4 DAYS. 100+ FILMS. ONE UNFORGETTABLE JOURNEY...
OCTOBER 17-20,2024
PLATINUM SPONSOR
SEASON SPONSORS
4 DAYS. 100+ FILMS. ONE UNFORGETTABLE JOURNEY...
OCTOBER 17-20,2024
PLATINUM SPONSOR
SEASON SPONSORS
RICHARD POWERS WITH PLAYGROUND
Tue., Oct. 1 • 7pm
EVERCLEAR WITH MARCY PLAYGROUND
Wed., Oct. 9 • 7pm
A CONVERSATION WITH ALAN RUCK
NEW HAMPSHIRE FILM FESTIVAL FEATURED SPEAKER
Fri., Oct. 18 • 4pm
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NITTY GRITTY DIRT BAND
ALL THE GOOD TIMES: THE FAREWELL TOUR Thu., Oct. 3 • 7:30pm
Fri., Oct. 11 • 8pm
PAULA POUNDSTONE Sat., Oct. 26 • 8pm
Listen to the artists in this magazine with our Spotify Playlist!
BRUCE HORNSBY & THE NOISEMAKERS Sat., Oct. 5 • 8pm
LEANN RIMES Wed., Oct. 16 • 7:30pm
INVESTIGATE, DISCOVER, DECIDE
COLD CASE LIVE Thu., Nov. 7 • 7:30pm
“MILONGA!” PRESENTED BY LILA PRODUCTIONS
Sun., August 18 • 12pm • The Lounge
Come experience the allure of the Argentine Tango at The Music Hall Lounge in Portsmouth, NH, as LILA Productions presents “Milonga!” A performance and audience dance participation event that captures the essence of Tango through captivating excerpts from choreography by Alejandro Figliolo, LILA Dance Festival’s 2024 Guest Artist.
THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE PARTNERS
COMEDY SERIES
SPONSORS:
Sat., September 21 • 8pm
Charlie Berens is a comedian, New York Times bestselling author, Emmywinning journalist, musician, and creator of the Manitowoc Minute The Wisconsin native has been featured on Comedy Central, Fox, CBS, Funny or Die, TBS, Variety, MTV News, and more. He creates weekly content for his various social platforms and has amassed over 7.5 million followers.
Charlie began his career working for MTV News’ Choose or Lose. After that he worked in front and behind the camera for emerging YouTube news channels. In 2012, Tribune Media tapped Charlie to host the comedic news show Nightcap. In 2013, he won an Emmy for “The Cost of Water” while reporting for KDAF.
In 2017, Charlie began hosting his weekly comedic online news show, the Manitowoc Minute. Since then, Charlie’s been creating Midwestfocused sketch comedy videos on his social media platforms. He’s also traveled the country with three sold out stand-up comedy tours.
MEDIA PARTNER: INTERCONNECTIONS PRESENTING SPONSOR:
AN EVENING WITH KEVIN SMITH
Fri., August 30 • 8pm
Kevin Smith has been saying silly cinematic quips since 1994’s Clerks. He almost dropped dead of a massive heart attack in 2018 but then lived to make more useless media that only he loves. 2024 marks the 30th year since the last time he had a real job. He also convinced someone to marry him and make him a Dad.
Thu., September 5 • 7pm
Behavioral scientist Alison Fragale offers powerful new insights and a practical playbook for women to advance in any workplace, full of tips, tricks, and strategies to help secure that elusive corner office.
Fri., September 27 • 8pm
Prepare yourself for a night of chilling thrills and intoxicating laughter with the hit podcast And That’s Why We Drink with your favorite truecrime, paranormal besties, and NYT bestselling authors, Em Schulz and Christine Schiefer.
Our annual signature fundraising event.
PRESENTING SPONSOR:
EVENT SPONSOR: Karen & David Della Penta
PRODUCTION PARTNER:
Wed., July 3 • 5pm (Pre-Concert Festivities)
A two-time GRAMMY® Award winning singersongwriter and Songwriters Hall of Fame Honoree, Jason Mraz is most famously known by his hits, “I’m Yours” and “I Won’t Give Up.”
