May 2015 NOW

NOW The Music Hall’s Monthly Magazine

r u o y t Ge it ckets!

May 2015

THE BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA

A CONCERT IN CELEBRATION OF THE AFRICAN BURYING GROUND MEMORIAL SATURDAY, MAY 23 • 7PM • HISTORIC THEATER

S W O H S W E !

N D E + C 5 1 N U O N N A T JUS

OKAW R B TOM SH A N AM H A R G S A R E T FE A C S LA RE! O M & SEASON SPONSORS

24th Annual

KITCHEN TOUR

May 9

Intimately Yours

SCOTT BRADLEE’S POSTMODERN JUKEBOX May 4

NEW SHOWS ON SALE! This month, our “First Saturday” on sale event for members is Saturday, May 2. The following NEW shows go on sale to members at 10am for walk-up, at noon for phone and internet sales. Tickets on sale to non-members Saturday, May 16 at noon. To become a member, call Lorianne Saniuk at (603) 766-2176 or email Lsaniuk@themusichall.org.

ALSO E! ON SALg. 10 p The Met: g. 3 p : c lu Lu

Writers on a new england stage.

Presented by The Music Hall & NH Public Radio

TOM BROKAW

Wed., May 20 • 7:30pm • Historic Theater • $13.25 For each 1-2 tickets

sold, book voucher ($27, hardcover) purchase required. Vouchers redeemable night of event.

The former NBC Nightly News anchor and bestselling author of The Greatest Generation will discuss his career and his year spent battling cancer. Don’t miss hearing about his A Lucky Life Interrupted.

MATTHEW THOMAS

The District Restaurant Singer Songwriter Series

DAN MANGAN Mon., June 1 • 7pm • Loft • $31 Fri., June 5 • 8pm • Loft Last year’s best-loved bestselling nov$16 ON SALE NOW! el about one American family shaken Don’t miss the two-time by illness — just out in paperback.

JUNO award-winning musician and songwriter.

PATRICK DOROW

Tue., Jul. 7 • 7:30pm • Loft • $14

FILM: MOULIN ROUGE (1952)

Intimately Yours

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DAD

Fri., Aug. 14 • 8pm Historic Theater • $36; $49 The legendary singer-songwriter and two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee returns to The Music Hall this summer!

JUSTON MCKINNEY:

The Music Hall and NH Public Radio present Writers on a New England Stage

Writers in the Loft

Hilarity

Fri., June 19 • 8pm Historic Theater • $26 The fan favorite returns with his special Father’s Day show a hilarious take on fatherhood!

Writers in the Loft

Live @ the Loft

Writers in the Loft

Loft • $40 The activist and bestselling author visits with her latest works, in celebration of Pride Month.

Loft • $25 ON SALE NOW! This LA-based group is remixing roots music and telling modern day stories.

Tue., Aug. 11 • 7pm Loft • $40 The #1 bestselling author with her new novel in the Rose Harbor series.

RITA MAE BROWN LAS CAFETERAS DEBBIE Thurs, June 25 • 7pm Sun., June 28 • 7:30pm MACOMBER

FILM: CAN CAN (1960)

RUBY ROSE FOX

Wed., Jul. 8 • 7pm • Loft • $10, $8 Fri., Jul. 10 • 8pm • Loft • $15

Community Partner Kent Stephens’ STAGEFORCE presents THE PLAY READING SERIES: I AM PROOF OF ME: A FINAL VISIT WITH EMILY DICKINSON BY BARBARA KINGSLEY Mon., May 11 • 7:30pm • Loft • $12 includes house beverage • ON SALE NOW! NOW

(603) 436-2400

NELLIE MCKAY

Sat., Jul. 11 • 7 & 9pm • Loft • $30

FRANCESCA BLANCHARD BEN BALDWIN & THE BIG NOTE WONDERTWINS

Tue., Jul. 14 • 7pm • Loft • $10, $8 Thu., Jul. 16 • 7:30pm • Loft • $16 Fri., Jul. 17 • 8pm • Loft • $24

1

GRAHAM NASH

Community Partner Berwick Academy presents BERWICK ACADEMY: THREADS Fri., May 15 • 6:30pm • Historic Theater BERWICK ACADEMY: SPACE VS. TIME Sat., May 16 • 7pm • Historic Theater $10/adult; $5/18 & under • ON SALE NOW!

