Americana Fest and a live Rocky Horror Show: 10 things to do this weekend
As the days of summer begin to wind down, we have yet another beautiful weekend on the Seacoast on tap. In between getting in one more beach day and one more dinner of outdoor dining, here are some events and performances to squeeze in.
It's a guitar lover's weekend at Jimmy's
Friday through Sunday nights, Jimmy's Jazz & Blue Club will feature outstanding guitarists. All three shows start at 7:30 p.m. On Friday, Aug. 19 its eight-time Blues Music Award nominated guitarist, singer and songwriter Ana Popovic, who recently celebrated 22 years as a touring musician with her last album release "Live for LIVE." Tickets are $15 to $55. On Saturday, Aug. 20 its Grammy Award-winning guitarist and songwriter Isaiah Sharkey. He "fuses his background in rock, gospel, jazz, R&B, blues, and funk to create an original sound with an unmistakable dose of soul," according to Jimmy's website, which also lists all the big stars he's toured with. Tickets are $10 to $35.
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On Sunday, Aug. 21, two-time Blues Music Award winner Eric Gales will perform as he has for more than three decades and 18 albums. Gales was nominated for the B.B. King Entertainer of the Year award, which is the most coveted and prestigious award given every year to a standout musician and live performer in blues music. Joe Bonamassa called him, "One of the best if not the best guitarist in the world today." Tickets are $15 to $60. Tickets available at https://jimmysoncongress.com/
Rocky Horror Show Live at the Rep
A Seacoast Repertory Theatre tradition continues this summer with its midnight production of the original stage show with a cast that stars Max from Ru Paul’s Drag Race as Dr. Frank-N-Furter and a electric live band performing the show's rock 'n' roll score.
There are just four shows left this summer. Always starting at 11:59 p.m., the remaining shows are this Friday and Saturday, Aug. 19 and 20; and next weekend on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 26 and 27.
Audience members are invited to come dressed up in whatever tickles your fancy - and if you dare, enter the famous Rocky Horror Costume Contest right before the show begins to strut your stuff on stage.
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The Rep has rules for this show including do not bring any toilet paper, rice, toast or water guns to the theater. Do not throw anything or touch any performers during the show. Bags will be checked at the door.
Tickets range from $32 to $44 and are available at seacoastrep.org.
At The Strand in Dover
On Friday, Aug. 19, Neon Wave will perform a tribute to '80s New Wave dance bands at The Strand in Dover. For tickets, visit eventbrite.com. On Saturday, Aug. 20 at The Strand, it will be Dueling Pianos and a chance to sing-along with your friends. Each show is different because it's all-request, with a bit of good-humored fun and some unforgettable moments. Audience members are pitted one-side-against-the-other. Examples of rivalries include country vs. rock, men against women, etc. For tickets, go to eventbrite.com.
Community Picnic at Green Acre Baha'i Center
Green Acre: A Baha’i Center of Learning is inviting the public to a picnic on Saturday, Aug. 20 from noon to 9 p.m. Visiting the center is free and there will be food available by purchasing meal tickets in advance or you can bring your own picnic. Lunch will be served noon to 2 p.m. followed by an afternoon of optional singing, games, art exhibit and historical tours, prayer and meditation, and just hanging on the porch. The Green Acre kitchen will then offer dinner at 5:30pm, followed by a campfire around 7 p.m. The center is located at 61 Green Acre Drive, Eliot. Registration is required and meal tickets must be purchased in advance at portsmouthnhtickets.com.
Garrison Players present 'Master of Physical Comedy'
The Garrison Players will present physical comedian and juggler Jason Tardy on Saturday, Aug. 20 at 2 p.m. in its Summer Series on the Lawn at Garrison Players Arts Center. Tardy, "a Master of physical comedy," specializes in "hilarious, explosive and inventive high-energy juggling." Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students or buy one, get one free. Tickets are available online at garrisonplayers.org. Walk-ins welcome. Bring a chair or a blanket. The Garrison Players Arts Center is located at 449 Roberts Road, Rollinsford.
'The Voice of Clark Terry' outdoor concert
The Dance Hall Kittery’s Concerts by the Bridge presents “The Voice of Clark Terry” featuring vocalist Chris Humphrey singing the music of Clark Terry with new lyrics by Les Harris Jr. on Saturday, Aug. 20 at 3 p.m. Accompanying Humphrey will be Chris Klaxton on trumpet, Mark Shilansky on piano, Marty Ballou on bass and Les Harris Jr. on drums. Concerts by the Bridge series takes place in John Paul Jones Park, Hunter Avenue in Kittery. Tickets are $15 and available at portsmouthnhtickets.com. Bring your own blankets and chairs. Parking available at York Hospital in Kittery.
A classic Ham and Bean Supper
Nothing says New England like a community Ham and Bean Supper. Madbury United Church of Christ will hold one on Saturday, Aug. 20 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Guests will enjoy baked ham from George Calef’s Fine Foods in Barrington, a variety of homemade baked beans, hot dogs, cole slaw, potato salad, assorted breads, a 21-item salad bar, and beverages. Then there's homemade fruit and cream pies for dessert. Supper costs $12 for adults and children age 12 and older. Kids under 12 are $6 and families are $28. The supper will be held at the Madbury Town Hall at 13 Town Hall Road. All are welcome.
Suite Sundays presents The Lyrical Voice
The Suite Sundays at The Dance Hall series will present The Lyrical Voice on Sunday, Aug. 21 at 3 p.m. at The Dance Hall, 7 Walker St., Kittery. Soprano Morgan McCurdy and pianist Mary Towse-Beck will perform a program of Schumann, Dvořák and Ives including Schumann’s Liederkreis, Op. 39. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 day of show and available at portsmouthnhtickets.com. All performances at The Dance Hall require proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or proof of a negative test with 72 hours. Masks are required indoors for patrons and staff when in motion. For more information, visit thedancehallkittery.org or call 207-703-2083.
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Andrew Duhon at The Word Barn
New Orleans singer-songwriter Andrew Duhon's songcraft has earned comparison to John Prine and Jim Croce. Duhon will perform at The Word Barn in Exeter on Sunday, Aug. 21 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 at portsmouthnhtickets.com.
Americana Fest in Prescott Park
On Sunday, Aug. 21 at 7 p.m., the Prescott Park Arts Festival will present Americana Fest featuring Alejandro Escovedo and Pokey LaFarge with Kris Gruen. All the blanket and table reservations are sold out for this show, but bring your own blanket and chairs or you can rent a chair at the park. Suggested donation is $10 at the gate or in advance online at prescottpark.org.
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Americana Fest, live Rocky Horror Show: 10 things to do this weekend
