Escape from election anxiety this weekend with some live entertainment. Here are a few highlights.
Live bands at The Press Room
A loaded weekend at The Press Room in Portsmouth kicks off with the bluesy double-bill of Walk That Walk & Anya Hinkle with Camille Vogley-Howes on Friday from 6-9 p.m. ($12-$15). The YellowHouse Blues Band follows on Saturday at 6 p.m. ($22-$25), and local jam band Kings Highway wraps things up on Sunday at 6 p.m. (free).
Live music at The Word Barn
Acclaimed acoustic folk duo Ryanhood starts off The Word Barn’s weekend on Friday from 7-9 p.m. in Exeter ($25). Beloved New England singer-songwriter Cheryl Wheeler returns for a pair of concerts, both featuring special guest Kenny White, on Saturday from 7-9 p.m. and on Sunday from 2-4 p.m. ($42 each). Learn more here.
Learn two types of dancing
Instructor Kim Carentino will lead a 603 Line Dance and Lesson at The Rockingham Ballroom in Newmarket on Friday from 7:30-10 p.m. ($15). And Danza Organica will bring its free Dance for Social Justice workshop series to The Dance Hall in Kittery on Saturday from 1-2:30 p.m., prior to their live performance (more on that below).
Arturo Sandoval at Jimmy’s
Internationally acclaimed jazz trumpeter and composer Arturo Sandoval — a 10-time Grammy Award winner and 19-time nominee — will be in Portsmouth for two nights of music at Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club in Portsmouth (and streaming live) on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $22.50-$107.50. Learn more here.
Rock shows at The Stone church
A former member of the bands of both Gregg Allman and Butch Trucks, keyboardist Bruce Katz (pictured) has some real rock credentials. He’ll bring his own group to The Stone Church in Newmarket for a show alongside the Jarred Garneau Band on Friday from 8-11 p.m. ($15-$20). East Coast jam quartet Strange Machines follows with opener The Edd on Saturday at 9 p.m. ($20-$25). Learn more here.
Holiday Fine Arts & Craft Show
Get a head start on your holiday shopping at the Seacoast Artisans’ 25th annual Holiday Fine Arts & Craft Show at Great Bay Community College in Portsmouth on Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. In addition to locally made artwork, there will be lunch served by Gather and a raffle. Admission is $7 (free for kids 14 and under). Learn more here.
Concerts at The Dance Hall
Following their free workshop on Saturday, Boston-based dance theater company Danza Organica will offer a live performance at The Dance Hall in Kittery from 7-8:30 p.m. ($10-$20). Then, on Sunday, jazz quartet New Sphere pays tribute to legendary composer and pianist Thelonious Monk from 5-6:30 p.m. ($10-$20). Learn more here.
Dreadnaught at The Lounge
Local rock titans Dreadnaught have been a Seacoast staple for nearly 30 years — 18 of them as house band for The Music Hall’s Writers on a New England Stage series. They’ll revisit their 2001 album “The American Standard” during a show at The Music Hall Lounge in Portsmouth on Saturday at 8 p.m. Tickets are $28-$38. Learn more here.
Kathe Farris at McCue’s
They say laughter is the best medicine, and we could all use some of those healing benefits right about now. Boston-based comedian Kathe Farris returns to McCue’s Comedy Club in Portsmouth to headline a night of standup with guests Jamie Aird and Liam Hales on Saturday from 8-9:30 p.m. Tickets are $25. Learn more here.
Broadway Rave at 3S Artspace
Dress up as your favorite character, sing along to your favorite show-tunes, and live out your Broadway fantasy this weekend at Broadway Rave: A Musical Theater Dance Party. Some surprise guests will be on hand for the event at 3S Artspace in Portsmouth on Saturday from 8-11 p.m. Tickets are $17-$25. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.