NEBDI 2026 Digital Program

Schedule at a Glance

Session Descriptions by Date & Time

Monday, July 13th, 2026

8:00 – 8:45 am

Check-in, Registration, Continental Breakfast

Visit our Featured Industry Partner, David French Music Co.

Redfern Arts Center Lobby (2nd floor) & Harry Davis Room

8:45 – 9:00 am

Welcome & Opening Remarks

John T. Hart Jr., Directors of Bands, Keene State College, NEBDI Coordinator

Kurt Schweiss, Director of Music & the Performing Arts Center, Timberlane Regional School District, NHBDA President

Alumni Recital Hall

NHBDA President, Kurt Schweiss, and NEBDI Coordinator and host, Dr. John Hart, will welcome participants to NEBDI 2026; share an overview of the schedule, locations, and other relevant details to make the most of NEBDI; and share some exciting announcements!

Session 1: 9:00 – 9:45 am – Plenary Session with Brian Balmages

If You PLAY Something, SAY Something!

Brian Balmages, Featured Composer & Clinician

Alumni Recital Hall

Everyone agrees on the importance of playing musically. But how is this accomplished? And what does it even mean to play musically? Getting the ensemble to understand its role in breathing life into a phrase is one of the most critical elements in any rehearsal or performance. Explore the difference between true musicality and the concept of “choreographed musicianship” as Balmages engages the audience through performance so attendees can actually experience the different tiers of musicality.

9:45 – 10:00 am

Visit our Featured Industry Partner

David French Music Co., Lobby

Session 2: 10:00 – 11:00 am

Ron Nelson’s Final Band Works You’ve Never Heard Of

Matthew Mailman, Bass School of Music, Oklahoma City University

Redfern 101

I had the privilege of knowing Ron Nelson for my entire life. He and my father were best friends from the time they were undergraduates at Eastman until my father’s passing in 2000, and I knew Ron literally from the time I was born. Ron and I stayed close and cultivated a relationship that I would describe as a second father. We awarded him an Honorary Doctor of Music Arts at OCU, and I made several visits to him and his wife Michele in Scottsdale over the years until Ron’s passing in December 2023. I was able to be a part of bringing two new band pieces to the world that were unexpected: Homage to Landini and Pavane: For Michele in April. Both have interesting incipits and fascinating stories, both are accessible to most bands, and both will soon be available for purchase and performance. The presentation will cover the stories of the development of both works as well as recordings and information on purchasing them. 

I'm In My First Five Years as a High School/ College Band Director. HELP!

Chad "Sir Wick" Hughes, Jonathan Thompson, Ishbah Cox

Redfern 112

Ah! It’s done. You have finally landed that high school or college job you’ve always wanted! Or maybe, you're still new at college or high school teaching and you seem stuck! Now what? How will your first day in the band room look? How will you interact with your students, colleagues, administration, and alumni? How do you handle your budgetary needs and concerns? What do you need to do before the first day of band camp?  Who do you need to know in order to get practical things done? This session will help with the first day/year fears and beyond. Let's set you up for success! 

It’s Not the Tuner: Practical Solutions for Fixing Band Intonation

Marc Decker, Florida Atlantic University

Alumni Recital Hall

Most of us hear the band play out of tune and immediately reach for the tuner. After going down the line and fixing it that day, it goes right back to out-of-tune the next. Why? Because the tuning slide isn’t the problem. This session explores practical strategies for improving ensemble intonation by addressing the fundamentals that influence pitch. Participants will learn a simple troubleshooting framework that helps to quickly identify the root causes of pitch problems and help students’ develop listening skills. Directors will leave with the confidence to develop student habits that emphasize impeccable individual fundamentals and heightened ensemble awareness. This session is designed for directors at all levels who want practical, immediately applicable tools to help their ensembles play with better pitch and a more resonant sound.

11:00 – 11:15 am

Visit our Featured Industry Partner

David French Music Co., Lobby

Stock up on scores & supplies; get answers from experts; make connections!

