Portsmouth, NH
The historic seaport of Portsmouth is one of largest communities in southern New Hampshire and is known as a popular summer tourist destination. Home to The Music Hall, the oldest operating theater in the state, Portsmouth boasts a wide array of popular entertainment and music venues, making it clear that this city has a firm foothold in the Northeastern local music scene. Just a little more than an hour from both Boston and Portland, it is a must-stop for any tour of the Northeast.
Guide to Gigging in New Haven
>>Book a Gig: Venues
Press Room
77 Daniel Street
Portsmouth, NH 03801
(603) 431-5186
Jazz, folk, blues, rock
A popular local bar and restaurant, the Press Room offers live entertainment almost every night, either upstairs or down. Tuesday nights are the popular “Hoot” nights, which include an open mic hosted by local musicians. Friday nights are for contemporary folk, starring name performers from around the region. The Press Room is best known for its live jazz on Sunday, when the club brings in quality performers from Boston and beyond. Call for booking information.
Dolphin Striker
15 Bow Street
Portsmouth, NH 03801
(603) 431-5222
This upscale restaurant offers food, wine and service in the comfortable setting of Portsmouth’s historic riverfront. Furthermore, its lively Spring Hill Tavern provides outstanding live music seven nights a week, Tuesday through Sunday nights, 9 p.m.-12:30 p.m. Call (603) 431-5222 for booking information.
Gas Light Co. 64 Market Street
Portsmouth, NH 03801
(603) 431-9122
www.portlandgaslight.com
This popular local restaurant features casual American dining and excellent brick-oven pizza. The pub’s outdoor patio and bar offers live music from singer/songwriter inspired folk-rock to the club music from the best local DJs. Book through Paul Costley at Notso Costley Productions, by phone at (603) 624-4022 or email at
druma32@aol.com.
Muddy River Smokehouse
21 Congress Street
Portsmouth, NH 03801
(603) 430-9582
www.muddyriver.com
While the Muddy River Smokehouse is best known for its cuisine, live entertainment is also a staple of this Portsmouth-center restaurant. Local DJ Defrock holds down the fort on Thursday nights spinning Old-school rap, hip-hop, and funk. Come the weekend, the Muddy River Smokehouse presents both local and nationally recognized rock, jazz, and even hip-hop acts. To book a performance, email promoter/booker Tim McCoy at bourbonsnh@gmail.com.
Blue Mermaid Island Grill
409 The Hill at Hanover and
High Street
Portsmouth, NH 03801
(603) 427-2583
www.bluemermaid.com
The Blue Mermaid is a Portsmouth eatery that features the best in local and regional entertainment and a variety of music. If you are a local band or musician interested in performing at The Blue Mermaid, contact Chad Verback at nugaverbs@yahoo.com.
The Red Door
107 State Street
Portsmouth, NH 03801
(603) 373-6827
www.reddoorportsmouth.com
Each Monday night, The Red Door presents its Hush Hush Sweet Harlot music series currently hosted by Jay Boucher. Featuring performances by artists from the Northeast along with national touring acts traveling through Boston and Portland, it provides an excellent, smaller venue for music in the Portsmouth area. Contact Jay at reddoorbooking@yahoo.com for booking.
>>Promote a Gig: Media
Portsmouth Herald
111 New Hampshire Avenue
Portsmouth, NH 03801
(800) 439-0303
news@seacoastonline.com
The Spotlight section of the Portsmouth Herald covers the area’s weekly arts and entertainment. For bands performing in the area, email press releases and listings to Spotlight Editor J.L. Stevens at spotlight@seacoastonline.com at least 10 days in advance of the date of the event.
Portsmouth Community Radio
WSCA-LP 106.1 FM
909 Islington St Suite #2
Portsmouth NH 03802
(603) 430-9722
www.wscafm.org
Portsmouth Community Radio is a mixed format radio station, which broadcasts diverse and alternative programming dedicated to serving the greater Portsmouth community. Consequently, PCR has long been a valuable resource to the non-profit, arts and cultural scene. Email musiccalendar@portsmouthcommunityradio.org with band updates and show listings.
>>Gear/ Repairs
Daddy’s Junky Music
1465 Woodbury Avenue
Portsmouth, NH 03801
(603) 436-1142
www.daddys.com
Daddy’s Service Department provides repair services for guitars, electronics, brass and woodwinds. If your gear is irreparable, though, Daddy’s Junky Music offers a wide variety of used and new guitar, amps, and recording equipment.
Gary’s Guitars
800 Islington St.
Portsmouth, NH 03801
(603) 427-6133
www.garysguitars.biz
Gary’s Guitars offers a selection of vintage guitars, amps, and other rare instruments. In addition to repairs, equipment is available to rent, buy, trade, and sell. On top of that, the store is also a source for music education, offering guitar and bass lessons for players of all skill levels. Email Gary with inquiries at gary@garysguitars.biz. |
