Bingo rocks

Seacoast pubs host Musical Bingo Nation nights

Musical Bingo Nation is changing bingo’s sound all across the Seacoast — rather than listening for “B2” or “G6,” players listen for the opening chords to “Never Gonna Give You Up,” “Sweet Caroline” or other songs on their bingo sheet.

On Tuesdays at Tailgate Tavern in Stratham, anyone who wants to play gets a free bingo card when they’re seated. Throughout the night, guests eat and drink while keeping an ear out for the songs listed on their card, which were created by the entertainment company Musical Bingo Nation.

“They [are] usually based upon some sort of theme, like either ’60s, ’70s, hits, or one-hit wonders,” said Stephanie Smith, general manager at Tailgate Tavern.

A host from Musical Bingo Nation plays the tunes throughout the night, and once someone fills a column, row or diagonal they’ll win a prize, ranging from free drinks to Tailgate Tavern gift cards.

“The good thing about it is it’s not like trivia, where you’re locked in and you have to be there at a certain time. You could come in late or just play one round if you want. It’s a lot of fun,” Smith said, though she noted that some people have started to arrive hours in advance to guarantee a seat.

The game is family-friendly at Tailgate Tavern, she said, which is especially welcome in a time where it’s challenging to find out-of-the-house things to do.

“It’s nice to go out into a socially distant environment and be able to bring your kids along with you and play and have a good time and just be a family,” Smith said.

Wally’s Pub in Hampton has been offering Musical Bingo Nation on Tuesdays for a couple of months, and bartender Hannah Beringer said it has already brought bigger crowds to the beachside bar.

“People ... come in just to play bingo,” she said. “It’s just a good way to get out and have fun without just sitting at a bar all night long.”

Saddle Up Saloon in Kingston is entering its third month offering Musical Bingo Nation, and owner Bob Page said the new game has “definitely helped,” with the bar seeing about a 25 percent increase in customers on Wednesday nights.

“The music they play is excellent,” Page said.

Smith agrees, saying that staff loves bingo nights too.

“We’re all just in such a great mood, listening to great music. The customers are happy, we’re happy,” she said. “The other day [the host] was playing ‘Sweet Caroline’ and everyone in the restaurant was singing. It makes me happy. It makes everyone happy. … I don’t know too many people that can listen to music nice and loud and stay in a bad mood.”

— Sadie Burgess

Photo Credit: Musical Bingo. Photo courtesy of Steph Smith.

---

Where to play music bingo

Here are a few spots that are currently offering Musical Nation Bingo.

Wally’s Pub

When: Tuesday nights, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Where: 144 Ashworth Ave, Hampton

More info: wallysnh.com/calendar

Saddle Up Saloon

When: Wednesday nights, 7 to 9 p.m.

Where: 92 Route 125, Kingston

More info: saddleupsaloonnh.com/Events

Tailgate Tavern

When: Tuesday nights, 6 to 8 p.m.

Where: 28 Portsmouth Ave, Stratham

More info: tailgatetavernnh.com

The Goat

When: Monday nights, 7 to 9 p.m.

Where: 20 L St., Hampton

More info: goatnh.com