Sam Robbins is often described as an “old soul singer-songwriter.” A nationally touring singer songwriter originally from Portsmouth, NH, Sam’s music evokes classic singer songwriters like James Taylor and Jackson Browne and adds a modern, upbeat edge to the storyteller troubadour persona.
He’s been described as “the love child of Sam Cooke and Mississippi John Hurt,” “The John Legend of rockabilly,” and recently, “a ‘what-took-youso-long’ fusion of Elvis and Marvin Gaye.” But he is Dwayne Haggins, and his voice is his own.
Skye Darling, a Boston-based professional violinist and singer-songwriter thrives on improvisation and innovation. Balancing freelancing, album recording, jazz and maqam studies, directing a children’s choir, and teaching, she’s also pursuing a degree.
Harrison Goodell, born and raised in Dover, New Hampshire, is a rising singer-songwriter known for his captivating storytelling and passionate delivery. His music features emotive lyrics and soulful vocals that carry meaning.
Halley Neal is a folk singer and songwriter whose live shows center on themes of positivity and peace. Based in Nashville for the past five years and originally from New England, her straight-up Americana songs are met with an upbeat instrumentation and soaring vocals.
MUSIC SERIES
SPONSORS:
Tue., July 9 • 7pm
On his eleventh studio album, Transmissions, singer-songwriter Lee continues to expand his sonic range while sharpening his closely observed lyrics that squarely address death, aging, and love. The force behind such acclaimed albums as Mission Bell and Mountains of Sorrow, Rivers of Song, ever since his gold-selling 2005 debut Lee has been known for his association with a long list of collaborators and touring partners, from Paul Simon to Zac Brown Band. Evening Sponsor: Hearth Market
PRESENTING
SPONSOR:
Listen to the artists in this magazine with our Spotify Playlist!
Sat., August 10 • 8pm
If the phrase “male a cappella group” conjures up an image of students in blue blazers, ties, and khakis singing traditional college songs on ivied campuses... think again. Straight No Chaser (SNC) are neither strait-laced nor straight-faced, but neither are they vaudeville-style kitsch. Straight No Chaser is the real deal, the captivating sound of nine unadulterated human voices coming together to make extraordinary music that is moving people in a fundamental sense... and with a sense of humor.
Evening Sponsor: Leone, McDonnell, & Roberts
ARTIST UNDERWRITING PROVIDED BY MORGAN AND TARA RUTMAN
Thu., August 8 • 7pm
Assembly of Dust, formed in the early 2000s, has garnered widespread acclaim for their dynamic live shows and intricate musical stylings, cementing their status as one of the most admired bands in the genre. From acoustic gun slingers to electrifying live performers, Assembly of Dust inspires audiences with timeless music and unwavering dedication to their craft.
Sun., August 25 • 7pm
Categorized by fans as “Trance Arena Rock,” Perpetual Groove is an amalgamation of rock and indie electronica, with a touch of metal thrown in for good measure. With their intelligent light show and experimental stage set up, PGroove continues to create a cultivated, unique experience for each live show.
Sat., August 17 • 7:30pm
DANCE ALERT! Formed in 1995, Save Ferris remains one of the seminal and most beloved bands from the third wave of ska. The group’s Orange County home was fertile ground for a thriving music scene, with punk, rock, and ska emerging from the region. Save Ferris blended the best elements of these sounds to help bring the region’s sound to the world.
Sat., September 7 • 7:30pm
Maine-based singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Coyote Island (Mike O’Hehir) recognizes and reveres the restorative potential of songcraft. Across their record, chords melt into organic danceable beats accented by smoky psychedelic flourishes beneath Mike’s dynamic vocals.
PRESENTING SPONSOR:
Thu., July 11 • 5pm & 7:30pm
Erick Baker has toured alongside artists like John Legend, Brandi Carlile, and the Goo Goo Dolls, performing with passion and unguarded emotional energy.
Fri., August 9 • 8pm
Named after the peaceful and charming resort town in Cape Cod, this Seacoast-based band combines the classic rock sound of Tom Petty, the jam vibes of Dave Matthews Band, and the rootsy sound of The Band.
Sat., August 17 • 8pm
With a career spanning over two decades, this dynamic singersongwriter’s music exudes warmth, authenticity, and a genuine connection to his audience.
