Summer Guide 2024 - Seacoast Scene - 05/23/2024

mAy 23 - 29, 2024 vol 49 No 1

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Charlene Nichols

Seacoast Scene Advertising Sales manager (603) 625-1855, Ext.126

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Roxanne macaig

Seacoast Scene Account Executive (603) 625-1855 Ext. 127 rmacaig@hippopress.com

Editorial Staff

Editor

Michael Witthaus editor@seacoastscene.net

Editorial Design Corinne Robinson

Contributors

matt Ingersoll, Betty gagne, Curt mackail, Amy Diaz, Jennifer graham

Production

Corinne Robinson, Jennifer Gingras

Circulation Manager

Scott Booze, 625-1855, Ext. 35 sbooze@hippopress.com

Have an event or a story idea for the Seacoast Scene? Let us know at: editor@seacoastscene.net

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4 Your crib sheet for summer fun people & places

11 Dive into Seacoast Science Center food

16 Eateries and ideas for foodies pop culture

19 Where to find art, galleries and more, plus Amy Diaz reviews Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes Nite life

23 Ripe plays three nights in Hampton; plus live music listings beach bum fuN

27 Puzzles, horoscopes and crazy news

The Brunch Club P. 16. Courtesy photo.

From art galleries to food festivals, outdoor (and indoor) movies, communing with nature or enjoying some music in a classic theater or a raucous nightclub, there’s plenty to do in the region. You can sign up for a race, on foot or by bike, catch a theatrical performance, or gift shop at an arts fair. Here’s a crib sheet to keep handy for the coming months.

ART

• Take a different look at buildings as “Unfixed Concrete Ideal” explores the role of concrete in civic architecture, and the many conflicting passions it can inspire. The exhibition includes mixed media works, photography, sculpture and even a couple of etchings done on drywall by co-curator Ben Sloat. It runs through June 2 at 3S Artspace (319 Vaughan St., Portsmouth, 3sarts.org).

• The Abstract Artists Group of New England celebrates a sampling of artwork from its members all through May at Metzy’s Cantina (5 Boston Way, Newburyport, Mass., newburyportart.org). The group supports, encourages and promotes abstract and non-traditional artists and seeks to educate the public about its work. The exhibition runs through May 31.

• The Art Center of Dover and the New Hampshire Art Association join forces for Creme de la Crème, a joint membership exhibition. Showcasing local artists, this collaborative offers an eclectic array of artworks, curated by the Art Center’s Rebecca Proctor. The selection spotlights many unique perspectives. It runs through June 29 at The Art Center (1 Washington St, Suite 1177, Dover), with a reception on June 1 from 6 to 9 p.m.

• The Lane House Arts Center (380 Lafayette Road, Hampton, lanehousearts. com) celebrates its three-year anniversary over a long weekend, with a reception for the Going Green group exhibit on June 14 at 4 p.m., a concert on June 2 at 5:30 p.m. from New Hampshire Celtic fiddler Jordan Tirrell-Wysocki, and an open house on Sunday, June 3, from 10 to 5 p.m., where visitors

can view studios of resident artists.

Summer Guide 2 0 2 4

• On the first Friday of every month, the Art ’Round Town Gallery Walk happens from 5 to 8 p.m. in the area around Portsmouth’s Market Square. It’s a great way to bide the time before a restaurant reservation. Gallery works range from regional landscapes to more abstract and avant garde pieces, from artists based in New England and around the world (facebook.com/ artroundtownportsmouth).

• Available to children age 6 and older, the Kids Summer Arts & Crafts Camp happens daily from June 13 through June 21 at Seacoast ArtSpot (2992 Lafayette Road, Unit 3, Portsmouth, seacoastartspot.com), $99 per day, $450 per week. Arts and crafts projects at the bring-your-own-lunch camp encourage kids to use their imaginations working with a lot of upcycling and recycling; each day includes a fine arts project.

• “Sand Wars: May the Beach Be With You” is the theme of the 24th Annual Hampton Beach Master Sand Sculpting Classic June 20 through June 22. Two hundred tons of imported sand is dropped for a massive sponsor site and invited artists compete at an event that has received worldwide attention. The final-day awards ceremony is followed by special fireworks; the area stays illuminated for viewing through June 26.

COMEDY

• Top comics at The Music Hall (28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth) include Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood on June 13. The more intimate Music Hall Lounge (131 Congress St., Portsmouth) has Nick Callas on May 24, Matt Shore hosting Happy Hour Comedy on June 8, Andy Beningo on June 15, Corey B on June 17, Pat McGann on June 21 and June 22 and Robert Kelly on July 20. Visit themusichall.org.

• Every Tuesday for more than 14 years, The Winner’s Circle (211 Elm St., Salisbury, Mass.) has remained a go-to open mic for aspiring comics, and some names that stop by to work on new material; Juston McKinney is a frequent habitué. The free

event’s online signup sheet is booked weeks in advance — winnerscirclema.com.

• Jimmy Dunn, lately in the Frasier reboot cast, launched the Hampton Beach Comedy Festival partly as an excuse to hang out in his backyard with standup comedy pals. The summer tradition kicks off Aug. 13 at McGuirk’s Ocean View (95 Ocean Blvd., Hampton) and runs through Aug. 18. Visit hampton-beach-comedy-festival.weebly. com.

• There are laughs along with the many national music stars playing at Casino Ballroom (24 Ocean Blvd., Hampton Beach), including SNL alum Pete Davidson on June 22, TikTok star Nurse Blake on June 29, Kathleen Madigan on Aug. 24, Brad Williams on Sept. 21 and Lewis Black on Sept. 27. Ticketmaster.com.

• Opened in mid-2021, McCue’s Comedy Club, inside The Roundabout Diner (580 Portsmouth Traffic Circle, Portsmouth), presents top comics along with newer names every week. Upcoming are Jason Cordova on May 25, Tony V on June 1, and a club anniversary show on June 8. The venue is run by veteran standup Jim McCue. Schedule and tickets at mccuescomedyclub.com.

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

• The 12th annual New Hampshire Maker Fest is an all-ages event spotlighting creativity and innovation, invention and resourcefulness. The family-friendly happening welcomes engineers, artists, scientists and chefs and anyone else looking to show hobbies, experiments and projects. Saturday, June 1, at Children’s Museum of New Hampshire (6 Washington St., Dover, childrens-museum.org).

• The regular season at Kittery Community Market kicks off on Sunday, June 2 at 10 a.m., with more than 35 vendors, accompanied by live music from Lee Biddle, along with magicians, and balloon art. Find flowers, seedlings, produce, meat and fish, prepared foods, baked goods, crafts, natural soaps, skincare products and knife & tool sharpening all summer long. 10 Shapleigh

Road, Kittery, Maine, kitterycommunitymarket.com.

• Newburyport Brewing Co. marks a dozen years with an indoor/outdoor party and the tapping of a new beer, Birdie Pilsner. There are food trucks, bands, face painting and games for kids at this dog-friendly celebration, along with music from Dwayne Haggins Band, Liz Frame & the Kickers and Charlie & the Hustle. Newburyport Brewing Co., 4 New Pasture Road, Newburyport, Mass., $10 at portsmouthtickets.com.

• A foodie’s delight, Taste 2024 at Strawbery Banke Museum (14 Hancock St., Portsmouth) combines the best of the area’s culinary professionals with an effort to end childhood hunger and food insecurity in the greater Seacoast area. Enjoy bite-size fare and taste a wide variety of fine wines and craft beer. Later, there’s dance music from Soul City, a high-energy band from Boston. $110 and up at platesforchange.org.

• A march/parade toward Strawbery Banke kicks off the 10th Annual Portsmouth Pride Event on June 22, at noon. At the celebration will be 100+ vendors, mainstage performances and speakers, a KidZone, a 21+ Throwback Tent, and more. Parade gathers at noon and the celebration at Strawbery Banke runs from 1 to 5p.m. For more details check out seacoastoutright.org/ portsmouth-pride.

• In 1958, 30 communities joined to present Yankee Homecoming; today, Newburyport, Mass., is the lone community continuing the tradition. The event, happening July 27 through Aug. 4, includes a craft fair, downtown concerts, a brewfest (that always sells out in advance). The singular Olde Fashioned Sunday is on July 30, with pony rides, midway games and an antique and classic car show. Visit yankeehomecoming.com.

