Many Seacoast artists and musicians spent the month of February making new original art and music, and the results are now available for viewing and listening. And there are some other big happenings coming up this weekend.
ArtPM 2019 Exhibit
New artwork created for the 10th annual ArtPM Challenge will be on display at the Buoy gallery in Kittery through May 4. The local initiative encourages artists to complete an original piece of art — painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramic, furniture, whatever — during the month of February (aka Art Production Month). The exhibit opens with a reception on Friday, March 8, starting at 6 p.m. There will be much mingling and merriment. For more information, click here.
Paintbox at the Ring
Dover-based musician Jon McCormack unleashes his new rock opera at The Players’ Ring in Portsmouth this weekend. Coinciding with an album of the same name, “Paintbox” features 16 original songs inspired by different colors. The show at the Ring, running March 8-24, is directed by Tomer Oz and features a live band with McCormack on guitar. Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Tickets are $18. Learn more here.
Exotic Plant Show
For botanical enthusiasts, the annual Exotic Plant Show is a late-winter highpoint. Held at the Wentworth Greenhouses in Rollinsford, the show includes thousands of orchids, succulents, cacti, begonias, bonsais, and other exotic plants from around the world, which will be available for purchase. There will also be free seminars and educational displays. This year’s event takes place March 9-10; hours are 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Sunday. Learn more here.
Clash! Loud and Clear
A series of events at 3S Artspace in Portsmouth celebrates the 40th anniversary of The Clash’s iconic album, “London Calling.” Several highlights occur on Saturday, March 9, including a reception for two related exhibits from 6-7 p.m. Punk Is Alive features photography of punk past and present; The Clash on Record exhibits Todd Radict’s vinyl collection. Then, at 8 p.m., the Super Black Market Clash City Rockers — a local tribute band — plays two sets of Clash songs (tickets are $20).
RPM Listening Party
February is over, and musicians have produced a fresh batch of new albums for the RPM Challenge. Select tracks by local participants will be played during the 14th annual RPM Listening Party, taking place this year at White Heron Tea & Coffee in Portsmouth on Saturday, March 9, starting at 5:30 p.m. Guests will hear at least one song from every local album completed this year. The event is free, but donations will support RPM. Learn more here.
To see a complete calendar of local events, click here.