WRITERS ON A NEW ENGLAND STAGE JENNY SLATE AND LIFEFORM
9/7
CITY WIDE BOOK CLUBS 9/8
SEACOAST LITFEST TALKS PANEL 9/9
WRITERS ON A NEW ENGLAND STAGE DAN BROWN AND THE SECRET OF SECRETS 9/10
PLATINUM SPONSOR
SEASON SPONSORS
ON SALE NOW
COMEDY WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY?
Thu., October 2 • 7:30pm • Historic Theater
MUSIC TALISK AND GARDINER BROTHERS: UNLEASHED
Sun., October 5 • 7pm • Historic Theater
MUSIC PETER BRADLEY ADAMS Sat., November 15 • 7:30pm • The Lounge
MUSIC NAT ZEGREE: THE NAT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
Mon., December 15 • 7pm • Historic Theater
Be the first to know! Sign up for enews at TheMusicHall.org
TALKS THE PRINCESS BRIDE: AN INCONCEIVABLE EVENING WITH CARY ELWES Fri., October 3 • 7:30pm • Historic Theater
MUSIC BRIAN CULBERTSON: DAY TRIP TOUR Tue., October 21 • 7pm • Historic Theater
COMEDY RANDY RAINBOW: NATIONAL FREAKIN’ TREASURE Sun., November 16 • 7pm • Historic Theater
Listen to the artists in this magazine with our Spotify Playlist!
MUSIC AMY GRANT Sat., October 4 • 7:30pm • Historic Theater
MUSIC NATALIE MERCHANT WITH ERIK DELLA PENNA: AUTUMN ACOUSTIC TOUR Tue., November 11 • 7:30pm • Historic Theater
MUSIC MUSE: A SALUTE TO HOLIDAY DIVAS! Sat., December 6 • 8pm • The Lounge
COMEDY JUSTON MCKINNEY’S COMEDY YEAR IN REVIEW 2025 Fri., December 26 • 7pm Sat., December 27 • 4:30pm & 8pm Sun., December 28 • 4:30pm Mon., December 29 • 7pm Historic Theater
End the year with laughter as the Seacoast’s own Juston McKinney performs what have become annual must-see shows at The Music Hall!
GENRE: COUNTRY
GENRE: FOLK, WORLD MUSIC, DANCE
GENRE: JAZZ
GENRE: FOLK, SINGER-SONGWRITER
GENRE: TRIBUTE, HOLIDAY
GENRE: POP, FOLK ROCK
GENRE: HOLIDAY SOLD OUT!
TALKS AT THE HISTORIC THEATER
From silver screen to sharp satire—conversations that captivate.
MEDIA PARTNER: INTERCONNECTIONS
PRESENTING SPONSOR:
LIMITED TICKET AVAILABILITY!
AN EVENING WITH DAVID SEDARIS
Sun., July 13 • 7pm
America’s best-selling humorist and social satirist, David Sedaris, visits The Music Hall for an evening of stories and commentary, promising to make audiences laugh and think in equal measures.
A LIVE CONVERSATION WITH JOHN CUSACK FOLLOWING A SCREENING OF HIGH FIDELITY
Thu., September 11 • 7pm
With an impressive body of work spanning the course of three decades, John Cusack has evolved into one of Hollywood’s most accomplished and respected actors of his generation.
COMEDY AT THE HISTORIC THEATER
COMEDY SERIES
SPONSORS: Front-row laughs with the sharpest wits in the game.
GARY GULMAN: MISFIT STAND UP TOUR
Sat., August 2 • 8pm
One of the most popular touring comics, Gulman has sold out theaters around the country and has established himself as an eminent performer and peerless writer.
EVENING SPONSOR: Eastern Bank
Sun., August 24 • 7pm
PETE HOLMES: THE PETE HERE NOW TOUR
Pete Holmes created HBO’s Crashing, hosted You Made It Weird, voiced the E*TRADE baby, and wrote Comedy Sex God. He napped after writing this.
SEACOAST LITFEST
Open Books. Open Minds.
PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:
PRESENTING SPONSOR:
ABOUT SEACOAST LITFEST
An inspiring multi-day celebration, the Seacoast LitFest brings together bestselling authors, thought leaders, and curious readers for an unforgettable literary experience on New Hampshire’s Seacoast. From lively book chats and author talks to a vibrant book fair and community events, the festival invites audiences of all ages to connect. Presented by New Hampshire Public Radio and The Music Hall, two of the state’s leading voices for storytelling and culture.
