Another summer weekend of music, theater, comedy, and art is about to begin. Here are some highlights.
“Fresh Takes” at 3S Artspace
Head over to 3S Artspace during Portsmouth’s Art ‘Round Town gallery walk on Friday to catch the opening reception for “Fresh Takes.” The exhibition celebrates a curated group of artists who have helped shape the 3S gallery over the last 10 years. Many of those artists will be on hand for the reception from 5-8 p.m. Learn more here.
Two shows at WSCA Radio
Several local and national acts will take the Button Factory Stage at WSCA Radio in Portsmouth this weekend. Nad Navillus, the Chicago-based project of former Songs: Ohia guitarist Dan Sullivan, headlines with local songwriter Chris Cote on Friday at 8 p.m. Modern-day troubadour Leo DiSanto shares the stage with local favorites Kate Redgate and Jon Pistey on Saturday at 8 p.m. Tickets to each show are $10-$15. Learn more here.
Kevin Smith at The Music Hall
On the eve of his 55th birthday, filmmaker Kevin Smith will be at The Music Hall in Portsmouth to present an exclusive screening of his 1999 comedy “Dogma,” which this year returned to the Cannes Film Festival as part of its Cannes Classics Program. After the movie, Smith will stick around for a Q&A. Tickets are $45-$69. Learn more here.
Music and theater at Prescott Park
Acclaimed Colorado folk musician Jobi Riccio kicks off the weekend at the Prescott Park Arts Festival in Portsmouth with opener Ward Hayden & The Outliers on Friday at 7 p.m. The festivities continue with Camp ENCORE! in Something Rotten! Jr. on Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m. RGC Theatre performs for children and families on Saturday at 4 p.m. And the summer musical Disney’s Freaky Friday returns to the stage on Saturday and Sunday at 7 p.m. Tickets are by suggested donation; table and blanket reservations are available. Learn more here.
Musical celebrations at The Stone Church
Following a Thursday-night triple-bill with The Orrs, Tin Fish, and Grub Lord at 8 p.m. ($15-$20), The Stone Church in Newmarket will dance into the weekend with a celebration of Jerry Garcia’s birthday featuring tribute band Bearly Dead on Friday at 8 p.m. ($20-$25). Then, on Saturday, 10-piece groove machine Foreside Funk will take the outdoor stage with opener Hambone at 5:30 p.m. ($20-$25). Learn more here.
Music and art at The Word Barn
Local super group Dead to the Core will present an acoustic celebration of The Grateful Dead at The Word Barn Meadow in Exeter on Friday from 7-9 p.m. ($25). Singer-songwriter Heather Maloney will celebrate her new album, “Exploding Star!,” on Saturday from 7-9 p.m. ($25). Sunday brings a pair of art events: Paint Your Peace, a workshop for your creative wellness with Jennifer Jarvis from 10-11:30 a.m. ($65); and Cyanotype: Explorations in Blue and Beyond from 12-4 p.m. ($120). That night, Betsy Green hosts an Old Time Jam from 6-8:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Dorks in Dungeons at The Dance Hall
When fantasy-inspired improv comedy troupe Dorks in Dungeons takes the stage at The Dance Hall in Kittery, guests can expect some combination of dungeons and dragons, goblins and ghouls, wizards and snakes. The unpredictable and hilarious adventure takes place on Saturday from 7:30-9 p.m. Tickets are $10-$18. Learn more here.
Comedy Night at The Rockingham Ballroom
Get ready for big laughs and surprise moments at The Rockingham Ballroom in Newmarket. Three top-notch Boston-area comedians — Matt Barry, Joannie Grassey, and Wayne Russell — will share the stage at the Ballroom’s monthly Comedy Night on Saturday at 8 p.m. An open mic follows the headliners. Tickets are $20. Learn more here.
Story Songs at The Press Room
Musician Tom DiMenna and friends will perform story songs of the 1970s in two separate sessions at The Press Room in Portsmouth on Sunday. The Brunch Show from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. will feature timeless classics by Gordon Lightfoot, Harry Chapin, and Cat Stevens. The Afternoon Show from 2-3:30 p.m. will include works by Jim Croce, John Prine, Nick Drake, Leonard Cohen, Harry Nilsson, and others. Tickets are $20-$25.
Terence Blanchard (x2) at Jimmy’s
A true jazz legend will be in Portsmouth on Sunday for two concerts at Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club. Trumpet player Terence Blanchard has won eight Grammy Awards, recorded more than 20 solo albums, scored films for Spike Lee, and written two operas. He’ll perform at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $22.50-$97.50. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.