There’s plenty of art, music, comedy, and theater to choose from this weekend. Here are some highlights.
Exeter River Scenes at Art Up Front Street
A “soiree of artistic elegance” is coming to Art Up Front Street in Exeter on Friday from 4:30-7 p.m. Exeter River Scenes will feature a live painting demonstration by local artist Rose Bryant. Guests are also welcome to tour the gallery and studios while enjoying curated wines and small bites. Tickets are $15. Learn more here.
Stranger Than Fiction Student Showcase
Local improv comedy troupe Stranger Than Fiction will put some of its top prospects in the spotlight at the Millspace Center for Art, History & Culture in Newmarket on Friday from 7-9 p.m. The Student Showcase will feature performances by members of the troupe’s Improv 101 classes. Tickets are $10. Learn more here.
‘The Aliens’ at The Players’ Ring
“The Aliens” is not a martian invasion, it’s a play by Annie Baker about art, friendship, and love. The drama, which features live music, is on stage at The Players’ Ring in Portsmouth through March 24. Show times are Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $25-$28. Learn more here.
World-class music at The Dance Hall
The Dance Hall is again hosting a diverse array of music in Kittery. Vocalist Christine Correa (above) and her ensemble will present Max Roach’s Centennial Celebration — featuring a concert and conversation — on Friday from 7:30-9:30 p.m. ($0-$10). Throwback blues trio GA-20 returns on Saturday from 8-9:30 p.m. ($20-$25). Jazz duo Sad Bastards / Loose Standards offers a performance and Q&A on Sunday from 5-6:30 p.m. ($10-$20). Learn more here.
‘Natasha, Pierre, & the Great Comet of 1812’ at the Seacoast Rep
The regional premiere of a Tony Award-winning electropop sensation is taking place at the Seacoast Repertory Theatre in Portsmouth. “Natasha, Pierre, & the Great Comet of 1812” runs through April 17; show times this weekend are Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $35-$70. Learn more here.
Two concerts at The Stone Church
Local bluegrass group The Green Sisters (above) will share the stage with folk duo Fox + Roy at The Stone Church in Newmarket on Friday from 8-11 p.m. ($15-$20). Tribute band Weird Phishes, which plays danceable mashups of Radiohead’s melancholy rock songs, follows on Saturday at 9 p.m. ($15-$20). Learn more here.
Dance Northeast at the Rochester Opera House
Sole City Dance brings its annual community dance showcase back to the Rochester Opera House on Saturday. Dance Northeast features junior dance companies and student choreography from 2-4 p.m., followed by senior, pre-professional, and professional companies from 7-9 p.m. Tickets are $12-$17. Learn more here.
Gary Petersen at McCue’s Comedy Club
Gary Peterson was named “Best Comedian” by Boston Magazine in 2016, and he’s been blazing a trail of tomfoolery ever since. He’ll headline a standup show at McCue’s Comedy Club in Portsmouth with support from comics Maurice, Amanda Cohen, and host Liam Hales on Saturday from 8-9:30 p.m. Tickets are $20. Learn more here.
Cody Pope & Byron G at WSCA Radio
WSCA Radio will host a night of “Working Class Rap” and “Raw American Hip Hop” in Portsmouth this weekend. The Nashua-based vocalist-and-producer duo of Cody Pope and Byron G will bring their unique blend of hip-hop, jazz, and soul to the Button Factory Stage on Saturday from 8-10 p.m. Tickets are $10. Learn more here.
Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra Winter Concert
The Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra will present its winter concert at The Music Hall in Portsmouth on Sunday at 3 p.m. The program includes Olivier Messiaen’s “Les offrandes oubliees,” Maurice Ravel’s “La Valse,” and Camille Saint-Saens’ “Symphony No. 3 in C minor (Organ Symphony).” Tickets are $25-$35. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.