SEACOAST LITFEST VIP PASS: $250
• Priority Orchestra seating available to both keynote WNES events (Dan Brown and Jenny Slate)
• VIP Passholder-only party
• Signed copy of Dan Brown’s The Secret of Secrets ($38, hardcover)
• Signed copy of Jenny Slate’s Lifeform ($29, hardcover)
• Exclusive access to a Seacoast LitFest Talks panel in The Lounge
• Selection of books from participating authors
• Priority book club access
SEACOAST LITFEST SCHEDULE
JENNY SLATE AND LIFEFORM
Sun., Sep. 7 • 4pm • Historic Theater
CITY WIDE BOOK CLUBS
Mon., Sep. 8 • All Day • Portsmouth, NH
SEACOAST LITFEST TALKS PANEL
Tue., Sep. 9 • 7pm • The Lounge
DAN BROWN AND THE SECRET OF SECRETS
Wed., Sep. 10 • 7pm • Historic Theater
WRITERS ON A NEW ENGLAND STAGE
Two unforgettable events to bookend the Seacoast LitFest.
PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:
PRESENTING SPONSOR:
JENNY SLATE AND LIFEFORM
Sun., September 7 • 4pm
From actor, comedian, co-creator of Marcel the Shell, and New York Times bestselling author of Little Weirds, Jenny Slate, comes a wild, soulful, hilarious collection depicting the journey into motherhood as you’ve never seen it before.
DAN BROWN AND THE SECRET OF SECRETS
Wed., September 10 • 7pm
We are beyond thrilled to announce that Dan Brown, one of the bestselling authors of all time, will return for a hometown launch, right here in Portsmouth, NH, as the grand finale and keynote speaker for the launch of the new Seacoast LitFest and the 20th anniversary celebration of Writers on a New England Stage. Brown will appear live with his brandnew novel, The Secret of Secrets — making Portsmouth the second stop on his exclusive world-wide book tour.
GENERATIONAL CONVERSATIONS
A New Multidisciplinary Talks Series Launching with the Seacoast LitFest.
A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN:
Launching Fall 2025, Generational Conversations is a new multidisciplinary talks series held at The Lounge in Portsmouth, NH. This groundbreaking collaboration between The Music Hall (TMH), New Hampshire Public Radio (NHPR), and MacDowell brings together emerging and established MacDowell Fellows for dynamic public conversations—evoking the spirit of MacDowell’s storied dinner table dialogues.
SERIES HIGHLIGHTS
LIVE TALKS & PERFORMANCE
Each event will feature a dialogue between an emerging and an established MacDowell Fellow, followed by a Q&A and optional performance, reading, or visual presentation.
DISCIPLINES REPRESENTED
Literary, Theater, Music, Filmmaking, Architecture, Journalism, and more.
MULTIMEDIA REACH
Events will be recorded by TMH and distributed by NHPR via podcast, radio, and YouTube platforms.
PILOT SEASON
Four events are planned beginning with the Seacoast LitFest in September 2025 and through June 2026.
UNH TRADITIONAL JAZZ SERIES
A new chapter in jazz, rooted in timeless tradition.
THE COUNT BASIE ORCHESTRA
Mon., September 22 • 7pm • Historic Theater
Count Basie’s Orchestra, performing worldwide nearly 40 years after his passing, remains a jazz institution—Grammy-winning, worldrenowned, and celebrated for excellence, grandeur, and legacy.
ABOUT THE SERIES
The UNH Traditional Jazz Series began in 1979 through the imaginative vision and generous commitment of the late Dorothy C. Prescott. It promotes the enjoyment and understanding of the art through concerts featuring musicians of regional, national, and international prominence. The series not only honors jazz’s historical roots but also keeps the music fresh and relevant for new generations of listeners. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or brand new to the genre, the UNH Traditional Jazz Series offers an evening of world-class music and vibrant community. Performances have been given by legendary musicians such as: Clark Terry, Ray Brown, Benny Carter, Benny Golson, Ron Carter, Christian McBride, John Scofield, Monty Alexander, Joey DeFrancesco, Kenny Barron, and MANY more!
We are happy to be UNH’s temporary home for this series while the Paul Creative Arts Center is being renovated.
SAVE THE DATE FOR THE SECOND PERFORMANCE!
Mon., October 27 • Historic Theater
MUSIC AT THE HISTORIC THEATER
Turn up the volume for these unforgettable nights.
MUSIC SERIES
SPONSORS:
RUMOURS ATL: A FLEETWOOD MAC TRIBUTE
Thu., July 3 • 7pm
Rumours ATL masterfully recreates Fleetwood Mac’s golden era, capturing their iconic sound, energy, and mystique with stunning musicianship, rich harmonies, and an unforgettable live experience.
Evening Sponsor: Whole Life Health Care
DREW & ELLIE HOLCOMB
Sat., July 19 • 8pm
Join Drew and Ellie Holcomb on the “Greetings From New England” tour, blending Americana roots, community, and heartfelt storytelling in a celebration of togetherness.
SECOND SHOW ADDED BY POPULAR DEMAND!
THE TEMPTATIONS
Tue., August 26 & Wed., August 27 • 7pm
The world-renowned superstars are revered for their phenomenal catalog of music, prolific career, and contributions not only to American culture and African American communities but also to the global music landscape.
