February 2014 NOW

NOW The Music Hall’s Monthly Magazine

February 2014

the

LONE BELLOW thursday, february 27

Plus!

sharon Isbin & Stanley Jordan:

Guitar Passion

Writers on a New england stage:

B.J. Novak

of "the office"

JUST ANNOUNCED...

Big time entertainment

Cirque Dreams Rocks Portsmouth Singer Songwriter Festival 2014 headliners:

natalie merchant Feist

Season sponsorS

New shows on sale!

This month, our “First Saturday” on sale event for members is Saturday, February 1. The following NEW shows go on sale to members at 10am for walk-up, at noon for phone and internet sales. Get your tickets and enjoy refreshments! Tickets on sale to non-members Sat., Feb. 15 at noon. To become a member, call (603) 766-2176 or email Lsaniuk@themusichall.org.

Ap�il 10-12 All Inclusive Festival Pass $125

Portsmouth Singer Songwriter Festival: Feist with special guest Johnnyswim Fri., April 11 • 7:30pm • $48; $42 Historic Theater Known both as a solo artist and as a member of rock group Broken Social Scene, Feist's music is a blend of of rock, folk, and jazz-pop. The Canadian “darling of the indie-rock circuit” (NY Times) welcomes special guests, husband/wife, Nashville folk-pop duo, Johnnyswim.

Portsmouth Singer Songwriter Festival: Julian Lage & Chris Eldridge Thurs., April 10 • 9pm $13 advance; $18 day of AT THE PRESS ROOM The Jay Smith Memorial Concert kicks off our 2014 festival at the Press Room! Tickets sold only at The Press Room.

Portsmouth Singer Songwriter Festival: Natalie Merchant Sat., April 12 • 8pm • $70; $64 Historic Theater Merchant was the lead singer and primary lyricist of 10,000 Maniacs until she embarked on a solo career in 1994.

“A tremendous songwriting talent with a remarkable voice: deep, resonant, and evocative” (Huffington Post).

Portsmouth Singer Songwriter Festival: Lady Lamb the Beekeeper* Fri., April 11 • 8:15pm $20; Bar seating: $5 • Loft The alias of one Aly Spaltra, “a force of nature…with an arresting voice” (Portland Phoenix.)

Portsmouth Singer Songwriter Festival: Youth & Teen Round Robin* Sat., April 12 • 4pm • $5 • Loft Students from our Explore + Learn Partner of the Year, Portsmouth Music and Arts Center (PMAC) will showcase their songwriting craft.

* Tickets to Portsmouth Singer Songwriter Festival Loft shows will be sold at the door on the night of the event.

Intimately Yours: Josh Ritter (solo acoustic) Fri., March 28 • 8pm • $28; $22 Historic Theater Touring for his new album The Beast In It's Tracks. One of the "100 Best Living Songwriters."

(Paste Magazine)

Writers on a New England Stage: P.J. O'Rourke Wed., April 16 • 7:30pm • $13.25 Historic Theater • For each 1-2 tickets sold, the purchase of a book voucher ($25, hardcover) is required. Not available online.

The #1 NY Times bestselling author of Parliament of Whores and Give War a Chance tells it like it is. Don’t miss this humorist’s attempt to explain – and celebrate – the glorious mess made by his own baby boom generation!

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The Music Hall Presents: Cirque Dreams Rocks April 21 & 22 • 7pm • Historic Theater $49; $37; $22; Family Four Pack $150 (Mon. only) The whole family will be thrilled by this Cirque show set in a carnival fun house, with a live on-stage band!

Get more with e-news - new shows, special deals, and updates!

New shows on sale, continued!

Writers in the Loft: Walter Kirn Wed., March 26 • 7pm • Ticket Package: $40 • Loft The author of Up in the Air shares the shocking true story of being conned by a sociopath masquerading as a Rockefeller. (First serialized in The New Yorker.)

Martingale Wharf Singer Songwriter Series: Kobo Town Sat., March 22 • 8pm • $16 • Loft Calypso and roots reggae meet innovative production techniques, social commentary and indie rock attitude.

