Exhibits, galleries, theater and more: Seacoast arts and culture news

May at the Franklin Gallery

ROCHESTER — The Franklin Gallery at RiverStones Custom Framing, 33 North Main St., Rochester, will host an exhibit during the month of May entitled “Two Friends, Two Views.” It features the work of artists Tom Glover and Lawrence Driscoll.   An opening reception will be held on Friday, May 3 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.  The public is invited to come and view the exhibit and meet the artists.  Light refreshments will be served.

The Franklin Gallery at RiverStones Custom Framing will host an exhibit during the month of May entitled “Two Friends, Two Views.”
The Franklin Gallery at RiverStones Custom Framing will host an exhibit during the month of May entitled “Two Friends, Two Views.”

Although he has a degree in studio art, Driscoll spent most of his career teaching art to middle school students.  In recent years, however, Driscoll has started painting again.  “I rediscovered my passion for the sky, clouds in particular. The colors, textures, shapes, forms and contrasts fascinate and as it turns out, inspire me.” Combined with his long-time love of the English countryside and newfound love of the Sonoran Desert, this has motivated him to capture and share his love for these two beautiful places. This is his second exhibit at RiverStones. “I am honored to show with Tom Glover again,” said Larry.

The Franklin Gallery at RiverStones Custom Framing will host an exhibit during the month of May entitled “Two Friends, Two Views.”
The Franklin Gallery at RiverStones Custom Framing will host an exhibit during the month of May entitled “Two Friends, Two Views.”

Glover is a local artist as well as a framer at RiverStones Custom Framing.  Glover took this group of paintings out of the “great exodus of paintings going from my old studio to my new home studio.  In that transition I had to sift through about four hundred paintings.”  Although unsure of the cohesiveness of this grouping, Glover is hoping that one or two might appeal to the viewers.  “I am also very happy to be exhibiting again beside my long time friend and fellow artist Lawrence Driscoll,” says Tom.

RiverStones Custom Framing and the Franklin Gallery are open Wednesday through Friday, 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. For information about this exhibit and other RiverStones events and services, call (603) 812-1488, or send an e-mail to riverstonescustomframing@gmail.com. You may also visit www.tpgloverart.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/tomgloverart.

‘True Crimes’ premieres at Garrison Players Arts Center

ROLLINSFORD — Introducing the world premiere of “True Crimes”, a fascinating whodunit written by local theater legend Glynn Cosker.

Paul Banks gets a surprise visit from a man he thought was dead. Something sinister might be afoot, and it's up to Paul and his family, along with his friend Sergeant Frank Gorski, to figure out if the family is in danger. True Crimes is a two-act, one-set, full-length comedic - mystery play.

Directed by Mike Doyle.  Show dates are May 10, 11, 17, 18 at 7:30 p.m., and May 11, 12, 18, 19 at 2 p.m. at Garrison Players Arts Center, Corner of Roberts Road and Portland Ave (Route 4), Rollinsford. Adults: $22; Seniors: $18, Student: $15. Purchase tickets for True Crimes https://ci.ovationtix.com/35934/production/1191255.

Granite State Choral Society presents Hope, Healing and Harmony Spring Concert

ROCHESTER - The Granite State Choral Society, in collaboration with the Nashua Choral Society and Symphony NH, invites music enthusiasts and seekers of inspiration to join us for an unforgettable musical experience. On Sunday, May 5, at 4 p.m., at First United Methodist Church, 34 South Main St., Rochester we will raise our voices in unity, weaving a tapestry of sound that transcends time and touches the soul.

Tickets are available now: https://gschoralsociety.org/concerts-and-events.

Haley Art Gallery hosts Artists Gallery Talk

KITTERY, Maine –Join artists Paul Burke, Barbara D’Antonio, and Yuhuei Pierce for an Artists Gallery Talk on Friday, May 10, 5:30-7 p.m. The artists will discuss their art showcased in the Gallery’s In Awe of Nature group exhibit which will remain on view through Aug. 30.

Haley Art Gallery offers original art by local, national, and international artists–and a giftshop of globally sourced, social impact artful gifts, hand-made by women. Seacoast business owners, interior decorators, and designers enjoy special discounts on gallery purchases. Tea lovers can reserve a Victorian Tea-Time Art event for groups of four or more for $35 per person.

The Gallery is open: Thursdays through Saturdays 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. ContactHaley Art Gallery at 617-584-2580 or haleygallery@comcast.net. Visit  https://haleyartgallerycom/ Follow on Facebook  @HaleyArtGallery  Instagram https://instagram.com/haleyartgallery/.

PMAC’s 17th Annual Jazz Night to commemorate jazz legends J.J. Johnson and Max Roach

PMAC’s 17th Annual Jazz Night will be held on May 11, 2024.
PMAC’s 17th Annual Jazz Night will be held on May 11, 2024.

PORTSMOUTH — PMAC announces the return of the 17th Annual Jazz Night concert on May 11 at The Music Hall Lounge, Portsmouth. The region’s top jazz musicians will ignite The Music Hall Lounge with the electrifying ambiance of an authentic NYC-style jazz club for two performances, at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. This year, in a special tribute, the concert will commemorate the 100th birthdays of trombonist J.J. Johnson and drummer Max Roach by showcasing their influential music.

Ticket Price: $35. Purchase tickets at pmaconline.org.

Strawbery Banke Museum hosts 1st NH Regiment for Living History Encampment

Strawbery Banke Museum hosts 1st NH Regiment for Living History Encampment on May 18 and May 19, 2024.
Strawbery Banke Museum hosts 1st NH Regiment for Living History Encampment on May 18 and May 19, 2024.

PORTSMOUTH — Strawbery Banke announces the arrival of the 1st New Hampshire Regiment for a Living History Encampment weekend on May 18 and 19. This event promises an immersive journey back in time as visitors will witness the daily life of soldiers during the Revolutionary War era.

Throughout the weekend, guests will have the opportunity to observe the regiment as they perform drills, showcasing the precise movements and formations practiced by soldiers of the period. Additionally, the encampment will feature camping demonstrations, offering insight into soldiers' equipment, shelter, and routines during this pivotal period in American history. Attendees will also experience firsthand the culinary traditions of Revolutionary War soldiers including open-fire cooking demonstrations of period-appropriate recipes.

For more information on the 1st NH Regiment for Living History Encampment Weekend at Strawbery Banke Museum and to purchase general museum admission, visit StrawberyBanke.org.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Exhibits, galleries, theater and more: Seacoast arts and culture news