The Parker Street tunnel mural on Manchester’s West Side is now full of color thanks to Manchester Moves and artists Unchartered Art (Amber Nicole Cannan and Jozimar Matimano), Peter Noonan (whose name you might recognize as our longtime “Politics” illustrator), Johnny Funk and Yasamin Safarzadeh.
Motivational Movers Getting out of the house was once a primary motivation for anyone seeking something fun or exciting to do, but with high-speed internet and the spread of fiber-optic cable, the best way out of the house for many is via a keyboard and a screen. Manchester Moves wants to change that by “connecting the Queen City to the rest of the state via trails and greenways while empowering people to live an active lifestyle.” Along with undertaking infrastructure projects, raising funds for trail expansions, and restoring under-utilized parks and spaces, Manchester Moves also works to make city streets and avenues more people-friendly, all with the goal of keeping folks healthy and active in the Granite State.
National Treasure Times Two The Currier Museum in Manchester is the jewel in the crown of the Queen City’s cultural scene with world-class exhibits and a treasure trove of art in its own collection, but the idea of collecting architectural treasures may not have been in the original vision. Now, with the acquisition of a second Frank Lloyd Wright “Usonian Automatic” house in the same neighborhood as the one they have maintained for years, the Currier has the equivalent of a Usonian one-two punch for lovers of Wright’s pragmatic modernity.
People’s Pub Revival When the Press Room in Portsmouth closed for repairs a year ago, there was a tangible chill in the air. Some locals could not imagine the city without this historic hangout and hub of townie pride. Even talk of improvements came with trepidation over the fear of what favorite flaw or quirk might be eliminated in a well-intended remodeling plan. But the Press Room has reopened with a new bar and stage and yet the great music, local vibe and friendly feel are still there, proving that this iconic bar in our iconic seaside city has plenty to offer another generation of hipsters, locals and savvy tourists.
Viva Laconia After local bin-bangers Recycled Percussion took the global stage as finalists on “America’s Got Talent,” the next stop on the road to fame was a yearslong residency in Las Vegas. When they finally returned to New Hampshire, they brought a bit of Vegas back with them and settled in the Lakes Region, gifting sleepy Laconia with two attractions that seem to have been teleported straight from the Vegas Strip to the banks of Lake Winnipesaukee. Their Chaos & Kindness store (in Lakeport) is packed with an ever-changing array of themed fashion, band merch and fun, making it a natural hangout for locals and a draw for tourists. But it was when they opened The CAKE Theatre in an old abandoned church building in downtown Laconia that the Vegas connection became undeniable. This small theater space is packed with enough lighting, electronics, special effects, confetti cannons and lasers to distract even a high-roller on a winning streak. The CAKE continues to sell out pulse-pounding performances by Recycled Percussion and also hosts other acts and events in this state-of-the-art venue.
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