Five for Fighting Brings Songs, Stories and Strings to a Sold-Out BNH Stage
Five for Fighting Brings Songs, Stories and Strings to a Sold-Out BNH Stage
CONCORD, NH — September 25, 2026
Some live music shows are built around big lights, pyrotechnics, literally all the bells and whistles. And other live shows remind us how powerful a great song can be when you strip it down and let it play for itself. Friday night’s sold-out Five for Fighting performance at the Bank of New Hampshire Stage in Concord fell squarely into the second category.
With John Ondrasik at the piano and a string quartet transforming songs many of us have known for decades, the evening was warm, funny, nostalgic and, at times, unexpectedly emotional. But before Five for Fighting took the stage, Concord met a young duo worth remembering.
Lace & Lee Make New Fans in Concord
Lace & Lee walked onto the BNH Stage with the difficult job every opening act faces: playing for a room full of people who came to see someone else. They didn’t seem particularly worried about it. Young, talented, funny and completely comfortable with one another, the duo quickly built a connection with the audience through beautiful harmonies, smart songwriting and a sense of humor that kept showing up between songs.
Their voices are striking together…precise but never overworked, sweet, light and almost dreamy at times. Songs including “Top Dog,” “Hunter,” “Oh What a Weapon,” “Penn Station Strawberries” and the wonderfully named “Roadkill” gave the audience a glimpse of just how much range exists inside their songwriting.
Even when the subject matter turned toward anxiety, pain or the more complicated pieces of being human, Lace & Lee found a way to keep the audience close. A lyric comparing pain to puzzle pieces lingered long after the song ended.
And then there was “Jolene.” Taking on a song that is recognizable requires confidence, and their harmonies gave it their own identity without trying to overpower what people already love about it. By the time the pair ended their set with their new song “Roadkill,” they had accomplished exactly what a great opener should: they had made people curious about what comes next.
Lace & Lee have stories to tell. More importantly, they already understand how to invite an audience into those stories. They are technically strong performers, generous with their song choices and naturally entertaining. Their humor creates the opening, and then the songs often go somewhere deeper. They lit up the stage in Concord, and I have a feeling we’ll be hearing a lot more from them.
Five for Fighting, With the String Quartet
When John Ondrasik took the stage, the evening shifted into something that felt less like a traditional concert and more like spending a couple of hours listening to someone tell the stories behind the songs that became part of your own life. These songs are already emotional, but strings add another layer: sometimes delicate, sometimes cinematic and sometimes always passionate and emotional. You don’t simply hear the arrangements differently. You feel them differently. “Easy Tonight” was an early reminder of that, particularly during a gorgeous violin solo that filled the intimate BNH Stage beautifully.
Ondrasik is also an easy storyteller. Friendly, funny and warm, he seemed genuinely delighted to be back in New Hampshire and fully embraced the Granite State experience, right down to the apples, cider donuts and a little appreciation for “Live Free or Die.” That connection with the audience became one of the best parts of the night.
Before “65 Mustang,” Ondrasik talked about the nostalgia behind the song, prompting immediate connection the the audience. That is what songs like these do. One person writes from his own memory and somehow sends hundreds of other people wandering through theirs.
Then came the song nearly everyone in the room had been waiting for. “Superman (It’s Not Easy)” still lands. More than two decades after it first found its way into people’s lives, hearing it performed in an intimate space with piano and strings made the song feel less like a radio hit and more like the vulnerable piece of songwriting it has always been.
Family, Freedom and the Stories Behind the Songs
Ondrasik spent much of the evening giving context to his music, stories about his wife, his family, his career and the experiences that have shaped what he chooses to write about. One of the evening’s sweetest moments came when his daughter Olivia joined him onstage for “I Just Love You.” There are polished musical moments, and then there are human ones. This was both. Watching a father and daughter share the stage gave the song an intimacy no arrangement could manufacture.