FILM

• Weather permitting, enjoy family-friendly films on an outdoor screen at Movie Night Mondays in Hampton Beach, starting July 8 at dusk with Under the Boardwalk. This

year’s features include The Swan Princess: Far Longer Than Forever on July 15, Mummies on July 29 and Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken on Aug. 5. Bring a blanket or chair to the free event, which happens next to the playground (hamptonbeach.org).

• Attend a screening of Harrison Buck’s Meko on Thursday, June 13, followed by a Q&A with the filmmaker. The film looks at the macro-effects of climate change on delicate coastal communities like the Bahamas Outer Islands through the lens of legacy fly-fishing guide and angler Omeko “Meko” Glinton, in particular how his world was upended by Hurricane Dorian. At 3S Artspace (319 Vaughan St., Portsmouth, 3sarts.org).

• The Prescott Park Arts Festival’s 50th-anniversary season includes a Movie Night Series presented by Wentworth-Douglass Hospital. Eight family-friendly movies will be announced soon, and the series will begin around mid-June. Last year included Ratatouille, Top Gun: Maverick, In the Heights, Hook, Inside Out and James Bond: A Quantum of Solace (prescottpark.org).

• Along with live events, The Music Hall (28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth, themusichall. org) has run movies for more than 120 years. This year’s include The Women’s Adventure Film Tour on May 22 with eight female-forward shorts, and the restored Russian masterpiece Nostalghia on May 25 and May 26.

FOOD

• A hot pepper eat-off, a hot wings contest and all-day music are all part of the New England Hot Sauce Fest happening June 27 at Smuttynose Brewing Co. (105 Towle Farm Road, Hampton). Showcasing more than 30 artisan fiery sauce companies, the third annual event also includes crafts, food trucks and beer, along with bouncy houses for the kids. $13 to $17 at portsmouthnhtickets.com.

• The Golden Ladle Award will be awarded at the 97.5 WOKQ Chowder Festival on June 1 in Prescott Park (105 Marcy St., Portsmouth, prescottpark.org). It runs from 11:30 a.m. until the chowder’s gone. In the past, recipes have included smoked scallop, Manhattan, vegetarian, corn and spicy seafood chowders. The event kicks off this year’s Prescott Park Arts Festival.

• Now in its 10th year, the Portsmouth Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival is the ultimate foodie trailer park. The area’s top purveyors dish out everything from lobster rolls to heart-shaped empanadas and treats like whoopie pies and warm mini doughnuts. There are also artisans selling pottery, jewelry and more, with beer from host Cisco Brewery (35 Corporate Drive, Portsmouth). See foodtruckfestivalsofamerica.com.

• Along with a bevy of deliciousness from

area restaurants, the 34th Annual Hampton Beach Seafood Festival has two stages with nonstop music, a cornhole tournament and a lobster roll eating contest. NESN’s Wicked Bites hosts cooking demonstrations, and there are craft booths, a pop-up art show and allegedly New Hampshire’s only bar on the beach. Advance tickets $24 at hamptonbeach.org.

MUSIC

• Experience the spirit of America’s pioneering horn rock band when Leonid & Friends - A Tribute To Chicago appear at Blue Ocean The Music Hall (4 Ocean Front North, Salisbury, Mass., ticketmaster.com) on Thursday, May 23, at 8 p.m.

• Enjoy a raucous evening with stalwart Midwest rockers BoDeans at Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club (135 Congress St., Portsmouth, jimmysoncongress.com) on Thursday, May 23, at 7:30 p.m.

• Take a trip through the decades and see Nat Zegree’s The History of Rock ’n’ Roll at The Music Hall (28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth, themusichall.org) on Thursday, May 23, at 8 p.m.

• The leader of a band synonymous with the early 2000s SoCal sound plays an intimate show when Matthew Logan Vasquez appears at The Press Room (77 Daniel St., Portsmouth, pressroomnh.com) on Thursday, May 23, at 8 p.m.

• Mountain rockers from the New Hampshire backwoods the Kenny Brothers Band appears with Chris Ballerini & the Drift at Stone Church (5 Granite St., Newmarket, stonechurchrocks.com) on Friday, May 24, at 8 p.m.

• Travel back to when ’90s punk and emo were all the rage when The Warped Tour Band appears at Wally’s (144 Ashworth Ave, Hampton, wallysnh.com) on Friday, May 24, at 9 p.m.

• Actor Owen Wilson purportedly loves DJ Chad Banks, appearing at The Press Room (77 Daniel St., Portsmouth, pressroomnh.com) on Saturday, May 25, at 11 p.m.

• Get the Pink Floyd experience in an intimate setting when Echoes of Floyd appear at Stone Church (5 Granite St., Newmarket, stonechurchrocks.com) on Saturday, May 25, at 8 p.m.

• Performing on the SurfSide Deck with JahRiffe & Jah-N-I Roots Band and hosted by DJ Green Lion Crew, Reggae Beach Bash has Duppy Conquers channeling the spirit of Bob Marley next to Blue Ocean Music Hall (4 Ocean Front North, Salisbury, ticketmaster.com) on Sunday, May 26, at 6 p.m.

• Fab Four redux when Beatlemania Again appears at Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club (135 Congress St., Portsmouth, jimmysoncongress. com) on Sunday, May 26, at 7:30 p.m.

• Quirky family band Bitter Pill appears at The Music Hall Lounge (131 Congress St., Portsmouth themusichall.org) on Sunday, May 26, at 8 p.m.

• An eclectic group of accomplished musicians passionate about honoring the legacy of Jerry Garcia, Diamond Blues appears at The Press Room (77 Daniel St., Portsmouth pressroomnh.com) on Sunday, May 26, at 8 p.m.

• Founding member of famed stoner rock band Kyuss John Garcia appears at Wally’s (144 Ashworth Ave, Hampton, wallysnh. com) on Monday, May 27, at 8 p.m.

• Bringing the traditional sounds of New Orleans to the Northeast, Soggy Po’ Boys appear at The Press Room (77 Daniel St., Portsmouth, pressroomnh.com) on Tuesday, May 28, at 8 p.m.

• WOKQ’s Acoustic Country By The Sea is an outdoor bash starring Matt Stell. It happens next to Blue Ocean Music Hall (4 Ocean Front North, Salisbury, Mass., ticketmaster.com) on Wednesday, May 29, at 7 p.m.

• A singer and guitarist who got his start backing Shakira, Raul Midón appears at Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club (135 Congress St., Portsmouth, jimmysoncongress.com) on Wednesday, May 29, at 7:30 p.m.

• A singer-songwriter show includes Katy Pinke, who’s well-regarded in the NYC indie rock scene, along with Norwood and Kate Possi, a Boston native who’s played around the Seacoast New Hampshire music scene for a couple of years now, at The Press Room (77 Daniel St., Portsmouth, pressroomnh.com) on Wednesday, May 29, at 8 p.m.

• What began as a tribute to the Allman Brothers Band still includes their music but has evolved into a broader psychedelic experience. Enlightened Rogues appear at The Press Room (77 Daniel St., Portsmouth, pressroomnh.com) on Thursday, May 30, at 9 p.m.

• Six-piece reggae band The Movement channels Bob Marley at Bernie’s Beach Bar (73 Ocean Blvd., Hampton Beach, ticketmaster.com) on Friday, May 31, at 8 p.m.

• An instrumental dub reggae band from Boston, Dub Apocalypse has appeared at many clubs and festivals throughout New England. The band appears at Stone Church (5 Granite St., Newmarket, stonechurchrocks.com) on Friday, May 31, at 9 p.m.

• Enjoy a tribute to English Emo pioneers The Cure when A Strange Day: Seventeen Seconds Plus Cure Hits & B-Sides appears at The Press Room (77 Daniel St., Portsmouth, pressroomnh.com) on Saturday, June 1, at 7 p.m.

• The Robyn Party celebrates Swedish goddess of pop Robyn in a show dubbed Come Get Ur Hunny: This Party Is Kill-

ing You at The Press Room (77 Daniel St., Portsmouth, pressroomnh.com) on Saturday, June 1, at 9:30 p.m.

