Winter Wonder Neverland!
2023-12-02 19:30, 2023-12-03 14:00 (America/New_York) | Firehouse Center for the Arts, Market Square, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
Presented by Joppa Dance Company
Adults: $15
Students/Seniors: $13
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Joppa Dance Company will be presenting, Winter Wonder Neverland! at the Firehouse Center December 1st-3rd. This dance-theater production follows Peter Pan, Wendy, Tinker Bell and friends as they try to rescue Christmas back from Captain Hook. It’s full of Pirates, Lost Boys and Fairies. Choreography is by Joppa directors, Fontaine Dubus, Jen Steeves, and Erin Staffiere, and also features pieces by Rebecca Maikels, and Joppa seniors, Lilly Brunnick, Simone Chabot, Ava Maglio, and Addie Varay. It’s great fun for the whole family! The program runs about an hour.
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Full Moon Story GRAND Slam
2023-12-03 19:00 | MA
In Advance
$25/Adult
$23/Students and Seniors
Day Of
$28 for all audience members
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When I Said YES!
Join The Actors Studio of Newburyport for their end of the year celebration where the top winners of 2023, compete for the title of “Full Moon Grand Slammer”, but anyone in the audience will also have the opportunity to tell a two (2) minute story. It can be based on the theme, or it can be about any subject they would like to talk about.
This is the eighth season of true-life stories told without notes or props on themes ranging from synchronicity to pronouns. The Studio’s Full Moon Story Slam is modeled after NPR’s Moth Radio Hour. It is a story telling competition with a few simple criteria for both the official judges and the audience to vote for their favorites.
It has been a consistently popular event since its inception, so much so that, during Covid restrictions, it expanded nationwide as a Zoom event.
The Slam is your chance to gather as friends and share true stories from your lives. Simply put, a story slam is a competition based on the art of storytelling. It puts a dual emphasis on content and performance, encouraging storytellers to focus on what they’re saying and how they’re saying it. It is an exercise in crafting stories within a set time limit.
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A Cinderella Panto
2023-12-08 19:00, 2023-12-09 15:00, 2023-12-09 19:00, 2023-12-10 15:00, 2023-12-15 19:00, 2023-12-16 15:00, 2023-12-16 19:00, 2023-12-17 15:00 and 3 more dates | Firehouse Center for the Arts, Market Square, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
Presented in partnership with Theater in the Open
Non-Member Adults: $20
Member/Student/Senior: $18
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Come celebrate the holidays with everyone’s favorite soot-stained step-sister, as Cinderella shows her selfish, scroogey step-siblings the true meaning of Christmas, falls in love with a charming prince, and melts a lot of frozen hearts along the way! Cinderella is perhaps the most popular perennial panto across the pond, and we’re proud to present this classic to you at the Firehouse Center for the Arts this December with our own TitO twist! Get ready to cheer the goodies, boo the baddies, sing some carols and sling some snowballs as Theater in the Open and The Firehouse Center for the Arts present Cinderella in December: A Frozen Fairytale Panto!
What does Panto mean? Pantomime (informally, panto)— not to be confused with a mime artist, a theatrical performer of mime. Panto is a musical-comedy theatrical production traditionally performed in the United Kingdom, mostly during Christmas and New Year season.
About Theater in the Open: The mission of Theater in the Open is to transform the magical tradition of storytelling into theater. Using puppetry, pageantry, music, movement, and acting, TITO presents and explores myths, classic literature, original scripts, and modern dramas that reflect the diversity of cultures around us. TITO embraces their audiences and invite the community to create with them from seed to flower, enjoying the beauty of art and nature in an affordable, accessible, and educational manner. TITO develops the talent and range of abilities of their unified company through a disciplined work ethic, fun, and a desire to grow. For more information about Theater in the Open please visit their website at www.theaterintheopen.org
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A Sinatra Christmas
2023-12-12 15:00, 2023-12-12 19:00 | Firehouse Center for the Arts, Market Square, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
Non-Member: $30
Member: $27
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Rich DiMare is an American jazz singer who specializes in the Frank Sinatra songbook. “A Sinatra Christmas” is coming to the Firehouse! With all your Holiday favorites like “Jingle Bells” & “White Christmas.” Mixed in with Frank’s icon and beloved songs that include “My Way” and New York, New York.”
