The 3rd Floor Nightclub is open every Friday & Saturday night at 9:00pm. (Additional dates may apply based on holidays, follow our private Instagram for the latest updates)
Experience the seacoasts hottest dance music, best drinks, and an unrivaled light show.
The VIP Section is the perfect space for those looking for some privacy. Roped off for only those who can provide an exclusive VIP wristband to gain access.
VIP Benefits:
* Exclusive VIP Private Entrance
* VIP Host (your VIP Host will meet you at the private entrance when your party arrives, get you special VIP wristbands and escort you to your section)
* No wait at the bar (through your VIP Host, you'll be able to order food, drinks, & shots only available to the VIP section at your leisure)
* Exclusive VIP Menu (featuring food, drink, & shot specials)
* Complimentary bottled water (you'll need to hydrate in between all the partying)
* Comfortable soft seating for the entire party
* Direct contact with Evening & Security Managers if needed.
* Best view in the house (the VIP section features large windows overlooking Market Street)
Our monthly Line Dance party and lessons.
Hosted by the area's favorite, Kim Carpentino of 603 Line Dance. Kim is a well-trained instructor, who will keep you dancing all night. Every 2nd Friday of the Month with Line dance lessons followed by DJ music and song requests for open dancing. Newbies and regulars are welcome to enjoy the whole night! The DJ plays a nice mix of country, pop, rock, and funk on NH’s largest dance floor with well over 100 like-minded dancers.
Doors open at 6:30, Lessons at 7:00, Dance 8:00- 10:30.
Freddie and the Freeloaders are returning! June 28
You can bring your beverage of choice (BYOB) and we provide a healthy light menu to snack on, for purchase. Seltzers, sodas, and mixers also available. (No “bar” tab.) We have both cafe and lounge seating, and a game room. All ages and abilities are welcome!
Looking for a venue for your next event? The Rockingham Ballroom is available for Private Parties, Events, Classes, and Weddings. Our event center is 8,500 sq. feet. The 4000 square foot floating wood floor is the only such dance floor in New England. Located in Newmarket, NH and only 15 minutes from Portsmouth, Exeter, or Durham.
For more information on booking events or private parties at the ballroom [email protected]
Get ready for a night of exceptional music as The Hazel Project comes to The Word Barn playing tribute to the music written and recorded by bluegrass pioneers and legendary musicians, Hazel Dickens and Alice Gerrard.
With Betsy Heron (fiddle), Gretchen Bowder (banjo), Whitney Roy (guitar), and Lindsay Lassonde (bass), The Hazel Project features sweet soaring harmonies and tasteful tunes.
Special guests The Mountain.
Väsen, Mikael Marin and Olov Johansson have, after 37 years of interaction and touring, refined their sound and their stage presence to the extent that today they are unique in their kind. With their playful and perfect interplay, they seem to defy the laws of physics in what appears to be a telepathic communication.
The music is intense and full of humour. They create their very own musical language which in its appeal is as modern as it is ancient. With the foundation firmly rooted in the traditional music of Uppland, they have always looked curiously at new musical goals.
Olov & Micke have played together since 1983 when they met at Oktoberstämman in Uppsala and discovered that they had a large common repertoire and a similar way of playing. It turned out that Micke had learned from Ivar Tallroth in Uppsala and Olov had learned from Curt Tallroth in Harbo. They had been introduced to the rich Bohlin / Tallroth tradition by the two brothers. Olov & Micke started playing intensively together and released their first recording, "Det rister i Örat," in 1985. They have played an incredible amount together over the years in Väsen. Now they go on adventures among old fine musicians, stories and trad tunes and at the same time they continue to break new ground. They perform on a variety of stringed instruments, including a silverbasharpa, oktavharpa, three-rowed Nyckelharpa, violoncello da spalla and a blue electric viola.
$30 advance | $38 day-of | $20 student
*fees not included ($2 facility fee per ticket + cc processing fees)
Directed by the incomparable Kyle Aarons, this production takes place on a college campus where love is messy, friendships are complicated, and everyone is just trying to survive midterms. Don’t miss out on this funny, relatable Shakespeare experience!
Doors at 7pm // 21+
Made up of four seasoned and professional musicians, all Maine natives and active members of the Maine music scene, Primal Soup seeks to deliver some of Phish’s more ambitious compositions while capturing the energy of their deep improvisational adventures.
Constantly adding to their catalog of Phish songs, Primal Soup aims to create an authentic experience, delivering a different and thoughtful show from date to date while debuting new Phish songs regularly.
COMMUNITY CHORUS AT SOUTH BERWICK
Presents
HOME
DR. AMY KOTSONIS, MUSIC DIRECTOR
CELEBRATING OUR 50TH SEASON
65 Voices explore themes of Home, accompanied by flute. percussion, and piano, including CCSB commissions utilizing poems by Sarah Orne Jewett and Celia Thaxter. A newly commissioned work by Grace Brigham, entitled "Lonely Star," will be premiered. Also included is music by André Thomas, Randall Thompson, Mari Valverde, Gwyneth Walker. Eric Whitacre, and many more. To commemorate the 50th Anniversary, alumni members will join the chorus for three songs.
Our Earthship
This immersive dance performance created and directed by Jeff Jean-Philippe, Founder and Artistic Director of OneLove and The Expressive Movement dance company introduces the exploration and wonder of the relationship between Earth (in its many forms) and human interaction. It delves into what it is like to build a relationship with the ground we walk on, the things we pass by, and the resources we rely on, all through a human-centric lens. This experience goes beyond mere observation; it encourages you to engage, interact, and connect with the Earth. Together, we cultivate this relationship, creating “Our Earth-ship.”
Performances
Saturday 4/12 @ 3:00 PM - Tickets here
Saturday 4/12 @ 7:00 PM - Tickets here
Sunday 4/13 @ 3:00 PM - Tickets here
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Jeff Jean-Philippe
My purpose is to guide people to excel in their life because I know they can. I am passionate about playing the role that helps people rediscover a meaningful life full of passion and purpose, all while I can live a life that I am proud of. I am a man of many trades but mentoring humans through their personal lives, artistic journeys, and holistic health, to achieve a magnificent break-through is where I thrive.
Being the Artistic Director and Founder of The Expressive Movement dance company, Dance Advisor for Positive Street Art, Hip Hop educator at various studios and institutions in New England, and nomad of the earth, I have had the honor of deeply connecting, exchanging wisdom, and providing guidance to people all over the world. With these inspiring experiences, I created my personal brand, J-Brand, an organization where I express my purpose through mentorship, holistic practices, dance/art, and comedy.
My largest successes are the moments where I achieve pure presence, as presence is our strongest state of authenticity and love. In a society where our natural order is constantly overstimulated, I put in work everyday to master this mind and body so I can serve others and bring them closer to their personal truths and purpose in this lifetime.
Join Portsmouth native Matt Shore for an evening of hilarious, high-energy pop tunes crafted from the mundane things in life.
Matt Shore enjoys turning the mundane things in life into hilarious, high-energy pop bangers. With topics ranging from dealing with anxiety, trying to pay student loans, protecting yourself from Boston’s wild turkeys, and more, he’s got the song you didn’t know you needed. Matt’s setup includes a keyboard, laptop, loop station, guitar, and with his trusty ironing board as a table for it all, he can make any venue feel like your parents' basement. If you’re ready for it, Matt Shore will do songs at you.
Our Earthship
This immersive dance performance created and directed by Jeff Jean-Philippe, Founder and Artistic Director of OneLove and The Expressive Movement dance company introduces the exploration and wonder of the relationship between Earth (in its many forms) and human interaction. It delves into what it is like to build a relationship with the ground we walk on, the things we pass by, and the resources we rely on, all through a human-centric lens. This experience goes beyond mere observation; it encourages you to engage, interact, and connect with the Earth. Together, we cultivate this relationship, creating “Our Earth-ship.”
Performances
Saturday 4/12 @ 3:00 PM - Tickets here
Saturday 4/12 @ 7:00 PM - Tickets here
Sunday 4/13 @ 3:00 PM - Tickets here
---
Jeff Jean-Philippe
My purpose is to guide people to excel in their life because I know they can. I am passionate about playing the role that helps people rediscover a meaningful life full of passion and purpose, all while I can live a life that I am proud of. I am a man of many trades but mentoring humans through their personal lives, artistic journeys, and holistic health, to achieve a magnificent break-through is where I thrive.
Being the Artistic Director and Founder of The Expressive Movement dance company, Dance Advisor for Positive Street Art, Hip Hop educator at various studios and institutions in New England, and nomad of the earth, I have had the honor of deeply connecting, exchanging wisdom, and providing guidance to people all over the world. With these inspiring experiences, I created my personal brand, J-Brand, an organization where I express my purpose through mentorship, holistic practices, dance/art, and comedy.
My largest successes are the moments where I achieve pure presence, as presence is our strongest state of authenticity and love. In a society where our natural order is constantly overstimulated, I put in work everyday to master this mind and body so I can serve others and bring them closer to their personal truths and purpose in this lifetime.
“Art rock band Billy Wylder carry the torch of the niche dug out by Talking Heads and their groundbreaking album "Remain in Light." -WBUR
Billy Wylder weaves together American folk and rock with sensibilities from the Sahara Desert, exploring new musical space akin to Devendra Banhart, Beck, and Tinariwen. Their new recordings evoke musical evolutions built on grooves informed by ancient African rhythms, art-rock textures, expansive guitars, violins, synths, and drum machines. The band features Avi Salloway (Bombino/Hey Mama/Avi & Celia) joined by an inspired cast of singular artists who have performed across six continents including concerts at Coachella, Newport Folk Festival, New Orleans Jazz Fest, Montreal Jazz Fest, Carnegie Hall, and Lincoln Center. Salloway’s lyrics flow with inspiration from mythical songwriting hero Leonard Cohen, while threading together more abstract imagery reminiscent of Thom Yorke.
“A sense of mystery and majesty.” –No Depression
Opening the show is NH's own Skye Darling. Skye is a young professional violinist and singer-songwriter based in Boston, Massachusetts with a passion for improvisation and exploring new ideas. Currently, Skye is freelancing, recording her own album, studying jazz and maqam, directing a children’s choir, and teaching private lessons all while pursuing her Masters in Violin Performance at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee.
Seating available, dancing encouraged!
$17 advance | $22 day-of | $12 student
*fees not included ($2 facility fee per ticket + cc processing fees)
Directed by the incomparable Kyle Aarons, this production takes place on a college campus where love is messy, friendships are complicated, and everyone is just trying to survive midterms. Don’t miss out on this funny, relatable Shakespeare experience!
Cross-Cultural, Meaningful Change: A Night of Music
Join us for an unforgettable evening featuring four exceptional local performers as we celebrate the power of music to bring about positive change!
Featured Performers:
Our very own Director and vocalist—Joanne Connolly
Latin dance and jazz group—Combo Sabroso, led by pianist and vocalist Matt Jenson
Acclaimed jazz vocalist—Taylor O’Donnell
Multi-instrumentalist, composer and performer—Randy Armstrong
Saturday, April 12
Doors at 7:00 PM | Show at 8:00 PM
$10 online | $15 at the door
Join us at The Button Factory Stage for a night of music that promises to uplift and inspire. South Shore Massachusetts' very own Anabasis is bringing their unique blend of swing, blues, country, rock, R&B, and folk to Portsmouth. This collective of talented musicians knows how to turn a live performance into a storytelling journey, filled with energy and heart.
For Anabasis, every song is a vehicle—a way to share the stories they’ve gathered along life’s winding road. Their live shows are an experience, combining positive vibes, dynamic pacing, and a genuine connection with the audience. Whether you're looking to dance, reflect, or simply soak in the rich tapestry of sounds, this is your night.
With a large body of unreleased tracks ready to be shared alongside their Spotify-released music, this show is set to be a memorable experience of both familiar tunes and exciting new material.
Secure your tickets online and come prepared for a night of music, storytelling, and unforgettable entertainment!
Snakes and Stars is a brand new musical creation of Michael Travis (The String Cheese Incident, EOTO) and Aaron Johnston (Brazilian Girls, David Byrne's American Utopia).
Long time friends and collaborators, Michael and Aaron were looking for new avenues of musical creation when Michael reached out to share a concept for a new Electronic Duo. They got together to check it out and it worked! It worked very, very well. The musical visions synchronized effortlessly, and Snakes and Stars was born.
The Sound: Snakes and Stars consists of two of live music’s top drummers exploring various idioms of electronic and dance music in a live, improvisational format. While DJs play previous recorded tracks Snakes and Stars plays everything live and makes up the songs as they go. Relying on a combined 60 years of live music experience, Travis and Johnston utilize vocals, synthesizers, electronic pads and triggers, drum kit, guitar, bass and samples to create a one of a kind musical experience in the moment.
Every show is a unique experience, a playful interaction between the two artists, audience and the surrounding energy they collectively interpret to guide the music. No two shows will ever be the same. The band finds its inspiration in deep electronic roots from minimal, trance, techno and house and downtempo along with contemporary electronic stylings like trap and dubstep , Snakes and Stars is an adventurous leap forward in today’s dance music scene mixing improvisation with the most modern idioms of electronic dance music.
Featuring two of Connecticut’s hardest working musicians, P(x3) was founded by drummer Rob Madore and keyboardist/saxophonist Isaac Young. The duo pushes the boundaries of modern dance music, funk, hip-hop, and more in a fully improvised setting. Both Madore and Young have a deep intrinsic connection on stage that sometimes represents a two-headed musical beast bringing a mind-bending live show that has left audiences slack-jawed and awestruck.
Based on vintage linen folding maps, in this workshop, students will create a folding fabric book that holds the dearest treasures. Beginning with a “blank page” (linen/hemp fabric), we’ll cut and sew and collage; we’ll age book pages and create missives to build a story on individual fabric squares, each one then hand-sewn into your book. We’ll explore different stitches that can be applied on each square.
This is a process-oriented workshop, wherein students will develop their book intuitively by selecting, arranging and putting all the parts together. Sorting through vintage ephemera, either personal or teacher-provided, while we discuss both improvisational and dedicated design concepts to approaching their finished piece.
It can be overwhelming to face a blank template in the time allotted: It’s a good idea to let your mind wander with ideas for this piece ahead of time -- who it may be intended for, or what concepts you might approach. Perhaps it will be a travel journal, or become a baby book, a secret collection keeper, or the history of plants.
Materials provided, but please feel free to bring any of your own fabric, as well as any ephemera that you may have to make your book truly unique.
Other tools you may want to bring along: Glasses, Thimble, Tiny scissors, Needle threader
Space is very limited!
Directed by the incomparable Kyle Aarons, this production takes place on a college campus where love is messy, friendships are complicated, and everyone is just trying to survive midterms. Don’t miss out on this funny, relatable Shakespeare experience!
Musicians Mike Effenberger (piano) and Chris Klaxton (trumpet) create a sacred space exploring hymns and spirituals through styles native to gospel, jazz, and the avant garde.
$20 Suggested Donation
South Church UU presents: Time + Mercy
Time + Mercy is an afternoon of soulfully interpreted spirituals and hymns, carefully selected to bring warmth and create a sacred space. The duo, Mike Effenberger (piano) and Chris Klaxton (trumpet), reimagine traditional pieces of religious music and transform them through a range of styles typically native to gospel, jazz, and the avant-garde. The duo will be performing in our acoustically gorgeous Sanctuary using the newly gifted and restored Steinway B. This concert is hopefully the first of many in a South Church music series. Effenberger and Klaxton have a long history of performing together in a variety of contexts and styles – improvisation being central to nearly every project. As gigging jazz musicians holding long-standing positions as UCC church choir directors, both Mike and Chris have found a host of spirituals and hymns to be as fertile a landscape for rearrangement and improvisation as any American Songbook standard.
For more info about the duo and the individual performers:
COMMUNITY CHORUS AT SOUTH BERWICK
Presents
HOME
DR. AMY KOTSONIS, MUSIC DIRECTOR
CELEBRATING OUR 50TH SEASON
65 Voices explore themes of Home, accompanied by flute. percussion, and piano, including CCSB commissions utilizing poems by Sarah Orne Jewett and Celia Thaxter. A newly commissioned work by Grace Brigham, entitled "Lonely Star," will be premiered. Also included is music by André Thomas, Randall Thompson, Mari Valverde, Gwyneth Walker. Eric Whitacre, and many more. To commemorate the 50th Anniversary, alumni members will join the chorus for three songs.
Our Earthship
This immersive dance performance created and directed by Jeff Jean-Philippe, Founder and Artistic Director of OneLove and The Expressive Movement dance company introduces the exploration and wonder of the relationship between Earth (in its many forms) and human interaction. It delves into what it is like to build a relationship with the ground we walk on, the things we pass by, and the resources we rely on, all through a human-centric lens. This experience goes beyond mere observation; it encourages you to engage, interact, and connect with the Earth. Together, we cultivate this relationship, creating “Our Earth-ship.”
Performances
Saturday 4/12 @ 3:00 PM - Tickets here
Saturday 4/12 @ 7:00 PM - Tickets here
Sunday 4/13 @ 3:00 PM - Tickets here
---
Jeff Jean-Philippe
My purpose is to guide people to excel in their life because I know they can. I am passionate about playing the role that helps people rediscover a meaningful life full of passion and purpose, all while I can live a life that I am proud of. I am a man of many trades but mentoring humans through their personal lives, artistic journeys, and holistic health, to achieve a magnificent break-through is where I thrive.
Being the Artistic Director and Founder of The Expressive Movement dance company, Dance Advisor for Positive Street Art, Hip Hop educator at various studios and institutions in New England, and nomad of the earth, I have had the honor of deeply connecting, exchanging wisdom, and providing guidance to people all over the world. With these inspiring experiences, I created my personal brand, J-Brand, an organization where I express my purpose through mentorship, holistic practices, dance/art, and comedy.
My largest successes are the moments where I achieve pure presence, as presence is our strongest state of authenticity and love. In a society where our natural order is constantly overstimulated, I put in work everyday to master this mind and body so I can serve others and bring them closer to their personal truths and purpose in this lifetime.
Jazz Casual
Sound Suggestions is the soul child of Seacoast music veterans Tim Webb and Thom Keith. This collective explores the off-Main-Street jazz borne of the late 60s-to early 80s. Featuring a repertoire from composers like Stanley Cowell, Dick Griffin, Billy Harper and Bobby Hutcherson, Sound Suggestions offers creative music that excites, touches the soul, and often grooves like hell.
With Terry Beaulieu on trumpet, Thom Keith on saxophones, Mark Lyons on piano, Tim Webb on bass, and Zac Hansen on drums, the band offers an energetic and synergistic approach to this music.
$15 advance | $18 day-of | $10 student
*fees not included ($2 facility fee per ticket + cc processing fees)
Come be part of The Word Barn's monthly old-time jam session!
All levels and all instruments are welcome.
Bring your banjo, fiddle, guitar, mandolin - or whatever old-time acoustic instrument you have - and spend a few hours playing along with fellow musicians of all skill levels and backgrounds.
Held every third Tuesday of the month. On warm evenings, we’ll circle up in the Meadow around the campfire; on cooler evenings, we’ll be cozy inside The Word Barn itself.
Don’t play an instrument? Come on over, kick back, and enjoy the tunes!
Free admission for all, donations accepted. Registration requested (space is limited).
After catching up, sharing a pint (or two), and choosing a key, the music will begin, with a last call for tunes coming around 8:45pm.
Sessions are led by uber talented fiddler, Betsy Heron.
**Please note and watch the calendar - Old-Time Jam session dates are subject to shift from the 3rd Tuesday as needed due to holidays and conflicts.
New England “Warped-Core” band, House Lights, bring a dynamic and modern take on the familiar sounds of the 2000s era post-hardcore, pop punk, emo and alternative metal genres. House Lights weave a rich musical tapestry full of catchy and powerful choruses, high energy riffs, hard hitting breakdowns and tasteful production elements that create a unique and exciting listening experience. With many new releases coming in 2025, House Lights are a band poised to become a commonly used name in the New England music scene.
The Forest Forgets blends the crushing weight of metal with the expansive, atmospheric qualities of post-rock. Formed in 2024, influenced by the haunting landscapes of nature with lyrical introspection, their sound weaves sludgy riffs with mournful melodies, inspired by themes of existential dread, decay, and the passage of time.
NH rock duo Trading Tombstones, and Exeter punk band Doug get the night started.
