With inauguration day upon us, many Seacoast residents are looking to spend the weekend doing anything that might distract them from politics. Others, though, are hoping to make their voices heard as a divisive president takes up residence at the White House. Fortunately, there are good options for both groups of people. Check out our top-five roundup below.
Get a Clew at the Lamont Gallery
Corraco by Deborah Barlow
A new exhibit at the Lamont Gallery at Phillips Exeter Academy brings four artists together to collaborate on a presentation that overlays music, poetry, and visual arts. An opening reception for Clew: A Rich and Rewarding Disorientation takes place tonight (Jan. 20) from 5-7 p.m. The four featured artists — painter Deborah Barlow, poet Todd Hearon, and musicians Jung Mi Lee and Jon Sakata — will also participate in a gallery talk on Saturday, Jan. 21, at 10 a.m. For more information, click here.
Shout it out in Rochester
Anyone looking to flee the reality of present-day America can escape to the freedom of 1960s London — at least for a little while. Shout! The Mod Musical opens tonight (Jan. 20) at the Rochester Opera House and runs through Feb. 5. The theater will transform into a British nightclub to set the stage for the musical by Phillip George and David Lowenstein. Show times are Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. (no evening show on Feb. 4). Tickets are $22 to $26, available here.
Adilei USA
Georgian singing group Ensemble Adilei embarked on its first U.S. tour this month, and they’ll make a stop in Portsmouth this weekend. The ensemble will perform traditional Georgian polyphonic songs and chants at 3S Artspace on Friday, Jan. 20, at 8 p.m. Presented in partnership with Strawbery Banke Museum, the performance will feature a unique singing style that blends jazzy elements with contrapuntal polyphony. Tickets for the seated event are $9 ($5 for students), available here.
Women’s March in Portsmouth
Seacoast residents who can’t make it to D.C. for the Women’s March on Washington on Saturday can still show their support for the movement by attending the NH Women’s March for Civil Rights in downtown Portsmouth. Hosted by Occupy New Hampshire Seacoast, the rally starts in Market Square at 1 p.m. on Jan. 21. Following comments from several speakers, the Leftist Marching Band will lead participants up and down the sidewalks of Congress Street. Everyone is welcome to join the march; more info here.
Dance party at The Dance Hall
There’s only one surefire cure for the political blues: dancing. The Dance Hall in Kittery, Maine, is offering a hearty dose of medicine on Saturday, Jan. 21, at 8 p.m. That’s when the Soggy Po’ Boys host a dance party featuring the local octet’s New Orleans-flavored tunes performed live. Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door. For tickets and more information, click here.