Another major thread throughout the evening was Ondrasik’s support for members of the military and their families. He spoke about the Gary Sinise Foundation, recognized military families in the audience and shared the story behind a song inspired after meeting the father of a service member.
Regardless of where an audience member might fall on any particular issue, there is little ambiguity about what motivates Ondrasik when he talks about these subjects: gratitude toward people who serve and deep concern for the families who sacrifice alongside them.
That became even more powerful during “Can One Man Save the World?” Ondrasik introduced the song by talking about his experience traveling to Ukraine before video from the trip filled the screen behind him. The room became very quiet. Seeing the images while hearing the song performed live transformed it into one of the evening’s most emotionally intense moments.
Later, he reflected on performing in New York City earlier this month as part of the 25th anniversary remembrance of September 11. Coming only two weeks after that anniversary, the story and music carried a weight that was impossible to miss.
“The Day I Died” followed as another reminder that beneath the familiar radio songs sits a much deeper Five for Fighting catalog. There were surprises, too. At one point Ondrasik performed a song he told the audience he had never played live before…exactly the kind of small, unrepeatable moment that makes live music worth chasing.
Four for Fighting
The string players were never simply background musicians. Ondrasik made sure of that.
During a playful segment he dubbed “Four for Fighting,” quartet members Peter, Chris, Melissa and Katie stepped into the spotlight with a wildly entertaining musical detour that blended classical technique with rock and roll. Pieces of familiar songs began appearing, including “Stairway to Heaven,” before the medley eventually landed on Aerosmith’s “Dream On.”
It was emotional,passionate, technically impressive and completely unexpected. And that describes much of the night. The musicianship throughout the performance was outstanding, especially considering this tour is moving through New England on back-to-back nights.
One More Song! And Everyone on Their Feet
After an evening filled with stories about childhood, marriage, fatherhood, military families, September 11 and the strange way songs travel with us through different stages of our lives, Five for Fighting could have ended quietly. Instead, they threw a party.
Lace & Lee returned to the stage and suddenly the entire room was singing along to “Bohemian Rhapsody.” People were standing. People were dancing. Everyone knew the words. It was an inspired way to close the night.
Because after all the stories and all the reflection, sometimes the right ending is simply getting a room full of strangers onto their feet and reminding them how much fun live music can be. Five for Fighting with String Quartet is now making its way through New England, and this version of the show is worth experiencing.
The familiar songs are there. And so are the deep cuts, the stories behind them, a few surprises and four exceptional string players who give those songs an entirely different emotional vocabulary.
And if Lace & Lee happen to be opening when the tour reaches your city, get there early. You’re going to want to hear them, too.
Find Lace & Lee and upcoming tour dates at LaceAndLee.com.
Five for Fighting tour information and music can be found at FiveForFighting.com.
Bonnie M for WSCA 106.1FM Portsmouth, NH
Photos and more: Bonnie’s Mixtape
Shinedown Turns a Monday Night into Something Much Bigger Than a Concert
July 20, 2026
SNHU Arena
Manchester, New Hampshire
A Night That Started with Energy
Sometimes you walk into an arena expecting a great rock show. Sometimes you leave having experienced something you’ll never forget.
That was the feeling inside SNHU Arena Monday night as nearly every seat filled with fans ready for Shinedown’s Dance, Kid, Dance Tour. Before the headliners took the stage, From Ashes to New delivered a high energy set that immediately connected with the crowd. Their performance warmed up the multi level stage and set the tone for what would become an unforgettable evening. Coheed and Cambria joined the stage for their epic set generating an even hotter atmosphere as the fans anticipated the night ahead.
Shinedown Takes Control
When Shinedown finally took the stage, they didn’t simply perform, they completely blew away the filled arena. For two hours, the band delivered an explosive performance that never lost momentum. The audience sang every word, celebrated every guitar solo, and listened closely as frontman Brent Smith paused between songs to share stories that were every bit as powerful as the music itself.