Session 3: 11:015 am – 12:15 pm

Making Our Mark: Another Take on Programming Underrepresented Composers

Jack A. Eaddy, Jr. 

Redfern 101

The 21st century has opened our eyes to composers we may not have traditionally programmed. With this resurgence, we are experiencing a breakthrough in the wind band medium; new sounds, colors, and styles are finding their way to our ensembles and the stage. Band directors are encouraged to program underrepresented composers but need ideas on where to begin. This session is not to learn about checking a box for your concert but to help the wind band medium continue to evolve. Participants will engage in discussions about various composers, their unique styles, and programming strategies, as well as adding music to various state lists. 

Incorporating Popular Music into Your Curriculum: 

An Effective Method for Ensemble Teachers

Justin Daly, East Lyme (CT) High School

Redfern 112

This session will explore the benefits and practical strategies for integrating popular music into your ensemble curriculum. Learn how to engage students, enhance their musical skills, and foster a love for music through the lens of contemporary styles. Discover techniques for adapting popular songs for your ensemble while maintaining artistic integrity and addressing pedagogical considerations. This session will provide valuable tools and resources to revitalize your teaching practice and create exciting and relevant musical experiences for your students.

Basic Playing/Repair for Middle School Percussion

Christian Terry, Lebanon (NH) Middle School

Main Theater

Middle school percussionists often need guidance in multiple areas—technique, instrument care, and musical understanding. This session provides directors with practical strategies for teaching fundamental percussion playing techniques, addressing common equipment issues, and creating simple arrangements that engage developing players. Participants will explore efficient ways to teach stick control, sound production, and basic keyboard percussion skills, along with quick fixes for common problems such as loose hardware, worn heads, and minor instrument adjustments. The session will also demonstrate how directors can create accessible percussion parts and small ensemble arrangements that reinforce musical concepts while keeping students motivated. Attendees will leave with practical tools and ideas to build confident, capable middle school percussionists and to keep their percussion section running smoothly. This is a hands-on session!

12:15 – 1:15 pm

Lunch in Town & Visit David French Music

Lunch in Keene 

Visit the online list of food recommendations in Downtown Keene, curated by NEBDI Coordinator and Keene local, Dr. Hart. 

ALSO: Visit our Featured Industry Partner

David French Music Co., Lobby

You forgot your valve oil and/or reeds, didn’t you? David French has you covered!

Session 4: 1:15 – 2:15 pm

Reading Session

Reading Session: Grades ½–2

AJ Coppola, Band, Chorus, General Music at Campton (NH) Elementary School

Main Theater

Selecting repertoire at the beginning band and developing band levels can sometimes be a challenge, and it can be hard to know exactly “what’ll work.” Join NHBDA Northern District Representative and Campton (NH) Elementary School teacher AJ Coppola in a reading session of repertoire that spans tried-and-true titles & composers, as well as new and exciting repertoire from popular rising composers. You’re sure to find several pieces that are excellent for teaching skills and developing artistry in your musicians. Special thanks to the many composers and publishers on the list, as well as the various school libraries that donated titles to the reading session. The repertoire list and where to find each title is available on the NEBDI 2026 website and in the online program. Bring your instruments!

2:15 – 2:45 pm

NHBDA Business Meeting (2:15–2:30pm)

All NHBDA members, Main Theater

Coffee & Tea Break (2:15–2:45pm)

Harry Davis Room 

Residential Check-In (2:15–2:45pm)

Redfern Lobby

And of course, visit our Featured Industry Partner

David French Music Co., Lobby

Session 5: 2:45 – 3:45 pm

Setting Up Beginners for Success: Front-loading, Markings, and Mini-Lessons

Caitlin Ramsey & Missy Shabo, Cape Elizabeth Middle School

Redfern 101

With shorter attention spans, increased anxiety, and shifting behaviors, setting up beginners for success is more vital than ever. This session focuses on practical methods to jump-start achievement for beginning band students despite challenging schedules, limited class time, and non-ideal instrument groupings. This session explores front-loading strategies that build knowledge, skills, and confidence while maximizing class time and home practice. Additionally, we will demonstrate effective instrument-marking systems and a high-impact mini-lesson event designed to generate excitement, community interest, and build student confidence. These proven, adaptable strategies create a positive first band experience, fostering long-term student engagement and success, and educators will leave with practical, immediately implementable ideas that reduce the stress and chaos of teaching beginners.

