Tour Stop: Portsmouth, NH
Portsmouth is a great little city. Almost two hours from Boston, the music community may seem small but makes up for its size in strong DIY ethics, with businesses like Bull Moose Music providing some great support to local and touring musicians. The restaurants, hangouts and venues in Portsmouth are a must-see.
BOOK A GIG : VENUES
ellO Gallery
110 State Street
Portsmouth, NH 03801
(603) 433-9110
www.ellogallery.com
The ellO Gallery is a place for art, performances and music. The Gallery encourages experimentation with music and mixing untraditional instruments. If your band doesn’t seem to fit a category then this is the place for you to play. Every Friday and Saturday, the venue hosts its Fluorescent Grey Music Series. There is a suggested donation of $3-$10.
Booking: fgmusic@ellogallery.com
The Press Room
77 Daniel St
Portsmouth, NH 03801
(603) 431-5186
Seven nights a week, The Press Room opens its doors to local jazz, rockabilly and blues crooners, with a low (if any) cover charge. The venue features two stages: a small one upstairs and a main stage on the first floor. Musicians interested in playing the venue should contact Bruce Pingree between 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Thursday afternoons.
The Red Door
107 State St
Portsmouth, NH 03801
(603) 373-6827
www.reddoorportsmouth.com
Behind the red door is a haven for indie music. The Red Door is home to live music seven nights a week as well as DJs and hip-hop artists. Also notable is the “Hush Hush Sweet Harlot” music series that will make Mondays seem less like Mondays. The series brings the softer indie musicians and bands together for a night of mysterious, dreamy and melodic music.
Booking: reddoorbooking@yahoo.com
The Dover Brick House
2 Orchard St.
Dover, NH 03820
(603) 749-3838
www.doverbrickhouse.com
The Dover Brick Houses’ motto is “In it for the music,” a motto that a lot of places can’t back up. However, this venue truly is in it for the music, with live performances four to five nights a week, one of the largest stages in the Seacoast area, a capacity of 100 people and relatively low cover charge. This bar has proven itself among the music community.
Booking: Rex@doverbrickhouse.com or raytone@comcast.com
The Barley Pub
328 Central Ave
Dover, NH 03820
(603) 742-4226
www.barleypub.com
It’s unclear what the Barley Pub values more: its beer or its bands. The venue hosts music from Wednesday to Sunday. Bands consist of all different genres but mainly rock, blues and funk. The bar is definitely one that appreciates regulars and the local scene, but appears to be open to bands from all over.
Booking: entertainment@barleypub.com
The Portsmouth Gaslight Deck
64 Market St
Portsmouth, NH 03801
(603) 430-9122
The Portsmouth Gaslight Deck is a restaurant that has the largest outdoor patio in town, where local musicians can sing their hearts out in the fresh New Hampshire air. Local musicians are featured each night of the week starting at 7 p.m. or 7:30 p.m.
Booking: reneecarbone@portsmouthgaslight.com
PROMOTE A GIG : MEDIA
Bull Moose Music
82 Congress St
Portsmouth, NH 03801
www.bullmoose.com
The Bull Moose record store has an impressive list of vinyl, used discs, new releases, DVDs and a strong local selection. Bull Moose is always an impressive stop.
Seacoast Online
www.seacoastonline.com
The music section mostly focuses on local concerts and events, but also includes news from national and international acts. To submit news and events to be covered online, email photos or press releases to news@seacoastinline.com.
WUNH 91.3 FM
University of New Hampshire
www.wunh.org
University of New Hampshire’s quirky and lovable radio station plays indie bands ranging from alternative rock to electronic dance. To request a song, become a DJ or promote your band, visit the station’s website or email them at gm@wunh.org.
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