TMH books Neko Case

Perhaps not since Bright Eyes two years ago has the local indie rock scene been so excited about a show at The Music Hall. Country rocktress Neko Case will perform at the Portsmouth theater as part of its Intimately Yours concert series on Thursday, Nov. 12.

Equally influenced by country and punk, Case is a singer and multi-instrumentalist with a uniquely tantalizing voice. Although she has now released six studio albums as a solo artist, she is still a rising star, currently touring in support of her latest CD “Middle Cyclone.” Released in March, the album debuted at number 3 on the Billboard charts—the highest an indie CD has ever reached upon its release.

A native of Virginia, Case made her name as a member of indie rock group The New Pornographers. But she has excelled as a solo artist, mastering a distinctive “country-noir” style while playing guitar, piano and percussion. In addition to her repertoire of original material, she has covered songs by Tom Waits, Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin, Harry Nilsson and others.

It’s the latest in a spree of impressive bookings for The Music Hall’s Intimately Yours series, which will also present Bruce Hornsby on Sept. 29, Rufus Wainwright on Oct. 2, Great Big Sea on Oct. 9, Keb Mo on Oct. 14 and Lyle Lovett on Nov. 10.
Tickets to Neko Case are $28 to $35. They go on sale to Music Hall members on Saturday, Aug. 29, and to the general public on Saturday, Sept. 12. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 12 at The Music Hall, 28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth, 603-436-2400. For more information, visit www.themusichall.org.

Prescott Park to present Lost Bayou Ramblers

One of Louisiana’s most celebrated Cajun bands will soon be in Portsmouth for an outdoor concert in the park. The Lost Bayou Ramblers perform as part of the Prescott Park Arts Festival on Thursday, Aug. 27.

The Grammy-nominated band is known for its hyper-energized stage antics and its soulful Cajun sound. At the helm are brothers Louis and Andre Michot, who hail from five generations of Cajun music roots.

Formed in 1999, the five-piece band’s musical arsenal includes hundreds of traditional accordion dancehall tunes, old-time fiddle numbers and Cajun swing, plus dozens of original songs. Their style encompasses an entire culture associated with the food, music and foot-stomping party atmosphere of New Orleans.

The show begins at 7 p.m. on the Prescott Park stage off Marcy Street. Donations of $8 are suggested. Guests are welcome to bring blankets or chairs to place on the lawn. For more information, visit www.prescottpark.org or call 603-436-2848.