“Summer in the Street” is the result of an initiative to identify/create pedestrian-friendly areas Downtown where musicians can entertain folks in the heart of the City.
Pleasant Street, from Porter Street to Market Square, closes on designated Saturdays from 4:00pm – 9:00pm during the Summer.
Important ‘instructions’ for SITS..*
All evenings begin with the street closure at 4:00 and end by 9:00pm with the reopening of Pleasant Street.
We set up for all performances on Pleasant Street between Porter Street and Market Square.
The performance area is signed ‘No Parking’ in advance of the performances. Any vehicles not removed by 4:00pm on a program night will be towed at the owner’s expense.
*Important fun facts about Summer in the Street: All performances take place on an extremely pedestrian-friendly Pleasant street, so BYOC (bring your own chair) and enjoy the music, bring a nosh and a beverage (no alcohol, please) and note, all performances take place – weather permitting – from 5:30pm – 8:30pm.
Our Performers
All performances begin at 5:30pm, and end by 8:30pm.
July 4th
Seacoast Wind Ensemble
For four decades, the Seacoast Wind Ensemble has proudly showcased a diverse range of concert band music, spreading the joy of music to communities in Seacoast New Hampshire, Southern Maine, and Northern Massachusetts. With around 12 performances annually, the SWE takes part in various concert series, festivals, schools, and special events, engaging audiences of all ages.
As a committed non-profit volunteer organization, their goal is to foster a deep appreciation for music within the community. The ensemble includes members from all backgrounds, such as enthusiastic students, experienced senior citizens, passionate amateurs, and skilled professionals, all united by their love for making music together.
July 11th
PMAC Portsmouth New Horizons Band
The Portsmouth Music & Art Center’s New Horizons Band is a community ensemble that reconnects people with the musical instruments they played in their youth.
The band is non-auditioned and is a fun, friendly group that any adult may join. For SITS, the group will perform an eclectic mix of music, from classical to pop to jazz and more.
July 18th
The Shanty Crew from The Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festival
The Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festival is an annual event celebrating the maritime heritage of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and New England, bringing performers of traditional and modern maritime music from all over to the streets of Portsmouth. This year’s completely free festival will be September 26th – 27th.
The organizers and friends of the festival include musicians who have been singing chanteys and other great songs for decades, and are always happy to share that music with everyone. Be prepared to sing along!
July 25th
T.J. Wheeler & Hatrack Gallagher
Back by popular demand: TJ Wheeler & the Smokers featuring some of the finest Jazz & Blues musicians in New England.
TJ’s contributions to the Seacoast include the forming of the Blues Bank Collective, which created the Black Heritage Festival, known as The Portsmouth Blues Festival. He also inspired, the Jamaican Heritage Day, and his 20 year commitment to NH officially celebrating and honoring Martin Luther King with the NH MLK Holiday Committee.
Wheeler is currently the the Blues Education Co-Director of the Mississippi John Hurt Foundation, the Blues Truths Organization as well as the VP of the Hampton Falls Bandstand organization.
August 1st
Seacoast Wind Ensemble
Back to bookend the series!