Evening Sponsor: Leone, McDonnell and Roberts, PA
Listen to the artists in this magazine with our Spotify Playlist!
STRAIGHT NO CHASER SUMMER: THE 90S PART 2
Sat., July 12 • 8pm
The 90s are back when Straight No Chaser returns to The Music Hall for another evening of unforgettable vocals, extraordinary music, and fun.
Evening Sponsors:
Leone, McDonnell and Roberts, PA | Harbor Women’s Health Care
JANE LYNCH AND KATE FLANNERY’S THE TROUBLE WITH ANGELS
Sun., August 10 • 7pm
An evening of mischief and music from two very familiar faces. It’s like the Rat Pack… but with a couple of broads.
LETTUCE
Sat., August 31 • 8pm
LETTUCE is a genre-busting six-member musical collective feeding funk’s rich history with hip-hop, rock, psychedelia, jazz, soul, jam, gogo, and the avant-garde.
GENRE: TRIBUTE/COVER
GENRE: FOLK, POP
GENRE: R&B/SOUL
GENRE: FUNK/JAM
GENRE: POP/ACAPELLA
GENRE: POP, MUSICAL THEATER, COMEDY
MUSIC AT THE HISTORIC THEATER
Feel the sound. Live the moment. Love the music.
MUSIC SERIES
SPONSORS:
THE RED HOT CHILLI PIPERS
Wed., September 17 • 7:30pm
Bagpipes with attitude. Drums with a Scottish accent. It’s Bagrock—rock anthems and tunes from the glens, performed by the Red Hot Chilli PIPERS!
SHARON VAN ETTEN & THE ATTACHMENT THEORY
Tue., September 23 • 7pm
Exhilarating and wholly realized, Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory explores timeless themes through new sounds—sharp as glass, collaborative, and free in every way.
MUSIC HALL PRESENTS
Listen to the artists in this magazine with our Spotify Playlist!
KILLER QUEEN – A TRIBUTE TO QUEEN
Wed., September 24 • 7pm
FEATURING PATRICK MYERS AS FREDDIE MERCURY. Killer Queen is the longest-established tribute band to Freddie Mercury and Queen, who has regularly sold out venues and represented the band at LiveAid.
Come on down for entertaining and unforgettable evenings!
THE PRICE IS RIGHT LIVE - ON STAGE
Wed., July 9 • 8pm
“Come on Down” to THE PRICE IS RIGHT LIVE™ for an interactive, family-friendly show with your favorite games, fabulous prizes, and the chance to win big!
Evening Sponsor: Harbor Women’s Health Care
LIMITED TICKET AVAILABILITY!
ITZHAK PERLMAN: CINEMA SERENADE WITH PORTSMOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Sat., September 20 • 7:30pm
Join the world-renowned violinist Itzhak Perlman for an unforgettable concert featuring the Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra where the magic of cinema meets the brilliance of a live orchestra.
MUSIC AT THE LOUNGE
Local gems and living legends—music that feels personal.
PRESENTING SPONSOR:
ONCE AN OUTLAW - ACOUSTIC SHOW
FEATURING CHRIS ANDERSON
Sun., July 13 • 7pm
Hear classic hits and deep cuts from the Outlaws as well as original picks from Chris Anderson delivered in a stripped down acoustic format with all the power you’d expect from an electric show.
BITTER PILL
Sun., July 20 • 7pm
“The real deal, punch you in the gut and keep you coming back” (Seacoastonline.com) with their “smart, dramatic… evocative compositions that cross genres” (NH Magazine).
MARK ERELLI
Fri., August 22 • 8pm
The critically acclaimed singer-songwriter and guitarist is known for his distinctive blend of rock, folk, and Americana.
TONY FURTADO
Wed., July 16 • 7pm
An evocative and soulful singer, Tony Furtado is a wide-ranging songwriter crafting sounds of Americana roots via multi-instrumentation and a dizzying musical toolbox.
WALTER PARKS & THE UNLAWFUL ASSEMBLY
Fri., July 25 • 8pm
The Unlawful Assembly reimagines and tributes historic spirituals and hymns which universally inspire, empower, and unite.
SHARON JONES
A TRIBUTE TO: NINA SIMONE, DINAH
WASHINGTON, AND LOUIS ARMSTRONG
Sat., August 23 • 8pm
A Portsmouth legend returns to The Lounge with high energy R&B and Blues tunes.
Listen to the artists in this magazine with our Spotify Playlist!
A NIGHT OF SINATRA WITH RICH DIMARE & RON POSTER
Sat., July 19 • 5pm & 7:30pm
Join Rich DiMare and Ron Poster at The Lounge for an evening of classics from the Frank Sinatra songbook.
SARAH BLACKER & THE LIGHT
Sat., July 26 • 8pm
Mixing a blend of soulful singer-songwriter repertoire with jazzy melodic twists, Sarah Blacker & the Light arrive with 4-part lush vocal harmonies and a side of Classic Rock and folk.
