INTRODUCING THE CURATORS
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 PROGRAMMING MANAGER
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)
BRITTANY WASON
LITERARY PRODUCER & CONTENT MANAGER
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)!
MARK PRUETT
DIRECTOR OF DATA SERVICES & CINEMA CURATOR
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!
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!
MAGAZINE
Monte Bohanan
Lauren Hodge
James Paone
LAUREN HODGE TALENT BUYER
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.
MONTE BOHANAN
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
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!
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS
Mark Pruett
Tina Sawtelle
Ashleigh Tucker Pollock
THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE PARTNERS
ASHLEIGH TUCKER POLLOCK CHIEF OF STAFF & DANCE CURATOR
I am so excited to welcome Paul Taylor Dance Company (9/10) back to our historic stage!
Sara Turner
Brittany Wason
DESIGN
Kaitlyn Huwe
Curator Photo Credits: Chris Keeley Photography
COMEDY AT THE LOUNGE
Laugh along with us
COMEDY SERIES
SPONSORS:
PAT MCGANN
Thu., July 7 • 6pm & 8:30pm • The Lounge
Pat McGann is quickly rising as one of the sharpest stand-ups in the comedy world as Sebastian Maniscalco’s opening act.
JIMMY TINGLE LIVE!
Sat., July 16 • 6pm & 8:30pm • The Lounge
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.
MICHAEL IAN BLACK
Sat., July 9 • 6pm & 9pm • The Lounge
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.
ADAM RAY
Sun., August 7 • 8:30pm • The Lounge
You know him from shows Curb Your Enthusiasm and Arrested Development; films The Heat and Ghostbusters; and his About Last Night podcast.
MUSIC AT THE LOUNGE
Local legends & rising stars
DARLINGSIDE [SOLD OUT]
Fri., July 8 • 8pm • The Lounge
Known for their harmonies, intelligent songwriting, and hilarious stage presence, the Boston-based quartet is a live-performance favorite on the Seacoast!
Wed., July 13 • 7pm • The Lounge
Founder
Sun., July 10 • 8pm • The Lounge
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.
Thu., July 21 • 7:30pm • The Lounge
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.
CHRIS PIERCE
SÉAN MCCANN
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.
TOMBERLIN
MUSIC AT THE LOUNGE
Music to our ears
BITTER PILL
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.
PETER MULVEY & MARK ERELLI
Thu., July 28 7:30pm The Lounge
Two singer-songwriter veterans bring decades on the road and Americana artistry together with no holds barred.
TAYLOR O'DONNELL
Sun., July 24 • 8pm • The Lounge
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.
TAKÉNOBU
Sat., July 30 8pm The Lounge
This multi-layered string duo is known for their dreamy and dramatic instrumental pieces.
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.
Sun., July 31 • 2pm • The
CHRIS VAN ALLSBURG
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!
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
Sat., July 2 • 6pm & 8pm • Chestnut Street
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.
SONGWRITERS IN THE ROUND:
DAN BLAKESLEE, KATE REDGATE, & CHAD VERBECK
Sat., August 6 • 8pm • Chestnut Street
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.
LIZ FRAME & THE KICKERS
Fri., July 15 • 7:30pm • Chestnut Street
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.
A NIGHT OF SINATRA WITH RICH DIMARE
Thu., August 18 • 6pm & 8pm • Chestnut Street
Rich DiMare is an American jazz singer who specializes in the Frank Sinatra songbook.
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 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!
proud supporters of t he Music h all
The Ar T s A re T he A nswer to vibrant and prosperous communities where we treasure our heritage, celebrate our diversity and nurture our ingenuity.
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
Zachary Williams Credit: Chris Keeley Photography
MUSIC AT THE HISTORIC THEATER
Tickets are going fast!
MUSIC SERIES
SPONSORS:
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
MUSIC AT THE HISTORIC THEATER
Music Hall favorites return MUSIC SERIES
SPONSORS:
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:
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
MUSIC AT THE HISTORIC THEATER
Celebrating with the best!
MUSIC SERIES
SPONSORS:
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
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
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
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
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.
