Exhibits, galleries, theater and more: Seacoast arts and culture news

Portsmouth Herald
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Maine Middle Eastern Orchestra to perform

Maine Middle Eastern Orchestra
Maine Middle Eastern Orchestra

PORTSMOUTH — Maine Middle Eastern Orchestra will be performing with the legendary Armenian American ud (Middle Eastern lute) and clarinet vitruoso, Mal Barsamian at 7 p.m. on Friday April 14, at St. John's Episcopal Church in Portsmouth, N.H. Join us for a unique opportunity to experience traditional Armenian and Anatolian music in an orchestral setting, performed by leading members of Maine's vibrant Middle Eastern music community.

There is a $25 suggested donation for this event. For more information call 207-542-9280.

Racial Unity Team hosts 2023 Art & Poetry Challenge

The Art & Poetry Challenge - the living, breathing proof of the power of the arts - is an annual challenge hosted by the Racial Unity Team. First, second, and third place cash prizes will be awarded to winners in elementary, middle school, high school and adult categories in both art and poetry.

Every New Hampshire resident is invited to submit an original poem or visual work of art inspired by this year’s theme:  “A hidden past >>> an inclusive future.” Children and adults are encouraged to find a story that is rarely told and express how it helps us move toward a more inclusive future.

The deadline for submissions is April 15, and winners will be announced in June. Submissions will be exhibited across New Hampshire in local libraries, art galleries, and on the Racial Unity Team website.

For challenge rules and resources visit: https://racialunityteam.com/art-and-poetry-challenge.

The Stratham Historical Society  holds ‘Stratham Antiques Roadshow’

On Sunday, April 16, from 1 to 3 p.m., The Stratham Historical Society will hold their Annual Spring Appraisal Day, affectionately known as the “Stratham Antiques Roadshow”.
On Sunday, April 16, from 1 to 3 p.m., The Stratham Historical Society will hold their Annual Spring Appraisal Day, affectionately known as the “Stratham Antiques Roadshow”.

STRATHAM — On Sunday, April 16, from 1 to 3 p.m., The Stratham Historical Society will hold their Annual Spring Appraisal Day, affectionately known as the “Stratham Antiques Roadshow” at the Stratham Fire Station, Morgera Community Room, corner of Winnicutt Road and Portsmouth Avenue, Stratham.  The entrance is at the rear of the building, look for signage.

Have you often wondered what your family heirlooms and treasures are worth?  Perhaps those collectibles stored in the attic?  Works of art, jewelry, china, glass, military memorabilia, photographs and small furniture items?  Join us for an evaluation.  Note:  a photo of large furniture or other large items may suffice.

Dan Olmstead of Daniel Olmstead Antiques, Newfields, N.H., and Greg Pruitt and Lionel Loveless of Collector’s Eye in Stratham and Route 1 Antiques in Hampton Falls will be returning to assist in providing verbal appraisals and valuable information on items brought in.  This is a very popular event, educational and fun.

Fee:  $5 for one item, $8 for two, $12 for three and $15 for four (maximum five items, please).  All proceeds will benefit The Stratham Historical Society and will go toward maintaining the Society’s collections and other related expenses. For more information call 603-778-0434, leave a message or visit SHS on Facebook.

2023 Juneteenth Celebration, Reading the Bones: Celebrating the African Diaspora

The Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire announces its extraordinary program of events for its 2023 Juneteenth Celebration, Reading the Bones: Celebrating the African Diaspora. Events run from June 10 to June 19, 2023.
The Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire announces its extraordinary program of events for its 2023 Juneteenth Celebration, Reading the Bones: Celebrating the African Diaspora. Events run from June 10 to June 19, 2023.

PORTSMOUTH — The Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire announces its extraordinary program of events for its 2023 Juneteenth Celebration, Reading the Bones: Celebrating the African Diaspora. Events run from June 10 to June 19, and feature a diverse range of cultural and educational activities.

"We are excited to announce the lineup for our 2023 Juneteenth Celebration," said JerriAnne Boggis, Executive Director of BHTNH. "This year's celebration will showcase the diversity and resilience of the African Diaspora, and will provide opportunities for learning, healing, and community building."  From hosting its first ever BHTNH Reggae Festival to historic walking tours in Canterbury Shaker Village to an art reception, panel discussion and multiple musical performances, BHTNH is creating a vibrant, educational and inspiring program.

“Bringing people together to educate, honor and respect one another is always our mission” shares Boggis.  “Our Juneteenth 2023 Celebration seeks to share our cultures, recognize the past, and hopefully inspire one another to work together and move forward as a community.”  Boggis believes music is a great catalyst for community-building, and she is excited with the all-new BHTNH Reggae Festival on June 17.  Featuring legendary performers as well as those on-the-rise, the Reggae Festival is a ticketed event with family-friendly music and performances for all ages throughout the day and evening. “From our first ever Reggae Festival to the Akwaaba Ensemble drumming Performance at the African Burying Ground, to Camille A. Brown and Dancers at The Music Hall, and the Howard Gospel Choir at South Church, we will be dancing,  singing and sharing love and respect for one another” says Boggis. “Our communities need this now more than ever.”

All are welcome. For details on the program including free and ticketed events, please visit https://blackheritagetrailnh.org/juneteenth-celebration-2023/.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Exhibits, galleries, theater and more: Seacoast arts and culture news