Rich has 20 years of experience in providing entertainment across America. Along with being a talented singer, he also DJs at Red Sox games throughout the season. Rich spent 15 years live on-air at Boston’s highest-rated morning show, KISS 108’s Matty in the Morning, and as a host on Boston’s Fox25 TV. Because of this experience in media and music Rich is a seasoned showman.
This Holiday season, Rich is joined by Ron Poster and the Sinatra Ambassadors. Ron Poster is the organist for the Boston Bruins and has played at-home games for the past 20 seasons. Rich and Ron’s understanding of the Sinatra songbook, coupled with their interactions on stage; makes this Old Blue Eyes experience something Rat Pack lovers won’t forget!
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Martin Sexton
2023-12-14 19:00, 2023-12-14 21:00 | Firehouse Center for the Arts, Market Square, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
$45/Members
$50/Non-Members
*TWO SHOWS – 7pm & 9pm*
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The real thing, people.” –Billboard
Martin Sexton returns with what RollingStone calls his “soul-marinated voice,” acoustic guitar, and a suitcase full of heartfelt songs.
The 2023 Tour takes Martin across North America in support of his latest ep 2020 Vision (produced by 3-time Grammy nominee John Alagia (Lukas Nelson, John Mayer, Dave Matthews) as well as reinventing his own classics for these critically-acclaimed solo performances.
Still fiercely independent and headlining venues from The Fillmore to Carnegie Hall, he has influenced a generation of contemporary artists. His songs have appeared in television series such as Scrubs, Parenthood, Masters of Sex, Sprung, and in numerous films, though it’s his incendiary live show, honest lyrics, and vocal prowess that keep fans coming back for a new experience every time.
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The Sweetback Sisters Country Christmas
2023-12-19 19:00 | MA
Non-Member: $30
Member: $27
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The Sweetback Sisters are BACK! For the first time since 2019, The Sweetback Sisters will be bringing their Country Christmas Sing Along Spectacular to the Firehouse Center for the Arts and we can’t wait for an evening full of music, trivia, prizes, warm-n-fuzzies, and so.much.more. Don’t miss out on this holiday tradition!
Technically speaking, The Sweetback Sisters come from Brooklyn, but philosophically, they hail from a parallel universe, one where country music history zigged instead of zagged.
“I wouldn’t call us a throwback band,” says Emily Miller. “What we do is look back to the golden era of country music and imagine that the genre took a different evolutionary fork, that the honky-tonk element took over rather than the pop-rock sound you hear everywhere today. I feel like we’re actually a very modern band, just on an alternate timeline.”
It’s been more than 15 years since The Sweetback Sisters first began forging their own sonic universe, and on their new album, ‘King Of Killing Time,’ they push their sound into more adventurous and playful territory than ever before. Centered around the charismatic, airtight harmonies of Emily Miller and Zara Bode, the record’s ten tracks are a mix of infectious originals and unexpected interpretations of everything from George Jones to Gram Parsons. Hints of jazz and ragtime flesh out the Sisters’ unique brand of classic country, as Miller, Bode, and their remarkably versatile band conjure up a singular blend of heart, humor, and virtuosic musicianship.
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Renee and the Renegades Holiday Hoedown
2023-12-20 19:00 | Firehouse Center for the Arts, Market Square, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
Non-Member: $15
Member: $12
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Renee and the Renegades return to the Firehouse Center for the Arts – this time with a holiday twist. Combining holiday classics along with Christmas spirituals, this show is sure to leave you feeling cheery and in the holiday spirit.
“Renee Leavitt is the real deal,” said legendary rock n’ roller, Gary U.S. Bonds. Renee starting singing at the age of three and entered her first contest at the age of eight, finishing in 2nd place overall. Leavitt is building upon her fan base through her songwriting abilities, catchy tunes, pure voice, poised stage presence and her “girl next door,” blue eyed, strawberry blonde, country look.
To date, this country sensation has 21 original songs. Her band, Renee and the Renegades, has what fans and their manager call a ‘unique’ sound. There is no one in country music that can scratch an itch for one of their original scores. Her Karen Carpenter like voice mixes Zydeco, Irish Folk, Pop, Rock, and Vintage Country. Some have characterized it as: Americana.
Renee has been played on several radio stations in New England and Ireland, including WKLB Country 102.5, The Bull 101.7, WOKQ 97.5, the River 92.5, North Shore 104.9, WRKO 680, WMEX 1510 and Ireland’s own KFM Radio. Leavitt will soon be heard on PBS, singing the theme song “Friends For Life” for a Children’s Animated Series, called Charlie Horse.
