We’re unveiling our weekend events roundup early this week so you can make your plans for the Fourth. Enjoy the holiday!
Jason Mraz at The Music Hall
The Music Hall’s second annual Emerging Artist Benefit Concert brings two-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Jason Mraz to Portsmouth on Wednesday at 7 p.m. Tickets are $99-$150, or spend $500 for access to a pre-concert party. Half of your purchase is a tax-deductible donation to The Music Hall. Learn more here.
Fireworks Display in Portsmouth
You’ll find an exceptionally festive atmosphere in Portsmouth tonight, marking the eve of Independence Day. Parrott and Junkins avenues will be filled with family-friendly music, games, and roaming performers beginning at 7 p.m. Following the National Anthem at 9 p.m., fireworks will burst over Leary Field. Learn more here.
Fourth of July events at The Press Room
The Press Room is doing the Fourth right. On Wednesday, the Portsmouth venue hosts its third annual Post-Fireworks Spectacular with DJ Ladi Dre at 10:30 p.m. ($20-$25). On Thursday, the Drip Ship Day Party features Oddpaco, Section D, and Unabletoeven from 2-6 p.m. ($10). Then, DJ Tuggboat leads a Fourth of July Party at 10 p.m. ($10).
Naturalization Ceremony at Strawbery Banke
Start your Independence Day celebration by welcoming a group of new citizens. In partnership with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Strawbery Banke Museum is hosting a Naturalization Ceremony in Portsmouth. Participants will take the Oath of Allegiance on their new nation’s birthday from 10-11 a.m. Learn more here.
Cindy Blackman Santana at Jimmy’s
World-renowned rock and jazz drummer Cindy Blackman Santana is returning to Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club in Portsmouth for an Independence Day concert. The former drummer in Lenny Kravitz’s band and current member of the Carlos Santana Band performs Thursday at 7 p.m. Tickets are $17.50-$67.50. Learn more here.
‘Paper Work’ at 3S Artspace
Among the highlights of Portsmouth’s monthly Art ‘Round Town gallery walk on Friday is an opening reception for “Paper Work” in the lobby of 3S Artspace. The exhibition features selected works by artist Denise Manseau, exploring the endless possibilities of paper. She’ll be on hand for the reception from 5-8 p.m. Learn more here.
Concerts at The Word Barn Meadow
It’s gonna be one of the hottest weekends of the year at The Word Barn Meadow in Exeter. First up is Maine’s favorite country-rock group The Mallett Brothers Band on Friday from 7-9 p.m. ($25). On Saturday, eclectic Scottish band Cantrip showcases a stew of acoustic sounds from 7-9 p.m. ($25). On Sunday, Boston folk-rock outfit the Adam Ezra Group plays an early show from 4-5:30 p.m. and a later show from 7-9 p.m. ($42). Learn more here.
Live music at The Stone Church
The Stone Church is presenting two heavy-hitting shows in Newmarket this weekend. Vermont-based Led Zeppelin tribute act Nico Suave and the Mothership takes the stage on Friday at 9 p.m. ($15-$20). Regional funk and groove bands Foreside Funk and Hovercraft split the bill on Saturday at 8 p.m. ($15-$20). Learn more here.
Loads of theater at Prescott Park
Young performers, artists, and crew members from the Prescott Park Arts Festival’s Camp ENCORE! program are set to present their first show of the summer. “Shrek the Musical Jr.” is on stage in Portsmouth on Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m. Plus, “Legally Blonde The Musical” continues Friday through Sunday at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Two stand-up shows on Saturday
Have a laugh on Saturday night. Maine native Ian MacDonald (pictured) headlines with guests Susan Poulin and Liam Hales at McCue’s Comedy Club in Portsmouth from 8-9:30 p.m. ($25). The Rockingham Ballroom’s monthly Comedy Night brings Jody Sloane, Tony Moschetto, and Greg Boggis to Newmarket from 8-10 p.m. ($25).
See the full calendar for more local events.