• Celebrate the earth, the air, the fire, and the water in song when Voices from the Heart play their annual spring concert at The South Church (292 State St., Portsmouth, voicesfromtheheart.org) on Saturday, June 1, at 4 and 7:30 p.m.

• Edgy band Wizzardess tops a bill with EZ Cheef and Kong Moon at Stone Church (5 Granite St., Newmarket, stonechurchrocks. com) on Saturday, June 1, at 7:30 p.m.

• Octogenarian sax player Charles Lloyd is still making music with his Sky Trio, featuring Brian Blade and Larry Grenadier. He’s at Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club (135 Congress St., Portsmouth, jimmysoncongress.com) on Sunday, June 2, at 7:30 p.m.

• In his Two Rounds of Racket tour, Joe Jackson plays solo and with a full band paying tribute to Max Champion’s music at The Music Hall (28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth, themusichall.org) on Monday, June 3, at 8 p.m.

• Twang stalwart Charley Crockett has fans that include Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page. His “$10 Cowboy” tour stops at Casino Ballroom (169 Ocean Blvd., Hampton Beach, ticketmaster.com) on Wednesday, June 5, at 8 p.m.

• Mike Maurice is a Biddeford, Maine, singer, songwriter and guitarist influenced by the playing of John Mayer and the writing of Gregory Alan Isakov, Fleet Foxes and Bon Iver. He and Mike Maurice, along with Sophie Patenaude and Duquette, appear at The Press Room (77 Daniel St., Portsmouth, pressroomnh.com) on Wednesday, June 5, at 7 p.m.

• Seacoast jam band Superfrog has a diverse collection of original songs complemented by eclectic covers. They appear at The Press Room (77 Daniel St., Portsmouth, pressroomnh.com) on Thursday, June 6, at 8 p.m.

• Country queen Jo Dee Messina returns to Hampton Beach, part of her Heads Carolina/Tails California tour. She’s at Casino Ballroom (169 Ocean Blvd., Hampton Beach, ticketmaster.com) on Friday, June 7, at 8 p.m.

• Phish-adjacent jamsters Andrew North And The Rangers recently won the Press Room’s Battle of the Dad Bands. They appear again at The Press Room (77 Daniel St., Portsmouth, pressroomnh.com) on Friday, June 7, at 7 p.m.

• The Vermont jammers are jazzed up when Jazz is PHSH perform groovy instrumental interpretations of some classics at Stone Church (5 Granite St., Newmarket, stonechurchrocks.com) on Friday, June 7, at 9 p.m.

• Featuring members of The Band and the Levon Helm Band, The Weight Band

appears at Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club (135 Congress St., Portsmouth, jimmysoncongress.com) on Saturday, June 8, at 7:30 p.m.

• Vermont-based jamtronica band The Edd offers break beats, prog, live techno and more, and NH DJ duo Zoo Logic kicks off a show at The Press Room (77 Daniel St., Portsmouth, pressroomnh.com) on Saturday, June 8, at 9 p.m.

• A Doctor of Song, New England folk musician Ellis Paul appears at The Music Hall Lounge (131 Congress St., Portsmouth, themusichall.org) on Sunday, June 9, at 7:30 p.m.

• Providing a night of jazz, Nick Goumas Quartet performs. Led by tenor and soprano saxophonist Goumas, the group draws from the Great American Songbook along with contemporary jazz. At The Press Room (77 Daniel St., Portsmouth, pressroomnh. com) on Sunday, June 9, at 7 p.m.

• Ethereal singer Samara Joy appears at Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club (135 Congress St., Portsmouth, jimmysoncongress.com) on Tuesday, June 11, at 7:30 p.m.

• New Jersey expat Joe Kaplow, a singer-songwriter now based in Northern California and celebrating the release of a new album, appears with Kate Possi at The Press Room (77 Daniel St., Portsmouth, pressroomnh.com) on Wednesday, June 12, at 8 p.m.

• Area favorites SeepeopleS appear with special guests Way of the Headband at Stone Church (5 Granite St., Newmarket, stonechurchrocks.com) on Thursday, June 13, at 8 p.m.

• Singer-songwriters Dave Pettigrew and Ross King come together to share their experiences in worship and music in the Seaport Coffee House, at Exeter Town Hall (10 Front St., Exeter, seaportcoffeehouse. com), on Friday, June 14, at 6:30 p.m.

• Power trio The Rigometrics play original, high-energy rock ’n’ roll touching on multiple genres at MrSippy BBQ (184 S. Main St., Rochester, mrsippybbq.com) on Friday, June 14, at 7 p.m.

• Harmony-rich trio Lone Bellow appears at Prescott Park (105 Marcy St., Portsmouth, prescottpark.org) on Friday, June 14, at 7 p.m.

• Yacht rock progenitors from Down Under, Little River Band appears at Casino Ballroom (169 Ocean Blvd., Hampton Beach, ticketmaster.com) on Saturday, June 15, at 8 p.m.

• It’s a totally rad tribute when Abducted By The ’80s appears at Bernie’s Beach Bar (73 Ocean Blvd., Hampton, ticketmaster.com) on Sunday, June 16, at 8 p.m.

• Local favorites perform a Father’s Day appears at The Press Room (77 Daniel St., Portsmouth,

pressroomnh.com) on Sunday, June 16, at 11 a.m.

• Americana producer and performer Brent Cobb appears at Prescott Park (105 Marcy St., Portsmouth, prescottpark.org) on Wednesday, June 19, at 7 p.m.

• Have fun in the sun at the Fifth Hot Beach Bash when Mya appears at Bernie’s Beach Bar (73 Ocean Blvd., Hampton, ticketmaster.com) on Thursday, June 20, at 8 p.m.

• Dead ringers for the jam band favorites, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead appears at Casino Ballroom (169 Ocean Blvd., Hampton Beach, ticketmaster.com) on Thursday, June 20, at 8:30 p.m.

• DIY rock band Twen is thriving, with more than 350 shows under their belt including arena appearances supporting Rainbow Kitten Surprise and Wet Leg. They appear with Raavi at The Press Room (77 Daniel St., Portsmouth, pressroomnh.com) on Friday, June 21, at 7 p.m.

• If you missed the Sphere, get a taste when Marcus Rezak’s 1.0 Phish Tribute: Gumbo appears at Stone Church (5 Granite St., Newmarket, stonechurchrocks.com) on Friday, June 21, at 9 p.m.

• It’ll be an evening of positivity when Michael Franti & Spearhead: The Togetherness Tour 2024 appears at Casino Ballroom (169 Ocean Blvd., Hampton

Beach, ticketmaster.com) on Tuesday, June 25, at 6 p.m.

• Noisy rock trio from Chicago Horsegirl draws inspiration from shoegaze and postpunk, in the realm of ’90s American and U.K. indie underground. With TV Buddha at The Press Room (77 Daniel St., Portsmouth, pressroomnh.com) on Wednesday, June 26, at 8 p.m.

• Shake your booty when Gimme Gimme Disco appears at Casino Ballroom (169 Ocean Blvd., Hampton Beach, ticketmaster.com) on Friday, June 28, at 8 p.m.

• Multi genre favorites Tohst appear at The Music Hall Lounge (131 Congress St., Portsmouth, themusichall.org) on Friday, June 28, at 8 p.m.

• Area favorites The Samples return for an outdoor show with food trucks, beer and hard seltzer; Sippin’ Whisky opens. Newburyport Brewing Co. (4 New Pasture, Newburyport, Mass., $40 at portsmouthtickets.com) on Saturday, June 29, at 5 p.m.

• Consider the Source appears with Arukah at Stone Church (5 Granite St., Newmarket, stonechurchrocks.com) on Saturday, June 29, at 9 p.m.

3 Great Shops in One

• Rootsy blues rock band Gnarly Darling kicks off a summer-long concert series in a bucolic setting at Crows’ Feat Farm (178 Drinkwater Road, Kensington, crowsfeatfarm.com) on Sunday, June 30, at 3 p.m.

Come visit our historic properties art and collectibles. Our eclectic offering buyers a Dealers welcome Route

• Enjoy an ethereal night of singer-songwriter music when Grace Pettis and Henry Honkonen appear at The Music Hall Lounge (131 Congress St., Portsmouth, themusichall.org) on Sunday, June 30, at 7 p.m.

