NOW MAGAZINE • JULY/MID-AUGUST 2022
2022-2023 SEASON SHOWS
LITERARY AT THE LOUNGE
BRETT ELDREDGE* ROBERT CRAY BAND COLBIE CAILLAT PAULA POUNDSTONE JOHN IRVING ELF THE MUSICAL & MORE!
TOM PERROTTA 7/12
MUSIC AT THE LOUNGE
CHRIS PIERCE 7/21 MUSIC AT THE LOUNGE
TAKÉNOBU 7/30 LIVE UNDER THE ARCH
SONGWRITERS IN THE ROUND 8/6
PGS 10-18
*ON THE COVER
LEAD SPONSOR
SEASON SPONSORS
INTRODUCING THE CURATORS
TINA SAWTELLE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR We are beyond thrilled to be presenting the mega country star Brett Eldredge (9/2) to kick off our fall season. I've been following this artist for years and can't believe we will get to see him perform right here in Portsmouth, NH!
Our expert Curatorial Team wants to draw your attention to these highlights but there's programming for everyone at The Music Hall. Check out upcoming shows on pgs 3-7 and 2022-23 programming on pgs 10-18.
JAMES PAONE
LAUREN HODGE
For me, comic relief has become as necessary as my morning coffee. Luckily, we’ve got a wide range of comedians coming through both venues. A few of my picks: Pat McGann (7/7), Adam Ray (8/7), and Eddie B’s “Teacher’s Only” show (10/22).
With summer on the horizon, we’re thankfully that much closer to the legendary Dionne Warwick (9/7) gracing our stage. That’s not to say I’m wishing away the sunny days, because up-and-coming folk singer-songwriter Bella White (8/20) is on my must-see list at The Lounge.
PROGRAMMING MANAGER
TALENT BUYER
BRITTANY WASON
MONTE BOHANAN
Just as it’s difficult to pick my favorite book, I can't pick my favorite event, especially when Writers on a New England Stage is in full force: NPR’s Nina Totenberg (9/21), Hillary Clinton’s aide Huma Abedin (9/27), and the Seacoast’s own John Irving (10/18)!
I can't wait to bring Elf The Musical back to the Hall with our partners, the Ogunquit Playhouse, this holiday season. My family and I already have our tickets, and I’m dusting off my curly shoes and green tights!
LITERARY PRODUCER & CONTENT MANAGER
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
MARK PRUETT
ASHLEIGH TUCKER POLLOCK
DIRECTOR OF DATA SERVICES & CINEMA CURATOR
CHIEF OF STAFF & DANCE CURATOR
Cinema is alive and well, screening exclusively on our big screen at the Historic Theater. Telluride by the Sea, indie films, Art House pics, Hollywood flicks, concerts in HD, opera, and documentaries of all kinds!
I am so excited to welcome Paul Taylor Dance Company (9/10) back to our historic stage!
Curator Photo Credits: Chris Keeley Photography
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS
MAGAZINE
Monte Bohanan
Mark Pruett
Sara Turner
Lauren Hodge
Tina Sawtelle
Brittany Wason
James Paone
Ashleigh Tucker Pollock
THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE PARTNERS
2
603.436.2400
DESIGN Kaitlyn Huwe
COMEDY AT THE LOUNGE Laugh along with us COMEDY SERIES SPONSORS:
PAT MCGANN
Thu., July 7 • 6pm & 8:30pm • The Lounge
MICHAEL IAN BLACK
Sat., July 9 • 6pm & 9pm • The Lounge
Pat McGann is quickly rising as one of the sharpest stand-ups in the comedy world as Sebastian Maniscalco’s opening act.
Michael Ian Black is a multi-media talent who has starred in films and shows like Wet Hot American Summer, and regularly tours with his ribald brand of jokes.
JIMMY TINGLE LIVE!
ADAM RAY
Jimmy Tingle weaves the good, the bad, and the ugly of the pandemic with the humor, hope, and humanity the world so desperately needs in 2022.
