Banjoes and tigers and loons, oh my. These are just some of the features of the fall 2023 Walker Lecture Series. Since 1896, the series has brought stimulating speakers and fun performers to Concord, thanks to the generosity of Timothy and Abigail Walker.
In the Walker tradition, all performances are free with no tickets or reservations required. Doors open at 7 p.m. and programs start at 7:30 p.m. at the City Auditorium on Prince Street in Concord.
Visit walkerlecture.org for details.
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.
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.
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.
The Southern Rail Bluegrass Band brings high-energy acoustic fun with stunning harmonies, good humor, and sparkling banjo, guitar, 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.
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.”
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 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.
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 Coroka is a wildlife educator, keeper of the 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.
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.
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. This show is held at St. Paul’s Church, 22 Centre St. Open rehearsal Saturday at 10 a.m. and show Sunday at 7 p.m.