Portsmouth's The Music Hall Adds New Shows

The Music Hall has announced eight new shows coming to its already robust and diverse 2014-2015 season of performances, cinema, and literary events on stage and on screen in two theaters. This month we have added YouTube comedic phenomenon Miranda Sings, conservative New York Times columnist David Brooks and several singer songwriters including four-time Boston Music Award winner Will Dailey.

“From the New York Times to the big screen, our upcoming authors have gained huge audiences, and are among the most well-known we’ve hosted,” stated Margaret Talcott, Producer, Writers on a New England Stage and Writers in the Loft. “I’m looking forward to hearing from Op-Ed columnist David Brooks, novelist Dennis Lehane and “Your Money” columnist Ron Lieber, who comes with a compelling message about raising financially smart children – a call-to-action for adults and children alike.”

“Something special happens when Red Baraat play a room. It’s New Orleans meets Bollywood. This Brooklyn-based nine-piece band knows no boundaries,” said Thérèse LaGamma Deputy Director of Programming & Performing Arts Curator.

2014/2015 Calendar of Shows On Sale to Members January 3

Friday March 13, 2015: Writers in the Loft: Dennis Lehane

The NY Times bestselling author of Mystic River, Shutter Island, and Gone, Baby, Gone, visits Portsmouth with his latest – a psychologically and morally complex novel of blood, crime, passion and vengeance set in Cuba and Florida during World War II.

Saturday March 14, 2015: The District Restaurant Singer Songwriters Series: Will Dailey

Though fortune and fame have never been of main concern, Dailey’s music has been amplified by acclaim. He is a four-time winner of the Boston Music Award for Best Singer/Songwriter and his songs have been featured on more than 50 shows and films and his latest album, National Throat, premiered on the Billboards Heat Seekers chart at #18. His rich vintage vibe and his layered songwriting allows him to hold his ground next to artists like Neil Young and Willie Nelson.

Series Sponsor: The District Restaurant

Media Partners: Live Free Photography - [Liv] Frame Print; WOKQ + The Shark

Sunday March 15, 2015: Live at the Loft: Red Baraat

From Lincoln Center, to Bonnaroo and Austin City Limits, NPR calls Red Baraat“The Best Party Band In Years’. The pioneering eight-piece band from Brooklyn fuse North Indian bhangra rhythms with New Orleans’ brass, jazz virtuosity, and soul. This utterly unique sound is matched by the band’s infectious and abounding energy – that will have audiences on their feet from the opening number.

Friday March 27, 2015: The District Restaurant Singer Songwriters Series: Bobby Long

Though England is his place of birth, the songs Bobby Long writes are redolent with pieces of Americana. Perhaps that’s because he now lives in New York, a place he feels more at home than he did while living in his native country. In 2009, Long made the move to the U.S. after emerging from London’s open-mic night scene with a reputation for creating memorable songs inhabited by hauntingly poetic lyrics. A student of songcraft, Long’s reverence for American music runs deep, with influences ranging from country greats like Hank Williams and Ernest Tubb to folk singers Woody Guthrie and Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, and modern day luminaries like Jeff Buckley, Leonard Cohen and Elliott Smith.

Series Sponsor: The District Restaurant

Media Partners: Live Free Photography - [Liv] Frame Print; WOKQ + The Shark

Monday March 30, 2015: Writers in the Loft/ Innovation and Leadership: Ron Lieber

The award-winning “Your Money” columnist for The NY Times shares solid, tested advice on how to help our children make smarter financial decisions, develop better habits, and acquire the tools they’ll need to grow into grounded young adults with good values and habits. His manifesto is essential reading for all parents who hope to imprint their own values, raise kids who are smart about money, and prepare the next generation for an increasingly complex economic reality.

Thursday April 23, 2015: Hilarity: Miranda Sings

International YouTube sensation Miranda Sings is bringing you a hilarious night filled with comedy, hit songs, magic tricks, dramatic readings of hate mail, and never before seen video! The quirky superstar has over 60 million views on YouTube and has performed her one-woman show to sold-out crowds all over the world. You will not want to miss seeing this lipstick-wearing, epileptic eye-browed, crooked-smiling beauty live and in person!

Series Sponsors: Chase Construction; Kennebunk Savings; Clear Channel

Sunday May 3, 2015: Writers on a New England Stage: David Brooks

The #1 bestselling author comes to town with his controversial and eye-opening look at our culture today and the value of humility. Learn why this celebrated op-ed columnist for The NY Times and commentator for “PBS Newshour,” NPR’s “All Things Considered,” and NBC’s “Meet the Press” sees an engaged inner life as a prerequisite to a life of meaning and fulfillment.

Writers on a New England Stage is a partnership between: The Music Hall & New Hampshire Public Radio

Presenting Sponsor: The University of New Hampshire

Series Sponsors: The Sedoric Group of Wells Fargo Advisors; Piscataqua Landscaping & Tree Service; Calypso Communications

Evening Sponsor: Seacoast Area Libraries

Saturday, May 16, 2015: The District Restaurant Singer Songwriters Series: Chris Trapper

Chris Trapper began his career as the front man for late-90’s alternative rock band The Push Stars. With four CD releases and several high profile national tours -- including a run with Matchbox Twenty – The Push Stars served to establish Chris as an authentic talent. Now as a solo act, he is a respected songwriter whose music can best be described as lyrically driven roots–pop with a knack for telling everyday stories filled with extraordinary characters.

Series Sponsor: The District Restaurant

Media Partners: Live Free Photography - [Liv] Frame Print; WOKQ + The Shark

PLUS, MORE ENTERTAINMENT AND EVENTS TO COME

Already on sale for the 2014/2015 season are; Legend Renée Fleming on Wednesday, February 11, Diana Krall on Thursday March 5, and The Moth Mainstage on Saturday March 21.

Submitted text and courtesy photo.