Live music on campus can be great: SCOPE brings in a few big names each year, and MUSO has some fantastic indie offerings--but the shows can be few and far between. Luckily, the towns surrounding our fair city have got plenty to keep your ears happy while SCOPE keeps us waiting for their next big announcement.
Whatever kind of music you're into --folk, blues, jazz, rock, metal--you can find something to satisfy you at one of the UNH area's clubs and theaters. Here are several, plus how to get there and a sampling of upcoming shows.
The Stone Church, Newmarket
This club has been around since 1969 and the revamped old church is an awesome place to catch a show. They have open mic nights every Sunday, and the free Seacoast Acoustic Showcase on the third Monday of each month.
You can get there pretty easily on Wildcat transit, but the buses stop running around 10:30 and shows often don't start until 9, so you might want to find a friend with a car. Most shows are 18+ but there are a handful that are 21+, so be sure to check before you go. Tickets are usually $5-$15.
Upcoming shows: Ryan Montbleau Band on September 9, Rustic Overtones on September 10, and Roots Nation on September 18.
5 Granite St., 603-292-3546
www.thestonechurch.com.
The Brick House, Dover
This is the place to go if you're looking for rock, punk and metal bands, especially up-and-coming groups. They have an open mic night every Wednesday, and host multi-band showcases that are a great way to find out what's new in the area.
The Brick House is within walking distance from several of the Dover Wildcat transit stops, and there are occasionally shows at 4 and 5 p.m. which would allow you to get back to campus before the buses stop running.
Upcoming shows: Waylon Speed on September 9, Coincidence on September 10, and Flush Funk & Fashion on September 11.
2 Orchard St., 603-749-3838
www.doverbrickhouse.com.
The Press Room, Portsmouth
Jazz, blues, bluegrass and folk enthusiasts will find lots to love here--the Press Room has music seven nights a week, weekly jazz jams, monthly "beat night" poetry readings and a big menu of tasty pub food. Most weekend shows have a $5 cover, but the weeknight jazz sessions are usually free.
77 Daniel St., 603- 431-5186
www.thepressroomnh.com.
The Music Hall, Portsmouth
This historic theater in downtown Portsmouth has indie and foreign films, author events and concerts. The theater brings in world-class artists and is constantly adding new events. This venue is easily accessible from the Market Street bus stop.
The prices can be high for a college student, but a show at the Music Hall is an unbeatable experience. (Plus the movies are cheaper than the multiplex.)
Upcoming shows: Wynonna Judd on September 5, Chrissie Hynde and JP Jones on September 30, Justin Townes Earle on October 21, and Indigo Girls on October 29.
28 Chestnut St., 603- 436-2400
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