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KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) For Keith Marks, music is more than entertainment—it’s a way to connect people across cultures, histories, and experiences.
As the director of The Colonial Theatre, Marks is curating a season he hopes will transform how local audiences experience live performance.
“I’m a sonic explorer,” he said “I want to bring artists to Keene who would never normally make their way here—musicians who expand what we think live music can be.”
This fall’s lineup reflects that mission: four performances that blur genres, defy borders, and showcase virtuosity from around the world. Each one, Marks says, offers a fresh way to connect through sound.
First up is Malika Zarra, performing this Friday, Oct. 24, at 7:30 p.m. at The Showroom. The Moroccan-born vocalist, who grew up in Paris and made her name in New York’s jazz scene, weaves Arabic, French, and jazz influences into music that feels at once familiar and completely new. “Her sound is hypnotic and full of spirit,” Marks said. “It’s a journey through cultures.”
Next comes the Rasa String Quartet on Saturday, Nov. 1, at 2 p.m., also at The Showroom. Known for their work with living composers, the Grammy-affiliated ensemble brings context to every performance, offering audiences insight into the stories behind each piece. “They help you understand why the music matters,” Marks said. “Their curation is always stunning.”
On Friday, Nov. 7, at 7:30 p.m., Arun Ramamurthy Trio takes the Showroom stage, blending classical Indian violin with the improvisational spirit of jazz. Marks calls it a can’t-miss performance. “If I had to pick one show people absolutely need to experience, this would be it,” he said. “The drummer alone is a monster musician.”
Rounding out the fall lineup is the internationally renowned Silkroad Ensemble, performing Thursday, Nov. 13, at 7 p.m. on The Colonial’s main stage. Founded by cellist Yo-Yo Ma and now led musically by Rhiannon Giddens, Silkroad’s latest project explores the story of the American railroad through a global lens. The performance is co-presented with the Historical Society of Cheshire County. “The artists in Silkroad are the best in the world,” Marks said. “It’s about history, connection, and movement—music as a bridge.”
Beyond the performances themselves, Marks’ broader goal is to reshape how the community engages with local arts. He’s made affordability a cornerstone of his approach, keeping Showroom tickets prices low and introducing a student ticket option. “It has to be affordable to be accessible,” he said.
But Marks is candid about the stakes: this adventurous programming can only continue if the community comes out to the theater. “I need people to show up and talk about it,” he said.
For Marks, every concert is an invitation to trust his curation—a chance to step into something unexpected and walk away changed. “I would love to see people experience this new era of programming at The Colonial and Showroom,” he said. “These artists are world-class. Keene deserves to hear them.”
For full show details and ticket information, visit thecolonial.org.