By Emily Butler
The Portsmouth music scene, as described by longtime local musician Jordan Bible, is a vibrant and diverse community that has been evolving over the years. With his high-energy rock band, Noise on Neptune, and his more mellow cover band Amante, featuring a blend of Fleetwood Mac and Beatles tunes, Jordan has a unique perspective on the musical landscape of the charming coastal city.
Jordan explains, “Portsmouth has had an evolving music scene over several decades, but it’s always been a consistent destination with a variety that feels more like a major city in a smaller package. I’ve enjoyed playing in Portsmouth many times, the historical beauty and revolving door of visitors and tourists always makes it feel fresh and exciting.”
Variety and Evolution
Portsmouth’s music scene defies easy categorization. It has moved away from its rock-centric past and embraced a wide range of musical styles. During the day, the streets come alive with buskers of all kinds, from guitar-playing singers to piano players, bagpipers, accordionists, and even talented music students from the University of New Hampshire showcasing their barbershop or jazz ensembles. The performances are wonderfully spontaneous, adding a touch of whimsy to the downtown streets.
Musical Ambiance
Restaurants in Portsmouth play a pivotal role in shaping the musical ambiance. During the day, you can expect soothing acoustic performances reminiscent of John Mayer or Jason Mraz, as well as classic rock renditions featuring Eagles and Elvis. In the evenings, the dining scene takes a more energetic turn with jazz, punk, R&B, and indie rock performances. Some great places for intimate venues include Cup of Joe, Toscana Italian Chophouse, The Goat and Portsmouth Book & Bar. Each of these places adds a different dimension to the musical crescendos of the city.
Live Music Hotspots
Weekend tourists and locals alike can enjoy a more concert-like performance at various venues. The Pressroom stands out with its dedicated stage, sound-treated walls for optimal acoustics, top-notch PA system and a committed sound engineer. They host a wide range of musical genres, from indie to Appalachian, folk to rap, and even classical. The venue offers open mic sessions for jazz and regular performers every Tuesday night, spread across their two floors.
“I love going to jazz open mike night at The Pressroom because it is always nice to see a bunch of local people showing off their talents,” says Jordan. “Also, seeing Bela Fleck, a bluegrass band, at Prescott Park was amazing. The atmosphere was great, and the audience was loving it.”
The Music Hall Lounge is a renowned nonprofit live music venue that features national acts and seasoned musicians with three different spaces. The Victorian theater, the oldest in the state, has featured artists from Thomas Edison to Tony Bennett and boasts an 895-seat auditorium. In the summer, the Live Under the Arch series has concerts taking place in the charming alleyway, creating a natural amphitheater-like setting. The lounge is open concept with a nightclub feel and has quality acoustics from every angle. Besides musical acts, their lineup includes comedy and literary events and the ability to rent out the space for your own event.
New Additions
A notable newcomer to the scene is Jimmy’s Jazz and Blues Club, housed inside a 1940s Las Vegas-style restaurant. Farm to table cuisine, a mixology of libations and inspirational jazz and blues provide any guest ample sensory pleasure. 3S Artspace is another venue contributing to Portsmouth’s cultural diversity with its wide range of performances, great sound and reasonable ticket prices. Past events include a 70’s disco with live DJ, art exhibits and improv comedy shows. Some upcoming musical events include Jonathan Coulton and Enter the Haggis, an Irish band complete with bagpipes, fiddles and a rock rhythm section.
Impact of COVID-19 and Resurgence
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the Portsmouth music scene, forcing venues to close and artists to adapt to virtual performances. However, as restrictions eased, the flexibility of the musical community became evident. The city has seen a resurgence in live music with outdoor events, festivals, and orchestral performances returning to the forefront of social opportunities.
Portsmouth’s music scene is a spectrum of musical diversity, spanning genres from rock to jazz, folk to punk, and everything in between. The city’s musicians, venues, and audiences remain committed to nurturing and expanding this ever-evolving musical landscape.
Image credits: Noise on Neptune website and StockSnap.io