Writers in the Loft: Mona Simpson Wed., April 30 • 7pm • Ticket package: $40 • Loft The award-winning, bestselling author of such heralded works as Anywhere But Here, The Lost Father, and My Hollywood visits with her new novel.

Community Partner (ON SALE NOW!) Kent Stephens' Stage Force: Play Reading Series Mon., Feb. 3 • 7pm • $12 includes house beverage • Loft Top professional actors read exceptional contemporary plays with no costumes, props, set or special lighting in this acclaimed spoken word series.

Community Partner : Philips Exeter Academy Concert Choir and Chamber Orchestra Thurs., March 6 • 7:30pm • Free • Historic Theater In their Music Hall debut, Phillips Exeter Academy's two top performing ensembles create an exciting new program of choral and orchestral music. Not ticketed.

Community Partner Portsmouth Music and Arts Center presents PMAC Jazz Night (ON SALE NOW!) Fri., March 7 • 7pm & 9pm • $30; $25 • Loft The 7th Annual Jazz Night features music spanning the past century, celebrating jazz history and introducing new works of today.

Live on stage FEB

Writers on a new england stage.

PresentedbybyThe Presented The Music & Music HallHall & NH NH Public Radio Public Radio

GUITAR PASSION

Thursday, February 6 • 7:30pm • $46.25; $40.25

Three-time Grammy Award-winning Sharon Isbin teams up with the iconic jazz master Stanley Jordan and Brazil’s leading guitarist Romero Lubambo for an electrifying experience that’s not to be missed.

“The pre-eminent guitarist of our time.”– Boston Magazine SPONSORS: Beswick Engineering Company, Inc.; Leone, McDonnell & Roberts, P.A.; Northeast Delta Dental; New Hampshire Public Radio

B.J. NOVAK

Tuesday, February 11 • 7:30pm • Historic Theater $13.25. Book: ONE MORE THING: Stories and Other

Stories ($24.95, hardcover, $22.45 advance voucher)

The actor, writer, director, and executive producer of "The Office" will visit with his endlessly entertaining debut story collection, which Time magazine has named as one book you won’t want to miss 2014.

Writers on a New England Stage is a partnership between

Presenting Sponsor:

THE LONE BELLOW

Thursday, February 27 • 7:30pm • $30

The Brooklyn-based trio's music is anchored in American folk, country, and gospel traditions. “The Lone Bellow figured out a way to harness the acoustic-rock template being mined by Mumford & Sons, The Lumineers and The Civil Wars and add a sense of powerful vocal incandescence” (Paste Magazine).

SERIES SPONSORS: Like us on Facebook & follow us Twitter!

EVENING SPONSORS: Mad*Pow; Clear Eye Photo

Series Sponsors:

Auger Building Company, Inc.; Piscataqua Landscaping & Tree Service; RMC Research; Calypso Communications; New England Audio Tech

Evening Sponsor:

Seacoast Area Libraries

Media Partner:

Writers on a new england stage.

Presented by The Music Hall & NH Public Radio

Companion Bookstore: RiverRun Bookstore

SOLD OUT! SONiA SOTOMAYOR Wed., Feb. 5 • 7:30pm TheMusicHall.org

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Live on stage FEB

INNOVATION + LEADERSHIP

DEBoRA L. SPAR

La Dolce Vita:

Thursday, February 20 • 7pm • Loft • $41 Ticket package includes reserved seat, book ($27 hardcover), bar beverage; author presentation, Q+A, and book signing meet-and-greet

Valentine's Day Special

In her national bestseller — hailed by such luminaries as Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg, Editor Tina Brown, and the revolutionary writer Erica Jong — the Barnard President and former Harvard Business School Professor looks at why, fifty years after the Equal Pay Act, women are still living in a man’s world. Don’t miss hearing from her.

SERIES SPONSOR:

This event is in collaboration with NH Women's Initiative

Friday, February 14 • 8pm • Loft • $38.25 includes dessert Ah, the sweet life — full of pleasure and indulgence, no?

Join us for a night of romance on Valentine’s Day, featuring the Gaudy Baubles and their marvelous chanteuse, Renee. Escape to Italia for the evening with this retro cabaret — great songs and a great vibe!

This one’s for you and your baby.

