Winter break starts this weekend at New Hampshire schools, and there’s plenty to do. Here are some highlights.
Music and dancing at The Rockingham Ballroom
Dance instructor Anne Fleming kicks off her new West Coast Swing series at The Rockingham Ballroom in Newmarket on Friday with a lesson at 7 p.m., followed by a dance party from 8-10:30 p.m. ($15 dance only; $20 dance + lesson). The 19-piece Bedford Big Band (above) follows on Saturday from 7-11 p.m. ($25). Learn more here.
Jonathan Harrington at The Players’ Ring
Local performer Andrew Pinard dons full period costume this weekend to embody one of America’s earliest magicians in “Jonathan Harrington – 19th Century Magician.” It’s on stage at The Players’ Ring in Portsmouth on Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $25-$28. Learn more here.
Primo Cubano at The Dance Hall
Maine-based band Primo Cubano plays traditional Cuban dance music that dates back to the turn of the 20th century. Just back from Cuba, they’ll return to The Dance Hall in Kittery to demonstrate the classic son cubano style during a concert on Friday from 7:30-9 p.m. Dancing is encouraged! Tickets are $17-$22. Learn more here.
Live music at The Stone Church
Regional roots and Americana acts Modern Fools, Wood & Bone, and Jack Shea will share the stage at The Stone Church in Newmarket on Friday at 8 p.m. ($15-$20). A night later, the Dis-N-Dat Band will celebrate the music of a late reggae legend with their Bob Marley Tribute show on Saturday at 8 p.m. ($15-$20). Learn more here.
Joe Russo Selcouth Quartet at Jimmy’s
Joe Russo has lent his drumming skills to many bands, including the Benevento/Russo Duo, Further, and Joe Russo’s Almost Dead. His new jazz ensemble, the Selcouth Quartet, put out its self-titled debut last fall. They’ll perform at Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club in Portsmouth on Saturday at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10-$105. Learn more here.
Another Tequila Sunrise at The Music Hall
New England-based Eagles tribute Another Tequila Sunrise has been playing to sold-out crowds across the country for more than 20 years. The band will play classics from throughout the Eagles’ catalog, from heartfelt ballads to stadium anthems, at The Music Hall in Portsmouth on Saturday at 8 p.m. Tickets are $28-$37. Learn more here.
Comedy Night at Mae’s Cafe
Local label Burst & Bloom is teaming up with Bath Winterfest to present a special night of comedy at Mae’s Cafe in Bath, Maine, on Saturday from 8-10 p.m. Rising star Brendan Eyre, who has racked up over 20 million views on TikTok, headlines with Leah Douglass, Alex Vale, and host Dylan Metrano. Tickets are $15. Learn more here.
Mark Scalia at McCue’s Comedy Club
Over his 30-year standup comedy career, Mark Scalia has entertained tens of thousands of people across the United States and Canada. The iconic comedian, who is founder and host of the Salem Comedy & Spirits Festival, will headline at McCue’s Comedy Club in Portsmouth on Saturday from 8-9:30 p.m. Tickets are $20. Learn more here.
Rug Hooking Workshop at The Word Barn
Isabel Ardito Lebo’s rug hooking workshop at The Word Barn last month was so well received that she’s returning to Exeter for another installment this weekend. Guests of all experience levels are invited to learn the fundamental techniques for crafting a beautiful rug on Saturday from 12-1:30 p.m. Tickets are $60. Learn more here.
Noun headlines at WSCA Radio
Known for her work with New Jersey rock band Screaming Females, Marissa Paternoster’s long-running solo project Noun plays sad songs loud. She’ll perform on the Button Factory Stage at WSCA Radio in Portsmouth with guests Jordan Holtz (Rick Rude) and Jusqu (Ick) on Sunday from 8-10 p.m. Tickets are $10. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.