The first full weekend of spring is an exceptionally busy one, full of terrific local events. Here are some highlights.
Il Cinema Ritrovato at The Music Hall
Described as “pure heaven for cinephiles,” Il Cinema Ritrovato is a festival of restored films, silent cinema, and director’s portraits, presented in Bologna, Italy. The Music Hall is partnering with the University of New Hampshire to bring six films to Portsmouth this weekend. Tickets are $12-$15 each, or $72 for a pass. Learn more here.
Truffle at Newburyport Brewing Co.
Celebrate spring at the Newburyport Brewing Company on Friday when legendary Seacoast ensemble Truffle brings its soulful rock sounds to the stage from 6-9 p.m. The band will be jamming, the beer will be flowing, and an Anchors Aweigh food truck will be serving up pizza and more. Tickets are $10. Learn more here.
Concerts at The Word Barn
It will be an eventful weekend at The Word Barn in Exeter. On Friday from 7-8:30 p.m., Canadian-born artist Sam Weber (above) shares songs from his brand new album ($20). On Saturday from 8-9:30 p.m., The Ammonium Maze Ensemble celebrates the music of Percy Hill ($25). On Sunday from 7-9 p.m., guests Melissa Ferrick and Vance Gilbert join host Mark Erelli for the Come On Up to the House songwriting showcase ($25). Learn more here.
Concerts at The Dance Hall
The Dance Hall in Kittery, too, has a packed itinerary. On Friday, Stu Dias’ New Orleans swing band Midnight BBQ (above) performs from 7:30-8:30 p.m. On Saturday, old-time banjoist Allison de Groot accompanies dancer Nic Gareiss from 7:30-8:30 p.m. On Sunday from 3-4 p.m., members of the Aliento Chamber Players play works for cello and piano, including a world premiere from a Vermont composer. Tickets are $15. Learn more here.
Jazz singers at Jimmy’s
Two acclaimed jazz vocalists perform at Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club in Portsmouth this weekend. Soul Train Award-winning singer Nicole Henry (above) takes the stage on Friday at 7:30 p.m. ($12.50-$40). Singer and pianist Kandace Springs, who Prince once said has a “voice which could melt snow,” follows on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. ($20).
‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ at the Ring
After wowing audiences for 40 years, “Jesus Christ Superstar” opens at The Players’ Ring in Portsmouth this weekend. The rock musical by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber is on stage March 25 to April 10; showtimes 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.
photo by Ben Bagley
‘Small Mouth Sounds’ at NHTP
Bess Wohl’s “Small Mouth Sounds” earned widespread acclaim during its opening weekend at New Hampshire Theatre Project in Portsmouth. Directed by CJ Lewis, the new dramedy remains on stage through April 3. Showtimes this weekend are Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m. Tickets are $26-$30. Learn more here.
photo by Dan Derby
Concerts at The Stone Church
There’s something for everyone at The Stone Church in Newmarket. Jersey Shore jam band Dogs in a Pile performs with opener Lazy Bird on Friday at 9 p.m. ($15). Local prog-rock heroes Dreadnaught celebrate their new album, “Northern Burner,” with support from Almanac Mountain on Saturday at 8 p.m. ($10). Award-winning Gypsy swing band The Hot Club of Portland follows on Sunday from 4-6 p.m. ($15). Learn more here.
New Legacy Swing Band at the Rockingham Ballroom
True to its heritage, the Rockingham Ballroom in Newmarket will host a big-band concert with the dance floor open on Saturday from 8-10 p.m. The New Legacy Swing Band, a regional 18-piece ensemble, will play songs by Blood Sweat and Tears, Brian Setzer, Herb Alpert, Chicago, and others. Tickets are $20. Learn more here.
Toubab Krewe at The Press Room
The Press Room in Portsmouth invites you to wrap up the weekend with a proper party. Toubab Krewe, an instrumental powerhouse based in Asheville, N.C., blends rock with African traditions, jam sensibilities, and international folk strains. They’ll perform on Sunday at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20-$25. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.