One of the evening’s highlights came during their moving performance of “Simple Man.” Dedicated to the memories of Chris Cornell and Chester Bennington, it became far more than a cover song. Thousands of voices filled the arena, creating one of the most emotional moments of the night.
Music with a Purpose
Beyond the spectacular lighting and musicianship, the disco balls and fans…what impressed me most was the “heart” of Shinedown. Shinedown is currently touring without bassist Eric Bass, who stepped away from the road to focus on his mental health. Rather than avoiding the subject, the band continues to encourage conversations about mental wellness while supporting organizations that make a difference.
This year’s tour is also donating one dollar from every ticket sold to City of Hope, helping fund research and treatment in the fight against cancer. Those messages weren’t delivered as announcements. They were woven naturally into the evening, reminding everyone that music has the power to do much more than entertain.
Looking Around the Room
There were several moments during the show when I stopped photographing and simply looked around. Thousands of fans were singing together. Complete strangers stood shoulder to shoulder. The lighting danced across the arena while voices echoed from every section. It was one of the most beautiful concert environments I’ve experienced.
As photographers, we’re trained to look for moments. Monday night, the moment wasn’t just on the stage. It was everywhere. It was in the crowd.
Why Live Music Matters
Before the show, another photographer told me, “Stay until the end. Shinedown always puts on a killer show.” She was right. By the final song, Monday night no longer felt like the beginning of a work week. It felt like a Saturday night celebration filled with hope, gratitude, community, and music that genuinely made people feel something.
We are incredibly fortunate that artists like Shinedown continue to bring tours like this to New Hampshire. In a world that often feels divided, they reminded us of something simple. Music still has the power to bring people together. And for a few unforgettable hours inside SNHU Arena, that’s exactly what it did.
See Shinedown on tour – https://www.shinedown.com/
Review: Bonnie M. for WSCA FM, Portsmouth Community Radio
Instagram: @bonniesmixtapemedia
Tiktok: @photographybybonnie
Setlists & Snapshots: Super Summer Tour 2026
Dierks Bentley Brings Country Music, Community, and a Few Surprises to BankNH Pavilion
July 9, 2026
Gilford, New Hampshire
A Summer Night Worth Staying Up For
There are artists who put on a concert, and then there are artists who create an experience. After seeing Dierks Bentley four times over the past three years, I’ve learned that every time he comes to New Hampshire, you know you’re in for a fun night filled with great music, plenty of laughs, and a few surprises you never saw coming.
On Thursday, July 9, fans packed BankNH Pavilion for another memorable stop on Bentley’s 2026 tour. As the sun slowly disappeared and the lawn continued to fill, the charming Kaitlin Butts warmed up the stage before Grammy Award-winning bluegrass legend Ricky Skaggs and his incredibly talented six-piece band joined.
Ricky Skaggs Sets the Tone
Their traditional bluegrass sound was the perfect way to begin a summer concert. Skaggs and his band showcased dazzling musicianship, including a guitarist who effortlessly doubled on drums. The early crowd quickly settled into the evening, enjoying songs like “Highway 40 Blues” while waiting for Bentley to take the stage.
Dierks Bentley Delivers
When Dierks Bentley finally appeared, the energy shifted into another gear.
Opening with “I’ve Been Gone” and rolling into favorites like “5150,” “Gold,” “Somewhere on a Beach,” and “I Hold On,” he had fans on their feet for nearly the entire show. Looking around the pavilion, it felt like one giant singalong. Families, longtime fans, and first-time concertgoers all knew the words, creating the kind of atmosphere that has become a trademark of every Dierks Bentley performance.
A Band Built on Chemistry
One thing I’ve always appreciated about Bentley is the genuine respect he has for the musicians around him. His band continues to grow stronger every tour, and the chemistry between them is obvious. Bentley never hesitates to let them shine, often joking that they’re trying to steal his job. It’s all part of the easygoing personality that has made him one of country music’s most likeable performers.
