The first weekend of February brings an abundance of art, music, theater, and more. Here are some highlights.
‘Start Fresh’ at the Kittery Art Association
The Kittery Art Association’s first show of the new year is a group exhibition on the theme of new beginnings. Also on display are works by spotlight artist Jane Zeeb-McDonnell, who shares her “reconstructed watercolor collages.” An opening reception takes place on Friday from 5-7 p.m. The show is up through March 3. Learn more here.
‘Vibrant Matter’ at 3S Artspace
Among the highlights of this month’s Art ‘Round Town gallery walk in Portsmouth is a new multi-media exhibition at 3S Artspace. Artist Ryan Rasmussen uses a variety of physical and digital mediums to create works inspired by science fiction. His solo show, “Vibrant Matter,” opens with a reception on Friday from 5-8 p.m. Learn more here.
‘Artists of the Seacoast’ at The Hearth Gallery
Downtown Portsmouth has a brand new art gallery, and it makes its grand entrance this weekend. “Artists of the Seacoast,” featuring works by at least eight area artists, is on display at The Hearth Gallery (located within Hearth Market) through the end of May. There’s an opening reception on Friday from 6-9 p.m. Learn more here.
World music at The Dance Hall
Experience music from around the globe in Kittery this weekend. The Dance Hall hosts Django in Brazil, featuring the Jason Anick & Ian Coury Trio, on Friday from 7:30-9 p.m. ($20-$25). Randy Armstrong & WorldBeat Marimba perform music from Africa and beyond on Saturday from 7:30-9 p.m. ($25-$30). Peggo and Paul Hodes and Kent Allyn present Winter Love Songs with guest Ariana Hodes on Sunday from 5-6:30 p.m. ($15). Learn more here.
‘Constellations’ at The Rep Studio Theatre
The Seacoast Repertory Theatre’s new satellite venue raises the curtain this weekend in Portsmouth. Nick Payne’s play “Constellations,” starring Jaime Bradley and Jennifer Rockwell, is on stage at The Rep Studio Theatre through Feb. 10. Show times are Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 4 p.m. Tickets are $27.50. Learn more here.
Live music at The Stone Church
Newmarket will be rocking this weekend with two shows at The Stone Church. Burlington-based Led Zeppelin tribute Nic Suave & the Mothership takes flight on Friday at 9 p.m. ($15-$20). A triple-bill featuring regional rock bands The Rigometrics (above), Bad Lab, and Film-V follows on Saturday at 8 p.m. ($10-$15). Learn more here.
‘Hear Her Sing for Freedom’ at Green Acre
During the Civil Rights Era, Corretta Scott King presented concerts to fund the movement. In honor of Black History Month, Green Acre and Theater for the People are teaming up to host a “freedom concert” in Eliot. Natasha Ellis stars as King in “Hear Her Sing for Freedom” on Saturday from 7-9 p.m. Tickets are $5-$30. Learn more here.
Dreadnaught at The Music Hall Lounge
Prog-rock band Dreadnaught has been riling up Seacoast audiences with its blend of jazz, rock, and experimental music for close to 30 years. The trio, which serves as house band for the Writers on a New England Stage series, will perform at The Music Hall Lounge in Portsmouth on Saturday at 8 p.m. Tickets are $28-$38. Learn more here.
Matthew P Brown at McCue’s Comedy Club
Comedian, actor, and writer Matthew P Brown started his stand-up career in Boston before moving out to Los Angeles, where he performed at top clubs like The Comedy Store and Hollywood Improv. He’ll be in Portsmouth for a performance at McCue’s Comedy Club on Saturday from 8-9:30 p.m. Tickets are $20. Learn more here.
Love Stories at The Word Barn
Six storytellers will share 10-minute true stories of love at The Word Barn in Exeter on Sunday from 4-6 p.m. The lineup of local notables includes Matt Miller, Nova Seals, Kevin Flynn, Enna Grazier, and Susan Poulin, with Lara Bricker serving as emcee. Tickets are $25; proceeds support the annual Exeter LitFest. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.