Sat., August 24 • 8pm
Mixing a blend of soulful singersongwriter repertoire with hints of jazz, classic rock, and jamband, Sarah Blacker & The Light’s sound is familiar, compelling, and chillevoking all in the same breath.
Listen to the artists in this magazine with our Spotify Playlist!
Sat., July 13 • 7:30pm
Step into the vibrant world of Heartspur, a groundbreaking classical quartet concert designed to captivate audiences through a fusion of eclectic performances, contemporary programming, and innovative visual design.
Sat., August 10 • 8pm
From portraying Elvis Presley, garnering a cult following from a hit TV show, and touring with the likes of Taylor Swift, Lady Antebellum, and Joe Cocker, this award-winning musician has garnered himself an impressive career in the industry.
Sun., August 18 • 7pm
Known for his darkly humorous lyrics, Dunne is not your grandma’s antiseptic, pseudo-baby boomer singer-songwriter.
Sun., August 25 • 7:30pm
The 15-time International Bluegrass Music Association Player of the Year and a Tennesseeborn guitar prodigy make for a powerhouse acoustic duo, with white-hot picking and stone country vocals on the rootsier side of Americana.
PRESENTING SPONSOR:
TINY
Sat., August 31 • 8pm
Celebrate the Portsmouth release of the award-winning poet, songwriter, and dramatist’s third studio album, Impossible Man.
Listen to the artists in this magazine with our Spotify Playlist!
Thu., September 5 • 7:30pm
The Grammy-nominated singersongwriter’s deep, smooth voice is seriously easy to fall into, making his songs perfect for TV, film, and collaborations with the likes of Judy Collins and Chrissi Poland.
Fri., September 6 • 8pm
Folk-pop artist and New York singer-songwriter Jill Sobule’s hits include “I Kissed A Girl” and the alt-rock anthem from Clueless, “Supermodel.”
Sun., September 8 • 7pm
Bastoni is an award-winning folk musician with an impressive career performing with other masters of the folk scene such as Mark Erelli, Regina Spektor, Dar Williams, and more.
& MIKE EFFENBERGER
Fri., September 20 • 7:30pm
The indie jazz duo blend together their individual sounds to craft a completely singular musical perspective focused on melody, gesture, and aural storytelling.
Thu., September 26 • 7:30pm
The singer-songwriter possesses a shocking talent and a unique purpose in today’s oversaturated music scene, having collaborated with the likes of John Mayer, Cat Stevens, Keb’ Mo’, and more.
Fri., September 27 • 8pm
Through his biggest influences, experiences and memories, the Brooklyn-born singer-songwriter shares his stories of love, heartache, struggle, and spirituality by way of song.
Sat., September 28 • 7:30pm
An acclaimed singer-songwriter of rare talent, Lucy is “a truly gifted performer with a bag full of enchanting songs” (The New Yorker) and “the troubadour laureate of modern city folk” (Boston Globe).
Join us for nights of endless laughter!
PRESENTING SPONSOR: COMEDY SERIES SPONSORS:
CAM BERTRAND
Fri., July 12 • 8:30pm
Cam Bertrand has written for two seasons of MTV’s hit show, Wild’N’Out and has competed on NBC’s America’s Got Talent
JIM COLLITON
Sat., July 27 • 8pm
Married and raising kids in the suburbs is the backdrop for Jim Colliton’s comedy, whether it’s lousy Father’s Day gifts, buying the wrong things at the supermarket, or just the daily pitfalls of being a dad.
Sat., September 7 • 6pm & 8:30pm
Carmen Lynch is based in NYC and has been featured on a string of late night shows, The Good Wife, Inside Amy Schumer, and This Week at the Comedy Cellar
Sun., July 14 • 5:30pm & 8pm
With a voice that doesn’t pander or bully, Dulcé Sloan is one of the sharpest, fastest rising voices in comedy.
ORLANDO LEYBA
Sat., August 3 • 8:30pm
With a knack for finding humor in just about anything, Orlando’s animated demeanor connects with all audiences through his unique life experience.
Wed., September 18 • 7:30pm
A seasoned comic and podcast host, Heather Shaw brings to the stage over 10 years of comedy experience and an uncanny resemblance to Jim Carrey.