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
Friend level
Save up to $9.90/ticket
20% DISCOUNT
Advocate-Patron level
Save up to $19.80/ticket
PRESENTING HOLIDAY SPONSOR:
30% DISCOUNT
Backer-Stakeholder level
Save up to $29.70/ticket
UPCOMING MUSIC AT THE LOUNGE
Something for everyone!
EANDA BAND:
ANGER, HARTMAN, WALSH, GILCHRIST, POOL
Fri., August 19 • 8pm
The Lounge
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.
BELLA WHITE
Sat., August 20 • 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.”
TAYLOR ASHTON & OSHIMA BROTHERS
Fri., September 9 9pm
The Lounge
Versatile and innovative artists, Taylor Ashton and the Oshima Brothers make for a beautiful night of music.
ARI HEST
Thu., September 15 • 7:30pm
The Lounge
The Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter’s deep, smooth voice is seriously easy to get lost in.
MELISSA FERRICK
Fri., September 23 • 8pm
The Lounge
Ferrick is one of the most prolific independent artists and songwriters on the scene today.
SARAH BLACKER BAND
Fri., September 30 8pm
The Lounge
The band presents seamless songs that expand into danceable grooves and playful improvisational journeys.
WILLY PORTER & TOM PIROZZOLI
Fri., October 21 • 7:30pm
The Lounge
Rich guitar work and world travels complete these singer-songwriters’ live performances.
JONATHA BROOKE
Sat., October 8 • 6pm
The Lounge
With an edgy roots-rock sensibility, Jonatha Brooke has been making music for decades.
ELLIS PAUL
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
Schedule subject to change. Check TheMusicHall.org for updates.
LEGEND: At The Historic Theater | At The Lounge | Offsite/Online
JULY 2022
Live Under the Arch 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
Michael Ian Black
Saturday, July 9 • 6pm & 9pm
Music
Tomberlin
Sunday, July 10 • 8pm
Literary
Tom Perrotta
Tuesday, July 12 • 7pm
Music
Séan McCann
Wednesday, July 13 • 7pm
Live Under the Arch Liz Frame & the Kickers
Friday, July 15 • 7:30pm
Comedy
Jimmy Tingle Live!
Saturday, July 16 • 6pm & 8:30pm
Music
Chris Pierce
Thursday, July 21 • 7:30pm
Music
Bitter Pill
Friday, July 22 • 8pm
Music
Taylor O’Donnell
Sunday, July 24 • 8pm
Music
Peter Mulvey & Mark Erelli
Thursday, July 28 • 7:30pm
Music
Takénobu
Saturday, July 30 • 8pm
Literary
Chris Van Allsburg
Sunday, July 31 • 2pm
AUGUST 2022
Live Under the Arch 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
Music
EandA Band: Anger, Hartman, Walsh, Gilchrist, Pool Friday, August 19 • 8pm
Music
Bella White
Saturday, August 20 • 8pm
SEPTEMBER 2022
Music
They Might Be Giants [SOLD OUT]
Thursday, September 1 • 8pm
Music
Brett Eldredge
Friday, September 2 • 8pm
Music
Will Dailey
Friday, September 2 • 8pm
Music
Dionne Warwick
Wednesday, September 7 • 7:30pm
Music
Taylor Ashton & Oshima Brothers Friday, September 9 • 9pm
Dance
Paul Taylor Dance Company
Saturday, September 10 • 7:30pm
Music
The Robert Cray Band
Tuesday, September 13 • 7:30pm
Music
Ari Hest
Thursday, September 15 • 7:30pm FROM OUR PARTNER - THE
SEPTEMBER 2022
Cinema
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
Huma Abedin
Tuesday, September 27 • 7pm
Music
Sarah Blacker Band
Friday, September 30 • 8pm
OCTOBER 2022
Comedy
Paula Poundstone
Saturday, October 1 • 8pm
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
UPCOMING SHOWS
MICHAEL IAN BLACK
July 9
BITTER PILL
July 22
LEAD SPONSOR:
JULY/MID-AUGUST 2022