Exeter LitFest, girl pop, comic opera: Things to do in Seacoast
We are storming into the weekend with a full list of entertainment on the Seacoast. Exeter LitFest kicks off on Friday and continues into Saturday in downtown Exeter, it's girls vs. boys at Club 3S for a girl pop dance party, join local Crime Writers at the Word Barn for a live show and meet up, or see The Barber of Seville, a comic opera, at The Music Hall Lounge.
Read on for details on things to do:
Exeter LitFest Kick-off party
What: This year’s event kicks off with a live jazz concert by Seacoast legend Sharon Jones. This after-hours event at the library will feature mocktails by Shelby, snacks, and themed party rooms by literary genre.
When: Friday, April 5, 7-8:30 p.m.
Where: Exeter Public Library, 4 Chestnut St., Exeter
Cost: Free
More info: exeterlitfest.com
More:Exeter LitFest brings poetry to downtown businesses and restaurants
Y2K Dance Party at The Rockingham Ballroom
What: If you’ve been here you know its a good time with DJs John and Pam. Lots of dancing, some group/line dances break out at whim. John and Pam will walk you through some simple steps you can try on the spot.
When: Friday, April 5, 7:30-11:30 p.m.
Where: Rockingham Ballroom, 22 Ash Swamp Road, Newmarket
Cost: $15
More info: rockinballroom.club
CLUB 3S: Spice Up Your Life – girl pop dance party
What: At CLUB 3S in April and May, we’re gonna find out who rules the dance floor: Girl Pop or Boy Bands? ages 21-plus.
When: Friday, April 5, 9 p.m. to midnight
Where: 3S Artspace, 319 Vaughan St., Portsmouth
Cost: $12 to $15
More info: 3sarts.org
Exeter LitFest
What: Exeter LitFest returns to the downtown with local literary talent and New York Times bestselling authors like Andre Dubus III, Ilyon Woo and Katherine Howe. The full schedule with times is available at the Exeter LitFest website and social media.
When: Saturday, April 6, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Downtown Exeter
Cost: Free
More info: exeterlitfest.com
‘America America’ at The Players’ Ring
What: Modesta is praying for a new job. She has lived in the United States for over 30 years, but her English is still rather wobbly. After 17 years of marriage, venture capitalist Mark Porter finally agrees to the idea of hiring a cleaning lady. Why now? A bond develops between Jane and Modesta. But who really needs whom?
When: Friday, April 5, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 6, 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 7, 2:30 p.m.
Where: The Players’ Ring Theatre, 105 Marcy St., Portsmouth
Cost: $25-$28
More info: playersring.org
440 Hot-Club Jazz Quartet
What: 440 expands the gypsy jazz tradition of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli with danceable swing standards from the era of Cole Porter, George Gershwin and Benny Goodman as well as originals by the band.
When: Saturday, April 6, 7:30-9 p.m.
Where: The Dance Hall, 7 Walker St., Kittery, Maine
Cost: $10-$22
More info: thedancehallkittery.org
Crime Writers On at The Word Barn
What: Each Monday and Thursday, New Hampshire crime writers Rebecca Lavoie, Kevin Flynn, Lara Bricker, and Toby Ball dig into the hottest true crime and mystery shows, podcasts, and pop culture. Then the panel gives their own thumbs up or thumbs down reviews. Join all four of the crime writers at the Word Barn for a live show and meet up event.
When: Saturday, April 6, 8-9:30 p.m.
Where: The Word Barn, 66 Newfields Road, Exeter
Cost: $25
More info: thewordbarn.com
The American Spiritual Ensemble: Live from St. John’s Portsmouth
What: World-renowned choir The American Spiritual Ensemble will perform well-known and beloved spirituals, selections from Broadway and more.
When: Sunday, April 7, at 3 p.m.
Where: St. John’s Episcopal Church Portsmouth, 101 Chapel St., Portsmouth
Cost: $30
More info: stjohnsnh.org
The Barber of Seville at The Music Hall Lounge
What: Rossini’s Barbiere di Siviglia, composed at the age of 24, is considered to be the finest comic opera in existence.
When: Sunday, April 7, 3 p.m.
Where: The Music Hall, 28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth
Cost: $52.50-$82.50
More info: themusichall.org
Brown Eyed Women at The Stone Church
What: Brown Eyed Women, an all-female Grateful Dead tribute ensemble, features musicians from popular bands around the country. Ages 21-plus.
When: Sunday, April 7, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Where: The Stone Church, 5 Granite St., Newmarket
Cost: $20
More info: stonechurchrocks.com