Sunday at Veterans Park in Manchester, Mag-a-Palooza 2017 kicks off at 11 a.m. Like the past three years, the day long festival is filled with music, some tasty beer, wish lists and puppies.Now, seriously? Who could ask for more?
Okay, we would, of course! So, this year, beyond the crazy – and I mean crazy! – fantastic Boston-based “Pat and The Hats” who are true rock and roll titans eager for take off, you have “Gretchen and the Pickpockets,” and they go toe-to-toe with the Hats. These two blazing bands of sunshine will be topped off with the jazzy, soulful winds of “Kali and Ancestors in Training.”
That’s a real good thing right there. Again, who could ask for more?
Heathens like us would beg for more! So, when “Granite State of Mind” was approached to showcase some of its favorites artists that have performed on the weekly radio show on WMNH and WKXL, we swooshed and swallowed that delicious request. Happy to help.
These eight bands, female wonders and well harvested men, have figured out how to mine their way into our moods and thoughts. They are the cream of the crop, some schooled, most not. Dreamers, workers, lovers of word and music, these musicians, these performing artists, in my mind, conquerors of time.
Check out this GSM lineup.
First up.
Senie Hunt — Breakout star. A not to be missed performer that plays some of the most angelic, gorgeous music on his acoustic guitar, which is often positioned on his lap as he taps, massages and strums the neck of the guitar. Senie is only 23 years old and from Warner, New Hampshire, and if I can’t rave enough about his playing, then allow me to speak for his voice. It will mesmerize and bedazzle you.
Senie goes on at 11:08 a.m.
The Fifth NH (Fighting Fifth) — Just caught wind of this new group last week in studio at WMNH and was wildly impressed. Not knowing a thing about the band, the tightness and feel good vibrations of this rhythm based team of artists will provide a most positive message in their music, playing covers and originals with influences from Tom Petty to Mumford and Son.
The Fighting Fifth go on at 11:30 a.m.
THE RIPPIN’ E BRAKES – Only my favorite band in all the state. These country rockers from Concord bleed the Outlaw Country spirit. Everything about their music will remind you of something great you have heard in the past — Willie, Waylon, The Stones — the E Brakes leave it all on stage with their rollicking rock-n-roll sensibilities. Don’t miss them.
Rippin’ E Brakes go on at 11:52 a.m.
THE OPINED FEW — The Few ain’t so new, not no more. This band of four musicians are straight up fantastic and quickly gaining fans from all around the region. Stand up bass, violin, banjo, washboard and guitar, the Opined Few hail from the seacoast and are very likely to make your jaw drop a few inches.
The Opined Few go on at 12:18 p.m.
YANKEE COCKFIGHT — Bad to the bone, real deal, tear the skin off your ears blues punk music. A two man crushing machine with Mighty Junior on the harp and Tim “Scrimmy” on kick drum and electric guitar. Cockfight come out firing and do not let up till the last sound of reverb comes bursting through the stage amps.
Yankee Cockfight goes on at 12:40pm
MIKETON AND THE NIGHT BLINDERS — Voted by HIPPO readers as the best band in NH this past year, Miketon and Nightblinders are rising hard and fast. Rock layered with folk, country and punk, this mash up of greatness hail from the streets of Manchester and will crush you with their ambition. Settle in with a cold beer for their set.
The Night Blinders go on at 3:30 p.m.
WOODSMITH AND HERSCH — If you miss the voice of Grammy nominated Celia Woodsmith, then, well, I don’t know what to say. You will miss a lot. Too much. So don’t. Accompanied by critically acclaimed and former Girls, Guns and Glory lead guitarist, Chris Hersch, this duo blends jazz, blues and soul into one big beautiful cloud of perfection.
Woodsmith and Hersch goes on at 3:52 p.m.
DAVID SHORE’S TRUCK O’ FUNK — Are you ready for some funkafied delirious fun? Then you came to the right place if the place you arrive at is Veterans Park in Manchester. The Trunk O Funk are out of Concord and between the horns and keys and brilliant band leadership of David Shore, this crew brings the fun, funk and always leave the stage with a two-handed Dominique style slam dunk!
David Shore’s Trunk O Funk go on at 4:14 p.m.