The Figgs Friday, February 21 • 8pm • Loft • $20 This tried and true band has a worldwide fan base, a hearty discography, and has toured and recorded several times with the legendary Graham Parker. In 2013, they celebrated their 25th year as a band. This occasion was made even more special by the release of 1,000 People Grinning: The Figgs Anthology.

“For more than two decades, the high-energy band has delivered a dance-inducing variety of fast-paced pop rock, complete with catchy hooks and hip-shaking bass lines.”

— SoundSpike.com 3

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SOLD OUT! Holly Williams Sat., Feb. 22

Get more with e-news - new shows, special deals, and updates!

on sCREEN The best of 2013!

Presented by

Must-see indies!

extraordinary cinema

Captain Phillips

the punk singer

PG13 • 134min • US

NR • 80min • US

1/31, 2/4 @ 7pm • 2/2 @ 4pm • Historic Theater

2/1, 2, 4, 5, 6 @ 7pm • Loft

A multi-layered examination of the 2009 hijacking of the U.S. container ship Maersk Alabama by a crew of Somali pirates. Stars Tom Hanks, directed by Paul Greengrass.

A look at the career of Kathleen Hanna, lead singer of the punk band Bikini Kill, the voice of the '90s Riot Grrrl movement.

gravity PG13 • 91min • US 2/7, 8 @ 7pm • 2/9 @ 4pm • Historic Theater

R • 96min • US

Sandra Bullock plays a medical engineer on her first space shuttle mission with a veteran astronaut (George Clooney) when disaster strikes on a routine spacewalk. Directed by Golden Globe's Best Director Alfonso Cuaron.

12 years a slave R • 134min • US 2/15 @ 3pm & 7pm • 2/18 @ 7pm • Historic Theater Chiwetel Ejiofor plays Solomon Northup, the New York State citizen who was kidnapped into slavery on a New Orleans plantation. Steve McQueen directs from a script he co-wrote with John Ridley, based partly on Northup's memoir.

nebraska

R • 115min • US

SHORT TERM 12

2/7, 8, 9, 12, 13 @ 7pm • Loft Grace (Brie Larson) is dedicated to her job helping kids in trouble when she learns that her life is about to change forever.

Is the man who is tall happy?

NR • 88min • France

2/15, 16, 18, 19 @ 7pm • Loft Director Michel Gondry animates a series of conversations with noted linguist, philosopher, and activist Noam Chomsky.

Cousin Jules

2/21, 22, 25, 26 @ 7pm • 2/23 @ 4pm • Historic Theater

NR • 91min • France (subtitled)

Alexander Payne (Sideways) directs this black and white road trip comedy/drama. Bruce Dern plays a tempestuous father convinced he won a sweepstakes, with Will Forte as his son who drives him to claim his winnings.

Captures the rhythms of rural French life. 1973 Locarno Film Festival prize winner, previously unreleased in the US.

2/23, 25, 26, 27 @ 7pm • Loft

the met @ the music hall: Rusalka

hd broadcasts

Sat., Feb. 8 @ 1pm • Historic Theater • $27.50; $15 for 18/under Renée Fleming performs of one of her signature roles, the lovelorn mermaid Rusalka, in Dvořák’s sumptuously melodic opera. With Piotr Beczala as the Prince, Dolora Zajick as the swamp witch, and John Relyea as Rusalka’s father, the Water Sprite.

SERIES SPONSORS: Tate and Foss Sotheby’s International Realty; NH Public Television

In HD: ROMEO & JULIET

Thurs., Feb. 13 @ 7pm • Historic Theater • $22

The greatest love story of all time in its first Broadway staging in 36 years. Starring Orlando Bloom (Pirates of the Caribbean) in his Broadway debut opposite the Tony-nominated Condola Rashad (A Trip to Bountiful). Directed by David Leveaux.

NT LIVE: CORIOLANUS

Sat.,Feb. 22 @ 1pm • Loft • $27.50; $15 for 18/under

The Donmar Warehouse’s production of Shakespeare’s searing tragedy of political manipulation and revenge, starring Tom Hiddleston (The Avengers). Directed by Josie Rourke.

SERIES SPONSOR: New Hampshire Public Television Like us on Facebook & follow us Twitter!

