Juston McKinney
Comedian Juston McKinney performs at The Music Hall this weekend. courtesy photo

Top five things to do: Dec. 29-31

A roundup of weekend entertainment on the Seacoast

Even before the New Year’s Eve revelry next Monday, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the final days of 2018 over the weekend, including comedy, theater, and music. Here are some of the highlights.

Hedwig and the Angry Inch

headwig and the angry inch seacoast rep

Sandwiched in between their Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve productions of “The Rocky Horror Show,” the Seacoast Repertory Theatre in Portsmouth continues its edgy holiday run with “Hedwig and the Angry Inch.” The Tony Award-winning musical comedy, directed by the Mad Men of Oopsy Daisy Inc., runs Dec. 27-31; show times are Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 7 p.m., and Monday at 9 p.m. Tickets are $20-$25; learn more here.

Juston McKinney & Bob Marley

bob marley rochester opera house

Two of the region’s top comedians will offer multiple end-of-the-year performances at local venues this weekend. Juston McKinney presents A Year in Review 2018 at The Music Hall in Portsmouth on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 28 and 29, at 8 p.m., and on Sunday, Dec. 30, at 6:30 p.m. ($26; Carolyn Riley opens). And Bob Marley presents his R-rated comedy at the Rochester Opera House on Friday at 5 p.m., and on Saturday at 5, 7, and 9 p.m. ($32.50).

Jim Rioux Album Release Party

jim rioux album release

Kittery-based musician and UNH teacher Jim Rioux will celebrate the release of his second album on local label Burst & Bloom, “yes I will Yes,” with a show at The Press Room in Portsmouth on Friday, Dec. 28, at 8 p.m. Rioux is a multi-instrumentalist and singer with the vivid storytelling skills you’d expect from a creative writing teacher. Joining him for the occasion will be his Pale Wallace band mate, Guy Capecelatro III. Tickets are $7-$10; learn more here.

The Get Up Kids at 3S

get up kids 3s artspace

NOTE: This show has sold out.

The Get Up Kids emerged from Kansas City and rose to prominence in indie rock and emo circles in the mid-1990s, releasing their debut album more than 20 years ago. After a few stops and starts, the band is again touring and recording, releasing their “Kicker” EP earlier this year. The Kids will perform at 3S Artspace in Portsmouth on Saturday, Dec. 29, at 8 p.m., with openers Active Bird Community and Retirement Party. Tickets are $23-$26; learn more here.

Kemp Harris at Book & Bar

kemp harris portsmouth book bar

Kemp Harris is a singer-songwriter, composer, children’s author, actor, and educator who has written compositions for international dance and ballet companies; performed at many storytelling festivals; appeared in films, plays, and TV commercials; and released two solo albums. Originally from North Carolina but now based in Massachusetts, he’s shared stages with Koko Taylor, Taj Mahal, and others. He’ll play songs at Portsmouth Book and Bar on Saturday, Dec. 29, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $12-$15; for more information, click here.

For a complete calendar of local events, click here.