The Details

Portsmouth Singer Songwriter Festival

23 singer songwriters - Legends, Stars, & Up-And-Comers - in a packed festival weekend, this year celebrating Americana music. Concerts, parties, round robin featuring Seacoast talent, two venues. Click here to see all the shows in the Festival!

Elsa Cross (7:30pm)

She began dabbling with musical instruments when she was eight years-old (mostly clarinet and a little piano), before settling with her true companion – the guitar. Now living and working in Austin, Texas, Elsa says it was 1950’s Rock ‘n’ Roll that led her to its roots in old country, where she found the songs of Patsy Cline, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, and the young Elvis Presley.
Photo Credit: Michael Winters

“At turns husky and gruff or as light as a lullaby, Elsa’s voice is uniquely all her own. Lyrically, she presents the subjective heart-pangs of a jilted lover’s diary as a universal bestseller. Musically she keeps things simple, reminiscent of the great Hank Williams but with the gusto of a tattooed rockabilly beat. “ – Portsmouth Herald

Lucy Wainwright Roche (9:00pm)

A member of music family royalty, Lucy Wainwright Roche grew up in Greenwich Village, New York City. Her father is Loudon Wainwright and her mother is Suzzy Roche of The Roches. But Lucy had other plans for herself. She always thought she’d be a teacher, and she earned her Master’s Degree in Education in 2007. She hit the road to sing back up with her brother, Rufus Wainwright, on his 2007 tour. Since then, she’s recorded two critically acclaimed EPs – 8 Songs and 8 More – both of which have been wholeheartedly embraced by her fans. She’s won hearts opening up for Neko Case, The Indigo Girls, Rufus Wainwright, Girlyman, Amos Lee, Lucy Kaplansky, Dar Williams, Mary Gauthier, Loudon Wainwright, and The Roches, among others, and she also tours England and the U.S. as a headliner.

In 2010, Lucy released her first full-length album, simply entitled Lucy. This album, a breath of fresh air, includes special guest artists pals Girlyman and the Indigo Girls, as well as The Roches, Loudon Wainwright, and Kelly Hogan. Her tales of life as seen from the road are masterfully told as she moves in and out of stories and song, creating a unique tapestry that weaves the ordinary into the magical. You won’t hear a false note from this shining star; she’s heartbreaking in a good way, and funny too. Lucy’s a masterful performer. She’s a straight shooter, simple and direct, with loads of charm. But watch out – her hauntingly angelic voice and wickedly perceptive songs will get you every time.

A Word About Sampling

We’re getting asked about SSF and how best do the Festival experience – we have two venues practically across the street from each other. So, let’s say you buy a pass for the weekend, and on day two you’re sitting in the Historic Theater for the evening show but you’ve heard that Elsa Cross who opened for Merle Haggard the night before has her own show with Lucy Wainwright Roche so you think, I’ve got to head to the Loft – and you can! You have that pass. Or you bought a ticket for the Round Robin on the closing day and you think hmmm this is six hours long – but you can come and go – right? So, get lunch and see some singers – but no need to stay the entire time! Part of the festival experience is trying things you haven’t tried before – with two venues across the street, it couldn’t be easier.

Food & Drink

Try our new menu of small plates that you can bring right to your seat during the show – enjoy a wine pairing or signature cocktail. And, for the rest of the Spring into Summer, we’re serving up national, regional and local artists, from famous names to discovery acts – it’s concerts, comedy, celebrated authors at the Loft.