Dear –FNAME–,

From Jazz to rock, glow yoga to 5k’s, the week ahead in Downtown Nashua has all sorts of fun things to do and see! All that and more, ahead in this week’s edition of The Downtowner. 

We also have some exciting news to share! Great American Downtown has been honored twice over this week!
First, our organization has been named as a finalist for the Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce Eminence Awards Nonprofit of the Year! There are many organizations that work hard, and serve our community with distinction – and we are honored to be nominated along side them!

Downtown Nashua is where creativity comes to life, and the arts are an essential part of the work we do. That is why it is rewarding to see that work recognized, as I have been named as the recipient of the 2018 Arts Hero Award – which will be given at this coming Sunday’s Meri Goyette Champagne and Art Awards Luncheon. Tickets are still available here! 

It is an honor to be named alongside some of the hard working and generous folks in our community, including the Mahfuz family and PRG Rugs as Small Business of the Year, Michael Buckley of MT’s Dining Group – Company of the Year, as well as a three-way tie in the individual category for the three people who established the Picker Collaborative ArtistsGail R Moriarty of Colibri Designs, & Kathy and Mark Frank of Renaissance Glassworks.

Sincerely, 

-Paul
Paul Shea
Executive Director
Great American Downtown
 
 
          
 
 
Photo of the Week
 
 
 
 
Our photo of the week is a snapshot from the 2018 Nu Muse Festival lineup announcement! Click the image above, and you will be whisked away for a prelude to our spring arts & music Festival, announcing over 40 acts performing across 8 stages!

Tickets are free, but capacity for this event is limited to 5,000 attendees. Nearly half of all tickets have been claimed! Make sure you don’t miss out on a great lineup, order your tickets today! 


Do you have some great pictures of our vibrant Downtown you’d like to show off? Post them to our Facebook page, or send them to us by email! We love to share images that capture the beauty and excitement of Downtown Nashua.   

Without further ado, here is what’s going down and coming up in Downtown Nashua!

 
 
 
 
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
 
 
 
 
 
Support Carolyn Walley Going Over the Edge
for Gate City Community Gardens!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Donate to the cause today!
As a member of Great American Downtown’s team, Carolyn Walley is going over the edge to raise money to support the Gate City Community Gardens Program. The program’s Nashua Heritage Rail Trail Community Garden was established in the Tree Streets Neighborhood in 2013, with a total of 12 beds. 10 additional beds were built at the garden site in 2016. Our leased area of the trail has ample room for the addition of more garden beds, as well as the establishment of permaculture at the site, like pulbic fruit trees, bushes, and fruiting vines. 

Funds raised by our team will support expansion of this program through the purchase of materials for garden expansion, replacement of older raised beds as they break down, purchase of plants, garden equipment and materials, water bills, and support education programming and garden scholarships. The GCCG program offers garden beds at a nominal fee of $35 each year, which covers 75% of our water bills – but also offers scholarship – no questions asked – to applicants who express an inability to pay. This program is part of a broader rail trail stewardship effort. In taking on the garden program – this is GADs first big step in the area of downtown neighborhood wellness. We hope you will support us, and in doing so – support a more connected, healthy, beautiful, and vibrant Downtown Nashua.

 
 
Click Here to Donate!
 
 
 
NRPC 2018 Transportation Survey
 
 
 
 
Take the survey today! 

The Nashua Regional Planning Commission is reaching out to people who live or work within the Nashua area to gain their input as we update the long range Metropolitan Transportation Plan for the Region. The linked survey below is intended to help us understand how area residents and workers are using the transportation system and to get input into the preferences and priorities of the people we serve. The survey should take between 6 and 7 minutes to complete. Thank you for your time and assistance.
 
 
Click Here to Take the Survey!
 
 
 
Vote for Nashua’s 
Downtown Riverfront Development Plan!
 
 
 
 
 
 
Voting closes Thursday, March 29 at 7pm!
The New England Chapter of the Congress for the New Urbanism wants your help to select this year’s Congress Choice Award winner! Voting is now open and closes Thursday, March 29 at 7:00 PM. The winner will be announced during the Urbanism Awards on Thursday, March 29 from 5:30 – 8 PM at Impact Hub, Boston, MA.
In 2016, Mayor Jim Donchess tasked city staff to begin a conversation around how the City could enhance the quality of life for the community and maximize economic and environmental value of the downtown riverfront area. A Downtown Riverfront Master Plan project was initiated to capture the community’s vision for the riverfront along the Nashua River. The resulting plan, based on public conversations both in person and online, incorporates an understanding of environmental constraints, existing conditions, and a desire to preserve the uniquely rich Nashua history of the Millyard with the community’s desire for improved and expanded connectivity, riverfront amenities, green space and appropriate redevelopment within the Downtown area.
 
 
Click Here to Register!
 