ROBERT KELLY
Sat., July 20 • 6pm & 8:30pm
A popular comedic actor, Robert Kelly’s comedy is deeply rooted in his own life and relationships, which makes it honest, abrasively funny, yet refreshingly vulnerable.
CHRIS FRANJOLA
Fri., August 16 • 8:30pm
Writer-comedian Chris Franjola can be heard on his wildly successful podcast Cover to Cover and has an impressive catalog of appearances on hit shows like Chelsea Lately and Fox’s game show, Punchline.
Sat., September 21 • 6pm & 8:30pm
The NYC stand-up comedian has been named one of Complex Magazine’s “Comics to Watch Under 30” and featured on Sirius XM, Comcast, and Laughs on Fox.
PRESENTING SPONSOR:
INTERCONNECTIONS PRESENTING SPONSOR:
INTERCONNECTIONS PRESENTING SPONSOR:
JOYCE MAYNARD AND HOW THE LIGHT GETS IN
Wed., July 17 • 7pm
The New York Times bestselling author presents the eagerly anticipated follow-up to Count the Ways—a complex story of three generations of a family and its remarkable, resilient, indomitable matriarch, Eleanor.
Evening’s Moderator: Richard Russo
J. COURTNEY SULLIVAN AND THE CLIFFS
Tue., July 23 • 7pm
A novel of family, secrets, ghosts, and homecoming set on the seaside cliffs of Maine by The New York Times bestselling author of Friends and Strangers
Evening’s Moderator: Brittany Wason
PAUL BIERMAN AND BRANDON KEIM
Wed., August 28 • 7pm
Two scientists and researchers, Paul Bierman and Brandon Keim discuss the environment and the species that inhabit it, as we tackle climate change and the latest research on animal intelligence.
When the Ice Is Gone by Paul Bierman
Meet the Neighbors by Brandon Keim
Evening’s Moderator: Jameson French
CreativeMornings PKX (Portsmouth, Kittery, & Beyond) is a local chapter of the global breakfast lecture series for the creative community founded by Tina Roth Eisenberg. Every meeting will feature a local speaker on the month’s topic and is free and open to the public.
TRUST
Fri., July 19 • 9am
RITUAL Fri., August 16 • 9am
REFLECTION Fri., September 20 • 9am
The Music Hall was proud to take the reins of the New Hampshire Film Festival in 2023, after many years serving as a partner to the volunteer-run nonprofit.
In addition to folding this incredible four-day festival into our calendar, The Music Hall gratefully welcomed hundreds of patrons to our family, and incorporated a new group of dedicated sponsors into our Corporate Partner program. Many of these sponsors have been with the festival since its inception over 20 years ago. Some of them are current Music Hall sponsors, including NHFF lead sponsors Key Auto Group and BankProv, as well as Avery Insurance, BANKW Staffing, Construction Services of New Hampshire, oHive, and Vital. Festival sponsors new to The Music Hall include: Access Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics, Amoskeag Beverages, Green & Co Real Estate, Natural Rocks Ice Co., and NH Distributors. We are excited to welcome The Aland Realty Group for NHFF 2024.
The ongoing and generous support of these partners is essential to The Music Hall’s ability to provide an engaging experience and ensure access for all while we nurture and celebrate New Hampshire’s contribution to the film industry.
Please join us in thanking them for their commitment!
BOOK CLUB - SAVE THE DATE! Portwalk Place, Portsmouth Mon., September 9 • 6pm
DIRECTOR’S CLUB
GUNDALOW COMPANY Wed., July 17 • 6:15pm
For more info, contact Emma Calabrese at ECalabrese@themusichall.org
DIRECTOR’S CLUB SPONSOR: McLane Middleton
CINEMA SPONSOR:
COMING SOON: Kinds of Kindness, Seven Samurai, Surf Film Tour, A Peace of Forest
MARK: Programming the festival is quite rewarding as we get to see films from a vast array of filmmakers, from students and first-timers to those who have been in the business for a long time. I love it when I view a submission and just know that this is a newer filmmaker to keep an eye on for their next work.
