Nashua, NH

Just an hour's drive from Boston, Lowell and Manchester, Nashua is the second largest city in the state and is distinct from the many New England college towns that surround it. The city boasts a range of upscale venues for jazz, blues, country and folk music, catering to these genres' often more mature (both in age and attitude) fans. Dance and cover bands, as well as DJs, can find an enthusiastic audience in this crowd. There's also a niche in Nashua for original rock, with clubs catering to all ages. A popular free entertainment weekly and a young adult population close enough to Boston have spurred on the area's interest in music.

Book A Gig: Venues

Club Drifters
17 Factory Street
Nashua, NH 03060
(603) 880-0523
www.clubdrifters.com
Ten-year-old Club Drifters is a real mainstay in the southern New Hampshire high school scene. The all-ages, alcohol-free club makes a point of reviewing song lyrics for themes of suicide, violence and drug abuse before booking any band. There is a skate shop located within the club, which is open during shows. Drifters is slated to relocate in the spring of 2007 and is currently holding fundraising shows to help with the expenses. Send CDs to the address above and email a half-hour's set-worth of lyrics to clubdrifters@aol.com.

Scorz
522 Amherst Street
Nashua, NH 03063
(603) 880-3436
www.scorznashua.com
Scorz is a large club and bar featuring live rock and acoustic acts, in addition to the typical pool, darts and DJs. Although it is an 18+ club, it attracts mostly an over-21 demographic. While it does have a thriving bar atmosphere, it has a large stage and good sound system. The club has regular dance nights and theme nights, ranging from "College Night" to "Who Wants to be a Stripper?" For booking, email Brian Miller at miller@dieseledproductions.com.

Del Vaudo's
112 West Pearl Street
Nashua, NH 03060
(603) 598-8007
www.delvaudos.com
Del Vaudo's is a high-end Italian restaurant and lounge that hosts live music Tuesday through Saturday nights. While it normally caters to an older family crowd, the right band draws the younger 20-something demographic. Great setting for jazz and blues, as the bar caters to cigar smokers and has an extensive whiskey menu. The restaurant is within walking distance from anywhere downtown. For booking, call to speak with Evan Goodrow.

Tupelo Music Hall
2 Young Road
Londonderry, NH 03053
(603) 437-5100
www.tupelohall.com
This historic but newly renovated music hall is dedicated to showcasing quality, live local music. Tupelo Music Hall is small, but boasts a sizable stage and a state-of-the-art sound system. It caters mainly to acoustic, folk and alternative acts, and is also one of the few spaces in the area that hosts country and R&B music. They also put on regular open mic nights. It features a light menu and no liquor license, but does allow patrons to bring their own alcohol to shows. An all-ages, family-friendly venue, it switches from table seating to theater seating, depending on the show. For booking, email booking@tupelohall.com, and for open mic nights, email rbhaigh@comcast.net

Big Bear Lodge
106 Route 13
Brookline, NH 03033
(603) 672-7675
www.bigbearlodgenh.com
info@bigbearlodgenh.com
Two miles over the border from Massachusetts, and just a few miles south of Nashua, Big Bear Lodge attracts a lot of out-of-staters looking to take advantage of New Hampshire's lenient smoking laws. This crowd, usually in its 30s and 40s, comes for rock 'n' roll nights on Fridays and country on Saturdays, and the bar encourages a mix of covers and original music. The very large establishment is newly renovated with an expansive dance floor. Call for booking.

Promote A Gig: Media

The Hippo
49 Hollis Street
Manchester, NH 03101
(603) 625-1855, ext. 12 for listings
www.hippopress.com
Based out of nearby Manchester, this popular free news and entertainment weekly has also launched a sister Nashua publication. The paper has an extensive listings section, as well as local music reviews. Also, the website features a lengthy selection of local music MP3's and podcasts. Email listings@hippopress.com to list your show.

Lowell Sun
15 Kearney Square
Lowell, MA 01852
(978) 458-7100
www.lowellsun.com
Lowell Sun is a daily newspaper serving towns in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire - including Nashua. The magazine covers all facets of local culture and features a Music & Nightlife section. For more information, call the number above or visit the paper's website at www.lowellsun.com.

Gear/Repair:

Daddy's Junky Music
293 Daniel Webster Hwy.
Nashua, NH 03060
(603) 888-1160
www.daddys.com
You may already be familiar with Daddy's Junky Music, a New England chain based out of New Hampshire. Open seven days a week (until 9 p.pm. on weekdays), it boasts a very large showroom specializing in new and used rock instruments and equipment. Daddy's is also skilled in servicing and repairs.

Daren's Music Center and Studios
25 E Broadway
Derry, NH 03038
(603) 432-7751
www.darenmusic.com
Located in nearby Derry, Daren's Music Center has been family owned and operated for 30 years. They sell a wide variety of instruments and equipment, ranging from rock to wind and acoustic, and also provide full repair services. Open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and until 4 p.m. on Saturday. Closed on Sundays.