You know him from shows Curb Your Enthusiasm and Arrested Development; films The Heat and Ghostbusters; and his About Last Night podcast.
Sat., July 16 • 6pm & 8:30pm • The Lounge
Sun., August 7 • 8:30pm • The Lounge
TheMusicHall.org
3
MUSIC AT THE LOUNGE Local legends & rising stars
DARLINGSIDE [SOLD OUT]
TOMBERLIN
Known for their harmonies, intelligent songwriting, and hilarious stage presence, the Boston-based quartet is a live-performance favorite on the Seacoast!
Up-and-comer Tomberlin’s music has been widely praised for the sparsity and delicacy of its instrumentation, especially in contrast with the emotional heft of her lyrics.
SÉAN MCCANN
CHRIS PIERCE
Founder of the iconic Canadian band, Great Big Sea, Séan McCann presents a rollicking return to his own maritime roots and an invigorating breath of salty sea air.
The #1 charting singer-songwriter Chris Pierce has toured with Seal, Cold War Kids, Keb' Mo', Sunny War and more, in addition to topping the Billboard Blues chart and Americana lists.
Fri., July 8 • 8pm • The Lounge
Wed., July 13 • 7pm • The Lounge
4
603.436.2400
Sun., July 10 • 8pm • The Lounge
Thu., July 21 • 7:30pm • The Lounge
MUSIC AT THE LOUNGE Music to our ears
TAYLOR O'DONNELL
BITTER PILL
Sun., July 24 • 8pm • The Lounge
Fri., July 22 8pm The Lounge Bitter Pill’s “rhythm and bluegrass” music is a dark and anachronistic twist of folk, blues, jazz, rockabilly, and country.
Known for her exploratory use of vocal timbre and texture in her musical stylings, Taylor O’Donnell’s musical dialogue combines her R&B, folk, jazz, rock, and classical music training.
PETER MULVEY & MARK ERELLI
TAKÉNOBU
Two singer-songwriter veterans bring decades on the road and Americana artistry together with no holds barred.
This multi-layered string duo is known for their dreamy and dramatic instrumental pieces.
•
•
Thu., July 28 • 7:30pm • The Lounge
Sat., July 30 • 8pm • The Lounge
TheMusicHall.org
5
LITERARY AT THE LOUNGE Summer reads & bestselling authors
TOM PERROTTA
Tue., July 12 • 7pm • The Lounge Tracy Flick is back and, once again, the iconic protagonist of Tom Perrotta’s Election—and Reese Witherspoon’s character from the classic movie adaptation—is determined to take high school politics by storm. Evening’s Moderator: Richard Russo, Pulitzer Prize-winning author.
CHRIS VAN ALLSBURG
Sun., July 31 • 2pm • The Lounge Join The Music Hall and Portsmouth Historical Society for a special conversation with Caldecott Medalist and bestselling author of Jumanji and The Polar Express, Chris Van Allsburg! 6
603.436.2400
LIVE UNDER THE ARCH ON CHESTNUT ST. Our outdoor series in the sunshine! LIVE UNDER THE ARCH PRESENTING SPONSOR:
ERICK BAKER WITH SPECIAL GUEST LYDIA LUCE
LIZ FRAME & THE KICKERS
Erick Baker has toured alongside artists like John Legend, Brandi Carlile, and the Goo Goo Dolls, performing with passion and unguarded emotional energy. Virtuoso Lydia Luce joins for a spellbinding show.
With a voice like Patsy Cline and songwriting style in the vein of Dolly Parton and Lucinda Williams, Liz Frame delivers honest, unbridled Americana with serious soul.
Sat., July 2 • 6pm & 8pm • Chestnut Street
Fri., July 15 • 7:30pm • Chestnut Street
SONGWRITERS IN THE ROUND:
DAN BLAKESLEE, KATE REDGATE, & CHAD VERBECK Sat., August 6 • 8pm • Chestnut Street
A NIGHT OF SINATRA WITH RICH DIMARE
Three immensely talented singer-songwriters and troubadours share their own unique styles of folk and Americana in this special in-theround performance under the stars.