• It’s a stellar Tom Petty tribute when The Broken Hearts appear at Wally’s (144 Ashworth Ave., Hampton, wallysnh.com) on Wednesday, July 3, at 8 p.m.

• Jam band favorites Umphrey’s McGee appear at Casino Ballroom (169 Ocean Blvd., Hampton Beach, ticketmaster.com) on Friday, July 5, at 8:30 p.m.

• Soulful duo Dwight & Nicole perform an intimate set at Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club (135 Congress St., Portsmouth, jimmysoncongress.com) on Friday, July 5, at 7:30 p.m.

• A summer tradition continues when Badfish - A Tribute To Sublime appears at Casino Ballroom (169 Ocean Blvd., Hampton Beach, ticketmaster.com) on Saturday, July 6, at 8 p.m.

• Multiple generations of UNH Jazz aces are together on one stage for a Jazz Brunch dubbed an Alumni Summit at The Press Room (77 Daniel St., Portsmouth, pressroomnh.com) on Sunday, July 7, at 11 p.m.

• Offer a note-perfect tribute to Fleetwood Mac when Little Lies appears at Stone Church (5 Granite St., Newmarket, stonechurchrocks.com) on Saturday, July 13, at 8 p.m.

• Songwriting legend Patty Griffin appears in an extended “Evening With” performance at Prescott Park (105 Marcy St., Portsmouth, prescottpark.org) on Wednesday, July 17, at 7 p.m.

• Jimmy Buffett tribute band Changes In Latitudes appears at the 15th Annual Buffett Beach Blast at Blue Ocean Music Hall (4 Ocean Front North, Salisbury ticketmaster.com) on Friday, July 19, at 8 p.m.

• Michael Glabicki of Rusted Root brings his solo project Uprooted to Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club (135 Congress St., Portsmouth, jimmysoncongress.com) on Friday, July 19, at 7:30 p.m.

• Local country performer Gavin Marengi Band appears at Blue Ocean Music Hall (4 Ocean Front North, Salisbury, Mass., ticketmaster.com) on Thursday, July 25, at 8 p.m.

• Singer-songwriter Katy Kirby writes gorgeous songs, weaving intricate chord progressions and melodies into her work. She’s with Mei Semones at The Press Room (77 Daniel St., Portsmouth, pressroomnh. com) on Thursday, July 25, at 8 p.m.

• Solid Eagles tribute act Dark Desert Eagles perform at Casino Ballroom (169 Ocean Blvd., Hampton Beach, ticketmaster. com) on Saturday, July 27, at 8 p.m.

• Reggae-fied Dead tribute act Grateful Dub is a side project of area favorites Roots

of Creation. They’re at Bernie’s Beach Bar (73 Ocean Blvd., Hampton, ticketmaster. com) on Thursday, Aug. 1, at 7 p.m.

• Regional roots rock favorites Wellfleet appear at the Music Hall Lounge (131 Congress St., Portsmouth, themusichall.org) on Friday, Aug. 9, at 8 p.m.

• Jammy area favorites The Trichomes perform with Guess Method at Stone Church (5 Granite St., Newmarket, stonechurchrocks.com) on Friday, Aug. 9, at 9 p.m.

• A close approximation of Californication, Red Not Chili Peppers appear at Wally’s (144 Ashworth Ave., Hampton, wallysnh.com) on Friday, Aug. 9, at 9 p.m.

• Jamtronic favorites Tropidelic return to Bernie’s Beach Bar (73 Ocean Blvd., Hampton, ticketmaster.com) on Thursday, Aug. 15, at 8 p.m.

• Country favorite Brett Young appears at Casino Ballroom (169 Ocean Blvd., Hampton Beach, ticketmaster.com) on Friday, Aug. 16, at 8 p.m.

• Blues stalwart Walter Trout appears with his band at Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club (135 Congress St., Portsmouth, jimmysoncongress.com) on Friday, Aug. 23, at 7:30 p.m.

• Storied California singer-songwriter Karla Bonoff is at Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club (135 Congress St., Portsmouth, jimmysoncongress.com) on Saturday, Aug. 24, at 7:30 p.m.

NATURE

• Southeast Land Trust (SELT) hosts a Conservation Celebration at Burley Farms (247 N. River Road, Epping) on Saturday, June 8, at 4 p.m. The event offers a catered barbecue buffet with locally sourced food from SELT conserved farms along with a cash bar stocked with local brews, followed by a ceremony honoring mission partners and award recipients, including the Jack Heath Award for Conservationist of the Year.

• Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouses is offering two Sunset Lighthouses Cruises on June 21 and June 28 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Leaving from Rye Harbor (Route 1A, Rye, portsmouthharborlighthouse.org), the cruise is narrated by historian and author Jeremy D’Entremont and passes close to Portsmouth Harbor, Whaleback and White Island Lighthouses in the Isles of Shoals. Tickets are $40 per person.

• Among the many activities offered at the Seacoast Science Center (Odiorne Point State Park, 570 Ocean Blvd., Rye, seacoastsciencecenter.org) is Nature@Nite. Held monthly on the third Friday, each themed event engages participants of all ages in STEM topics. A scheduled, guided nature program starts at 5 p.m., and attendees are encouraged to dress for outdoor exploration.

• A self-guided walking tour concentrat-

ed on the city’s Little Harbor neighborhood, the 35th Annual Pocket Gardens of Portsmouth Tour offers a peek at nine unique gardens, along with music and outdoor painters. Nature writer Susan Pike discusses native plants, along with John Forti, author of The Heirloom Gardener: Traditional Plants and Skills for the Modern World (June 21 and June 22; portsmouthnhtickets. com).

SPORTS

• The largest competition of the year for Special Olympics New Hampshire happens May 31 and June 1, the State Summer Games. Volunteer at sonh.org for the event, where athletes compete in a range of activities including powerlifting, horseback riding, unified sprint triathlons, swimming and bocce. It happens at the University of New Hampshire in Durham.

• A benefit for Friends Forever International, the Golf Fore Peace Tournament happens June 10 starting at noon at Wentworth by the Sea Country Club (60 Wentworth Road, Rye, ff.international). Compete for bragging rights with contests for longest drive, one club only, hole-inone and putting. A cocktail party follows, with a review of FFI’s efforts in New Hampshire, Northern Ireland and Israel.

• At the 6th Annual Bikes & Beers race on Saturday, June 10, at 8 a.m., riders begin at Cisco Brewers (35 Corporate Drive, Portsmouth) and travel a 15-, 30or 45-mile course with morning fuel stations, marked routes, GPS turn-by-turn instruction, rest stops, refreshments, ride marshals, and SAG support. Later there’s craft beer, live music and a charity raffle; all levels welcome. The event benefits Bike Alliance of NH.

• An Ocean Swim Clinic on Monday, July 22, at 5:30 p.m. at Wallis Sands State Park (1050 Ocean Blvd., Rye) has specialists leading swimmers through a checklist of what’s needed for an enjoyable training experience in the ocean. The clinic is appropriate for beginners to advanced swimmers, and is broken up into groups based on comfort and experience level. Foul weather date is July 24.

• Before feasting on lobster, run the Harvard Pilgrim Seafood Fest 5K on Sept. 8; runners get festival admission with entry (milleniumrunnning.com). The race is preceded by Yoga on the Beach (pre-register during signup with code FREECLASS), along with a Lil’ Lobster fun run for the kiddos. The out-and-back 3.1-mile course runs along Route 1A, affording awesome views of the seacoast.

THEATER

• The Players’ Ring Theatre (105 Marcy St., Portsmouth, playersring.org) presents Alice, A Whimsical Musical in Wonderland May 24 through June 2. Based on the books by Lewis Carroll, it follows Alice as she “navigates the sometimes-frivolous-sometimes-frightening landscape, and the confusing space between childhood and adulthood that’s filled with madness, Jabberwockys and impossible things.”

