Admission $30 (under 25 years old, pay your age) Price goes down every few hours

Role terms will be Larks and Robins

Mask-optional but masks strongly suggested. Don’t come if you have ANY symptoms or have been exposed to illness recently.

☼ ☼ ☼ Peterborough First Saturday Contra Dance | October 4, 2025

Peterborough, NH First Saturday Contra Dance on Saturday, October 4. Liz Nelson will be calling with music from Windfish.

Contra dance is a fun, relaxed style of folk dance that has flourished in New England since the 1700s.

Partners form lines and dance a short sequence of steps with their neighbors.

Dancers are welcome to bring a partner or a group of friends, but it’s not necessary – traditionally, dancers are encouraged to change partners throughout the evening.

Liz Nelson is an excellent young caller. Joining Liz on stage is Windfish, Perin Ellsworth-Osanya on fiddle, Ben Hemmendinger on accordion and keyboard, and Garrett Cameron on mandolin.

The dancing begins at 8:00 PM.
Workshop for new dancers and all interested at 7:30 PM.
Admission is sliding scale $12-20, $30 family, or pay what you can.

Positions will be Larks and Robins.

The Monadnock Folklore Society presents this dance in the historic Town House in Peterborough, NH at 1 Grove Street.

For more information call 603.547.5831.
The Monadnock Folklore Society has presented contra dances and concerts of traditional music since 1982.

☼ ☼ ☼ Peterborough First Saturday Contra Dance | September 6, 2025

Peterborough, NH First Saturday Contra Dance on Saturday, September 5. Lisa Greenleaf will be calling with music from Here on the Hill.

Contra dance is a fun, relaxed style of folk dance that has flourished in New England since the 1700s.

Partners form lines and dance a short sequence of steps with their neighbors.

Dancers are welcome to bring a partner or a group of friends, but it’s not necessary – traditionally, dancers are encouraged to change partners throughout the evening.

Lisa Greenleaf is one of the finest callers anywhere. Joining Lisa on stage is Here on the Hill, Rose Powell on guitar, with fiddlers Tory Horner and Annie Mcdougall.

The dancing begins at 8:00 PM.
Workshop for new dancers and all interested at 7:30 PM.
Admission is sliding scale $12-20, $30 family, or pay what you can.

Positions will be Larks and Robins.

The Monadnock Folklore Society presents this dance in the historic Town House in Peterborough, NH at 1 Grove Street.

For more information call 603.547.5831.
The Monadnock Folklore Society has presented contra dances and concerts of traditional music since 1982.

☼ ☼ ☼ Troy MacGillivray/Cape Breton Concert POSTPONED &/or CANCELED

Despite having submitted an application for a work permit in January for a US Tour this fall Troy has yet to receive the necessary permit. This appears to be another consequence of the current administration’s immigration policies.

Therefore our previously scheduled September 13 Cape Breton Music Concert will not be happening. We hope to be able to reschedule this for October or November. There’s always hope.

Troy writes: “I absolutely cant believe we are in this situation. You know how much we/I/CDNs love New England.”

 

Walden School Young Musicians Program Choral Concert | August 1, 2025

A capstone for the Walden summer season, this concert of choral music features the voices of the entire Young Musicians Program 2025 community of students, faculty, and staff, under the direction of Kari Francis.

Friday, August 1, 7:30 PM

Free and open to the public

At the air conditioned Louise Shonk Kelly Recital Hall on the campus of Dublin School in Dublin, New Hampshire, 7:30pm EDT

Watch the livestream here.