A season of music, stories, new beginnings, and creative milestones!
Viva Bach Peterborough shares springtime “Bach in the Subways” performances and announces their upcoming Fall Festival; Jaffrey Civic Center celebrates the success of its fourth annual Gala Live Auction, debuts a new website, and updates visitors on building renovations; Tara Novak performs in The Light in the Piazza and prepares for her Irish band Ishna’s first-ever studio album; Rodger Martin celebrates two poetry publications and a spring trip to Ireland; Mona Brooks invites community members to contribute stories and photographs to an immigration-focused exhibit at ADISA Gallery; NH State Council on the Arts highlights behind-the-scenes efforts supporting arts education data and infrastructure through their fiscal sponsee account; and kcs ARCHITECTS celebrates 10 years in business, a new studio space, multiple awards, and an open house during Marlborough Art Day.
New Viva Bach board member James Maddalena
Viva Bach Peterborough returns with pop-up performances—and a new board member!
In March, Viva Bach Peterborough joined the international “Bach in the Subways” movement, bringing Bach’s timeless music to new ears across Peterborough. Seven pop-up concerts appeared in unexpected spots, offering joyful musical interludes throughout the town. Viva Bach also welcomed new board member James Maddalena, a world-renowned baritone famous for originating the role of Richard Nixon in John Adams’ Nixon in China at the Met. Up next: the Viva Bach Fall Festival, happening in October: Learn more about the Festival here
jaffrey civic center celebrates a successful gala and new changes
Jaffrey Civic Center rear entrance under renovation
JCC 4th annual Gala Live Auction
Executive Director Laura Adams shares that the JCC’s 4th annual Gala Live Auction was a great success, and the silent auction is still open until Friday at 9 pm—place your bid here. JCC has also launched a brand-new website built by Gallery Sitka: jaffreyciviccenter.com. With the rear entrance under renovation, visitors are asked to use the front door or the accessible ramp. Thanks for supporting the arts in Jaffrey!
tara novak shines on stage and in the studio
Ishna
Irish fiddler, violinist, and composer Tara Novak is currently performing in The Light in the Piazza at Boston’s Huntington Theatre, on stage now through June 15. In parallel, Tara is preparing to record the first-ever studio album with her band Ishna, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. Big things are ahead for this powerhouse performer and her long-standing ensemble.
🎻 Explore Ishna’s music | The Light in the Piazza
rodger martin celebrates two publications—and a trip to ireland
Cover for The Sleeping Dogs of Lubec
Poet, teacher, and Monadnock Pastoral Poets director Rodger Martin has had a literary spring: The Nemo Poems: A Martian Perspective has been re-released in an updated edition from NatureCulture Publishers, and his newest collection, The Sleeping Dogs of Lubec, is due out in June. Rodger is also enjoying two weeks in Ireland this month—a well-earned adventure during a banner year.
📚 Read more from Rodger
community storytelling on display at the art source gallery
At ADISA Gallery in Peterborough, artist and curator Mona Brooks is inviting community members to share family photos and stories for an ongoing exhibit titled “I AM AN IMMIGRANT” This powerful visual narrative highlights the immigrant roots that helped shape America—and reflects on the current moment. All are welcome to contribute a photo and brief narrative to be included in the installation.
🖼️ Visit the gallery | 8 Grove St., Peterborough
nh state council on the arts supports data projects for arts education
Allison Hawkins of the NH State Council on the Arts shares that their fiscal sponsorship with Arts Alive continues to support efforts through processing payment for teachers working on the Arts Ed Data Project.
kcs architects celebrates 10 years, award wins, and a new studio
”Best Green Design (Net Zero/Net Zero Ready)” winning design by kcs ARCHITECTS’ in Dublin, NH.
It’s a milestone year for kcs ARCHITECTS, founded by Katie Cassidy Sutherland. The firm is celebrating 10 years in business in 2025, with deep gratitude to their clients and a growing team. They’ve recently moved into a new studio space at 170 Main Street in Marlborough, housed in the historic Odd Fellows Hall, alongside working artist studios that fuel creative cross-pollination.
kcs ARCHITECTS will host an open house on June 7 as part of Marlborough Art Day. Plus, the team is racking up honors: they received first place from the Southwest Regional Planning Commission for the design of their “Shou-Shed” ADU, and won two awards from New Hampshire Home Magazine—“Best Contemporary Kitchen Design” and “Best Green Design (Net Zero/Net Zero Ready)” for their Dublin-based Loft ADU project.
🏡 Learn more about their work
Stay tuned for next round of updates! In the meantime, you can browse our wonderful local artists and creative businesses on our creative economy directory.
