Free exhibit puts the people in the primary
PORTSMOUTH — Keeping politics personal is the focus of a exhibit opening Friday at the Portsmouth Athenaeum, “First in the Nation: New Hampshire Presidential Primaries — 1920 to 2020.”
“We are telling the stories of locals who worked on campaigns or met with politicians,” co-curator Mary-Jo Monusky said.
One of those “locals” is Francesca Marconi Fernald, whose mother Evelyn Marconi started the tradition of hosting candidates in 1964 at her Portsmouth restaurant, Geno’s Chowder and Sandwich Shop.
“In New Hampshire we get to see you, shake your hand ... we’re a small state, but we get to really scrutinize you,” Fernald said.
Retired Associated Press Photographer Jim Cole has visited Geno’s many times in the four decades he covered the primary.
He also remembers regular journeys to the Stratham farm of Doug and Stella Scamman. Both Scammans have served in the state legislature; he was Speaker of the House for two terms.
A photo Cole took at their farm in 1999 of George W. Bush with Holiday the cow made Cole grin as he recalled a nearly identical picture of then-presidential candidate George H.W. Bush from 1988.
The free exhibit is packed with photographs as well as political memorabilia.
It will include a button from each of the winners from 1952 forward — that was the year candidates’ names began appearing on the primary ballot. Before that, voters chose delegates for each presidential hopeful.
There will also be a video montage of campaign songs by film and music producer Dennis Kleinman of “Reading Rainbow” Fame.
The free exhibit’s opening will feature a 5 p.m. talk by Cole on Friday in the Randall Gallery. It runs through June 29 and is open Tuesday through Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m.
Info: portsmouthathenaeum.org.
25th Frost Festival takes place in Derry this weekend
DERRY — The 25th annual Frost Festival will be held from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday at various locations.
There will be ice sculptures, outdoor games, food trucks, s’mores by The Culinary Playground, a cracklin’ campfire, Frost the Snowman, face painting and more downtown.
Veterans Hall will feature Wildlife Encounters, Mr. Ray’s Puppet Show, crafts and games.
A Winter Fun exhibit will be on display at the Derry Museum of History, and weather permitting, there will be ice skating at Hood Park and sledding at Alexander-Carr Park.
All activities are free and open to the public.
Info: @Frost Festival on Facebook.
Majestic Theatre presents ‘Beating a Dead Horse’ comedy
MANCHESTER — The Majestic Theatre will present the comedy “Beating a Dead Horse” this weekend at its 880 Page St. studios.
Steve and Marty Martin are two brothers on the brink of closing their failing pet funeral home.
That is, until an eccentric, rich old lady offers them a fortune for the funeral of her nearly dead racehorse, Sir Trots-A-Lot. There’s only one problem: The horse won’t die.
“Beating a Dead Horse” is directed by Carole Neveux, assisted by Aimee Baker.
and stars Sandra Avellani of Derry, Michele Bossie of Milford, Chad Boutin of Manchester, Jeff Caron of Merrimack, Natashia Da Cunha-Lund Manchester, Sean Danboise of Manchester and Matthew McGinnis of Manchester.
Show times are Friday at 7 p.m.; Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m.; and Sunday at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $15-$20.
Info: majestictheatre.net.
‘Shades of Bublé’ pays tribute to Grammy Award winner
MANCHESTER — “Shades of Bublé: A Three-Man Tribute to Michael Bublé” celebrates the continuing career of the multiple Grammy Award-winning recording artist at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Palace Theatre, 80 Hanover St.
Since debuting at a sold-out concert in April 2015, this trio has entertained tens of thousands at theatrical concerts across the United States.
Delivering a set list only of songs recorded or performed live by Bublé, this tribute honors – but doesn’t imitate – the sophistication, retro style and high-energy fun the artist brings to his concerts.
Songs from the show include big-band standards (“Come Fly With Me,” “You’re Nobody till Somebody Loves You,” “All of Me”), classic hits from the ’50s to the ’80s (“Be My Baby,” “Heartache Tonight,” “Twist and Shout,” “Crazy Little Thing Called Love”), as well as Billboard chart-toppers from today (“Home,” “Everything,” “Haven’t Met You Yet”).
Tickets are $39.
Info: palacetheatre.org.
Cowboy Junkies show to span decades-long career of music
LACONIA — Cowboy Junkies will take the stage at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Colonial Theatre, 609 Main St.
In 1988, Cowboy Junkies’ “The Trinity Session” stood out in the flash that came to define the late ’80s.
The now-classic recording combined folk, blues and rock in a way that had never been heard before and sold more than a million copies.
The group formed in Toronto in 1985 with siblings Michael Timmins on guitar, Margo Timmins on vocals, Peter Timmins on drums, and Michael’s lifelong friend Alan Anton on bass, and would go on to produce 26 albums.
Cowboy Junkies will perform a career-spanning show, including its new album, “Such Ferocious Beauty,” which was released in June 2023 to universal critical acclaim.
Tickets are $39-$69.
Info: coloniallaconia.com.
