Celebrating black joy and honoring ancestors with African Drumming Ceremony
PORTSMOUTH — On Wednesday, June 19, at 11 a.m., the Black Heritage Trail of NH invites the community to join in a profound celebration of heritage and resilience at an African Drumming Ceremony. This free event promises an enriching experience filled with rhythm, cultural significance, and a collective honoring of ancestors.
In African tradition, the drum serves as the heartbeat and soul of communities, symbolizing deep historic and cultural ties. It has long been a vehicle for communication, marking significant social and political events, and accompanying important life ceremonies. The drum’s resonance celebrates and heals by connecting past and present generations.
The Akwaaba Ensemble, renowned for their mastery of African drumming and dance, will provide the captivating rhythms that will reverberate through the Portsmouth African Burying Ground. Their performance will serve as a tribute to the resilience of those who came before us and a testament to the enduring spirit of Black Joy.
Reverend Robert Thompson will lead a special ceremony, offering prayers and reflections to honor the ancestors who endured and persevered on these very shores.
Before the main ceremony, families are invited to participate in the “African Touch” drumming workshop, led by Theo Martey, Director of The Akwaaba Ensemble. Starting at 10:30 a.m., this interactive session will allow children and parents to engage with their heritage through rhythms, dances, and songs, fostering a deeper connection to the significance of Juneteenth.
This event offers a unique opportunity for the community to come together in celebration, reflection, and unity. We invite all to join us as we honor the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to a future filled with hope and resilience.
For more information, visit www.blackheritagetrailnh.org
‘Flaunt’ on display at the New Hampshire Art Association
EXETER — The New Hampshire Art Association announces its Pride art exhibition, Flaunt! This vibrant celebration of identity, courage, and self-expression embodies the true spirit of Pride. Visitors will be greeted by bold colors, proud moments, and the most authentic expressions of self from local artists. Flaunt! will be showcased at the New Hampshire Art Association from now through June 30. Join us for the opening reception on June 7 from 5-8 p.m. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday from 12 to 5 pm. The Gallery is located at 130 Water St., Exeter.
Flaunt! will showcase artists who identify as LGBTQ+ or are an ally. Artwork in Flaunt! Celebrates self-acceptance and queer joy in all its forms. “We are excited to provide a platform for marginalized voices to be seen and heard,” said Amanda Kidd-Kestler, Executive Director at NHAA. “’Flaunt!’ is more than an art exhibition; it’s a powerful statement of solidarity, education, and empathy. Through art, we hope to foster a deeper understanding of the diverse experiences within the LGBTQ+ community.”
For the second year in a row, the NHAA has partnered with Seacoast Outright to organize an art class specifically for LGBTQIA+ youth. To support the queer youth of the Seacoast, NHAA developed an education program designed to empower teen artists. Seacoast Outright has operated for over 30 years with the mission of providing resources and opportunities for LQBTQ+ youth in the Seacoast area.
‘In the Round’ sculpture show on display at the New Hampshire Art Association
EXETER — The New Hampshire Art Association announces its sculpture show titled In The Round, building on the success of last year’s sculpture exhibit. This year the NHAA’s artist members were encouraged to explore depth, form, and space using any 3D medium of their choice. The exhibit will be showcased at the New Hampshire Art Association now through June 30. Join us for the opening reception, free and open to the public, on June 7 from 5-8 p.m. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday from 12 to 5 pm.
In The Round not only underscores the NHAA’s commitment to supporting all forms of artistic expression but also reinforces its dedication to providing artists with the opportunity to reach broader audiences. Many artists working in 3D mediums find it challenging to find opportunities that fit their artwork. NHAA aims to bridge this gap by offering a dedicated platform where sculptors can exhibit their creations. This exhibition gives artists a chance to showcase their work while encouraging community engagement and appreciation of three-dimensional art forms.