IAN: It’s one of the best feelings. I remember my first year leading programming in 2016, I pressed play on a short drama submission called Walk for Me. Immediately after viewing the film, I knew not only that we needed to program it, but that its director, Elegance Bratton, was going places. Making a movie is so difficult, and making a competent movie is absurdly difficult. Making a movie with vision, with heart, with something new to offer cinema, is a miracle. Bratton and his producer Chester Algernal have since gone on to making award-winning features, including The Inspection in 2022, and their festival journey all started at NHFF.
MARK: We want to provide our fest-goers with quality titles, films that they feel they got their money’s worth, films that we ourselves would pay to see. So we scrutinize the details of films submitted for consideration. Details like lighting, editing, sound, and performances of course. I love it when I see so many beautiful shots that were clearly well thought out by those who are newer to filmmaking. It’s a reminder that cinema will always be in good hands.
IAN: If anything, it makes me hold bigger-budget movies and television shows to a higher standard! Some of the boldest, most innovative artists and craftspeople are working on a small scale, and as film festival programmers we are lucky enough to see their work before anyone else. It’s an absolute joy being able to share great films with our audience, but it’s also our responsibility to showcase work that pushes the medium forward. Our festival laurels carry weight, and ideally support filmmakers’ careers.
MARK: You and I don’t always agree on assessments of films. That is the way it should be of course. Different perspectives are healthy. But we do see eye to eye enough to know what may work for our audiences. We view films as programmers, but we also watch them as moviegoers. So we have double the responsibility. That is a lot of weight to carry, but I like it.
IAN: I am a major cinephile. While I have confidence in my personal tastes, I also know that it would be foolish to program a film festival exclusively serving my own sensibilities. That definitely comes into play when reviewing submissions. That said, part of what I love about programming is that we’re able to take chances on some films we adore, but may have less confidence in as audience hits. To me, the best festivals never underestimate or condescend to their audience. So we take some risks, and more often than not, they pay off.
MARK: We know what the rewards are for us, but we have some challenges. Having an extremely large number of films to choose from keeps us busy, but in a good way. We want to get the schedule out ASAP so festgoers can make their plans. Availability of some films can lengthen the scheduling process.
Schedule subject to change. Scan for our upcoming films!
IAN: The hardest part of the job is whittling down the list of submissions, but next would definitely be managing the timeline. Every film has its own trajectory—when it premieres, which festivals (if any) it screens at, whether it’s picked up for commercial release, and when and where that release may be. Every film festival has to navigate this when putting its program together. There are fantastic films being released in 2024 we don’t pursue for NHFF because they will have already hit theaters or streaming. And some of the bigger-profile titles we do pursue might not have their October festival plans set in stone by the time we want our program finalized. Sometimes a sales agent wants to withdraw a film after it’s been accepted.
MARK: The Music Hall took over NHFF last year. As you have been with the fest for many years, how do you feel about the change? What do you like best about the dynamic, and why is it programming the fest with me? Ha!
IAN: With The Music Hall taking over the festival, it feels like the sky’s the limit. The infrastructure, the reach, and the well-earned trust you’ve all built as an arts institution, are all exactly what the festival needs.
And the team is so fabulous. Part of what’s great working with you in particular, Mark, is how attuned you are to the diverse sensibilities of our audience. You’ve been face-to-face with moviegoers at The Music Hall’s film screenings and Telluride by the Sea for much longer than I’ve been working at NHFF, and you know what works for different crowds. As we’re programming, we always keep in mind that there will always be multiple screenings happening concurrently, so we’re able to program more difficult or boundary-pushing films alongside films with more general-audience appeal. And we see year after year, one can never assume a festivalgoer’s tastes. We’re still in the thick of programming, but I think you and I can agree it’s going to be another tremendous lineup of films.
THE MET IN HD - SUMMER ENCORES
Dates and Times To Be Announced PUCCINI’S LA BOHÈME
ROSSINI’S LA CENERENTOLA
PUCCINI’S TURANDOT
GERSHWIN’S PORGY AND BESS
13 -
$1,000 ($250 tax deductible) - The Ultimate First-Class experience!
