It’s gonna be a warm winter weekend filled with art and music. Here are some highlights.
‘Sea Creatures’ at the Seacoast Artist Association
Get a glimpse of the marvelous creatures that dwell beneath the sea at the Seacoast Artist Association. The Exeter gallery will host an artist reception for “Sea Creatures,” featuring oil paintings by Cleo Huggins, on Friday from 5-7 p.m. There will be a raw bar and live music. the exhibit is on view through Feb. 25. Learn more here.
Foy Vance at The Music Hall
Irish singer-songwriter Foy Vance has been invited on tours with Ed Sheeran, Bonnie Raitt, and Elton John, among others. He’s also headlined his own tours globally to sellout crowds. He’ll bring his Regarding the Joy of Nothing Tour to The Music Hall in Portsmouth on Friday at 7 p.m. Tickets are $35-$60. Learn more here.
Live music at The Word Barn
Maine-based country-rock and Americana favorites The Mallett Brothers Band kicks off the weekend at The Word Barn in Exeter on Friday from 7-9 p.m. ($25). Local string group the Jordan TW Trio presents An Evening of Celtic Love Songs — featuring tunes by Taylor Swift and Elvis — on Saturday from 7-9 p.m. ($25). Learn more here.
Concerts at The Stone Church
The party lasts all weekend at The Stone Church in Newmarket. First up is a triple-bill of folk-punk bands featuring The Dreadnoughts, Mickey Rickshaw, and The Pourmen on Friday at 8 p.m. ($20). Next up is local band Truffle’s annual Party Gras with the Hot Tamale Horns on Saturday at 8 p.m. ($20). Finally, local folk bands Green Heron, OldHat Duo, and Little Wishbone present A Love Day Thing on Sunday from 4-6:30 p.m. ($15). Learn more here.
Sara Juli’s Naughty Bits at 3S Artspace
For one night only, acclaimed performance artist Sara Juli will present an original one-woman dance-play set inside her own memories at 3S Artspace in Portsmouth. In “Naughty Bits,” Juli uses movement, text, song, projections, and humor to process her trauma. It’s on stage Friday at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25. Learn more here.
Winter Dance Party on Ice at Strawbery Banke
Among the featured performers at Ice Dance International’s Winter Party on Ice is champion figure skater Alissa Czisn, as well as Lara and Neill Shelton and other IDI cast members. They’ll offer a free world-class ice-skating show at Labrie Family Skate at Puddle Dock Pond in Portsmouth on Saturday from 2-2:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Saturday night at The Press Room
All kinds of music will be spilling from The Press Room in Portsmouth on Saturday. The evening begins with The Stray Birds playing Neil Young’s ninth studio album, “Comes a Time,” in its entirety from 6-9 p.m. (all ages, $15). Then, at 10 p.m., the venue presents Western Dreamland: a Country & Disco Party (18+, $15-$25).
Jon Nolan & Good Co. at The Dance Hall
Local music guru Jon Nolan had a busy year in 2023, reviving his legendary alt-country band Say ZuZu and tackling other projects. And he’s keeping up the pace in 2024. His all-star band Jon Nolan & Good Co. will perform with Laura Fox at The Dance Hall in Kittery on Saturday from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Tickets are $17-$22. Learn more here.
Sarah Blacker Band at The Music Hall Lounge
Singer-songwriter Sarah Blacker, who has drawn comparisons to Joni Mitchell for her soulful vocals and harmonic twists, is heading to Portsmouth to celebrate her new EP, “Horizon Line.” Her band (featuring Aaron Katz of Percy Hill) will perform at The Music Hall Lounge on Saturday at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25-$35. Learn more here.
Aisha Burns & Small Sur at WSCA
Two acclaimed songwriters will share the stage at WSCA Portsmouth Community Radio on Saturday night. Violinist and vocalist Aisha Burns is currently on tour with Baltimore-based musician Bob Keal (better known as Small Sur), and they’ll perform on the Button Factory Stage from 8-11 p.m. Tickets are $10. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.