The first weekend of August brings art, music, theater, comedy, and more.
Print Exhibition at 3S Artspace
Among the highlights of this month’s Art ‘Round Town gallery walk in downtown Portsmouth is a new print exhibition at 3S Artspace. Exhibiting artists were asked to explore the theme of “In the Moment.” An opening reception takes place on Friday from 5-8 p.m. The show will remain on display through Aug. 25. Learn more here.
John Cruz at The Press Room
Legendary indigenous Hawaiian singer-songwriter John Cruz will bring his East Coast summer tour to Portsmouth for his first ever appearance at The Press Room on Friday night. He’ll take the stage following an opening set from bluesy New York City-based indie-rockers Gooseberry at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20-$25. Learn more here.
Music and theater at Prescott Park
Acclaimed singer-songwriter Joy Oladokun will kick off the Prescott Park Arts Festival’s weekend with a show featuring Julia Pratt on Friday at 7 p.m. Camp ENCORE! will present “Disney’s Descendants: The Musical” in the Portsmouth park on Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m., and “Legally Blonde The Musical” continues on Saturday and Sunday at 7 p.m. All shows are by suggested donation; table and blanket reservations are available. Learn more here.
Tap for Today at the Dance Hall
Some of the top tap dancers from New England and New York will converge on The Dance Hall in Kittery this weekend. The Bang Group headlines, with support from Brazilian drag tap artist Felipe Galganni and young tap innovator Alexis Robbins. Performances are Friday and Saturday from 7-8:30 p.m. Tickets are $10-$25. Learn more here.
Two shows at The Word Barn Meadow
Soak up the summer with two outdoor evening concerts at The Word Barn Meadow in Exeter this weekend. Austin-based indie-pop band Sun June headlines with special guest allie. on Friday from 7-9 p.m. ($20). Veteran Americana quartet Rani Arbo & Daisy Mayhem follows on Saturday from 7-9 p.m. ($25). Learn more here.
Jerry tributes at The Stone Church
The Stone Church in Newmarket will be celebrating Jerry Garcia’s birthday all weekend long. Following a show by Grateful Dead tribute Band Beyond Description on Thursday at 8 p.m. ($20-$25), Johnny Lit’s Jerry Duty plays on Friday at 9 p.m. ($20-$25), and Box of Rain performs on Saturday at 9 p.m. ($20). Learn more here.
’12 Angry Jurors’ at the Millspace
A jury must confront its own biases as it debates the case of a teenage boy accused of murdering his father. That’s the premise of Reginald Rose’s award-winning drama “12 Angry Jurors,” on stage at the Newmarket Millspace Aug. 3-18. Shows are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 4 p.m. Tickets are $25. Learn more here.
Bill Frisell FOUR at Jimmy’s
Grammy-winning guitarist and composer Bill Frisell — named “Guitarist of the Year” 12 times by the DownBeat Critics Poll and five times by the Jazz Journalists Association, brings his quartet to Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club in Portsmouth for two concerts on Saturday at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $17.50-$82.50. Learn more here.
’90s Dance Party at WSCA Radio
For those of a certain age, nostalgia for the final decade of the 20th century runs deep. Relive some of the era’s top hits when Jen Scumaci (aka Dj Skooch) hosts a Bring Back the ’90s Dance Party from the Button Factory Stage at WSCA Portsmouth Community Radio on Saturday from 7-10 p.m. Tickets are $10. Learn more here.
Saturday night stand-up
Take your pick of stand-up comedy shows around the Seacoast on Saturday night. Matthew P Brown (above) headlines at McCue’s Comedy Club in Portsmouth from 8-9:30 pm. ($25). Chris Pennie and Jeff Koen split the bill with guest Matt McArthur and musical opener Topper & Fed at The Rockingham Ballroom in Newmarket from 8-11:30 p.m. ($25). And Orlando Leyba takes the stage at The Music Hall Lounge in Portsmouth at 8:30 p.m. ($22-$32).
See the full calendar for more local events.