LEGEND: At The Historic Theater | At The Lounge
JULY 2024
Music
Emerging Artist Benefit Concert:
Jason Mraz
Wed., July 3 • 7pm
Music
Amos Lee Tue., July 9 • 7pm
Music
Erick Baker Thu., July 11 • 5pm & 7:30pm
Comedy
Cam Bertrand Fri., July 12 • 8:30pm
Music
Heartspur Sat., July 13 • 7:30pm
Comedy
Dulcé Sloan
Sun., July 14 • 5:30pm & 8pm
Literary
Joyce Maynard with How the Light Gets In Wed., July 17 • 7pm
Comedy
Jackie Fabulous Thu., July 18 • 6pm
Comedy
Robert Kelly Sat., July 20 • 6pm & 8:30pm
Literary
J. Courtney Sullivan with The Cliffs Tue., July 23 • 7pm
Comedy
Jim Colliton
Sat., July 27 • 8pm
AUGUST 2024
Pints! Camera! Action!
Purple Rain (1984) Fri., August 2 • 7pm
Comedy
Orlando Leyba Sat., August 3 • 8:30pm
AUGUST 2024 CONT...
Music - Live Under the Arch Assembly of Dust Thu., August 8 • 7pm
Music
Wellfleet Fri., August 9 • 8pm
Music
Schedule subject to change. Check TheMusicHall.org for updates.
AUGUST 2024 CONT...
Music
Todd Hearon & Tiny Dog Fight Sat., August 31 • 8pm
Talks
Straight No Chaser Summer: The 90s Sat., August 10 • 8pm
Music
Tyler Hilton Sat., August 10 • 8pm
Comedy
Chris Franjola Fri., August 16 • 8:30pm
Music - Live Under the Arch
Save Ferris Sat., August 17 • 7:30pm
Music
Pete Kilpatrick Sat., August 17 • 8pm
Theater & Dance Rental
“Milonga!”Presented by Lila Productions Sun., August 18 • 12pm
Music
Brian Dunne Sun., August 18 • 7pm
Music
Sarah Blacker & The Light Sat., August 24 • 8pm
Music - Live Under the Arch Perpetual Groove Sun., August 25 • 7pm
Music
Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley Sun., August 25 • 7:30pm
Literary
Paul Bierman and Brandon Keim Wed., August 28 • 7pm
Talks
An Evening with Kevin Smith Fri., August 30 • 8pm
2024
Alison Fragale with Likeable Badass Thu., Sep. 5 • 7pm
Music
Ari Hest Thu., Sep. 5 • 7:30pm
Music
Jill Sobule Fri., Sep. 6 • 8pm
Comedy
Carmen Lynch Sat., Sep. 7 • 6pm & 8:30pm
Music
Lisa Bastoni Sun., Sep. 8 • 7pm
Cinema
Telluride by the Sea 2024 Fri., Sep. 13 - Sun., Sep. 15
Comedy
Heather Shaw Wed., Sep. 18 • 7:30pm
Music
Taylor O’Donnell & Mike Effenberger Fri., Sep. 20 • 7:30pm
Comedy
David Drake Sat., Sep. 21 • 6pm & 7:30pm
Comedy
Charlie Berens Sat., Sep. 21 • 8pm
Music
Brendan James Thu., Sep. 26 • 7:30pm
Talks
And That’s Why We Drink: The Pour Decisions Tour Fri., Sep. 27 • 8pm
SEPTEMBER 2024 CONT...
Music
Bruce Sudano Fri., Sep. 27 • 8pm
Music
Lucy Kaplansky Sat., Sep. 28 • 7:30pm
OCTOBER 2024
Writers on a New England Stage Richard Powers with Playground Tue., October 1 • 7pm
Music
Peter Bradley Adams Wed., October 2 • 7pm
Music
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band All the Good Times: The Farewell Tour Thu., October 3 • 7:30pm
Music
Trace Bundy Thu., October 3 • 7:30pm
Music
Richard Shindell Fri., October 4 • 6pm
Music
Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers Sat., October 5 • 8pm
Music
Everclear Wed., October 9 • 7pm
Literary
Elizabeth Strout with Tell Me Everything Wed., October 9 • 7pm
Music
The Machine Performs Pink Floyd Fri., October 11 • 8pm
Music
Dean Owens & The Sinners Fri., October 11 • 8pm
Music
Willy Porter & Maia Sharp Sat., October 12 • 8:30pm