See Calendar on page 6 for Show & Tell Discussions

OSCAR SHORTS NR • 90min • US LIVE ACTION: Feb. 19 @ 7pm • Historic Theater ANIMATED: Feb. 20 @ 7pm • Historic Theater Academy Award nominated shorts!

Nominations announced Jan. 16; titles will be posted on www.themusichall.org.

BEER HUNTER NR • 90min • US Fri., Feb. 28 @ 7pm • Historic Theater

Presented with Portsmouth Beer Week, a documentary about influential beer/whiskey journalist Michael Jackson. Post film panel.

SERIES SPONSORS: Cocked Hat Ventures; RAM Printing; The Wire; WSCA 106.1 FM Portsmouth Community Radio TheMusicHall.org

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Members, Sponsors & more!

Club Directors EXP Date

HERE YOUR NAME

Join us for these upcoming Directors Club gatherings at the Loft...

Sponsor Spotlight:

British Beer Company The British Beer Company is dedicated to giving guests great service, outstanding food, fresh craft beer, and giving back to the community. We're proud to have The British Beer Company as a sponsor for our Membership program.

BENNETT

BELUSHI

BOZ

BOLTON

Directors Club gathering times for these events: Tony Bennett: Sun., March 9 • 3pm Jim Belushi: Tues., April 1 • 6:30pm Boz Scaggs: Wed., May 7 • 6:30pm Michael Bolton: Sun., June 1 • 6pm Directors Club is a benefit for members at our Patron level and above - to learn more about membership and Directors Club. please contact our Membership Coordinator at (603) 766-2176.

DIRECTORS CLUB SPONSOR: Bosen & Associates, PLLC

“By choosing to support The Music Hall and other local Portsmouth nonprofits, we can give back to the folks who come into the Portsmouth British Beer Company. In particular, The Music Hall speaks to our heritage of supporting local music,” said Lisa Fosdick, Director of Public Relations for British Beer Company.

If you're looking for a spot to head during February vacation week with a terrific atmosphere, fantastic specials, and an extra discount for Music Hall Members, head to The British Beer Company. Show your Music Hall Membership card and get 10% off. You can also take advantage of their on-going food specials: Kids Eat Free Monday; Buy One Get One pizza Tuesdays; and 1/2 Price lunch at the bar Monday through Friday.

1,000 @ $135 in honor of our 135th Anniversary Season!

Celebrate The Music Hall's birthday by helping us reach 1,000 gifts at $135. Help us preserve and protect our Historic Theater for future generations. Please consider giving above and beyond your annual membership to preserve our American Treasure — thank you so much for your support! To make your gift please visit http://bit.ly/TMH135 or call (603) 766-2176.

POPOVERS ON THE SQUARE P O R T S M O U T H

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Make your gift today and you'll receive a voucher in the mail good for a celebratory piece of birthday cake from our friends at Popovers on the Square!

E P P I N G

Thank You to our Top Corporate Partners!

explore + Learn

Artists and Activists Meet at the Loft On Friday, January 17, The Music Hall organized an opportunity for members and friends of the African American Burying Ground Committee to meet with singer/ composer/cultural activist Meklit during a fundraising reception prior to the artist's concert at the Loft. This is the third instance of community partnership support of the African American Burying Ground Committee as part of The Music Hall's Explore + Learn Community Engagement Program, helmed by Chris Curtis.

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Get more with e-news - new shows, special deals, and updates!

FEB @ The Music hall

Come in from the cold for hot shows and films all month long!

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday Thursday

Friday

Saturday

26 JAN

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135th Anniversary Season Community Open House 1pm

No Film Tonight

Extraordinary Cinema The Great Beauty 7pm

Extraordinary Cinema The Great Beauty 7pm Music Hall Historic Tour 5:30pm

Extraordinary Cinema The Great Beauty 7pm

Extraordinary Cinema Woody Allen Winter Series: Hannah and Her Sisters 7pm

Extraordinary Cinema Woody Allen Winter Series: Crimes & Misdemeanors 7pm

Extraordinary Cinema Woody Allen Winter Series: Midnight in Paris 7pm

Martingale Wharf Singer Songwriter Series Darlingside 8pm SOLD OUT

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Extraordinary Cinema Captain Phillips 7pm