• The Greek myth at the heart of Tony-winning musical Hadestown is seen from a new point of view in Eurydice, running May 17 through May 26 at Firehouse Center for the Arts (1 Market Square, Newburyport, Mass., firehouse.org), with the female heroine as the play’s protagonist. Dying too young and on her wedding day no less, Eurydice travels to the underworld and struggles to remember her life and lost love.

• A 19th-century actress hides her secret in Romeo and Her Sister, from NH Theatre Project (959 Islington St., Portsmouth, nhtheatreproject.org). It’s based on the true story of Charlotte Cushman, who broke new ground playing Romeo, with her sister portraying Juliet, while working to conceal her gender identity. The “queer historical dramedy” opens June 7 and runs throughout Pride Month.

• Musical theater is part of the Prescott Park Arts Series, with Legally Blonde, the Musical, presented by Service Credit Union, running from June 21 through Aug. 11. That’s followed by a 50th Anniversary Musical Revue featuring selections from the shows performed on the Prescott’s stage over the past five decades. There are performances from Aug. 16 through Aug. 18, including a matinee on Aug. 17.

• A packed schedule from Seacoast Repertory Theatre (125 Bow St., Portsmouth) includes Willy Wonka through May 19, based on the 1971 film with its memorable Newley & Bricusse score. Spring Awakening, a Tony-winning musical about adolescence, runs through May 26. Opening June 7 is Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, followed by the jukebox musical Rock of Ages, July 18 through Sept 1.

• A youthful cast ages 7 to 17 performs Shrek The Musical Jr., part of Prescott Park’s 50th Anniversary season. Based on the animated film and Broadway hit, it’s the story of a mission to rescue a princess that’s equal parts romance and offbeat fairy tale. It’s produced by Camp ENCORE! and is the culmination of their summer session performed on the Arts Festival’s Wilcox Main Stage.

— Michael Witthaus

D IVE IN Discover the Seacoast at the Science Center

By Michael Witthaus mwitthaus@hippopress.com

Looking to learn more about the region’s ocean life? Check out the Seacoast Science Center, whose mission is “to spark curiosity, enhance understanding, and inspire the conservation of our Blue Planet.” Karen Provazza, Senior Director of Communications and Marketing at the Center, talked with Seacoast Scene about their upcoming season. The Seacoast Science Center is located inside Odiorne State Park in Rye.

What are you looking forward to amongst all of the programs that are coming up?

My gosh, there are so many great ones. Our World Ocean Day event happens on June 2. That’s a really fun one because we bring in a lot of our environmental partners. There’s just great synergy and energy. Our Music by the Sea concert series is really anticipated throughout the community. People love them; it’s great fun to be able to host them for our community, and there aren’t many opportunities to dance the night away to the sunset by the sea and get some great food.

What are some of the really popular activities that people tend to sign up for way in advance?

Our wildlife kayak tours we’ve only done for a couple of seasons, but people are reaching out in the winter, asking when registration is going to open. It’s a great opportunity for any level kayaker. We give a little introduction to paddling and bring you out to the most beautiful places, either up into Little Harbor or Berries Brook, launching from Odeon Point State Park. Last year we introduced the Isles of Shoals excursions…. We charter a boat and bring groups out to the Isles of Shoals.

One of the activities that looks like a lot of fun, family-friendly as well, is Nature@ Night.

It is one of our priorities to offer programs and make the science center available to anybody, no matter their financial constraints. With Eversource … we came up with this idea of Nature@Night. With their sponsorship and financial support, we were able to make it free. It’s an open-house-style evening, but we also offer a program at five o’clock that’s kind of a first come first served.

Depending on the program, it might be unlimited, but some of them are somewhat limited. It’s either led by our naturalists or our community partners.

Another activity that sounds interesting is nature journaling.

Our goal is always to help people gain a deeper understanding of our natural world and in turn a deeper appreciation for the natural environment that will inspire them to conserve our natural world. Nature journaling is available for all ages. We spend quiet time just observing and connecting with our surroundings, led by an artist and a naturalist on staff here.

What drew you to the Seacoast Science Center?

I grew up going to beaches in Rhode Island. … I remember hopping along the rocky shore in Newport lifting up seaweed, exploring and discovering. That’s just in my DNA.... and the combination of my passions was found right here. It’s been a great adventure. The Science Center has grown so much since I started, which is over 25 years ago.

Do you have a favorite thing about the Center?

There’s always something new to discover. The wonder in people’s experience, that a-ha moment — creating that experience for our guests is also very exciting.

Anything else that you’d like folks to know about?

Goodness. Let’s see. There’s so much to explore; seven different natural habitats, walking trails, a bike trail, a playground, picnic areas. You can explore the tide pools on your own, then you can come in and learn more, dive deeper.

Seacoast Science Center

Where: Odiorne Point State Park, 570 Ocean Blvd., Rye Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed Mondays during Summer Hours)

Admission: $8 and up at seacoastsciencecenter.org (members and under age 3 free)

Courtesy photo.

THE ART SCENE

By Curt Mackail

The Seacoast has long been a favorite location and home to artists, especially painters.

Perhaps the most renowned painter to work in the Seacoast was American impressionist Childe Hassam. Beginning around 1900, he painted extensively au plein air (in the open) at the Isles of Shoals, 6 miles offshore, where some of his most celebrated works were created.

Other esteemed artists who painted at the Isles in the open air include William Morris Hunt, John Appleton Brown and Ellen Robbins. That tradition continues today in the works of local artists like Christopher Volpe, Eric MacDonald, Bill Paarlberg, Patricia Savage, Alastair Dacy and Doris Rice — many of whom boast holdings by major art museums.

But you don’t have to go to a museum to explore Seacoast artists’ contemporary work. Galleries and studios abound where admission is free and the work is often top-notch.

Where to find local art

Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery (136

State St., Portsmouth) Part of the New Hampshire Art Association with 300 artist members, including painters, photographers, printmakers, sculptors and textile artists. Hosts monthly exhibits that feature the largest selection of original artwork from Seacoast artists. Open Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Other times by appointment. Visit nhartassociation. org. Email nhartassociation@gmail.com. Telephone 603-431-4230.

Seacoast Artist Association (130 Water St., Exeter) A nonprofit, all-volunteer community group of some 200 member artists with a spacious streetfront gallery in downtown Exeter. Membership is non-juried. Monthly theme shows of members’ work and frequent special events. An online gallery provides members with their own virtual exhibition space, accessed through the association website. Art classes offered in a variety of media. Gallery open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Visit seacoast artist.org. Telephone 603-778-8856.

Art Up Front Street Studios and Gallery (120 Front St., Exeter) Contemporary street-side gallery with five working artist studios. The 2,000-squarefoot space shows paintings, abstract art, illustration, collage, and mesh and wire sculpture from house artist plus special exhibitions. Open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit artupfrontstreet.com. Telephone 603-418-6286.

Don Gorvett’s Pisquataqua Fine Arts Gallery and Studio (123 Market St., Portsmouth dongorvettgallery.com) Features original woodcuts, drawings and paintings from master printmaker Gorvett and guest artists. Open daily or by appointment. Call 603-436-7278 or email info@dongorvettgallery.com for hours.

Alana Watercolors Gallery (58 Cranfield St., New Castle). Located since 1985 in what’s called the Blue House, street side near the village center. Find original work from artist Maddi Alana in her home studio including seascapes, florals and landscapes. Visit alanawatercolors. com. Email maddialana@alanawatercolors.com. Telephone 603-431-3726. Open year-round. Call or email for hours.

George Marshall Store Gallery (140 Lindsay Road, York, Maine, 207351-8200) A contemporary art space in a historic building on the York River, specializing in exhibitions of emerging and mid-career artists from Maine and New England. Open Thursday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and by appointment. Visit georgemarshallstoregallery. com or email info@georgemarshallstoregallery.com.

