Live music, theater, and comedy are available to help lighten and brighten your heart this weekend. Here are some highlights.
Music & laughter at The Word Barn
One of the UK’s top songwriters comes to Exeter on Friday. John Smith will perform at The Word Barn from 7-8:30 p.m. (tickets: $20). Then, on Saturday, live comedy returns to The Word Barn. Tony V headlines a stand-up show also featuring Kylie Alexander, Connor McGrath, Sam Mangano, and host Josh Day from 8-10 p.m. (tickets: $25).
Concerts at The Dance Hall
The Dance Hall in Kittery hosts two great shows this weekend. Back by popular demand, Boston-based roots group Cold Chocolate performs on Friday from 7:30-8:30 p.m. (tickets: $15). Jazz ensemble Dharma Down plays tunes by icons like Thelonious Monk and Charles Mingus, plus originals, on Saturday from 7:30-8:30 p.m. (tickets: $15).
‘Be More Chill’ at the Seacoast Rep
For one weekend only, the Portsmouth Academy of Performing Arts presents “Be More Chill,” an electronic, sci-fi, pop-rock musical fresh from Broadway, at the Seacoast Repertory Theatre in Portsmouth. Show times are Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25-$30. Learn more here.
Concerts at The Stone Church
The weekend will be filled with improvisational rock at The Stone Church in Newmarket. Local band Amulus headlines on Friday with support from The Chops starting at 9 p.m. (tickets: $15). Super group Skunk Sessions covers classic-rock, soul, and jam favorites with guest Henley Douglas on saxophone on Saturday at 8 p.m. (tickets: $17).
Concerts at The Press Room
The Press Room in Portsmouth hosts a pair of exhilarating shows on back-to-back nights this weekend. Jazz/jam/funk/rock band SixFoxWhiskey performs with local opener Sneaky Miles on Friday at 9 p.m. ($12-$15). The Suitcase Junket (aka acclaimed singer-songwriter Matt Lorenz) returns on Saturday at 8 p.m. ($15-$20).
See the full calendar for more local events.