 
 
Sign Up Now
for the Merrimack Valley Battle of the Bands!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sign ups open April 1st!
Does your band have what it takes to compete for our grand prize of a professional EP? Sign ups for the first ever Merrimack Valley Battle of the Bands open on April 1st.
 
 
Click Here to Sign Up!
 
 
 
 The Actorsingers Present:
Shrek Jr.: The Musical!
 
 
 
 
 
 
Performances all weekend!
Junior Actorsingers presents Shrek The Musical JR.!

Beauty is in the eye of the ogre in Shrek The Musical JR., based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film and fantastic Broadway musical. It’s a “big bright beautiful world” as everyone’s favorite ogre, Shrek, leads a cast of fairytale misfits on an adventure to rescue a princess and find true acceptance. Part romance and part twisted fairy tale, Shrek JR. is an irreverently fun show with a powerful message for the whole family.

 
 
Click Here to Get Your Tickets!!
 
 
 
Senior Keyboard Class
@ Nashua Community Music School!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Open House 
FRIDAY, MARCH 23
11am
The Nashua Community Music School and The Nashua Senior Activity Center Present:
Senior Keyboard Classes 
FREE Open House on Friday, March 23rd at 11am
Come meet the teacher, Johnna Ross, other prospective students, and find out if keyboard class is right for you.
No Experience Necessary.
Nashua Senior Activity Center

70 Temple St. Nashua, NH

Spring Classes Begin on Friday, April 20th, Register at the Nashua Senior Center by April 6th or call for more info:  (603) 889-6155 
 
 
Click Here to Like NCMS on Facebook!
 
 
 
Glow Yoga & Beatles Music
@ Aerial Moon!
 
 
 
 
FRIDAY, MARCH 23
6-8pm
Flow through two magical hours of fun and entertainment. 

Glow Yoga is carefully crafted to be completely accessible for complete beginners and yet entertaining for yoga vets.

Glow sticks + Glow paint included. Bring along anything you want to add to your Glow.

Blacklights will fill the studio – wear white or neon.

Don’t worry there will be plenty of time before we flow to get your glow paint and glitter on. With some time to dry and snap some shots for social media.

 
 
Click Here to Register!
 
 
 
Haywards Run
with the Gate City Striders!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Join the first Haywards Run of the season! This is a fun run, not a race, so no timing or anything. 5k and 10k routes mapped out, but you can run any distance that you would like! 
Haywards is excited to have us back so they have once again agreed to give us 25% off our ice cream!!! It’s good only after the run. 

As always, please remember to park across the street at Rivier University and you must check in to sign a waiver and get the post ice cream code!
 
 
Click Here to RSVP!
 
 
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
 
 
 
 
jajaBelle’s Easter Menu:
Order Now!
 
 
 
 
 
 
American Easter: April 1
Greek Easter: April 8
The Easter menu at jajaBelle’s is now available for all your Easter needs! 
 
 
Click Here to View the Menu!
 
 
East Hollis Listening Session
@ Nashua City Hall Auditorium!
 
 
 
 
 
 
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4
6-8pm
The East Hollis and Bridge Street Intersection is a key
gateway to Downtown and The City at large.

To keep this area relevant and vibrant, we are assessing function, aesthetics and infrastructure needs for the area based upon extensive input from members of the community and business owners.

Please attend and help us create the vision and the plan for the future of the East Hollis and Bridge Street Intersection.

 
 
Click Here to Get Your Tickets!
 
 
Gilded Abstract Painting Class
@ Graffiti Paintbar!
 
 
 
 
 
Three sessions in April!
Have you ever looked at an abstract painting and said, “I could do that!”. Well here’s your chance! Roll up your sleeves and let’s get down to playing with colors and making some gorgeous art!

A GREAT DATE NIGHT EXPERIENCE!

Get ready to uncork your inner artist at the new, Gilded Abstract Painting classes! Collaborate with a partner to create a dual canvas display, or paint solo! Combine even more paintings to make a larger display! 

You choose your color palette. Local artists will guide you to create a unique, gilded piece of contemporary art for your home or office. 

All materials, including faux gold leaf, will be supplied. Imagine the possibilities! No two paintings will be alike. 

Purchase a frame for your 16×20 masterpiece for only $15 each.

The bar will be open! Bring a valid ID if you wish to purchase wine or beer.

Head over to the events calendar to reserve your seats today:  
Email [email protected] if you have questions.

Recommended for ages 16+

 
 
Click Here to Get Your Tickets!
 
 
 
Jazz First
@ Keefe Auditorium!
 
 
 
 
FRIDAY, APRIL 13
Concert starts at 8pm
​Which is Nashua based, presents a program entitled “Jazz Through the Decades,” tracing the history of jazz from its early roots in spirituals of the mid-1800s to the present day. Much of the repertoire comes from the body of work generally known as the “Great American Songbook” which encompasses the songs from the great musicals and films of the 1920s through the 1960s. The group strongly believes in that repertoire and feels that it needs to be kept alive so that people young and old learn to appreciate its classic nature. Commentary outlining major aspects of this genre’s development and incorporation in America’s musical background will be included. The group consists of piano, upright bass, drums, sax/flute/clarinet, and a vocalist to bring the songs alive.
 