GRETCHEN KLEMPA
Fri., August 29 • 8pm
The Los Angeles-based musician, originally from New Hampshire, is known for her candid and introspective lyricism.
GENRE: FOLK
GENRE: BLUES GENRE: POP, SINGER-SONGWRITER, LOCAL
GENRE: FOLK
GENRE: SOUTHERN ROCK, BLUES
GENRE: TRIBUTE
GENRE: FOLK, LOCAL
GENRE: R&B, JAZZ, LOCAL
GENRE: POP, ALTERNATIVE
MUSIC AT THE LOUNGE
A stage for songwriters, storytellers, and emerging artists.
PRESENTING SPONSOR:
DAVID WAX MUSEUM
Sun., August 31 • 7pm
David Wax Museum’s sound blends traditional Mexican rhythms with pop and rock influences, tied together by captivating harmonies.
ERICK BAKER
Thu., September 4 • 7:30pm
Erick Baker is an Emmy Award-winning writer, children’s book author, and troubadour whose folk, rock, and Americana-soul music has shared stages with legendary artists.
MAX GOMEZ
Tue., September 16 • 7pm
Singer-songwriter Max Gomez is poised to emerge as a prominent voice of Americana’s next generation, having shared billing with stalwarts of the genre such as John Hiatt, Patty Griffin, and more.
CASEY
ABRAMS & FRIENDS
FEATURING DYLAN CHAMBERS AND HUNTER
Sat., September 20 • 6pm & 8:30pm
Join Casey Abrams and his friends Dylan Chamber and Hunter, as they take the audience on a journey through sixty years of icon music.
Listen to the artists in this magazine with our Spotify Playlist!
BRENDAN CLEARY
Sat., September 6 • 7:30pm
The Nashville-based singer-songwriter blends folk, blues, and country into soulful, storydriven music shaped by recovery, tradition, and live performance grit.
HALLEY NEAL
Thu., September 18 • 7:30pm
One of this year’s Music Hall Emerging Artist Grand Prize Winners, folk singer-songwriter Halley Neal returns to Portsmouth for a headlining show.
ARI HEST AND CHRIS TRAPPER
Sun., September 28 • 7pm
Don’t miss Grammy-nominated artists Ari Hest and Chris Trapper— two masterful songwriters known for heartfelt lyrics, soulful melodies, and unforgettable live performances.
GENRE: FOLK
GENRE: FOLK, SINGER-SONGWRITER
GENRE: FOLK/POP
GENRE: FOLK, SINGER-SONGWRITER
GENRE: FOLK/POP, LOCAL
GENRE: POP
GENRE: POP
COMEDY AT THE LOUNGE
Big laughs. Small stage. Comedy up close..
PRESENTING SPONSOR:
COMEDY SERIES SPONSORS:
Fri., July 11 • 8:30pm
Sat., July 12 • 6pm* & 8:30pm
Joe List is a comedian, writer, and actor known for his specials, podcast, and appearances on late-night shows, including The Late Show and Conan *Third show added!
Sat., August 3 • 7pm
Danny Jolles is a comedian and actor known for Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Hacks, and his acclaimed specials Six Parts and the interactive You Choose
LITERARY AT THE LOUNGE
Sat., August 9 • 8pm
Three-time “Best of Boston” Boston Magazine winner Jimmy Tingle returns to The Music Hall Lounge for one night only!
From the page to the stage—ideas that ignite conversation.
MEDIA
PARTNER: INTERCONNECTIONS
PRESENTING SPONSOR:
CHRIS WHITAKER WITH ALL THE COLORS OF THE DARK
Wed., July 2 • 7pm
An instant New York Times bestseller, All the Colors of the Dark is an epic, soaring coming-ofage story that shows the cost of keeping things hidden.
MODERATOR: Lara Prescott
BEN SHATTUCK WITH THE HISTORY OF SOUND
Thu., July 24 • 7pm
A stunning collection of interconnected stories set in New England, exploring how the past is often misunderstood and how history, family, heartache, and desire can echo over centuries.
MODERATOR: Ian Aldrich, Yankee Magazine
BEATRIZ WILLIAMS WITH UNDER THE STARS
Wed., July 30 • 7pm
From the New York Times bestselling author of Husbands & Lovers comes an epic tale set in New England of family legacy, love, and truths that echo down generations.
MODERATOR: Meg Mitchell Moore
JOE LIST
JIMMY TINGLE
DANNY JOLLES
CINEMA AT THE MUSIC HALL
CINEMA SPONSOR:
COMING SOON: The Phoenician Scheme, Lurker, Folktales, Catvideofest, Grateful Dead Meetup, Jeff Buckley, Mistress Dispeller, Bring Them Home
ONE TO ONE: JOHN & YOKO
Tue., July 1 • 7pm; Sun., July 6 • 1pm
Oscar®-winning filmmaker Kevin Macdonald’s riveting documentary explores eighteen defining months in early 1970s America, through the voices, interviews and recordings of John Lennon and Yoko Ono (newly arrived in the US - living in a tiny apartment in Greenwich Village and watching a huge amount of television), and a riotous mélange of American TV to conjure the era through what the two would have been seeing on the screen.
