So much live entertainment packed into one summer weekend. Here are some of the top highlights.
The Samples & Reggae Fest
Newburyport Brewing Company hosts a pair of big outdoor events this weekend. First up are Colorado-based rock-reggae legends The Samples, who perform with opening act Michael Bernier on Friday from 4-9 p.m. ($40). The seventh annual Reggae Fest follows on Saturday from 12-9 p.m., featuring sets by JahRiffe & Jah-N-I Roots Movement, Dis-N-Dat, and Redemption ($10). Both events will offer food trucks and tasty beer. Get tickets here.
Loading Dock concerts at 3S
Two great acts will take the outdoor Loading Dock stage at 3S Artspace in Portsmouth this weekend. On Friday, local psychedelic post-rock trio fiveighthirteen plays an early show from 6-7:15 p.m. and a late show from 8-9:15 p.m. On Saturday, nationally-touring one-man act The Suitcase Junket will perform an early show from 6-7:15 p.m. and a late show from 8-9:15 p.m. Tickets are sold by the table, starting at $50 on Friday and $100 on Saturday.
‘Godspell’ at Smolak Farms
For the final production in its Summer Outdoor Series, the Firehouse Center for the Arts is staging Stephen Schwartz’s beloved musical “Godspell” on the lovely grounds of Smolak Farms in North Andover, Mass., from Aug. 13-29. Show times are Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Reservations are made by the pod, with one $50 ticket admitting up to four people, who will have their own space in the field. Get tickets here.
Word Barn Comedy Live
Headlining the next monthly installment of Word Barn Comedy Live in Exeter is Christine Hurley, who was a finalist in Nick at Nite’s “The Search for the Funniest Mom in America” in 2005 (hosted by Sandra Bernhard). She’ll share her humorous views on motherhood and marriage on Friday from 8-9:30 p.m. Also on the bill are fellow comics Kyle Seeley, Phoebe Angle, Will Smalley, and hosts Josh and Sara Day. Tickets are $25. Learn more here.
Stone Church concerts
It’s another packed weekend at The Stone Church in Newmarket. On Friday, power trio lespecial performs with DJ Teeba at 9 p.m. ($40). On Saturday, Sarah Lee Guthrie (daughter of Arlo, granddaughter of Woody) plays with guest Tristan Omand from 1-2 p.m. ($25). Instrumental Grateful Dead tribute Shred Is Dead follows from 6-9 p.m. ($20). On Sunday, vintage jazz and rock band Weege & The Wondertwins plays from 3-5 p.m. ($12). Get tickets here.
Press Room concerts
Electronic dance music will fill The Press Room in Portsmouth this weekend. Local bass duo Zoo Logic shares the bill with Slaythoven and Section D on Friday at 9 p.m. ($13-$15). Local hip-hop outfit Datacet, featuring a DJ and two MCs (former resident artists at The Red Door), headline on Saturday at 9 p.m. That show will also feature an opening acoustic set from Brian Wood Capobianchi, plus guests BCap, Face of Fate, and DJ Obermiller ($10).
The Soul Sessions
The final edition of The Soul Sessions summer workshop series comes to The Word Barn Meadow in Exeter on Saturday morning from 9-11 a.m. Hosted by wellness coach Rebecca Capone and yoga teacher Jessica Gutstein, the event includes an energizing Barre workout, restorative yoga flow, healing meditation, and guided journaling — all aimed at giving participants tools for mindful living. Tickets are $85. Learn more here.
Bright & Lyon concerts
Bright & Lyon Productions continues to bring great touring acts to The Word Barn Meadow in Exeter. Singer-songwriter and guitarist Brooke Annibale, who has shared stages with the likes of Josh Ritter, Iron & Wine, and Chadwick Stokes, takes the stage on Saturday from 7-8:30 p.m. ($20). On Sunday, Boston-based folk-rockers the Adam Ezra Group play an early show from 4-5:30 p.m. and a late show from 7-8:30 p.m. ($45 — low ticket count!). Get tickets here.
Eyenine & co. at Fury’s
Regional hip-hop favorite eyenine headlines a concert at Fury’s Publick House in Dover on Saturday at 9 p.m. — less than a week before the planned release of his highly-anticipated third full-length studio album, “A Little Above Low Key.” Also on the bill in Dover are fellow hip-hop acts Adeem, Seth on Gray, Teeba, and Heather Colors. DJ Myth will be on the decks for the evening. There is a door charge of $10. For more information, click here.
Under the Arch concerts
Folk-rocker Billy Wylder’s Under the Arch shows, originally scheduled for Saturday, have been canceled. However, there is still some great music coming to Chestnut Street on Sunday. Singer-songwriter Deb Talan, known for her work with Hummingfish and the Weepsies, will play an early show from 5-6 p.m. and a late show from 7-8 p.m. outside The Music Hall in Portsmouth. Tickets are sold by the table at a rate of $35 per person.
See the full calendar for more local events.