Art exhibits, live concerts, dance lessons, comedy shows — take it all in this weekend. Here are some highlights.
Solo shows at Seacoast Artist Association
The Seacoast Artist Association will unveil two solo shows with an opening reception at its gallery in Exeter on Friday from 5-7 p.m. “Step Into My Garden” features watercolor paintings by Doris Rice of North Hampton, while Roberta Garrison of Exeter creates birds from preserved botanicals in “The Botanical Collection.” Learn more here.
Acoustic concerts at The Word Barn
The Word Barn in Exeter hosts three concerts showcasing roots music traditions from around the world this weekend. Solo multi-instrumentalist Matt Heckler (above) explores Appalachian mountain music and early bluegrass on Friday from 7-8:30 p.m. ($20). Award-winning Canadian folk duo The Small Glories follows on Saturday from 8-9:30 p.m. ($22). Traditional Scottish band The Tannehill Weavers performs on Sunday from 7-8:30 p.m. ($28). Learn more here.
Swingin’ at The Rockingham Ballroom
Take advantage of the spacious dance floor at The Rockingham Ballroom in Newmarket this weekend. Teacher and DJ Greg Clarkson leads a swing and line dance with a free lesson on Friday from 7-10 p.m. ($10). The NH Jazz Orchestra presents a throwback party to the big band era on Saturday from 7-10:30 p.m. ($25). Learn more here.
Music at The Dance Hall
Multi-style violinist and champion fiddler Mari Black will delight the crowd at The Dance Hall in Kittery with her virtuosic playing on Friday from 7:30-9 p.m. ($15). The Soggy Po’ Boys’ special performance on Saturday from 7:30-9:30 p.m. will support efforts to rebuild Katrina-damaged homes in New Orleans ($15). Learn more here.
‘A Safe Passage’ closing weekend
One weekend remains in The Players’ Ring’s production of Irene Kelleher’s “A Safe Passage,” about a lonely lighthouse keeper who rescues a mysterious woman from the sea on New Year’s Eve in 1979. It’s on stage in Portsmouth on Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $24-$27. Learn more here.
Stand-up at McCue’s Comedy Club
Laugh the weekend away at McCue’s Comedy Club in Portsmouth. Local comic Jim McCue (above) — the club’s namesake — performs a set of standup on Friday from 8-9 p.m. ($20). Boston comic Joey Carroll, described as a cross between George Carlin and Dennis Miller, follows on Saturday from 8-9:30 p.m. ($20). Learn more here.
Concerts at The Stone Church
The Stone Church in Newmarket hosts two killer shows this weekend. Headliner Bella’s Bartok (above) and opener Bitter Pill explore the underbelly of folk on Friday at 9 p.m. ($15). Not Fade Away Band hosts a night of Dead Zeppelin on Saturday at 9 p.m., playing the music of the Grateful Dead and Led Zeppelin ($15). Learn more here.
Dave Matthews Tribute Brunch
For the second time in as many months, you can enjoy the music of the Dave Matthews Band while you eat brunch at The Press Room in Portsmouth. Regional tribute act Crush, who in October played a 23-song set at The Press Room, offers another free acoustic performance for guests of all ages on Sunday from 11-2 p.m. Learn more here.
Artist Talk at 3S Artspace
Artist Patricia Miranda’s exhibit “Punto In Aria: A Repairing Mend” is up for one more weekend at 3S Artspace in Portsmouth. Miranda will be on hand for a free artist talk and gallery walk-through during the show’s final day on Sunday from 1-2:30 p.m., when she’ll engage in meaningful conversation about her work. Learn more here.
Blind Boys of Alabama at The Music Hall
Some living legends of gospel music are headed to The Music Hall in Portsmouth. Five-time Grammy Award-winners the Blind Boys of Alabama, who have reached the highest levels of achievement over a 70-year career, will perform with special guest opener Charlie Musselwhite on Sunday at 7 p.m. Tickets are $45-$72. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.