Wednesday, April 17
Doors at 7:00 PM | Show at 8:00 PM
$10 online | $15 at the door
Get ready for an intimate night of acoustic folk with a touch of shoegaze ambiance as August Darula takes The Button Factory Stage. Known for his work with the band Trash Sun, this Milford, NH/Boston, MA-based musician brings his unique fusion of heartfelt storytelling and dreamy soundscapes to Portsmouth.
August Darula recently released a self-recorded and produced album titled It's Later Than You Think, showcasing his raw talent and introspective songwriting. The album, which blends haunting melodies and folk-inspired acoustics, is a testament to his ability to captivate listeners with both emotion and musical depth. His performance promises to transport you to a place of reflection and wonder—perfect for an evening of pure musical immersion.
Additionally, fans of Trash Sun can expect to hear tracks from their recent EP Live Free and Die, a project that complements Darula's acoustic work while giving a nod to the grittier, more electric side of his musical identity.
Whether you're a folk enthusiast, a shoegaze dreamer, or simply in need of a relaxing midweek musical escape, this show is not one to miss.
Secure your tickets early—April 17th is just around the corner, and we can't wait to see you there!
From heart wrenching ballads, to foot-stompin’ rock ‘n’ roll, whether live or on record, Ward Hayden & the Outliers deliver every time. Come catch their Word Barn debut.
Ward Hayden & the Outliers (formerly Girls Guns & Glory) formed as a way to break from the music so commonly found on popular radio airwaves. Hayden’s foray into country music and early rock ‘n’ roll began with a fateful borrowing of a few of his mother’s cassettes. When asked, Hayden remarks, “I was doing these long drives and there was nothing appealing to me on the radio. I was twenty years old at the time and had been through my first experiences with heartbreak and loss. When I put some of these cassettes on the player in my Oldsmobile Delta Eighty-Eight, all I could think was, “this is everything I’ve been searching for.”
It took a few years after that to get the band up and running, but the band has cut it’s teeth the old fashioned way: on the road and on the stage. Since their formation they’ve barnstormed far beyond their Boston hometown, playing honky-tonks, beer joints and more recently concert venues throughout the U.S. They’ve amassed a loyal legion of fans along the way. The media have noticed too, including Rolling Stone, which heralds them as a “modern-day Buddy Holly plus Dwight Yoakam divided by the Mavericks.”
Their love for early rock ’n’ roll, true country, raw blues, and pretty much any kind of authentic American music branded them quickly as anomalous — and electrifying. From heart wrenching ballads, to foot-stompin’ rock ‘n’ roll, whether live or on record, Ward Hayden & the Outliers deliver every time.
Two Hour Parking is a pop/alternative cover band made up of UNH students opening the night. Playing a mix of current radio hits and fun throwbacks, they’re guaranteed to get you on your feet and start the night off strong.
Next up, Tumble Over is a new band out of Durham, NH, and is well known for their upbeat music, spanning rock music and all its subgenres.
Amara, a metal group based out Worcester Polytechnic Institute, is closing out the night. With melt-your-face-off metal, they’re guaranteed to keep you dancing until the end of the night.
Erica Brown and The Bluegrass Connection is a five-piece band featuring some of the finest musicians in New England. The band features award winning fiddler and singer Erica Brown, Matt Shipman on mandolin, Lincoln Meyers on guitar, Eli Gilbert on banjo and Kris Day on bass. A fun and energetic band, they incorporate a unique and diverse blend of original and traditional music from their Bluegrass, Folk and Country influences. As a band of renowned and respected musicians in their own right, together they form a bluegrass powerhouse of vocal and instrumental expertise that have delighted audiences all over the Northeast and Canada.
Their latest album “Blue Pine Moon” has been well received by fans, critics and musicians alike. The album contains thoughtful, original songs from both Shipman and Brown and other carefully chosen songs from the Bluegrass tradition. Grammy award winning bluegrass songwriter Rick Lang says it is a “...must have for any lover of good Bluegrass music!”
“...real and honest music...”- The Gibson Brothers
“... a stellar band featuring some of the finest pickers you could hope to find.”
- Joe K. Walsh
$20 advance | $25 day-of
*fees not included ($2 facility fee per ticket + cc processing fees)
Friday, April 18 – Twothousands & Sooflay at The Button Factory Stage
Doors open at 7:00 PM | Music starts at 8:00 PM
Tickets: $10 online | $15 at the door
Get ready for a night of high-energy, infectious melodies at The Button Factory Stage on Friday, April 18! This electrifying lineup features Twothousands, a band that masterfully blends nostalgic indie rock with fresh, innovative energy. Their songs are catchy, emotional, and full of life—sure to get you singing along and moving to the beat.
Joining them is Sooflay, an Indiana-based powerhouse delivering energetic and upbeat power pop. With their signature sound—lofi songs performed in a hifi manner—Sooflay’s set will be bursting with energy from all four limbs, bringing an unstoppable wave of fun to the stage.
Don’t miss this incredible show! Snag your tickets online in advance for just $10, or grab them at the door for $15. See you at The Button Factory Stage!
It's that time of year again... Stone Dead returns to the Stone Church for their annual April two-night run. These shows always sell out, so get tickets early!
Adam Terrell, Tim Leavy, Drew Wyman, George Laliotis, Chris Sink, and David Rubin come together as Stone Dead, performing the music of the Grateful Dead with a high degree of 80s-Dead influence guiding their way. Most of these guys have been playing the Church in one form or another for decades, and you can feel it in the music. It's always a special vibe in the room when everyone settles in for this intimate two-night affair.
Bill Paarlberg: Watercolor #2, For The Beginning Intermediate
Saturday, April 19th from 9am-12pm
The Kittery Art Association Art Hub (Lower Level Studio Space)
Have you taken a beginning watercolor class, and want to learn more? Do you practice painting but find yourself unable to improve? Do your brilliant beginnings too often get worse as you go, becoming muddy, overworked, and unfocused? This class will teach you a handful of tips and techniques that will immediately give you more control and confidence, and result in better paintings. We’ll discuss paper, brushes, and the rest of your equipment. We’ll learn tips to better predict just what color ends up on the paper, and how to make all your colors work together. We’ll learn how to gain inspiration and continue improving by studying the work of others. Special emphasis on how to use value studies and tips for working en plein air.
Required Materials:
Note: If you need to purchase any of these items, don’t spend a lot of money. Get something inexpensive just so you can try it out and see if you like it.
Please bring to class your usual paint, palette, paper, brushes, and painting kit.
Also, make sure you have (if you don’t already):
Paint: Tubes or pans of one red, two different blues, and one yellow. Also burnt umber and burnt sienna. (I use Winsor & Newton, but there are many good brands of paint).
Brushes: A medium-sized round (size 10 is good), and a 3/4” or 1” flat. If you have a biggish brush that holds a lot of water, like a 1” squirrel mop or similar, bring it along.
Paper: A plain paper sketchbook, a smallish watercolor sketchbook or block (5 x 8” or so), and a larger cold press 140 lb watercolor paper block or pad, at least 8 x 10 inches.
A small knife, like X-Acto, that you can use to sharpen pencils and scrape marks into paintings.
A credit card, library card, or similar plastic card that you can use to scrape marks into paintings.
A pencil.
Some paper towels.
Bill Paarlberg grew up in Hampton, New Hampshire and now lives in Kittery Point, Maine. His earliest memories are of the excitement of making artwork. In the 1980s he drew many pen and ink scenes of Portsmouth scenes, which have morphed into the Famous Monsters of Portsmouth series. He likes to paint in watercolor, especially outdoors. He is on the board of the Kittery Art Association. You can see his work at the Kennedy Gallery in Portsmouth, NH, and online at www.paarlberg.com.
With the arrival of winter, come join us to meet some amazing owl and raptor species up close while learning all about them thanks to the wonderful Tailwinds educators.
What adaptations are needed for some of our raptor neighbors to make it through our long, cold winters? How do things change with the end of the warmer months? What can we do to help them?
This program illuminates some of the many amazing adaptations that allow the animals here to not only survive but thrive!
Come and meet our Tailwinds educators and team of education raptors for this wonderful winter event!
You'll enjoy a talk about their ecology and adaptations, importance to our ecosystem, and how YOU can help them.
And, you’ll learn how to spot signs of wild owls and raptors in the area, what to look for, and how easy and accessible these experiences can be.
This is not a youth program, but super family friendly and children are most welcome (and will surely be fascinated, inspired, and learn lots). Children under 10 are free, but are required to register given capacity limitations.
Each ticket includes a complimentary beer or cider from our sponsors.
Proceeds from this program will support the Tailwinds education efforts, and The Word Barn!
Into The Floyd brings alive the music of Pink Floyd by performing an authentic and diverse catalogue of the band’s music all the way from their earliest material from the 1960s through to their final work.
We don't just aim to please every fan in the audience — but instead to lure them into a suspension of disbelief where they are experiencing a true Pink Floyd concert.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ck0ZLLomNrc&authuser=0
https://intothefloyd.com
Rockin(gham) Ballroom. 1934 Dance hall and event center. NH’s largest dance floor. Historic, nostalgic, throw back venue in a civilized setting.
· You can bring your choice of Beverage (BYOB) no bar tab no waiting :)
· Light menu, waters, mixers offered.
· Café and lounge seating. Game room.
· You won’t have to scream to be heard. All ages, all abilities, fun to watch
· Available for: Private Parties, Events, Classes, Weddings Newmarket, NH , 15 minutes from Portsmouth, Exeter or Durham.
Advance $20. Day of show $25
False portrait is a band that blends many genres from rock, funk, jazz, progressive, country and more. We play a wide array of songs from bands like Phish Grateful Dead, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and more, as well as a variety of original music the band has written. We focus on making every show unique and as different as possible.
Lookie Lookie
Latin Dance Night
Lookie Lookie is an eight piece band devoted to Latin Bugalu, a style pioneered by Puerto Rican musicians in New York in the 1960s. Fusing rhythm and blues and American pop into the Afro-Caribbean music matrix, such artists as Pete Rodriguez, Joe Cuba and Richie Ray topped the Latin charts in the US and Latin America. Joe Cuba even scored on the pop charts with “Bang Bang” and “Sock It To Me Baby.” Bugalú is the mother lode of fun, and Lookie Lookie has been wowing club and festival crowds all over New England with it.
The members of Lookie Lookie have distinguished pedigrees in the Boston and international music scenes. Leader, saxophonist and vocalist Russ Gershon has performed at the Sanctuary previously with his Grammy-nominated jazz group the Either/Orchestra; E/O conguero and vocalist Vicente Lebron, who has played with the greats from Celia Cruz on down leads the rhythm section; timbales player Rick Barry toured for years in Bim Skala Bim, an essential band on the 1980s US ska scene; percussionist Ken Winokur founded the internationally recognized silent film accompaniment group the Alloy Orchestra; bassist Gregory Ryan has played with jazz great Billy Harper and Harold Mabern; vocalist/percusionist Jorge Arce is has been a force in Puerto Rico and Boston for forty years; saxophonist/flutist Ted DeColo has toured with Mighty Sam McLean; the group is rounded out by trumpeter Eric Ortiz.
On top of all the instruments are the voices. In the tradition of folk musics like Puerto Rican Bomba and even garage rock, which was an ingredient in the original bugalú, all the members of Lookie Lookie sing, in chorus (“coro” in Spanish) and by passing lead vocals around, in Spanish and English. Fun is the heartbeat of Lookie Lookie – the musicians delight in conjuring the psychedelic vibe of the 1960s while anchoring it in heavy Latin grooves at tempos that everybody can dance to. You don't need salsa chops or double jointed hips to get out on the floor and bugalu, and if you don't feel like dancing – there's plenty of musical substance for your ears.
NOTE TO DANCERS: Please choose a "Standing" ticket. There will be seating available specifically for dancers to catch a breath! This helps us keep the dance floor open and accommodate non-dancers.
$17 advance | $22 day-of
*fees not included ($2 facility fee per ticket + cc processing fees)
Doors at 8pm // 21+
It's that time of year again... Stone Dead returns to the Stone Church for their annual April two-night run. These shows always sell out, go get tickets early! Individual and two-night passes available.
Adam Terrell, Tim Leavy, Drew Wyman, George Laliotis, Chris Sink, and David Rubin come together as Stone Dead, performing the music of the Grateful Dead with a high degree of 80s-Dead influence guiding their way. Most of these guys have been playing the Church in one form or another for decades, and you can feel it in the music. It's always a special vibe in the room when everyone settles in for this intimate two-night affair.
As acclaimed indie folk band The Ballroom Thieves wrote and recorded their upcoming album, one central question emerged as the theme: “What if we could all just be a little more tender?” The duo – Calin Peters (vocals, cello, bass) and Martin Earley (vocals, guitar) – started to ponder what they could do to be more self-aware of their mental health and of those around them in a world oversaturated by social media, pop-culture, and digital consumption. The result is a personal, lush, 10-track collection of thoughts on the human experience called Sundust.
For more than a decade, Earley and Peters have been combining their thoughts and musical abilities. They’ve toured the US dozens of times, ventured into Europe, Canada, and even managed a journey from Maine to Hawaii to Alaska in one trip, all to play their music for the dedicated fanbase they’ve been steadily growing, person by person. The two have played beautiful theaters like Ozawa Hall at Tanglewood, well-loved festivals like Newport Folk, and legendary rooms like LA’s Troubadour. They’ve been known to power slide across stages on bloody knees with their full band and silence packed rooms for 90 minutes with their lyrics and harmonies, accompanied only by a cello and an acoustic guitar during their more intimate duo shows.
Their most personal album to date, Sundust is about self-awareness, breaking down walls that trauma creates, and healing from harshness, but it's also about finding the glimmers, the striking beauty of being a person, and a longing for connection with healthy people. Sundust will be released on April 12 via Nettwerk.
Saturday, April 19 – Wizard Clique: A Night of EDM and House Music Magic
Get ready for an electrifying night at The Button Factory Stage as Rome, L Viejo, and Chad Banks team up to bring you Wizard Clique—a pulse-pounding journey through the best of EDM and house music.
Music starts at 7:00 PM
Tickets: $10 online | $15 at the door
With deep beats, hypnotic melodies, and high-energy drops, Wizard Clique is a sonic experience that will keep you moving all night long. Each artist brings their own unique style to the decks, creating an unforgettable blend of house, tech, and bass-heavy grooves. Whether you’re a seasoned raver or just looking for a night to lose yourself in the music, this is the show to be at.
Secure your spot now and step into the soundscape of Wizard Clique—where the bass is heavy, and the vibes are limitless.
Listen. Feel. Move.
Get your tickets now!
Jazzputin
(a very 4/20 Easter)
Jazzputin is an uncanny and at times diabolical combination of genius half wits, raised in families of jazz, hillbilly music, old timey this and thats, and a good chunk o' church music. And sometimes Cindi Lauper. And Primus. And Cypress Hill. And FRRRREEEEEEEE IMPROVISATION????!
We hope Jazzputin appeals to the sentimental (semi-mental), freewheeling, tune whistling hobo in all of us.
Steve Roy - Bass, voice
Nick Mainella - Tenor sax
Jimmy Dority - Guitar
Chris Klaxton - Trumpet
Mike Effenberger - Accordion
Jim Rudolf - Drums
$15 advance | $420 day-of
*fees not included ($2 facility fee per ticket + cc processing fees)
Can something be wry, aching, hysterical, evocative, provocative, fun, beautifully sung and consummately played all at once? That would be Vance Gilbert. While he has released 13 albums thus far, Vance truly happens live.
He has made his mark on the folk and acoustic music scenes over the course of a prolific career that extends back to the early ’90s during which he has shared stages worldwide with Aretha Franklin, Shawn Colvin, Arlo Guthrie, the Milk Carton Kids, George Carlin (150+ shows), Anita Baker, The Subdudes, Paul Reiser and any number of others.
He has also made a prominent presence at some of the world’s most prestigious gatherings, among them the Newport, Winnipeg, Rocky Mountain, Calgary, Ottawa, and Falcon Ridge folk festivals, the Kate Wolf Music Festival, and Australia’s Woodford Folk Festival and Mullum Music Festival.
Over the course of his career, he has carved out a singular niche with songs that have resonated with his fans and drawn in new listeners. His classic compositions — Old White Men, Charlene and Unfamiliar Moon, Goodbye Pluto, and Waiting for Gilligan — are emotive and profound, offering certain truths in ways that make a meaningful impact in the most enduring and evocative ways.
Gilbert posses a wide palette and perspective, from a co-write with Grammy Winner Lori McKenna, House of Prayer, to a song on a Grammy-nominated children’s record by the duo Trout Fishing in America. Likewise, after alt-rock star Mike Posner heard Gilbert perform on a podcast, he invited him to take part in co-writing sessions and subsequently to sing on his recent single, Noah’s Ark. Posner reciprocated with a haunting background vocal on Flyby, a song featured on Gilbert’s forthcoming album.
“How rounded is that?”, Gilbert may quip. Truth is, ultimately, it’s the impact that he has on his audiences that matters to him the most. “People take away from these songs what they decide they’re going to take away,” he reflects. “I would hope they walk away thinking. If that’s the case, then I’ve done my job successfully.”
Are you looking for a fun and creative way to pay respect to Mother Earth for Earth Day this year? Spend the eve of Earth Day creating pressed flower art in the shape of a peace sign!
When you sign up, you will be able to choose which frame you would like to use. As part of the workshop, all participants will be provided the necessary tools, a variety of botanicals and a stencil to place on the photo backing to help you place and arrange the blooms.
Once you take the stencil away, you will be impressed with how perfect (or how perfectly imperfect) your flower peace sign comes out.
Because we will be creating a shape, absolutely zero creative skills or past experience is needed to participate in this workshop and learn this technique. And, you will walk away loving your new art piece.
Please note, there is a 20 year-old age minimum due to the delicacy of the flowers and the sharpness of some of the tools we will be using.
SPACE IS LIMITED!
Wildlife lovers... join us on April 22 at 10am for an imaginary safari around the world!
$7 in advance/$10 day-of
Kentucky musician and composer Ben Sollee, has been blurring boundaries with his musical style and career for nearly two decades – his latest album, Long Haul (2024) is no exception. Drawing on tonal influences from the American and global south, Sollee’s vocals and unique cello style thread through each track binding seemingly disparate chapters of his journey – the Long Haul.
Sollee has distinguished himself as multi-faceted creative, blurring the lines between music, tech, and activism. A graduate of the Univeristy of Louisville School of Music, he holds a BFA in cello performance.
Since his debut record in 2008, Mr. Sollee has released 7 studio records and nearly 10 EPs garnering praise from the New York Times and NPR. His music has been featured in tv shows such as Weeds and Parenthood.
In addition, Sollee has a growing career as a composer for film, tv, and interactive media earning a Emmy Award in 2018 for his score on the ABC special Base Ballet.
Beyond music, Mr. Sollee is known for his social and environmental advocacy working with organizations like Oxfam America, The Nature Conservancy, and Canopy KY to protect people and the land. He currently lives in Louisville, KY with his wife and three children.
Showtime Steve harnesses show-stopping stunts and off-the-cuff comedy to create a high-energy variety show unlike any other! He combines his skills in juggling, escape artistry, mentalism, balancing, and more to create the ultimate one-man act. With over 1,500 career performances across 14 states and international waters, Steve knows how to make every show an epic and unforgettable experience for all ages!
$7 in advance/$10 day-of
Matthew and the Atlas is the project of U.K’s Matt Hegarty and his songwriting style that marries a subtle melodic sensibility with lyrics full of natural imagery and dark emotional heft - all delivered in his striking and distinctive vocal.
When it came time for fifth full-length 'Many Times,' Matt Hegarty needed to try something different. The Aldershot songwriter, better known as Matthew and The Atlas, was keen to follow up 2023's 'This Place We Live' quickly, jumping straight back into the studio at the end of that same year. Tapping up Bear's Den member and producer Kev Jones for the challenge, they approached 'Many Times' with a production style antithetical to its title: each song was to be recorded in as few takes as possible, stripped-back and direct-to-tape, with no overdubs.
This process, the pair explain, was intended to capture Matt's songwriting in its purest form. Recorded over just two days at the iconic Rockfield Studios in Monmouth, Wales, "the idea was just to capture a moment in time that is very, very honest and open," Jones says. Inspired in part by Nick Drake's 'Pink Moon' (which was itself captured over just two nights).
