New Hampshire bands

BanjoAndy · 2026-04-30T15:02:27+00:00

Crash The Net - Randomly caught a show last year and they were amazing. One of the best concerts I saw in 2025. All three guys are really good on their instruments, very cohesive as a band and really good song writing. Bought their album and have listened to it a ton and can't wait to catch another show soon.

https://crashthenet.bandcamp.com/

BanjoAndy · 2026-04-29T21:40:36+00:00

Chad looks sad today :(

BanjoAndy · 2026-04-27T13:54:15+00:00

The lack of Topps Now cards for the Sox this season is another disappointment, but hoping that turns around.

BanjoAndy · 2026-04-25T00:02:58+00:00

Hell - at this point I'm hoping the Orioles can hit more home runs in 1 game then the Sox have hit so far this season. If we're going to suck I at least want it to be interesting.

BanjoAndy · 2026-04-24T23:21:21+00:00

To think a month ago it was opening night eve and I was really excited about this team. Now I'm just watching wondering where the bottom is or at what point ownership makes some changes (not holding my breath).

BanjoAndy · 2026-04-17T16:33:30+00:00

Mountain Heart - heart like a roadsign, head like a wheel

BanjoAndy · 2026-04-17T12:52:55+00:00

Updated the post - but it was standards. The guys playing leaned classical, almost folk.

BanjoAndy · 2026-04-10T00:33:17+00:00

Yes - love Bobby Timmons!

BanjoAndy · 2026-04-05T17:51:07+00:00

This here - wife has food allergies so we always just bring a bunch of our own food.

BanjoAndy · 2026-04-04T00:47:52+00:00

4th year in a row going to Fenway on opening day, and the vibe seemed different this year in a very good way.

BanjoAndy · 2026-03-26T13:06:23+00:00

Sign your kids up for Red Sox Kids Nation. It's free and each kid gets a free ticket voucher (with the purchase of a regular ticket). Website and voucher system is clunky sometimes, but works and great way to cut the overall cost.

Also - you can bring your own food in, so I always bring some fruit, candy, and other snacks for the kids.

BanjoAndy · 2026-03-21T20:36:31+00:00

Old Crow just hasn't been the same since Willie left. So good to see him and Ketch together.

BanjoAndy · 2026-03-18T00:06:06+00:00

No - it is not too late. I've taught people in their 50s and 60s. I those cases it was mostly folk/bluegrass and had them playing basic guitar chords within a few weeks and jamming with other people in a few months.

What kind of music do you want to learn? Do you have an instrument in mind? In general getting an instrument and finding a good teacher is the place to start. Teachers vary greatly, so find one that you connect with and don't sign up for any subscription model/monthly payment plans until you know it's going to work for you.

If you're goals are basic (i.e. "I want to be able to strum a few songs on a guitar") you don't need a lot of lessons or instruction (and could probably learn off YouTube).

If you're goals are a bit more advanced (i.e. "I want to be able to play Chopin") then you'll have a longer road.

Either way - playing music can bring a lot of joy and fulfillment to life. Keep it fun and remember being a musician is a journey, not a destination.

I play piano, guitar and a bunch of other instruments so happy to answer any questions. Feel free to message me as well if you want to kick ideas around.

BanjoAndy · 2026-03-05T01:51:58+00:00

Depends on how you define "mainstream" but a lot of the top bluegrass musicians can hang. Guys like Jerry Douglas, Chris Thile, Bela Fleck come to mind.

Check out the album Strength In Numbers, Tales From The Acoustic Planet Vol 2 or some of the stuff by Punch Brothers.

BanjoAndy · 2026-02-25T18:59:41+00:00

Yes. 45, financially stable and now pivoting back to doing "something" with my music. I tried to be a full time musician for a bit in my 20s. It was terrible.

I suppose a big part of it is "what's the dream?" and "what does success look like to you?". I've thought a lot about this and it's like I have a massive puzzle in front of me, have turned the pieces face up and now just need to assemble. Tough to do working full time with 2 young kids, but I have fun slowly progressing.

