Lots of art, music, and comedy coming up this weekend on the Seacoast. Here are some highlights.
‘On a Grand Scale’ at the N.H. Art Association
Portsmouth’s monthly Art ‘Round Town gallery walk is on Friday from 5-8 p.m., and there are several highlights, including new shows at the New Hampshire Art Association’s Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery. Among them is “On a Grand Scale,” featuring large-scale works by NHAA members. It’s on display throughout the month of August.
‘Keeping Track of Time’ at 3S Artspace
Artist and amateur runner Philip Brou documented every run he went on in 2021 with a drawing. Those drawings will be on display at 3S Artspace in Portsmouth from Aug. 5 to Oct. 2 in an exhibit titled “Keeping Track of Time.” Brou will be on hand for the opening reception on Friday from 5-8 p.m. during Art ‘Round Town. Learn more here.
‘Cheers!’ at the Kennedy Gallery
Yet another highlight of this month’s Art ‘Round Town is “Cheers: A Celebration of Eating and Drinking in Portsmouth” at the Kennedy Gallery. The exhibit features oil paintings by Debbie Mueller depicting scenes in and around local restaurants. The show is up all month, with an opening reception on Friday from 5-8 p.m. Learn more here.
Concerts at The Stone Church
There’s lots of Jerry and a dash of hip-hop at The Stone Church in Newmarket this weekend. Grateful Dead tribute Not Fade Away Band plays an outdoor show on Friday from 6-9 p.m. ($15). Akrobatik (above) headlines a hip-hop party with Philly G and The Incredible Chuck on Friday at 9 p.m. ($17). On Saturday, Jerry Garcia Band tribute Rose Alley plays an outdoor acoustic show from 5-8 p.m. and an indoor electric show at 10 p.m. ($15). Learn more here.
The Dance Hall presents…
The Dance Hall is presenting two concerts in Kittery this weekend. The Hall hosts a pair of duos with percussionist Brian Shankar Adler on Friday from 7:30 to 9 p.m.; Adler joins electronic composer Jesse Stiles in Imprint and keyboardist Mike Effenberger in Airspace ($15). On Saturday, local ensemble Bucketlist Jazz Fusion performs in John Paul Jones Park as part of the Concerts by the Bridge series from 5:30-6:30 p.m. ($15). Learn more here.
LowDown Brass Band at The Word Barn Meadow
Chicago-based ensemble LowDown Brass Band will bring an arsenal of horns to The Word Barn Meadow in Exeter for an open-air show on Saturday from 7-8:30 p.m. Earlier this year, the all-horn band released a new album, “Lowdown Nights,” further cementing their blend of jazz, reggae, hip-hop, and soul. Tickets are $25. Learn more here.
Comedy Night at The Rockingham Ballroom
Laugh Riot brings another great lineup of comics to The Rockingham Ballroom in Newmarket for its monthly Comedy Night on Saturday from 7-10 p.m. The bill features stand-up sets from headliners Mike Prior and Steve Scarfo (above), along with guest Bill Douglas and musical comedian Richard Pearson. Tickets are $20. Learn more here.
Under the Arch: Songwriters in the Round
Three well-known regional acts will share their talents under the arch on Chestnut Street in Portsmouth. Presented by The Music Hall, Songwriters in the Round will host folk and Americana artists Dan Blakeslee, Kate Redgate, and Chad Verbeck on Saturday from 8-9 p.m. Tickets are sold by the table at $25 per seat. Learn more here.
Two new bands at Portsmouth Book & Bar
Two new local rock bands will test the Seacoast waters during a co-bill show at Portsmouth Book & Bar on Saturday from 8:30-11:30 p.m. Showmen’s Rest, led by guitarist and singer Jim Dorrity with Mike Effenberger on keys and Nick Phaneuf on bass, will share the stage with fellow newcomers Comrade Question. Learn more here.
Juice at Cisco Brewers Portsmouth
UPDATE: This event has been postponed until Sept. 11.
Boston-bred pop-rock band Juice has built a strong following over the last several years and released their debut full-length album in 2021. They’ll play an outdoor show at Cisco Brewers Portsmouth on Sunday from 7-10 p.m. as part of the Summer Concert Series — a collaboration with The Press Room. Tickets are $15. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.