Sat., Jul. 18 • 8pm • Loft • $25

Community Partner Arts in Reach presents AIR: THE PHENOMENAL WOMEN PROJECT Sun., May 3 • 6pm • Loft Free & open to public

Community Partner Oyster River Middle School presents SILENT FILM NIGHT: SEVEN CHANCES Sat., June 13 • 7pm • Historic Theater • $16

LIVE ON STAGE MAY KITCHEN TOUR SATURDAY, MAY 9 • 10AM-3PM

NEW W JUST O H S ED DROPP IN!

SCOTT BRADLEE’S POSTMODERN JUKEBOX Mon., May 4 • 7:30pm • Historic Theater • $26 Proving that everything new can be old again, pianist Scott Bradlee has become a viral pop sensation after creating a series of clips for YouTube. Bradlee and his ad hoc group, Postmodern Jukebox, rework 21st century pop hits in a variety of vintage styles — transforming Miley Cyrus’ “We Can’t Stop” into a ‘50s-style doo wop number, giving Macklemore’s “Thrift Shop” a ‘20s jazz accent, and crossing Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky” with Irish folk music.

Cottage homes to contemporary houses in Kittery Point, Maine A BENEFIT FOR THE MUSIC HALL TICKETS ON SALE NOW! $23 for members in advance, $25 not yet members, $27 day of tour

SERIES SPONSORS: EVENING SPONSORS:

THE BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA

A concert in recognition and celebration of the African Burying Ground Memorial Sat., May 23 • 7pm • Historic Theater • $38; $49

In a career that spans over 60 years and five Grammy awards, the Blind Boys of Alabama are gospels living legends. Blending traditional gospel music with contemporary spiritual material this iconic group has performed with artists from Aaron Neville to k.d. lang.

SERIES SPONSORS: EVENING SPONSORS:

Olde Port Properties; RMC Research Corporation; Clear Eye Photo

Like us on Facebook & follow us Twitter!

Photo: gregwestphotography.com

Clear Eye Photo

THIS YEAR

with MORE

TROLLEYS!

A perfect get together for Mother’s Day weekend!

PREMIER SPONSOR: LEAD SPONSORS: Budget Blinds of Portsmouth; C.F. Witham and Son; Chinburg Properties; Chase Construction & The Webhannet Co.; D.F. Richard Inc; DeStefano Architechts; Ethan Allen Inc.; Mari Woods Kitchen Bath Home; Private Client Underwriters; Selectwood/Great Bay Spa & Sauna; Summer House Furnishings; The Lighting Center at Rockingham Electric; Coastal Home Magazine TheMusicHall.org

NOW

2

LIVE ON STAGE MAY DAVID BROOKS

Sun., May 3 • 4pm • $13.25 For each 1-2 tickets sold, the purchase of a book voucher ($28 hardcover) is required.

Tickets & vouchers not sold online.

SUE MONK KIDD

Writers on a new england stage.

Fri., May 8 7:30pm • $13.25

For each 1-2 tickets sold, the purchase of a book voucher ($17 paperback) is required. Tickets & vouchers not sold online.

Presented by The renowned columnist and NY The Music Hall & NH Public Radio Times #1 bestselling author visits with his highly anticipated and provocative new work, The Road to Character, an elegant weaving of politics, spirituality, psychology, and confessional that confronts our current definitions of success. Responding to what he calls the culture of the “Big Me,” he challenges us to rebalance the scales to focus on deeper values, and build an inner life marked by humility and moral depth.

EVENING SPONSORS: RMC Research Corporation; Portsmouth Regional Hospital; Seacoast Area Libraries

RMC Research Corporation; Seacoast Area Libraries

PRESENTING SPONSOR:

Presented by The Music Hall & NH Public Radio

The celebrated author of The Secret Life of Bees takes the stage to discuss her #1 NY Times bestseller, a profound and richly complex novel tracing the lives of two unforgettable American women striving for liberation and empowerment during a devastating time in American history.

EVENING SPONSORS:

A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN:

Writers on a new england stage.

MEDIA SPONSOR:

N E W

E N G L A N D ’ S

SERIES SPONSORS:

M A G A Z I N E

Piscataqua Landscaping & Tree Service; Calypso Communications

Please use the Yankee logo and tagline as shown above based on listed size. If you have any questions about how to use or resize the logo and tagline, please contact Heather Atwell at 603-563-8111. heathera@yankeepub.com.

MEDIA PARTNERS: Live Free Photography – [Liv] Frame Print; WOKQ & The Shark 5

GREAT LAKE SWIMMERS

Fri., May 1 • 8pm • Loft • $24 Their dynamic sixth album, A Forest of Arms features a surging rhythm section, violin, and flourishing banjo and guitars.