MATERIALISTS
Thu., July 10 • 7pm; Fri., July 11 • 4pm & 7pm; Tue., July 15 • 7pm
A young, ambitious New York City matchmaker finds herself torn between the perfect match and her imperfect ex. Starring Dakota Johnson (The Lost Daughter), Pedro Pascal (The Mandalorian), and Chris Evans (Captain America). Directed by Celine Song (Past Lives).
NHFF SHORT FILMS - BEST OF THE FEST PT.1
Tue., July 22; Thu., July 24; & Sat., July 26 • 7pm
An annual presentation of films from the previous New Hampshire Film Festival that include Shorts Jury Award winners, Festival Award winners and highly rated titles by festgoers, and is hosted by the festival’s Cinema Curator. The lineup includes live action, documentary, and animation titles that were produced in New Hampshire, across the U.S., and across the world.
Schedule subject to change. Scan for our upcoming films!
PRIME MINISTER
Sun., July 6 • 4pm
In 2017, Jacinda Ardern unexpectedly became New Zealand’s Prime Minister. She had just turned 37, and was pregnant. Ardern quickly became one of the most recognizable leaders in the world. A fascinating and intimate behind the scenes view of her work and her private life in her own words.
WATER LILIES BY MONET: MAGIC OF WATER & LIGHT
Thu., July 17 • 7pm; Fri., July 18 • 4pm; Sun., July 20 • 1pm
Great Art on Screen presents: Water Lilies by Monet. Voyage through the masterpieces and obsessions of the genius and founder of Impressionism, Claude Monet. An in-depth, exclusive tour led by Monet scholars of the museums that house the largest collections of the prolific artist’s lilies paintings.
Short films from the 2024 festival are presented in two parts, each with seven titles running approximately 100 minutes.
LOSER | 12 MIN | Drama | Best Short Drama
TENNIS, ORANGES | 11 MIN | Animation | Shorts Jury Award, Animation
THE CARETAKER | 13 MIN | Documentary
AIRBAG | 11 MIN | Comedy | Best Short Comedy
ATTACHMENT THEORY | 16 MIN | Drama
ZEPPO | 10 MIN | Animation
THE POWER OF WATER | 27 MIN | Documentary | Best NH Short Documentary
STAY TUNED! PART 2 IS COMING SOON! Sign up at TheMusicHall.org/Subscribe
Our enews system makes it easy to select your preferences choose which enews you’d like to receive. We’ll never share your information.
For 26 years, The Music Hall and the Telluride Film Festival have collaborated on an exclusive presentation of new features, brought directly from their Colorado debuts. This unique and intimate Portsmouth event treats audience members from across the Northeast to an exclusive peek into the Telluride experience – packing one September weekend in Portsmouth with the latest international cinema, private parties, delicious food, and inspired conversations with other cinephiles of all ages, tastes, and backgrounds.
FILMS ANNOUNCED AND INDIVIDUAL TICKETS ON SALE LABOR DAY WEEKEND.
PASS INFORMATION PLATINUM PASS: $500
Includes exclusive use of the Members Club passthrough for express lane seating, free Telluride merch, and a 10% discount on passes to New Hampshire Film Festival!
PATRON PASS: $235
Includes Preferred Seating for all films and more!
WEEKEND PASS: $125
Includes guaranteed seating for all films plus Saturday night festival party on Chestnut St.
NEW HAMPSHIRE FILM FESTIVAL
NHFF PROGRAMMING CHAT WITH CINEMA CURATOR MARK PRUETT & NHFF LEAD PROGRAMMER IAN MCCARTHY
MARK: The festival certainly has grown in the last few years. We will have three times the number of film and screenplay submissions this year than just a few years ago. Have you thought much about the growth? Have you even had time to think about that? <laughs>
IAN: You know, I have. It means a lot that so many filmmakers—more than ever—want to screen with us. We put so much time into reviewing every single submission and putting together the final program, and I’m proud that we’re seeing the festival grow. The only downside of this growth is that we can’t accept every great film that submits.
MARK: This explosion of submissions, and our programming choices, shows that NHFF has really solidified itself as a premier regional festival. Being an Academy Award-qualifying festival for all three shorts categories exemplifies that. There is more than just being selected at stake.
IAN: It’s true. We’re one of four Academy-qualifying festivals in New England, and the only festival in New England with three awards tied to the corresponding shorts categories (animated, documentary, live action). That’s a great honor, and a big responsibility to program the best of the best.
