Lots of live music, comedy, and theater coming up this weekend. Here are some highlights.
New Orleans Jazz Orchestra at Jimmy’s
The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra (aka NOJO5) will bring big horns and big sound to Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club in Portsmouth on Friday. Led by Grammy-winning drummer and artistic director Adonis Rose, they’ll play two shows with Grammy-nominated vocalist Jazzmeia Horn at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $10-$65. Learn more here.
Strings and things at The Word Barn
It’ll be another packed weekend of intimate live music at The Word Barn in Exeter. Multi-instrumental duo Larry & Joe will play their fusion of Venezuelan and Appalachian folk music on Friday from 7-9 p.m. ($23). Local string band Erica Brown & The Bluegrass Connection will follow with a gig on Saturday from 7-9 p.m. ($20). And iconic folk singer-songwriter John Gorka returns to wrap things up on Sunday from 7-8:30 p.m. ($32). Learn more here.
Greg Clarkson at The Rockingham Ballroom
Learn to dance like it’s the Roaring Twenties and put your skills to work on the historic dance floor of The Rockingham Ballroom in Newmarket. Teacher and DJ Greg Clarkson will lead casual lessons of the Lindy Hop and/or the Shim Sham and play a mix of swing, disco, and more on Friday from 7-10 p.m. Tickets are $10. Learn more here.
‘The 39 Steps’ at NH Theatre Project
New Hampshire Theatre Project’s first production of 2023 is a fast-paced whodunit spy parody. Adapted from Alfred Hitchcock’s classic 1935 thriller (but with a comic twist), “The 39 Steps” is on stage in Portsmouth from Jan. 20-Feb. 5. Directed by Blair Hundertmark, the show features over 150 characters — played by a cast of four. Show times are Fridays and Saturdays from 8-10 p.m. and Sundays from 2-4 p.m. Tickets are $26-$30. Learn more here.
Entrain at 3S Artspace
Martha’s Vineyard-based band Entrain will celebrate its 30th anniversary this year. Formed in 1993, the eclectic six-piece group is still going strong. They’ll bring their infectious blend of rock, blues, calypso, ska, zydeco, jazz, and funk to 3S Artspace in Portsmouth for a concert on Friday from 8-11 p.m. Tickets are $25. Learn more here.
Gary Petersen at McCue’s
Named 2016 Best Comedian by Boston Magazine and one of Riot LA’s comics to watch, Gary Petersen’s absurd realist style has made him a rapidly rising comic star. He’ll headline at McCue’s Comedy Club with support from openers Cher Lynn, Dan Donahue, and host Liam Hales on Friday from 8-9 p.m. Tickets are $20. Learn more here.
Live music at The Stone Church
The Stone Church is hosting three shows in two days in Newmarket. Jam band Andrew North & The Rangers joins The Humans Being on Friday at 9 p.m. ($10). Acoustic roots act High Range plays on Saturday from 5-8 p.m. ($15). Psych-rockers The Trichomes and power-funk septet Waiting on Mongo follow at 10 p.m. ($10). Learn more here.
‘Get a Life’ at The Players’ Ring
The Players’ Ring in Portsmouth is kicking off a series of workshop productions — performed by kids and for kids. Joshua Goldberg’s original musical “Get a Life,” about a cat named Franklin who is down to his last of nine lives, is on stage Jan. 21-29. Show times are Saturdays and Sundays at 10 a.m. Tickets are $15-$18. Learn more here.
Rhett Miller at The Press Room
Texas native Rhett Miller, best known as front man of Dallas-based alt-country favorites the Old 97s, has become a regular visitor to the New Hampshire Seacoast area. The acclaimed singer-songwriter will return to Portsmouth for a solo performance at The Press Room on Saturday at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25-$30. Learn more here.
Powermoneycake at The Dance Hall
The Dance Hall’s first concert of the year is coming up this weekend in Kittery! Tribute band Powermoneycake, featuring an all-star lineup of local musicians, will play stripped-down yet faithful versions of songs from throughout Steely Dan’s catalog during a gig on Saturday from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Tickets are $15-$20. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.