CHRIS TRAPPER

Sat., May 16 • 8pm • Loft • $18 This Boston artist began his career with 90’s alternative rock band The Push Stars. He returns to the Loft by popular demand!

3

NOW

(603) 436-2400

Feb. 2008

LULUC

Sat., May 9 • 8pm • Loft • $15 Indie-folk duo Zoë Randall & Steve Hassett charm us with beautiful, slow-burning melodies and delicate harmonies.

ALEJANDRO ESCOVEDO

Sat., May 30 • 8pm • Loft • $38 His authentic Austin sound has led him to national stardom and critical acclaim, from Texas to California to NYC and back.

Hilarity @ The Music Hall

DARWiN’S WAiTiNG ROOM

Fri., May 29 • 8pm • Loft • $20 Featuring a slew of fan-favorites never before seen at the Loft, this family-friendly sketch comedy group returns with another hilarious show!

Sketches include five fast-talking truckers, alien body snatchers, New Jersey housewives, a musical number, and more!

SERIES SPONSORS:

EVENING SPONSOR: The One Hundred Club

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

ON SCREEN MAY

extraordinary cinema

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

5 TO 7 R • 95min • US 5/1, 5/2, 5/5, 5/6, 5/7 @ 7pm • 5/2 @ 1pm A chance encounter on the streets of Manhattan draws 20-something aspiring writer Brian (Anton Yelchin) into a passionate love affair with a glamorous French woman (Skyfall Bond girl Bérénice Marlohe). The catch? She’s married, and can only meet him for hotel room trysts between the hours of 5 and 7. Co-starring Frank Langella, Glenn Close, and Olivia Thirlby, this sexy romance captures the giddy thrill, the pain and the comedy of being young and falling in love.

QUEEN & COUNTRY

NR • 115min • UK 5/9, 5/12, 5/13 @ 7pm • 5/10 @ 3pm The hilarious follow-up to John Boorman’s Hope and Glory (1987 nominee for 5 Academy Awards), in which 9-year-old Bill Rohan rejoices in the destruction of his school by an errant Luftwaffe bomb.

Queen & Country picks up the story nearly a decade later as Bill (Callum Turner) begins basic training in the early 1950s, during the Korean War. A superb ensemble cast limns a wonderfully funny and often moving depiction of a still-recovering postwar England.

SERENA

R • 109min • US 5/19, 5/21 @ 7pm • 5/17 @ 3pm The North Carolina mountains, 1920s. George and Serena Pemberton (Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper), love-struck newlyweds, begin to build a timber empire. Serena soon proves herself to be equal to any man: overseeing loggers, hunting rattlesnakes, even saving a man’s life in the wilderness. With power and influence now in their hands, the Pembertons refuse to let anyone stand in the way of their love and ambitions.

3 HEARTS PG13 • 106min • France (subtitled) 5/22, 5/26, 5/27, 5/28 @ 7pm • 5/24 @ 3pm A touching and tense drama about destiny and passion, presenting a romantic look at a classic love triangle. One night in provincial France, Marc (Benoît Poelvoorde) meets Sylvie (Charlotte Gainsbourg) after missing his train back to Paris. Intensely drawn to one another, they wander through the streets until morning in rare harmony. A thwarted plan for a second meeting sends each in a separate direction.

WHITE GOD R • 117min • Hungary (subtitled) 5/30, 6/2, 6/4 @ 7pm When young Lili is forced to give up her beloved dog Hagen, because his mixed-breed heritage is deemed ‘unfit’ by The State, she and the dog begin a dangerous journey back towards each other.

At the same time, all the unwanted, unloved and so-called ‘unfit’ dogs rise up under a new leader, the one-time housepet who has learned all too well from his journey through the streets and animal control centers how to bite the hands that beat him.

extraordinary cinema

MAGICIAN: THE ASTONISHING LIFE AND WORK OF ORSON WELLES

PG13 • 94min • US 5/2, 5/5, 5/6 @ 7pm This documentary looks at the remarkable genius of Orson Welles on the eve of his centenary — the enigma of his career as a Hollywood star, a Hollywood director (for some a Hollywood failure), and a crucially important independent filmmaker. Premiered at the 2014 Telluride Film Festival.