Writers on a New England Stage Sonia Sotomayor 7:30pm SOLD OUT

The Music Hall Presents Guitar Passion 7:30pm

Extraordinary Cinema Gravity 7pm

Extraordinary Cinema The Punk Singer 7pm

Extraordinary Cinema The Punk Singer 7pm

Extraordinary Cinema The Punk Singer 7pm

Extraordinary Cinema Short Term 12 7pm

Extraordinary Cinema The Wizard of Oz 4pm

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Extraordinary Cinema Captain Phillips 4pm

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Community Partner Kent Stephens Stage Force Presents The Play Reading Series 7:30pm

Extraordinary Cinema The Punk Singer 7pm

Extraordinary Cinema Captain Phillips 7pm

Box Office opens at 10am for member walk-up...

Community Partner The Housing Partnership Presents: The Capitol Steps 5pm & 8pm Extraordinary Cinema The Punk Singer 7pm

8 The Met @ The Music Hall

Rusalka 1pm Extraordinary Cinema Gravity 7pm Extraordinary Cinema Short Term 12 7pm

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Extraordinary Cinema Gravity 4pm

No Film Tonight

Writers on a New England Stage: B.J. Novak 7:30pm

Community Partner Goodwin Community Health Presents: BANFF Mountain Film Festival 7pm

HD Broadcast Romeo & Juliet 7pm

Rental Partner Mike McDonald's Lucky 13th Comedy Xxtravaganza 8pm

Extraordinary Cinema 12 Years a Slave 3pm & 7pm

Extraordinary Cinema Short Term 12 7pm

Extraordinary Cinema Short Term 12 7pm

The Music Hall Presents La Dolce Vita: Valentine's Day Special 8pm

Extraordinary Cinema Is The Man Who Is Tall Happy?

7pm

Extraordinary Cinema Short Term 12 7pm

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Extraordinary Cinema Is The Man Who Is Tall Happy?

4pm

No Film Tonight

Extraordinary Cinema 12 Years a Slave 7pm

Wildcard Movie: Oscar Nominated Short Films (2014): Live Action 7pm

Wildcard Movie: Oscar Nominated Short Films (2014): Animated 7pm

Extraordinary Cinema Nebraska 7pm

NT Live HD Broadcast Coriolanus 1pm

Extraordinary Cinema Is The Man Who Is Tall Happy?

7pm

Extraordinary Cinema Is The Man Who Is Tall Happy?

7pm

Writers in the Loft & Innovation + Leadership:

Debora L. Spar 7pm

Martingale Wharf Singer Songwriter Series: The Figgs 8pm

Martingale Wharf Singer Songwriter Series: Holly Williams 8pm SOLD OUT

Extraordinary Cinema Nebraska 7pm

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1 MAR

Extraordinary Cinema Nebraska 4pm

No Film Tonight

Extraordinary Cinema Nebraska 7pm

Extraordinary Cinema Nebraska 7pm

Intimately Yours The Lone Bellow 7:30pm

Wildcard Movie: Beer Hunter 7pm

Hilarity @ The Music Hall: Paula Poundstone 8pm

Extraordinary Cinema Cousin Jules 7pm

Extraordinary Cinema Cousin Jules 7pm

Extraordinary Cinema Cousin Jules 7pm

Extraordinary Cinema Cousin Jules 7pm

Box Office/Historic Theater: 28 Chestnut Street The Loft: 131 Congress Street Like us on Facebook & follow us Twitter!

Event Key: @ Music @ Historic hall Loft Theater

Historic Theater Box Office Hours: Monday - Saturday, noon - 6pm

Film tickets: $10 Adults; $8 Seniors 60+, Students & Military

Show & Tell discussion follows the film TheMusicHall.org

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Friends of The Music Hall 28 Chestnut Street Portsmouth, NH 03801

TheMusicHall.org • (603) 436-2400

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portsmouth, nh permit no. 202

HISTORIC THEATER/BOX OFFICE: 28 Chestnut St. LOFT: 131 Congress St. Volume 1 Issue 6

We’re looking forward to...

PAULA POUNDSTONE sat., march 1

thank you to our season sponsors! 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.