Wonderful weather is expected for Memorial Day Weekend, and there are loads of ways to amuse yourself. Here are some of the options.
Raptors and rock at The Word Barn
Raptors return to The Word Barn in Exeter for Whose Nest Is Best? on Friday from 5:30-6:30 p.m., featuring live birds and Tailwinds educators ($25, free for kids 10 and under). On Saturday from 7-9 p.m., Americana duo The Rough & Tumble plays the first outdoor show of the year at The Word Barn Meadow ($20). Learn more here.
Bill Frisell at Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club
If you want to experience true improvisational genius, look no further than Bill Frisell. The Grammy Award-winning jazz guitarist and composer — a 12-time DownBeat Critics Poll “Guitarist of the Year” — will perform live at Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club in Portsmouth on Friday at 7 p.m. Remaining tickets are $10-$45. Learn more here.
‘The Stands’ at The Players’ Ring
Five parents and a grandma share a life-changing moment at their kids’ baseball practice. That’s the premise of Jack Neary’s “The Stands,” on stage through June 11 at The Players’ Ring in Portsmouth. Show times 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 $24-$27. Learn more here.
Live music at The Dance Hall
Local septet Soggy Po’ Boys gets the party started at The Dance Hall in Kittery with a horn-heavy show on Friday from 7:30-9 p.m. ($17-$22). Folk trio The Clements Brothers, featuring twin string players George and Charles Clements with Grain Thief drummer Mike Harmon, follow on Saturday from 7:30-9 p.m. ($17-$22). Learn more here.
‘Newsies’ at the Seacoast Rep
Disney’s musical “Newsies” tells the true story of the New York newsboys strike in 1899. It’s on stage at the Seacoast Repertory Theatre in Portsmouth through July 8; show times are generally Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $35-$60. Learn more here.
Seacoast Food Truck Festival
Live music, artisan vendors, craft beer, corn hole, axe throwing, and caricature drawing are among the attractions at the Great New England Seacoast Food Truck Festival. Oh, and there will also be lots and lots of food. It takes place at the Kittery Outlets on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission is $5. Learn more here.
Music Release Party at The Stone Church
Two regional bands will share new tunes during a music release party at The Stone Church in Newmarket on Saturday. The Honey Bees will split the bill with Moses Irons and his Long Suffering Band beginning at 7 p.m. Each of the acts recently recorded four songs at Thundering Sky Studios in South Berwick. Tickets are $20. Learn more here.
World Fusion Music at Green Acre
Local multi-instrumentalist Randy Armstrong and percussionist and vocalist Marty Quinn, longtime collaborators in the Do’a World Music Ensemble, are teaming up to present an uplifting evening of music from around the world at Green Acre’s Reimer Hall in Eliot on Saturday from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Tickets are $15. Learn more here.
Daryl Hall & Todd Rundgren at The Music Hall
With Hall & Oates, Daryl Hall was part of the bestselling music duo of all time. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee has collaborated with countless other artists, and he’ll bring his House Band to The Music Hall in Portsmouth for a concert with special guest Todd Rundgren on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $95-$250. Learn more here.
Toubab Krewe at The Press Room
Formed in 2005, Asheville, N.C.-based band Toubab Krewe swirls together elements of rock, jam, and international folk steeped in African musical traditions. They’ll bring their uniquely innovative sound to The Press Room in Portsmouth for what’s bound to be a lively concert on Sunday at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20-$25. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.