Bask in the arts this weekend on the Seacoast. Here are some highlights.
Groovin’ and cookin’ at The Stone Church
It’s gonna be a hot weekend at The Stone Church in Newmarket. Kevin Ashley’s East Coast All Stars present The Evolution of the Groove upstairs on Friday from 6-9 p.m. ($13). Immediately after that, one-man party band Lee Ross headlines a show with Jabbawaukee and Earthmark ($12). Saturday brings The Summer Cooker, featuring live music from local bands and good food from MrSippy BBQ, starting at 6 p.m. ($10-$30). Learn more here.
Annex Contemporary Dance at STAR Theatre
Annex Contemporary Dance Company is bringing a special program to STAR Theatre at the Kittery Community Center this weekend. The local dance troupe will perform a concert featuring a collection of new and favorite repertory works by Artistic Director Julie Hebb on Friday and Saturday from 7-9 p.m. Tickets are $25. Learn more here.
Live music at The Dance Hall
Bluegrass and swing band The Ruta Beggars kick off a weekend of music at The Dance Hall in Kittery on Friday from 8-9:30 p.m. ($17-$22). Local choir Rocky My Soul follows on Saturday with a performance of soul-stirring harmonies and spirit-lifting music from 8-9:30 p.m. ($17-$22). On Sunday, the Jazz Casual concert series presents the Social Animals Big Band with Josh Gagnon and Hunter McKay from 5-6:30 p.m. ($15-$18). Learn more here.
The Struts at the Casino Ballroom
You’ve gotta have some swagger to open for bands like The Rolling Stones, Foo Fighters, and Guns N’ Roses, but that’s why they call them The Struts. The British rockers, who released a new single in June, will perform with guest Mac Saturn at the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom on Friday at 8 p.m. Tickets are $29-$34. Learn more here.
Upside Arts at N.H. Theatre Project
Area youths and teens will take the stage at New Hampshire Theatre Project in Portsmouth this weekend for two shows produced by Upside Arts. “Heathers The Musical: Teen Edition” runs on weekends July 21-30 ($18-$23). The original musical “Larger Than Life” is on stage Saturday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. ($12-$15). Learn more here.
Camp Encore: ‘The Music Man Jr.’
Performers and artists ages 7-17 will show their skills at Prescott Park in Portsmouth during two performances of Meredith Willson’s “The Music Man Jr.” this weekend. Featuring participants in the Camp Encore! theater program, the show is on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. There’s a $5 suggested donation. Learn more here.
Gabe Mollica at The Music Hall Lounge
New York-based comedian Gabe Mollica is bringing his hit off-Broadway comedy show to Portsmouth on Saturday. Directed by Greg Walloch, “Solo: A Show About Friendship” explores male friendship in the author’s 30s. It will be staged at The Music Hall Lounge at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $20-$30. Learn more here.
Dustbowl Revial at The Word Barn Meadow
Demand is high and tickets are low to catch either of Dustbowl Revival’s two outdoor performances at The Word Barn Meadow in Exeter on Sunday. The octet will play its blend of bluegrass, jazz, blues, soul, and funk during an afternoon show from 4-6 p.m. and an evening show from 7-9 p.m. Tickets are $32. Learn more here.
Proxima Parada at Prescott Park
Fresh off the release of a new single, Proxima Parada will bring its soulful R&B and folk sound to Prescott Park for a slot in the River House Restaurant Concert Series on Sunday at 7 p.m. Taiwanese-American songwriter Chance Emerson opens. There is a $10 suggested donation (table and blanket reservations available). Learn more here.
Kendall Street Company at The Press Room
Kendall Street Company dabbles in dynamic jams, experimental psychedelia, progressive rock, and off-color humor — all of which comes through in their new cover of The Grateful Dead’s “Eyes of the World.” Maybe they’ll play it during their gig at The Press Room in Portsmouth on Sunday at 8 p.m. Tickets are $12-$15. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.