The Music Hall’s new venue opens its doors with alt-rockers Buffalo Tom

The Music Hall’s new venue in Portsmouth opened its doors to a sold-out crowd on April 2 with veteran alt-rockers Buffalo Tom. The Boston-based trio played a solid show that demonstrated their comfort with themselves, their instruments and their performance style, developed over a 25-year career. 

More importantly, the show at The Music Hall Loft inspired confidence that Portsmouth might start to realize its potential to foster a more thriving music scene.

Buzz surrounding the venue’s opening, combined with a crowd full of Buffalo Tom loyals, gave the night solid momentum to build on, and a set list anchored with more crowd pleasers than test runs kept the audience happy. 

It was the first concert in the venue’s Live @ the Loft series, which unfolds in two separately ticketed segments. The first show was broadcast live on New Hampshire Public Radio and included interview questions from local musician Bob Lord. Then came a post-broadcast set from the band, exclusively for guests at The Loft. 

The 120-seat theater feels like a mix between a casual cinema and a dressed up theater. Entering the Congress Street venue, you’re greeted by a swanky full bar. There’s also service at the seats, although the one waitress charged with this task struggled to manage 120 guests, try as she may have.

The music happens in a small, dimly-lit room that nurtures the sound very well. A floor-level stage faces a few lounge tables (ideal if you prefer an up-close-and-personal experience) and several tiers of seating. The seating chart makes sense for a room that will see a variety of uses, including theater productions and master classes. The only downside is that, at live shows, there isn’t much space for movement. You can bop your head, but if you’re looking to sway or maybe gyrate the hips, you’re going to want a less buttoned-up spot. Bring your manners to this one.

Formed in 1986, Buffalo Tom consists of frontman Bill Janovitz (guitar, lead vocals), Chris Colbourn (bass, back-up vocals) and Tom Maginnis (drums). Their first notable mainstream success was 1993’s “Big Red Letter Day.” Included on that album was the hit song “Sodajerk,” which appeared in a 1994 episode of “My So Called Life,” still the band’s claim to fame. “Sleepy Eyed” came out in 1995 and kept the trio relevant, even earning comparisons to names like the Goo Goo Dolls, Semisonic and Better than Ezra. Some predicted they were in line to become the next REM. 

Though they never realized success on that scale, Buffalo Tom has toughed it out, recording and touring together in the United States and Europe for nearly 25 years. Their ninth album, “Skins,” debuted in March.  

Plugged in, the band’s got some mainstream likeability. While lyrically they aren’t profound, some decent harmonies and pounding choruses make for easy listening. Despite the band’s alt-rock designation, their sound is more fit for an adult-contemporary radio station. Where some songs want to sound hard, lyrics like, “It’s just a little haiku to say how much I like you,” have a softer tone. 

The show at The Loft was acoustic. The space is best suited for quiet, intimate shows. But paring down the Buffalo Tom gig may have left it a bit naked, musically speaking. Where great acoustic shows strip away the noise to expose what’s underneath and showcase a softer side, this band needs those harder electric guitar riffs to infuse their songs with some energy and texture. 

But, to the loyal fans gathered in the crowd, the band delivered. Toes tapped, shouts requested old favorites and a standing ovation ended the hour-long set.

The performance caught some air, at times. “I’m Allowed” showcased Janovitz’s voice (“I waited for an answer / But I waited 25 years / They stopped my bleeding / But could never stop all those tears”), and the catchy, driving melody to “Kitchen Door” had won the room by the time Janovitz brought out his harmonica, an instrument he’d be wise to use more frequently on stage. 

“You guys got excited about the harmonica,” Janovitz said. “I love that.” 

Overall, Janovitz does a good job fronting the trio. He’s comfortable and relaxed on stage. His somewhat gritty vocals are generally solid, but he also knows his limitations and is smart enough to back off the mike when he’s not going to get there. Colbourn sounds great on back-up vocals and even better when he takes the lead melody from Janovitz, and Maginnis holds his own on drums.

After the show, Janovitz said the band enjoyed playing at the “beautiful venue” and that it’s always fun to play acoustic, when he’s unplugged and the other two “just play softer.” 

Upcoming shows in the Live @ the Loft series include Frazey Ford on Saturday, April 9, Stew and the Negro Problem on Saturday, April 16, and Patty Larkin on Saturday, April 23. 

The Loft will host two other signature series. Writers in the Loft kicks off with a sold-out visit from author Andre Dubus III on Wednesday, April 13, and continues with Jennifer Egan on Monday, May 16. Currents @ the Loft begins with two sets from the Super Secret Project on Friday and Saturday, April 29 and 30. 

The Loft will also host theatrical performances, artist receptions, classes, workshops and more. Visit www.themusichall.org or call 603-436-2400.