This winter weekend brings art, music, theater, comedy, and more. Here are some highlights.
NHAA at Art ‘Round Town
NOTE: The opening reception for the NHAA exhibits has been pushed back to Feb. 11 due to weather.
The New Hampshire Art Association temporarily closed its Portsmouth gallery in January, but they’re back this month, just in time for Art ‘Round Town on Friday from 5-8 p.m. In “Friends and Lovers,” member artists share work on the theme of love. “Passage — Painting Through the Pandemic” features works by emerging artist Tim Gilbert.
‘I Love You Because’ at the Ring
On Friday, The Players’ Ring in Portsmouth opens a show that explores the rules and nuances of dating. “I Love You Because” is a modern musical twist on Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice.” It runs Feb. 4-20; show times are Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $25-$28. Learn more here.
King Solomon Hicks at Jimmy’s
Last year, world-touring guitarist, singer, and songwriter King Solomon Hicks won the Blues Music Award for “Best Emerging Artist Album,” for his 2020 record “Harlem.” Hicks, who has been recording since he was 14, will perform at Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club in Portsmouth on Friday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15-$30. Learn more here.
‘Women Playing Hamlet’ at NHTP
It’s the last weekend to catch the comedy “Women Playing Hamlet” at New Hampshire Theatre Project in Portsmouth — and for this weekend only, it is available to view in person at the theater or virtually from home. In-person show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $26-$30. Learn more here.
Concerts at The Stone Church
Like reggae? Heard of a Jamaican fellow by the name of Bob Marley? Sister Dee & Dis N’ Dat Band will celebrate the late Marley’s music the night before his birthday at The Stone Church in Newmarket on Saturday from 8-11 p.m. ($12-$15). Also, local favorites Soggy Po’ Boys hit the Church for a gig on Friday from 8-11 p.m. ($15).
Seacoast Skating with the Stars
Professional skaters from Ice Dance International will put on a choreographed performance at Labrie Family Skate at Puddle Dock Pond, on the grounds of Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth, during the third annual Seacoast Skating with the Stars on Saturday from 2-3 p.m. Tickets are $10-$22 (free for kids under 5). Learn more here.
Laugh Riot at The Rockingham Ballroom
Laugh Riot returns to The Rockingham Ballroom in Newmarket on Saturday from 8-11 pm. for a Comedy Night featuring two headliners. Chris D (Showtimes, Boston Comedy, The Comedy Studio) and Jason Merrill (Nick’s Comedy Stop, Giggle, Patriot Place) will get support from opener Kennedy Richard. Tickets are $20. Learn more here.
Rhythm Future Quartet at The Dance Hall
The Dance Hall in Kittery will host another night of Gypsy jazz this weekend. Virtuosic acoustic ensemble The Rhythm Future Quartet, featuring violin maestro Jason Anick with guitarist Olli Soikkeli, guitarist Max O’Rourke, and upright bassist Greg Loughman, will perform on Saturday from 7:30-8:30 p.m. Tickets are $20. Learn more here.
Pink Talking Fish Winter Carnival
Why settle for a typical tribute band when you can have a triple-tribute? Pink Talking Fish plays songs by three beloved bands: Pink Floyd, Talking Heads, and Phish. They’ll perform at The Music Hall in Portsmouth on Saturday from 8-10 p.m. (the PTF 4 Kids show on Sunday has been canceled). Tickets are $27 ($7 to livestream). Learn more here.
Elinor Williams Hooker Tea Talks
The Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire’s Elinor Williams Hooker Tea Talks series returns in 2022, with virtual and in-person installments in Portsmouth every Sunday from Feb. 6 to March 13 from 2-3:30 p.m. This Sunday’s panel discussion is on the topic of “Divisive Concepts: A Chilling Effect on Teaching History.” Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.