MARK: Our Academy Award-qualifying status distinction is something that the vast majority of film festivals do not have. We are quite unique, and it is important that festgoers know this. Just like those who have yet to attend should know that NHFF is international. We screen and select films from around the world. We do have New Hampshire Day on Thursday, where we focus on shorts and features that have a connection to the state, but the other three days focus on the rest of the country and the world. I just watched a fantastic feature from Iceland, and I still get excited at the thought of offering our festgoers titles that they may not otherwise get a chance to see.
IAN: It’s my favorite part of film festival programming. Of course it’s exciting to program a film with buzz on the festival circuit that festgoers might have heard of, but it’s thrilling to showcase a brilliant film that might have a lower profile or be harder to find. There are fantastic films being made worldwide, and film festivals like ours serve as, in my view, the best opportunity to see the best of global cinema on the big screen.
MARK: Of course we have the responsibility of selecting films that will entertain and educate, but it really feels more like a privilege and honor. Even though it is more hard work than most probably realize. We really dive deep into so very many films, making sure the details are of quality like sound, lighting, editing, performances, and more. Yet we also watch like we are in the theater like anyone else, watching movies and wanting to enjoy, learn, and get lost in the story.
IAN: Strong production values are a baseline for consideration; with so many submissions in the mix, we have the luxury to be cutthroat when making programming decisions. A single bad performance or song cue can be a dealbreaker. That said, this isn’t just about formal strengths. We’re looking for films that challenge us, that excite us, that move us.
MARK: It is a bit of work for you and I when we go after features that have premiered at fests like Cannes or Sundance, or maybe have yet to premiere. Some titles are not available due to film distributors limiting their exposure on the festival circuit. Thus it is so gratifying when we are able to add films that people have read about because they were at those massive fests far away.
IAN: Our 2024 feature lineup included major award winners—among them, the Golden Bear winner from Berlin, the Documentary Grand Jury Prize winner from Sundance, the Best U.S. Narrative Feature from Tribeca, and films from Cannes, Venice, SXSW, Karlovy Vary, and beyond. Acclaim is by no means a prerequisite for selection, but when you’re working to deliver to our audience the best films on the circuit, I always keep an eye on what’s been at these festivals.
MARK: And we should be clear, if a film is on our schedule it is because you and I have seen it and agreed it deserves to be added. We don’t simply add whatever we can get; we add what we want because of quality. While we do not agree on every title we screen for possible inclusion, we do agree that we schedule an exceptional and diverse lineup that we would proudly put up against any other fest.
IAN: Absolutely. There are “bigger” films we pass on every year in favor of films we think are stronger achievements. We want to be able to stand behind every film on our lineup, and to showcase the films that have the most potential to move our audiences. We’re still in the thick of it, but I can’t wait to share what we have in store for ticket buyers this October.
FESTIVAL PASSES
The 23rd Annual New Hampshire Film Festival takes place October 16-19, 2025. Come for one day or all four days!
PLATINUM ($1,000)
The Ultimate Festival Experience
VIP ($290)
For the Fan Who Wants It All (and a Little Extra)
NH RESIDENT ($250)
Local Love, VIP Style
FESTIVAL ($150)
Choose Your Own Cinema Adventure
NEXTGEN ($99)
For Film Fans 40 & Under
DAY PASSES
On Sale August 1
ACADEMY AWARD® QUALIFYING FESTIVAL FOR SHORT FILMS
AN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL FEATURING WORLD AND NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERES
NEW HAMPSHIRE FILM FESTIVAL
CELEBRATING INDEPENDENT CINEMA FOR 23 YEARS
OCTOBER 16-19, 2025
SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT
Love for Our Long-Standing Supporters
As a community-supported nonprofit, The Music Hall relies on the generosity of you, our Members and Sponsors. Thank you! We are grateful for your continued support and advocacy on our behalf. We have more than 5,000 Member households this year - a new record! - as well as more than 200 local businesses. One of the most noteworthy aspects of these relationships is their longevity; many of you have been supporting The Music Hall for decades. We were proud to recognize that dedication at our Gratitude Event in June and would like to take this opportunity to offer additional thanks to our Platinum Sponsor, McKeon Charitable Giving; as well as our Season Sponsors, Carey & Giampa, Realtors; JGroup Hospitality; and Portwalk Place; all of whom have returned for the 2025-26 Season. We’re also excited to welcome back our lead sponsors for the New Hampshire Film Festival: Key Auto Group, BankProv, and Aland Realty; and to celebrate Auger Building Company as the Presenting Sponsor of our inaugural LitFest. We are so fortunate to count you, these great organizations, and so many more as part of the Music Hall family!
Learn more about our Corporate Partners online at themusichall.org and please thank them for their support the next time you visit their establishments!
FABULOUS NEW OFFERING FOR FILM FANS!
