Close out winter break with some cool events and then begin the march to spring.
Chris Higgins at The Music Hall Lounge
Chicago-based comedian Chris Higgins will bring his unique blend of stoner wisdom, masterful impressions, and outdoorsy sensibilities to The Music Hall Lounge in Portsmouth for a pair of stand-up performances on Friday from 6-7:15 p.m. and 8:30-9:45 p.m. Tickets are $22-$32. Learn more here.
Live music at The Press Room
Everything’s in its right place at The Press Room in Portsmouth this weekend. Portland-based tribute band FITTER HAPPIER will play the music of Radiohead on Friday at 7:30 p.m. ($17-$20). Then, DJ Rh3tt spins classic emo during Nostalgia 2016 at 10:30 p.m. ($10). On Saturday, the Green Lion Crew offers reggae, dub, dancehall, Afrobeat, and more at 10 p.m. ($10). Boston band Lesser Birds headlines an indie-rock triple-bill with Sinnet and Watson Park on Sunday at 7 p.m. ($15). Learn more here.
“Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” at the Rep
Based on the hit 1988 film of the same name, “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” illustrates a battle of wits between two rival con men in the French Riviera. The comedy is on stage at the Seacoast Repertory Theatre in Portsmouth through March 29. Show times this weekend are Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $52-$76. Learn more here.
For Nina at Green Acre
Green Acre in Eliot is hosting a powerful interdisciplinary tribute to legendary musician and activist Nina Simone. Presented by VLA DANCE, “For Nina” blends contemporary dance with live vocals and piano. It takes place on Friday from 7:30-9 p.m. Tickets are available on a sliding scale from $5-$30. Learn more here.
“Marjorie Prime” at N.H. Theatre Project
Jordan Harrison’s sci-fi drama “Marjorie Prime” examines the blurred line between a life lived and a life remembered. The play is on stage at New Hampshire Theatre Project in Portsmouth through March 15. Show times are Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 4 p.m., and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $28-$32. Learn more here.
Freddy and the Freeloaders at The Rockingham Ballroom
Get into some country swing, two-step, and line-dance favorites at The Rockingham Ballroom in Newmarket on Saturday night. Freddy and the Freeloaders will provide the music starting at 7 p.m., while Alyssa Schoeller of 603 Line Dance offers a quick beginner lesson. DJ music follows. Tickets are $15. Learn more here.
Music and art at The Word Barn
Soulful Americana band the Tano Jones Revelry performs at The Word Barn in Exeter on Saturday from 7-9 p.m. ($25). The next morning, Molly C. Meng leads a Suminigashi Workshop (Japanese water marbling) on Sunday from 12-2 p.m. ($85). Then, local favorite Old Hat Stringband takes the stage on Sunday from 7-9 p.m. ($25). Learn more here.
Live recording at The Dance Hall
Violinist Jason Anick and pianist Matt DeChamplain are making a live album, and you can be a part of it. Their quartet will record a pair of special live performances at The Dance Hall in Kittery on Saturday from 7:30-10:30 p.m. and Sunday from 5-8 p.m. Tickets are $18-$30, or $40 for a two-day pass. Learn more here.
Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt at The Music Hall
Two living legends will share the stage at The Music Hall in Portsmouth on Saturday night. Singer, composer, and actor Lyle Lovett joins forces with master lyricist and storyteller John Hiatt — who between them have been nominated for 26 Grammy Awards — for a co-headline concert at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $77.50-$148. Learn more here.
Tito Puente Jr. & Nestor Torres at Jimmy’s
Percussionist Tito Puente Jr., son of the great Tito Puente, will be joined by Grammy Award-winning flautist Nestor Torres for a concert celebrating Latin music with passion, virtuosity, and deep respect for tradition at Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club in Portsmouth on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $22-$101. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.