mysterious ann tolson
Work by the late Ann Tolson is on view at the New Hampshire Art Association. Above: "Mysterious"

Top five things to do: June 3-9

A roundup of events and happenings on the Seacoast

These are somber times in our country. Please note that some events have been canceled or postponed in recognition of the nationwide crisis, so check with host organizations to make sure things are happening on schedule.

On Thursday, June 4, at 7 p.m., there will be a peaceful Black Lives Matter March in downtown Portsmouth. There is also a Seacoast March for Justice on Saturday, June 6, at 2 p.m. from Kittery to Portsmouth. We encourage people to demonstrate their solidarity with these important movements safely and peacefully.

Here some other noteworthy events coming up over the next week.

PPLP Zoom Hoot

kate foster

The Portsmouth Poet Laureate Program will hold its next monthly hoot via Zoom on Wednesday, June 3, from 7-9 p.m. The featured readers for June are Bertha Rogers and Kate Hanson Foster (above). Rogers is a poet, visual artist, and educator whose work has appeared in literary journals, anthologies, and her own collections and chapbooks. Foster’s first book of poems was a finalist for the Massachusetts Center for the Book Award. Learn more here.

Virtual World Oceans Day

world ocean day

The annual World Oceans Day is on June 8, but some local organizations will be celebrating throughout the week. The Seacoast Science Center is hosting a World Ocean Day Weeklong Celebration from June 1-8 through its website, Facebook and Instagram pages, and Zoom and Kahoot applications. And the Gundalow Company is presenting a Virtual World Oceans Day with Dr. Jeffrey M. Schell as guide on Thursday, June 4, from 7-8:30 p.m.

Body of Work: Series I

The New Hampshire Art Association reopens its Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery in downtown Portsmouth on Friday, June 5. Although there will be no opening reception, the Body of Work: Series I exhibition, featuring six artists working in a variety of mediums, will be on display from June 5-27. Also on view are more than 80 pieces by late painter Ann Tolson — a show that was cut short in March — with a silent auction taking place online.

Portsmouth Farmers Market

The Portsmouth Farmers Market will hold its delayed opening day for 2020 on Saturday, June 6, from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Normally held in the parking lot outside City Hall, this market has been moved to a new location at the Little Harbor School, and there will be safety guidelines in place. Learn more here. For updates on other weekly farmers markets in Dover, Durham, and Exeter, go to the Seacoast Growers Association’s Facebook page.

Groove Thang at The Stone Church

groove thang

The Stone Church in Newmarket is bringing back live music with an outdoor concert by local band Groove Thang on Saturday, June 6, from 5-8 p.m. The soulful roots-rock trio, featuring Truffle members Dave Gerard, Dave Bailey, and Pete Kowalski, will perform in the venue’s outdoor dining area and beer garden. Space is limited for social distancing, so guests are encouraged to buy tickets ($10) in advance. For more information, click here.

For a complete calendar of local events, click here.