There are so many interesting events going on around the Seacoast this weekend that we’ve decided to boost our normal top-five roundup to a top 10. See the highlights we’ve chosen below.
Secrets, Scalawags & Spirits of the Isles of Shoals
Educator Ann Beattie and Seacoast Science Center president Wendy Lull share tales of the “pirates, ethereal maidens and elusive ghost ships” surrounding the Isles of Shoals. Presented by the Star Island Corporation, the free presentation takes place this afternoon (Feb. 24) at 4 p.m. at the Portsmouth Athenaeum. Learn more here.
30 in 30 Playwright Competition
The Prescott Park Arts Festival’s 30 Pages in 30 Days playwright competition concludes at the Seacoast Repertory Theatre in Portsmouth tonight (Feb. 24) at 7 p.m. The three finalists will read their one-act plays before a panel of judges picks the winner. There’s a $5 suggested donation; learn more here.
Glen David Andrews at The Loft
Glen David Andrews courtesy photo
In New Orleans, trombone player Glen David Andrews is music royalty. He’ll offer an authentic taste of pre-Mardi Gras spirit at The Music Hall Loft in Portsmouth tonight (Feb. 24). Andrews, who has headlined the annual New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, takes the stage at 8 p.m. Tickets are $32, available here.
Redhook Comedy Series
April Macie courtesy photo
Local comic Josh Day hosts a weekend of comedy starring April Macie at the Redhook Brewery in Portsmouth. Macie, dubbed the nation’s “Hottest and Funniest” woman by Howard Stern, will join Drew Dunn tonight (Feb. 24) at 8 p.m., and Orlando Baxter tomorrow night (Feb. 25) at 7:30 and 10 p.m. Learn more here.
KYOTY at the Brick House
Instrumental sludge-metal band KYOTY, the hometown heroes of doom, play at the Dover Brick House tonight (Feb. 24). They’ll perform in support of Boston-based headliner Gozu. Also performing as an opener is local metal band Tar. The 21-plus show begins at 9 p.m.; the cover is $10. Learn more here.
25 Below Pop-up Art Bazaar
The Exeter Arts Committee hosts a night of live music and innovative art at the Exeter Town Hall Gallery on Saturday, Feb. 25. The pop-up bazaar features accessible art with options under $25, as well as music from local acts. The event is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; learn more here.
Seacoast Winter Brew Fest
Portsmouth Beer Week kicks off with its marquee event at the Portsmouth Gas Light on Saturday, Feb. 25. The event features more than 100 regional brewers, as well as food and cigars. There are two sessions, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 4-8 p.m. Tickets are $50, or $75 for VIPs. Learn more here.
Klaxton and Co. at Book & Bar
Chris Klaxton photo by Rich Beauchesne
Local trumpet player Chris Klaxton will introduce special guest Ken Ychicawa, a Peruvian drummer now based in New York, at Portsmouth Book and Bar on Saturday, Feb. 25, at 9 p.m. Rounding out Klaxton’s quartet for the show are guitarist Peter Herman and bassist Scott Kiefner. Tickets are $5; learn more here.
Party Gras at The Press Room
New Orleans-inspired local band Truffle joins horn players from The Hot Tamale Brass Band at The Press Room in Portsmouth on Saturday, Feb. 25, at 9 p.m. There’s extra cause for revelry, as The Press Room just sold to a new owner who plans to preserve the beloved pub. Tickets are $10-$15; learn more here.
Civil Rights Sunday
Occupy New Hampshire Seacoast celebrates Black History Month with Civil Rights Sunday in Portsmouth. Participants will gather in Market Square on Sunday, Feb. 26, from 3-4 p.m. to take a stand against racism, sexism, agism, classism, religious intolerance, homophobia, and all other forms of hatred and intolerance. Learn more here.