"We said to ourselves that I shouldn't rehearse too much," says Matt. "It's a balancing act – you have to write the songs, and know the melody and the lyrics, and how you're going to perform it. But only up to a point – you're still trying to capture something a bit truer to its original form; something you haven't over-rehearsed or refined down."
It's an approach that was taken to avoid the slow gestation process and over-thinking that Matt openly admits led to the four-year gap between his previous two albums. "I definitely tend to disappear into my studio space," he says of previous records, "There's definitely been a lot of overthinking in my home studio, and working on things, and taking a lot longer than I thought."
For 'Many Times,' then, it was a total about-face in terms of approach. "I really wanted to do the complete opposite of that," Matt explains, "and not think about instrumentation – just think about songwriting."
Capturing those songs in their rawest form led to some of 'Many Times'' most stunning moments coming from the most unlikely of places. From the engineer running around the studio mid-take, to re-position microphones while Matt was still 'in the zone,' to rhythmic thigh slaps from Kev during the recording of 'Standing Here' adding one of the record's only embellishments – and taking the track to a new dimension in the process – it's a record that thrives on its simplicity. "It's because the elements are so simple, the minutiae is massive," says Matt.
"There was always an element of uncertainty about it, which I think was a good thing," he continues of the recording process. Recording to tape – an expensive method in an increasingly digital age – "gave it an element of pressure," he admits. But despite the pressure Matt might have felt, 'Many Times' feels like Matthew and The Atlas' most effortless release in a decade.
"You've got nowhere to hide, the songs have to speak for themselves," says Kev of the approach, and it's something Matt agrees with. The result is a record which houses some of Matthew and The Atlas' most brilliant songs to date.
The most highly acclaimed female illusionist in America, Lyn Dillies delivers a dazzling display of spectacular magic for audiences of all ages. From the grandeur of New York City’s Lincoln Center to Hollywood’s Magic Castle, rave reviews accompany her unique brand of mystery, comedy and audience participation. Dillies amazes and astounds with some of the most masterful, mind-blowing illusions.
$7 in advance/$10 day-of
We're psyched to have Clandestine in the house setting the groove for a six show residency. Funk, jazz, rock, special guests, and booty-shakin' good times!
Evan Northrup began making magic in his hometown of Salem, MA. All of his performances combine storytelling with sleight of hand to create magic that sparks the imagination. His latest traveling show, “Curiosities,” reimagines some of magic’s classic illusions and features a few of Evan’s unique creations. It is highly interactive and fun for all ages, so come be a part of the show and bring a bit of magic to life!
$7 in advance/$10 day-of
GoldenOak’s music is rooted in the natural landscape- their songs move like a stream, meandering and weaving in an original yet grounding direction. Fronted by siblings Zak and Lena Kendall GoldenOak’s music calmly excites its listeners while nestled in rich folk-influenced sibling harmony.
Inspired by retro-rock of the 70's mixed with hints of modern folk Horsefly Gulch members have their roots seeded deep within the New England music scene. Branching off from a popular New Hampshire metal band the trio diverges from the heavy side of things but still manages to keep its roots firmly on the ground.
Other Brother Darryl, the 2024 Boston Music Award Country Artist of the Year, are a seven piece, Boston-based alt-country supergroup. The band of brothers, playing a style they call cosmic canyon rock, includes a list of veteran singer-songwriters and local luminaries. They are Dan Nicklin (vocals, harmonica, percussion), Nate Leavitt (vocals, acoustic guitar), Dan Cederholm (drums), Chad Raleigh (multi-instrumentalist), Derek Feeney (acoustic guitar), Dave Lieb (keyboard, vocals), Jim Collins (bass, vocals) and Dave Mirabella (spiritual guidance).
First coming together over a love of big folk harmonies, the cosmic canyon rock sound of The Jayhawks and Wilco, and the television series Newhart, the seeds of Other Brother Darryl were first conceptualized back in 2012 at the defunct Somerville rock club Radio, where each member would perform frequently with their respective projects. An endless string of conversations, local Boston rock shows, and beers would line the next several years, and in 2019, Other Brother Darryl would make good on a promise to each other to bring their collective creative vision to life and write and record the album they were always meant to.
Kier Byrnes & The Kettle Burners are a high-octane blend of face melting accordion and chicken pickin’ electric guitar. Winners of a New England Music Award for “Americana Act of the Year”, the Kettle Burners have performed at multiple festivals and even shared some bills with a few national acts (Willie Nelson, Old Crow Medicine Show, Hank Williams Jr., John Mellencamp, The Mavericks and Fastball).
Kier Byrnes, frontman of the group, has been all over the globe thanks to music; touring in over 17 countries. He has performed in the Middle East for the troops, at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, and a Johnny Cash-style gig at a Belgian prison. At a private show for Jim Beam Whiskeys in Clermont, Kentucky, Byrnes and his band were rewarded with a personal tour of the distillery by none other than the great grandson (and Master Distiller) of Jim Beam.
Kier Byrnes is joined by The Kettle Burners (Jason McGorty, Monica Sager, Joe Miller, Dan DiBacco & Brian Lilienthal); a spirited country band that effortlessly merges the rootsy sounds of traditional country music with the enchanting melodies of Irish folk. Their heartfelt performances weave stories of love, loss, and life’s trials with an irresistible blend of twangy guitars, lively bass, driving drums and the soulful warmth of accordion. With their infectious energy and undeniable chemistry on stage, these musicians create an immersive musical experience of whiskey-soaked ballads and foot-stomping jigs.
Cryin' Caleb Aaron is a singing, songwriting, guitar-playing one-man band from Maine. Playing his own style of roots rock 'n' roll/country/twang/punk, his influences creep out from the shadows stretched over several decades of underground song, from Hank Williams to Bo Diddley, Sinéad O’Connor to The Gun Club, and Dead Moon to Leadbelly. With equal parts cynicism and pathos, his melodic, rousing songs are almost always laced with desperation, dealing with existential crisis, lonesomeness, regret, alienation, love, and armageddon.
April 25, 2025
Doors at 7
Show at 8
Seattle’s Waves Crashing brings a revitalizing energy to the iconic sounds of the '80s and '90s. Blending lush soundscapes with infectious melodic hooks, they offer a fresh, contemporary twist on nostalgic vibes. Since forming in 2020, the band has firmly established itself in the Pacific Northwest alternative scene through a steady stream of releases and regional tours.
Coastal New England’s Chainlacing will bring their lo fi experimental gloom sound to The Button Factory Stage. Along with the shoegaze/alt rock sounds of XO to round out the bill, this ensures to be an evening of dream-like sounds with a cool vibe you won’t want to miss.
Doors at 3:30pm
A family friendly event
Our favorite troubadour takes his turn in our Legends in the Lounge series. Some Truffle tunes, some Dave solo tunes, and some choice covers will be on tap.
Inhabit: A Permaculture Perspective
Sat 4/26 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm EDT
Part of the One Shared Earth film series, Inhabit: A Permaculture Perspective shares how people are using a set of ecological design principles in rural, suburban, and urban landscapes to shift from destructive to restorative practices. Get specific ideas of how you can work with nature to take what is a problem and find solutions with multiple benefits, in your home and community.
In times of great change, we need stories that offer paths of inspiration and action.
Join us for a film series featuring examples of people working in partnership with nature, including drawing from the wisdom of Indigenous peoples and traditions. We can discover the courage and creativity that comes from seeing ourselves as part of a living earth, rather than separate from nature.
Each evening includes:
Time to tour an art show about One Shared Earth, with over 80 pieces of visual art, poetry, and sculpture.
A film exploring one aspect of these themes, e.g., through food, waterways, and land.
An opportunity to discuss the film in small group conversations and get connected with local organizations working on these issues.
Seacoast NH Permaculture
We are happy to have Seacoast NH Permaculture as a co-sponsor for this screening; at the event you can learn more about their offerings.
Permaculture aims to regenerate healthy, productive landscapes and communities by consciously applying ecological principles to the design of human habitats.
inFocus Film @ the dance hall
About the film
96 MIN / DOCUMENTARY
Year-round Metal Enjoyment explores the New England origins of North American freight train graffiti, tracing the narratives of several members of the prolific YME and Circle T crews, and giving unparalleled access into the fastest growing subculture in the graffiti movement. Both snapshot of a fading history and love-letter to the trains themselves, Year-round Metal Enjoyment captures the voices, faces and thoughts of artists, railfans and train-workers alike, while showcasing the unlikely beauty of the trains in their environment.
Director/Cinematographer: Jeff Griecci
Writers/Co-Producers: Ian Carlsen, Jeff Griecci
$15 general admission | $10 student
*fees not included ($2 facility fee per ticket + cc processing fees)
The Seacoast Last Waltz Band is a tribute ensemble dedicated to recreating The Band's legendary 1976 farewell concert, "The Last Waltz." Formed in November 2018, the group features top musicians from the Seacoast regions of New Hampshire and Southern Maine.
A portion of the ticket proceeds will go to support Continuum Arts Collective, a non-profit organization that provides musical instruments and learning opportunities for youths in New Hampshire and Maine.
Saturday, April 26 – Not Yer Mama’s Drag Show Presents: Robots vs. Aliens!
Portsmouth, prepare for liftoff—drag is back at The Button Factory Stage on Saturday, April 26, and this time, it’s out of this world!
Doors open at 7:00 PM, and the show blasts off at 8:00 PM. Tickets are just $10 online and $15 at the door, so grab yours before they disappear into another dimension!
This edition of Not Yer Mama’s Drag Show brings you Robots vs. Aliens, a battle of cosmic proportions where high-tech meets extraterrestrial glam. Expect futuristic fashion, space-age performances, and intergalactic energy from an electrifying lineup of drag royalty:
• Morticia Delichia
• Saison Lefaye
• Emerald Jade
• Venn Lafaxine
• Victoria Genshin
• Mather Moon
• Plus a surprise guest performer
Whether you’re Team Robot, Team Alien, or just here for a night of stellar entertainment, you won’t want to miss this unforgettable drag showdown!
Don’t be stuck on Earth while the rest of us travel through the cosmos—join us for a night of otherworldly performances and fabulous fun. See you there, space travelers!
Millspace is offering a one day youth theatre workshop, on Sunday April 27th, for kids aged 9 to 14. Expect improv, games, and the chance to create something new in the company of other young artists! Attendees will learn performance and improv techniques, in a fun, low-pressure environment, ending the day with a short improv showcase. (Showcase starts at 2:30!) Whether you’re new to theatre, or a Broadway Baby, this workshop has a spot for you. This program is hosted by local actor and theatre educator, Katherine Cusack.
The Kittery Community Center (KCC) is excited to announce the launch of the "Easy Like Sunday Mornings" Jazz Brunch Series. The monthly series will take place in the STAR Theatre at the KCC and will feature local jazz talents alongside delicious brunch menus provided by talented local chefs and restaurants.
April 27 features Klaxton/Killough Duo
The cost of $20 includes both the brunch and performance.
From Weeds to Wellness, Join this Seasonal Herbal Foraging Workshop Experience
Step into nature’s apothecary and reclaim the lost art of herbal healing! The Wild and Weedy Wellness series invites you to explore the medicinal plants growing in fields, forests, and even your own backyard.
Led by Alison Magill, an experienced herbalist, ecologist, seed-saver and land steward, each workshop includes an immersive plant walk where you’ll learn to identify and ethically harvest local herbs. Then, in a hands-on kitchen session, you’ll transform these wild botanicals into five or so (depending on the season) herbal products to take home—each one a powerful remedy for your home apothecary. If purchased at a health food store, these products would cost more than the price of the workshop! But here, you’ll not only take them home—you’ll gain the skills to make them yourself, fostering self-reliance, saving money, and supporting your health naturally.
The walks and workshops take place on Tuckaway Farm, a beautiful, certified organic property in Lee NH. These workshops are about more than just making medicine—they’re about building a deeper understanding of the plants around us and harvesting with respect for the land. If you’re wanting to reconnect with nature and build your herbal skills, join one of the monthly sessions or the whole series and begin crafting your home herbal apothecary this season.
Plants:
The exact plants we’ll be collecting each month are not guaranteed! Why? Because although we know the general seasonality of the wild plants, every year’s growing season - rain and temperature - is different and plants may not be ready to harvest on a specific date.
Here are a few of the plants we will be looking for each month:
APRIL: Nettle, violet, dandelion, pine, dead nettle, knotweed.
MAY: Chickweed, nettle, dandelion, elder flower, clover, self-heal.
JUNE: Yarrow, plantain, self-heal, St Johns wort, elder flower, horsetail.
JULY: Comfrey, clover, mullein, raspberry, blueberry, purple loosetrife
AUGUST: Bee balm, goldenrod, jewelweed, black cherry, sumac, boneset
SEPTEMBER: Aster, elder berries, goldenrod, sumac, assorted seeds.
OCTOBER: Root harvesting! Burdock, yellow dock, dandelion, Japanese knotweed.
We will also be working with some of the common cultivated herbs found in the gardens.
Let's dream ourselves forward together into The Dance Hall’s bright future!
We hope you'll swing through any time between 3:00 - 5:00PM for complimentary light snacks provided by Neighborhood Business Partners Black Birch and Pepperrell Cove, creative engagement stations offering the opportunity to share your ideas and excitement for this special place, and a hosted conversation starting at 3:30PM when we'll dream ourselves forward together into The Dance Hall’s bright future!
Guiding questions for the day will include:
- What is your favorite thing about The Dance Hall?
- What would you like The Dance Hall to stop, start, and/or continue doing?
- In a dream world, what kind of space would you like The Dance Hall to be?
We'll also be sharing some hot-off-the-press news regarding new initiatives happening at The Dance Hall this year that we know you won't want to miss!
We hope to see you on the 27th, and look forward to connecting about how we can continue to bring people together for a moment of breath and joy through the arts. Please reserve your FREE* ticket !
*Light snacks and non-alcoholic drinks provided at no cost. Beer, wine, and cider available for purchase.
FREE - OPEN TO THE PUBLIC - RSVP ABOVE
On October 18th, Twisted Pine releases its joyous third LP, Love Your Mind, on Signature Sounds Recordings. The title represents the quartet landing on a more expansive sound than ever, after years of touring, serious introspection, bouts of self-doubt, glorious bursts of creativity, and many after-hour festival jam sessions and pickin’ till dawn.
Co-produced by the band and longtime-collaborator Dan Cardinal at his studio Dimension Sound in Boston, the record is loaded with experimental production, fearless songwriting featuring input from each member, finely-crafted collaborative arrangements, playing that’s virtuosic and visceral. It's a reflection of what the band listens to. It’s buoyant pop and delicate folk, raging old-time energy, and old-school r&b grooves.
On vinyl and on stage, the sound of Twisted Pine is unmistakable, exuberant, daring.
What started as a (semi-)traditional bluegrass band in the trenches of the storied folk, bluegrass, and Americana scene in Boston a decade ago has bloomed into an ensemble of players who shapeshift across genres. Even the expansive “progressive bluegrass” label doesn’t come close to capturing their musical scope.
Chris Sartori's upright bass anchors everything with an undeniable, articulate groove. Dan Bui's mandolin is thick, crisp, and propulsive.
Kathleen Parks' fiddle and Anh Phung's flute are at constant play, often augmented with effects pedals for layered musical textures, psychedelic sounds, and wild solo trading, somewhere in the territory between bluegrass and jazz.
Out in front of the ensemble, Parks’ lead vocals are an instrument unto herself: equal parts mystery, power, haunt, and a search for the edges. And she's surrounded on all sides by the voices of her bandmates, who bring on whatever harmonies, unities, whistles, and howls the night requires.
In a world that needs TLC more than ever, Twisted Pine offers a night of exultant travels across genres, across time, to mountains, cities, roadhouses, and back porches where songs bring tenderness, love and relief. All in all, this album and this tour bring the sound of a band that invites you to Love Your Mind.
ABOUT JAKE SWAMP & THE PINE
At the end of a long day traversing the White Mountains, when the sun has laid down behind the horizon and the shush of the forest descends, you sit by the campfire and crack open the cold beverage of your choice. Surrounded by those you love, you realize this is the best possible place you could be right now.
This is the feeling that Jake Swamp and the Pine captures with their music. The name Jake Swamp and the Pine provides that context, as it was inspired by the Jake Swamp pine tree - the tallest tree in MA and is honoring Jake Swamp - a prominent environmentalist.
At the end of 2022, JSATP released their debut album, Simpson and Banks, named after the cross streets in Somerville, MA where the band was formed. Within those cross streets, hours and hours of practice, laughing, writing, struggling with creating social content had been held.
There were many moments of life that were revisited because of the writing and reflecting that happened there, so it felt only fitting to honor that with the album name. Those beautiful and confusing moments of life are captured and distilled into each song on the album.
Simpson and Banks received praise from many prestigious publications including Americana UK, who noted that a "Gloriously atmospheric vocals carry a set of passionate, emotive and classy songs.”
Jake Swamp and the Pine songs range from powerful acoustic anthems to knee-slapping hoedowns to slow and somber waltzes, drawing on diverse influences from the Americana, folk, singer-songwriter, bluegrass, and pop. Country 102.5 said “Jake Swamp and the Pine was born to be heard live. You can feel the emotion in his guitar, and his vocals take you on winding journey, up and around bends of inflection. There’s sheer joy that resounds in the making of his craft. You can get all that just from listening to one song.” See for yourself, and come out to a show!
Get lost in waves of synths, bass, and beats at this high-energy electronic showcase.
Three DJs, one unforgettable night of genre-blending sound at The Button Factory Stage.
A powerful and compelling drama about a wounded war veteran, suffering from PTS, who finally returns home to the small town of Space Coast, Florida, as the final space shuttle is about to launch. She must confront her scars - and a home that may have changed even more than her. Experimenting with a pioneering virtual reality therapy, she builds a breath-taking new world where she can escape her pain. The play deals honestly with deep trauma and the ways we learn to live with it, even as we struggle to find a way to heal.
Fiddle, guitar, and bass—it’s a combination as old as the hills. But follow Jason Anick, Max O’Rourke and Greg Loughman into those hills, and you’ll find yourself taking unexpected turns and discovering vistas you never knew were out there. It’s a new brand of acoustic music they make—traditional instrumentation spinning ear-catching melodies, channeling the wit and spontaneity of three irrepressible musical storytellers.
Virtuoso fiddler, Jason Anick, grew up listening-in on his Dad’s bluegrass rehearsals and competing in fiddle contests around his native New England. Jason went on to study jazz at the Hartt School of Music, where he was recruited by Grammy winning guitarist, John Jorgenson, to join his renowned, world-touring quintet. Through the John Jorgenson Quintet, as well as his own subsequent projects, Jason rose to the top ranks of jazz violinists, earning himself a position at Boston’s prestigious Berklee School of Music. But all along, he kept an ear out for the right opportunity to apply his formidable improvisational and compositional chops to the roots music of his youth. His long time musical collaborator, Greg Loughman, a top-call Boston bassist with an affection for both jazz and international folk music, was an obvious choice. Berklee student at the time, Max O’Rourke—a guitarist and composer with an insatiable harmonic curiosity—made an impression on Jason and Greg while playing together in the Rhythm Future Quartet. They recognized they had a chemistry well-suited to the artistic freedom afforded by the trio format, allowing them to explore and pull from multiple genres to create an exciting and sophisticated musical conversation that has been wowing audiences since 2017.
$20 advance | $25 day-of | $12 student
*fees not included ($2 facility fee per ticket + cc processing fees)
Doors at 7pm // 21+
Coyote Smoke is a dynamic six-piece band hailing from New Hampshire, seamlessly blending the rich influences of blues rock, country, Americana, and outlaw tunes to forge a distinct and powerful sound. Inspired by artists such as Chris Stapleton, Sierra Ferrell, Nathaniel Rateliff, Shakey Graves, and Red Clay Strays, the band delivers a raw, soulful, and electrifying musical experience.
Fronted by the captivating vocals of Gabbi Toribio and Jordan Cowley, Coyote Smoke is driven by the artistry of Tyler Kimball on guitar, Jeff Hayes on keys, Ann Kimball on drums, and Joe Richard on bass. Together, they craft an immersive and electrifying soundscape, bridging the grit of outlaw country with the soul of blues rock, delivering an experience that resonates with music lovers from all walks of life.
Phatt James channels the essence of iconic rock bands such as Red Hot Chili Peppers and Incubus, formulating a familiar but original sound that serves as an inviting foundation for thoughtful lyrics.