KUMIKO, THE TREASURE HUNTER NR • 105min • US 5/8, 5/10, 5/12, 5/13, 5/14 @ 7pm In this darkly comedic odyssey, Academy Award nominee Rinko Kikuchi (Babel, Pacific Rim) stars as a frustrated office worker whose imagination transcends her mundane life. Kumiko becomes obsessed with a mysterious, battered VHS tape of a popular film she’s mistaken for a documentary, fixating on a scene where a suitcase of stolen cash is buried in the desolate, frozen landscape of North Dakota.

DELI MAN

PG13 • 91min • US 5/15, 5/17, 5/19, 5/20, 5/21 @ 7pm As Jewish culture continues to shift and adapt alongside mainstream America, delicatessen food remains a beloved communal delicacy. In Houston, Texas, third-generation deli man Ziggy Gruber has built arguably the finest delicatessen in the U.S. His story - augmented by the stories of iconic delis such as Katz’s, 2nd Avenue Deli, Carnegie, and the Stage - embodies a tradition linked to its nostalgic foods.

THE WRECKING CREW

PG • 95min • US 5/22, 5/23, 5/24, 5/26, 5/27, 5/28 @ 7pm This documentary tells the story of the unsung musicians that provided the backbeat, the bottom and the swinging melody that drove many of the number one hits of the 60s and 70s. From Nat “King” Cole, Frank Sinatra, Nancy Sinatra, The Monkees, The Byrds or The Beach Boys, these dedicated musicians made the American “west coast sound” a dominant cultural force around the world.

SEYMOUR: AN INTRODUCTION

PG • 84min • US 5/31, 6/2, 6/3, 6/4 @ 7pm Seymour Bernstein started playing the piano as a little boy, and by the time he turned 15 he was teaching it to others. He enjoyed a long career as a performer before devoting himself to helping others develop their own gifts. While Ethan Hawke’s gentle, meditative study is a warm and lucid portrait of Bernstein and his exceptional life and work, it’s also a love letter to the study of music itself.

FILM EVENT KEY: @ HISTORIC THEATER @ MUSIC HALL LOFT

See Calendar on page 7 for Show & Tell Discussions

TheMusicHall.org

NOW

4

ON SCREEN MAY SHE’S BEAUTIFUL WHEN SHE’S ANGRY

NR • 87min • US 5/29 @ 7pm • Historic Theater This documentary resurrects the buried history of the outrageous, often brilliant women who founded the modern women’s movement from 1966 to 1971. It takes us from the founding of NOW, when ladies wore hats and gloves, to the emergence of more radical factions of women’s liberation; from intellectuals like Kate Millett to the street theatrics of WITCH (Women’s International Conspiracy from Hell!).

Presented in affiliation with New Hampshire Women’s Foundation.

Panel discussion and Q&A to follow.

SERIES SPONSORS: Allergy Associates of NH; Rudi’s Portsmouth; Soldati PR; NH Gazette; PortsmouthNH.com; RAM Printing; Clear Channel

HD BROADCAST: National Theatre of London

HD BROADCAST: National Theatre of London

THE HARD PROBLEM

A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE Sun., May 17 • 1pm • Loft • $19; $15 for 18 & under

Sun., May 31 • 1pm • Loft • $19; $15 for 18 & under

Don’t miss a stellar cast led by Mark Strong (The Imitation Game; Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy) in the Young Vic’s ‘magnetic, electrifying, astonishingly bold’ production of A View from the Bridge – the Evening Standard, Guardian and Independent’s top theatre pick of 2014. The great Arthur Miller confronts the American dream in this dark and passionate tale.

Acclaimed playwright Tom Stoppard (Shakespeare in Love, Arcadia, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead) returns to the National Theatre with his highly-anticipated new play The Hard Problem, directed by Nicholas Hytner (Othello, Hamlet, One Man, Two Guvnors). Hilary, a young psychology researcher at a brainscience institute, is nursing a private sorrow and a troubling question at work.

EXPLORE + LEARN Don’t miss the Arts in Reach: Phenomenal Women Project Showcase in the Loft, May 3 at 6pm. The PWP girls will present their art on which they have worked throughout the duration of the project. There will be charcoals, watercolors and project books on display in the lobby. Then, in the theater, the presentation of Phenomenal Women Project Certificates. The Showcase is for friends and family and is also free and open to the public.

A series of events celebrating The African Burying Ground Memorial Park in Portsmouth will take place beginning on May 20; culminating on May 23 with a concert by famed gospel group The Blind Boys of Alabama at the Historic Theater. The Music Hall has been “a proud community partner from the inception of this important project in Portsmouth,” says Executive Director Patricia Lynch. Read more about this fascinating story and the weekend’s events on page 9 of this issue, and on the Music Hall blog.