MEMBER EVENTS
DIRECTOR’S CLUB
MAINE POTTERY
Tue., July 8 • 5:30pm
10 Pleasant Street, Portsmouth, NH
BEHIND THE CURTAIN
104 Congress St. • The Members Club
JAY MCFARLAND, “THE WORLD OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES” Tue., July 22 • 5pm
For more info, contact Ilysse Sirmaian at ISirmaian@themusichall.org
As part of our strategic plan to grow and elevate the New Hampshire Film Festival, we’re excited to introduce a new year-round initiative designed to deepen engagement and expand our audience: The Music Hall Film Society. This new program’s primary focus will be on year-round programming and nurturing the Seacoast’s community of film enthusiasts.
For details, visit our Membership web page themusichall.org/membership/
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
Get
to know our amazing team that help bring The Music Hall magic to life!
We want to know YOU, so here's a little bit about US! Whether it's at our Historic Theater mainstage, Members Club, or The Lounge, our team is proud to be part of The Music Hall family. You might just see us at the next show and we hope you'll say “hi!”
ANDREW DELORENZO
Graphic Design Coordinator
I design all the print media! Everything from individual show posters, monthly signage, our season playbill, and even this magazine!
Favorite Music Hall Memory: Telluride by the Sea 2023 was the first big event that I designed for. It was fun helping out where I could and seeing what it was all about. I’ll never forget talking to a patron who showed me her lanyard with passes from the past 20+ years hanging off of it!
Enjoying Right Now: Burning Chrome by William Gibson. A collection of sci-fi short stories by the man who coined the term “cyberspace.” The real standout to me is The Belonging Kind, a strange little tale about shapeshifters that left me with a lot of questions.
Excited About in 2025: Cinema! I love bringing friends to Pints! Camera!
Action! screenings at The Lounge and spending my weekends getting swept up in the energy of Telluride by the Sea and NHFF.
ALLIE KOVALIK
Development Officer, Corporate Sponsorship
I work with our corporate sponsorship program which plays a huge role in supporting all of our programming, and offerings at The Music Hall and Lounge.
We couldn’t do any of this without them!
Favorite Music Hall Memory: Before joining TMH team, I attended Jason Isbell which was such an incredible show and a once in a lifetime opportunity to see him in such a special venue. Enjoying Right Now: Currently listening to MJ Lenderman and the new Mt. Joy album on repeat, especially after seeing them both perform at Green River Festival in Western MA last month.
Excited About in 2025: Sharon van Etten is a powerhouse - I saw her years ago and can’t wait to see her again!
EMMI DOLPH
Development Officer, NHFF & Special Projects
I’m responsible for sponsorship, membership, and community partnerships for NHFF and other special events at The Music Hall.
Favorite Music Hall Memory: I loved this year’s Gratitude Event! Seeing our impact, reach, and growth summed up in one presentation made me realize just how much the Music Hall means to the community. Getting to share that excitement with our members made it all the better!
Enjoying Right Now: As someone new to the Seacoast, I’m having fun painting and pulling inspiration from the nature at the beach. I also just started reading Isabella Stewart Gardner’s biography.
Excited About in 2025: I’m really excited to see the Red Hot Chili Pipers! I’m friends with some top notch bagpipers and they’ve really opened my eyes to it.
KEITH WASSERMAN
Volunteer Coordinator & Front of House Manager
In addition to making sure show nights run smoothly on the public-facing side of things, I manage a dedicated team of over 300 active volunteers who assist in delivering a first-class experience to all our patrons.
Favorite Music Hall Memory: Not enough people get to witness the magic of our School Day Series, when hundreds of elementary school kids enter the theater and look up - gobsmackedat the majestic chandelier, the dome, the proscenium, and the overall grandeur of the space. Seeing kids get lit up by the arts never gets old.
Enjoying Right Now: Creatively, I’ve been concentrating on my handcut collage work, and (as always) leveling up my musicianship on various instruments. I’ve been listening to Noga Erez (almost non-stop), and digging into a lot of Jazz and Trip-hop albums.
Excited About in 2025: Sharon Jones and Pete Holmes!
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
HILARY & SCOTT HALEY
Members Since 2020
What is your favorite thing about The Music Hall?
HILARY: Our favorite thing is the Members Club and variety of the events you have here - there’s always something different to go and see. We also really like how foundational you are to the community - The Music Hall brings people to our community and it helps keep Portsmouth special. What’s the best or most memorable show you’ve attended?
SCOTT: For me it was Three Dog Night - I loved that, and the second would be LeAnn Rimes.
HILARY: The other thing I loved was Richard Powers, the author. I’d like to go to more of the author series - I was riveted.
Why would you encourage someone else to become a member?
HILARY: For all the reasons we already talked about - Scott brought a friend here to a wine tasting and joined as a Founder the same night. I think just the variety of events.
SCOTT: Tina has created an amazing support team and that team alone is changing the personality of downtown Portsmouth - so what I would say to someone is why not become a member and be part of it because it is such a movement down here.
HILARY: Becoming a member too helps keep you tapped into everything happening at The Music Hall - you kind of always know what’s going on.
bringing the arts home...