The 3rd Floor Nightclub is open every Friday & Saturday night at 9:00pm. (Additional dates may apply based on holidays, follow our private Instagram for the latest updates)
Experience the seacoasts hottest dance music, best drinks, and an unrivaled light show.
The VIP Section is the perfect space for those looking for some privacy. Roped off for only those who can provide an exclusive VIP wristband to gain access.
VIP Benefits:
* Exclusive VIP Private Entrance
* VIP Host (your VIP Host will meet you at the private entrance when your party arrives, get you special VIP wristbands and escort you to your section)
* No wait at the bar (through your VIP Host, you'll be able to order food, drinks, & shots only available to the VIP section at your leisure)
* Exclusive VIP Menu (featuring food, drink, & shot specials)
* Complimentary bottled water (you'll need to hydrate in between all the partying)
* Comfortable soft seating for the entire party
* Direct contact with Evening & Security Managers if needed.
* Best view in the house (the VIP section features large windows overlooking Market Street)
Michael Prewitt
Hi there, I'm Michael Prewitt. You might know me as a mandolin player who toured with the Grammy-nominated ensemble Special Consensus for a few years. Having recorded two albums in 2024 as a frontman, I'm taking my songs, and my excellent band (including Max Wareham, of Peter Rowan Band) out on the road.
Roy, Talmage & Heron
Steve Roy, Old Time Dave Talmage and Scott Heron have been performing in the New Hampshire Seacoast for years. Their brand of Americana music features old folk songs, rocking fiddle tunes, country ballads, and classic bluegrass numbers. Fiddles ring and banjos sing when this trio brings their down-home sound to the stage.
A powerful and compelling drama about a wounded war veteran, suffering from PTS, who finally returns home to the small town of Space Coast, Florida, as the final space shuttle is about to launch. She must confront her scars - and a home that may have changed even more than her. Experimenting with a pioneering virtual reality therapy, she builds a breath-taking new world where she can escape her pain. The play deals honestly with deep trauma and the ways we learn to live with it, even as we struggle to find a way to heal.
Join us for an evening of live music in The Lounge with Soulcolour and special guest Ryan Levasseur. Milk St. Studios is a new music space in Dover NH that caters to music lovers. The Lounge is a unique "listening room" type venue where our main focus is providing a space for musicians to perform and be heard in an intimate setting.
Feel free to bring your own food and refreshments.
Parking- can be found on Central Ave which is just a short walk to the venue (refer to map below).
Doors 6:30pm- Feel free to come early and hang in the showroom and play some games while we spin some vinyl.
Soulcolour is a Portsmouth, NH-based duo that carries on the time-honored tradition of writing and performing original pop acoustic music. Nieshira's powerful, multi-genre vocals combined with Will's smooth acoustic stylings create original compositions infused with a distinct, soulful vibe. The Soulcolour sound. Soulcolour started in fall 2021 and has since played over 100 shows at various venues up and down the New Hampshire and Southern Maine Seacoast including the Press Room, Word Barn, Kittery Dance Hall, Blue Portland and The Brook Casino.
Ryan Levasseur is a New Hampshire-based singer-songwriter known for his engaging performances and heartfelt compositions. As the frontman of the bands New Norde and The Minus Scale, Ryan has been instrumental in crafting a sound that blends power-pop sensibilities with introspective lyrics. In April 2022, New Norde released their debut EP, “Whatever’s Clever,” which showcases Ryan’s songwriting prowess and the band’s cohesive musicality. Ryan’s commitment to fostering a vibrant local music community is evident through his organization of The Brick Open Mic in Dover. These events provide a supportive platform for musicians to share original works and covers, encouraging artistic expression and collaboration.
The Resonant Rogues’ dark Appalachian folk paints a picture of their lives in the mountains of Western North Carolina and on the road. Anchored by the songwriting duo of Sparrow (banjo, accordion) and Keith Josiah Smith (guitar), they are joined by Joe Macheret (fiddle) and June Youngblood (upright bass). Sparrow and Smith have traveled the byways and highways of America and crossed the oceans with instruments in tow. From riding freight trains to building their own homestead, the pair are no strangers to blazing unconventional trails.
On their fourth album, Western North Carolina-based outfit The Resonant Rogues have finally decided to self-title a project. It’s a bold move — rather like staking a claim on a sound that is both new for them and distinctly their own. From the opening notes of lead track “Sun in Winter,” the eponymous record finesses the line between country and soul. The keening of the fiddle and the sway of the pedal steel are classic sounds; the vocals — sung by Sparrow who fronts the band with her partner Keith Josiah Smith — are poetic and wistful, yet unfussy. “I miss you like the sun in winter / laying in the yard / in the snow / trying to catch that glow / before it goes,” she sings. It’s a moment encapsulated; something as lovely as it is fleeting.
Sparrow and Keith share a passion for movement and sound. Both traveled extensively throughout the U.S. — Keith by hopping freight trains, Sparrow with a circus troupe. When the two met by chance in Asheville 10 years ago, they combined their talents and The Resonant Rogues were born. While the band has explored musical styles from across genres and around the globe, current influences for Resonant Rogues, and especially this album, are classic country, Appalachian old-time, and vintage soul.
For all the far-flung touchstones and travels shared by The Resonant Rogues, their namesake album speaks to laying down roots. “Finding peace in a small town / is like watching a doe at sundown,” Keith sings on “Slow Burn.” The song nods to country poets like Guy Clark and Townes Van Zandt. This is a personal musing, its cozy folk flickering with Sparrow’s jaunty accordion. It’s worth noting that Keith and Sparrow recently settled on a piece of land in the Western North Carolina mountains — acreage Sparrow says she hopes never to leave.
Tour still calls The Resonant Rogues to the road regularly, as did a two-week stint in Nashville to record The Resonant Rogues at the Bomb Shelter with producer Andrija Tokic. Many of Sparrow’s favorite albums came from that studio (including work by The Deslondes and Hurray for the Riff Raff), and with Tokic, The Resonant Rogues were able to discover the sonic thread that pulled their album together. Less all over the map than previous projects, there’s a distinct sense of place within string band music, and within a modern interpretation of the classic styles that inspire Sparrow and Keith. It’s still as folky as ever, but with a confident embrace of rock ’n’ roll energy.
“93,500 Miles” features Cajun-inspired accordion, fiery fiddle, and guest vocals by Sierra Ferrell, and reminds listeners of the Rogues’ love of a good dance song. With its haunting harmonica and driving percussion, “Leave the Path” could be the soundtrack to a Spaghetti Western set in the Appalachian mountains. “Show Me” is a sultry love song with serious doo-wop feel, showcasing Sparrow’s range and soulful timbre. The bittersweet “What Happened to That Feeling” may just be the most relatable long-term-relationship song ever written. The 12 tracks are a comprehensive collection of stories, journeys, memories, and landscapes.
The Resonant Rogues was recorded analog, direct to tape, giving it warmth and a live-in-the-room sound. That immediacy feels right for musicians who cut their teeth as buskers, playing street corners across the U.S. and Europe. Special guests on the recording include The Resonant Rogues’ long-time friends and collaborators, such as Sierra Ferrell and Benjamin Tod (background vocals); John James Tourville (pedal and lap steel, 12 string guitar, butter knives, guzheng); Jason Dea West (harmonica); Kristen Harris (fiddle); and Landon George (upright bass, drums, baritone guitar).
This album is a homecoming for a band that’s put in its 10,000 hours. The Resonant Rogues is rendered in big, bold strokes — but it’s also every bit honed and precise as an X on a map.
Ben Baldwin And The Big Note perform in a rare local performance! Join us for a night of dancing while supporting the arts at The Kittery Art Association Garage Dance Revival! Featuring live music by Ben Baldwin & The Big Note.
Ben Baldwin And The Big Note have been longing for another Garage Dance for a long time...maybe you have, too! The Kittery Lions Club will be the scene this time around. Come join Ben and the boys, and all your friends and neighbors. We’re in for a night of rhythm and blues and fun dance music of all styles. We all need it!
The Big note has been rocking the Seacoast since 1976, with music that spans the full range of American popular styles. From Count Basie to Rufus Thomas to Gene Pitney to Marvin Gaye to The Band to The Kinks – and beyond. We could play a Mambo... We will play a romantic ballad! It's all happening at the Kittery Lions Club, on May 3rd.
Featuring Ben Baldwin, Kent Allyn, Greg Holt, Seth Pappas, and Milt Reder.
Saturday, May 3rd from 7:00-9:30pm. This event is BYOB!
Club d'Elf has been helping audiences lose track of time for twenty five years with its mesmerizing synthesis of Moroccan traditional music and electronic, dubbed-out funk. Circling about bassist/composer Mike Rivard and drummer Dean Johnston, each Club d'Elf performance features a different line-up, drawn from a constellation of some of the most creative improvisers from the jazz, DJ, rock & world music scenes of Boston, NYC and beyond.
The band's music draws from a startlingly wide spectrum of styles, including jazz, hip hop, electronica, avant garde, prog-rock and dub. Under the tutelage of member Brahim Fribgane (who hails from Casablanca) the band has absorbed Moroccan trance music, which is now an essential part of the mix. Diverse audiences are drawn to Fribgane’s mesmerizing oud stylings, and Rivard’s commanding playing of the Moroccan sintir. Trance forms the central core of the Club d’Elf aesthetic, weaving together the band’s various influences.
In April 2022 the band released its latest album, 'You Never Know', which rose to #2 on the Relix chart. The record unfurls upon kaleidoscopic clouds of spiced smoke, shifting from chopped dub-jazz through trance epics that reimagine Boston as a city of bazaars. Club
d’Elf pay tribute to the music and musicians who have been primary influences, with half the album being covers of gnawa, Miles Davis, Joe Zawinul, Moroccan band Nass el-Ghiwane, and Frank Zappa. The other half consists of original music inspired by Rivard's personal journey into darkness following a near death experience in the remote jungle of the Peruvian Amazon.
"You Never Know is a wide ranging romp, full of serenity, chaos, longing, improvisation and peerless musicianship inspired by music from India and Morocco as well as the maverick jazz of Miles Davis and Frank Zappa." - Banning Eyre, Afropop Worldwide
$20 advance | $25 day-of | $15 student
*fees not included ($2 facility fee per ticket + cc processing fees)
Love Has Given Me Wings!
Celebrate spring with singing! Con Tutti Singers usher in the season, celebrating in song with “Love Has Given Me Wings!” on May 3rd at 7:30 p.m. at South Church, 292 State Street in Portsmouth!
“We are so very excited,” says Director Joanne Connolly, “to be singing and celebrating with songs to uplift. I absolutely love the Gipsy Kings version of ‘Volare’! which says ‘leave the confusion and all the disillusion behind’, and sings about how sometimes, ‘the world is a valley of heartache and tears, BUT LOVE HAS GIVEN ME WINGS!’, I love how these lyrics reflect a bit of what is going on in our world right now BUT also resolves with “love has given me wings….fly and sing! Volare, Cantare, flying and singing. I do think our concert will touch on some heartache and troubles…BUT will uplift and celebrate with great Gospel and Americana music!”
Singing songs from lands far and near, Con Tutti celebrates with a recipe of songs from Scotland, South Africa, mixing in some American Spirituals, Blues, Gospel, and songs from “O Brother Where Are Thou”! You’ll get a terrific mix to keep your feet wanting to dance and your heart to sing!
Con Tutti singers will be joined by the very fun and talented Matt Jenson on piano and his trio on bass and percussion.
Don’t miss Con Tutti’s “Love Has Given Me Wings!” on May 3rd at 7:30 p.m. at South Church, 292 State St in Portsmouth! Get your tickets early, before they sell out!
Any remaining tickets will be sold at the door.
Saturday, May 3, 2025 – Doors at 7:00 PM | Music at 8:00 PM
The Button Factory Stage
$10 online | $15 at the door
On Saturday, May 3, Jackie Crow brings her lifelong passion for music to The Button Factory Stage, delivering a night of dynamic vocals, rich storytelling, and genre-blending sound.
Jackie Crow has been immersed in music from the very beginning—studying voice, performing in musical theatre and choral ensembles, and writing songs since childhood (starting with rewriting the lyrics to Janet Jackson’s "Rhythm Nation" at just eight years old!). Over the years, she’s built a sound uniquely her own, weaving together influences from her past projects, including The B-Side Band (blues jam band) and The Soothsayers (folk).
With her soulful voice, acoustic-driven melodies, and years of experience captivating audiences, Jackie Crow creates an atmosphere that feels both personal and powerful. Whether you're a longtime fan or a first-time listener, this is a set you won’t want to miss.
More artists to be announced—stay tuned!
A powerful and compelling drama about a wounded war veteran, suffering from PTS, who finally returns home to the small town of Space Coast, Florida, as the final space shuttle is about to launch. She must confront her scars - and a home that may have changed even more than her. Experimenting with a pioneering virtual reality therapy, she builds a breath-taking new world where she can escape her pain. The play deals honestly with deep trauma and the ways we learn to live with it, even as we struggle to find a way to heal.
For over 25 years, Catie toured full-time in the US and Europe, releasing 14 recordings and selling over 250,000 CDs (not to mention streaming and downloads). She has recorded for major (EMI Guardian) and independent (Rykodisc, Vanguard and Compass) labels, collaborating with some of the finest musicians and producers in the country. Before the pandemic, she continued to play shows for a legion of fans who shared stories with her at the merch table night after night. Her songs have been featured in films and tv shows, and she performed several times at the White House during the Obama administration. She’s intensely grateful for those years and honored to know that her music has been an integral part of so many people’s lives.
Catie has been making the transition to working as a community mental health counselor over the past three years. Her job as a therapist, while incredibly fulfilling, does not feed the artist in her! “I still need and want to create music. It can be hard to find the time, but writing is still how I make sense of my life and the world around me. Writing a song is like putting together a puzzle using the head, heart, hands and a guitar.” Fortunately, it’s important to her fans, too.
“Have you ever been to a show where you feel an invisible wall between you and the performer? Catie Curtis pulls the walls down.” – Mary Chapin Carpenter (Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter)
When Matt Andersen steps on stage, he brings a lifetime of music to every note he plays. His latest album, The Big Bottle of Joy, is all about hard-won celebration; a dozen songs infused with raw blues-rock, rollicking Americana, thoughtful folk, and ecstatic gospel. Andersen’s stage presence is informed by decades of cutting his teeth in dusty clubs, dim-lit bars, and grand theatres all over the world, delivering soulful performances that run the gamut from intimate to wall-shaking. In the studio, he’s always brought the same attention to detail and commitment to craft as he has to his live show, and the result - a multi-faceted and poignant body of work - has led him to amass over 31 million streams on Spotify and 30 million views on YouTube.
In addition to headlining major festivals, clubs and theatres throughout North America, Europe, and Australia, he has shared the stage and toured with Marcus King, Beth Hart, Marty Stuart, Greg Allman, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Randy Bachman, Serena Ryder, Tab Benoit, and more. Andersen nabbed the 2013 and 2016 European Blues Awards for Best Solo/Acoustic Act, was the first ever Canadian to take home top honours in the solo category at the 2010 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, won the CIMA Road Gold award in 2015, and has won multiple Maple Blues Awards. Matt Andersen & The Big Bottle of Joy was nominated for a Juno Award in 2024.
Award-winning Toronto-based Julian Taylor joins as special guest.
Mainely Water – Watercolor Workshop with Margaret Dwyer
Thursday, May 8th from 10am - 4pm
The Kittery Art Association Art Hub (Lower Level Studio Space)
The waters and islands of Maine have been inspiring artists for centuries. This tradition continues with contemporary artists being drawn to New England seascapes. Watercolor is the perfect medium for capturing the essence of ocean water, skies, rocks, and islands. In this workshop, demonstrations of techniques, brushwork, and color choices will allow for options of how to approach this subject matter. Saving whites will also be addressed. Learn how to create natural looking textures and how the glazing process works by layering colors. Watercolor has a life of its own and is always surprising. Being willing to respond to the medium rather than forcing it to conform to a preconceived outcome is part of the visual conversation. Wherever you are on your watercolor journey, this relaxed and informative class will broaden your knowledge of watercolor’s potential and encourage you to further explore this amazing medium.
Materials List
Attendees can pay a $12 Materials Fee day-of via cash or check for paint, brushes, and palette to be provided. Margaret Dwyer will also have 1/4 size sheets of Arches paper for sale to attendees who need paper.
Get ready for a wildly fun evening featuring the rock and roll, Americana sounds of The Mallett Brothers Band in The Word Barn - all as a special album release run!
"Founded in 2009, The Mallett Brothers Band have had multiple lineup changes and stylistic shifts over the years, but they’ve remained steadfast in delivering heatfelt songs with emotional lyricism, vivid imagery, and dynamic musical tones…” - No Depression
The Mallett Brothers Band is an independent rock and roll / Americana / country band from Maine. Their busy tour schedule since forming in 2009 has helped them to build a dedicated fanbase across the U.S. and beyond while still calling the state of Maine their home. With a style that ranges from alt-country to Americana, country, jam and roots rock, theirs is a musical melting pot that's influenced equally by the singer/songwriter tradition as by harder rock, classic country and psychedelic sounds.
Please note this show features standing (dancing!) on the main level, and seating in the balcony.
The Deep Blue C Studio Orchestra performs . . . .
Composers and Their Songs
songs from Bernstein to Lennon and McCartney
The 17 piece Deep Blue C Studio Orchestra will perform for you some of the best music ever written paying tribute to many of the greatest composers in the history of popular song. Enjoy the artistry of Gershwin, Paul Simon, Henry Mancini, Smokey Robinson, John Williams and more!
You will hear music that is rarely heard today played by an exceptional orchestra consisting of four vocalists, a string section, horn section and full rhythm section. It is led by Yamaha international touring artist, David Vose. Don’t miss this amazing orchestra performing songs like Moon River, Stand By Me, Star Wars, Eleanor Rigby, Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow, and I’ve Got Rhythm.
Tickets:
$25
$30 at the door
Piscataqua Seed Project and Seacoast Permaculture present the Seed to Soil Garden Conference, Saturday March 22 from 9am – 3pm at Tuckaway Farm, 4 Captain Smith Emerson Road in Lee NH. Join a community of gardeners working to preserve our agricultural heritage and share their love of gardening to all generations.
The conference is open to school gardeners, teachers, community gardeners, home gardeners and anyone looking to connect with other gardeners in our community. Tickets are $30 for community members, $18 students/low income. We also offer Supporter option for $45 for those who are able and wish to give more to help support the conference, the seed bank and other pro-gardening activities in the area.
This years conference will feature several round table discussions and hands-on workshops. A detailed schedule and list of presenters is available on our webpage at
Prepare for a sonic explosion of positivity as Barnstar! gears up to release their highly anticipated third album, "Furious Kindness," carries on with the release of their highly anticipated third album, "Furious Kindness". Unapologetically shouting in your face about how awesome you are, Barnstar! delivers an aggressively joyful and passionately positive musical experience that reflects the true mission statement of these mischievous music makers – a beacon of joy in a world that could use a bit more kindness.
The brainchild of bassist and impresario Zachariah Hickman, Barnstar! features some of the Boston area’s most dynamic seasoned musicians: Mark Erelli (vocals, guitar), Charlie Rose (banjo, vocals), Taylor Armerding (mandolin, vocals), and Jake Armerding (fiddle, vocals). Their music resonates with audiences who appreciate the artistry of traditional bluegrass as well as those who are drawn to the band's innovative and boundary-pushing approach. The band continues to record and perform, while navigating solo careers and high profile side-person gigs (with the likes of Josh Ritter, Rodney Crowell, Lori McKenna, Elephant Revival, Ray LaMontange, ROSIN, and many more).
Building off the success of their previous efforts “C’mon” (2011) and “Sit Down! Get Up! Get Out!” (2015), "Furious Kindness" showcases the diverse songwriting talents within Barnstar! Featuring original compositions such as Jake's soulful and plaintive "Anybody Got A Light?" and the collaborative effort "Believer" by Mark, Zachariah, and Charlie, there is a sense of hope and rebirth that underlies the whole project. Noteworthy co-writes with Chuck Prophet and Dinty Child add an extra layer of depth and creativity to the album.
