The clocks spring forward this weekend as we race toward brighter seasons. Here are some ways to celebrate the longer days.
Time and Mercy: Music for Lent
Local music mainstays Chris Klaxton (trumpet) and Mike Effenberger (keyboard) will present an evening of thoughtfully interpreted spirituals and hymns at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Portsmouth on Friday. Time and Mercy: Music for Lent takes place in the intimate Roberts Recital Hall from 7-8 p.m. Tickets are $30. Learn more here.
Concerts and art at The Word Barn
What a weekend at The Word Barn in Exeter! Folk star Joe Crookston performs on Friday from 7-9 p.m. ($25). Carolina roots duo Chatham Rabbits follows on Saturday from 7-9 p.m. ($25). Sunday starts with a Suminigashi workshop from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. ($85) and concludes with Ali McGuirk‘s full band from 7-9 p.m. ($25). Learn more here.
Live music at The Dance Hall
The 2025 David Surette Mandolin Festival kicks off on Friday at The Dance Hall in Kittery with a concert featuring Carlo Aonzo, Sharon Gilchrist, Neil Pearlman, Will Patton, and Susie, Isa, and Julianna Burke from 7:30-9:30 p.m. ($15-$30). On Saturday, folk fam The Hodes perform with Kent Allyn from 7:30-9 p.m. ($10-$18). Learn more here.
Two shows at WSCA Radio
WSCA Radio in Portsmouth is doing some heavy lifting. Punk and metal bands Complete Utter Opposite and Neurotic share the Button Factory Stage on Friday from 8-10 p.m. ($10-$15). Post-hardcore band House Lights headlines on Saturday with Trading Tombstones and Crash the Net from 7-10 p.m ($10-$15). Learn more here.
Split-bill show at The Stone Church
Two of Northern New England’s most beloved bands will split the bill at The Stone Church in Newmarket on Friday night. Indie-folk group Sneaky Miles — hometown heroes and venue favorites — will share the stage with Portland-based power-pop rockers Rigometrics from 8-11 p.m. Tickets are $15-$20. Learn more here.
Specialty Food & Craft Show
Around 100 exhibitors of handmade wares and specialty foods will be at the 40,000-square-foot Rim Sports Complex in Hampton on Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The Specialty Food & Craft Show also offers live music, activities, cocktails, door prizes, and more. Admission is $5 (free for kids). Learn more here.
Brad Marino Album Release
Best known as cofounder of The Connection, Brad Marino has long since established himself as a pillar of the local punk scene. He’ll unveil his latest solo album during a show at The Press Room in Portsmouth with guests Gene Champagne, Dave Strong, and Lynda Mandolyn on Saturday at 6 p.m. Tickets are $12-$15. Learn more here.
Double-bill at Milk St. Studios
Local blues-rock act The Jarred Garneau Group, led by slide guitar virtuoso Garneau, will split the bill with Portland-based soul quintet Hambone at Milk St. Studios in Dover on Saturday from 7-9 p.m. Show up early to hang out in the showroom and play games while records spin on the turntable. Tickets are $15 (BYOB). Learn more here.
Saturday night comedy in Portsmouth
New York City-based comedian Steven Rogers, who’s opened for the likes of Nate Bargatze and Brian Regan, will deliver some standup laughs at The Music Hall Lounge in Portsmouth on Saturday at 8 p.m. ($20-$30). Meanwhile, across town, Boston comic Steve Bjork will headline at McCue’s Comedy Club from 8-9:30 p.m. ($20).
Jonathan Richman at 3S Artspace
Singer, songwriter, and guitarist Jonathan Richman, the legendary founder of Boston-based proto-punk band the Modern Lovers, will play two shows at 3S Artspace in Portsmouth with his long-time drummer, Tommy Larkins, on Sunday and Monday from 7-10 p.m. Tickets are $30-$35 — and they’re almost gone! Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.