FeeltheLove! NOW @
The Music Hall’s Monthly Magazine
Sweet
A sneak peek at what's in store for you at The
JANE MONHEIT
Friday, February 11 8pm
“sultry torch singer” – NEW YORK TIMES
With the Academy Awards show Sunday, February 27, the speculation is heating up! Here are our top picks!
Yours:
February 2011
JANE MONHEIT Friday, February 11 • 8pm • Tickets: $42, $36
Hotel reservations? Check! Dinner out? Check! Sensational concert? Check! Celebrate your loved one in style with this sultry approach to the Great American Songbook. Your Valentine's Day weekend starts here with this double Grammy nominee honey-voiced chanteuse. She has it all – an elegant retro jazz vocalist. Find out why The Music Hall is your Special Occasion Destination!
Intimately
Justin Townes Earle
Treats...
Music Hall Loft.
Comedian Juston McKinney leads the short way from The Music Hall to The Music Hall Loft!
Photo: David Murray/Clear Eye Photo
Best Film: The Social Network – see it this month at the Hall and decide for yourself!
Best Animated Feature: Despicable Me, showing this month in our Kids RULE! series.
SPONSORS: Mombo Restaurant; Tugboat Alley; Vigilant Capital Management; LLC;
live events february NOW
An American Treasure for the Arts @ the music hall
JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE
Friday, February 4 • 8pm • Tickets: $22, $17
Opener: Jessica Lea Mayfield
The Americana Music Awards' "Best New + Emerging Artist" is touring behind his third album, Harlem River Blues: heartfelt indie country mixing old bluegrass and gospel with a Gen X attitude and tattoos.
“Echoes of Guthrie and Springsteen, but Earle’s voice is clearly his own." – Gua R d I a N
SPONSOR: Clear Eye Photo
CARRIBEAN NIGHT
THE WAILERS - THE UPRISING TOUR
Saturday, February 19 • 8pm • Tickets: $42; $29
The greatest living exponents of Jamaica’s reggae tradition return with Bob Marley and The Wailers' hits such as “Get Up Stand Up,” “No Woman No Cry” and “Is This Love?”
"They capture the nature of reggae music: relaxing, peaceful tunes with the spirit of faith and rebellion and highlighting social issues." – THE SuN CHRONIClE
SPONSOR: Blue Mermaid Island Grill; Clear Eye Photo
WRITERS ON
A
NE STAGE: ELIZABETH GILBERT
Thursday, February 3 • 7:30pm • Tickets: $13
Vouchers for signed book: $14.60 in advance, $16.00 day of Eat, Pray, love author presents her latest, Committed “Entertaining, illuminating.” – NY TIMES BOOK REVIEW
SERIES PARTNERS:
EVENING SPONSOR: Permanent Cosmetics by
Best
JAMES HUNTER
Thursday, February 17 • 7:30pm • Tickets: $29, $20 • Opener TBA
Anyone who's seen or heard James Hunter perform is already hip to his remarkable talents. His musical style harkens back to the days of classic '50s and early '60s R&B. Through his infectious vocal and guitar performances, clever songwriting and tight horn arrangements, Hunter proves to be a man of impeccable taste who has learned from his influences rather than simply imitating them.
“James is one of the best voices, and best kept secrets, in British R'n'B and Soul.” – Va N MORRISON
SPONSORS: Clear Eye Photo; Great Bay Triumph Ducati and Vespa North Hampton; Petersen Engineering, Inc.
ROBERT CRAY & SHEMEKIA COPELAND
Tuesday, March 1 • 7:30pm • Tickets: $45, $34
Blues double bill! Robert Cray, the five time Grammy Award-winning blues musician with the soulful voice and concise lead guitar, regularly tours with Bob Dylan and Eric Clapton. Shemekia Copeland returns to our stage. The Grammy nominee with the blast furnace voice has opened for the Rolling Stones, and shared the stage with BB King and Taj Mahal.
Robert Cray: “soulful modern blues with clean, impeccably phrased guitar work” – F EN d ER.COM
Shemekia Copeland: “brass-girded singing voice on full-dress electric blues records…” – N EW YORK T IMES
SPONSORS: Avery Insurance; Clear Eye Photo
Jamilla SERIES SPONSORS:
Western Wynwood Hotel & Suites; Calypso Communications; New England Audio Tech; Piscataqua Landscaping Company, Inc.; RMC Research Corporation; Haunted Milk Design
extraordinary cinema
“The Social Network is terrific entertainment — an unlikely thriller that makes business ethics, class distinctions and intellectual-property arguments sexy, that zips through two hours quicker than you can say 'relationship status.' It’s one that sends you out of the theater buzzing, breathless and eager to tell all of your friends that you’ve just seen what might end up being the best picture of the year.” – NPR
“What a joy to sit in a theater and be engaged, surprised, challenged, amused.” – SlaTE DESPICABLE
• One show only!