Influenced by their musical peers, the band draws inspiration from the likes of Elizabeth and the Catapult, Dennis Brennan, and Dave Talmage, especially Taylor’s powerful reinvention of Brennan’s “Boulder On My Back.” The covers on the album pay homage to musical legends, with reinterpretations of songs by Elliot Smith and Van Morrison adding some unexpected new contributions to the contemporary bluegrass landscape.
"Furious Kindness" is poised to be a musical manifesto, seamlessly blending originality, collaboration, and a touch of nostalgia into an unforgettable experience. Barnstar! invites both dedicated fans and newcomers alike to brace themselves for the powerful and uplifting dose of "Furious Kindness" that awaits.
A powerful and compelling drama about a wounded war veteran, suffering from PTS, who finally returns home to the small town of Space Coast, Florida, as the final space shuttle is about to launch. She must confront her scars - and a home that may have changed even more than her. Experimenting with a pioneering virtual reality therapy, she builds a breath-taking new world where she can escape her pain. The play deals honestly with deep trauma and the ways we learn to live with it, even as we struggle to find a way to heal.
Foxglove is a 5-piece indie folk/soul band from southern Maine, led by singer/songwriter Laura Fox, who writes about love, the lack thereof, and the in-between. Her songs and her voice are soothing and soulful—if you’ve ever loved someone, you’ll surely connect with her heartfelt lyrics.
She’s joined by seasoned players:
Whitney Roy, vocals + acoustic guitar (Old Hat Stringband, Fox + Roy, The Hazel Project)
Jim Dozet, electric guitar (Tourist Attraction, Crown Jules, Press Project)
Roland "Lefox" Nicol, upright bass (Rhye, Rusty Boys, Jon Nolan & Good Co)
Rick Habib, drums (The Kate Redgate Band, Jon Nolan & Good Co, North Village)
Cilla Bonnie is a working bass player, singer and songwriter. Over the past 20 years she’s played, toured and recorded in numerous projects from Maine to Los Angeles. In 2020 she released her fourth recording project, ‘August’ with her bandmates Emmett Harrity (keys) and John Suntken (drums). Cilla Bonnie’s music is a blend of R&B-inspired groove and structutal rock. In addition to her solo project, Cilla currently plays bass for the 2022 NPR Tiny Desk Contest Winner, Alisa Amador and Boston-based soul artist Ali McGuirk.
$17 advance | $22 door | $10 Student
*fees not included ($2 facility fee per ticket + cc processing fees)
Get Ready for a Night of Unforgettable Indie Rock with Isaac Raven – May 9th at The Button Factory Stage!
Mark your calendars because May 9th is a night you won’t want to miss! The Button Factory Stage is thrilled to present an incredible indie rock performance by the band Isaac Raven. This show promises to leave you buzzing long after the final chord.
Isaac Raven’s band delivers a journey—a mix of raw emotion, catchy hooks, and unforgettable melodies that resonate deeply. Whether you’re an indie rock enthusiast or new to the scene, this is a performance that will capture your heart and ignite your love for live music.
Doors open at 7 PM, and the show kicks off at 8 PM. So, grab your friends and settle in for a night of music that hits all the right notes.
The Button Factory Stage offers a welcoming and intimate setting to enjoy live music up close. Don’t miss your chance to see Isaac Raven and the band in action.
Where: The Button Factory Stage
Support the Newmarket Conservation Commission and NH Turtle Rescue
Music by Sneaky Miles, Jon Nolan, and Kate Possi
A powerful and compelling drama about a wounded war veteran, suffering from PTS, who finally returns home to the small town of Space Coast, Florida, as the final space shuttle is about to launch. She must confront her scars - and a home that may have changed even more than her. Experimenting with a pioneering virtual reality therapy, she builds a breath-taking new world where she can escape her pain. The play deals honestly with deep trauma and the ways we learn to live with it, even as we struggle to find a way to heal.
Join us for an evening of live music in The Lounge with The Mountain. Milk St. Studios is a new music space in Dover NH that caters to music lovers. The Lounge is a unique "listening room" type venue where our main focus is providing a space for musicians to perform and be heard in an intimate setting.
• Feel free to bring your own food and refreshments.
• Parking- can be found on Central Ave which is just a short walk to the venue (refer to map below).
• Doors 6:30pm- Feel free to come early and hang in the showroom and play some games while we spin some vinyl.
The Mountain is Phil Boyd (banjo, mandolin), Colin Vandenbergh (mandolin, fiddle), Chris D’Amore (bass, guitar) and Joe Kenneally (guitar, banjo, fiddle). At a Mountain show, you can expect rippin’ old-time pickin’, luscious harmonies, and intimate vibes. Don’t be shocked to see onstage hugs. The band was born out of spending a little too much time picking tunes in Joe’s barn during that time we couldn’t go out.
Havana Libre
(screening and filmmaker Q+A)
run time: 84min
The Dance Hall presents Havana Libre as the next installment of it's burgeoning film series, "inFocus film".
FILM SYNOPSIS
In Cuba, where people fled en masse from Fidel Castro’s regime, surfing and other water activities have been banned for decades. Today, surfing exists in a murky legal gray area and is viewed with suspicion by the Cuban authorities.
Despite these challenges, a group of passionate Cuban surfers is determined to carve out a place for surfing in the country's culture of athletic excellence. Frank is one of the most established surfers and to many the best surfer on the island. Yaya is a community leader and surfer who has made it her mission to ensure that the next generation can surf freely. When surfing is announced as an official sport for the Tokyo Olympics, they see their chance to bring their sport out of the shadows and on to the world stage. What follows is a tale of underground surfers building their own boards from scratch, dodging the authorities as they travel the island looking for the perfect wave, and attempting to legitimize their passion by persuading the Cuban authorities to field an Olympic team.
When Frank is invited to participate in a qualifier event out of the country, he must decide whether to compete, which would mean embarking on an illegal journey and risking permanent separation from his wife and newborn baby. Yaya is similarly torn when she is invited to participate in a surf symposium in Hawaii. Havana Libre is a story of people following their passion at great danger to themselves and ultimately begs the question: what would you risk to chase your dreams?
$15 General Admission
*fees not included ($2 facility fee per ticket + cc processing fees)
Cap off a day of creativity and laughter with the exciting conclusion to the 1 Day Comedy Festival! Enjoy an evening of live comedy featuring performers showcasing skills learned in the day's workshops. Whether it's Musical Improv, Standup Comedy, or Improvisers on stage for the first time, you never know what can happen! Open to the public. Cash bar available.
Drawing inspiration from the psychedelic revolution of the 1960s, the funk-infused sounds of the '70s, and "modern" rock The Trichomes pay homage to their musical forebears while carving out a distinct and electrifying sound of their own. With influences ranging from Jimi Hendrix and Funkadelic to King Gizzard and Vulfpeck, the band seamlessly blends vintage vibes with a modern sensibility, resulting in a sound that is simultaneously timeless and cutting-edge.
Dysfunktone was formed in 2015, in a garage in East Rockaway, New York. What began from a shared interest in funky music, sushi, and noise complaints, evolved over time into a full-fledged progressive jam-funk outfit that pushes the boundaries of genre and sound as far as they possibly can. Dysfunktone is best known for their complex musical arrangements, huge dynamic changes at the drop of a dime, and ability to weave extended improvisational sequences into any song in their catalogue, as well as their unique interpretations of the music of their many various influences.
Mono Means One is a psychedelic prog trio and the brainchild of bassist and composer John Ferrara, best known as the bass player and co-founder of the acclaimed world fusion band “Consider the Source.” Mono Means One’s sound contains melancholic melodies, rich sonic textures with Drum 'N’ Bass grooves and Mathrock sensibilities. Half composed and half improvised, the music is often dark, sometimes bright and other times heavy, oscillating between chill grooves to almost unbearable intensity. Originally composed entirely on the bass guitar, John paired up with Rob Madore (Drums) and Isaac Young (Keys), of Connecticut's amazing PX3 to borrow some of their “Futuristic Synth-Driven Madness” to help bring layers and textures to these compositions that fill rooms across the Northeast.
Saturday, May 10 – Doors at 7:00 PM, Music at 8:00 PM
Join us at The Button Factory Stage for a night of talent, energy, and originality from the next generation of local musicians.
Lightheaded Collective is a teen-driven music collective blending jazz, hip-hop, rock, and alternative influences into a genre-bending sound all their own. With up to nine performers on stage—including a charismatic MC, a soulful saxophonist, and three powerhouse vocalists—this group brings a vibrant and collaborative spirit to every performance.
Don’t miss this chance to support and experience a fresh wave of local youth artistry.
Tickets are $10 online / $15 at the door
The Button Factory Stage – 909 Islington St, Portsmouth, NH
All ages welcome!
A powerful and compelling drama about a wounded war veteran, suffering from PTS, who finally returns home to the small town of Space Coast, Florida, as the final space shuttle is about to launch. She must confront her scars - and a home that may have changed even more than her. Experimenting with a pioneering virtual reality therapy, she builds a breath-taking new world where she can escape her pain. The play deals honestly with deep trauma and the ways we learn to live with it, even as we struggle to find a way to heal.
A powerful and compelling drama about a wounded war veteran, suffering from PTS, who finally returns home to the small town of Space Coast, Florida, as the final space shuttle is about to launch. She must confront her scars - and a home that may have changed even more than her. Experimenting with a pioneering virtual reality therapy, she builds a breath-taking new world where she can escape her pain. The play deals honestly with deep trauma and the ways we learn to live with it, even as we struggle to find a way to heal.
Kat Wallace w/ High Horse
Kat Wallace is a Boston-based multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter. Her affinity for original music has her working and recording with a myriad of touring bands, most notably as the fiddle player in Rachel Sumner and Traveling Light. Her debut solo album, Grand Design, set to be released early in the year of 2025, captures Wallace’s musings on world's ending, sailing across the western ocean, and moving on. Her timeless lyrics and virtuosic guitar playing are the foundation of this record and grounded in traditional Celtic and American folk repertoire.
High Horse is a progressive-acoustic boy band based in Boston, known for their unique blend of Bluegrass, Old-time, and Celtic music infused with the energy of alternative rock. They draw from their varied musical backgrounds to explore and perform original compositions as well as tunes from diverse folk traditions. Their music is a captivating fusion of genres, showcasing their technical and compositional skill and their passion for pushing musical boundaries. Comprised of four friends, three bows, and one pick, High Horse delivers a rollicking romp of great vibes, virtuosic chops, and tight vocals.
$17 advance | $22 day-of | $10 student
*fees not included ($2 facility fee per ticket + cc processing fees)
We're excited to welcome Frenzie and Canopy, two groovy, funky, and soulful rock fusion trios.
With the belief that music is meant for taking risks, Canopy brings a raw, unfiltered approach to the live music scene. Their sound combines the core elements of rock, funk, blues, and jazz and infuses them with deep psychedelia and hard-hitting, no-rules improvisation. Tight and loose in all the right ways.
Frenzie is a trio from southern Maine that dives into the soulful end of the rock fusion spectrum, where few have dared to go. Get ready to boogie.
A powerful and compelling drama about a wounded war veteran, suffering from PTS, who finally returns home to the small town of Space Coast, Florida, as the final space shuttle is about to launch. She must confront her scars - and a home that may have changed even more than her. Experimenting with a pioneering virtual reality therapy, she builds a breath-taking new world where she can escape her pain. The play deals honestly with deep trauma and the ways we learn to live with it, even as we struggle to find a way to heal.
Join us for an evening of live music in The Lounge with Caitlin Piper and special guest A Moment of Green. Milk St. Studios is a new music space in Dover NH that caters to music lovers. The Lounge is a unique "listening room" type venue where our main focus is providing a space for musicians to perform and be heard in an intimate settin
Feel free to bring your own food and refreshments.
Parking- can be found on Central Ave which is just a short walk to the venue (refer to map below).
Doors 6:30pm- Feel free to come early and hang in the showroom and play some games while we spin some vinyl.
Caitlin Piper is a singer-songwriter based in coastal New Hampshire, known for her soulful and powerful vocals, engaging stage presence and relatable original songs about love and life on the Seacoast. Through her distinctive blend of pop-jazz and acoustic-singer-songwriter styles, her passion for heartfelt storytelling and music resonates with audiences as a hallmark of each performance.
Come out May 17th to celebrate the release of Caitlin’s album with a special concert at Milk Street Studios. She will be accompanied by a three-piece band of skilled musicians and the night will also feature A Moment of Green, known for their unique mix of funk, jam, and blues.
A Moment of Green is a band that brings together musicians from a wide variety of backgrounds and influences to produce their take on rock music. The music ranges from the guitar heavy sound of “Knock me Down” to the singer-songwriter acoustic sensibility in the song “Hurricane”, to the groovy highway driving “Roadside Attraction”. While their rock music incorporates funk, jam, blues, jazz, and pop, the bold four-part harmonies are what provide the band a sound that is unmistakably their own.
Rafa Moreno and Vibra Tropical
We are a creative, inspiring collaboration of Rafa Moreno, singer and song writer and Stephen E. Whitney, a longtime professional percussionist. Rafa was lead singer, songwriter, and producer for Orquesta Sociedad Anόnima from 2011 to 2019. In addition, he was an actor and TV host from 2010 to 2019 in Panama. Rafa has 3 studio albums: Real (2015), 15 Años with Orq. Sociedad Anόnima (2016), and Album 1 (2023). Rafa is a Berklee College of Music graduate, majoring in Contemporary Writing and Production (2023).
Stephen is a band leader who started Vibra Tropical as the house band for La Fabrica Central in Cambridge MA in 2017. Rafa and Stephen started working together in 2021. Vibra Tropical is an engaging 10 to 12 piece, international, intergenerational salsa band whose members are Berklee students and graduates plus professional musicians from all over New England. We perform Rafa’s original compositions and his arrangements of classic salsa standards and get audiences dancing!
Vibra Tropical members:
Brad Smith – piano
Eduardo Ramirez - bass
Kristalis Sotomayer - flute
Yibran Aponte - trumpet
Mark Hamilton - trombone
Sam Padua - trombone
Luis Portalatin - baritone
Pedro Sanjur - timbal
Stephen E. Whitney - conga
$17 advance | $22 day-of | $10 student
*fees not included ($2 facility fee per ticket + cc processing fees)
A Night of Unforgettable Music at The Button Factory Stage!
Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 17th, because The Button Factory Stage is bringing you an electrifying night of live music featuring three incredible bands: Plight, Happy Just to See You, and Trash Sun!
Plight – The innovative NYC-based band that’s redefining the boundaries of music and technology. With their unique concept and captivating performances, they promise a show like no other.
Happy Just to See You – Hailing from New Hampshire, this indie-rock powerhouse delivers sharp melodies and heartfelt lyrics. Their latest album, Ways to Cope, has been making waves, and their live energy is not to be missed.
Trash Sun – A Mont Vernon-based band serving up raw, grunge-inspired rock with a modern twist. Their album Purgatory Road showcases the grit and emotion they bring to every stage they play.
Doors open at 7 PM, and the music kicks off at 8 PM. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or discovering these bands for the first time, this is the perfect chance to experience the vibrant indie music scene.
Tickets are only $10 online or $15 at the door, so grab yours now to save a spot for this unforgettable night!
Where: The Button Factory Stage
When: Saturday, May 17th, 7 PM
Join us for a night that celebrates the best of local talent and indie creativity. See you there!
An insane double bill featuring some rocket ride jamtronica from The Edd and a display of high-end shreddery from Leon Trout.
A powerful and compelling drama about a wounded war veteran, suffering from PTS, who finally returns home to the small town of Space Coast, Florida, as the final space shuttle is about to launch. She must confront her scars - and a home that may have changed even more than her. Experimenting with a pioneering virtual reality therapy, she builds a breath-taking new world where she can escape her pain. The play deals honestly with deep trauma and the ways we learn to live with it, even as we struggle to find a way to heal.
Come enjoy a spring afternoon of poetry and camaraderie in The Word Barn.
Come take in their powerful words and celebrate these poets, their books, and spring all at once!
The event is free ($5/person suggested donation), but we ask that you register to save yourself a spot.
Abbie Kiefer is the author of Certain Shelter (June Road Press, 2024) and the chapbook Brief Histories (Whittle, 2024). Her work is forthcoming or has appeared in Copper Nickel, Gulf Coast, Image, The Missouri Review, Ploughshares, Prairie Schooner, The Southern Review, and other places. She lives in New Hampshire and is a poetry editor for The Adroit Journal. Find her online at abbiekieferpoet.com.
Theresa Monteiro lives in New Hampshire with her husband and children and holds an MFA from the University of New Hampshire. Her first book of poems, Under This Roof, was published by Fernwood Press in 2024. Her poems appear in various magazines and journals including The American Journal of Poetry, On the Seawall, River Heron Review, Cutleaf, The Banyan Review, Lily Poetry Review, and Poetry South. Her work has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize.
Matt W Miller is the author of Tender the River (Texas Review Press), finalist for the Eric Hoffer Book Award, the Eric Hoffer Provocateur Award, and a finalist for the Jacar Press Julie Suk Award, the New Hampshire Poetry Society Book Award, and the Poetry by the Sea Book Award. Other books include the The Wounded for the Water (Salmon Poetry), Club Icarus (University of North Texas Press), selected by Major Jackson as the 2012 Vassar Miller Poetry Prize winner, and Cameo Diner: Poems (Loom). He has published work previously in Narrative, Rhino Poetry, Harvard Review, Notre Dame Review, Southwest Review, Florida Review, Third Coast, Adroit Journal, and Poetry Daily, among other journals and was a winner of Nimrod International's Pablo Neruda Prize, the Poetry by The Sea Sonnet Sequence Contest, the River Styx Micro-fiction Prize, the Iron Horse Review's Trifecta Poetry Prize. Matt is the recipient of a Wallace Stegner Fellowship in Poetry and a Walter E. Dakin Fellowship in Poetry from the Sewanee Writers' Conference.
Thursday, May 22 – The Button Factory Stage
Doors at 7:00 PM | Show at 8:00 PM
Tickets: $10 online | $15 at the door
Get ready for an unforgettable night of high-energy, genre-blurring music as The Button Factory Stage welcomes two incredible bands from North Carolina and a beloved local favorite!
Rumbletramp (Folk Punk – NC)
Hailing from North Carolina, Rumbletramp brings a raw and rebellious energy to folk punk, blending traditional storytelling with a fierce DIY spirit. Expect gritty vocals, raucous instrumentation, and anthemic singalongs that will have you stomping your feet and shouting along.
Marble Berry Seeds (Dumpster Pop – NC)
Self-described as “dumpster pop,” Marble Berry Seeds create infectious, offbeat melodies wrapped in a playful yet poignant punk aesthetic. Their sound is as fun as it is unpredictable—imagine bubblegum-coated chaos with just the right amount of bite.
Milk St (Emo/Americana – NH)
A staple of the local scene, Milk St has been crafting a unique sound described as "a sonic tapestry of emo, Americana, and unbridled creativity" (TJLP Magazine). The band’s origins date back to 2018 under the name Spaced, officially launching as Milk St in 2022 with their debut album Spaced, paying homage to their original name. With the addition of Harry Burns in 2023, the band hit the ground running, recording nine demos in just two weeks—one of which became the foundation for “China Town” and their latest album, V3RM0NT!
In 2024, Milk St. hit the road hard, playing 111 shows across the U.S. to support not one but two releases: Oscar Meyer Winners, a split with Anti-Folk legend Brook Pridemore, and Floral / Slide Off, a split with Seattle post-emo band Sinking Season. Their relentless creativity and electrifying live performances have cemented them as a must-see act.
Don’t miss this incredible night of music at The Button Factory Stage! Get your tickets now and join us for an evening of folk punk, dumpster pop, and emotionally charged indie rock.
This tale takes place on New Year’s Eve in 1979, when a lonely lighthouse keeper, Christy, isn’t certain he wants to see 1980. He’s lost his wife and daughter, along with his will to go on. When he suddenly sees a young woman about to jump into the churning sea, he races to pull her back from the brink. But things aren’t quite what they seem.
With deep grooves and heavy down-tuned riffs, this hard-hitting four-piece has no shortage of catchy hooks. Paired with an in-your-face live show, TRAWL has sunken its teeth into the New England rock and metal scene. The band has released 3 EPs to date. Their latest EP, "Cosmic Aquatic," was the #1 best-selling local release of the year at Bull Moose record stores in 2023 (a network of 11 brick-and-mortar stores across Maine and New Hampshire). Trawl has recently supported acts like Anthrax, Black Label Society, Nonpoint, Taproot, Ra, Black Stone Cherry and more.