Something Old, New, Borrowed, and YOU! A Recipe for Programming Meaningful Repertoire for Concert Bands

Brent Johnson

Redfern 112

Programming repertoire for bands is often stressful, and many conductors/educators don't know where to begin. This session looks at a framework of programming that includes works that shaped the genre, that are new to the genre, transcriptions that celebrate music originally intended for other ensembles, and works that say something about who you - you being the conductor and the performers - are as an ensemble. The goal of the session will be to connect participants to valuable resources for exploring repertoire choices and help navigating the selection of and preparation for various concerts throughout the year. Ideas will include thematic concerts, concerts where the repertoire is related in some way, and selecting music for contests/assessments/festivals. The underlying goal of repertoire is to showcase the ensemble, represent the students and teachers associated with the group, and help the performers grow as musicians and artists throughout the preparation and performance process.

Chamber Music is for Everyone! 

How It Improves Our Musicians and How It Can Improve Your Large Ensemble

Jeffrey Ventres, Farmington (CT) High School

Rose-Marie Evans, Nathan Hale-Ray High School

Louis Hanzlik, University of Connecticut 

Alumni Recital Hall

Chamber Music is often saved for the most advanced musicians. In reality, it should be for all musicians. Participating in chamber music empowers students to make independent musical decisions and explore how those decisions impact a piece of music while collaborating with their peers.  In this presentation, we will discuss the social and musical benefits of chamber music for all musicians, methods for scaffolding this process, and how to implement it into your ensemble. We will also demonstrate some chamber coaching techniques with a chamber group that you can use with your students.

3:45 – 4:00 pm

Visit our Featured Industry Partner

David French Music, Lobby

Last chance to grab that jazz mouthpiece before this evening’s jazz reading session!

Session 6: 4:00 – 5:15 pm – Keynote Session with Brian Balmages

Play It Forward! Navigating the Intersection of Composer, Conductor, Publisher, and Performer 

Brian Balmages, Featured Composer & Clinician

Alumni Recital Hall

How can conductors reliably select great music? How can composers maintain their artistic vision across multiple grade levels? How can a publisher help composers break into the field? How can publishers hurt that potential? How can performers of all ages benefit from the right synergy of all the above? Get ready to blow up the notion of “educational music” as we explore the musical “edge effect” – that magical intersection of possibility between composer, conductor, publisher, and performer.

5:15 – 6:30 pm

Dinner

Visit the online list of food recommendations in Downtown Keene, curated by NEBDI Coordinator and Keene local, Dr. Hart. 

Session 5: 6:30 – 8:00 pm

Reading Session

Jazz Band Reading Session

Kenneth Clark, Timberlane Schools

Alumni Recital Hall

Bring your horn! Come and play some jazz band charts! We will perform selections of new music spanning all genres of jazz. Many thanks to JW Pepper for supplying this year’s repertoire, and many thanks to Kenneth Clark for running this session for nearly three decades! Bravo, Ken! Bring your instruments to this session! Observers and audience members are welcome.

Tuesday, July 14th, 2026

8:00 – 9:00 am

Check-in, Registration, Continental Breakfast

Visit our Featured Industry Partner, David French Music Co.

Redfern Arts Center Lobby (2nd floor) & Harry Davis Room

Session 1: 9:00 – 10:15 am

Building a Team: Ensemble from Day 1 to Day 7248

Joe Cernuto

Redfern 101

Let’s face it…the band director juggles with flaming knives in the classroom! We need to teach proper embouchure (and grip!), finger / hand positions, intonation skills, basic (and not so basic) music theory, scales, scales, and more scales, and make sure that people are on the bus on time. And – we have the upcoming concert! Sometimes we can concentrate so closely on technical achievement (the flaming knives references above) that we lose a sense for what band really can be – a communication of art from performer to audience. How can we teach musicianship, artistry, and ensembleship to performers from a young age? In this session, we will discuss some incredibly (maybe even too) simple approaches to musical performance that can instantly make for more musical experiences for both conductor, performer, and audience member alike. Bring your own ideas to share...there truly is no “I’ in team! 