Our final School Days Series show of the season is May 29: The Berenstain Bears Live!

There are still seats available for the 11:30 show.

5

NOW

(603) 436-2400

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

MAY IS MEMBERSHIP MONTH! We’re building community through membership...

WHY SHOULD YOU BECOME A MEMBER OF THE MUSIC HALL? • Advanced ticket purchasing and best seats • Fuels great programming from big names like Steve Martin to up and comers, with over 50 shows to date under $30 • Check out something new — writers, comedians, varied music genres and so much more!

• Give back — your support helps keep student programming accessible, $6 seats for School Days Series and outreach opportunities involving over 60 community partners in the region • Engage with others — social connecting and learning opportunities abound!

• Invest in the community — The Music Hall and its audiences leverage over $7,000,000 in economic impact!

WE’VE GOT A MATCH! A communit

y of arts lov

ers

Ca Membership

rd

Upgrade or become a new member in the month of May and your gift will be matched by a generous donor. This means your gift will have twice the impact on the organization and make an even greater difference.

MAY MEMBERSHIP MONTH

RAFFLES!

Become a new member or upgrade your membership in the month of May and you’ll be entered into one of our weekly Membership Month raffles!

Photos this page: David Murray/Clear Eye Photo

We’ve got four spectacular packages to raffle off — one raffle a week! Each week, any member who

upgrades or becomes a new member will be entered into that week’s raffle...

Week 1: Two complimentary seat upgrades Week 2: Two summer movie passes – don’t miss a movie in July and August Week 3: Two round trip bus tickets from Portsmouth, NH to NYC courtesy of C&J Week 4: 2 Gold Level Seats to Boz Scaggs Winners will be selected every Tuesday in May! Thank you to our top Corporate Partners Like us on Facebook & follow us Twitter!

TheMusicHall.org

NOW

6

MAY @ THE MUSIC HALL

ORG THEMUSICHALL.deos,

t vi Check out artis d more! an , rs ile tra movie

New shows are always being announced - sign up for enews today!

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

SATURDAY

26 APR

27

28

29

Extraordinary Cinema The Salvation 3pm

No Film Tonight

Extraordinary Cinema The Salvation 7pm

Intimately Yours: Lyle Lovett & John Hiatt (SOLD OUT) 7:30pm

Extraordinary Cinema The Salvation 7pm

The District Restaurant Singer Songwriter Series Great Lake Swimmers 8pm

Extraordinary Cinema An Honest Liar 7pm

Digital Portsmouth The Art of Working Remotely 5:30pm

Extraordinary Cinema 5 to 7 7pm

Extraordinary Cinema An Honest Liar 7pm

Extraordinary Cinema An Honest Liar 7pm

3

4

5

Writers on a New England Stage David Brooks 4pm

Intimately Yours Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox 7:30pm

Extraordinary Cinema 5 to 7 7pm

Extraordinary Cinema 5 to 7 7pm

Extraordinary Cinema Magician 7pm

Extraordinary Cinema Magician 7pm

Community Partner Arts in Reach Presents The Phenomenal Women Project Showcase 6pm

6

10

11

12

13

Extraordinary Cinema Queen & Country 3pm

6pm @ Aria Lounge

Extraordinary Cinema Queen & Country 7pm

Extraordinary Cinema Queen & Country 7pm Extraordinary Cinema Kumiko, the Treasure Hunter 7pm

30

FRIDAY

7 Extraordinary Cinema 5 to 7 7pm

1 MAY

2

8

Extraordinary Cinema Kumiko, the Treasure Hunter 7pm

Extraordinary Cinema 5 to 7 1pm & 7pm Extraordinary Cinema Magician 7pm

9

24th Annual Kitchen Tour 10am - 3pm

Writers on a New England Stage Sue Monk Kidd 7:30pm Extraordinary Cinema Kumiko, the Treasure Hunter 7pm

14

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

15

Extraordinary Cinema Queen & Country 7pm The District Restaurant Singer Songwriter Series Luluc 8pm

16

Community Partner Berwick Academy presents Threads 6:30pm

Community Partner Berwick Academy presents Space vs.