In a suburban neighborhood with white picket fences and rose bushes, sits a black house with a dead lawn. Hidden beneath is a vast secret lair. Surrounded by an army of minions, we discover Gru (voiced by Steve Carell) working on a foul plan. Then one day Gru encounters the immense will of three little girls who see something in him that no one else has ever seen.
“A whip-smart family movie.” – uS a TO daY
I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS
R aT ed R • 102mi N • US • 2/13 & 2/15 @ 7pm
BHUTTO
2/24 @
The definitive documentary that chronicles the life of one of the most complex and fascinating characters of our time. Hers is an epic tale of Shakespearean dimension. It's the story of the first woman in history to lead a Muslim nation: Pakistan. With her assassination she transcended politics, but left a legacy of simmering controversy and undeniable courage that will be debated for years. "A worthy portrait of a phenomenal woman."
VaRIeTY
The improbable but true story of a spectacularly charismatic con man's journey from small-town businessman to flamboyant white-collar criminal, who repeatedly finds himself in trouble with the law and on the lam, brilliantly escaping from the Texas prison system on four separate occasions – all in the name of love. Stars Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor.
“[Both] stars prove to be enormous fun in a gay love story played straight in a thoroughly crooked context” – NPR
2/23 daily @ 7pm • 2pm matinee
Based on a true story, set against the backdrop of the 1960s, about a group of women who joined forces, took a stand for what was right, and in doing so, found their own inner strength. life for the women of Dagenham, England is tinged with the sounds and sights of the optimistic era, mainly heard on their radios and seen on their TV sets. Stars Sally Hawkins (Happy Go lucky) and Bob Hoskins (Brazil, Who Framed Roger Rabbit?) “funny, touching and vital salute to women in the work force.” – RO ll ING STONE
WHITE MATERIAL
NOT RaT ed • 100mi N • FR a NC e • 2/25 - 3/2 daily @ 7pm • 2pm matinee 2/27 • No show 3/1
From Claire Denis (35 Shots of Rhum) comes a rich and thrilling account of a woman driven to the edge. An official selection of the Venice, Toronto and New York Film Festivals, the film is a riveting exploration of the complexities of racial conflict and the limits of human will. Starring the legendary Isabelle Huppert (The Piano Teacher). In French with subtitles.
“an altogether stunning work.” – lOS aNGElES TIMES
the met @ the music hall
Champagne, chocolate and the original Opera Box Lunch – superlative amenities at your local, independent theatre!
NIXON IN CHINA (ADAMS)
Saturday, February 12 • 1pm
Tickets: $27.50; 18 & under $15
The Met premiere of Pulitzer Prize-winning (and New England born and raised) composer John Adams’ most famous opera with libretto by American poet Alice Goodman and directed by the controversial and indomitable Peter Sellars.
“the best of big city life” – Wall STReeT JouRNal MADE IN DAGENHAM
“Shows you what opera can do to history!” – PETER SEllARS, DIRECTOR
I PHIGENIE EN TAURIDE (G LUCK )
Saturday, February 26 • 1pm
Tickets: $27.50; 18 & under $15
Susan Graham, Plácido Domingo, and Paul Groves reprise their starring roles in Gluck’s masterful interpretation of the Greek myth.
LOVE ACTUALLY
Everywhere you look, love is causing chaos. Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Keira Knightley, Bill Nighy, Colin Firth, liam Neeson, written and directed by Richard Curtis (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill). Ten separate – but intertwining – stories all lead to a climax which proves that love is the driving force in all of these people's lives.
"irresistible” – uSa ToDaY
SPONSORS: Avery Insurance; Great Island Realty; LunaChics; J. Hilburn Men’s Custom Shirts & Apparel; Holloway Automotive Group; Roundabout Diner & Lounge; NH Gazette
SERIES SPONSOR: Seatrade International, Inc.
Saturday April 2:
Coming soon to The Music Hall Loft!
Loft opens with its first Live @ the Loft
A live radio show featuring singer-songwriters from around the nation and region, produced eight times a year in collaboration with NHPR.