Music Without Borders: Lessons from Community Bands and International Ensembles

Taylor Hughey, Courtois Performing Artist

Redfern 112

Many band directors spend most of their careers working with school ensembles, but it’s not uncommon to find themselves leading community groups or teaching in very different cultural settings along the way. This session looks at what teaching can look like beyond the traditional classroom. Drawing on experiences working with adult community bands and ensembles abroad, the presentation explores the challenges and rewards of making music with musicians from a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and musical traditions. We’ll talk about practical rehearsal approaches for adult ensembles, ways to build a supportive musical community, and how teaching styles sometimes need to shift when working across cultures. Participants will come away with ideas for working with volunteer musicians, adjusting rehearsal techniques, and creating meaningful musical experiences in different kinds of ensembles.

Programming Paradoxes: Choosing Repertoire that Resonates

Scott Hippensteel

Alumni Recital Hall

Ensemble directors are responsible for selecting which music our students will study and perform. One of the most challenging questions we must answer multiple times every year is “How do we choose which music to program?” The purposes of this clinic are to: 1) provide insights into our programming philosophies, 2) examine where we might have bias or imbalances, 3) explore student-oriented program priorities, 4) review a list of questions pertaining to both learning and program goals, 5) identify additional resources to assist with our programming decisions, and 6) empower our programming choices. In order to discover programs that nurture the musical education of our ensemble members, we must establish a set of priorities for students, audience, and conductors as we answer several questions that are both universal and unique to each program.

10:15 – 10:30 am

Visit our Featured Industry Partner

David French Music Co., Lobby

Session 2: 10:30 – 11:45 am

Chair Yoga for Musicians

Robert Franzblau

Redfern 101

Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years, and a growing body of scientific research shows that its focus on the mind and body offers valuable benefits for managing stress and promoting wellness for individuals of all ages. Its value to musicians also extends to a healthier and more efficient use of the breath. Using a chair as the main prop in yoga provides safety and stability for all participants; poses will be presented in various adaptations to ensure everyone can take part, and no prior experience is needed.

Robert Franzblau has been practicing yoga regularly for fifteen years. In 2021, he became a Registered Yoga Teacher© after completing a 200-hour training course in Integrative Yoga Therapy. Recently retired from college teaching, he is the conductor and artistic director of the Rhode Island Wind Ensemble.

What Musicians Wish Conductors Knew

Taylor Hughey, Courtois Performing Artist

Redfern 112

Conductors spend most of their time on the podium, but the experience of rehearsal can feel very different from inside the ensemble. As a professional musician who has spent years performing in bands and orchestras around the world, I’ve had plenty of opportunities to see rehearsals from the player’s side of the music stand. This session looks at rehearsal and communication from that perspective.

We’ll talk about practical things that make a difference to musicians in rehearsal, like clear instructions, pacing that keeps players engaged, and conducting habits that help ensembles respond quickly. We’ll also look at a few common rehearsal frustrations musicians experience and some simple ways conductors can address them. The goal isn’t to criticize the director, but to offer another angle on ensemble leadership. By understanding how their decisions come across to the people in the ensemble, directors can improve rehearsal flow, build stronger trust with musicians, and create a more productive and enjoyable rehearsal environment.

The Small Band Problem: Exploring the Challenges Faced by Directors of Small or Limited-Instrumentation Wind Bands

Ryan Cox, The Prout School

Alumni Recital Hall

Directors of small bands are in a unique position. Trying to program music appropriate for a small group, with a wide range of abilities, and a less-than-optimal spread of instruments presents a creative challenge that can be daunting for even the most seasoned directors. If you find yourself feeling jealous of the robust programs in your region, or if you've ever thought "man, if I just had one [insert instrument], I could program [insert your favorite piece]," you are not alone! This research-based presentation explores the degree to which band directors of small wind ensembles find section balance, repertoire selection, and ensemble culture a challenge due to band size or missing instrumentation. It aims to celebrate the solutions we already employ, and offer some interventions that directors, composers, and administrators can implement as well.