Rich DiMare is an American jazz singer who specializes in the Frank Sinatra songbook.
Thu., August 18 • 6pm & 8pm • Chestnut Street
TheMusicHall.org
7
8
603.436.2400
SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT Gratitude for a Generous (and Growing!) Group As we welcome a new season at The Music Hall, we welcome a new Season Sponsor to the ranks of this storied group of steadfast supporters: JGroup Hospitality. Passionate hospitality professionals, JGroup is the team behind Jumpin’ Jay’s Fish Cafe, Moxy, The Franklin, Luigi’s West End Pizzeria, White Heron Tea & Coffee, STREET, Ore Nell’s Barbecue, Vida Cantina, The Railpenny Tavern, Dos Amigos, and Liars Bench Beer Co., as well as the Water Street Inn, The Sailmaker’s House, the Hotel Thaxter, and more. JGroup Founder and CEO Jay McSharry is a longtime champion of The Music Hall. In addition to serving on the Board of Trustees from Zachary Williams Credit: Chris Keeley Photography
2010 to 2019 (with a three-year stint as President), Jay and his wife and
business partner Amanda are Music Hall members, sponsors, and regular patrons. We are grateful for the support of JGroup and all of our Corporate Sponsors. Season Sponsor Carey & Giampa, Realtors have pledged their support for 2022-23, marking their 10th year in that role, as has Portwalk Place, now celebrating 9 years as a Season Sponsor. Our Lead Sponsor, B2W Software continues to make exemplary, inspirational contributions, this year committing to sponsor the B2W Box Office through the 2024-25 Season. Please visit our website to see all our Corporate Partners, learn more about them in the Playbill (available in person and online), and thank them on our behalf at the next opportunity!
UPCOMING MEMBER EVENTS DIRECTOR'S CLUB THE LOUNGE
Wed., 7/6 • 5:30pm 131 Congress St., Portsmouth
with acoustic ambience from Music Hall favorite Sarah Blacker More Book Club and Director’s Club events are coming in the fall! For information, please visit our website or contact Wesley Lovell at WLovell@themusichall.org DIRECTOR'S CLUB SPONSOR: Newburyport Bank
proud supporters of the Music hall
bringing the arts home...
The ArTs Are The Answer to vibrant and prosperous communities where we treasure our heritage, celebrate our diversity and nurture our ingenuity.
TheMusicHall.org
9
MUSIC AT THE HISTORIC THEATER Tickets are going fast! MUSIC SERIES SPONSORS: H A M P T O N F O R D
H Y U N D A I
AN EVENING WITH THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS [SOLD OUT] Thu., September 1 • 8pm • Historic Theater
In honor of the album that made them an international act, They Might Be Giants is celebrating Flood's 30th anniversary by performing the album, in its entirety, on stages in select cities across the US. EVENING SPONSOR: BANKW Staffing
BRETT ELDREDGE
Fri., September 2 • 8pm • Historic Theater Brett Eldredge brings the electrifying Songs About You Tour to Portsmouth for an incredible night of powerhouse vocals and music from the new album. ARTIST UNDERWRITING MADE POSSIBLE BY:
Black Rock Sports Club David and Karen Della Penta Stephen A. Gaykan
DIONNE WARWICK
Wed., September 7 • 7:30pm • Historic Theater Dionne Warwick is a six-time Grammy Awardwinning music legend who has recorded more than 75 charted hit songs and sold over 100 million records. EVENING SPONSORS: Leone, McDonnell and Roberts, PA; Piscataqua Savings Bank; Whole Life Health Care
10
603.436.2400
MUSIC AT THE HISTORIC THEATER Music Hall favorites return MUSIC SERIES SPONSORS: H A M P T O N F O R D
H Y U N D A I
THE ROBERT CRAY BAND
