​Nashua Community School’s Annual Play It Forward Concert Returns Aug. 23

NASHUA, NH — It’s been a rough year for the arts in the Granite State. As WMUR reports, cuts to arts funding in the recently passed state budget mean that New Hampshire now ranks last among U.S. states and territories for public arts funding, spending less than Guam, and the new state budget cuts the New Hampshire Council on the Arts funding from $1.5 million to $150,000.

“One thing about artists: sometimes we may be down, but we are never out,” Lindsay Rinaldi, executive director of the Nashua Community Music School (NCMS), said. “NCMS is ready to show our state at our annual Play It Forward concert just how valuable music and the arts overall are for building community, instilling confidence and hard work, helping young people grow into successful adults, and just having a great time!”

Happening Saturday, August 23, from 2-5 pm at the Biergarten at Anheuser-Busch, located at 221 Daniel Webster Hwy. in Merrimack, NH, Play It Forward will feature performances from Phantom City and NCMS After Dark, both bands comprised entirely by teenage NCMS students. Headlining is Big D and the Kids Table, New England’s premier family-friendly ska band. The band’s lead singer, Dave “Big D” McWane, has offered his expertise to the teen bands as they prepare for their stage debut, helping with songwriting. McWane and his band will perform an original song he co-wrote with the young musicians during their set.

“This mentorship is so important and special because we are giving these teens a safe place to come together and a platform to be heard,” Rinaldi said. “In a world filled with so much turmoil, we are using music as a positive force for change.”

Tickets may be purchased online for $40 each. Each ticket includes two tacos, children under 5 are free, and lawn chairs and picnic blankets are welcome. If you can’t make the show but would like to help an NCMS scholarship family attend, tickets may also be purchased for donation. NCMS is also seeking sponsorships at multiple levels from generous businesses and individuals.

To learn more, visit nashuacms.org/playitforward.

About the Nashua Community School

The Nashua Community Music School is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that has been serving the Greater Nashua community for over 40 years. Our mission is to create innovative music programming that is accessible to all. The Nashua Community Music School goes beyond simply music lessons. We envision a world where music builds community, ignites social change, and inspires artistic expression. Our programs have the power to transform lives, open doors, and connect people from all walks of life.

Submitted by the Nashua Community School