A Night of Special Guests
The biggest surprise of the evening came when Bentley welcomed Ricky Skaggs back to the stage for a spirited performance of “Highway 40 Blues,” followed by a Waylon Jennings classic. Then, rising country artist Kaitlin Butts, who will soon join Ella Langley on tour, joined them for an unforgettable rendition of “Tulsa Time.”
Watching three generations of country musicians share one stage was one of those moments you simply can’t plan for, and the crowd loved every second of it.
More Than a Concert
That’s what makes a Dierks Bentley concert different. He doesn’t just showcase his own catalog. He celebrates country music. He shines a spotlight on artists who helped build the genre while introducing audiences to the next generation. His concerts feel less like a headlining performance and more like a family gathering where everyone is invited.
On a Thursday night, when many of us probably should have been home getting ready for work the next morning, Dierks Bentley reminded us exactly why staying out late is sometimes the best decision you can make. Great songs, incredible musicians, genuine laughter, and thousands of fans singing together under the New Hampshire sky made for another unforgettable evening.
Don’t Miss This Tour
If Dierks Bentley is headed to your town in 2026, don’t think twice. Grab your boots, bring your family, and prepare to sing all night long.
Review: Bonnie M. for WSCA FM, Portsmouth Community Radio
Instagram: @bonniesmixtapemedia
Tiktok: @photographybybonnie
Setlists & Snapshots: Super Summer Tour 2026
Earth, Wind & Fire and Lionel Richie Turn TD Garden into the Biggest Family Reunion of the Summer
July 8, 2026
Boston, Massachusetts
Some concerts entertain.
Others become memories you’ll carry for the rest of your life.
On a warm summer evening at Boston’s TD Garden, Earth, Wind & Fire and Lionel Richie didn’t simply perform decades of hit songs, they brought generations of fans together for what may be one of the most joyful concerts of 2026. It was a celebration of music, community, and the timeless songs that have become the soundtrack to our lives.
Earth, Wind & Fire Set the Stage on Fire
If you think a band celebrating more than five decades of music slows down, think again.
Earth, Wind & Fire exploded onto the stage with an 11-piece band that was as tight as it was energetic. Twin drummers drove the rhythm from the backline while the percussionists commanded the front of the stage, creating the unmistakable groove that has defined the band’s sound for generations.
From “Shining Star” and “Sing a Song” to “Reasons,” “After the Love Has Gone,” “Boogie Wonderland,” and the show-closing “September,” the hits just kept coming. Towering vocals, dazzling sequined stagewear, soaring guitar solos, and flawless musicianship reminded everyone why Earth, Wind & Fire remains one of the greatest live bands in music history.
One of my favorite moments wasn’t on stage at all.
It was watching fans in their twenties dancing alongside parents and grandparents, every generation singing every word together. Music has an incredible way of erasing age, and for one unforgettable hour, TD Garden became one giant dance floor.
Original members Ralph Johnson and Verdine White continue to anchor the band’s unmistakable sound, while Philip Bailey’s son has stepped into the family legacy with percussion and vocals, helping bridge the band’s remarkable history with its future.
Lionel Richie Reminds Us Why He’s a Legend
When the lights dimmed for Lionel Richie, the excitement somehow grew even louder.
Walking onstage in his signature black outfit topped with a bright yellow leather jacket, Richie looked every bit the superstar he has been for decades. At 77 years old, he remains one of the most charismatic performers in music, effortlessly balancing humor, storytelling, and one unforgettable song after another.
From “Hello” and “Stuck on You” to “Easy,” “Sail On,” “Three Times a Lady,” “Dancing on the Ceiling,” and “Brick House,” every song felt like opening another chapter of our own lives.
These weren’t simply hit records. They were memories.
The soundtrack to first loves, weddings, heartbreaks, road trips, family celebrations, and nights spent dancing with friends.