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.
AT A GLANCE
Schedule subject to change. Check TheMusicHall.org for updates.
LEGEND: At The Historic Theater | At The Lounge | At The Members Club | Offsite
JULY 2025
Member Event
Behind the Curtain: Jay McFarland
Tue., July 1 • 5pm
Literary
Chris Whitaker with All the Colors of the Dark Wed., July 2 • 7pm
Music
Rumours ATL: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute
Thu, July 3 • 7pm
Music Hall Presents
The Price is Right Live - On Stage
Wed, July 9 • 8pm
Comedy
Joe List
Fri., July 11 • 8:30pm
Sat., July 12 • 6pm & 8:30pm
Music
Straight No Chaser Summer:
The 90s Part 2
Sat., July 12 • 8pm
Talks
An Evening with David Sedaris
Sun., July 13 • 7pm
Music
Tony Furtado
Wed., July 16 • 7pm
Music
A Night of Sinatra with Rich DiMare & Ron Poster
Sat., July 19 • 5pm & 7:30pm
Music
Drew & Ellie Holcomb
Sat., July 19 • 8pm
Music
Bitter Pill
Sun., July 20 • 7pm
Literary
Ben Shattuck with The History of Sound
Thu., July 24 • 7pm
Music
Sarah Blacker & The Light
Sat., July 26 • 8pm
JULY 2025 CONT...
Literary
Beatriz Williams with Under the Stars
Wed., July 30 • 7pm
AUGUST 2025
Comedy
Gary Gulman: Misfit Stand Up Tour
Sat., August 2 • 8pm
Comedy
Danny Jolles
Sun., August 3 • 7pm
Comedy
Jimmy Tingle Sat., August 9 • 8pm
Music
Jane Lynch and Kate Flannery’s
The Trouble with Angels Sun., August 10 • 7pm
Music
Sharon Jones Sat., August 23 • 8pm
Comedy
Pete Holmes: The Pete Here Now Tour Sat., August 24 • 7pm
Music
The Temptations
Tue., August 26 & Wed., August 27 • 7pm
Music
Gretchen Klempa Fri., August 29 • 8pm
Music
David Wax Museum Sun., August 31 • 7pm
SEPTEMBER 2025
Music
Erick Baker Thu., September 4 • 7:30pm
Literary
Seacoast LitFest Sun., Sep. 7 - Wed., Sep. 10
SEPTEMBER 2025 CONT...
Writers on a New England Stage
Jenny Slate and Lifeform Sun., Sep. 7 • 4pm
Writers on a New England Stage
Dan Brown and The Secret of Secrets Wed., Sep. 10 • 7pm
Talks
A Live Conversation with John Cusack
Following a Screening of High Fidelity Thu., Sep. 11 • 7pm
Cinema
Telluride by the Sea 2025 Fri., Sep. 12 - Sun., Sep. 14
Music
Max Gomez Tue., September 16 • 7pm
Music
The Red Hot Chilli Pipers Wed., Sep. 17 • 7:30pm
Music
Casey Abrams & Friends Sat., Sep. 20 • 6pm & 8:30pm
Music Hall Presents
Itzhak Perlman: Cinema Serenade with Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra Sat., September 20 • 7:30pm
Music
Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory Tue., September 23 • 7pm
Music
Killer Queen - A Tribute to Queen Wed., September 24 • 7pm
OCTOBER 2025
Comedy Whose Live Anyway? Thu., October 2 • 7:30pm
Music
Amy Grant Sat., October 4 • 7:30pm
Music
Talisk & Gardiner Brothers: Unleashed Sun., October 5 • 7pm
OCTOBER 2025 CONT...
Music
JOHNNYSWIM Mon., October 13 • 7pm
Music
Brian Culbertson Tue., October 21 • 7pm
NOVEMBER 2025
Music
Natalie Merchant with Erik Della Penna: Autumn Acoustic Tour Tue., November 11 • 7:30pm
Music
Peter Bradley Adams Sat., November 15 • 7:30pm
Music
Griffin House Sat., November 22 • 5pm & 8pm
Comedy
Randy Rainbow: National Freakin’ Treasure Sun., November 16 • 7pm
DECEMBER 2025
Ogunquit Playhouse at The Music Hall Irving Berlin’s White Christmas Wed., Dec. 3 - Sun., Dec. 21
Music
MUSE: A Salute to Holiday Divas! Sat., December 6 • 8pm
Music
Nat Zegree: The Nat Before Christmas Mon., December 15 • 7pm
PLATINUM SPONSOR:
UPCOMING SHOWS
MUSIC THE TEMPTATIONS
Tue., August 26 & Wed., August 27 • 7pm
TALKS JOHN CUSACK WITH HIGH FIDELITY
Thu., September 11 • 7pm
JULY - SEPTEMBER 2025
SUN., AUGUST 10 • 7PM
GENRE: POP, MUSICAL THEATER, COMEDY