Recover from the storm and gear up for the eclipse with some terrific weekend events.
‘Unfixed Concrete Ideal’ at 3S Artspace
Among the highlights of Portsmouth’s Art ‘Round Town gallery walk on Friday is a new group show at 3S Artspace. A range of artists contributed to “Unfixed Concrete Ideal,” which explores the wonderful contradictions of concrete in all its forms. An opening reception takes place from 5-8 p.m.; the show runs through June 2. Learn more here.
New space & show at the Kennedy Gallery
Kennedy Gallery and Custom Framing in Portsmouth will christen its new gallery space with a combined show featuring original artwork by two painters. Nicholas Roes of New York and Lisa Young of Stratham each have work on display from April 5-28. An opening reception takes place on Friday from 5-8 p.m. Learn more here.
What a weekend at The Word Barn
Juno Award-winning folk artist David Francey returns to The Word Barn in Exeter on Friday from 7-9 p.m. ($30). The podcasters behind “Crime Writers On” offer a live show on Saturday from 8-9:30 p.m. ($25). The Silo Series presents poets Anders Carlson-Wee, Sarah Anderson, and Matt W. Miller on Sunday at 4 p.m. ($5). Learn more here.
‘America America’ at The Players’ Ring
The next show at The Players’ Ring in Portsmouth explores the unlikely bond that develops between a Colombian housekeeper and her employer. Written and directed by Joan Bigwood, “America America” is in English and Spanish with projected English subtitles. It’s on stage through April 14. Tickets are $25-$28. Learn more here.
Live music at The Stone Church
Local bluegrass band High Range kicks things off at The Stone Church in Newmarket on Friday from 7:30-11 p.m. ($15). Funk septet Waiting on Mongo splits the bill with Oregon-based jam band Spunj on Saturday at 9 p.m. ($15). All-female Grateful Dead tribute Brown Eyed Women follows on Sunday from 6:30-9:30 p.m. ($20). Learn more here.
Dancing and comedy at The Rockingham Ballroom
DJ Johnny B Groovy and Soul Sister Pamela will play your favorite hits from 2000 to the present during a Y2K Dance Party at The Rockingham Ballroom in Newmarket on Friday from 7:30-11:30 p.m. ($15). On Saturday, Carolyn Plummer, Ryan Gartley, and Chris Cameron perform at Comedy Night from 7:30-10:30 p.m. ($25). Learn more here.
Live music at The Dance Hall
Regional indie-rock acts amiright?, Ezra Cohen, and Ratland hit The Dance Hall in Kittery for a triple-bill show on Friday from 8-10 p.m. ($12). The 440 Gypsy Jazz Quartet expands the traditions of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli with danceable standards from the swing era on Sunday from 7:30-9 p.m. ($17-$22). Learn more here.
Ancient Aliens Live at The Music Hall
Four experts will explore the theory that extraterrestrials have visited Earth for millions of years during Ancient Aliens Live: Project Earth at The Music Hall in Portsmouth on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. The live experience celebrates the long-running program on the History Channel. Tickets are $67 (plus $110 for a VIP add-on). Learn more here.
Bethany Van Delft at McCue’s Comedy Club
Comedian Bethany Van Delft was named “best comic” by Boston Magazine for two consecutive years in 2019 and 2020. She also released a hit comedy album and is a regular host of The Moth. She’ll headline the next Saturday night standup show at McCue’s Comedy Club in Portsmouth from 8-9:30 p.m. Tickets are $20. Learn more here.
American Spiritual Ensemble at St. John’s Portsmouth
Founded in 1995, The American Spiritual Ensemble’s mission is to continue the tradition of storytelling through the performance and preservation of the American negro spiritual. The choir will perform live at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Portsmouth on Sunday from 3-4:30 p.m. There is a $30 suggested donation. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.