11:45 am – 12:00 pm

Before you run out for lunch, visit our Featured Industry Partner

David French Music Co., Lobby

12:00 – 1:30 pm

Lunch & Visit David French

Lunch in Keene  

Visit the online list of food recommendations in Downtown Keene, curated by NEBDI Coordinator and Keene local, Dr. Hart. 

Session 3: 1:30 – 2:45 pm

Instrument Repair Clinic

Adam Mejaour, David French Music

Redfern 101

We will be diving into the wonderful world of band instrument repair. Our main session objective will be to leave with a few band room friendly repair tips and a more rounded knowledge of when to throw in the towel and become friendly with your local repair technicians! I will be providing live examples from flute down to tuba with some of the most common problems, repairs and issues I've seen in the last 15 years in the shop at David French Music Co. in Westborough Massachusetts. 

Bassoonicorn: Demystifying the Most Mythical of Band Instruments

AJ Coppola & Leo Ely

Redfern 112

We know the magical joy of the bassoon: do you? In this session we will discuss how to get bassoons in your band and how to support the bassoons that you have already. This session is a space where you can get all of your burning bassoon questions answered: (When should students start on bassoon? Why are there so many thumb keys? Exactly WHAT am I flicking?) and learn how to maintain a booming bassoon section. Leo Ely, a rising sixth grade bassoonist from Campton Elementary School, will be co-presenting and demonstrating on the instrument. Attend this session if you want more double reeds in your band As Bassoon As Possible!

Policy, Procedures, and Protections of LGBTQIA+ Students in the Music Classroom

Chelsea Anderson, Martin (RI) Middle School

Alumni Recital Hall

The objectives of these presentations are to advocate, educate, and support LGBTQIA+ students, teachers, and their allies in a society that is becoming more hostile toward marginalized folks. Music educators will be given curriculum and policy changes they can make within their program to highlight the accomplishments of LGBTQIA+ composers and musicians. Participants will have tools to push for change and be able to identify practices that are harmful to our marginalized teachers and students. Teachers will be able to leave the presentation with books and other resources to further their understanding and equip themselves with more tools to advocate for equity in the classroom. Participants will also understand the importance of applying these concepts to students and teachers. For our students to see adults who look like them, we must support and advocate for LGBTQIA+ educators to feel safe and welcome in their working environment.

2:45 – 3:15 pm

Coffee & Tea Break

Harry Davis Room

Visit our Featured Industry Partner

David French Music Co., Lobby

Session 4: 3:15 – 4:45 pm

Reading Session

Reading Session: Grades 3–5

Andrew Pease, Director of Instrumental Music, Hartwick College

Main Theater 

Selecting quality repertoire. This is a big topic for band and wind ensemble directors, as the repertoire you choose is your curriculum. How can you know for sure whether a piece is of the right quality for your group? Just as critical is our attention to programming works from a diverse set of composers, but how to do so in an authentic way? Join Dr. Andrew Pease, the Director of the Hartwick College Wind Ensemble, in reading carefully curated list of repertoire that helps us answer the question, how do we program music of the highest quality. This reading session will explore works for band in the Grade 3–5 range (emphasis on 3 & 4). Many thanks to the many publishers/composers who donated music to this session. The repertoire list and where to find each title is available on the NEBDI 2026 website and in the online program. Bring your instruments!

4:45 – 5:00 pm

LAST CHANCE ~ Visit our Featured Industry Partner

David French Music Co., Lobby

5:00 – 6:45 pm

Dinner

NEBDI Banquet & Awards Ceremony*

Keene Country Club, 755 W. Hill Road, Keene, NH 03431

*Banquet tickets must have been purchased during registration.

