Easter weekend is loaded with entertainment options. Here are some highlights.
Säje at Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club
Gammy Award-nominated vocal supergroup säje is “blazing a new trail for female composers and performers in the jazz world,” according to Forbes magazine. Fronted by a quartet of harmonizing singers, the band will perform live at Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club in Portsmouth on Friday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10-$55. Learn more here.
Friday Night Improv at The Players’ Ring
Local improv comedy troupe Stranger Than Fiction is gearing up for the holidays with a special Good Friday edition of its comedy night at The Players’ Ring in Portsmouth. The group, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, will perform interactive improv scenes and games on Friday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15. Learn more here.
Lizzie No at The Press Room
Fresh off the January release of her third studio album, “Halfsies,” acclaimed singer and multi-instrumentalist Lizzie No is on her way to Portsmouth. The songwriter, harpist, guitarist, and activist will perform live at The Press Room (which, by the way, is under new ownership) on Friday at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15-$20. Learn more here.
Live music at The Word Barn
Following the fall release of its latest album, Bella’s Bartok is bringing its foot-stomping freak folk back to Exeter. The Mass.-based band, known for its theatrical performances, political messaging, and unique blend of punk, folk, pop, and Americana, will perform at The Word Barn on Friday from 8-10 p.m. Tickets are $25. Learn more here.
Live music at The Stone Church
Synth-fueled electro-rock trio Jimkata will get The Stone Church’s weekend started with a dance-happy concert in Newmarket on Friday at 9 p.m. ($12). Two local acts, string-heavy roots band EJ Ouellette & Crazy Maggy and vintage swing group The Honey Bees, will split the bill on Saturday from 7:30-11 p.m. ($15). Learn more here.
Local Easter Bunny visits
Thanks to Sages Entertainment, the kiddos have two opportunities to visit with the Easter Bunny on Saturday in advance of the holiday. Mr. Bunny will be at The Ridge in Rochester from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., and at Brickyard Square (inside O’Neil Cinemas) in Epping from 3-5 p.m. Both events are free. Learn more here.
Kotoko Brass at The Dance Hall
Inspired by the traditional drum rhythms of Ghana, Kotoko Brass has created its own improvisational style of West African dance music. They’ll offer a free workshop on drumming, dancing, singing, and more at The Dance Hall in Kittery on Saturday from 4-5 p.m., followed by a concert from 8-9:30 p.m. ($17-$22). Learn more here.
Cary Elwes at The Music Hall
Inconceivable! Westley, aka “The Man in Black,” aka Cary Elwes, is coming to Portsmouth! The actor, who has appeared in many Blockbuster movies, will be at The Music Hall for a screening of “The Princess Bride” on Saturday at 7 p.m., followed by a moderated discussion about the film. Tickets are $39-$150. Learn more here.
Dan Crohn at McCue’s Comedy Club
Veteran comedian Dan Crohn has been a finalist in both the Boston Comedy Festival and the Laughing Skull Festival, and has been featured on “WTF with Marc Maron.” He’ll headline a night of standup at McCue’s Comedy Club in Portsmouth with host Liam Hales on Saturday from 8-9:30 p.m. Tickets are $20. Learn more here.
Two triple-bills at WSCA Radio
WSCA Portsmouth Community Radio is packing in the music on the Button Factory Stage. Indie acts River Sang Wild, Slim Volume, and Kate Possi share the bill on Saturday from 8-10 p.m. ($10). Maine-based emo band Milk St. headlines with guests Brook Pridemore and Qvickdraw on Sunday from 8-10 p.m. ($10). Learn more here.
See the full calendar for more local events.