It’s the last weekend of August, and as usual, there are plenty of music, theater, and art events coming up around the Seacoast. Here’s a handful of the highlights taking place between now and Sunday. For a full searchable events calendar, click here.
Summer finale at The Dance Hall
The final concert of the summer at The Dance Hall also serves as a preview of sorts for the Kittery venue’s annual Django by the Sea festival this fall. The Hot Club of Portland, featuring Daisy Castro, brings its gypsy-jazz sound to The Dance Hall on Friday, Aug. 26, at 8 p.m.
Castro is a violinist and rising star in the gypsy-jazz circuit. She joins regional act The Hot Club of Portland, who have been performing gypsy jazz and swing around New England for the last decade. The band is led by Groovechild guitarist Bryan Killough and also features guitarist Mike Arciero and bassist John Hunter.
The Dance Hall’s fall season kicks off in a couple of weeks with dance parties featuring Primo Cubano on Sept. 9 and Soggy Po’ Boys on Sept. 10. Django by the Sea returns to town from Oct. 6 to 9. For tickets and more information, visit thedancehallkittery.org.
Last weekend of “Little Women”
photo by Ben Bagley
There’s one weekend left to catch the Seacoast Repertory Theatre’s production of “Little Women,” which runs through Aug. 28.
The popular musical, based on Louisa May Alcott’s 1869 novel and inspired by Alcott’s life, has been on stage at the Rep since Aug. 5. The story follows aspiring writer Jo March and her three sisters as they grow up during the Civil War.
The production in Portsmouth is directed by Danielle Howard and stars four actors making their debut appearances at the Rep, including Liz Erardi as Jo. The show was chosen for the Rep’s stage by a vote of audience members.
The final four performances of “Little Women” take place Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. The Rep’s next main-stage production will be Neil Simon’s “Laughter on the 23rd Floor,” which runs Sept. 16 to Oct. 9. For tickets and more information, visit seacoastrep.org.
“Prints & Pots” at Chases Garage
detail of Mr. Merrimack by Bill Cass
There are two main curriculums at Chases Garage, a gallery, store, and studio space in York, Maine: printmaking and pottery. Chases celebrates both mediums this weekend with the launch of its fourth annual “Prints & Pots” exhibition.
The show features seven local and regional artists, including printmakers Lyell Catonguay, Bill Cass, Jake Cassevoy, and Dylan Haigh, as well as ceramicists Mary Sweeney, Tyler Gulden, and Christopher Cooper.
A pre-show event with wine and cheese takes place Friday, Aug. 26, and a reception with the artists and hors d’oeuvres follows on Saturday, Aug. 27, both from 4 to 8 p.m. The work will remain on display through Nov. 13.
Chases is also presenting an interactive light installation called “Blue Hour.” The installation, set up in front of the gallery, changes due to activity around it. Learn more at chasesgarage.com.
DIY makers in Dover
courtesy photo
Makers of all kinds will gather in the Garrison City on Saturday, Aug. 27, for the annual Dover Mini Maker Faire. Participants will show what they are making and share what they are learning with interactive demonstrations and workshops throughout the day.
Highlights of this year’s event include rocket launching in Henry Law Park, the North East Ghostbusters Alliance, a short film festival, a science show, Seventh Settlement Brewery tours, storytelling, balloon art, and more.
The fair is spread across four locations: inside the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire, outside the museum in the upper and lower levels of Henry Law Park, and across the river at One Washington Mill. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door (free for kids under 6), and there will be food available for sale on the premises. For a full schedule and more info, visit makerfairedover.com.
Canadian stars at Prescott Park
Alan Doyle courtesy photo
For the second straight year, the Prescott Park Arts Festival is celebrating some of Canada’s top musical talent with Up, Down, and Away. The headliner of this year’s Canadian music festival is singer Alan Doyle.
Best known as lead singer of Newfoundland-based band Great Big Sea, Doyle is also an actor, producer, and author. He’s currently touring in support of his second solo album, “So Let’s Go,” released earlier this year.
Also on the bill at the festival is alt-pop singer-songwriter Royal Wood. The Toronto-based musician, who has twice been nominated for a Juno Award, released his latest album, “Ghost Light,” earlier this year.
Up, Down, and Away takes place Sunday, Aug. 28, capping a packed weekend of music at the Portsmouth park that also features Mavis Staples on Friday night and Lucinda Williams on Saturday night. All shows begin at 7 p.m. For more information, visit prescottpark.org.