Lots of music, dancing, theater, and laughter coming up this sunny July weekend. Here are some highlights.
Jazz in the Streets: Bucket List Jazz Fusion
Kittery-based septet Bucket List Jazz Fusion kicks off this year’s Jazz in the Streets series on the Vaughan Mall Stage in Portsmouth on Friday from 5:30-7 p.m. Presented by the Seacoast Jazz Society, the free outdoor concert series continues at downtown Portsmouth locations most Saturdays through Aug. 20. Learn more here.
Cochecho Arts Festival: Compaq Big Band
The 36th annual Cochecho Arts Festival is underway in downtown Dover. The Friday Night Headliner schedule kicks off with a free performance by the Compaq Big Band with guest vocalist Ed Scheer from the Rotary Arts Pavilion in Henry Law Park on Friday from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The series continues weekly through Aug. 12. Learn more here.
‘The Play That Goes Wrong’ at the ROH
“The Play That Goes Wrong” follows Cornley University’s increasingly disastrous production of “The Murder at Haversham Manor.” The comedy is on stage at the Rochester Opera House July 8-23; show times are generally Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 5 p.m. Tickets are $22-$28. Learn more here.
Concerts at The Word Barn Meadow
Two terrific acts will take the outdoor stage at The Word Barn Meadow in Exeter this weekend. First up is Rhett Miller, front man of alt-country favorite the Old 97’s, on Friday from 8-9:30 p.m. (sold out, but there’s a waiting list). Banjoist, fiddler, and singer Jake Blount follows with a full band on Sunday from 7-8:30 p.m. ($20). Learn more here.
Music and comedy at The Music Hall Lounge
The newly renovated Music Hall Lounge (formerly The Music Hall Loft) is now open in downtown Portsmouth. Opening weekend includes a concert from folk-pop band Darlingside on Friday from 8-9 p.m. ($38-$48), followed by a stand-up set from sketch comedy veteran Michael Ian Black (above) on Saturday from 6-7 p.m. ($25-$35).
Dancing and comedy at The Rockingham Ballroom
The Rockingham Ballroom in Newmarket starts the weekend with a Friday night dance lesson and dance led by teacher and DJ Greg Clarkson at 8 p.m. ($10). The fun continues with a Laugh Riot comedy show on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. with Paul Landwehr, Mark Scalia, Nick Tocco, and a musical comedy duo ($20). Learn more here.
Concerts at The Stone Church
There’s a remarkable diversity of music coming to The Stone Church in Newmarket this weekend. On Friday at 9 p.m., The Frank White Experience pays tribute to The Notorious B.I.G. ($15-$20). On Saturday from 5-8 p.m., Marcus Rezak’s Shred is Dead (above) brings a lineup featuring Russ Lawton of the Trey Anastasio Band ($10). On Saturday at 8 p.m., jam band Eagles in the Attic performs with Nap Time, Skotchka, and Love Canal ($10). On Sunday from 4-7 p.m., acoustic duo Hayley Jane and Rob Compa takes the outdoor stage ($15). Learn more here.
Wynton Marsalis at Jimmy’s
A bona fide jazz legend is coming to Portsmouth on Saturday. Nine-time Grammy Award-winning trumpet player, composer, and bandleader Wynton Marsalis — the only artist ever to win a Grammy in five straight years — plays back-to-back shows at Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club at 7 and 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $125-$195. Learn more here.
Rodney Mashia at Crows’ Feat Farm
Enjoy a pleasant afternoon of soulful acoustic music at Crows’ Feat Farm in Kensington on Sunday, when New Orleans-born singer, guitarist, and flute player Rodney Mashia — now a resident of Portland, Maine — returns for an encore lawn concert from 3-5 p.m. Tickets are $20 ($10 for Kensington residents). Learn more here.
Railroad Earth at Cisco Brewers Portsmouth
In April, progressive bluegrass band Railroad Earth released its seventh full-length album, “All for the Song.” On Sunday, they’ll play tunes new and old on the lawn of Cisco Brewers Portsmouth during the second installment of Cisco’s Summer Concert Series, presented by The Press Room. Tickets are $35-$40. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.