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Blessid Union of Souls
2023-12-29 20:00 | MA
$50/All Tickets
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Since their 1995 debut release, ‘Home’, Blessid Union of Souls have sold millions of records worldwide and never stopped living their dream: Creating and performing music that touches the hearts of countless people across the globe. 2020 marked the 25th Anniversary of their iconic first single ‘I Believe’ which not only topped the charts; it was the 4th most played song on radio of that year! On this, as well as their other top 40 hits, their message of hope and unity has continued into the next generation.
Stronger than ever, original lead singer/songwriter, Eliot Sloan, along with Brian Lovely, Dan Dorff, David Lessing and Dave Ramos, are going into their 9th year of touring. They released their first Live DVD,’ Blessid Union of Souls Live at Never on Sundays ‘recorded in their hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio. The stellar musicianship of the band is showcased on every track, including the only live performance of ‘Brother My Brother’ which was featured on Pokemon-The First Movie.
In the course of their career, not only has the band performed in all 50 of these United States several times over, but around the world as well. With appreciation for those who risk their lives every day for our freedom, Blessid Union has had the honor and privilege of performing for U.S. military troops in Germany, Cuba and Africa, as well as Japan, Bahrain and South Korea.
Nothing short of amazing, it’s been a long stretch of road paved with hope and inspired by countless fans, friends and relationships that continue to grow after 25 years. The heart, soul and spirit of this band is still embodied in one simple phrase: Love is the answer. That’s one thing that will never change when it comes to Blessid Union of Souls.​
Blessid Union of Souls is:
Eliot Sloan – Lead Vocals, Piano
Brian Lovely – Guitars, Backing Vocals
Dan Dorff – Drums, Backing Vocals
Dave Ramos – Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals
David Lessing – Keyboards, Backing Vocals
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Fastball
2023-12-30 20:00 | MA
$50/All Tickets
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Formed in 1994 in Austin, Texas, Fastball combined a fondness for melodic, Beatles-inspired pop with the alternative aesthetic of late-’90s mainstream rock. Guitarist/vocalist Miles Zuniga, bassist/vocalist Tony Scalzo, and drummer Joey Shuffield — all veterans of Austin’s underground rock scene — originally banded together under the name Magneto U.S.A. After signing with Hollywood Records, the musicians changed their name to Fastball and released their debut album, Make Your Mama Proud, in 1996. The album demonstrated the band’s synthesis of modern flavor and bygone pop hooks, a combination that would later launch Fastball into the mainstream.
The follow-up effort, All the Pain Money Can Buy, appeared in early 1998, featuring a considerably tighter band and more pop flourishes. Although the bandmates were still working side jobs at the time of its release, lead-off single “The Way” proved to be a meteoric hit, topping the American rock charts for seven weeks while enjoying crossover success as a pop single. “Fire Escape” and the piano-fueled “Out of My Head” did similarly well, and All the Pain Money Can Buy went platinum within six months of its release, earning two Grammy nominations along the way. Fastball celebrated their success with a considerable amount of touring, including shows alongside Marcy Playground and Everclear.
The Harsh Light of Day arrived in fall 2000, featuring piano work by Billy Preston and an increasingly arty sound, including the Top 40 hit “You’re an Ocean.” Fastball eventually left the Hollywood roster in favor of a new deal with Rykodisc. A retrospective compilation, Painting the Corners: The Best of Fastball, marked the band’s final release for Hollywood Records in 2002. Two years later, they resurfaced with Keep Your Wig On, having fully embraced their power pop roots with the help of co-producer Adam Schlesinger. The album strengthened Fastball’s work ethic, with frontmen Zuniga and Scalzo writing together for the first time. That collaborative spirit helped fuel another album, Little White Lies, which appeared in 2009 to warm reviews.
After several years of focusing on live work, Fastball returned to the studio in 2015, recording in their hometown of Austin. The project emerged in May 2017, a self-released album titled Step into Light, and the band supported it with an extensive tour of the United States and Canada. The following year, Fastball celebrated the 20th anniversary of All the Pain Money Can Buy with an expanded edition of the 1998 album; they accompanied the reissue with a hometown concert in Austin, Texas.
