Sounds from the Seashell Stage - Live Music returns to Hampton Beach
If you’re following the sound of music at Hampton Beach this summer, you may be surprised to see that the Seashell Stage is empty — but there’s a show right around the corner. Literally.
Due to Covid-19 the Hampton Beach Village Commission has relocated performing artists to a “bump-out” on the south side of the stage so people can watch the show from the sand and practice social distancing. The commision kicked off its daily shows on the bump-out stage on July 1 with The Continentals, who have been playing in Hampton since the 1980s.
The first show of the season was successful according to Lisa Martineau, marketing director for the commission.
“The atmosphere was really great,” Martineau said. “People were happy to have live music for the first time since we opened.”
Even though some things have changed at Hampton Beach this year, live music remains a staple in the entertainment scene.
“We’re just following tradition,” said Glen French, entertainment coordinator for the Commission. French said free concerts on Hampton Beach have been around for decades and live music is a crucial part of the Hampton experience.
“We don’t kid ourselves,” French said. “People come to the beach for the sun, the sand and the sea. Free music at night really complements what people are already experiencing. ... When the sun goes down, people don’t want to go watch television. … You can do that at home. The music fills the void at night.”
The transition to the bump-out stage has created new challenges for the Commission because of its limited space for performers and equipment.
“We were originally told that we can do solos, duos and trios,” French said.
However, French has found that the stage can hold up to five performers and provide power for amplifiers.
“Luckily we had the foresight to install that power block on the south side stage years ago,” French said.
Weather is also a challenge. The bump-out stage doesn’t have a roof like the main stage, making the performers and equipment vulnerable to inclement weather. French said the wind can easily knock things over, and even a slight shower could cancel the show.
Through all of these obstacles the Commission has kept the ball rolling and the quality remains unscathed.
“We’ve been sticking with quality performing artists who can work on a smaller stage and still provide great entertainment,” French said.
The Commission is gathering a variety of artists each night, with some nights dedicated to a specific genre.
“Typically we do country music every Thursday night, which has proven to be extraordinarily popular,” French said.
The Continentals, Angela West, and many others are scheduled to perform this month. Ayla Brown, a former American Idol contestant, will hit the stage on July 29.
“We’re still providing free entertainment in a family-friendly environment, and we’ve been doing it for over a century,” French said.
Updates on cancellations and delays can be found on the Hampton Beach Official Facebook page.
— Shane Jozitis
On stage at Hampton Beach
The following shows run from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
July 17: Ron Drolet
July 18: Time Travelers
July 19: Classic Groove
July 20: Nick Casey
July 21: No Shoes Nation
July 22: The Continentals
July 23: Martin & Kelly
July 24: Club Soda
July 25: Rico Barr
July 26: TBA
July 27: Sippin’ Whiskey
July 28: Leaving Eden
July 29: Ayla Brown
July 30: Angela West & Showdown
July 31: Liv N’ Brilliant