Or, Dinner in Keene on own

Visit the online list of food recommendations in Downtown Keene, curated by NEBDI Coordinator and Keene local, Dr. Hart. 

Session 5: 6:45 – 8:15 pm

Reading Session

The Music of Brian Balmages 

Brian Balmages, Featured Composer & Clinician

Main Theater 

Come play and immerse yourself in the music of our featured composer and clinician, Brian Balmages. With difficulty levels spanning the full range of his catalog, you’re sure to find a piece or two (or fifteen) that will work with your ensemble. What’s more, Brian himself will be conducting the Institute’s participants as the ensemble, sharing his thoughts and insights on the works. Bring your instrument and get ready to play!

Don’t forget… 

8:30 pm

Informal Social Gathering

Social gathering at Margarita’s Mexican Restaurant

77 Main Street, Keene, NH 03431 

Wednesday, July 15th, 2026

8:30 – 9:00 am

Check-in, Registration, Continental Breakfast

Redfern Arts Center Lobby (2nd floor) & Harry Davis Room

Session 1: 9:00 – 10:30 am

&

Session 2: 10:40 am – 12:00 pm

Conducting & Rehearsal Clinic (Parts I & II)

Andrew Pease, Hartwick College

John T. Hart Jr., Keene State College

Main Theater

This session will provide participants the opportunity to get up on the podium to conduct the massed Directors’ Ensemble, and to receive conducting feedback and a masterclass from
Dr. Pease, Dr. Hart, and the other members of the ensemble. This year’s clinic will focus both on clinician-led and crowd-sourced constructive feedback. Drs. Pease and Hart will tag-team and alternate being “lead coach” to help you refine your conducting and rehearsal chops, and to provide new insights to classic conducting conundrums. And members of the ensemble will share constructive feedback from the “student” perspective. Participants have been provided study scores in advance, and everyone will have two pieces to choose from. Special thanks to Dr. Pease and composer Michael Markowski for providing scores and parts for this reading session. Bring your instruments (and batons) to these sessions! 

Reading Session Repertoire Lists

Grade 1/2 – 2 Reading Session

Grade 3 – 5 Reading Session

Resident Composer Reading Session

Jazz Band Reading Session (forthcoming)

Meet the Clinicians (link)

Industry Partners (link)

Maps & Local Amenities

Campus Map

From Keene State College to Downtown Keene & Main Street Restaurants (walking)

Great Restaurants in Downtown Keene

Breakfast & Coffee / Brunch

Brewbakers – Dr. Hart’s top pick for coffee & breakfast sandwiches

48 Emerald Street, Keene, NH 03431

For coffee and breakfast stuff, THIS is the place. All manner of morning beverages, including coffee roasted in-house, a wide range of teas, and any espresso drink you could want. But the real stars are their breakfast sandwiches put on their amazing biscuits. You may be tempted to put your bacon, egg, and cheese on a croissant… don’t… put it on one of the biscuits and thank me later. They also do lunch sandwiches – watch out for the Cuban, the mustard has an intense kick, but it’s oh so good. 

Birdies – The Place to Gather

18 Main Street, Keene, NH 03431

One of many newcomers to Keene’s downtown food scene. Folks say the food is fresh and delicious, and the staff makes you feel right at home. Generally, open every day from 8am through 3pm. 

Lindy’s Diner

19 Gilbo Ave, Keene, NH 03431

A staple of Keene’s downtown food scene. Classic diner food and vibes, surprisingly good coffee. While it’s closed on Tuesdays, you can usually expect to find it open between 6am and 1:45pm. 

Yellow Bell Café

45 Main Street, Keene, NH 03431

Another newcomer to the Main Street lineup, Yellow Bell has excellent pastry and breakfast/brunch options. Recently closed, it’s set to reopen on July 6th under new ownership, just in time for NEBDI.  

Prime Roast Coffee Co.

16 Main Street, Keene, NH 03431

Prime Roast has a whole wall of different roasts to satisfy the most picky coffee connoisseurs. Locals recommend their ‘ghostwriter latte’ and the house made cinnamon buns. Seating is a bit limited, so grab a cup to go. Open 7am to 3pm. 

