When I talk to people from out of town who haven't experienced our music scene, I find myself boasting about the many live performance options going on year round. The summer of 2023 is no exception, as there are plenty of indoor and outdoor stage options to keep locals and vacationers enthused.

So, what does music have to do with real estate? In addition to me having helped some of my favorite local musicians to buy and/or sell homes, and bonding with clients over our favorite musicians, I find music to be as much a Valley VIBE as the majestic mountains that surround us. It's the beat that keeps our spirits soaring and our feet tapping. It's a place to gather and groove, a way to see folks of all ages enjoying a common theme, a way to stay young at heart, and one of the many reasons people choose to visit, vacation, and live where the sounds of music are very much alive.

Speaking of majestic mountains, have you visited Mountain Top Music's Majestic Theatre and Café? Because I'm hooked on jazz, and love being part of a listener community of other enthusiasts, my smile is always ear to ear while I'm listening to the incredible musicians just a few feet away. Many accomplished performers re-side locally or regionally, and I'm inclined to believe they are having as much fun as the audience by the way they are jamming together in this intimate listening room atmosphere playing with other highly skilled musicians. I'm pretty sure you would have to travel to a large city to find the caliber of talents we have in our midst.

In addition to the café, the Majestic's newly renovated stage has hosted some top-tier performances, including the Portland Jazz Orchestra and Livingston Taylor. The stage is also home to the Cold River Radio Show, which showcases many talents in one evening. Their set list always includes a regionally known band, local musician, storyteller or comedian, and Cold River Radio's very own host Jonathan Sarty with his accom-panying band. Each guest performs a few individual scores, followed by a finale that combines their talents in a riveting, never-before-seen collaboration.

Another unique venue is the Bradley Backstage collaborative, hosted seasonally at the stunning and state-of-the-art Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center in Fryeburg, Maine. The musicians and a small audience are both on-stage for an intimate musical experience. The list of performers continues to grow and has included national names along with some incredible local talent. The Leura Hill Eastman PAC's theater is also home to many larger stage performances, including screenings of the MET Opera, Asbury Short Films, dance, and live theater.

Since we've already crossed the state line, continue another 10 miles from NH and down beautiful country roads to Stone Mountain Arts Center (SMAC) in Brown-field, Maine, another hidden treasure. Owned by celebrity singer/songwriter Carol Noonan and her husband Jeff, who describe their acoustic barn as "a humble 200-seat timber frame music hall." I've seen many performances over the years, and my list of favorites includes Béla Fleck, Robert Cray, Natalie McMasters, and Jona-than Edwards. One of the most incredible shows I've ever attended was right there, a year ago June, when instrumentalist and Grammy-Award-winning pianist George Winston, came to SMAC. After an incredi-bly delicious meal, the music began—and from the first note to the very last, the audience was mesmerized by his exquisite piano arrangements and intense mastery. This solo performer's artistry was as en-joyable to watch as to be heard. I truly had no idea prior what showmanship went into creating those familiar notes that had moved my heart and soul for decades. His songs have been the background to many special memories, including my wedding day and the birth of my son, so I shouldn't have been surprised when my emotions were suddenly and outwardly flooded with nostalgia.

Music can easily elicit strong emo-tions, memories, and bonds that can bring out people's humanity and vulnerabilities. Music can soar us over life's joys and get us over the hump of sorrows—even lifting us up through some of life's most mun-dane moments. Music is also an enormous part of what ties communities together and ultimately brings us all closer. Like some of my very favorite local musicians who have been entertaining the Valley over the course of my 35-plus-year real estate career, the energetic and welcoming music scene in the Valley is another way that we can stay connected. Through music, we can reconnect and welcome our newest friends and visitors so they, too, can feel right at home in our beloved White Mountains.  

Bernadette Donohue, REALTOR® & Certified Residential Specialist, CRS
Serving the real estate needs of NH and ME, since 1985.

Contact Bernie at:
BernieD@BadgerPeabodySmith.com
Office - (603) 356-5757 x 310
Cell - (207) 542-9967