Time 7pm

Extraordinary Cinema

The District Restaurant Singer Songwriter Series Chris Trapper 8pm

Extraordinary Cinema Kumiko, the Treasure Hunter 7pm

Community Partner Kent Stephens’ STAGEFORCE Presents The Play Reading Series: 7:30pm

Extraordinary Cinema Kumiko, the Treasure Hunter 7pm

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

No Film Tonight

Extraordinary Cinema Serena 7pm

Writers on a New England Stage: Tom Brokaw 7:30pm

Extraordinary Cinema Serena 7pm

Extraordinary Cinema 3 Hearts 7pm

Extraordinary Cinema Deli Man 7pm

Extraordinary Cinema The Wrecking Crew 7pm

Intimately Yours The Blind Boys of Alabama 7pm

29

NT Live HD Broadcast A View From the Bridge 1pm

Extraordinary Cinema Serena 3pm

Extraordinary Cinema Deli Man 7pm

Extraordinary Cinema Deli Man 7pm

Extraordinary Cinema Deli Man 7pm

Deli Man

7pm

24

25

26

27

28

Extraordinary Cinema 3 Hearts 3pm

No Film Tonight

Extraordinary Cinema 3 Hearts 7pm

Extraordinary Cinema 3 Hearts 7pm

Extraordinary Cinema 3 Hearts 7pm

Extraordinary Cinema The Wrecking Crew 7pm

Extraordinary Cinema The Wrecking Crew 7pm

Extraordinary Cinema The Wrecking Crew 7pm

Extraordinary Cinema The Wrecking Crew 7pm

EVENT KEY: @ HISTORIC THEATER @ MUSIC HALL LOFT

Box Office/Historic Theater: 28 Chestnut Street The Loft: 131 Congress Street

School Days Series The Berenstain Bears Live! 9:30am (SOLD OUT) & 11:30am

Film Matters She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry 7pm Hilarity @ The Music Hall: DARWiN’s WAiTiNG ROOM 8pm

Extraordinary Cinema The Wrecking Crew 7pm

30

Extraordinary Cinema White God 7pm The District Restaurant Singer Songwriter Series: Alejandro Escovedo 8pm

31

NT Live HD Broadcast The Hard Problem 1pm

Community Partner Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra 3pm Extraordinary Cinema Seymour: An Introduction 7pm

Historic Theater Box Office Hours: Monday - Saturday, noon - 6pm Film tickets: $10 Adults; $8 Seniors 60+, Students & Military

Show & Tell discussion follows the film

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.

HERE & NOW

org/blog TheMusicHall. r more fo og bl r See ou nes info! behind-the-sce

Community Focus: African Burying Ground Celebration

by Regina Baraban

More than 11 years ago, a startling discovery was made on Chestnut Street in the heart of downtown Portsmouth, NH: the buried remains of roughly 200 individuals of African descent in a segregated resting place that was in use from the early 1700s to the 19th century. Since then, a robust community initiative, headed up by the Mayoral-appointed African Burying Ground Committee, has worked to acknowledge this history on many fronts, and to return the site to sacred ground.

Now their efforts are coming to fruition with a reburial service and public celebration.

Starting with an on-site community event on Wednesday, May 20 with sculptor Jerome Meadows and ending with a performance by The Blind Boys of Alabama at The Music Hall Historic Theater on Saturday, May 23, “the Portsmouth community has found a meaningful and powerful way of honoring those buried beneath the street,” says Vernis Jackson, Chair of the ABG Committee. “These events are about remembering the dead and returning the remains to the earth, as well as acknowledging the site’s history and celebrating the community-wide effort that has made this project possible.”

Saturday, May 23: The Blind Boys of Alabama

The Music Hall, with its Historic Theater just a few steps away from the burial ground, has been “a proud community partner from the inception of this important project in Portsmouth,” says Executive Director Patricia Lynch, adding that “by acknowledging the mistakes of the past, and by celebrating the dignity of all people, we are sending a beacon of hope for the future.”

Memorial events include an overnight vigil at the New Hope Baptist Church, an artwork unveiling, a reburial ceremony, and a public celebration at Portsmouth Middle School Auditorium. “The Burial Ground’s Sankofa symbol, meaning ‘reach back and get it’ in the Akan language of Ghana, says it all,” notes Portsmouth City Councilor and ABG Committee member Chris Dwyer. “I heard Reverend Lauren Smith translate the meaning as ‘it’s never too late to learn from and correct the mistakes of the past.’ Our nation needs this message now more than ever, when racial divides have come to the forefront.”

