It’s the last weekend before Christmas and holiday merriment abounds. Here are some festive weekend activities.
Music & comedy at Newmarket Millspace
The weekend begins with high-energy rock and unapologetic punk at Newmarket Millspace, with The Jerritones and Metric Fuckton splitting the bill on Friday at 6 p.m. ($10). Then, local improv troupe Stranger Than Fiction presents What the Dickens! An Improvised Christmas Carol on Saturday at 6:45 p.m. ($15). Learn more here.
Special Holiday Concert in Kittery
The Kittery Art Association is presenting a pair of special holiday concerts featuring three beloved local musicians this weekend. Susie Burke, Kent Allyn, and Steve Roy will play holiday music and folk favorites at the First Congregational Church of Kittery on Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25. Learn more here.
Music & merriment at The Orchard Chapel
It’s the final weekend of The Word Barn’s 12 Nights of Christmas series, held at The Orchard Chapel in Hampton Falls. A Winter Solstice with Low Lily takes place on Friday from 7-9 p.m. ($26). The Heather Pierson Trio presents A Charlie Brown Christmas on Saturday from 3:30-5 p.m. ($26). The Orchard Chapel Candlelight Carol Sing follows on Saturday from 6-7 p.m. and Sunday from 5-6 p.m. ($15). Learn more here.
Holiday concerts at Jimmy’s
There’s much merriment to be found at Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club in Portsmouth this weekend. Jon McLaughlin & Friends present Home for the Holidays on Friday at 7:30 p.m. And Jane Monheit presents The Merriest Holiday Show on Sunday at 7 p.m. Prices vary.
Winter Solstice show at WSCA Radio
Japanese-born local guitarist Hiroya Tuskamoto will demonstrate his masterful fingerstyle technique and evocative storytelling during a special Winter Solstice concert on the Button Factory Stage at WSCA Portsmouth Community Radio on Friday at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20-$25. Learn more here.
Sans Souci Holiday Run at The Stone Church
Ring in the season with two evenings of soulful Garcia grooves. Regional Jerry Garcia Band tribute act Sans Souci settles in for a two-night holiday run at The Stone Church in Newmarket with performances on Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20-$25. Learn more here.
Seasonal concerts at The Dance Hall
Award-winning indie-folk artist Jason Anderson returns to his old stomping grounds to put on a Home for the Holidays show with some musical friends at The Dance Hall in Kittery on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ($10-$20). Then, local vocalist Taylor O’Donell presents a candlelit Winter Solstice concert on Sunday at 5 p.m. ($12-$23).
Abby Holidays at The Music Hall Lounge
Singer-songwriter Abrielle Scharff’s holiday performances at The Music Hall Lounge in Portsmouth have become an annual tradition. She’s returning to her hometown for the eighth annual Abby Holidays concerts on Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 5 p.m. Tickets are $27-$37. Learn more here.
Sunday Morning Jazz Brunch at STAR Theatre
Pianist Mark Shilansky, guitarist Nick Grondin, and bassist Greg Ryan will weave a tapestry of jazz while guests enjoy a special brunch catered by For the Love of Food and Drink on Sunday. The next Easy Like Sunday Mornings Jazz Brunch takes place at STAR Theatre in Kittery from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Tickets are $25. Learn more here.
61 Ghosts at The Press Room
The duo of 61 Ghosts, featuring Joe Mazzari (who toured and recorded with Johnny Thunders of the New York Dolls) and Dixie Deadwood (who played with blues legend Leo “Bud” Welch), headlines at Press Room in Portsmouth with guests Autumn Hollow and Cryin’ Caleb Aaron on Sunday at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15-$18. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events. Sign up for our e-newsletters for regular updates.