Winter break from school starts this weekend in New Hampshire. Here are some ways to start your vacation.
Black Lives Matter NH Open Mic
Enjoy a night of creativity, rhythm, and community while supporting a vital cause at 3S Artspace in Portsmouth on Friday from 7-9 p.m. Black Lives NH’s Open Mic & Dance Fundraiser features open mic performances and dancing with DJ Mam. There’s a $20 suggested donation to support the Youth Scholarship Program. Learn more here.
Tommy Castro & The Painkillers at Jimmy’s
Hot off the release of his brand new album, “Closer to the Bone,” guitar-slinging soul singer Tommy Castro is on his way to Portsmouth. The award-winning, California-based blues and rock artist will bring his band The Painkillers to Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club for a show on Friday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $17.50-$67.50. Learn more here.
Two concerts at The Dance Hall
Two energetic shows at The Dance Hall in Kittery: Trombonist and vocalist Glen David Andrews, a native of New Orleans, will lead a Mardi Gras celebration on Friday from 7:30-9 p.m. ($15-$25). A night later, old-time folk outfit The Mountain (pictured) will pluck some strings on Saturday from 7:30-9 p.m. ($10-$22). Learn more here.
“Faithless” at NH Theatre Project
New Hampshire Theatre Project new season begins with the story of an aging atheist forced to deal with a family full of conflicting faiths. Jon Klein’s comedy-drama “Faithless” is on stage in Portsmouth Feb. 21- March 9. Show times are Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 4 p.m., and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $28-$32. Learn more here.
Live music on the Button Factory Stage
The weekend begins noisily at WSCA Radio in Portsmouth. Hardcore band Condition headlines a night of rock with metal bands Black Vinegar and The Saturn Cycle on Friday from 8-10 p.m. ($10-$15). While My Guitar Gently Weeps, an instrumental tribute to The Beatles, follows on Saturday from 8-10 p.m. ($10-$15). Learn more here.
Three shows at The Stone Church
Rock band North Village, the latest project of local music mainstay Martin England, performs at The Stone Church in Newmarket with guest Truck Stop Messiah on Friday from 8-11 p.m. ($15-$20). On Saturday afternoon, Chris O’Neill and Peter Prince form an acoustic super duo from 4-6 p.m. ($10-$15). Later that night, jam band Skunk Sessions takes the stage with guests Steve Burke and Justin Lopes from 8-11:30 p.m. ($15-$20). Learn more here.
“The Lost North End” at The Music Hall
A new documentary explores the history of a close-knit, working-class, primarily Italian neighborhood in Portsmouth that fell victim to urban renewal in the late 1960s. “The Lost North End: A Tale of Wreckage & Resilience” will be screened at The Music Hall in Portsmouth on Saturday at 1 p.m. Tickets are free. Learn more here.
Lee & Dr. G + CATWOLF at Milk St. Studios
Two killer rock acts will share the stage during a co-bill show at Milk St. Studios in Dover on Saturday night. Lee & Dr. G, known for their infectious blend of rock, blues, and funk, will perform with soulful rock trio CATWOLF, known for their beaming vocal harmonies and unique flair, from 6:30-9 p.m. Tickets are $15. Learn more here.
Ace Aceto at McCue’s Comedy Club
Boston-based comic Ace Aceto’s resume includes appearances on Don’t Tell Comedy, Chocolate Sundaes, the World Comedy Expo, Burbank Best of Fest, and the Portland Comedy Festival. He’ll headline another night of standup at McCue’s Comedy Club in Portsmouth on Saturday from 8-9:30 p.m. Tickets are $25. Learn more here.
Chowders On! at STAR Theatre
What better way to spend a cold winter day than with a steaming hot bowl of delicious chowder? The 3rd annual Chowder’s On! event returns to the Kittery Community Center on Sunday from 12-3 p.m. There will be clam chowder, lobster stew, tomato bisque, and pies, plus live trivia and a silent auction. Tickets are $45. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.