Noel Soucy courtesy of Seacoast Art Association

Golf &

Daily Specials IndoorGolf

World Famous Seafood Chowder & Lobster Rolls

Open six days a week in the heart of Dover, The Brunch Club (40 Chestnut St., Dover, 697-1016, thebrunchclubnh.com) is the city’s newest spot offering scratchcooked breakfast and lunch options in a uniquely cozy atmosphere. Owner and Hampton native Connor McNamara has more than a decade of experience in the restaurant industry, most recently serving as a general manager of The Community Oven. At the end of 2023, McNamara closed on the Chestnut Street space formerly occupied by 2 Home Cooks, ultimately deciding to pursue a brunch concept due to a stipulation on his lease requiring that he close by 5 p.m. The Brunch Club features the culinary prowess of Head Chef Andrew Holt, an industry veteran who has worked in restaurant kitchens for more than two decades. You’ll find everything from pancakes, waffles and French toast to burgers, sandwiches, soups and salads on the menu, plus a full array of bloody marys, mimosas and other brunch cocktail offerings. Especially popular with larger groups on weekends are the eatery’s brunch and lunch boards, or charcuterie-style samplers filled with all the fixings. The Scene recently caught up with McNamara to talk about his personal favorite items available at The Brunch Club and what you can expect when you visit.

How long has The Brunch Club been around?

Dec. 30 was our grand opening. We just squeezed it in before the end of 2023.

What makes The Brunch Club unique?

We definitely have some twists on a lot of classic menu items you would see at other breakfast and lunch places, but we kind of do them in our own fun way. We make everything pretty much from scratch, and our management team is very hands-on. … We’ve built quite a following of regulars already, and I think just the fun atmosphere that we create here also kind of sets us apart.

What is something that everyone

All photos courtesy of Dover Brunch Club.

should try?

It would be either the chicken and waffles or our biscuits and gravy. … We call our version of chicken and waffles our Cluckin’ Good Time — it has our waffle that we load with bacon bits, cheese and chives, and then we put chicken tenders on it and top it with hot honey from The Spicy Shark over in Portsmouth. … For the biscuits and gravy, again, it’s our homemade buttermilk biscuit and then we make our own sausage patty blend in house. We also chop it up and put it into a sausage gravy. … People have been raving that our biscuits and gravy are the best they’ve had since moving here from the South.

What celebrity would you like to see eating at The Brunch Club?

I’d have to say Tom Brady.

What is an essential skill to running a restaurant?

Leading by example and being handson. It goes a long way — it sets an example for the team and gets everyone invested, which in turn trickles down to the customer experience and the quality of the food.

What is your favorite thing about being on the Seacoast?

I think we’re really in the sweet spot. We’re close to the beach, an hour from the mountains [and] an hour from Boston. There are so many things to do — [the Seacoast] still has that smalltown vibe where you can get close enough to the city without being in the city.

Introducing our new chef Darren Gibaldo and sous chef Thomas Charette

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (PG-13)

Apes together strong, sometimes, in Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, the fourth movie in the reboot series that started with Rise of the Planet of the Apes in 2011.

A title card and a throwback scene to the funeral for Caesar, the Andy Serkis mo-capped chimp leader from the first three movies, reminds us that humans have been pandemic-ed into near oblivion, with most of the remaining people unable to speak and intellectually limited. Now, many (ape?) generations removed from that initial multi-decade struggle, apes live in all kinds of settlements, including, for the chimps we first encounter, as a clan in a small village where they smoke fish and raise eagles. Wikipedia and an appearance mid-movie by the Griffith Observatory suggest that this all takes place in Southern California. Noa (Owen Teague), a chimp who seems like an almost-but-not-quite adult, has to find an eagle egg for his special big boy ceremony the next day. When an encounter with a human stealing fish from the smokehouse leads to the breaking of the egg he had found, Noa sets off that night, in the dark, to find another one. Noa really needs that egg now because his dad, Koro (Neil Sandilands), is the head of the raptor raising operation and Noa doesn’t want to disappoint him.

The nighttime egg hunt leads Noa to cross paths with a raiding party from a different ape community. They don’t see Noa but they do find his horse and send it running so they can follow it and get to Noa’s village.

When Noa returns, the village is on fire, his buddies Anaya (Travis Jeffrey) and Soona (Lydia Peckham) and his mom, Dar (Sara Wiseman), are being herded together and tied up and his dad is trying to rescue the eagles from their nest-house atop a burning tow er. Noa helps his dad but then they both have to fight Sylva (Eka Darville), the gorilla who is head of the raiders. This is all for Proxi mus Caesar, Sylva says before using his cattle prod-like weapon to cause Noa to fall from the tower. Noa wakes up the next morning, bur ies his father and sets off in search of his stolen clan.

Eventually Noa makes it to the “kingdom” of Proximus (Kevin Durand), who Wikipe dia says is a bonobo. Proximus has a large work camp outside some kind of humanmade bunker and is kidnapping clans to serve as a workforce to help him pull open the giant doors of the bunker, which he hopes is filled with treasures. Seeing as the bunker is in the cliff next to a beach and he’s had to build a sea wall to keep the beach from being flooded, his “kingdom” isn’t very big. But Proximus lives pretty large, spending most of his time in a ship beached on this part of the coast where he has

a dining room, captured-ape servants and a pet human, Trevathan (William H. Macy), who, unlike the feral people we see by a watering

SEABROOK LOBSTER POUND

HOME OF THE KING SHAKE

Worry, by Alexandra Tanner (Scribner, 290 pages)

If there’s a twentysomething in your life, or if you are one, you will love Jules and Poppy, the anxious and squabbly sisters in Alexandra’s Tanner’s debut novel, Worry And also, at some point, you’ll just want to throttle them.

Tanner has bottled the nervous essence of youthful TikTok and spilled it out on the page in a quirky, pre-Covid novel that is dialogue-driven and plot-deprived but somehow manages to be fun to read.

It begins — and ends — in 2019. Poppy Gold, the younger of the two sisters and ostensibly the least emotionally stable, arrives at Jules’ rent-controlled apartment in Brooklyn, New York.

She takes over her sister’s home office and plans just to stay for a short while until she can find her own place.

Poppy has tried to kill herself and has picked up shoplifting for fun, but she seems to be on the mend emotionally. She, like much of her generation, is highly socially conscious, refusing to let her sister buy a SodaStream because she “doesn’t want to support Israeli apartheid.” She doesn’t have a job but is convinced she can get one and afford the rent on her own place, or else get their parents to subsidize it.

Jules, the narrator, knows better. Jules is somewhat stably employed as an editor for a publishing company that produces study guides similar to SparkNotes, and has a boyfriend with “an MFA in poetry and half a Ph.D. in poetry.”

“He pretends he knows things about wine and I let him. I pretend I know things about Russian literature and he lets me. It’s all very tentative,” Jules says. In her spare time, Jules obsesses over Mormon mommy blogs and picks fights with them in the comments. She calls them her mommies.

Her real mother, and Poppy’s, practices Messianic Judaism, just started an Instagram account (zero followers) and argues with her daughters about whether police are bad or good and is prone to texting them a thumbsdown emoji when they say something she doesn’t like.

“I don’t understand why the three of us can’t ever just have, like, a nice conversation,” Jules says to Poppy, discussing their mother. “Not even a conversation, just a moment even. What’s her deal with us? Why doesn’t she like us?”

“Oh,” Poppy says without looking up, “it’s because she’s a narcissist and we’re her appendages. It says so in the trauma book.”

Soon it becomes clear that Poppy will not be moving out anytime soon, and to the delight of their father, a dermatologist who is always telling his daughters what cosmetic work they

need to have done (and does it free), they settle down to housekeeping together. They even adopt a three-legged rescue dog named Amy Klobuchar.

This is the point where there should be some rising story arc, some crisis, some Thelma-and-Louise-esque trip. Astonishingly, there is not. Worry is essentially a book full of snappy dialogue and stream-of-consciousness observations of one millennial and one zoomer. Poppy and Jules are an Algonquin Round Table that seats two.

While they both have dreams — Jules has an MFA and still aspires to be a “real” writer — they are locked in anxiety, self-consciousness and a never-ending loop of videos on the internet that end badly, from 9/11 to a zoo panda’s death. This leads to a conversation about whether watching videos like that changes a person.

Poppy argues yes: “There is a before and after of me watching this video, you know? There’s the me who hadn’t chosen to watch the video, and there’s the me who did. And I’m not the old me anymore.”

To which Jules replies: “The Internet isn’t real, it isn’t experience. It’s moving dots.”

But when Jules ventures out into the real world to watch a writer lecture at a museum, and another young woman tries to befriend her, she refuses to engage and spirals into selfpity. “There’s never been a reality in which I could be a serious thinker, a serious writer. I’m a Floridian. I’m a consumer,” she says to herself.