Drawing inspiration from humanity's fragile existence, as well as genre-defining bands like Black Sabbath, Kyuss, Electric Wizard, Tool and Clutch, Dust Prophet is poised to take the Stoner & Doom Metal world by storm.
Dust Prophet’s lyrics (written by Kinzel) draw inspiration from the graphic imagery of classic literary works like the epic poem Paradise Lost, Gothic writers Flannery O’Connor, Ray Russell, & apocalyptic Biblical legends. The music strives to blend the band’s love of 70’s Psychedelic drug rock with down tuned, riff focused metal and hypotonic rhythm patterns.
Hobo Wizard - Hailing from the rocky hillsides and dark woods of New Hampshire, this duo of brothers has joined forces to overstep the bounds of genre and smash whatever box you may try to put them in.
8 Foot Manchild - The world's first and therefore best DOOMBRASS band - crushing riffs and filthy, funky horns.
Novakoi is a five piece progressive rock group from New England aims to take you on a psychedelic journey through the cosmos and beyond.
Old Hat Stringband
Old Hat Stringband is based out of Eliot, Maine. Fusing tight vocal harmonies with a propulsive acoustic rhythm section, Old Hat creates a sound that draws from bluegrass, old time, folk, and country traditions. The band is comprised of Whitney Roy (Guitar, Vocals), Steve Roy (Mandolin, Fiddle, Vocals), Amanda Kowalski (Bass).
Old Hat Stringband’s debut album Powerlines was released in 2022
Whitney Roy’s lilting vocals provide the backbone of OldHat’s vocal blend, while her solid rhythm guitar anchors the bands rhythm section.
Steve Roy is one of New England’s premier multi-instrumentalists, and has performed and toured with many of the acoustic world’s top acts.
Amanda Kowalski is one of the more sought after bass players in the worlds of bluegrass and old time music, and her rhythmic drive and energy on stage are second to none.
$17 advance | $22 day-of
*fees not included
Friday, May 23
Doors: 7:00 PM | Show: 8:00 PM
Tickets: $10 online, $15 at the door
Join us at The Button Factory Stage for a night of diverse and captivating music featuring Peregrine Dream, Subtle Places, and Time Eater! This lineup promises something for everyone, from soulful folk and indie vibes to high-energy rock.
Peregrine Dream
Described as a refreshing blend of folk, blues, pop, indie, R&B, and singer-songwriter styles, Peregrine Dream crafts tracks that combine the lyrical depth and sensitivity of folk music with jam-band energy. Their performances are a heartfelt journey through a rich variety of sounds that keep you engaged from start to finish.
Subtle Places
Hailing from Middleboro, MA, Subtle Places is a quirky, heartfelt, and expressive indie band that describes themselves as "swunktastic" and full of passion. Known for their pleasant yet exciting musical presence, they’re anything but mundane. With the release of their new single, "Love, Life, Livin'," they continue to evolve their sound and captivate audiences.
Time Eater
Formerly known as Dwarf Cannon, this New Hampshire-based indie punk/alt rock/emo band is ready to bring their powerful and emotive sound to the stage. Time Eater embodies the spirit of rock with a playful twist—they love rock and "tolerate roll," making each performance energetic and memorable.
Don’t miss this chance to catch a lineup that will have you grooving, singing along, and rocking out. Secure your tickets early to guarantee your spot!
Saturday, May 24 – Doors at 7:00 PM, Music at 8:00 PM | The Button Factory Stage | $10 online / $15 at the door
Ready for total auditory annihilation? Good. Because DJ Automobile Enjoyer and trixx are teaming up for a collab performance. Also on the bill are SLOVO and This Is Not Okay.
DJ Automobile Enjoyer would like to sell you the worst sh*tbox imaginable. With his persuasive and borderline Hubbardian techniques, he knows where you live—and he is rapidly approaching.
trixx makes post-sh*tcore breakbeats and hard-hitting techno kicks for those who lived through the end of the internet’s “blog era” and yearn for the feeling of hearing “Paper Planes” by M.I.A. on your family’s clapped-out Dell desktop for the first time again.
SLOVO calls on Slavic folk spirituality and her heritage language to make eminently danceable narratives crafted out of a palace of memory. Or whatever.
This Is Not Okay crafts a brutal fusion of noise, breakcore, and hard techno—self-dubbed “murder house crunk core.” Fueled by chaotic energy and laced with cinematic samples, their sound has been compared to audible ADHD: an unpredictable onslaught of distortion and rhythm.
*complimentary hearing protection provided
Multi-instrumentalist, producer, step dancer and host of the TradCafe podcast, Neil Pearlman is a vital and distinctive voice in contemporary folk music. Described as “a tremendous pianist” on BBC Radio Scotland and “a force to be reckoned with” by WGBH’s Brian O’Donovan, Neil is best known for his groundbreaking approach to the piano in Celtic music. Motivated by a deep musical curiosity and a love of collaboration, his playing is continually evolving and spontaneous without losing its roots in the traditional piano styles of Atlantic Canada, New England and Scotland. He has appeared internationally at major festivals such as the Newport Folk Festival, Celtic Connections in Glasgow, Celtic Colours in Cape Breton and the Orkney Folk Festival and has recorded or performed with luminaries of traditional folk music including Natalie MacMaster, Darol Anger, Seamus Egan and Alasdair Fraser.
Neil’s deep love of the Gaelic music traditions has seen him welcomed into spaces that few other Americans have been. He was selected for the 2025 Shannon Residency at Beinn Mhabu in Cape Breton and has performed and guest lectured at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at University of Limerick, Ireland and the National Centre of Excellence in Traditional Music in Plockton, Scotland. His first solo piano album Refractions features frequently on BBC Radio nan Gàidheal and BBC Radio Scotland and his 2020 release with Shetland fiddler Kevin Henderson received 5 stars from Scotland’s national newspaper The Scotsman.
In addition to touring regularly with Kevin Henderson, the Pine Tree Flyers, and as a solo pianist, Neil teaches at festivals throughout North America and Europe and has guest lectured at Berklee College of Music, Northeastern University and the aforementioned University of Limerick. He co-directs an annual St. Patrick’s Day concert with Katie McNally at Groton Hill Music Center and releases podcasts and video collaborations with musicians from around the world through his production company TradCafe.
$17 advance | $22 day-of | $10 Student
If you don’t already, this is an artist you need to know.
“Melissa is one of the greatest classic golden era country singers and composers of this generation,” says Saving Country Music.
“I DON’T THINK YOU CAN GET THIS SOUND UNLESS IT’S BORNED IN YA.” said bluegrass legend Ralph Stanley, when asked about what he called “old-time mountain music.” When Melissa Carper heard those words, something jumped inside her. While staying in the country with a friend, she found an old DVD of Down From the Mountain, the documentary and concert film of the “O, Brother Where Art Thou'' soundtrack that featured this particular Stanley interview. She immediately jotted down “borned in ya” on a piece of paper. “I knew I had to write that song,” she recalls.
In the Spring of 2023, Carper went back to East Nashville’s Bomb Shelter – the same “analog wonderland” where she’d recorded Ramblin’ Soul and its predecessor, Daddy’s Country Gold, and enlisted the help of her trusted co-producers – Dennis Crouch and Andrija Tokic. “Borned In Ya” would become the title track of the new album, out July 19th via Mae Music/Thirty Tigers.
Like much of her writing, the song applies a homespun sensibility – and a bit of humor – to questions about life’s journeys. “I was turning over in my mind what it means to have something ‘borned in ya’,” she said. “The song evolved as I was writing it to be more about having your soul 'borned it ya,' and the more life experience you have, you hopefully grow to embody the highest version of yourself that you can be.” “Borned In Ya” could certainly stand as a reflection on Carper’s life in music. “Authentic” might be an over- used word to describe an artist’s appeal, but there’s something so natural and true about Carper’s musicality that she must have been born with it: An easy sway to her singing, a precise, but laid back sense of timing. A feel. And, lyrically, she has an instinctive sense for storytelling, both observant and intuitive.
Truffle
Together for nearly 40 years, Truffle are passionate players and entertainers who are in it for the long haul; it’s what they do and who they are! Their travels have taken them to all but ten states in the US; and now tour the New England region constantly.
The ongoing list of international acts they have supported is huge: Dave Matthews Band, Little Feat, Phish, The Band, Blues Traveler, The Radiators, Buckwheat Zydeco, Spin Doctors, Arlo Guthrie, Merl Saunders, Baba Ulatundje, New Riders Widespread Panic and Toots and the Maytalls. They have released five full length albums, as well as numerous compilations. Their latest is a studio release “That’s Right:” Roots, and Soul music with strong songwriting makes for truly unique Truffle sound all their own.
$17 advance | $22 day-of | $10 student
*fees not included ($2 facility fee per ticket + cc processing fees)
Friday, May 30 | 8:00 PM
Cold Signal Fires at The Button Factory Stage
Step into a world of layered soundscapes and genre-bending experimentation as Cold Signal Fires takes the stage at The Button Factory on Friday, May 30.
Based in the NH Seacoast, Cold Signal Fires blends elements of noise, shoegaze, post-rock, and electronic music into a singular sonic experience. Their music weaves haunting melodies with feedback-driven noise, glitchy electronic textures, and ambient indie rock, creating a sound both immersive and unpredictable.
The band features Erik Clark (guitar, synth, vocals), Josh Cogdill (drums, percussion, synth), Ian McManus (guitar, vocals), and Michael Rohr (bass, guitar). Their self-titled demo EP pushes boundaries with dissonant layers and dynamic shifts, offering a fresh take on experimental indie music.
Tickets are $10 in advance at PortsmouthNHTickets.com and $15 at the door.
Doors at 7:00 PM | Music starts at 8:00 PM.
Listen to their music at coldsignalfires.bandcamp.com. This is not your average Friday night show.
Join us for an evening of live music in The Lounge with Dan Blakeslee and special guest Coyote Kolb.
Milk St. Studios is a new music space in Dover NH that caters to music lovers. The Lounge is a unique "listening room" type venue where our main focus is providing a space for musicians to perform and be heard in an intimate setting.
• Feel free to bring your own food and refreshments.
• Parking- can be found on Central Ave which is just a short walk to the venue (refer to map below).
• Doors 6:30pm- Feel free to come early and hang in the showroom and play some games while we spin some vinyl.
With a suitcase of songs, Maine folk troubadour Dan Blakeslee ventured into the smoke laden subways of Boston in 1995 to practice his craft. His songs of true life adventures combine the essence of early folk music with a dose of country grit. He has toured the U.S. and abroad performing with Josh Ritter, Sean Rowe, David Wax Museum, Lydia Loveless, The Lumineers, Old 97's, The Black Lillies, Liam Finn and Kimya Dawson among others. In 2015 his dream of playing Newport Folk Festival became a reality, the location where Bob Dylan went electric 50 years earlier. Dan Blakeslee delivers his songs with that same heart of a young, lyric scribbling troubadour, who knows because he’s tried it, can out sing a passing train.
Coyote Kolb is the artist name of songwriter Chadley Kolb; known for an original brand of bittersweet country blues, folk, psychedelic, and classic rock inspired songs. CK and his band have shared stages with great artists like Taj Mahal, The White Buffalo, Counting Crows and many more.
MetaBeat is a project created by life-long Beatles fans Les Harris, Jr (Drums) and Mark Shilansky (Keyboards), to explore the music of the Beatles and their contemporaries in an
improvisational and historically interesting context. The repertoire includes songs recorded and written by the Beatles, as well as Beatles solo material and collaborations, and music which was inspiring to the Beatles.
The "Meta" aspect of the band comes in the arrangements, as an early Beatles tune will be rendered in a late-period style, or vice-versa, and in medleys and "mashups" in the style of the Giles and George Martin remix project "Love." This band should appeal to die hard
Beatles fans, who will revel in the musical references and attention to detail, as well as fans of jazzy, improvised music and groove.
Band Leader Mark Shilansky says, “I call the Beatles band "The Meta-Beat," because we play "meta" versions of Beatles tunes... jazzified, or combined into interesting medleys and mash-ups, or tunes that the Beatles wrote with other people.”
The current lineup:
Taylor O’Donnell (Berklee, Phillips Exeter faculty) on vocals;
Chris Klaxton (UNH faculty) on trumpet, guitar and vocals;
Mark Shilansky (Berklee, UNH faculty) on piano and vocals;
Les Harris Jr.(UNH, USM, Phillips Exeter faculty) on drums and vocals;
Eric Byers (Berklee faculty) on guitar and vocals;
Mark Poniatowski (Berklee Faculty) on bass
$17 advance | $22 day-of
*fees not included ($2 facility fee per ticket + cc processing fees)
Piscataqua Seed Project and Seacoast Permaculture present the Seed to Soil Garden Conference, Saturday March 22 from 9am – 3pm at Tuckaway Farm, 4 Captain Smith Emerson Road in Lee NH. Join a community of gardeners working to preserve our agricultural heritage and share their love of gardening to all generations.
The conference is open to school gardeners, teachers, community gardeners, home gardeners and anyone looking to connect with other gardeners in our community. Tickets are $30 for community members, $18 students/low income. We also offer Supporter option for $45 for those who are able and wish to give more to help support the conference, the seed bank and other pro-gardening activities in the area.
This years conference will feature several round table discussions and hands-on workshops. A detailed schedule and list of presenters is available on our webpage at
Join us for some Jerry jams as Sans Souci makes their triumphant return to the Stone Church! We'll be outdoors for this one, weather permitting
Springtide is: Willy Clemetson on fiddle and foot percussion, Elsie Gawler on cello and fiddle, and Ethan Tischler on guitar. We are musicians, songwriters, and central figures in the Mid-Coast Maine fiddling scene. We combine a love of high energy traditional Celtic and Scandinavian fiddle music, heartfelt original tunes and songs, and spacious creative improvisation to produce our unique trio: Springtide. We aim to lift audiences with the music of the landscapes we come from, drawing inspiration from the tidal rhythms and creative energies of the coastal land we’re grateful to call home.
$17 advance | $22 day-of | $10 student
*fees not included ($2 facility fee per ticket + cc processing fees)
The 3rd Floor Nightclub is open every Friday & Saturday night at 9:00pm. (Additional dates may apply based on holidays, follow our private Instagram for the latest updates)
Experience the seacoasts hottest dance music, best drinks, and an unrivaled light show.
The VIP Section is the perfect space for those looking for some privacy. Roped off for only those who can provide an exclusive VIP wristband to gain access.
VIP Benefits:
* Exclusive VIP Private Entrance
* VIP Host (your VIP Host will meet you at the private entrance when your party arrives, get you special VIP wristbands and escort you to your section)
* No wait at the bar (through your VIP Host, you'll be able to order food, drinks, & shots only available to the VIP section at your leisure)
* Exclusive VIP Menu (featuring food, drink, & shot specials)
* Complimentary bottled water (you'll need to hydrate in between all the partying)
* Comfortable soft seating for the entire party
* Direct contact with Evening & Security Managers if needed.
* Best view in the house (the VIP section features large windows overlooking Market Street)
It’s BACK!
The 97.5 WOKQ Chowder Festival Summer Kick-off, presented by Avery Insurance, returns to Prescott Park Arts Festival for its 38th year. Held on the first Saturday of June, this staple of summer in Portsmouth, NH kicks-off festivities for Prescott Park Arts Festival’s Summer Season!
Join in the fun of the Chowder Festival with some of your favorite local restaurants serving-up mouthwatering chowder in Prescott Park. Check out the complimentary live music, kid-friendly activities, and grab an ice cream from the Prop.
This community event is always a great time from 11:30 am until the chowder runs out.
The Summer Kick-Off side of the park is free and open to all.
King Jonny's Drag Show is coming to town!
A crazy good, high-energy event that will have you sipping cocktails and singing along with the performers all night long! Tickets go fast for this event, so get yours early!
Toronto songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Abigail Lapell returns with Anniversary, an evocative collection of original love songs.
Over the past five years and three spellbinding albums, Lapell has garnered three Canadian Folk Music Awards (Songwriter of the Year and Contemporary Album of the Year), hit number one on Canadian folk radio, and reached a staggering 40 million+ streams on Spotify alone while touring widely across Canada, the U.S. and Europe.
A show for the Rock & Roll connoisseur... Two great bands full of seasoned musicians in the Boston music scene. Mature, powerful, bluesy, soulful songs aplenty from both Reckoners and The Gravel Project.
Outdoor Show // 18+
Celebrating the Music of Hazel Dickens and Alice Gerrard
The Hazel Project pays tribute to the music written or recorded by bluegrass pioneers and legendary musicians, Hazel Dickens and Alice Gerrard. Hazel and Alice tackled subjects from social injustice to the hardships of workers, as well as love and loss. With Betsy Heron (fiddle), Gretchen Bowder (banjo), Whitney Roy (guitar), and Lindsay Lassonde (bass), The Hazel Project features sweet soaring harmonies and tasteful tunes – traditional grassroots music to fill your heart and soul.
$17 advance | $22 day-of | $10 student
*fees not included ($2 facility fee per ticket + cc processing fees)
Friday, June 13 – Miracle Blood, Deranged Youth, and Abel Blood at The Button Factory Stage
Doors: 7:00 PM | Show: 8:00 PM
Tickets: $10 online / $15 at the door
Heavy noise punk for the weird at heart.
Miracle Blood, Deranged Youth, and Abel Blood are bringing the chaos to The Button Factory Stage on Friday, June 13.
Miracle Blood
Hello Hell,' the second album from Boston heavy, noise-punks, Miracle Blood, has already been called "incredibly relevant," "career defining," "endlessly replayable," and "a standout piece within any punk music lover’s record collection," since it's release on Nefarious Industries on November 15, 2024. The record delivers 10 ripping tracks in 31 minutes, showing off the band's one of a kind, genre-bucking take on noise-punk: dissonant, heavy and chaotic, yet melodic, catchy and playful all at the same time. Since 2022, Miracle Blood have been building their reputation as one of the most original and hard working bands in the East Coast DIY scene. Since then, the band has self-released their debut album, completed two eastern US tours, and been nominated for two Boston Music Awards. Now, Miracle Blood has released their second full-length with acclaim from both critics and fans.
Started in 2014 with the goal of creating something that was live-performance based, loud, energetic and unique, the band has since carved out a reputation for their electrifying live performances, charismatic songwriting and what has been called ʻthe best scream in the cityʼ of Boston. The band has been featured in Decibel Magazine, Idioteq.com, No Clean Singing and NoEcho.net. They have shared the stage with Thy Will Be Done, Tree, Great Falls, Landowner, and Boozewa bringing their brand of "gnarly noise-punk for the weird at heart" to the masses.
Abel Blood
Known for their hypotonic and crushing blend of psych, doom, and atmospheric soundscapes, the New England-based trio has been making waves since their formation in 2021, drawing comparison to Isis, Melvins, Black Sabbath, Kyuss, Pink Floyd, and Sleep.
Formed by Adam Joslyn (No Thanks, Buck 55) on vocals, guitars, and bass, Jim DeLuca (No Thanks) on drums, and Malcolm Salls on guitar, bass and vocals, Abel Blood Deliver an unrelenting wall of sound both in the studio and on stage. Their live performances have been described as louder than Motorhead, an immersive and overpowering experience that leaves audiences spellbound.
Deranged Youth
For fifteen years Deranged Youth have been on their own path, leaving behind a trail of blood, sweat, broken equipment and confused looks. Equal parts loud, fast, low and whimsical, the musical catalogue covers everything from 80s punk to slams and jazz. There may be saxophones, there may be fire, there may be wounds, but at the end of the night there will always be someone turning to their friend and asking "what the fuck was that?"
**Complimentary earplugs available
Brace yourself for a wall of sound.
$10 online / $15 at the door.
The 11th Newport Nano Brewfest is New Hampshire's premier brewfest dedicated to small, locally crafted and brewed beers, New Hampshire's Nano-Breweries, Brew Pubs and small beverage manufacturers. In our open air, spread out format, Breweries and patrons alike have lots of room to casually enjoy the afternoon on the Newport Town Common, while talking beer, often with the owner of the brewery or the head brewer. We pride ourselves in a wide variety of beer styles to sample from. Unlimited samples are available, within reason. Dedicated tables of 6 are available to purchase. There will be food options on site, but patrons are allowed to bring their own food, their own chair, blanket, or even pop up tent. With live music, lots of beer geeks, and plenty of community spirit, if you have never attended our intimate brewfest yourself, you will see why this is a "must do" event for many in New England every Father's Day weekend.