Saturday April 9: Live @ the Loft
Wednesday, April 13:
Writers in the Loft: Andre Dubus Building on the Writers on a New england Stage series, this program will bring A list and fresh literary talent to The Music Hall loft for an intimate evening with the author, facilitated Q&A, and book signing.
Saturday April 16: Live @ the Loft
Saturday April 23: Live @ the Loft
Friday and Saturday April 29 & 30: Currents @ the Loft: Super Secret Project Building on Scene@Five, this program seeks to bring the best of regional and Seacoast talent to The Music Hall loft.
All Loft shows for April go on sale:
To members: Saturday, March 5, 2011 at noon
To the public: Saturday, March 12, 2011 at noon
Here&Now
the Music hall in the seacoast Community
Weekend of Love in the City by the Sea!
By KATHLEEN SOLDATI, Director of Marketing
With Valentine’s Day falling on a Monday, we know Seacoast lovers will be out in force during the weekend prior – strolling brick lined streets, sampling Portsmouth’s famous culinary specialties, and shopping in our eclectic and independent boutiques. Here’s your guide to the Weekend of love in the city by the sea – the city that Travel Guide of america calls “the crowning glory of the New Hampshire Seacoast.”
Check into the Sheraton Harborside late Friday afternoon or if you’re here just for the evening, park that car and see this walkable city on foot. Make reservations at one of our newest establishments, Mombo, the international restaurant located at Strawbery Banke Museum on Marcy Street across from Prescott Park. With The Music Hall concert starting at 8pm, you have plenty of time to linger over drinks/dinner. A walk to Chestnut Street brings you inside the unforgettable Victorian theater with the “theatrical fantasy come to life” Founders lobby. Then, upstairs into the restored auditorium for our show selected just for the occasion. The retro jazz vocalist Jane Monheit with a made-toorder Valentine walk through the Great American Songbook. As Yankee Magazine has said, “this meticulously restored theater holds its own with the
Artist Chocolate
best venues in Boston, attracting some of the nation’s most interesting entertainers.” You’ll no doubt agree that Ms. Monheit fits the bill! As Programming Manager Thérèse laGamma says, “We continue our annual Valentine’s Day tradition with sensational jazz vocalist Jane Monheit who will bring a bit of romance to Portsmouth. The message is clear – get those hotel and dinner reservations and tickets to Jane Monheit and make your honey happy!”
Romance-themed drinks will be on tap in the lobby after the show.
Saturday morning, head to some great breakfast
places (themusichall.org/about us/restaurants.asp) then start your exploration of the elegant and delightful downtown with Tugboat Alley for souvenirs of our iconic tugs on the Piscataqua River. The streets around Market Square feature distinctive boutiques which fill 19th century brick storefronts in a streetscape designed for window-shopping. If opera is on your list, head back to Chestnut Street for The Met @ The Music Hall HD broadcast which starts at 1pm.
Enjoy your weekend of love!
Photo above left: David Murray/Clear eye Photo
The Music Hall Loft to offer decadent desserts
By MICHAEL TUCKER, Director of Front of House Operations
editor's note: one of the features of performances at the new Music Hall loft (located on Congress Street, a few short steps from The Music Hall) will be tasty concessions and beverages (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) that patrons will be able to enjoy at their seats. our man on the food and drink scene at The Music Hall loft, Michael Tucker, gives us a sneak peek:
What can we expect to taste in The Music Hall Loft? What’s the concept behind the gourmet snacks?
You will experience an exciting selection of boxed specialty food: fresh, local and artisanal foods with the sensibility of a European bistro. Handmade cheeses, imported meats, fresh fruits and delicious sweets.
Can we really enjoy a beer and a snack with our movie or performance in our seats?
Yes, you can. We will be serving up a great selection of local and specialty beers, which pair well with the boxed snacks, such as the Beggar's Box – a fresh baked baguette with Neufchatel and glazed spiced walnuts, and the Bohemian Picnic – a fresh baked baguette, baked ham, fig preserves and brie. What about kids, will some performances be 21+? Some all ages?
Most performances will be 21+ (minors under 18 will need to be accompanied by an adult). A few events will be all ages.
Rumor has it there will be cabaret tables for some shows – is that true?
The rumors are true! You will be able to purchase exciting seats at a cabaret table close to the action. Talk about being up close and personal with the artists...
What about your background makes you uniquely qualified to bring these new offerings?
With my ten years of experience managing and developing restaurants in NYC and San Diego, along with my love of food, I feel I bring a fresh, unique point of view.
Inquiring minds want to know: why can’t we bring food and drink into the historic theater?
