Arts in the Park returns for July

By KIERA McLAUGHLIN

Concord Arts Market will host their second monthly Arts in the Park event on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Rollins Park. 

Hopkinton art gallery showcases “Creativity Beyond Convention”

The next exhibition at Two Villages Art Society in Hopkinton is a solo show of the work of Sandy Steen Bartholomew, an artist who celebrates the imaginative, neurodivergent mind through whimsical creatures, playful stories, and unconventional materials.

Treetop Gem: The Brilliant Blackburnian Warbler

By LAURIE D. MORRISSEY

One recent morning, trying to find the source of a warbler trill high in a white pine tree, I was rewarded with a brilliant flash of orange. It was my first sighting of a Blackburnian warbler, one of the most beautiful songbirds in the northern woods.

Vintage Views: The ugliest dog wins

“Yesterday I was a dog. Today I’m a dog. Tomorrow I’ll probably still be a dog. Sigh! There’s so little hope for advancement.”

Homeyer: July flowers worth growing

July is a great month for blossoms – but only if you have planned for that to happen. Many gardeners go to their local nurseries in May and June, selecting plants in full bloom. But when July comes along, those gardeners are tired or hot or at the lake or in the mountains, and forget to keep on buying plants. Not me. July is a great month for blossoms – on trees, shrubs and perennials. Here are a few of my favorite July plants.

AROUND CONCORD: Your guide to free summer music

By CATHERINE McLAUGHLIN

With a good camp chair, a cool beverage and a worn, cozy sweatshirt, the perfect New England summer evening might just be enjoying the music of local musicians at dusk.

Your Life: My parental measuring sticks

By PARKER POTTER

I have taken the same walk nearly every morning for more than five years. I have memorized every crack in the sidewalk, every shade tree and every flower bed.

Around Concord: Steps to nowhere – but it used to be somewhere

Concord doesn’t have a bridge to nowhere, much to the disappointment of urban explorers, but we do have something sort of like that: Steps to nowhere.

Around Concord: Refreshing recipes from Table Bakery

With the sunshine settling in for the summer, it’s time to start thinking about recipes to help you stay cool in the heat. Chelsea Annett, who owns Table Bakery in Concord’s Eagle Square, has a few ideas for refreshments to try. Annett shared some of her culinary secrets with Around Concord Magazine, and now we’re sharing with you!

The Rebel Collective to perform in Henniker

If you like the Dropkick Murphys, then The Rebel Collective might be the band for you. They will be the featured performers at the Tuesday, July 1 Henniker Concert Series in the Angela Robinson Bandstand, Community Park at 6 p.m.

Meet Moriah Billups, Young Professional of the Year

Moriah Billups has been named the Young Professional of the Year by the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce. Billups, 32, currently lives in Hooksett and works at Concord Hospital Trust as a philanthropy office. She was honored at the Chamber’s Pinnacle Awards in early June and previously was named Young Professional of the Month in February 2023. 

Artist spotlight: Leah Kuehne

This week’s artist spotlight, brought to you through a collaboration with the Concord Insider and the Concord Arts Market, focuses on Leah Kuehne, who lives in Rumney and grew up in Manchester. Kuehne graduated from Gordon College with a degree in Fine Art. She works in a range of mediums including, watercolor, gouache, acrylic, and oils. Her work is inspired by nature and includes, landscape, abstract landscape and florals.

“A Time to Gather Stones,” based on a local historical crime, premieres in Pittsfield

The Pittsfield Players will premiere Concord writer George Kelly’s new play, “A Time to Gather Stones,” at the Scenic Theatre in Pittsfield on Friday, June 27 through Sunday, June 29.

Scott Kirby to bring a bit of Key West to Henniker

Scott Kirby to bring a bit of Key West to Henniker-

Making music: Contoocook-raised Derek Astles celebrates new album, old collaborations

By RACHEL WACHMAN

For Derek Astles, music offers a manual to the world.

Free outdoor concert with The Rockin’ Daddios in Concord

On Thursday, June 26, step back in time with The Rockin’ Daddios, bringing the unforgettable harmonies of the '50s and '60s to life! This family-friendly concert will have you smiling, singing, and reminiscing about the golden days of rock ’n’ roll.

“ON/OFF The Wall”: A new collaborative art exhibit

“ON/OFF The Wall”: A new collaborative art exhibit-

2025 Brodsky Prize for Excellence in Student Journalism awarded to Londonderry junior

In celebration of excellence and innovation in student journalism, the prestigious Brodsky Prize has announced its 2025 winners, spotlighting the state's most promising high school journalists.

Concord Hospital Health System welcomes New England College nursing cohort

Last month, Concord Hospital Health System welcomed this year’s cohort of 18 nursing students from the New England College class of 2027.