Indeed, the significance of African Burying Ground Memorial Park reaches far beyond Portsmouth and New Hampshire. “It is our history,” says ABG Committee member and ad hoc public affairs counsel Stephanie Seacord. “This is a demonstration of a core value our nation supposedly holds dear: ‘that all men are created equal and that we are endowed by the creator with certain inalienable rights.’ The Portsmouth African Burying Ground is a recommitment to that core value.”

For more information and a detailed calendar of events, go online to www.africanburyinggroundnh.org.

9

NOW

(603) 436-2400

Don’t miss five-time Grammy award-winning gospel group The Blind Boys of Alabama, capping the memorial commemorations with a 7pm concert at The Music Hall Historic Theater on Chestnut Street. Notes The Music Hall’s Executive Director Patricia Lynch: “This legendary gospel soul group has inspired millions of people around the world, and makes a great family-friendly way to celebrate the opening of the African Burying Ground Memorial Park.”

Adds Portsmouth City Councilor and ABG Committee member Chris Dwyer: “Their gospel sound will set the tone of a meaningful celebration—signifying a job well done as well as the beginning of a new phase.”

WHO: The Blind Boys of Alabama WHEN: Sat., May 23 at 7pm WHERE: The Music Hall Historic Theater TICKETS: $38; $49 Available at the Box Office or online at www.themusichall.org

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

AT A G LANCE Date

1 3 3 4 8 9 9 11 15 16 16 17 20 23 29

May 2015

The District Restaurant Singer Songwriter Series Great Lake Swimmers

3

Writers on a New England Stage

5

Friday, May 1 • 8pm

David Brooks

Sunday, May 3 • 4pm

June 2015

Tuesday, August 11 • 7pm

Live @ The Loft Martha Redbone Project

14

Intimately Yours Graham Nash Friday, August 14 • 8pm

Date

September 2015

The District Restaurant Singer Songwriter Series Dan Mangan

Friday, June 5 • 8pm

13

Community Partner Oyster River Silent Film Night: Seven Chances

18

The District Restaurant Singer Songwriter Series The Secret Sisters

Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox Monday, May 4 • 7:30pm

Writers on a New England Stage

Sue Monk Kidd

Friday, May 8 • 7:30pm

24th Annual Kitchen Tour

Saturday, May 9 • 10am - 3pm The District Restaurant Singer Songwriter Series Luluc

Saturday, May 9 • 8pm

Community Partner Kent Stephens’ Stage Force presents

The Play Reading Series

Monday, May 11 • 7:30pm Community Partner Berwick Academy presents: Threads

Friday, May 15 • 6:30pm

Community Partner Berwick Academy presents: Space vs. Time

Saturday, May 16 • 7pm

19

Friday, June 12 • 8pm

Saturday, June 13 • 7pm

Hilarity Juston McKinney

Friday, June 19 • 8pm

Intimately Yours Lucinda Williams

27

The District Restaurant Singer Songwriter Series Kristin Hersh

28

Live @ The Loft

7

Sunday, June 21 • 7pm

Las Cafeteras

Sunday, June 28 • 7:30pm

July 2015 Left Bank Cabaret Patrick Dorow’s

Piano Room

Tuesday, July 7 • 7:30pm

10

National Theatre of London HD Broadcast A View From The Bridge

11

Left Bank Cabaret Nellie McKay

Writers on a New England Stage

15

Intimately Yours Wynton Marsalis with

16

Left Bank Cabaret Francesca Blanchard

Sunday, May 17 • 1pm

Tom Brokaw

Wednesday, May 20 • 7:30pm Intimately Yours

The Blind Boys of Alabama Saturday, May 23 • 7pm

Hilarity DARWiN’S WAiTiNG ROOM

Friday, May 29 • 8pm

The District Restaurant Singer Songwriter Series Alejandro Escovedo

31

National Theatre of London HD Broadcast The Hard Problem

Saturday, May 30 • 8pm

Sunday, May 31 • 1pm Community Partner

Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra Sunday, May 31 • 3pm

KEY

@ The Loft @The Historic Theater

Like us on Facebook & follow us Twitter!

