MONADNOCK REGION, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Stages, screens and community spaces light up this weekend with concerts, films and events marking Martin Luther King Jr. Day. From indie favorites to tribute bands and author talks, there’s no shortage of ways to spend the long weekend.
Friday, Jan. 16
“Return of the Jedi”
6:30 p.m., The Park Theatre, Jaffrey
The classic “Star Wars” saga continues as Luke Skywalker attempts to rescue Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt while the Rebel Alliance launches a desperate assault against the Empire’s new Death Star. The film culminates in a final confrontation between Luke and Darth Vader under the watchful eye of the Emperor.
More information: www.theparktheatre.org
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
8 p.m., The Stone Church, Brattleboro, VT
Indie music mainstay Alec Ounsworth brings his long-running project Clap Your Hands Say Yeah to Brattleboro. Known for its fiercely independent spirit and evolving sound, the band blends intimate songwriting with experimental arrangements drawn from nearly two decades of releases.
More information: www.stonechurchvt.com
Saturday, Jan. 17
Book Talk: Laura Knoy, “The Shopkeeper of Alsace”
11 a.m.–noon, Keene Public Library, Keene
Author and longtime public radio host Laura Knoy discusses her debut novel, a historical work inspired by a Jewish family’s resilience during the World Wars in France. The event includes a reading, discussion, book sales and signing. Free and open to the public.
More information: www.keenepubliclibrary.org
Martin Luther King Day Speak Out for Hope and Courage
2–4 p.m., Brooks Memorial Library, Brattleboro, VT
Brattleboro Solidarity hosts its annual community gathering featuring poetry, readings, music and shared reflections inspired by the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Attendees are encouraged to bring short readings or poems to share.
More information: www.brookslibraryvt.org
Dylan Patrick Ward and Jake McKelvie
6–9 p.m., Birdies, Keene
Folk songwriters Dylan Patrick Ward and Jake McKelvie share the stage for an evening of storytelling and offbeat humor, blending heartfelt songwriting with DIY sensibilities.
More information: www.birdieskeene.com
Bex Burch with Tori Young and John-Francis Quiñonez
7–10 p.m., Brewbakers, Keene
Composer and percussionist Bex Burch brings her “messy minimalism” approach to Brewbakers, joined by percussionist Tori Young and multimedia artist John-Francis Quiñonez. The all-ages show features limited seating and a pay-what-you-can access option.
More information: www.brewbakerskeene.com
Dance Party with DJ Bob Thies
7:30 p.m., Next Stage Arts Project, Putney, VT
DJ Bob Thies spins dance favorites from the 1980s and ’90s for a high-energy night of throwback hits and nonstop grooves.
More information: www.nextstagearts.org
Let’s Groove Tonight: Earth, Wind & Fire Tribute
7:30 p.m., The Park Theatre, Jaffrey
This nationally touring tribute band recreates the sound and spectacle of Earth, Wind & Fire with dynamic horns, soulful vocals and high-energy choreography. The group includes Curtis Johnson, an original touring member of Earth, Wind & Fire.
More information: www.theparktheatre.org
Zaccai Curtis Quintet (Virtual Concert)
7:30–10 p.m., Vermont Jazz Center, Brattleboro, VT
Grammy Award–winning pianist Zaccai Curtis leads a virtual performance featuring musicians from his album “Cubop Lives!” The concert explores Afro-Cuban jazz traditions alongside bebop classics and original compositions.
More information: www.vtjazz.org
Noise Pollution: The AC/DC Experience
8 p.m., The Stone Church, Brattleboro, VT
A high-voltage tribute to AC/DC brings the thunder to The Stone Church with faithful recreations of the band’s iconic sound and stage presence.
More information: www.stonechurchvt.com
Monday, Jan. 19
MLK Day Community Celebration: “Lift Every Voice”
5–6 p.m., The Park Theatre, Jaffrey
A free community celebration honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through song. The program features performances by the Monadnock Chorus and Dublin School Chorus, student presentations and original music, highlighting the role of music in the Civil Rights Movement.
More information: www.theparktheatre.org
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Film Screening
5:30–7:30 p.m., Keene Public Library, Keene
The City of Keene Human Rights Committee presents “Here Am I, Send Me: The Journey of Jonathan Daniels,” followed by a discussion with the film’s producers. The documentary chronicles the life and legacy of the Keene native and civil rights martyr. Free and open to the public.
More information: www.keenepubliclibrary.org


