Tagged: Arts and Culture

You may know the band cloud cult from an animated commercial that aired during the Super Bowl a few years ago. In exchange for the work, e-Surance helped fund some of the band's costs for greening the recording of album. The fact that Cloud Cult chooses deals like that--writes heart-warming songs, and travels across the country to perform for good causes--may have you wondering if they are for real. But doing good and staying positive are deeply embedded in the DNA of Cloud Cult. This evening the band will perform a live acoustic set during a yoga class at the At Om Yoga studio in Concord. It’s a benefit for a local child with pediatric cancer. I talked with Craig Minowa, singer, guitarist, and leader of Cloud Cult before they headed to New Hampshire and can say that the whole kind-hearted thing is not just PR. In fact, I told him that they are just about the least cynical indie band I can think of.

Throughout history, pieces of art – and their creators, have been hauled into the courtroom. They stood accused of obscenity, extramarital dalliances, societal intermingling, and blasphemy – among other equally verbose charges. Government agencies championed their prosecution as a righteous public service – but maybe they just needed to gain a little sense of humor. Regardless, these pieces of art fought the law. Here to discuss whether the law won is Clay Wirestone, arts editor for the Concord Monitor and author of an article in an upcoming issue of Mental Floss called, “Arts on trial.”

We bring you a collection of tasty segments we know you'll love, using the powers of public radio telepathy. 

Central Park was New York City’s place of refuge and openness until April 19, 1989 when a woman was brutally assaulted and left for dead. Author Sarah Burns turned her research about the event into a documentary film detailing the racially charged convictions of five black and Latino youth. They were exonerated over a decade later when another man confessed to committing the crime.

1. Generationals, Ten-Twenty-Ten

April 24, State Theatre, Portland, ME

2. Alice Smith, Fool For You

April 9, Brighton Music Hall, Allston, MA

You may have heard the news on the show today that our Arts & Culture Producer, Zach Nugent will be leaving our team to join the touring cast of Disney on Ice. We are so sad to be losing such a talented member of our team, but we fully support Zach and his quest to follow his dream.

Zach was scouted for the cast during a recent interview he did with a New Hampshire native, who is also a member of the cast. Unbeknownst to Zach, the producers were incredibly interested in his abilities and only agreed to the interview so they could witness his talent in person. Take a listen to a bit of audio Zach captured after Disney on Ice's Kaitlyn DeRoy saw one of his signature moves up close and personal.

The rest, as they say, is history.

Zach, we will miss you terribly and wish you the best of luck as you capture the dream.

You can treat yourself or another person to a random act of kindness this weekend. there are plenty of things happening around the state worth checking out.

Bring the little ones to Jean’s Playhouse in Lincoln to see three-time Grammy-winner Tom Chapin. He’s sure to play some funny, family-friendly cuts from his new album, Give Peas A Chance, about healthy eating and green living.

And if the snowy spring has got you down, check out the feel good, Tony Award-winning musical from 1961, Bye Bye Birdie. Performed by the Anselmian Abbey Players this weekend at The Dana Center in Manchester …Or for something a little more biblical, head on over to the Palace Theatre to see Andrew Lloyd Webber’s pop classic, Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Also this weekend, the Annual Spring Craft and Specialty Food Fair is on at Rockingham Park in Salem… offering a range from pottery to specialty dog treats to make everyone happy…including those of the four-legged variety.

And, it’s NH Maple Weekend…with more than 100 sugarhouses open statewide, all offering samples, some with pancakes to eat, entertainment to enjoy and animals to pet.