Tue., September 13 • 7:30pm • Historic Theater Over the past four decades, Cray has created a sound that rises from American roots with five Grammys and dozens of albums that punctuate the Blues Hall of Famer’s career. EVENING SPONSORS: Avery Insurance
COLBIE CAILLAT
Wed., October 19 • 7:30pm • Historic Theater Two-time Grammy Award-winning Colbie Caillat has performed her platinum albums and chart-topping songs all around the world with the likes of John Mayer and Sheryl Crow. EVENING SPONSORS: Avery Insurance; Harbor Advisory Corporation; Harvey Family Dentistry
TheMusicHall.org
11
MUSIC AT THE HISTORIC THEATER Celebrating with the best! MUSIC SERIES SPONSORS: H A M P T O N F O R D
H Y U N D A I
JANIS IAN: CELEBRATING OUR YEARS TOGETHER
Thu., October 27 • 7:30pm • Historic Theater With special guest Tom Rush The multi-Grammy Award-winning artist, songwriter, and musician celebrates a lifetime in music with her latest album and her last North American tour. EVENING SPONSOR:
NEW YEAR'S EVE CHAMPAGNE POPS WITH PORTS. SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Sat., December 31 • 8pm • Historic Theater
Join the Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra and The Music Hall for an effervescent New Year’s Eve celebration as we welcome a fresh start together. On sale soon!
NATALIE MACMASTER & DONNELL LEAHY
Sun., February 26 • 4pm • Historic Theater Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy’s electrifying performances on the fiddles have propelled their dazzling careers since childhood while cementing their status as Canada’s reigning couple of Celtic music. EVENING SPONSOR: Piscataqua Savings Bank
12
603.436.2400
WRITERS ON A NEW ENGLAND STAGE Authors return in-person to the stage WRITERS ON A NEW ENGLAND STAGE IS A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN:
PRESENTING SPONSOR:
MEDIA PARTNER:
NINA TOTENBERG
Wed., September 21 • 7pm • Historic Theater Celebrated NPR correspondent Nina Totenberg delivers an extraordinary memoir of her personal successes, struggles, and life-affirming relationships, including her beautiful friendship of nearly fifty years with Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. EVENING SPONSOR: The Fifth Flavor
HUMA ABEDIN
Tue., September 27 • 7pm • Historic Theater A New York Times bestseller, this extraordinary memoir from Hillary Clinton’s famously private top aide and longtime advisor offers a behind-the-scenes look at life both/and, good and bad.
JOHN IRVING
Tue., October 18 • 7pm • Historic Theater John Irving, one of the world’s greatest novelists, returns with his first novel in seven years—a ghost story, a love story, and a lifetime of sexual politics. EVENING SPONSOR: Eastern Bank
TheMusicHall.org
13
COMEDY AT THE HISTORIC THEATER We could all use a laugh COMEDY SERIES SPONSORS:
PAULA POUNDSTONE
Sat., October 1 • 8pm • Historic Theater Paula Poundstone is known for her smart, observational humor, and a spontaneous wit that has become the stuff of legend.
EVENING SPONSORS: Carpe Diem Coffee Roasting Co; Petersen Engineering
EDDIE B.
Sat., October 22 • 8pm • Historic Theater The teacher-turned-comic is known for his raw and hysterically realistic portrayal of a teacher’s hectic life. EVENING SPONSOR: Mad*Pow
14
603.436.2400
COMEDY AT THE HISTORIC THEATER India's biggest comedian and the Seacoast's own COMEDY SERIES SPONSORS:
VIR DAS
Sat., October 29 • 8pm • Historic Theater Catch the global phenomenon, who has five Netflix stand-up specials and most recently starred in the Judd Apatow film The Bubble, live in Portsmouth, NH.
