The weekend before Thanksgiving brings music, art, dancing, and more to the Seacoast. Here are some highlights.
Safe Haven Ballet: Charlie Brown Christmas
Follow Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Pig-Pen, Linus, Lucy, Sally, and others as they navigate the holiday season. Save Haven Ballet presents “Charlie Brown Christmas” at STAR Theatre in Kittery on Friday at 6 p.m. ($30). Also at STAR, saxophonist Nick Mainella and pianist Mark Shilansky will provide the music and Nancy’s Catering will provide the food at the Easy Like Sunday Mornings Jazz Brunch on Sunday at 11:30 a.m. ($25). Learn more here.
Rock concerts at Newmarket Millspace
Ross McGinnis (pictured) leads a multi-media journey through one of the greatest decades in music during The 70’s Experience at Newmarket Millspace on Friday at 7 p.m. ($22.50). Then, experimental acts Goiter, Trepidation, Failure to Thrive, Radiator, and a.drift perform at a NOMUSIC Concert on Saturday at 6 p.m. ($15). Learn more here.
Music and an art workshop at The Word Barn
Folk-rock outfit The Wolff Sisters returns to The Word Barn in Exeter for a concert on Friday from 7-9 p.m. ($30). The Hayley Jane Band follows with an energetic performance on Saturday from 7-9 p.m. ($25). Artist Molly C. Meng leads a DIY Wrapping Paper and Gift Tags Workshop on Sunday from 12-2:30 p.m. ($95). Learn more here.
Loads of live music at WSCA Radio
Following a Thursday-night triple-bill with Megan From Work, Local Honeymoon, and Madska at 8 p.m. ($10-$15), WSCA Radio in Portsmouth hosts singer-songwriters Erin Ash Sullivan and Doug Kolmar on Friday at 8 p.m. ($10-$15). On Saturday at 8 p.m., Anthony Vito Fiandaca hosts the first edition of Verse & Voice: The Seacoast’s Singer-Songwriter Showcase, featuring Ella Corinna, Jacob Russell, Holly Furlone, and Dave Ogden ($1). Learn more here.
Two live shows at The Dance Hall
Maison Electronique (pictured) will blend contemporary seben, highlife, and sahel guitar styles with Western genres like shoegaze, surf, and dub during a show at The Dance Hall in Kittery on Friday from 7:30-9:30 p.m. ($10-$22). And, on Sunday, Jazz Casual presents Man On Land featuring Lihi Haruvi from 5-6:30 p.m. ($10-$18). Learn more here.
Rock and funk at The Stone Church
Local roots-rock band Gnarly Darling gets the weekend started early with an album-release show at The Stone Church in Newmarket on Thursday at 8 p.m. ($20). A group of New England favorites presents The Last Waltz — A Tribute to The Band’s Farewell Concert on Friday at 8 p.m. ($30-$40). Finally, eight-piece Boston band Terrafunk headlines a night of psychedelic soul with opener Burning Shore on Saturday at 8 p.m. ($15-$20). Learn more here.
Great New England Holiday Craft Show
Great New England Craft & Artisan Shows presents the largest holiday craft show on the Seacoast this weekend. Around 150 artists, craftsmen, and specialty food makers will offer their wares at The Rim Sports Complex in Hampton on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is $5 (free for kids). Learn more here.
A night of dancing at The Rockingham Ballroom
The Rockingham Ballroom hosts a spicy night of dancing in Newmarket on Saturday. First, instructor Nina El-Badry leads a beginner Bachata Bootcamp from 3-5 p.m., teaching the basics of sensual movement ($35). After salsa and bachata lessons starting at 7 p.m., DJ Javier leads a Latin Dance Party at 8 p.m. ($15). Learn more here.
Voices from the Heart Fall Concerts
Expect Scottish songs, a Wailin’ Jennys cover, African drumming, and more during Voices from the Heart’s fall concert on Saturday. The local chorus will perform “The Wonder of It All!” twice at South Church in Portsmouth, with a matinee at 4 p.m. (sold out) and an evening show at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20. Learn more here.
Saturday night live at The Press Room
High-voltage folk-rock band Driftwood kicks things off with local opener Jon Nolan & Good Co. at The Press Room in Portsmouth on Saturday from 7-10 p.m. ($17-$20). Later that night, Jay Sync brings some Miami house heat to the dance floor with a Club Sync DJ set starting at 10:30 p.m. ($10). Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.