Easter egg hunting isn’t the only activity available this weekend. There’s also plenty of art, music, theater, dance, literature, and comedy. Here are some highlights.
Art ‘Round Town in Portsmouth
A few highlights of the Art ‘Round Town gallery walk taking place in Portsmouth on Friday from 5-8 p.m.: “Of All the Worlds We Could Have Dreamed,” featuring works by Samantha Modder, at 3S Artspace; the 40th annual “Omer T. Lassonde Exhibition” at New Hampshire Theatre Project; “Contemporary Currents” (pictured) at the Portsmouth Historical Society (accompanying their exhibition about Betty and Barney Hill); and “The Language of Color,” featuring paintings by Kathleen Robbins, at the Kennedy Gallery.
Talib Kweli x4 at Jimmy’s
Brooklyn-based MC Talib Kweli — one of the most lyrically gifted, socially aware, and politically insightful rappers of the last 20 years — will be at Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club for a total of four live performances on Thursday at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. and Friday at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Ticket prices vary. Learn more here.
Live music at The Press Room
Start the weekend with FREEDOM, a celebration of Neil Young featuring The Stray Horses, at The Press Room in Portsmouth on Friday at 7 p.m. ($18-$23). Stick around for SPECTRUM, featuring two hours of tech house, UK garage, dubstep, and drum and bass with DJ RH3TT at 11 p.m. ($10). Then, on Saturday, the White Belts and Start Again present Emo Night at 9 p.m. ($20-$25). Learn more here.
Treasure Island at The Rochester Opera House
Sole City Dance’s new adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Treasure Island” combines ballet with pirates, mermaids, and more. The show is on stage at the Rochester Opera House for three performances this weekend on Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Tickets are $12-$15. Learn more here.
Richard III at Newmarket Millspace
One of Shakespeare’s most notorious villains will take center stage at the Newmarket Millspace for the next three weeks. Presented by local band Bitter Pill and directed by Billie Butler, “Richard III” runs through April 19; show times this weekend are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25. Learn more here.
The Little Prince at The Players’ Ring
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry ‘s beloved novella “The Little Prince,” about a pilot who crash-lands in the desert and meets a mysterious boy from a faraway asteroid, comes to life at The Players’ Ring in Portsmouth on Saturday. Directed by Allison McCall, showtimes are at 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Tickets are $20. Learn more here.
Exeter Literary Festival
Celebrate New England’s rich literary history at Exeter Town Hall on Saturday from 12-5 p.m. Highlights of the annual Exeter Literary Festival include conversations with physicist Dr. Chanda Prescod-Weinstein, author of “The Edge of Space-Time,” and novelist Catherine Newman, author of “Sandwich” and “Wreck.” Learn more here.
Comedy Night at The Rockingham Ballroom
The next monthly Comedy Night at The Rockingham Ballroom in Newmarket begins with live music from Jam Tomorrow on Saturday at 7 p.m., followed by standup performances by regional comedians Dave Andrews, Paul Landwehr, and Doug Stith beginning at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25. Learn more here.
Two concerts at The Word Barn
The weekend starts early at The Word Barn in Exeter with Nashville-based Americana duo Goldpine performing on Thursday from 7-9 p.m. ($25). Brooklyn-based indie artist Eliza Edens celebrates her new release during a special double-bill alongside Louisa Stancioff on Saturday from 7-9 p.m. ($25). Learn more here.
Heavy triple-bill at WSCA Radio
It’s gonna be loud at WSCA Portsmouth Community Radio on Saturday night when heavy experimental noise bands Ichorclaw (Maine), Dei Xhrist (Manchester), and Distorting a Woodpecker (New Hampshire) share the Button Factory Stage for a triple-bill live concert. Tickets are $10-$15. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.
