Here are a dozen of the top happenings coming up this fine weekend.
Old-time music at The Dance Hall
The Dance Hall’s weekend begins with some 1930s-era good-time swing-blues music from The Smack Dabs on Friday from 7:30-9 p.m. (preceded by a brief swing lesson at 7 p.m.). Local old-time folk outfit The Mountain follows at the Kittery venue on Saturday from 7:30-9 p.m. Tickets to either show are $17-$22. Learn more here.
Live music and drag at WSCA Radio
Atlanta-based singer-songwriter Ben Trickey makes the trip to Portsmouth for a gig with local folk heroes Dan Blakeslee and Guy Capecelatro III on the Button Factory Stage at WSCA Radio on Friday from 8-10 p.m. ($10). Not Yer Mama’s Drag Show presents Under the Big Top on Saturday from 8-10 p.m. ($15). Learn more here.
Four shows in three days at The Stone Church
All-woman rock trio CATWOLF kicks off a busy weekend at The Stone Church with guest The Faith Ann Band on Friday at 9 p.m. ($10). Saturday brings two shows to Newmarket: local fiddler and singer-songwriter Joyce Andersen from 5-7 p.m. ($12), and Marcus Rezak’s Gumbo playing the music of Phish at 9 p.m. ($15). Finally, The Jordan TW Trio presents its annual St. Patrick’s Day Party on Sunday from 4:30-6:30 p.m. ($20). Learn more here.
GNE Specialty Food & Artisan Show
More than 100 exhibitors of handmade products and specialty foods will be at the Rim Sports Complex in Hampton on Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The Great New England Specialty Food & Artisan Show will also feature live music, Irish dancing, door prizes, and more. Admission is $5. Learn more here.
Improvmania at Newmarket Millspace
Head to the Newmarket Millspace on Saturday night for a no-holds-barred battle of wits and laughs. Local comedy troupe Stranger Than Fiction has invited some of New England’s other funniest improv teams to town for a comedy showdown titled Improvmania. It takes place from 7-9 p.m. Tickets are $12-$15. Learn more here.
Emily’s Garage Band at The Rockingham Ballroom
Spend Saturday night dancing to classic pop, funk, and R&B tunes at The Rockingham Ballroom in Newmarket. Horn-heavy New Hampshire nonet Emily’s Garage Band will play songs by Tower of Power, Rick James, Al Green, Prince, and others during a green-themed St. Patty’s party from 7-11 p.m. Tickets are $20. Learn more here.
Brandy Clark & Hayes Carll at The Music Hall
Two of the top names in country music today are joining forces for a special concert at The Music Hall. CMA Award winner Brandy Clark — an 11-time Grammy nominee — has teamed up with acclaimed singer-songwriter Hayes Carll for a tour that brings them to Portsmouth on Saturday at 8 p.m. Tickets are $30-$60.50. Learn more here.
Doug Key at McCue’s Comedy Club
Comedian Doug Key released his debut comedy album in the fall, continuing his ascension as one of the most sought-after headliners on the circuit. The Rhode Island native will headline at McCue’s Comedy Club in Portsmouth with openers Andrew Breen and Kristin O’Brien on Saturday from 8-9:30 p.m. Tickets are $20. Learn more here.
St. Patrick’s Day at the Gas Light Night Club
The region’s premier St. Patrick’s Day party takes place at the Portsmouth Gas Light Co.’s Third Floor Nightclub on Saturday from 9 p.m. until closing time. There will be drink specials, dancing, and a $250 prize for best dressed, plus a Crown Royal promo team will be on hand with swag and prizes. Tickets are $25-$50. Learn more here.
Sally Rogers at FUUSE in Exeter
In addition to her “mesmerizing” voice, musician Sally Rogers is adept on both guitar and Appalachian dulcimer. She’ll play traditional, contemporary, and original ballads and songs during a fundraising concert at the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Exeter (FUUSE) on Sunday from 3-5 p.m. Tickets are $25. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.