The first weekend of spring brings music, art, comedy, and more. Here are some highlights.
Extraordinary strings at The Dance Hall
The Dance Hall is hosting some extraordinary strings in Kittery this weekend. Fiddle-and-mandolin act Hildaland splits the bill with New England folk duo Elsie & Ethan on Friday from 7:30-9 p.m. ($12-$25). Sardinian guitarist, composer, and instrument builder Paulo Angeli follows on Sunday from 5-6:30 p.m. ($15-$25). Learn more here.
Live music on the Button Factory Stage
It’s gonna be a packed weekend at WSCA Radio in Portsmouth. Punk and metal band Spectre Moose kicks things off with Magic Mobile on Friday from 8-10 p.m. ($10-$15). Peasant Farm produces intense soundscapes and experimental noise with Closer Bones and Black Guard Insurgency on Saturday from 8-10 p.m. ($10-$15). And Fleetwood Mac tribute act Little Lies takes the Button Factory Stage on Sunday from 7-10 p.m. ($25-$30). Learn more here.
Three shows in two days at The Stone Church
Tribute band Rose Alley celebrates the music of Jerry Garcia at The Stone Church in Newmarket on Friday from 8-11 p.m. ($15-$20). The Legends in the Lounge series presents the acoustic duo of Bryan Killough and Chris O’Neill on Saturday from 4-6 p.m. ($10-$15). Later that night, Stu Dias’ high-energy soul project Kouchera performs with special guest Kelsey Wilson on Saturday from 8-11 p.m. ($15-$20). Learn more here.
Watercolor workshop at the Kittery Art Association
Learn the basics of watercolor painting at the Kittery Art Association. Local artist (and KAA board member) Bill Paarlberg — known for his Famous Monsters of Portsmouth series — will lead a Beginning Watercolor workshop in the gallery’s lower-level studio space on Saturday from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Tickets are $90. Learn more here.
Seed to Soil Garden Conference at Tuckaway Farm
Garden enthusiasts can connect with other local gardeners at the annual Seed to Soil Garden Conference at Tuckaway Farm in Lee on Saturday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Presented by the Piscataqua Seed Project and Seacoast Permaculture, the event features roundtable discussions and hands-on workshops. Tickets are $18-$45. Learn more here.
Amulus live at Milk St. Studios
New Hampshire band Amulus will demonstrate its genre-bending blend of psychedelic rock, funk, reggae, and blues during a live concert at Milk St. Studios in Dover on Saturday from 7-9 p.m. Those who arrive early can play games and listen to records in the showroom. Tickets to the BYOB show are $15-$20. Learn more here.
Country show at The Rockingham Ballroom
Rising country-pop star Lexi James and her band Wildheart will take the stage at The Rockingham Ballroom for a night of country music and line dancing in Newmarket on Saturday from 7-11 p.m. The evening begins with two fun dance lessons from instructor Kim Carpentino of 603 Line Dance. Tickets are $15. Learn more here.
Standup comedy shows in Portsmouth
Comedian and mind reader extraordinaire Peter Antoniou will be in Portsmouth on Saturday for three performances at The Music Hall Lounge at 2:30, 5, and 8 p.m. ($20-$30). That same night, Boston favorite Joey Carroll will headline a night of standup at McCue’s Comedy Club with Liam Hales and Adam Groppman from 8-9:30 p.m. ($25).
Sunday jazz brunches on the Seacoast
If you like jazz and you like brunch, you’ve got options this Sunday. Ameranouche performs at the Sunday Jazz Brunch at Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club in Portsmouth from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. ($25-$65). The Asa Meyer Trio provides the music at the Kittery Art Association’s Easy Like Sunday Morning Jazz Brunch from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. ($20). The Nicholas Ryder Group entertains during The Press Room’s Sunday Jazz Brunch in Portsmouth at noon ($12-$15).
PSO Winter Concert: Beauty & Virtuosity
Celebrate the season’s end at the Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra’s Winter Concert at The Music Hall on Sunday at 3 p.m. Titled “Beauty & Virtuosity,” the performance will feature works by Johannes Brahms and Antonín Dvořák, who were professional contemporaries and friends in the late 1800s. Tickets are $15-$45. Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.