Most recently, in October 2019, Fastball returned with The Help Machine, an album produced by Steve Berlin of Los Lobos, and in Sept 2021 and throughout 2022 have been releasing music exclusively thru Patreon. Their new album, The Deep End, was released on June 17, 2022 and they have spent most of 2023 touring the country with Gin Blossoms, Sugar Ray, and Tonic.
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Tom Rush WIth Special Guest Matt Nakoa
2024-01-05 19:00, 2024-01-06 19:00 | Firehouse Center for the Arts, Market Square, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
$50/Non-Member
$45/Member
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Tom Rush is a gifted musician and performer, whose shows offer a musical celebration…a journey into the tradition and spectrum of what music has been, can be, and will become. His distinctive guitar style, wry humor and warm, expressive voice have made him both a legend and a lure to audiences around the world. His shows are filled with the rib-aching laughter of terrific story-telling, the sweet melancholy of ballads and the passion of gritty blues.
Rush’s impact on the American music scene has been profound. He helped shape the folk revival in the ’60s and the renaissance of the ’80s and ’90s, his music having left its stamp on generations of artists. James Taylor told Rolling Stone, “Tom was not only one of my early heroes, but also one of my main influences.” Country music star Garth Brooks has credited Rush with being one of his top five musical influences. Rush has long championed emerging artists. His early recordings introduced the world to the work of Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne and James Taylor, and in more recent years his Club 47® concerts have brought artists such as Nanci Griffith and Shawn Colvin to wider audiences when they were just beginning to build their own reputations.
Today, Tom Rush lives in Massachusetts when he’s not touring. His voice has grown even richer and more melodic, and his music, like a fine wine, has matured and ripened in the blending of traditional and modern influences. He’s written a number of new songs. He’s doing what he loves, and what audiences love him for: writing and playing …passionately, tenderly…knitting together the musical traditions and talents of our times.
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RVCS presents "The Drowsy Chaperone Jr."
2024-01-11 18:00, 2024-01-12 18:00 | Firehouse Center for the Arts, Market Square, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
Tickets $5.00 per person.
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A man shares with the audience his favorite record – the 1928 musical The Drowsy Chaperone. As he plays the record, the show comes to life in his apartment. Mix in two lovebirds on the eve of their wedding, a bumbling best man, a desperate theatre producer, a not-so-bright hostess, gangsters posing as pastry chefs, a misguided Don Juan, and a sleepy chaperone, and the RVCS Theatre Arts Project Group will give you an evening to cherish.
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Sweet Baby James: The #1 James Taylor Tribute
2024-01-13 19:00, 2024-01-14 19:00 | Firehouse Center for the Arts, Market Square, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
$25/Non-Member
$22/Member
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Don’t miss the return of America’s #1 James Taylor tribute Sweet Baby James, as Nashville musician Bill Griese performs the songs of the legendary JT. Not your typical tribute band fare, and not a “look-alike” act, Griese delights audiences using only his uncanny Taylor-like vocals & guitar playing and a refreshingly authentic stage presence.

Fans rave: “the next best thing to James,” “close my eyes and it’s JT,” “James would be proud,” “amazing guitar playing,” “sounds just like JT,” “his voice is spot on!” Enjoy the ultimate James Taylor experience with favorites like Fire and Rain, You’ve Got a Friend, Shower the People, How Sweet It Is, and Steamroller. A Taylor made event honoring one of our greatest troubadours.
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King in the Wilderness
2024-01-15 12:30 | Firehouse Center for the Arts, Market Square, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
presented by the YWCA of Greater Newburyport

Students are Free but a ticket is required
Adults: $11.50 in honor of MLK, Jr.’s Birthday: 1/15
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In commemoration of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday, the YWCA of Greater Newburyport presents a screening and discussion of King in the Wilderness. This film tells the story of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s final years through the personal stories of those who surrounded him.
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The Sixth or the Eighth - 22nd Annual New Works Festival
2024-01-19 20:00 | Firehouse Center for the Arts, Market Square, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
$16/All Seats
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THE SIXTH OR THE EIGHTH by Andy Reynolds
*HONEGGER PRIZE WINNER FOR BEST FULL LENGTH*
Directed by Jocelyn Duford

When gay, liberal Patrick James McDonough the sixth (or the eighth) uncovers a secret about his conservative Irish father’s background, it has an echoing effect on his family for generations – both past and present. A multigenerational story told in three parts set in three different eras, The Sixth or The Eighth humorously and compassionately explores ancestry, political affiliations, gender identity, and all of the things that bring families together and ultimately drive them apart.
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