Saturday, June 14 | Doors at 7:00 PM | Music at 8:00 PM
Bellwire & Dan Blakeslee at The Button Factory Stage!
On Saturday, June 14, The Button Factory Stage welcomes two must-see acts for a night of jangly power-pop and timeless folk storytelling.
Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouses is offering two Sunset Lighthouses Cruises this June.
The cruises on June 20 and 27 will start at 7:00 p.m. and will return about 9:30 p.m. They will be aboard the M/V Granite State, departing from Rye Harbor on Route 1A in Rye, NH. Rye Harbor State Marina is on Route 1A in Rye, New Hampshire. Click here for directions.
The cruises will pass close to Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse, Whaleback Lighthouse, and White Island Lighthouse in the Isles of Shoals. There will be historic narration and raffles on board with great prizes. There is a snack bar on board the vessel.
The Soggy Po’ Boys are a New England-based septet that offers an unforgettable experience of traditional New Orleans music - and are headed to The Word Barn Meadow for what will be a fun-filled summer Friday night!!
Part of the beauty of New Orleans music is that it’s celebrated and appreciated wherever it goes, from the street to the theater. The Po’ Boys are doing their part to spread the greatest music on earth around their home in New England and when touring, throughout the rest of the country.
Come enjoy the unforgettable experience of this brass fueled swinging jazz band in the Word Barn.
Please note this show will have both standing (dancing!) room and seating.
Friday, June 20 – Jackie Therrien & Pangea Pop at The Button Factory Stage!
Doors: 7:00 PM | Show: 8:00 PM
$10 online | $15 at the door
Kick off the summer with a night of indie-folk, post-punk, and heartfelt storytelling at The Button Factory Stage on Friday, June 20! This stacked lineup brings together Jackie Therrien and Pangea Pop—two acts with raw emotion, intricate musicianship, and a deep connection to their craft.
Jackie Therrien – A New Hampshire native turned Nashville-based songwriter, Jackie weaves alternative, folk, and Americana into something truly special. Her 2022 debut EP, Night Music, amassed over 11.3k streams in under 24 hours, and her latest single, I Saw You at the Grocery Store (2024), has already surpassed 20k streams and earned radio play in Nashville. Having graced legendary venues like The Bluebird Café, Club Passim, and The Pond, Jackie is back home for the summer—ready to bring her soaring melodies and poignant lyricism to Portsmouth.
Pangea Pop – Hailing from Newmarket, NH, Pangea Pop is a father-son duo blending delicate ballads with raw, post-punk energy. Drawing inspiration from David Bowie, The Velvet Underground, The Clash, and Neutral Milk Hotel, their music explores themes of mental health, community, and societal turmoil—moving seamlessly from haunting acoustic ballads to electric-fueled rockers. With past performances at Sue’s Space, The Freedom Café, and The Stone Church, their dedicated following is about to grow even larger when they take the Button Factory Stage.
This Father’s Day weekend, experience a night of intimate storytelling, powerful melodies, and indie grit—with even more acts to be announced!
Get your discounted tickets online now!
The Button Factory Stage – Portsmouth, NH
Doors at 7:00 PM | Music at 8:00 PM
$10 online | $15 at the door
Wolfman Jack is a live music project of musicians form the New England area performing the psychedelic and electrifying Live/Dead to Europe 72’ era of the Grateful Dead.
Primal Dead refers to the era of Grateful Dead between 1965-1972. This is when the Dead were first cutting their teeth as a bay area rock band and exploring the psychedelic depths of the music in which they live and breathe.
We recreate the shows of the Grateful Dead as a True Dance band that would blow the roof off venues such as the Fillmore West, Avalon Ballroom, Winterland Arena, and even the Strand Lyceum in England!
Raw is the best way to describe Primal Dead. It encompasses all that music was in the 60’s and 70’s! from psychedelic transitive Dark Stars to rockin’ St. Stephen>William Tell>The Eleven! we got the fix!
The secret ingredient is Pigpen!!!
Antje has extensive touring experience, criss-crossing the US and Europe many times. She is a compelling live performer and has been invited to play some of the top festivals including The Newport Folk Festival as well as the Mountain Stage, Philadelphia and Kerrville Festivals. Internationally, she’s headlined the The Celtic Connections Festival in Scotland and the Tonder Festival in Denmark. She’s the winner of some of the top songwriting awards, including the Grand Prize in the John Lennon Songwriting Competition, the prestigious, Kerrville (TX) “Best New Folk Award” and, in one of the nation’s top music markets, the Boston Music Award for “Outstanding Folk Act”, three of the top prizes in the singer songwriter world.
“On the ground level of an apartment building in Manhattan’s Chinatown, multiple lithium batteries combusted in an e-bike shop. It was just after midnight when songwriter Allegra Krieger awoke to a banging on her door. She made it out, fleeing down eight flights of stairs and a “wall of grey smoke,” which she recalls in her song, “One or the Other.” Throughout the song, Krieger cradles gratitude and conjures a universe in which she responded differently to the fire. Ultimately, she leaves us with two questions: “What do we know about living? What do we know about dying?”
It was in the months following the fire that Krieger wrote much of Art of the Unseen Infinity Machine, her second full-length album with Double Double Whammy, a collection of 12 songs that pick at the fragile membrane between life and death.
Krieger’s previous album, I Keep My Feet on the Fragile Plane, hewed more closely to the domestic spaces of city and mind. Rolling Stone regarded the album as “ten songs of heady philosophical meanderings packed with emotional dynamite,” and likened her “finely phrased lyrics” to those of “Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, [and] David Berman.” Krieger’s existential meditations remain on Art of the Unseen Infinity Machine, however her meandering melodies have taken on a stronger sense of direction. She narrates candidly and assertively; the full-band arrangements never overpower, only offer a robust platform on which Krieger’s voice reaches new heights.
The full band brings a heightened sense of drama to the album’s arrangements, which contrasts the quieter approach of Krieger’s previous LP. There are noisy interludes, jazz-inflected discursions, impactful stops and starts, and occasional spaces for Krieger to stretch out her impressive vocal range (most prominently at the dazzling climax of album stand out “Came”).
Lead single “Never Arriving,” from which the album’s title is derived, is thrilling in its compactness. Alluding to biology, sex and death in a series of sharp phrases, the song manages to address a whole worldview in a few short lines.
“Into Eternity” introduces a new stylistic wrinkle, taking on a sprechgesang narration over an uneasy guitar motif. In a stream of consciousness delivery, Krieger presents a series of seemingly disparate vignettes - the chaos of a New York street, a memory of an interaction with a grieving ex-boyfriend, a homeless woman, a butterfly - and pulls at the common threads that connect them. Like much of the album, the song is invested in transfiguring the commonplace; examining events big and small and in doing so trying to take hold of their significance.
In Art of the Unseen Infinity Machine, Krieger invites us to a place where transfiguration is not only possible but actively happening. From this place, the beautiful and the banal and the terrible are all laid out before us. And Krieger asks us not to look away. Instead, she invites us to stare down the beautiful and terrible in the world, and to realize that sometimes the only way out is through.”
Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouses is offering two Sunset Lighthouses Cruises this June.
The cruises on June 20 and 27 will start at 7:00 p.m. and will return about 9:30 p.m. They will be aboard the M/V Granite State, departing from Rye Harbor on Route 1A in Rye, NH. Rye Harbor State Marina is on Route 1A in Rye, New Hampshire. Click here for directions.
The cruises will pass close to Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse, Whaleback Lighthouse, and White Island Lighthouse in the Isles of Shoals. There will be historic narration and raffles on board with great prizes. There is a snack bar on board the vessel.
Tickets are $40 per person.
We ask that you plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of the cruise. There is a large parking lot at the Rye Harbor State Marina, and the State of NH charges a $5 parking fee. Look for the MV Granite State at the dock. You will be checked in as you board the vessel.
In the event that the cruise has to be canceled due to the weather, we will make every effort to notify everyone as early as possible by email. A cancellation notice will also be posted on this page and on our Facebook page. If a cruise has to be canceled due to weather or sea conditions, the purchase price will be refunded in full. Otherwise, cruise tickets are non-refundable.
The 3rd Floor Nightclub is open every Friday & Saturday night at 9:00pm. (Additional dates may apply based on holidays, follow our private Instagram for the latest updates)
Experience the seacoasts hottest dance music, best drinks, and an unrivaled light show.
The VIP Section is the perfect space for those looking for some privacy. Roped off for only those who can provide an exclusive VIP wristband to gain access.
VIP Benefits:
* Exclusive VIP Private Entrance
* VIP Host (your VIP Host will meet you at the private entrance when your party arrives, get you special VIP wristbands and escort you to your section)
* No wait at the bar (through your VIP Host, you'll be able to order food, drinks, & shots only available to the VIP section at your leisure)
* Exclusive VIP Menu (featuring food, drink, & shot specials)
* Complimentary bottled water (you'll need to hydrate in between all the partying)
* Comfortable soft seating for the entire party
* Direct contact with Evening & Security Managers if needed.
* Best view in the house (the VIP section features large windows overlooking Market Street)
Doc Dolittle is just a regular kid… or is he? Things are starting to pile up: his bike goes missing, his neighbor Tiffany won’t leave him alone, and all of a sudden he can talk to animals! Doc is in for a whirlwind adventure full of secrets, double agents, hamsters, Italian food, and talking (that’s right, talking!) animals.
Upside Arts Day Camp (open to ages 7-17) provides a unique summer experience with original musicals written for the campers! Students work together to build confidence, creativity, and develop skills needed to perform on stage, while rehearsing for a fully staged production.
Doc Dolittle is just a regular kid… or is he? Things are starting to pile up: his bike goes missing, his neighbor Tiffany won’t leave him alone, and all of a sudden he can talk to animals! Doc is in for a whirlwind adventure full of secrets, double agents, hamsters, Italian food, and talking (that’s right, talking!) animals.
Upside Arts Day Camp (open to ages 7-17) provides a unique summer experience with original musicals written for the campers! Students work together to build confidence, creativity, and develop skills needed to perform on stage, while rehearsing for a fully staged production.
The Wolff Sisters - the gritty and raw folk-rock outfit and two-time Boston Music Award winners (Americana Artist of the Year) - bring their electrifying live performance and unique sound to The Word Barn Meadow!
This band is one of our favorites and always sell-out; don’t miss out.
“On their breezy third album [Queendom of Nothing], Rebecca, Rachael, and Kat Wolff — actual sisters, raised just outside the city — live comfily at the crossroads of Americana, roots, and ’60s rock ‘n’ roll, where The Band might meet Brandi Carlile and take her out for a beer.” -- The Boston Globe
The Wolff Sisters Band’s latest album, Queendom of Nothing, picks up right where they left off with their sophomore album, Cahoon Hollow, serving up the right amount of grit, moodiness, and wild rock n’ roll to reflect on the summer’s slow burnout and what comes next. Both albums were recorded at Dirt Floor Studio in Chester, CT, and produced by Eric Michael Lichter.
The Wolff Sisters is fronted by three sisters -- Rebecca on acoustic guitar, Kat on the keys, Rachael on electric guitar, and all three on lead vocals and harmonies. Raised on Bob Dylan, The Band, and Little Feat, the sisters crafted their sound around a honky tonk piano in the living room of their childhood home. With a talented cast of rotating drummers and bass players, The Wolff Sisters are a rag tag group of hardworking individuals that bring a big sound and timeless songs. Their music is honest and genre defying, but still rooted in traditional rock and americana storytelling.
Boston Music Award winner for Americana Artist of the Year 2020 and Folk Artist of the Year nominee both 2018 and 2019, the band’s electrifying live performance and unique sound continues to gain momentum and recognition from their hometown of Boston and beyond.
Queendom of Nothing landed a spot on The Boston Globe’s top 15 albums for Fall following its release in October 2019, while their previous album Cahoon Hollow was nominated for New England Music Award’s Album of The Year 2018. The Wolff Sisters continue to work tirelessly at honing their sound and touring the U.S while paying homage to their roots in New England.
Friday, July 11, 2025 – Doors at 7:00 PM | Music at 8:00 PM
The Button Factory Stage
$10 online | $15 at the door
This is one for the road dogs and the folk-punk faithful. On Friday, July 11, Matthew W Charles, Them Dewlap Boys, and Ratland roll into The Button Factory Stage, bringing a night of raw storytelling, twang, and punk energy.
Matthew W Charles is no stranger to the open road—or to pouring his travels into honest, melodic acoustic punk songs. A true punk troubadour, Matt’s catalog reflects miles of experience and anthems built for both the long haul and the late-night singalongs.
Them Dewlap Boys blur the lines between country and punk, reworking old country songs into breakneck punk burners and flipping classic punk tracks into twangy, boot-stomping renditions. Expect surprises, energy, and a set that refuses to take itself too seriously.
Ratland is a melodic folk-punk duo from Burlington with a knack for writing short, catchy songs that hit hard and fast. Their stripped-down sound and infectious hooks will have you singing along before you even realize it.
Don’t miss out—this one's got grit, heart, and a little bit of everything in between. Grab your tickets now!
Tickets: $10 online | $15 at the door
The Button Factory Stage – Portsmouth, NH
Doors at 7:00 PM | Music at 8:00 PM
Saturday, July 12 | 8:00 PM
The Croaks & Double Libra at The Button Factory Stage
Join us Saturday, July 12, for a night that blends grit, heart, and hypnotic visuals at The Button Factory Stage.
The Croaks bring their ragged, post-hot rock energy to the stage—raw, real, and loud in all the best ways.
Double Libra offers hyper-sincere indie rock accompanied by captivating video projections, creating a full-sensory experience that’s as emotionally charged as it is immersive.
Tickets are $10 in advance at PortsmouthNHTickets.com and $15 at the door.
Doors at 7:00 PM | Music starts at 8:00 PM.
Two bands. One night. All heart.
Book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse
Music by John Kander
Lyrics by Fred Ebb
In roaring twenties Chicago, chorine Roxie Hart murders a faithless lover and convinces her hapless husband, Amos, to take the rap...until he finds out he's been duped and turns on Roxie. Convicted and sent to death row, Roxie and another "Merry Murderess," Velma Kelly, vie for the spotlight and the headlines, ultimately joining forces in search of the "American Dream": fame, fortune, and acquittal.
*THIS SHOW IS RATED PG-13*
Stella is a star. Like, the kind in outer space; it's where she lives! But what she really wants is to be a STAR... just like Helia, the most famous Super Star in the galaxy. So when Stella has an opportunity to audition for Star Search and perform in front of her idol, she jumps at the chance. But is she ready for the long hours, rejection, disapproving parents, and backstabbing that it will take to make her dreams of stardom come true?
Upside Arts Day Camp (open to ages 7-17) provides a unique summer experience with original musicals written for the campers! Students work together to build confidence, creativity, and develop skills needed to perform on stage, while rehearsing for a fully staged production.
Stella is a star. Like, the kind in outer space; it's where she lives! But what she really wants is to be a STAR... just like Helia, the most famous Super Star in the galaxy. So when Stella has an opportunity to audition for Star Search and perform in front of her idol, she jumps at the chance. But is she ready for the long hours, rejection, disapproving parents, and backstabbing that it will take to make her dreams of stardom come true?
Upside Arts Day Camp (open to ages 7-17) provides a unique summer experience with original musicals written for the campers! Students work together to build confidence, creativity, and develop skills needed to perform on stage, while rehearsing for a fully staged production.
AJ Lee & Blue Summit are an award-winning, energetic, charming, and technically jaw-dropping band quickly rising on the national roots music scene. Based in Santa Cruz, California, the group met as teenagers, picking and jamming together as kids at local bluegrass festivals until one day, they decided they would be a band.
Currently made up of AJ Lee on mandolin, fiddler Jan Purat, and guitarists Scott Gates and Sullivan Tuttle, the band carries that youthful, festival-parking-lot energy with them still today, but at the same time there’s a genuine ease and confidence to their music making. As they ready their third studio album, City of Glass – their first label release, out July 19th via Signature Sounds – their product feels mature and fully realized, while deep in the Blue Summit pocket.
City of Glass is a slow burn album, remarkable when considered alongside records released by their peers in recent years. Lee & Blue Summit seem unconcerned with mimicking or emulating other successful groups in their scenes. Instead, they’re most interested in discovering themselves, their own music, and sonics and textures truly their own. And, they’re most interested in doing so with their musical and Californian communities.
City of Glass, as a result, is an album that’s just as much country soul and gritty, bluesy Americana as it is rock club and festival-ready string band fare, all framed through a California folk lens while clearly primed for a much wider audience.
AJ Lee & Blue Summit are an exemplary band so unconcerned with being remembered, with being enshrined, that they have gone about making a set of songs that will surely be held onto and cherished forever. City of Glass may one day crumble, but this music will never fade away.
Book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse
Music by John Kander
Lyrics by Fred Ebb
In roaring twenties Chicago, chorine Roxie Hart murders a faithless lover and convinces her hapless husband, Amos, to take the rap...until he finds out he's been duped and turns on Roxie. Convicted and sent to death row, Roxie and another "Merry Murderess," Velma Kelly, vie for the spotlight and the headlines, ultimately joining forces in search of the "American Dream": fame, fortune, and acquittal.
*THIS SHOW IS RATED PG-13*
Saturday, July 19 | 8:00 PM
Bitter Sweet at The Button Factory Stage
Get ready for a full-throttle night of hard rock as Bitter Sweet hits The Button Factory Stage on Saturday, July 19.
Formed in 2023 at Vermont State University by powerhouse lead singer Mollie Steinhoff, Bitter Sweet has quickly evolved from a simple campus project into a dynamic, hard-hitting band commanding stages across New England. With members hailing from all over the region, this four-piece brings an explosive mix of talent and passion to every performance.
The current lineup includes Mollie Steinhoff (Lead Vocals), Noah LaPointe (Guitar, Vocals), Benjamin Perreault (Bass), and Jimi Piluso (Drums). Drawing influence from heavyweights like Paramore, Halestorm, Avenged Sevenfold, Three Days Grace, and The Pretty Reckless, Bitter Sweet fuses intensity with melody, grit with beauty. Their sound is as raw as it is uplifting—expect to be knocked down and lifted right back up.
Tickets are $10 in advance at PortsmouthNHTickets.com and $15 at the door.
Doors at 7:00 PM | Music starts at 8:00 PM.
If you like your rock loud, emotional, and unapologetically powerful, don’t miss this one.
Book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse
Music by John Kander
Lyrics by Fred Ebb
In roaring twenties Chicago, chorine Roxie Hart murders a faithless lover and convinces her hapless husband, Amos, to take the rap...until he finds out he's been duped and turns on Roxie. Convicted and sent to death row, Roxie and another "Merry Murderess," Velma Kelly, vie for the spotlight and the headlines, ultimately joining forces in search of the "American Dream": fame, fortune, and acquittal.
*THIS SHOW IS RATED PG-13*
Little Wings
with special guest Ben Troy
Kyle Field is a visual artist and the songwriter behind the 25-years-running group Little Wings. Over the course of more than a dozen albums, he has written a classic cannon of songs that continues to gain listenership to this day. Working without the help of powerful record companies, the songs have earned their place viscerally, person by person, creating a cherished and loyal following around the world. Little Wings continues to release records at an incredible clip and shows no signs of slowing, the songs keep growing. His latest and greatest High on the Glade was recorded with legendary producer Kramer. It’s due out June 7th on Perpetual Doom.
October’s Yankee Charms IV is Little Wings’ fourth tour with the New England rhythm section of bassist Nat Baldwin and drummer Peter McLaughlin.
"...Kyle Field, the Golden State’s mercurial troubadour, is back with a vengeance—songs of vaudeville and villainy, renewal and rebirth."
-Perpetual Doom
$17 advance | $22 day-of
*fees not included ($2 facility fee per ticket + cc processing fees)
Jake Xerxes Fussell is a singer, guitarist, and composer based in Durham, NC. His intuitive creative process often draws from traditional music and archival field recordings - incorporating elements of songs from the past into new work. He is, according to Ann Powers of NPR, "maybe the leading interpreter of American folk music right now..."