JUSTON MCKINNEY: A YEAR IN REVIEW 2022
Mon., December 26 • 7pm; Tue., December 27 • 7pm; Wed., December 28 • 8pm; Thu., December 29 • 8pm • Historic Theater End the year with laughter as comedian Juston McKinney performs what have become annual must-see shows at The Music Hall! EVENING SPONSORS: Eastern Bank; Harvey Family Dentistry
TheMusicHall.org
15
DANCE IN THE HISTORIC THEATER THEATER/DANCE MEDIA PARTNER:
PAUL TAYLOR DANCE COMPANY
Sat., September 10 • 7:30pm • Historic Theater One of the most famous and dynamic modern dance ensembles of our time, Paul Taylor Dance Company returns to The Music Hall with an excitingly diverse repertory for the historic stage.
TELLURIDE IS BACK AT THE HISTORIC THEATER TELLURIDE BY THE SEA FILM FESTIVAL
Fri., September 16 - Sun., September 18 Historic Theater One weekend festival of new movies fresh from their debuts at Colorado’s Telluride Film Festival. Films will be announced and individual tickets will go on sale Labor Day weekend.
Credit: David J. Murray/ClearEyePhoto.com
16
603.436.2400
THE OGUNQUIT PLAYHOUSE AT THE MUSIC HALL PRESENTS
NOVEMBER 30 - DECEMBER 18 Elf The Musical is the hilarious tale of Buddy, an orphan child who thinks he’s one of Santa’s elves. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. This modern day Christmas classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner Elf.
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT
Don’t be a cotton-headed ninny-muggins, get your tickets early! Promotion runs through July 31.
10% DISCOUNT
20% DISCOUNT
30% DISCOUNT
Friend level Save up to $9.90/ticket
Advocate-Patron level Save up to $19.80/ticket
Backer-Stakeholder level Save up to $29.70/ticket
PRESENTING HOLIDAY SPONSOR:
TheMusicHall.org
17
UPCOMING MUSIC AT THE LOUNGE Something for everyone! EANDA BAND:
BELLA WHITE
Fri., August 19 • 8pm The Lounge
A truly original new voice in songwriting, Bella White creates an undeniable magic on her debut album that Rolling Stone praised as “sublime Appalachian heartbreak.”
ANGER, HARTMAN, WALSH, GILCHRIST, POOL The best of Boston’s American string and bluegrass scene create a spirited musical conversation for all.
WILL DAILEY
Fri., September 2 • 8pm The Lounge Award-winning artist Will Dailey’s rich vintage sound has earned him #1 hit records.
Fri., September 9 • 9pm The Lounge
Versatile and innovative artists, Taylor Ashton and the Oshima Brothers make for a beautiful night of music.
MELISSA FERRICK
The Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter’s deep, smooth voice is seriously easy to get lost in.
Ferrick is one of the most prolific independent artists and songwriters on the scene today.
SARAH BLACKER BAND
JONATHA BROOKE
The band presents seamless songs that expand into danceable grooves and playful improvisational journeys.
With an edgy roots-rock sensibility, Jonatha Brooke has been making music for decades.
WILLY PORTER & TOM PIROZZOLI
ELLIS PAUL
Fri., September 30 • 8pm The Lounge
Fri., October 21 7:30pm The Lounge •
Rich guitar work and world travels complete these singer-songwriters’ live performances.
603.436.2400
TAYLOR ASHTON & OSHIMA BROTHERS
ARI HEST
Thu., September 15 • 7:30pm The Lounge
18
Sat., August 20 • 8pm The Lounge
Fri., September 23 • 8pm The Lounge
Sat., October 8 • 6pm The Lounge
Fri., October 28 • 8pm The Lounge A national treasure and New England’s own, Ellis Paul is a singular storyteller unlike any other.
