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How could you even consider skipping an event that offers this?

OK. So maybe I've been writing about going out drinking a little too much. Maybe I should take advantage of all the music and art and culture that comes to town in the summer months. Maybe I should try to expand my horizons, live a little and perhaps even learn something.

To be honest, it's been really hard for me to get excited about anything even remotely related to the arts in Portsmouth this spring. I don't know about you, but I find it really easy to get burned out on the same old mix of music, theater and art that rotates through the venues in this area. But in recent weeks, a few items have piqued my interest so I guess it's time to put down the shot glass, give my liver a rest and take in a little local culture.

Severance
Portsmouth Music Hall
Thursday, July 19
Saturday, July 21
7 p.m.

I have wanted to see this movie ever since I read Trevor's review of it in The Wire. It sounds totally up my alley -- dark humor, smart, scary, BRITISH! Here's the music hall's synopsis:

"Comedy and horror ensue when a weapons company on a team-building weekend in Eastern Europe are attacked by killers intent on revenge for - what else? - Western influence on their culture. 2006 Telluride Film Festival. Director Christopher Smith."

Sounds freakin' awesome, right?

Greek Festival at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
July 20-22
check the Portsmouth Herald piece for times, cost, etc.

Who doesn't love spanakopita, baklava, grilled lamb and of course Ouzo? If you've never been, the local Greek festival is a deliciously good time with lots of music and dancing and food. Make sure you bring a bunch of friends if you're not into dancing, because you'll need someone to talk to while you're chowing on all the tasty homemade food. If you're a local and you haven't been to the Greek festival, than you haven't really lived in Portsmouth.

Dover Twilight Music Series
Thursday, July 19 and every other Thursday until August 30
7-9 p.m., rain or shine
upper courtyard off Main Street

My friend Dustin Ruoff told me about his little music series he was putting together this summer and I thought, this is absolutely perfect for Dover. In years past, downtown music series would consist of acts like the Shaw Brothers and local cover bands, but I knew Dustin would pull in some solid acts. Performers are of the indie-rock ilk. A listing may be found here.

Press Room's Beat Nite
Thursday, July 19
7-9 p.m.

All right, I'll fess up. I hardly ever go to Beat Nite, the jazz-infused poetry reading on the third of every month, but I always MEAN to go. I just end up running late at work or forget which Thursday in the month we're on or can't find anyone to go with. Typically when I ask people to join me at the "Depressed Room," for the event, the conversations usually goes something like this:

-- Want to go listen to some poetry and jazz with me?

No way. It's pint night.

-- Yeah, but it's actually a lot more fun than it sounds, really. And we only have to stay an hour and then we can hit pint night.

If I don't get my whole four hours of half-priced pints in, then my entire week is ruined. Sorry.

And so it goes. Let me just say for the record that yes, Beat Nite is actually fun even if it sounds dorky. Just think, you are getting in a little local color and having drinks to boot. I know I said I was going dry on this one, but really, who can beat that.