Jazz up your weekend with some great local events — the weather should be accommodating.
Roadshow Weekend at The Word Barn
Whisky Treaty Roadshow is headlining back-to-back outdoor concerts at The Word Barn Meadow in Exeter on Friday and Saturday from 6-10:30 p.m. Night I of Roadshow Weekend also features Old Hat Stringband, King Kyote, and Ali McGuirk; supporting acts on Night II include Brooke Annibale, Saints & Liars, and the Jamie McLean Band. Tickets are $46 for a single night, or $79 for a two-day festival pass. And come back on Sunday for a Cyanotype Workshop from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. ($95). Learn more here.
Music and magic at WSCA Radio
WSCA Portsmouth Community Radio hosts a triple-bill of Maine-based progressive metal featuring MANUEL, Black Vinegar, and Destination Void on Friday from 7-10 p.m. ($10-$15). Bangor-based rock and emo band The Widows Club follows on Saturday from 8-10 p.m. ($10-$15). On Sunday, Sages Entertainment presents an evening of magic, balloons, bubbles, and STEAM enrichment from 5-6 p.m. ($7). Learn more here.
Jazz and classical at The Dance Hall
Saxophonist and clarinetist Chet Doxas (pictured), who was voted to Downbeat Magazine’s Rising Star Critics Poll two years in a row, will bring his trio to The Dance Hall in Kittery on Friday from 7:30-9 p.m. ($10-$18). On Saturday morning, prior to her headlining slot in the Seacoast Jazz Festival, saxophonist Alexa Tarantino will lead a free Jazz Improvisation Clinic from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Then, on Sunday, the Portsmouth Athenaeum presents the Grammy-nominated Neave Piano Trio from 3-4:30 p.m. ($10-$30). Learn more here.
Standup comedy shows in Portsmouth
Laugh your way through the weekend with stand-up comedy shows in Portsmouth. Rising star Sam Morrison will perform his work in progress “Sugar Daddy” at The Music Hall Lounge on Friday at 8 p.m. ($20-$30). And local comic Jim McCue headlines at McCue’s Comedy Club on Saturday from 8-9:30 p.m. ($25).
Seacoast Jazz Festival at Prescott Park
Award-winning saxophonist Alexa Tarantino and her quartet will headline the 41st annual Seacoast Jazz Festival in Portsmouth on Saturday. Presented by the Prescott Park Arts Festival in partnership with the Seacoast Jazz Society, the event features a total of five local and regional acts from 12-6 p.m. There is a $15 suggested donation; table and blanket reservations are available. Learn more here.
NH Jazz Orchestra at The Rockingham Ballroom
Swing and waltz your way around The Rockingham Ballroom’s spacious dance floor in Newmarket on Saturday night from 7-11 p.m. The 22-piece New Hampshire Jazz Orchestra will perform music from the great big band era following a free dance lesson. Tickets to the all-ages concert are $20. Learn more here.
‘Too Darn Hot!’ at Newmarket Millspace
The Millspace Mainstage Cabaret Series continues with its second show, titled “Too Darn Hot!,” on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Local pianist Kathy Fink will accompany host Geehae Moon at the Newmarket Millspace for an evening of sizzling show tunes that are just hot enough to make you sweat. Tickets are $15. Learn more here.
Rock ‘n’ roll shows at The Press Room
Charleston-based indie-rock band Easy Honey will share the stage with special guest Kids That Fly at The Press Room in Portsmouth on Saturday at 8 p.m. ($15-$20). A night later, Arcantina (pictured) will headline a night of heavy rock with guests Novakoi, Trading Tombstones, and Riverside Drive on Sunday at 7 p.m. ($12-$15).
Mica’s Groove Train at Crows’ Feat Farm
Local soul and R&B band Mica’s Groove Train, led by powerhouse vocalist Yamica Peterson, takes its turn in Crows’ Feat Farm’s lawn concert series on Sunday from 3-5 p.m. ($10-$20). The Kensington farm will also host a pre-concert community picnic with farm-fresh food from 1-2:30 p.m. (tickets sold separately for $30). Learn more here.
The Felice Brothers at 3S Artspace
Folk-rockers The Felice Brothers have been busy. They put out two new records within six months, the most recent being “Valley of Abandoned Songs” in late June. Their summer tour will bring them to 3S Artspace in Portsmouth for a show with opener Dead Gowns on Sunday from 8-11 p.m. Tickets are $25-$30. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.