Date

Writers in the Loft Debbie Macomber

Live @ The Loft

Sierra Leone’s Refugee Allstars

Thursday, September 3 • 7:30pm

December 2015 The Ogunquit Playhouse at The Music

9-20 Hall presents White Christmas Wed., Dec. 9 - Sun., Dec. 20

Saturday, June 27 • 8pm

The District Restaurant Singer Songwriter Series Chris Trapper

Saturday, May 1 • 8pm

3

Thursday, June 18 • 7:30pm

21

Date

August 2015

11

Wednesday, June 3 • 7:30pm

Sunday, May 3 • 6pm Intimately Yours

Date

Intimately Yours Boz Scaggs Sunday, August 2 • 7pm

Diana Gabaldon

12

Project Showcase

2015

2

Writers on a New England Stage

Community Partner Arts in Reach presents: Phenomenal Women

30 31

Date

On Stage & On Screen

Left Bank Cabaret Ruby Rose Fox

Friday, July 10 • 8pm

Saturday, July 11 • 7pm & 9pm

the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra

Wednesday, July 15 • 7:30pm Thursday, July 16 • 7:30pm

17

Left Bank Cabaret Ben Baldwin

18

Left Bank Cabaret Wondertwins

22

Intimately Yours Straight No Chaser

25

Big Apple Circus

Friday, July 17 • 8pm

Saturday, July 18 • 8pm

Wednesday, July 22 • 7:30pm

Saturday, July 25 • 4pm & 8pm

the met @ the music hall 2015-2016 Season HD Broadcasts SAT., OCTOBER 3 • 1PM IL TROVATORE (Verdi) SAT., OCTOBER 24 • 1PM OTELLO (Verdi) SUN., NOVEMBER 1 • 12PM TANNHÄUSER (Wagner) SUN., NOVEMBER 22 • 12:30PM LULU (Berg) SAT., JANUARY 16 • 1PM LES PÊCHEURS DE PERLES (Bizet) SAT., JANUARY 30 • 1PM TURANDOT (Puccini) SUN., MARCH 6 • 1PM MANON LESCAUT (Puccini) SAT., APRIL 2 • 1PM MADAMA BUTTERFLY (Puccini) SUN., APRIL 17 • 1PM ROBERTO DEVEREAUX (Donizetti) SUN., MAY 1 • 1PM ELEKTRA (Strauss)

The Music Hall and The Ogunquit Playhouse Present:

White Christmas

A holiday musical • December 9-20, 2015 • Tickets on sale NOW! TheMusicHall.org

NOW

10

NOW

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

VOLUME 3, ISSUE 6

WE’RE LOOKING FORWARD TO...

WYNTON MARSALIS WITH THE JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER ORCHESTRA (LIVE ON STAGE): JULY 15

BIG APPLE CIRCUS ON STAGE: JULY 25 THANK YOU TO OUR SEASON SPONSORS!

A home at Portwalk Place... music to your ears.

Brand new open-space floor plans in the heart of historic Portsmouth.

Let in the light and the fresh ocean air. Big on service. Big on amenities.

Live your life in balanced harmony.

A home Place... music to Come yourinears.

Now leasingat onePortwalk to three bedroom apartment homes. and A home at Portwalk Place... music to ears. select your perfect floor plan.

Schedule your private tour today!

Call Brand new open-space floor plans in the heart of historicyour Portsmouth.

603.436.9926 orand visitthe us fresh at www.LivePortwalk.com.

Let in the ocean air.

Big on service.

BigPortsmouth. on amenities.

Brand newlight open-space floor plans in the heart of historic Live in and balanced harmony.

Let home inyour the life light the fresh ocean air. Big music on service. on amenities.

A at Portwalk Place... toBigyour ears.

Live your life in harmony. | balanced | www.liveportwalk.com 7 Portwalk Place Portsmouth, NH 03801 |apartment (603) 436-9926 Now leasing one to three bedroom homes.

Come in and Brand new open-space floor plans in the heart of historic Portsmouth. select yourlight perfect floor plan.

Schedule your tour today!

Now one three bedroom apartment homes.

Come in Call and Let in leasing the andtothe fresh ocean air.

Big onprivate service.

Big on amenities.

603.436.9926 orbalanced visitfloor us atplan. www.LivePortwalk.com. select your Schedule your private tour today! Call Live your lifeperfect in harmony.

603.436.9926 or visit us at www.LivePortwalk.com.

Now leasing one to three bedroom apartment homes. Come in and | Portsmouth, 7 Portwalk Place NH Schedule 03801 | (603) 436-9926 www.liveportwalk.com select your perfect floor plan. your private| tour today! Call | visit 7 Portwalk Place or Portsmouth, NH 03801 | (603) 436-9926 | www.liveportwalk.com 603.436.9926 us at www.LivePortwalk.com.

7 Portwalk Place | Portsmouth, NH 03801 | (603) 436-9926 | www.liveportwalk.com

NON PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

PORTSMOUTH, NH PERMIT NO. 202