The Works Bakery Café

120 Main Street, Keene, NH 03431 

Sure it’s a chain, but if you just need a quick bagel and a coffee, they’ve got you covered. I enjoy their lox bagel sandwiches, and their sausage, egg & cheese on a rye bagel is delectable. Also a good option for a quick lunch. 

Lunch, Dinner, & Drinks

Sole’s (speakeasy) – Dr. Hart’s top pick for dinner & drinks (late night, especially) 

8 Winter Street, Keene, NH 03431

A classy speakeasy – great cocktails, wonderful food, rotating seasonal menu. Entirely female owned and operated. Gain entry by picking up the phone by the entrance. Let them know how many shoes you want to buy (how many people in your party). Open 5pm-midnight, Tuesday through Saturday. No reservations. 

Otto’s

9 Court Street, Keene, NH 03431

New on the scene – classic bar food, salads, American and fusion meals. Usually open 12noon to 9pm (closed Wednesdays). 

Buba Street Noodle & Bar

44 Main Street, Keene, NH 03431

Not on Buba Street, Buba Street Noodle & Bar features some great Japanese curry ramen. You can customize your bowl with seven different spice levels, too! Open 11:30am to 9pm, closed Tuesdays. 

Noble Ramen House

21 Davis Street, Keene, NH 03431

A new and most welcome addition to the Keene culinary scene, Noble Ramen House has some high-class ramen. Closed Mondays, but worth the wait for dinner on Tuesday. Open 4pm to 9pm. 

Banh Mi OK

37 Main Street, Keene, NH 03431

Keene sure loves its Asian and Asian-fusion food. Banh Mi OK is better than okay – these folks make a great banh mi sandwich, and their spring rolls are excellent, too. Open 11am to 6pm. 

Jenna’s Market

255 West Street, Keene, NH 03431

Jenna’s traditional and creative deli-style sandwiches have won numerous local awards, and for good reason. Their BLT + turkey on rye absolutely hits the spot. Open 10am to 5:30pm, but closed on Mondays. 

The Stage Restaurant & Café

30 Central Square, Keene, NH 03431 

A longtime local favorite. Great food, good atmosphere, good selection of drinks. Menu is “New American,” but you can get just about anything, and it’s all delicious. Outdoor seating in the summer will give you a great view of the town gazebo, dedicated to Keene’s most famous band-related resident, E. E. Bagley, composer of the National Emblem march. 

Margarita’s Mexican Restaurant

77 Main Street, Keene, NH 03431

A bit touristy, perhaps, but if you’re a fan of margaritas (the drink), they do make a good classic, plus some solid variations on a theme. Plus, who can argue with their nachos and salsa for the table? 

21 Bar & Grill

21 Roxbury Street, Keene, NH 03431

Recently suffered a fire, but should hopefully be re-opened by NEBDI. Casual bar and grill offering all your favorite classic pub food and drink. Good atmosphere. Open 3pm to 9pm.  

Thai Garden

118 Main Street, Keene, NH 03431

Actually some of the best Thai food you could hope to find, and it’s here in Keene, NH! If you like it spicy, be sure to look insistent in asking for the heat (they might not believe you). Lunch 11:30am to 3pm, dinner 5pm to 9pm. 

Elm City Brewing Company 

222 W. Street, Keene, NH 03431

Not exactly walkable, but a short car ride. Excellent brewery, excellent food. Wide selection of beers on tap, and a nice selection of German-inspired dishes. Their warm pretzel with Bavarian mustard and beer cheese is out of this world. Open 11:30am to 9pm (closed Tuesdays), so a good option for lunch or dinner.  

Salt & Lime 

73 Emerald Street, Keene, NH 03431

If food trucks are more your speed, check out Salt & Lime on Emerald Street, just across from Brewbaker’s. Great sandwiches, and everything is sourced locally. Plus, their flavor combinations are off the charts. They’re only open Wednesday through Friday 11am through 3pm, though, so maybe Wednesday for lunch!