Fussell’s album When I’m Called was released to critical acclaim by Fat Possum Records in the summer of 2024. The album was produced by James Elkington and features Blake Mills (guitars), Ben Whiteley (bass), and Joe Westerlund (drums), along with additional vocals from Joan Shelley and Robin Holcomb.
His most recent recording “Close My Eyes” (a song by the late American composer/cellist/singer Arthur Russell) was released in March of 2025 as a digital single.
Fussell and Elkington also wrote and recorded the music for Rebuilding, a new feature film directed by Max Walker-Silverman that premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival.
“Fussell’s music often comes with complex citations; he is a folksinger in the truest sense, collecting ideas and melodies and lyrics from distant and disparate traditions, looking for the things that unite us in our humanity.” - The New Yorker
“(Fussell) is one of the great magpies of American song, collecting forgotten, tarnished gems with a folklorist’s zeal… his renditions aren’t so much cover versions as composites…” – The Guardian
Book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse
Music by John Kander
Lyrics by Fred Ebb
In roaring twenties Chicago, chorine Roxie Hart murders a faithless lover and convinces her hapless husband, Amos, to take the rap...until he finds out he's been duped and turns on Roxie. Convicted and sent to death row, Roxie and another "Merry Murderess," Velma Kelly, vie for the spotlight and the headlines, ultimately joining forces in search of the "American Dream": fame, fortune, and acquittal.
*THIS SHOW IS RATED PG-13*
New England Hot Sauce Fest
A New England celebration for HOT SAUCE lovers!
- Craft Hot Sauces focusing on New England and Northeast makers.
- Hot Sauce samples, music, food trucks, beer, contests, bouncy houses & more!
- Benefiting two local non-profits, Blue Ocean Society & Seacoast Science Center!
The Spicy Shark presents the 4th Annual New England Hot Sauce Fest
- Saturday July 26th 2025 (Rain date: July 27th 2025)
- 11AM - 5pm
- Smuttynose Brewery in Hampton, NH
Book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse
Music by John Kander
Lyrics by Fred Ebb
In roaring twenties Chicago, chorine Roxie Hart murders a faithless lover and convinces her hapless husband, Amos, to take the rap...until he finds out he's been duped and turns on Roxie. Convicted and sent to death row, Roxie and another "Merry Murderess," Velma Kelly, vie for the spotlight and the headlines, ultimately joining forces in search of the "American Dream": fame, fortune, and acquittal.
*THIS SHOW IS RATED PG-13*
Book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse
Music by John Kander
Lyrics by Fred Ebb
In roaring twenties Chicago, chorine Roxie Hart murders a faithless lover and convinces her hapless husband, Amos, to take the rap...until he finds out he's been duped and turns on Roxie. Convicted and sent to death row, Roxie and another "Merry Murderess," Velma Kelly, vie for the spotlight and the headlines, ultimately joining forces in search of the "American Dream": fame, fortune, and acquittal.
*THIS SHOW IS RATED PG-13*
Join us for an acoustic celebration of The Grateful Dead featuring Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers, Jefferson Hamer, Steve Roy, and Wendy Sassafras Ramsay!
Dead to the Core is a collective of singer-songwriters and acoustic musicians with a shared love of the Grateful Dead. In intimate concerts, the musicians celebrate the band's music not through note-for-note re-creations but by playing the songs their own way—letting them grow and evolve collaboratively in the true spirit of the Dead.
Interspersed with the music are clips from Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers’ own interviews with Jerry Garcia and Bob Weir, in which they reflect on the roots and evolution of the music.
The 3rd Floor Nightclub is open every Friday & Saturday night at 9:00pm. (Additional dates may apply based on holidays, follow our private Instagram for the latest updates)
Experience the seacoasts hottest dance music, best drinks, and an unrivaled light show.
The VIP Section is the perfect space for those looking for some privacy. Roped off for only those who can provide an exclusive VIP wristband to gain access.
VIP Benefits:
* Exclusive VIP Private Entrance
* VIP Host (your VIP Host will meet you at the private entrance when your party arrives, get you special VIP wristbands and escort you to your section)
* No wait at the bar (through your VIP Host, you'll be able to order food, drinks, & shots only available to the VIP section at your leisure)
* Exclusive VIP Menu (featuring food, drink, & shot specials)
* Complimentary bottled water (you'll need to hydrate in between all the partying)
* Comfortable soft seating for the entire party
* Direct contact with Evening & Security Managers if needed.
* Best view in the house (the VIP section features large windows overlooking Market Street)
The Transylvanian terror, the hallmark of horror, the freak of nature itself... in the Big Apple! The monster of all monsters and his mad scientist creator, Dr. Victor Frankenstein, find themselves surround by the concrete jungle, sewer grates, and Times Square Jumbotron. What happens when Dr. Frankenstein’s monster escapes in the streets of New York City? Maybe this scientist can save the day! Or, maybe he's just doomed the entire world...
Upside Arts Day Camp (open to ages 7-17) provides a unique summer experience with original musicals written for the campers! Students work together to build confidence, creativity, and develop skills needed to perform on stage, while rehearsing for a fully staged production.
The Transylvanian terror, the hallmark of horror, the freak of nature itself... in the Big Apple! The monster of all monsters and his mad scientist creator, Dr. Victor Frankenstein, find themselves surround by the concrete jungle, sewer grates, and Times Square Jumbotron. What happens when Dr. Frankenstein’s monster escapes in the streets of New York City? Maybe this scientist can save the day! Or, maybe he's just doomed the entire world...
Upside Arts Day Camp (open to ages 7-17) provides a unique summer experience with original musicals written for the campers! Students work together to build confidence, creativity, and develop skills needed to perform on stage, while rehearsing for a fully staged production.
Join award-winning poet and songwriter Todd Hearon for a special concert in The Word Barn Meadow with special guests, Big Sweetie.
No stranger to the Word Barn, Hearon is an award-winning poet, songwriter and dramatist whose two albums, Border Radio (2021) and Yodelady (2023), have garnered accolades from American Songwriter magazine and the 2024 International Acoustic Music Awards. Writes Chris Hislop in Seacoast Online, “Todd Hearon is proof that good folkin’ country singers still walk among us. Somewhere from the great beyond, Townes Van Zandt has happened on Todd's tunes . . . and felt his cheeks go flush with envy.” His third album signals a new musical departure, mixing his love of traditional roots music with more contemporary alt-country and Americana sounds. It was produced by the legendary Don Dixon and recorded in Mitch Easter’s iconic Fidelitorium Studio in North Carolina. Stay tuned for singles releasing this summer!
Hearon will be joined by a full band including Andrew Blowen (keyboards, accordion), Lindsay Garfield (vocals, percussion), Alex Keenan (pedal steel), Rick Habib (drums), Ralph Sneeden (electric guitar) and Geoff Taylor (bass).
While on tour together in 2022, Durham based folk duo Viv & Riley, and Nashville-based singer/songwriter Rachel Baiman talked about the recent records that they had enjoyed. Each time one person would bring up a beloved album or song, another would chime in with enthusiastic agreement, and with hours in the van to daydream, and hours on stage to enjoy harmonizing together, the three began to scheme about recording some covers together.
In June of 2023, producer Greg Griffith (Amy Ray, Vitapup, The Butchies) invited the newly imagined trio to spend a week in Connecticut at his home and studio. The idea was to explore some cover songs and see what the sound of the project might be, with no expectation of a finished product
As the three began working out an arrangement for Lennon Stella’s “Kissing Other People”, sitting cross legged on the floor in Griffith’s living room, Griffith stealthily placed microphones, as well as a vintage camcorder in the room. What emerged was a completely live take of the song, organic and full of magic. The recording set the tone for what followed, an 8 track album of covers ranging from cult favorites like Magnolia Electric Company, Dr. Dog and Joan Armatrading, to modern but lesser-known writers like Waylon Payne.
With Griffith’s influence, the project explored more analog, indie and grunge sounds than any of the individual artist’s previous work. The recording captures the beautifully uncaged feeling of the collaboration in real-time, as Leva switches to playing drums for “Hold on Magnolia”, and Baiman plays a wildly dissonant guitar solo on “Easy Rider”. Every idea was attempted, and every song was captured in real time.
Kissing Other PPL is a project about openness to exploration, collaboration, and creativity above technicality. It finds a trio of accomplished musicians that seeks to unlearn boundaries of perfection and find the best sound for the given song in the given moment.
Saturday, Aug. 23 – Doors at 7:00 PM, Music at 8:00 PM | The Button Factory Stage | $10 online / $15 at the door
If you like your metal heavy, technical, and slightly unhinged—in the best way—this one’s for you.
Nugreth brings a brain-bending blend of death metal, mathcore, and sludge, delivering chaotic riffs, odd time signatures, and a wall of sound so intense it should come with a warning label. This is not background music—this is auditory warfare from another dimension.
When the Dead Won’t Die rounds out the night with their uniquely melodic yet pummeling take on progressive metal. Hailing from Maine, their latest releases “Egregious Error” and “Mannequin” blend cinematic atmosphere with face-melting technical precision. They don’t just play songs—they drag you through an emotional and sonic battlefield.
Bring your earplugs, bring your friends, and bring your rage. This one’s going to be loud in every possible sense.
See you in the pit.
The 3rd Floor Nightclub is open every Friday & Saturday night at 9:00pm. (Additional dates may apply based on holidays, follow our private Instagram for the latest updates)
Experience the seacoasts hottest dance music, best drinks, and an unrivaled light show.
The VIP Section is the perfect space for those looking for some privacy. Roped off for only those who can provide an exclusive VIP wristband to gain access.
VIP Benefits:
* Exclusive VIP Private Entrance
* VIP Host (your VIP Host will meet you at the private entrance when your party arrives, get you special VIP wristbands and escort you to your section)
* No wait at the bar (through your VIP Host, you'll be able to order food, drinks, & shots only available to the VIP section at your leisure)
* Exclusive VIP Menu (featuring food, drink, & shot specials)
* Complimentary bottled water (you'll need to hydrate in between all the partying)
* Comfortable soft seating for the entire party
* Direct contact with Evening & Security Managers if needed.
* Best view in the house (the VIP section features large windows overlooking Market Street)
Join Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouses on Sunday, September 14, 2025, aboard the M/V Granite State for the most extensive lighthouse cruise in this area! The popular annual “Five Lighthouse Cruise” leaves Rye Harbor State Marina at 8:30 a.m. and will return at 1:00 p.m.
The cruise will pass close by White Island Light, Boon Island Light, Cape Neddick “Nubble” Light, Whaleback Light, and Portsmouth Harbor Light, along with great views of the Isles of Shoals, southern coastal Maine, Portsmouth, and the Piscataqua River.
The cruise leaves from Rye Harbor State Marina on Route 1A (1870 Ocean Boulevard) in Rye, New Hampshire, aboard the Granite State. Click here for directions. There is a large parking lot ($5 fee) at the marina. The cruise will be narrated by lighthouse historian/author Jeremy D’Entremont and there will be a raffle with great prizes. There is a snack bar on board the vessel.
Join Karen and Andrea as they perform in the round as they share the stage for the first time in their careers!
Doors 6:30p / 7p show time
$23 advance / $25 at the door
Bring your beverage of choice!
*Free snacks and non alcoholic beverages will be available.
On Saturday, September 27, The Freedom Cafe presents Festival in the Field 2025 at Tuckaway Farm, 4 Captain Smith Emerson Rd, Lee, NH 03861.
Festival in the Field is a family-friendly music festival and vendor fair featuring local musicians, artisans, activity stations, food vendors, craft beer & wine, raffle and cork & cap pull.
All proceeds from the event will support The Freedom Cafe's nonprofit mission to End Human Trafficking and Exploitation!
Advanced General Tickets:
Adult: $18 ($20 at Door)
Student: $12 ($14 at Door)
Kids under 5: Free w/ adult
Event Schedule:
12pm - Doors & Vendors Tents Open, Singer-Songwriters on Stage
1pm - TBA
2pm - TBA
3pm - Sneaky Miles
4:30pm - TBA
Music, Mission and Conscious Consuming have been core to The Freedom Cafe's efforts to raise awareness and fight human trafficking since its inception. Building on the tradition of The Cafe's weekly "Perform for Freedom" open mic, "Festival in the Field" is an opportunity to come together around great music, invest in the fight to end human trafficking and learn how each of us play important roles in addressing exploitation. This years event marks the 10 Year Anniversary of The Freedom Cafe and will debut our 2035 Vision!
PERFORMANCES BY
Sneaky Miles & TBA
VENDORS
TBA
Featured Food & Bev
TBA
The Freedom Cafe is seeking Sponsors, *Volunteers, and Artisans. Inquire HERE.
*Volunteers receive a free general admission ticket and lunch. All volunteers are subject to a background check. Apply to Volunteer HERE
Thank you to our Incredible
SPONSORS
Django by The Sea ~ Jazz Manouche Festival
10th Anniversary
FRIDAY 10.03.25 @ 7:00PM
- Rhythm Future Quartet
SATURDAY 10.04.25 @ 7:00PM
- Atla + Matt DeChamplain
- The EarRegulars
SUNDAY 10.5.25 @ 2PM
- Django's Campsite All-Star Jam
In collaboration with Kit & Supply Co.
For more info about the festival and bio for each artist, visit:
www.djangobythesea.com
The 3rd Floor Nightclub is open every Friday & Saturday night at 9:00pm. (Additional dates may apply based on holidays, follow our private Instagram for the latest updates)
Experience the seacoasts hottest dance music, best drinks, and an unrivaled light show.
The VIP Section is the perfect space for those looking for some privacy. Roped off for only those who can provide an exclusive VIP wristband to gain access.
VIP Benefits:
* Exclusive VIP Private Entrance
* VIP Host (your VIP Host will meet you at the private entrance when your party arrives, get you special VIP wristbands and escort you to your section)
* No wait at the bar (through your VIP Host, you'll be able to order food, drinks, & shots only available to the VIP section at your leisure)
* Exclusive VIP Menu (featuring food, drink, & shot specials)
* Complimentary bottled water (you'll need to hydrate in between all the partying)
* Comfortable soft seating for the entire party
* Direct contact with Evening & Security Managers if needed.
* Best view in the house (the VIP section features large windows overlooking Market Street)
Darlin’ Corey features the singing and playing of three well known musicians of the thriving music scene of Portland, ME. Award winning and accomplished fiddler and singer Erica Brown on fiddle, guitar, vocals, notable songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Matt Shipman on guitar, vocals, mandolin, bouzouki, banjo and Portland’s favorite bass player, Kris Day.
Their music is a unique blend of folk with influences from bluegrass and old time music. Together they create an engaging performance of thoughtful originals, traditional songs and songs that influenced them along the way.
With recent highlights including performances at prestigious venues and festivals like Stone Mountain Arts Center, Ossipee Valley and collaborations with The Bangor Symphony Orchestra, they continue to captivate audiences across the Northeast and Canada.
High Range is a New Hampshire-based band playing both original and cover songs featuring fiddle, guitar, mandolin, banjo, upright bass and drums. Making music together since 1999.
"HIGH RANGE has forged a tight, compelling ensemble sound that is highly musical and thoroughly entertaining."
--David McCarty, Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine
Todd Jones – acoustic and electric guitar, banjo and vocals
Rob Kneeland – mandolin, drums and vocals
Ellen Carlson – fiddle and vocals
Steve Roy – mandolin and bass
Brendan Dowd – bass
Zac Francis – bass
$20 advance | $25 day-of | $12 Student
*fees not included ($2 facility fee per ticket + cc processing fees)
The 3rd Floor Nightclub is open every Friday & Saturday night at 9:00pm. (Additional dates may apply based on holidays, follow our private Instagram for the latest updates)
Experience the seacoasts hottest dance music, best drinks, and an unrivaled light show.
The VIP Section is the perfect space for those looking for some privacy. Roped off for only those who can provide an exclusive VIP wristband to gain access.
VIP Benefits:
* Exclusive VIP Private Entrance
* VIP Host (your VIP Host will meet you at the private entrance when your party arrives, get you special VIP wristbands and escort you to your section)
* No wait at the bar (through your VIP Host, you'll be able to order food, drinks, & shots only available to the VIP section at your leisure)
* Exclusive VIP Menu (featuring food, drink, & shot specials)
* Complimentary bottled water (you'll need to hydrate in between all the partying)
* Comfortable soft seating for the entire party
* Direct contact with Evening & Security Managers if needed.
* Best view in the house (the VIP section features large windows overlooking Market Street)
Four-time JUNO (Canada’s Grammy) Award winner, David Francey is a Scottish-born Canadian carpenter-turned-songwriter, who has become known as “one of Canada’s most revered folk poets and singers” (Toronto Star).
David Francey is a Scottish-born Canadian carpenter-turned-songwriter, who has become known as “one of Canada’s most revered folk poets and singers” (Toronto Star). Born in Ayrshire, Scotland to parents who were factory workers, he moved to Canada when he was twelve. For decades, he worked across Canada in rail yards, construction sites, and in the Yukon bush, all the while writing poetry, setting it to melodies in his head and singing it to himself as he worked.
A truly authentic folk singer, Francey is a documentarian of the working person who never imagined earning a living from his music. But when he was in his 40s, his wife, artist Beth Girdler, encouraged him to share his songs and sing in public. The reaction was instant. His first album Torn Screen Door came out in 1999 and was a hit in Canada. Since then, he has released eleven albums, won three Juno Awards and has had his songs covered by such artists as The Del McCoury Band, The Rankin Family, James Keelaghan and Tracy Grammer.
Francey also had the honour of receiving the prestigious SOCAN Folk Music Award as well as taking home the Grand Prize in both the International Acoustic Music Award and in the Folk category for the John Lennon Songwriting Award.
"David’s straightforward songs tell honest stories of real people and real places. Poetic perception and a keen eye for the heart of the matter are trademarks of the man and his music. His songs and stories are a direct connection for audiences seeking depth and meaning in the day-to-day." Shelter Valley Folk Festival
David Francey was born in Ayrshire, Scotland where he got his first taste of the working life as a paperboy. At age 10 he was devouring the newspapers he delivered, establishing a life-long interest in politics and world events while developing the social conscience that forms the backdrop of his songs.
He was twelve when his family immigrated to Toronto. He says he can trace his love of the land, the history, and the people of his adopted country to weekend family drives exploring southern Ontario. Music played a large part in these family outings. They sang traditional Scottish tunes as they drove through the Canadian countryside. Dad and sister Muriel sang melody, while mother and David sang harmonies.
His attachment to Canada grew with travel. He hitched across the country three times, then thumbed his way to the Yukon. This attachment surfaces in his songs of rail lines, farms, and the St. Lawrence Seaway. He grew to understand the people while working in Toronto train yards, the Yukon bush, and as a carpenter in the Eastern Townships. These experiences colour his first CD, Torn Screen Door, with songs like Hard Steel Mill, Gypsy Boys, and Working Poor and his second, Far End of Summer, with Highway, Flowers of Saskatchewan and February Morning Drive.
In concert David is a singer and a storyteller. His wry humour and astute observations combined with his openhearted singing style have earned him a loyal following.
David lives with his wife, artist Beth Girdler in the quiet but charming Lanark Highlands in southern Ontario. They are visited often by their son Colin, daughters Amy and Julia and grandkids Tristan, Alice and Millicent.
The 3rd Floor Nightclub is open every Friday & Saturday night at 9:00pm. (Additional dates may apply based on holidays, follow our private Instagram for the latest updates)
Experience the seacoasts hottest dance music, best drinks, and an unrivaled light show.
The VIP Section is the perfect space for those looking for some privacy. Roped off for only those who can provide an exclusive VIP wristband to gain access.
VIP Benefits:
* Exclusive VIP Private Entrance
* VIP Host (your VIP Host will meet you at the private entrance when your party arrives, get you special VIP wristbands and escort you to your section)
* No wait at the bar (through your VIP Host, you'll be able to order food, drinks, & shots only available to the VIP section at your leisure)
* Exclusive VIP Menu (featuring food, drink, & shot specials)
* Complimentary bottled water (you'll need to hydrate in between all the partying)
* Comfortable soft seating for the entire party
* Direct contact with Evening & Security Managers if needed.
* Best view in the house (the VIP section features large windows overlooking Market Street)
Stranger Than Fiction Comedy - Holiday Show!
Join NH’s own Stranger Than Fiction for a night of hilarious improv and festive sketches! This talented group is bringing the laughs with their unique blend of quick-witted humor and holiday-themed comedy. It's the perfect way to kick off the holiday season!
