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KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) From Grammy-winning musicians and acclaimed comedians to avant-garde jazz innovators and international dance companies, The Colonial Theatre is betting on variety, discovery and community engagement as it launches one of its most ambitious seasons yet.
The downtown Keene performing arts venue recently unveiled its 2026-27 lineup, featuring more than two dozen performances on the Colonial’s main stage and 18 additional events at the SHOWROOM. The season reflects a broader artistic vision under Executive Director Keith Marks and Director of Programming Owen Murphy, who have spent the past year shaping what Marks describes as a more intentional and cohesive approach to programming.
“I think we’re trying to show vibrancy,” Marks said. “We want people to feel proud and excited, and we want people to get curious and trust our curation, take artistic leaps and try new things.”
That philosophy is evident throughout a schedule that ranges from mainstream favorites to lesser-known artists with international reputations.
The season opens Sept. 12 with Slavic Soul Party!, the Brooklyn-based brass band known for blending Balkan music traditions with funk, jazz and soul. Later that month, acclaimed hip-hop lyricist Talib Kweli brings his socially conscious brand of rap to Keene on Sept. 26.
Comedy fans will have several opportunities to laugh throughout the year, including performances by Margaret Cho on Oct. 1, Nurse Blake on Oct. 4 and New Hampshire favorite Juston McKinney on Nov. 21.
Country music legend Randy Travis will appear Oct. 2. Although a 2013 stroke ended his ability to perform vocally, Travis continues to tour with his longtime band, sharing stories and celebrating a career that includes seven Grammy Awards and more than 25 million albums sold.
Among the season’s biggest musical attractions is Trombone Shorty on Oct. 16. The New Orleans performer, known for his blend of jazz, funk, rock and hip-hop, has become one of the most recognizable ambassadors of contemporary Louisiana music and has performed everywhere from the White House to major international festivals.
Other notable main-stage performances include folk singer-songwriter Josh Ritter on Oct. 29, gospel legends Blind Boys of Alabama on Oct. 24, Celtic rock favorites Red Hot Chilli Pipers on March 12 and the internationally acclaimed Ndlovu Youth Choir of South Africa on May 7.
The Colonial is also continuing its commitment to dance, theater and educational programming.
The Paul Taylor Dance Company, one of America’s most celebrated modern dance ensembles, will perform March 19. New York Theatre Ballet returns with its annual production of “The Nutcracker” on Dec. 19, while the Keene Lions Club Winter Musical is scheduled for Feb. 12-14.
The season also includes two National Geographic Live presentations. “Untangling the Mind” on March 17 explores the mysteries of the human brain, while “Chasing Monarchs” on April 21 follows the remarkable migration of monarch butterflies.
One of the more unique events arrives Feb. 27 when the New England Philharmonic Chamber Players perform a live score alongside a screening of Buster Keaton’s silent-film classic “Sherlock Jr.”
Marks said partnerships with community organizations remain central to the theatre’s mission. Collaborations with groups including Keene Pride, the Keene Lions Club, NHDI and MoCo Arts are helping broaden the theatre’s reach while introducing new audiences to the venue.
The season also includes several specialty events, from the family-friendly “Fraggle Rock” live production on Oct. 10 to “Summoning Spirits” on Oct. 17, a paranormal-themed theatrical experience strategically scheduled during Pumpkin Festival weekend.
While the Colonial’s main stage hosts larger touring acts, the SHOWROOM continues to serve as a home for more intimate and adventurous programming.
The venue’s season begins Sept. 6 with John Zorn’s Flatlands Trio and includes appearances by pianist and composer Ben Cosgrove, roots-rock guitarist Jax Hollow, acclaimed Italian vocalist Maria Mazzotta, folk innovator Jenny Scheinman, Celtic ensemble Cantrip and genre-defying string trio Bristol Lightning.
For Marks, one of the season’s most exciting bookings is the appearance of avant-garde composer and saxophonist John Zorn’s New Masada Quartet on May 8.
“I’m a massive John Zorn head, and I’ve never been able to work with him,” he said. “And (we) did it.”
The season also reflects a growing confidence in the theater’s artistic identity. Marks said programming decisions are no longer made as isolated bookings but as part of a larger strategy that balances comedy, family entertainment, classical music, dance, world music and experimental performances.
“This is kind of the first year that the organization is thinking more holistically,” Marks said. “We want our season to feel like a programmatic arc, that we’re taking people places.”
That approach extends beyond the printed season brochure. Additional performances are expected to be announced throughout the year as opportunities arise.
For audiences, Marks hopes the result is a season that encourages exploration.
“Our goal is to start building curatorial trust with the community,” he said.