It’s midsummer, and outdoor art, outdoor music, outdoor storytelling, and outdoor theater are all on the itinerary this weekend. Learn about some of the highlights below.
Mind the Heart
On Friday, July 28, Portsmouth serves as the launching pad for a yearlong public art project that spans the nation. At 4 p.m., international artists Maya Gelfman and Roie Avidan will distribute 100 red woolen hearts at Prescott Park and take photos of the recipients. Each recipient will then photograph his heart in a special place of his choosing. The results of both shoots will be on display at 3S Artspace on Aug. 7. For more information, click here.
The New Pornographers
Fresh off the release of their seventh studio album, “Whiteout Conditions,” Canadian indie power-pop band The New Pornographers performs in Portsmouth on Friday, July 28, as part of the Prescott Park Arts Festival’s concert series. The band features a collective of singer-songwriters and instrumentalists — including past PPAF headliner Neko Case — with a penchant for synth-pop melodies and dazzling harmonies. The show starts at 7 p.m.; there is a suggested donation of $8-$10. For more information, click here.
A World of Tales
As part of its ongoing project to revitalize Portsmouth’s Vaughan Mall, PS21 (Portsmouth Smart Growth for the 21st Century) is hosting a weekly outdoor event series this summer. On Saturday, July 29, from 4-6 p.m., Seacoast Storytellers presents “A World of Tales,” featuring Debra Ballou, Shawn Middleton, and Michael Lang. The event is free, but donations will be collected to support Seacoast Storytellers’ charity performances. For more information on the Vaughan Mall Green Summer Series, click here.
Midsummer, abridged
If you like Shakespeare but don’t have the patience for a full theatrical production, the Cochecho Arts Festival has got you covered. On Saturday and Sunday, July 29 and 30, the festival hosts “Midsummer (abridged)” at Henry Law Park in Dover. Presented by the Garrison Players, Larry Nehring’s adaptation of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” condenses the classic comedy into a 40-minute performance. Show times are 2 p.m., 4 p.m., and 6 p.m. For details, click here.
People Like You
People Like You, Portsmouth’s favorite psychedelic folk and gypsy punk band, joins New York-based instrumental trio Consider the Source for a show at The Stone Church in Newmarket on Saturday, July 29, at 8 p.m. Guests can expect to hear at least a few songs from People Like You’s forthcoming album, “People People,” which comes out next month. Tickets are $10-$12, available here. To read an article about People Like You and their new album, click here.
For a full calendar of events, click here.