local notes

music scene gets national notice

It's unlikely we'll hear from Rolling Stone anytime soon, but the Portsmouth music scene got a modest plug a couple of weeks ago on a nationally-read music Web site. In the most recent installment of the regular column he writes for respected indie zine Pitchfork Media, freelance journalist Chris Dahlen, who lives locally and occasionally writes for The Wire, profiled the ongoing saga of local musicians who've had to get creative in the struggle against the forces of gentrification. Using music series The Tong and Hush Hush Sweet Harlot as examples, Dahlen's article, "Small Town Rock City," describes the groups' trials and triumphs in their search for venues and audiences. Check it out at www.pitchforkmedia.com.

Barley Pub break

On the surface it may not sound like anything out of the ordinary, but beginning in a couple of weeks, Dover residents should expect to find a contingent of 20-somethings staggering around downtown after dark, notable, in this case, for their sobriety. June 12 marks the day the popular hangout The Barley Pub will close for two weeks of renovations. According to booking manager Chris O'Neill, in addition to installing new HVAC and electrical units, they'll be raising the ceiling and maybe even putting down new carpet. Music fans need not worry, however. Rumor has it that the brand-new Dover branch of Dos Amigos Burritos might temporarily pick up the slack with live bands.

record sell out

The Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom reported that tickets to the July 24 Crosby, Stills & Nash concert sold out in less than 30 minutes, a new record for the 2,200 capacity venue. The Ballroom has the distinction of being the most intimate room the legendary trio will play on their 2005 world tour.

almost local

On Friday, June 17 at 7 p.m. the Portland Percussion Collective will present Drum Night at the Saint Lawrence Church on Munjoy Hill in Portland. The event will feature, in various configurations, drummers from an eclectic mix of regional bands, including Seekonk, 6gig, Dreadnaught, Tarpigh, Eggbot, Slowing Room and others. Visit www.stlawrencearts.org for more information.

A few months back, we reported on the financial difficulties of Plaistow's SAD Caf??. The doors to the non-profit, youth-oriented performance venue are still open and the organization is continuing to raise money. As part of this effort, on Sunday, June 6 at 6 p.m. the caf?? will host a benefit concert featuring the Kingston Big Band, a jazz ensemble whose repertoire includes a range of classic and contemporary tunes. Visit www.thesadcafe.com for details.