I grew up in Rhode Island, but I always loved the few weeks my family was lucky enough to spend on Lake Wentworth in Wolfeboro each summer. I am a musician to the extent that practicality permits, and I have always valued living in places that have a strong arts and culture scene. I lived in New York City after college and spent a few years living in Burlington, Vt., developing my craft on the local stages.
In 2013, life brought me to Concord which is where I landed my first real job out of law school. In all honesty, I thought I had made a mistake in moving here, and I expected that I would move on to greener pastures within a year or two. Concord is friendly and peaceful, but it is not exactly known for its vibrant nightlife.
In 2015, we welcomed my first son, Theo, into the world, and I began to think hard about what kind of life I wanted to model for my child. I began pursuing music again — writing songs and sharing at the open mic at True Brew Barista. My mindset was that “Concord doesn’t really have much going on, but I will try and make the best of it.” I was wrong. Concord has an incredible network of creative people. You just need to dig below the surface a bit.
Over the last decade, I met my bandmates in Andrew North & The Rangers. They are wonderful friends, and we have had more incredible musical experiences than I can count, ranging from opening for national acts to making joyful noise at the local dive bar. The arts scene here is inviting, energetic and collaborative. I have been inspired by so many top-notch players who will never be famous, but who share their gifts for the sheer joy of it. In hosting many years’ worth of open mics at Area 23 and the BNH Stage, I have witnessed the invigorating growth of a new community.
I have seen my neighbors come alive with the spark of creativity on stage. I have seen an impromptu, unrehearsed pickup set of Ramones covers blow the roof off the venue. I have seen players grow from shy first-timers to local pros who play out every weekend. I have made so many friends. I am deeply grateful. I have found what I was looking for in New York City and Vermont. We have it here, and it’s the real thing.
Alongside my newfound creative life, I have had the great pleasure of practicing law in a state that is full of intelligent, industrious and collegial professionals. Lawyers get a bad rap, but New Hamsphire is an ideal place to practice. I have watched my kids growing up in a town that is safe, friendly and engaging. I’ve taken my older son to approximately 1.8 million Fisher Cats games, and we have easy access to the woods where my younger son thrives. My wife and I have grown together as people and as partners, supported by a network of neighbors and friends that feels rare in the world today.
Long story short, this was not what I was expecting when I moved here, but New Hampshire is a wonderful place, and it has become my found home. I am grateful for the road so far and excited to see what’s next.
Andrew Grosvenor is a Concord attorney and musician who performs as Andrew North.