Rockingham Times

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PORTSMOUTH—Prescott Park Arts Festival, a non-profit arts organization, keeps the fun rolling in as they announce the *fifth wave* of concerts in the River House Restaurant Concert Series. The long-standing series features nationally touring acts, as well as regional and local favorites, that will grace the Wilcox Main Stage downtown in Prescott Park this summer. All events offered by the Arts Festival are done so for an optional suggested donation, staying true to their mission of accessibility.

The River House Restaurant Concert Series has been announced in weekly waves this year. The entire series will be announced by mid-May, with the possibility of a few additional acts that will be made public as they are confirmed throughout the summer.

“As we have been announcing more great concerts each week this spring, I am reminded of the vibrancy of this community that we work so hard for each day,” shared Executive Director, Courtney Perkins. “We at the Arts Festival are so deeply committed to creating a season that reflects the strength and togetherness we’ve seen in our beloved Seacoast throughout this challenging time. We’re so grateful for our community partners and loyal Festival family because it’s truly what keeps us going. Gathering people hasn’t been easy these past two years, but we are all really hopeful to create a summer of sharing special moments with one another in the park once again.”

The first concert revealed in the fifth wave of announcements is nominated Emerging Act of the Year at the Americana Music Association and one of Rolling Stone’s "Artists You Need To Know," Katie Pruitt. The 27-year old is coming into her own and establishing herself as not only an incredible musician, but an artist with a real voice and distinctive perspective. Come and see what’s been garnering her widespread acclaim and praise on Wednesday, June 29th on the Wilcox Main Stage.

Up next is a band you might know by their former name of Mandolin Orange… it’s Watchhouse. The name, like the new record itself, represents their reinvention as a band at the regenerative edges of subtly experimental folk-rock. Watchhouse is a perfectly rendered link between their longtime allure as Mandolin Orange and an unwritten future as the band Watchhouse, one that’s only as hopeful as we can imagine it might be. They will once again take the Wilcox Main Stage on Wednesday, July 13th, but this will be their first time as Watchhouse.

Last in this wave of announcements is a band that is back by popular demand, meticulous recreators of the music of The Beatles, Spencer and the Walrus. This consortium of Portland, ME based musicians come together through a shared love of Beatles music, including solo material. The goal of The Walrus is to translate Beatles recordings as accurately as possible in a live show setting. No wigs, no accents, and a little bit too loud. Their 2021 show was a huge hit, so come down to the park and jam to your favorite Beatles tunes as Spencer and the Walrus return to the Wilcox Main Stage on Sunday, July 31st.

The Festival continues to announce new concerts each week in the River House Restaurant Concert Series. So far the Festival has revealed Josh Ritter (6/16), The Dip with Lady Wray (6/22), The Brothers Comatose (7/6), Fruition (7/8), Dustbowl Revival (7/17), John Moreland with The Dead Tongues (7/20), Deer Tick (7/21), Sierra Hull and Kitchen Dwellers (7/27), Miko Marks with Dwayne Haggins (8/10), Shovels & Rope (8/15), Americana Fest with Alejandro Escovedo and Pokey LaFarge (8/21), and The War & Treaty (8/25). The Arts Festival will make at least one more wave of announcements which will reveal more exciting acts playing this summer through Labor Day.

In addition to the River House Restaurant Concert Series, Prescott Park Arts Festival offers the Wentworth-Douglass Hospital Monday Night Movie Series  along with their signature musical theater production, Footloose, presented by Service Credit Union. Tables in the B2W Software VIP Seating Area can be reserved for all of the Festival’s series, in addition to limited blanket reservations, in front of the Wilcox Main Stage. The Best Seat in the House, sponsored by Key Auto Group, is a special seating area at the front of the VIP section that is available for reservation as well. 

Original source can be found here.