Tanner disguises the seriousness underlying the women’s unhappiness with her light, comic touch. When, for example, a high-school drama friend reaches out to Jules, Jules admits, “It thrills me to see that she is not working as an actress, that she’s working in nonprofits — the fate of the unremarkable — and that she’s the annoying kind of married where she has her wedding date, bookended with hearts, in her little bio box.”

But Tanner throws the readers under a bus with an emotionally challenging ending that is a sharp and unexpected departure from her modus operandi up to that point. It’s as if she’d been serving cotton candy, and then suddenly left the room and came back with fried alligator. But by that point, it’s too late for the reader to bail.

Worry is, in essence, an anxious monologue that will resonate most with young, under-employed, over-educated Americans who live in large cities on the coasts. B —Jennifer Graham

MUSIC

Ripefest

Berklee-born band’s beach weekend

By Michael Witthaus mwitthaus@hippopress.com

Last year was a heady one for Ripe, and the high-energy, groove-infused alt-pop band continues to surf a wave of success. They’re always a favorite at Bernie’s Beach Bar in Hampton, and their next visit spans three nights. After winning over crowds at Bonnaroo and BottleRock, it sounds like a festival of their own.

“We’re really excited to be back at Bernie’s,” Ripe front man Robbie Wulfsohn said by phone from the band’s home base in Southern California recently. “I’m not going to give the whole hand away, but we’re definitely, you know, champing at the bit to put on these shows.”

Though none of its members were born in New England, Ripe is a hometown band. They formed at Berklee College of Music in the early 2010s, honing their sound at house parties and street fairs, while shuffling through lineup changes. The current core group is lead singer Wulfsohn, Jon Becker on guitar, drummer Sampson Hellerman and Calvin Barthel on trombone. Joining on tour are trumpet player Alonzo Demetrius and Christian Yogi Saint-Louis on bass. The band found its dance-ready sound at Berklee and in the years after graduation. Adding horns was kismet. “We got an opportunity to record a song in a studio session, and we thought a trumpet solo would be cool,” Wulfsohn recalled.

deliberate, either. “For a brief stint, there was saxophone, who abruptly … vanished from Boston on short notice. So we became trumpet and trombone.”

Their latest release is Live at MGM Music Hall at Fenway , documenting a triumphant return to Boston in front of a sold-out crowd. For Wulfsohn and his bandmates, it was a big moment.

“To be able to book a show like that in the first place, much less have people show up and have the room be as full as it was,” he said, “felt in a certain way like a crystallization of everything that we’ve worked for the last 10 or so years.”

Recalling the night, Wulfsohn said, “I got off stage being like, that was a good, normal, 90-minute set, and then it turns out that energy was going so high that that show cleared two hours and we didn’t even notice it. It was definitely one of those things where it felt like being very present, and then at the same time it just completely blew by us.”

Guest players have come, gone and returned over the years. Two of them produced Ripe’s most recent studio album, 2023’s Bright Blues , horn players Noah Conrad and Ryan Linvill. Wulfsohn felt that “working with people so deeply versed in musicality” made for a very intuitive process in the studio.

“There’s a lot of fear before diving into the water of opening up the song -

know what it’s like to be on the road … to live and breathe the band day in and day out,” he continued. “These guys, not only did we have a pre-existing relationship with them, but we also were able to talk music in the same language.”

Among Ripe’s upcoming gigs are Red Rocks, Telluride and Levitate Backyard in early July, an event in Marshfield, Mass., that’s been sold out for months. The Levitate Festival helped launch them in 2017. “Definitely a watershed moment, and we feel very close to that whole crew,” Wulfsohn said about returning. “The people involved in the festival are now also [at] the back end of what the band does; it feels like a cousin that helped you out along the way … familial.”

For now, their sights are set on kick-

ing off the summer with a long weekend on Hampton Beach. Wulfsohn hinted that the shows should offer some special moments for fans.

“I think we’re still in the middle of figuring that out,” he said. “More than anything, it’s no longer just a drive up the coast. We’ll be traveling from the West Coast to the East Coast, so we’re seeing what we can do with that, but no promises yet.”

Ripe

Where: Bernie’s Beach Bar, 73 Ocean Blvd., Hampton Beach

Hours: Friday, May 24, through Sunday, May 26, 8 p.m.

Admission: $39.50 at ticketmaster. com (3-day tickets $100). 21+.

Robbie Wulfsohn

Courtesy photo.

Exeter

Sawbelly Brewing

156 Epping Road, 5835080

Sea Dog Brewery

5 Water St., 793-5116

Shooters Pub

6 Columbus Ave., 7723856

Hampton

Bernie’s Beach Bar

73 Ocean Blvd., 926-5050

Bogie’s

32 Depot Square, 6012319

Thursday, May 23

Exeter

Community Oven

845 Lafayette Road, 6016311

CR’s The Restaurant

287 Exeter Road, 9297972

The Goat

20 L St., 601-6928

L Street Tavern 603 17 L St., 967-4777

Logan’s Run

816 Lafayette Road, 9264343

Sawbelly Brewing: Chad Verbeck, 5 p.m.

Hampton

Smuttynose Brewing: The 603s, 6:30 p.m.

Newburyport

The Goat: Chris Toler, 8 p.m.

Portsmouth Napoletana Pizza: Mitch Alden, 7:30 p.m.

Portsmouth Gas Light Co.: Dave Ayotte Duo , 7 p.m.

The Goat: Isaiah Bennett, 8 p.m.

Seabrook

Red’s Kitchen: Jay Gratton, 7 p.m.

Friday, May 24

Exeter

Sea Ketch

127 Ocean Blvd., 9260324

Shane’s BBQ 61 High St., 601-7091

Smuttynose Brewing 105 Towle Farm Road, 601-8200

Wally’s Pub 144 Ashworth Ave., 9266954 926-6954

Whym Craft Pub & Brewery

853 Lafayette Road, 6012801

Seabrook

Sawbelly Brewing: John Irish Duo, 5 p.m.

Hampton

Smuttynose Brewing: Jim Devlin Band, 6:30 p.m.

The Goat: Mike Jetti, 8 p.m.

Wally’s: Warped Tour Band, 8 p.m.

Newburyport

The Goat: Alex Anthony, 8 p.m.

Portsmouth

Napoletana Pizza: Rhythm Method, 9 p.m.

Portsmouth Gas Light Co.: Dancing Madly Backwards , 7 p.m., DJ Koko P (Nightclub), 9 p.m., Sam Hammerman, 9:30 p.m.

The Goat: Chris Toler, 9 p.m.

olD soul

Newburyport, Mass.

The Goat

54 Merrimac St., 978-3588328

Newmarket

Stone Church 5 Granite St., 659-7700

North Hampton

Locals Restaurant & Pub 215 Lafayette Road, 3792729

Portsmouth Cisco Brewers 35 Corporate Dr., 3807575

Seabrook

Red’s Kitchen: Ditto, 8 p.m.

Saturday, May 25

Exeter

Sawbelly Brewing: Chris Voss, 1 p.m., Harry Borsch, 5 p.m.

Hampton

Smuttynose Brewing: Crab Shack Band, 6:30 p.m.

The Goat: Chris Toler, 8 p.m.

Wally’s: Neon 90’s, 9 p.m.

Newburyport

The Goat: Steve Dennis, 8 p.m., Seamus Caron, 10 p.m.

Portsmouth

Napoletana Pizza: Mica Peterson Trio, 9 p.m.

Portsmouth Gas Light Co.: Max Sullivan, 7 p.m., Harrison Goodell , 9:30 p.m.

The Goat: Mike Jetti, 9 p.m.

If the recent Amy Winehouse biopic left you wanting more soulful, jazz-influenced pop, you’ll want to check out Kat Wright. Her soaring voice, vintage-y pop and femme fatale stage presence will leave you wanting more. She headlines the Word Barn (66 Newfields Road, Exeter, 2440202, thewordbarn.com) on Friday, May 24, at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $16 to $28, plus fees.

