There are two big literary events coming up this weekend, as well as notable celebrations of the arts, beer, and a special bonus: pet films. Learn about some of the biggest highlights below.
PPLP Poetry Gala
In 1998, Nancy Moore Hill and a group of her friends founded the Portsmouth Poet Laureate Program. On Friday, April 13, from 6-10 p.m., the organization celebrates its 20th anniversary with a party at 3S Artspace, emceed by Portsmouth Poet Laureate Mike Nelson. The event will feature readings by area poets, including New Hampshire Poet Laureate Alice Fogel, as well as activities, raffles, and a dance party with live music. There’s a suggested donation of $10; learn more here.
UNH Student Exhibitions
The UNH Museum of Art in Durham is introducing two annual student exhibitions, featuring work by degree candidates from the University of New Hampshire’s Department of Art and Art History. The work in the MFA Thesis Exhibition and the Senior BA & BFA Exhibition includes painting, photography, ceramics, and drawing. An opening reception takes place on Friday, April 13, from 6-8 p.m.; the show will remain on display through May 18. For more information, click here.
Spring Fever for the Arts
The Portsmouth Music and Arts Center hosts its annual fundraising gala at the Portsmouth Harbor Events & Conference Center on Friday, April 13, from 7-11 p.m. The event, which supports arts education programming at PMAC, features live music from the Chris Klaxton Group (helmed by PMAC staff member and trumpet player Klaxton), as well as dancing, live and silent auctions, hors d’oeuvres, and three separate bars. Tickets are $75 (or $100 for VIPs); learn more here.
Mott the Lesser Spring Release
The annual release of Tributary Brewing Company’s famed Russian imperial stout, Mott the Lesser, has become a much-anticipated event on the Seacoast. The spring 2018 release takes place at the brewery in Kittery on Saturday, April 14, from 12-8 p.m. Each guest can purchase two bottles and two draft pours while supplies last. The Treason Quartet will perform live music from 4-6 p.m., and food will be available from The Blue Mermaid and Lexie’s Burger Bus. Learn more here.
New Hampshire Beat Festival
A new Seacoast tradition will be born on Saturday, April 14, at 5:30 p.m., when the first ever New Hampshire Beat Festival takes place at 3S Artspace in Portsmouth. An array of local poets, performers, and artists will take the microphone, backed by improvisational wizards The Beat Night Band. The event is the culmination of several projects spearheaded by Portsmouth Poet Laureate Mike Nelson. Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door. For more information, click here.
BONUS EVENT: Cat & Dog Film Festivals
If you’re into this sort of thing — and lots of people apparently are —two pet-friendly film fests are coming to The Music Hall in Portsmouth. The NY Cat Film Festival takes place Friday, April 13, at 7 p.m., presented in affiliation with Seacoast Area Feline Education & Rescue. The NY Dog Film Festival follows on Saturday, April 14, at 7 p.m., presented in affiliation with the NHSPCA. Each event features a medley of short films. Tickets are $13.
For a full calendar of local events, click here.