Our liquor license for the historic theater doesn't permit alcohol in the auditorium. Food may be enjoyed in our concession area upstairs, and drinks at the Founder's lobby lounge. large numbers of patrons eating and drinking could create a distraction to the artists, and the Music Hall wishes to preserve this historic space and treat it with care.
What’s your take on The Music Hall Loft vibe?
"lower East Side meets the left Bank." Post modern European bohemian chic with a retro fantasy flair...
Citizens Bank signs on for early, major sponsorship of Writers in The Loft
By MARgARET TALCOTT, Director of Strategic Communications and Associate Producer, Writers on a New England Stage
With the opening of The Music Hall loft, The Center for Performing Arts, literature and Education still two months away, Citizens Bank has joined the launch effort as a presenting sponsor of the new signature series Writers in the loft. The bank’s $10,000 sponsorship is the first major funding for a program in the new performance and educational space at 131 Congress Street, which will open this April.
"Citizens Bank’s early commitment is thrilling. They have stepped forward at a very exciting time and have signaled powerfully their support of the arts and the community,” said Patricia lynch, Executive Director of The Music Hall.
Kathleen Reardon, SVP and Director of Public Affairs and Community Investment at Citizens Bank, got an early look at the loft space late last year and was impressed with the plan for programming.
“The energy around the loft and its schedule is compelling. The Music Hall has debuted many successful programs over the past few years, and we feel confident that the soon-to-launch Writers in the loft series will follow suit.”
The new series is akin to The Music Hall’s anchor author series, Writers on a New england Stage, featuring well-known authors but in a smaller, more intimate space. Presented in partnership with RiverRun Bookstore, the series will bring audiences today’s top authors, the best of fiction and nonfiction. Patrons will get a book and a beverage with their ticket purchase. With just 120 max in the room, audience members will feel they are at a happening, a cross between a seminar and a social event.
“During the past 10 years, Citizens Bank has been a generous corporate donor as a season sponsor as well as supporting literary and educational programs in the Hall. Now as a series sponsor for Writers in the loft, Citizens Bank is making a meaningful commitment to the entire Seacoast community in supporting the legacy of The Music Hall,” said Mary Horigan, Director of Corporate & Foundation Giving for The Music Hall. For more information on the loft visit http://www.themusichall.org/loft/
Community leaders involved in Music Hall make "Top Ten"
By KATHLEEN SOLDATI, Director of Marketing
From a list of over 160 nominees, the Portsmouth Herald culled the "Seacoast’s 10 Most Influential People." Included in the 160 were many friends and supporters of The Music Hall: Celina Adams from NH Charitable Foundation; Mary Jo Brown of Brown + Company; George Carlisle and Jeff Mountjoy from Olde Port Properties; Zac and Nicole Gregg of NH Film Festival; Tom Holbrooke from RiverRun Bookstore; Vernis Jackson of the African Burial Ground Committee; and extraordinary fundraisers Maxine Morse, Gail VanHoy Carolan and JoAnn lamprey.
In short, they are citizens from all walks of life who are making a difference. As the Herald said, “in a region filled with talented, civic-minded, influential people it was no easy feat narrowing our list down to 10. We defined an influential person as someone who has the power to sway or affect outcomes based on ability. We wanted people who get things done by persuading others, not compelling them by force. Our Top 10 nominees are all multi-dimensional; leaders in their professional as well as their civic and social endeavors.”
Seacoast’s 10 Most Influential People
Community leaders in action at
We were thrilled to see both the full nominee list and the final ten. Four of those ten were community leaders who happen to devote their time to The Music Hall and currently to our Treasure the Future Campaign Committee: restaurateur Jay McSharry; City Councilor and VP of RMC Research Chris Dwyer; philanthropist Jameson French; and the Hall’s executive director Patricia lynch. Congratulations to all for your great work!
The Loft is just around the corner! Looking west from the corner of Congress and Chestnut, you can see The Hall on the left on Chestnut and The Music Hall Loft on the right down Congress Street. It’s a minute walk! Come see for yourself, tour the Loft at a Community Open House on April 10.
Comic Juston McKinney on Congress Street in front of The Music Hall Loft!
patricia lynch, Jameson French, Jay mcsharry photos: david murray/clear eye photo chris dwyer photo: Jeremy heflin
The Music Hall, left to right: Patricia Lynch, Jameson French, Chris Dwyer, Jay McSharry
First up in Writers in the loft: Andre Dubus III, the author of House of Sand and Fog, presents his new book Townie, on April 13.