Holiday shopping season is a great time to support local artists, and there are a couple of perfect opportunities to do so this weekend. There’s also some excellent music and theater coming up.
Men on Boats at NHTP
The first main-stage production of New Hampshire Theatre Project’s 30th season is Jaclyn Backhaus’ “Men on Boats.” The play follows a motley crew of explorers as they journey down the Colorado River in 1869. In a gender-bending twist, the all-male crew is played by an all-female cast. It runs Nov. 16-Dec. 2 at West End Studio Theatre in Portsmouth; show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $26-$30; learn more here.
Form + Function Artisan Fair
Dozens of artists and artisans from around the greater Seacoast will display their work at the first ever Form + Function Artisan Fair at 3S Artspace in Portsmouth on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 17 and 18, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The work available for purchase will include textiles, housewares, jewelry, metal work, accessories, ceramics, prints, paintings, and more. There will also be live music, beverages, and food from Barrio. Admission is free; for more information, click here.
Salmon Falls Mills Open Studios
The artists of the Salmon Falls Mills in Rollinsford will open their doors to the public this weekend, showcasing fiber art, jewelry, woodworking, photography, painting, sculpture, and more. The fall open studios take place Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 17 and 18, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The event spans five floors of studios in two buildings filled with local artists, crafters, and businesses. There will also be live music, entertainment, demonstrations, food, and raffles. Admission is free; learn more here.
Ladies of the LCD Soundsystem
The two women of LCD Soundsystem are touring to celebrate their work outside of the famed electro-dance-punk band. Keyboardist/vocalist Nancy Whang and DJ/synthesist Gavin Rayna Russom will perform at 3S Artspace in Portsmouth on Saturday, Nov. 17, at 8 p.m., with support from DJ Skooch and DJ Jodi and emcee Bunny Wonderland. Tickets are $19-$23; a portion of proceeds goes to RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), an anti-sexual violence organization. For more information, click here.
Jonathan Blakeslee & The Fronds
Local rock band Jonathan Blakeslee & The Fronds will celebrate the vinyl release of their latest album, “Ferris Wheelin’” at The Press Room in Portsmouth on Saturday, Nov. 17, at 9 p.m. Frontman Blakeslee wrote all the songs on the album, with influences ranging from The Velvet Underground to Big Star. The vinyl was pressed at Burlington Record Plant in Vermont. Long-time local favorite Elroy opens the show. Tickets are $7-$10; for more information, click here.
For a complete calendar of local events, click here.