Brogan: Saluting two local legends!

Concord is a city of great vitality, that has always provided many options for those wishing to explore entertainment as well as learn of the city's rich and impressive history. Having spent more than 60 years here, I can attest to the ever-changing landscape of our community and how it has always, at least in my lifetime, provided a tapestry of "something for everyone".

Many names have left a lasting mark on our great city and Barry Steelman's 80th birthday, last month, has reminded me, anew, of the difference he has made and continues to make, with respect to the movies. He is truly Concord's "Mr. Movie" and after his arrival with the opening of Cinema 93 on Loudon Road back in the spring of 1967, movies were never the same.

Barry grew-up loving movies and first running and then owning Cinema 93, provided him an opportunity to share that love with thousands of eager moviegoers. For over 30 years, Cinema 93 provided a mix of popular "Hollywood movies" with an array of great lesser-known titles that previously would never have glittered on the local silver screen.

Last year, to mark the 55th anniversary of the opening of Cinema 93, I wrote a blog for Patch about that landmark date. It's worth re-reading at this link: Brogan: 55 Years Ago, Local Movies Changed | Concord, NH Patch

Fortunately for all of us, Barry remains and active and important part of Concord's independent downtown movie venue, Red River Theatres. At 80, he inspires all of us to want to remain active and to be a voice with value. Happy belated 80th birthday, Barry Steelman.

The other day, Concord, sadly, lost someone equally remarkable.

John Gfroerer left us at the age of 73, but he also left us an amazing and very diverse body of work that impacted tens of thousands in our city. Here is part of his obituary, which gives a hint at who the man was and why he mattered.

"...In the early 70s, John moved to Concord. He started the Open Kitchen Restaurant on Main Street above Diversi's Market, serving up natural foods and folksy entertainment. Concord Creativideo Channel 12 broadcast live folk music from the Open Kitchen and John often manned the camera, which planted the seeds of his long career in video.Upon the closing of the Open Kitchen, John went to work full time for Channel 12. He helped the station develop into an important and quality community resource, covering local news, culture, politics, and sports.In 1995, John started Accompany Video Production with an office at the Capitol Center for the Arts. Accompany has continued to serve the local community and beyond with a variety of video services ranging from historical documentaries and political pieces to dance recitals and local theater productions. John's work has been broadcast on Public Television and the History Channel. He recently co-produced an acclaimed documentary on the life and career of 19th and early 20th century composer Amy Beach..."

I was fortunate enough to work with John on several occasions and in 2019 he created a wonderful 9-minute video presentation to mark the opening of the Bank of NH Stage. His video told the story of the evolution of the site from the Norris Bakery in the 1800's to the Concord Theatre, where I worked for 27 years, and finally the stunningly beautiful downtown venue, Bank of NH Stage. Here is a link to that masterful work, so typical of John's work ethic: (23) History of the Bank of New Hampshire Stage - YouTube

Thank you, John, for all you have given to your adopted city and the rich legacy you have left us through your work and thank you Barry for all that you continue to do for all of us.