The first weekend of April brings loads of art, music, theater, and comedy to local venues. Here are some highlights.
Art ‘Round Town
During the Art ‘Round Town gallery tour on Friday, the New Hampshire Art Association will open five new exhibits at the Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery in Portsmouth. One of those shows is the 36th annual Omer T. Lassonde juried exhibition, the theme of which is “Ritual.” The opening reception is from 5-8 p.m. Learn more here.
Concerts at The Press Room
With so many great shows at The Press Room in Portsmouth this weekend, it’s hard to choose just one. Revered guitarist Marc Ribot visits on Friday at 7 p.m. ($20-$30). Boston’s MC M-Dot headlines a hip-hop show on Saturday at 9 p.m. ($10-$15). Canadian singer-songwriter Leif Vollebekk follows on Sunday at 7 p.m. ($20-$25).
Concerts at Jimmy’s
More world-class acts hit Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club in Portsmouth this weekend. Grammy-nominated singer-guitarist Raul Midon performs on Friday at 7:30 p.m. ($10-$35). Grammy-winning guitarist Lee Ritenour follows on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ($30-$75). Acclaimed blues quintet Southern Avenue plays on Sunday at 7 p.m. ($15-$40).
‘Small Mouth Sounds’ at NHTP
There’s one more weekend to see Bess Wohl’s new dramedy, “Small Mouth Sounds,” at New Hampshire Theatre Project in Portsmouth. Directed by CJ Lewis, the show is about six city runaways on a silent retreat in the woods. It runs Friday and Saturday from 8-10 p.m. and Sunday from 2-4 p.m. Tickets are $26-$30. Learn more here.
photo by Dan Derby
Concerts at The Stone Church
Local band Gold Plated Door celebrates the songs of Gram Parsons and other country music. They’ll join the New England Bluegrass Band for a split-bill show at The Stone Church in Newmarket on Friday at 8 p.m. ($15). Then, on Saturday at 9 p.m., psychedelic rockers The Chops take the stage at the Church ($10). Learn more here.
Dan Brown’s Wild Symphony
This just in: MGM is developing Dan Brown’s picture book, “Wild Symphony,” into an animated movie! The bestselling local author will join the Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra to perform orchestral music from the children’s book at The Music Hall on Saturday from 2-4 p.m. Tickets to the benefit event are $14-$28. Learn more here.
Bread and Puppet at the Millspace
Local alternative arts collective Wrong Brain is teaming up with legendary Vermont-based theater troupe Bread & Puppet (which turns 60 this year) to present a performance of their new show, “Finished Waiting,” at the Millspace Center in Newmarket on Saturday at 6 p.m. There is a suggested donation of $10-$25. Learn more here.
Laugh Riot at the Rockingham Ballroom
Laugh Riot is presenting comedy shows at the Rockingham Ballroom in Newmarket on the first Saturday of every month. This Saturday’s show at 7 p.m. features a lineup of comics Steve Bjork (above), Dan Smith, and Chris Cameron. After the stand-up sets, the venue will spin some tunes. Tickets are $20 (BYOB). Learn more here.
Concerts at The Dance Hall
Some local favorites perform at The Dance Hall in Kittery this weekend. String wizard EJ Ouellette and his band Crazy Maggy play on Saturday from 7:30-8:30 p.m. ($15). Peggo & Paul will be joined by Kent Allyn for a show on Sunday from 2-4 p.m., featuring tributes to late local folk icons Bill Staines and Dave Surette ($15). Learn more here.
Juston McKinney at the ROH
Local comedian Juston McKinney brings his latest material to the Rochester Opera House on Saturday from 8-10 p.m. The Portsmouth-born comic has made multiple appearances on “The Late Show,” had two specials on Comedy Central, and two more on Amazon Prime, among other achievements. Tickets are $30. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.