 
Click Here to Get Your Tickets!
 
 
 
Performing Live at Fody’s Tavern:
Joe Sambo!
 
 
 
 
 
 
FRIDAY, MARCH 23
10pm-1am
Come out and see a great show with live music from Joe Sambo and friends! Fody’s Late Night Food Menu available 9:30pm-12:30am!
 
 
Click Here to RSVP!
 
 
 
Performing Live at Dolly Shakers:
Done By 9!
 
 
 
 
FRIDAY, MARCH 23
9pm-12:30am
Join a great night of music Friday, March 23rd at Dolly Shakers in Nashua!! Songs You Know, Songs You Love, Songs That ROCK!
 
 
Click Here to RSVP!
 
 
 
Performing Live at Peddler’s Daughter:
 The Ruccus!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FRIDAY, MARCH 23
9:30pm-12:30am
Come hang with The Ruckus on the first Friday of Spring. They’ll be making noise from 9:30-close at The Peddler’s Daughter.
 
 
Click Here to Get Tickets!
 
 
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
 
 
 
 
Performing Live at Riverwalk:
Ian Ethan Case feat. Amir Milstein & Jharis Yokley!
 
 
 
 
 
 
SUNDAY, MARCH 25
Show starts at 7pm
Acoustic double-neck guitarist and Candyrat recording artist Ian Ethan Case returns to Blue on Sunday, March 25, 2018 at 7pm in support of his newest album “Earth Suite.” Joining him will be international touring veteran Amir Milstein (flute) and NYC-based drummer and recent Berklee Global Jazz Institute graduate Jharis Yokley. 

Acoustic double-neck guitarist and Candyrat recording artist Ian Ethan Case is quickly becoming recognized as “one of the most creative and engaging fingerstyle guitarists in the world” (International Center for Creativity.)

After a decade of composing and performing around the country largely under the radar, in 2015 a viral video of his song “Butter II” introduced his music to over 6 million listeners around the world in the course of a month. In addition to a record deal and endorsements with companies such as Ovation guitars and Boss pedals, 2016 and 2017 provided extensive touring opportunities throughout Europe and the United States, including two performances with a full symphony orchestra. Fingerstyle legend Don Ross invited Case to open for him in Ross’ then-hometown of Toronto, later describing his performance as “some of the most massively inventive musicianship I’ve ever heard/seen.” Other listeners have described his music as a cross between Michael Hedges and Pat Metheny.

His newest album, “Earth Suite” (releasing March 2nd), features a dozen musicians from all over the globe, including four-time Grammy-winning cellist Eugene Friesen and internationally acclaimed percussionist Jamey Haddad. While the studio album features a large group and dense orchestration, Case brings much of that expansive sound to his 2018 concert performances thanks to live looping and sound specialist Stephanie Case who records, layers, and manipulates Ian’s playing on the spot for a dynamic, truly symphonic effect that defies the typical “solo musician with a loop pedal” stereotype. As one first-time listener in California exclaimed, “Ian’s music is phenomenal – watching him play is not ‘listening to music’; it’s a full mind experience. Transporting.”

Joining Ian and Stephanie will be two of the musicians featured on Earth Suite: NYC-based drummer and recent Berklee Global Jazz Institute graduate Jharis Yokley, and master flute player Amir Milstein, an international touring veteran with groups such as Bustan Abraham, Tucan Trio, and Tito Puente. Presenting songs from Earth Suite as well as new un-recorded material, the group will bring listeners on a cross-cultural journey connecting Arabic, Flamenco, Latin, Acoustic Fingerstyle, and forward-thinking Jazz and Electronic elements in a performance that is certain to feed those hungry for something new.

 
 
Click Here to RSVP!
 
 
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
 
 
 

Our newsletter goes out weekly to over 5,000 subscribers! 
Contact [email protected] for information on how to become a sponsor and support our mission of vibrancy!
 
 
 
 
There is always something great happening in Downtown Nashua. In fact, there is so much great stuff going on that we can’t fit it all into our newsletter. Make sure to follow along with us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram and at DowntownNashua.org to make sure you don’t miss out! 

See you Downtown!

Paul Shea


This newsletter was created in part by Carolyn Walley, Marketing Coordinator at Great American Downtown Inc. a 501(c)3 Non Profit
If you would like to submit an event to be featured in The Downtowner, or are interested in any other marketing opportunities through Great American Downtown, drop Carolyn a line
 
 
          
 
 
6 Main Street Nashua, New Hampshire 03064  |  phone: 603-883-5700