Byline: Robert Duguay

The art of the one-man band can be a peculiar thing sometimes. It can constitute a basic setup with a person strumming their guitar and pounding their foot on a kick drum while singing their heart out, or it can be more complex with a ton of different instruments coming into play. As The Suitcase Junket, Matt Lorenz utilizes an approach that’s similar to the latter while creating a blues-soaked brand of folk music.

Boston post-hardcore act Actor|Observer has a knack for providing an intense experience whenever and wherever they perform. While doing so, the band embraces the timeless interaction that occurs between a band and its audience with a simultaneous exchange of energy taking place. It’s one of the many reasons why they’re one of the top bands within the vibrant music scene that’s happening within “The Hub.” Folks within driving distance of Portsmouth have the opportunity to check this act out when they come to The Press Room on February 28 for a mid-week rager.

Brooklyn drummer extraordinaire Joe Russo has a lot going on with his career these days. He’s the leader of the popular Grateful Dead tribute band Joe Russo’s Almost Dead (aka JRAD), he’s collaborated with an abundance of bands and musicians and he still has time to be part of a duo with childhood friend and keyboardist Marco Benevento.

Different parts of the country have occasions where this feeling is abundant, including Tuesday nights at The Press Room in Portsmouth.
That’s where the Soggy Po’ Boys play on a weekly basis for a residency that’s become a staple of the city’s nightlife. It starts at 9 p.m. and it goes all night long while creating a fun evening for everyone involved. 

Folks around Manchester will get the chance to experience this for themselves as part of a Sunday night special on January 28. That’s when these rock icons Livinf Colour will be performing at Angel City Music Hall for what should be an ideal way to conclude the weekend.

Everything I just described is most likely going to happen at The Shaskeen Pub & Restaurant in Manchester on January 27 when local folk-rockers The NightBlinders take the stage.

If you go: Jimmy Dunn Dec. 31/7:30 p.m. The Rex Theatre (palacetheatre.org) 23 Amherst Street          

It’s the Jonee Earthquake Punk Rock Xmas with him and his band being joined by The Graniteers, Presidential Disgrace, Kermit’s Finger and Ragz To Stitchez. It’s also free admission, so if you’re looking for a night on the town without breaking the bank then this is ideal. 

I caught up with Space Bacon bassist Kevin LeGall ahead of the show about the band being very interactive with their fan base, a unique annual gig they have happening next month and what’s ahead for 2024.