Music That Connects Us
One of the evening’s most emotional moments came during Richie’s moving performance of “Lady,” accompanied by footage of Kenny Rogers. The duet, recreated through archival video, reminded the audience just how powerful music can be. There wasn’t a dry eye in my section of the arena.
Minutes later, Richie had the entire building dancing again.
That emotional swing, from tears to laughter to celebration, is something only the greatest entertainers can accomplish.
Throughout the night, Richie spoke about community, togetherness, and family. Looking around TD Garden, it was impossible not to notice exactly that. Grandparents brought grandchildren. Parents introduced their children to the music they grew up with. Friends reunited over songs they had loved for decades.
For a few hours, thousands of strangers became one giant family reunion.
Don’t Miss This Tour
I’ve photographed and reviewed hundreds of concerts over the years, and this one stands among the very best.
The production is world-class. The musicianship is flawless. The performances are authentic, heartfelt, and incredibly fun. Most importantly, these songs still matter.
They remind us where we’ve been, who we’ve loved, and how music has the remarkable ability to bring people together. If Earth, Wind & Fire and Lionel Richie are coming anywhere near your city in 2026, buy the ticket.
Bring your parents. Bring your kids. Bring your grandparents. Bring your friends.
Because concerts like this don’t happen very often, and when they do, they remind us that music isn’t just something we listen to.
It’s something we live.
Jack Johnson Brings the Sound of Summer to Gilford, with Hermanos Gutiérrez
June 12, 2026
Gilford, New Hampshire
On a beautiful early summer night in Gilford, New Hampshire, Jack Johnson brought the first stop of his SURFILMUSIC tour to a sold-out BankNH Pavilion, and it felt like summer had officially arrived. Families, longtime fans, and concertgoers of every age filled the venue Friday night, soaking in the kind of easygoing, feel-good atmosphere that has always made a Jack Johnson show feel more like a shared experience than just another concert.
Before Johnson took the stage, brothers Alejandro and Estevan Gutiérrez of Hermanos Gutiérrez opened the night with a 45-minute instrumental set that felt like desert rock meeting surf soundtrack under the New Hampshire sky. The duo shared that more than 20 years ago, they had started out playing Jack Johnson songs, making this tour stop feel especially meaningful for them. Their set was hypnotic and cinematic, with rich guitar textures that created a calm, transportive mood and quietly drew the crowd in. Later in the evening, the brothers returned to the stage during Johnson’s short film segment, helping bring the visual storytelling to life with live instrumental accompaniment that was as beautiful as it was understated.
When Jack Johnson finally hit the stage, the crowd was more than ready. From the opening notes, the BankNH Pavilion turned into the soundtrack of summer: warm air, waterfront energy, and thousands of voices singing along. Johnson mixed newer material with the songs that have defined so many summers for his fans, keeping the audience on its feet and fully locked in. His relaxed presence, effortless guitar work, and the playful way he worked in musical detours and cover teases kept the crowd guessing and smiling all night long. One standout moment came when keyboardist Zach Gill stepped into the spotlight for his own brief vocal feature, reminding everyone just how much personality Johnson’s band brings to the stage.
Then came “Banana Pancakes,” one of the night’s biggest singalongs, and with it, one of the most joyful moments of the evening. Gill, accordion in hand, turned the song into a full-body celebration, dancing across the stage and somehow making the accordion feel like the coolest instrument in the building. It was one of those moments that summed up the night perfectly: playful, communal, and impossible not to love.
For anyone who has never seen Jack Johnson live, Friday night in Gilford was a reminder of what makes his music endure. It is not flashy. It does not need to be. It is honest, warm, and rooted in the kind of songs that make people want to gather with the people they love and sing along. With Hermanos Gutiérrez adding a stunning instrumental layer to the evening, the opening night of the SURFILMUSIC tour felt less like a concert and more like the way summer is supposed to sound.