Clipper Tavern 75 Pleasant St., 501-0109

Portsmouth Gas Light Co. 64 Market St., 430-9122

Gibb’s Garage Bar 3612 Lafayette Road, 3694123

The Goat 142 Congress St., 5904628

Grill 28

Pease Golf Course, 7666466

Red’s Kitchen: Tim Parent & The Grim Bros., 8 p.m.

Sunday, May 26

Exeter

Sawbelly Brewing: Max Sullivan, 1 p.m.

Hampton

Smuttynose Brewing: Redemption, 5:30 p.m.

Wally’s: CKY, 8 p.m.

Newburyport

The Goat: Justin Jordan, 10 a.m., Jonny Friday, 8 p.m.

Portsmouth

Napoletana Pizza: Vinmar 3, 8 p.m.

Portsmouth Gas Light Co.: David Corson, 2 p.m., Rhythm Method Band, 7 p.m., Freddie Catalfo (Pub), 7:30 p.m.

The Goat: Rob Pagnano, 9 p.m.

Napoletana Pizza 14 Market Square, 5703610

The Press Room 77 Daniel St., 431-5186

The Statey Bar & Grill 238 Deer St., 431-4357

Thirsty Moose Taphouse 21 Congress St., 427-8645

Tuscan Kitchen 10 Ledgewood Drive, 5703600

Rochester MrSippy BBQ 184 S. Main St., 403-4780

Rochester

MrSippy BBQ: Eric Royer’s One-Man Band, 8 p.m.

Monday, May 27

Hampton

Wally’s: John Garcia (formerly of Kyuss), 9 p.m.

Newburyport

The Goat: Alex Anthony, 8 p.m.

Portsmouth

Napoletana Pizza: Night School Jam , 8 p.m.

The Goat: Andrew Dostie, 9 p.m.

Tuesday, May 28

Newburyport

The Goat: Rob Pagnano, 8 p.m.

Portsmouth

The Goat: Marvel Trivia Night, 9 p.m.

Rye Atlantic Grill 5 Pioneer Road, 4333000

Salisbury, Mass. Carousel Lounge 27 Ocean Front South, 978-465-9045

Gracie’s Bar and Grill 5 Broadway, 978-3588672

Surfside 25 Broadway, 978-4639222

Uncle Eddie’s Oceanside Tavern 8 Ocean Front South, 978465-9779

Seabrook Chop Shop Pub 920 Lafayette Road, 7607706

Red’s Kitchen + Tavern 530 Lafayette Road, 7600030

Seabrook

Backyard Burgers: Music Bingo hosted by Jennifer Mitchell, 8 p.m.

Red’s Kitchen: Chad Verbeck, 7 p.m.

Wednesday, May 29

Hampton

Smuttynose Brewing: Living On Island Time featuring Redemption, 5:30 p.m.

Newburyport

The Goat: Steve Dennis, 8 p.m.

Portsmouth

The Goat: Rob Pagnano, 9 p.m.

Seabrook

Red’s Kitchen: Jimmy MacWilliam, 7 p.m.

he funnY DiAbeTiC

Contemporary comedy enthusiasts will recognize Nick Callas from his appearances on Comedy Central, MTV and Saturday Night Live. He’s also worked closely with organizations such as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation to raise awareness about Type I diabetes, an illness he’s had since he was a child. He stops by the Music Hall Lounge (131 Congress St., Portsmouth, 4362400, themusichall.org) on Friday, May 24, at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Tickets range from $24 to $34, plus fees.

New World Order

“Father Justin,” an AI priest created by Catholic Answers, a Christian group in San Diego, was defrocked on April 24 after claiming to users that he was a real member of the clergy and performing sacraments, the New York Post reported. Holy Justin told users he was a priest in Assisi, Italy. He shared his views on sexual issues and took confession, concluding with, “Go in peace, my child, and sin no more.” He also advised one user that they could use Gatorade to baptize their child. Christopher Check, president of Catholic Answers, explained: “We chose the character to convey a quality of knowledge and authority ... Many people, however, have voiced concerns about this choice.” The avatar was rebranded as Virtual Apologist Justin, minus the cassock and collar, after an uproar about his behavior. “We won’t say he’s been laicized,” Check said, “because he was never a real priest!”

Internationals behaving badly

Artist Benediktas Gylys went live with his installation “Portal” on May 14, United Press International reported. “Portal” is a live video stream connecting New York City with Dublin, Ireland. But it was switched off the same day because of “instances of inappropriate behavior” that have been “amplified on social media.” The naughty actions included swear-

S UDO k U

ing, nudity and displays of images from the 9/11 terror attacks in New York. “I thought the people of Dublin deserved to see my two New York homegrown potatoes,” said Ava Louise, who bared her breasts to “Portal.” Governments on both sides of the pond are considering actions to take to curb the bad behavior.

Least Competent Criminal

An unnamed woman who had been accused of stealing a car was released from jail on May 3 in Boulder, Colorado. Upon her release, she walked down the road until she found a truck with the keys inside, the Associated Press reported. She got as far as starting the truck, but when she was confronted with the truck’s manual transmission, she got out and walked off, leaving the truck to roll forward and hit a fire hydrant. She was arrested again and has a May 30 court date for multiple offenses.

No Longer Weird

The last four years have brought about 700 reports of orcas attacking boats. On May 12, in the Strait of Gibraltar, a 49-foot-long vessel called Alboran Cognac sank after repeated blows from a group of orcas, Reuters reported. The yacht carried two people, who felt the shocks before water started seeping in. They alerted rescue services, and a nearby oil tanker took them in. Researchers don’t know why the animals attack ships.

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9. Answers will appear in next week’s paper.

Hand Crafted European Breads & Pastries

Open Thursday, Friday & Saturday 7am-4pm

978-499-8839

175 Elm St. Rt.110, Salisbury MA Annarosas.com instagram.com/annarosasbakery

“Outposts”— sent to the edges.

Across

1. It’s a long story

5. Pal in Pamplona

10. High school class

13. Hokkaido sashes

14. Repeat performances?

16. Wish undone

17. 1982 horror flick

19. “___ bide my time”

20. North African condiment

21. Belief held by Thomas Jefferson and Mark Twain

23. Pressing needs?

24. Sunday dinner slow-cooker option

27. Dreyer’s, east of the Rockies

28. Paid athlete

30. M&M color introduced in 1995

31. Shift neighbor

33. Commander’s commander

34. Faddish mental health proponent

39. It’s all wrong

40. Thompson who’s still on “SNL”

41. Verifiable

42. Use a needle and thread

43. Drier than dry

47. Most courteous

51. At a good clip

52. “Love ___ you need”

53. Scanned black-and-white patterns

55. “The Brady Bunch” daughter

57. Georges Seurat, for one

59. Estadio Diego Armando Maradona cheer

60. “The Woman In Me”

autobiographer

61. Fox’s home

62. “___ the season to be jolly”

63. Young’s partner in accounting

64. ___ occasion (never)

Down

1. Singer-songwriter Ellis-Bextor

2. “All ___!”

3. California’s “Garlic Capital of the World”

4. Actors John and Sean, for two

5. Airport postings, briefly

6. Prefix used by some state lotteries

7. Anger

8. Musical notation pioneer

9. Beginning

10. Monaco’s royal house

11. Actor Brynner

12. Nickname for two Spice Girls

15. Make a slight move

18. Squiggly letter

22. 1924 Pulitzer Prize-winning

Edna Ferber novel

24. Swanky to the max

25. Makes an appeal

26. Pitched shelter

28. TP layer

29. Rooftop accessory

31. Georgia, formerly, e.g.

32. Fine-tune

33. “___ voyage!”

34. Arrested suspect, informally

35. Three-layered cookie

36. Nutty confections

37. Suffix for cities

38. Scientific principle

43. NASA lunar program

44. Angular measure, in math

45. Isolates due to extreme weather, maybe

46. G.I. Joe villain whose name is one letter short of a synonym for “obliterate”

48. Bar lineup

49. Get married secretly

50. Craftier

51. Knee injury site, briefly

53. Fiscal yr. divisions

54. Robbie who played Cousin Oliver

55. Scribble (down)

56. Oscar-nominated role for Smith

58. Photographer Goldin

DAILY EVENTS

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© 2024 Matt Jones