This year’s exhibition is a testament to the versatility and creativity of our artist members. Visitors can expect to see innovative uses of traditional materials alongside surprising applications of unconventional ones, offering an enriching visual experience. Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or new to the world of sculpture, there’s something in this show that will capture your imagination.
Portsmouth singer-songwriter wins international recognition
PORTSMOUTH — Portsmouth singer-songwriter Leslie Nuchow was named first-place winner of the International Songwriting Competition (ISC) for her lyrics “An Eye For An Eye (Will Leave the Whole World Blind).”
Over 14,000 entries from over 120 countries were judged by a panel of artists including Tom Waits, Mariah Carey, Jennifer Hudson, and Roseanne Cash, among others.
Descended from a long line of activists, Leslie uses her art to advocate for peace, healing and connection. Of the song, fans say it is a balm for our time.
Listen to the winning song here: youtube.com.
June 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 June called Summer in New England.
An opening reception will be held on Friday, June 7, from 5 to 7 p.m. Light refreshments will be served and the public is invited to attend.
Summer in New England is a multi-artist exhibit featuring the following local artists: Roseann Meserve, Gerry Bresnahan, Carol Poitras, Collete Fath Malerba, Gwen Morgan, Joanne Lewis-McCoy, Marie Benton, Masako Buck, Nancy Hunt, JoAnn Rohde, and Bob Goudreau.
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 Kris at 603-812-1488 or visit the RiverStones website or Facebook page.
Premier of Seacoast Beer Choir
SOUTH BERWICK, Maine — If you love beer and you love to sing, you’ll love Beer Choir. Join Community Chorus at South Berwick at the premiere of the Seacoast Beer Choir on Sunday, June 9 at 2 p.m. at Tributary Brewing, 10 Shapleigh Rd, Kittery, Maine.
Beer Choir is a national singing movement that hosts social singing events in pubs and breweries across the country. The premise is simple – we sing loudly in public while drinking great beer.
Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon of singing from the Beer Choir Hymnal filled with traditional German and Irish drinking songs as well as some familiar tunes with a twist. For more information, go to CCSB-sing.org where you can also download your own copy of the hymnal. All are welcome. Just show up and sing – no talent required.
Haley Art Gallery hosts movie & discussion on ‘Doctrine of Discovery‘
KITTERY, Maine – Haley Art Gallery will host “Understanding the Doctrine of Discovery Impact: Transforming Historical Harms” — a movie screening and discussion moderated by licensed clinical social worker, Kim Kelsey, on Saturday, June 8, starting at 1 p.m. Following the screening of the documentary “The Doctrine of Discovery: Unmasking the Domination Code” Kelsey will moderate small group exploratory discussions on the Doctrine of Discovery and its impact on generations. The event is free and open to the public.
“Doctrine of Discovery” is a theory backed by 15th century papal decrees that legitimized the colonial-era seizure of Native lands. It shaped the basis of current property laws. In recent years, the Vatican has formally reputed the decrees.
Haley Art Gallery’s current group exhibit: In Awe of Nature showcases original art by local, national, and international artists. Its giftshop offers globally sourced, social impact gifts, hand-made by women. Seacoast business owners, interior decorators and designers enjoy special discounts on all their gallery purchases. The Gallery also hosts (by reservations only), Victorian Tea-Time Art events for groups of four or more. Cost is $35 per person. The Gallery Business Hours: Thursdays through Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Aplomb Project celebrates the strength of trauma survivors with art
DOVER — The evening will begin at Aplomb Gallery on 15 Mechanic St., Suite 117 in Dover on June 22. The public is invited to view the Portrait Project exhibition of seven mixed media survivor paintings celebrating resilience and strength from 6-8:30 p.m.
Those with gala tickets will head next door to Chapel + Main restaurant. Starting at 8:30 p.m. our Guests will be treated to various options, including hors d’oeuvres and a savory station with a cash bar available to complement the night. Advanced registration requested at theaplombproject.org/gala.