Music and art are in full bloom on the Seacoast.
Johnny Cash tribute at The Music Hall Lounge
Scott Moreau has been performing worldwide as Johnny Cash for more than 15 years, and he’ll return to The Music Hall Lounge in Portsmouth to play hits and deep cuts by The Man in Black during three upcoming shows: Thursday at 7 p.m., Friday at 5 p.m., and Friday at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25-$35. Learn more here.
Loud & Proud at N.H. Art Association
Among the highlights of Portsmouth’s Art ‘Round Town gallery walk on Friday from 5-8 p.m. is an opening reception for “Loud & Proud” at the New Hampshire Art Association. The annual exhibition celebrates the depth, diversity, and creativity of LGBTQIA+ and allied artists across New England. Learn more here.
Live shows on the Button Factory Stage
WSCA Radio in Portsmouth will host a night of alt-country and Americana featuring Heather Smith and The Constants with JD and the Stonemasons on Friday at 8 p.m. ($10), followed by a night of weird and heavy sound featuring FishMac Stew with Paved Over and Sick Dude Hell Yeah on Saturday at 7 p.m. ($10-$15). Learn more here.
Music and DJs at The Press Room
Boston-based retro glam and rock band JVK brings its Pop Culture Affair Tour to The Press Room in Portsmouth on Friday for a gig with 40 Lashes and The Rock Dwellers at 7 p.m. ($15-$18). DJ Jam!n follows at 10:30 p.m. ($10). And White Belts return on Saturday at 9 p.m. for Emo Night Portsmouth ($20-$25). Learn more here.
Music in the meadow at The Word Barn
It’s a wonderful weekend for music in the meadow. The Word Barn in Exeter invites you outside for Americana icon Jeffrey Foucault with guest vocalist Winnie Roy on Friday from 7-9 p.m. ($35). Two nights later (following a pair of sold-out art workshops), local choir Rock My Soul peforms on Sunday from 7-9 p.m. ($25). Learn more here.
Elsa Cross at The Stone Church
It’s always an occasion when local legend Elsa Cross returns to her old stomping grounds. Now based in Austin, Texas, the gritty roots-punk singer, guitarist, and songwriter will perform at The Stone Church in Newmarket with guest opener Wet Wool on Friday at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20-$25. Learn more here.
NH Maker Fest at the Children’s Museum
Celebrate creativity and innovation with engineers, scientists, artists, teachers, musicians, dancers, and others at the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire in Dover this weekend. The 14th annual New Hampshire Maker Fest takes place on Saturday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. There is a $5 suggested donation. Learn more here.
Chowder Festival at Prescott Park
Around here, summer begins with the Prescott Park Arts Festival’s annual kick-off event in Portsmouth. Local restaurants will serve up mouthwatering chowder during the 97.5 WOKQ Chowder Festival on Saturday from 11:30 a.m. until they run out. There will also be live music and lawn games. Tickets are $25 (and add oysters from Virgin Oyster Company for $2 a pop). Learn more here.
Voices from the Heart Spring Concert
The matinee sold out in a flash, but there’s still time to get tickets to the evening performance of Voices from the Heart’s spring concert in Portsmouth. The local women’s chorus will present Shine Your Light! — featuring a West African drumming dance — at South Church on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20. Learn more here.
Comedy at The Rockingham Ballroom
The June edition of The Rockingham Ballroom’s monthly Comedy Night in Newmarket will feature a trio of standout standup comics on Saturday. Following a musical set by singer-songwriter Steve Balsamo at 7:30 p.m., comedians Alex Temple, Steve Bjork, and Nick Tocco will take turns on the stage. Tickets are $25. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.