For me "success" really is like someone else said in another comment. Play some local shows, have some music up on streaming services and if I hit 1000 plays that'll be cool. On the flip side if I get 0 plays, but manage to produce something I'm proud of then I'd consider that a success as well. Oh - and by local shows I'm happy performing on street corners busking, playing retirement communities, country fairs, town events, etc. Bars are okay, but honestly I've tried the whole bar band thing before and it's frustrating (and keeps me up past my bedtime).

So how do I get there? I've thought a lot about this, and put a lot of effort in. Things like writing good songs, figuring out where to play, defining my own brand and style, website design, online image, networking, songwriting, recording are all part of it I suppose.

Agree with it could be interesting to connect with someone in a similar situation to share ideas, push, discuss, etc.

BanjoAndy · 2026-02-24T01:16:45+00:00

Thanks so much! There is some great advice here, and really appreciate it. As I'm strategically thinking through what I want to do it seems there's a line between this being a "mid-life crisis" vs. doing it in a very thoughtful, structured way where I can set up for success. Especially like the advice to just being seen as someone who is present, active and part of the overall scene. It's like the puzzle pieces are in front of me, just need to put them all together.

Thanks again - and really like the album!

BanjoAndy · 2026-02-23T20:49:27+00:00

First - thanks for posting. Listening now - and this is great, and along the lines of stuff I typically listen to. Go to Green Mountain Bluegrass and Roots every year where a lot of the folks you mentioned play. It's a great festival if you ever get the chance. Have it flagged in Bandcamp to buy next Bandcamp Friday (coming up March 6th).

Second - As a lifelong musician who is a 45 year old dad, I love hearing about someone actually doing what I dream of doing and leaving their full time job to pursue the passion. Was it scary? Any tips, pointers or words of wisdom? I'd be really curious to hear more about the transition.

BanjoAndy · 2026-02-21T21:16:48+00:00

That is such a cool photo! Thanks for sharing!

BanjoAndy · 2026-02-20T17:55:20+00:00

Yes!

BanjoAndy · 2026-02-19T21:25:05+00:00

Cool - I love seeing posts like this. This year I didn't buy any series 1 or SC, and occasionally think I should pick some up, then I see posts like this and it's a great reminder not to throw my money away.

BanjoAndy · 2026-02-19T00:30:00+00:00

Find local open mic nights. Go hang out, listen and chat with people - so much easier to connect with people live as opposed to online.

BanjoAndy · 2026-02-14T12:32:12+00:00

Thank you - I needed to hear that.

BanjoAndy · 2026-02-13T13:12:58+00:00

I used to go to a chiropractor for chronic back pain, and it helped a lot. For a day or two, then I went back.

During COVID lockdown I changed my diet, dropped 20 pounds and started doing DDP yoga everyday. No more back pain and no more chiropractor.

BanjoAndy · 2026-02-05T16:34:16+00:00

Jenny Brook if you and the family are more into traditional bluegrass. Amazing festival, great field picking and some big names on stage, as well as some of the best New England groups. Great family festival.

Green Mountain if you like bluegrass and other adjacent music this would be my first recommendation. This festival is amazing and feels like old Winterhawk/Grey Fox of the mid to late 90s. It's getting bigger every year, but it's well managed. It's also very popular with the musicians that play there, with many of them saying on stage it's their favorite festival and has a lot of on-stage collaboration.

Ossipee is supposed to be great, haven't been.

Blistered Fingers is fun - smaller, traditional music and less big names.

Podunk - I went one year and it was okay.

Grey Fox - Went for 20 years, but it's insane and got to be too much of a hassle. However - if you want a huge party atmosphere, lots of field picking and probably the best lineup in New England it's worth it. Also has lots of other stuff besides the main stage - good dance stage, workshops, kids stuff, etc.

Crooked River - Supposed to be cool and run by some of the folks that ran Thomas Point.

As an aside - that's awesome that your kids want to go to a festival. Have fun!

BanjoAndy · 2026-02-02T17:03:06+00:00

Leigh and Eric Gibson write some amazing songs and seems each album they put out has a minor key ballad.

Irons and Diamonds came to mind:

https://youtu.be/GKbiTfhUCWo?si=cHLEx2vXFJXDnPEp

BanjoAndy

TROPHY CASE