AT A GLANCE
B2W BOX OFFICE AT THE HISTORIC THEATER: 28 Chestnut Street
Schedule subject to change. Check TheMusicHall.org for updates. LEGEND: At The Historic Theater | At The Lounge | Offsite/Online
JULY 2022
AUGUST 2022
SEPTEMBER 2022
Live Under the Arch
Live Under the Arch
Cinema
Erick Baker with special guest Lydia Luce Saturday, July 2 • 6pm & 8pm Comedy
Pat McGann
Thursday, July 7 • 6pm & 8:30pm Music
Darlingside [SOLD OUT] Friday, July 8 • 8pm Comedy
Songwriters in the Round: Dan Blakeslee, Kate Redgate & Chad Verbeck Saturday, August 6 • 8pm Comedy
Adam Ray
Sunday, August 7 • 8:30pm Live Under the Arch
A Night of Sinatra with Rich DiMare
Thursday, August 18 • 6pm & 8pm
Telluride by the Sea Film Festival
Friday, September 16 - Sunday, September 18 Writers on a New England Stage
Nina Totenberg
Wednesday, September 21 • 7pm Music
Melissa Ferrick
Friday, September 23 • 8pm Writers on a New England Stage
Michael Ian Black
Music
Music
Friday, August 19 • 8pm
Music
Sunday, July 10 • 8pm
Music
Friday, September 30 • 8pm
Literary
Saturday, August 20 • 8pm
Saturday, July 9 • 6pm & 9pm
Tomberlin
Tom Perrotta
Tuesday, July 12 • 7pm
EandA Band: Anger, Hartman, Walsh, Gilchrist, Pool Bella White
Huma Abedin
Tuesday, September 27 • 7pm
Sarah Blacker Band
OCTOBER 2022
Music
SEPTEMBER 2022
Comedy
Wednesday, July 13 • 7pm
Music
Saturday, October 1 • 8pm
Live Under the Arch
Thursday, September 1 • 8pm
Séan McCann
Liz Frame & the Kickers
They Might Be Giants [SOLD OUT]
Friday, July 15 • 7:30pm
Music
Comedy
Friday, September 2 • 8pm
Jimmy Tingle Live!
Brett Eldredge
Saturday, July 16 • 6pm & 8:30pm
Music
Music
Friday, September 2 • 8pm
Chris Pierce
Will Dailey
Thursday, July 21 • 7:30pm
Music
Music
Wednesday, September 7 • 7:30pm
Bitter Pill
Dionne Warwick
Friday, July 22 • 8pm
Music
Music
Friday, September 9 • 9pm
Taylor O’Donnell
Taylor Ashton & Oshima Brothers
Sunday, July 24 • 8pm
Dance
Music
Saturday, September 10 • 7:30pm
Peter Mulvey & Mark Erelli
Paul Taylor Dance Company
Thursday, July 28 • 7:30pm
Music
Music
Tuesday, September 13 • 7:30pm
Takénobu
The Robert Cray Band
Saturday, July 30 • 8pm
Music
Literary
Thursday, September 15 • 7:30pm
Chris Van Allsburg
Ari Hest
Paula Poundstone Music
Jonatha Brooke
Saturday, October 8 • 6pm Writers on a New England Stage
John Irving
Tuesday, October 18 • 7pm Music
Colbie Caillat
Wednesday, October 19 • 7:30pm Music
Willy Porter & Tom Pirozzoli
Friday, October 21 • 7:30pm Comedy
Eddie B
Saturday, October 22 • 8pm Music
Janis Ian: Celebrating Our Years Together Thursday, October 27 • 7:30pm Music
Ellis Paul
Friday, October 28 • 8pm Comedy
Vir Das
Saturday, October 29 • 8pm
Sunday, July 31 • 2pm
FROM OUR PARTNER - THE OGUNQUIT PLAYHOUSE
TheMusicHall.org
19
PUBLISHED EVERY SIX WEEKS BY:
Friends of The Music Hall 28 Chestnut Street Portsmouth, NH 03801
NON PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT NO. 609 MANCHESTER, NH
VOLUME 10, ISSUE 5
UPCOMING SHOWS
MICHAEL IAN BLACK July 9
BITTER PILL July 22
LEAD SPONSOR:
JULY/MID-AUGUST 2022
PAT MCGANN 7/7