Winter break starts now in New Hampshire. Here are some ways to entertain yourself.
Winter Warmer at The Word Barn
Fiddle maestro and singer Jordan Tirrell-Wysocki is bringing his string trio to The Word Barn in Exeter for a Winter Warmer Concert on Friday from 7-9 p.m. The Jordan TW Trio, featuring guitarist Matthew Jensen and bassist Chris Noyes, blends the music of Ireland and Scotland with original material. Tickets are $20. Learn more here.
Chris Pennie at the Rio
McCue’s Comedy Club is expanding its offerings to the Rio Tequila Cantina in downtown Portsmouth. Up next is Chris Pennie, a lifelong bachelor and full-time single dad, who will bring his off-beat view of the world to the Rio for a standup performance with host Liam Hales on Friday from 7-8 p.m. Tickets are $20. Learn more here.
Dylan tribute at The Dance Hall
Maine musician Seth Warner is bringing an all-star band to The Dance Hall in Kittery for a Bob Dylan tribute show titled “Highway 95 Revisited: Riding Shotgun with Dylan.” A group of at least eight singers and instrumentalists will play songs from throughout Dylan’s catalog on Friday from 7:30-9 p.m. Tickets are $20. Learn more here.
TAUK Moore at 3S Artspace
New York-based rock-fusion band TAUK has joined forces with vocalist Kanika Moore (of Doom Flamingo) for a project titled TAUK Moore. Armed with some new songs, the’ve embarked on a tour that will bring them to 3S Artspace in Portsmouth with opener Stolen Gin on Friday from 8-11 p.m. Tickets are $23-$25. Learn more here.
Three shows at WSCA
WSCA Portsmouth Community Radio is hosting three rock shows — each with three live acts — on the Button Factory Stage this weekend. Friday’s lineup includes Spongehead with ick and Happy Just To See You. Saturday brings the Colin McKenna Band with Bus Stop Hill and Five Feet. Sunday features solo acts Lincoln (of Hello Shark), Molly McDevitt (of Small Pond) and Jane Lai. Each show is 8-11 p.m.; tickets are $10. Learn more here.
Matt Nathanson at The Music Hall
Just weeks after the release of his latest collection, “The Lexington EP,” acclaimed singer-songwriter and guitarist Matt Nathanson (an alum of Proctor Academy in New Hampshire) will bring his blend of folk and rock ‘n’ roll to The Music Hall in Portsmouth for a concert on Friday at 8 p.m. Tickets are $49.50-$69.50. Learn more here.
Live music at The Stone Church
As per usual, there’s a lot of live music happening at The Stone Church in Newmarket this weekend. New England jam bands Arukah and the Kevin Roper Project will split the bill on Friday at 9 p.m. ($12). A super group will assemble to play a special Supper Super Jam during dinner service on Saturday from 5-8 p.m. ($15). Regional jam band Strange Machines will follow with special guest opener DJ Ladi Dre on Saturday at 9 p.m. ($15). Learn more here.
Mardi Gras Masquerade at the Ballroom
Newmarket will have a Bourbon Street vibe when The Rockingham Ballroom throws down a Mardi Gras Masquerade dance party on Saturday from 7-11 p.m. DJs Johnny B Groovy and Soul Sister Pamela will provide the New Orleans party tunes. Prizes will be awarded for the best costumes. Tickets are $20 (BYOB). Learn more here.
Art & a Cappella Brunch in Exeter
Art Up Front Street Studios & Gallery will open its doors in Exeter for an afternoon of art, food, and music on Sunday. Guests can roam the studios while enjoying a light brunch and live music from local a cappella band The Afternotes from 12-2 p.m. Tickets are $27; proceeds support the Exeter Community Fridge. Learn more here.
Marc Ribot at The Press Room
Guitarist Marc Ribot has performed with the likes of Robert Plant, Tom Waits, Elton John, and Elvis Costello, to name just a few. He’ll bring his trio The Jazz-Bins, featuring organist Greg Lewis and a guest drummer, to The Press Room in Portsmouth for two shows on Sunday at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are $25-$30. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.