Since it re-opened in 2004, the Stone Church in Newmarket, N.H., has established itself as a prime intimate venue to see live music from all over the map - jazz, blues, folk, jam, and indie rock artists from New England and elsewhere. Unfortunately, the hefty amount of cash spent to polish the venue before it re-opened four years ago is now coming back to haunt partners Chris Hislop, Paul Nessel and John Pasquale.
As a result, they will be holding a number of fundraising shows this summer to hopefully get the money they need to stay afloat in this crappy economy. One of those benefit shows is this Saturday, June 21. It's an all-day affair featuring a number of local artists, and tickets are $20 in advance, $25 day of show. Here's the schedule:
Jeremy Grob 2-2:45
Gary Sredzienski & The Serfs 3-3:45
Dave Gerrard w/ members of Truffle 4-5:15
Elsa Cross and Her Band 5:30-6:15
Daniella Cotton 6:30-7:45
Ed Gerhard 8-9:15
Chris O'Neill 9:30-10:00
The Ride 10:15-11:15
Nate Wilson Group 11:30-Close
Apparently the shaky waters haven't kept the venue from booking some top notch talent, including acoustic troubador Jose Gonzalez, who will perform next Monday, June 23; Boston hip-hop star Akrobatik, scheduled to appear on July 25, and the grandaddies of psychedelic punk The Butthole Surfers, who will be in town July 28.
The venue may be an hour drive from Lowell, but I've made the trip before, and it was worth it. It's a unique space and a great venue to see live music. If you want to keep it alive, attend the fundraiser this weekend or donate on your own through the Stone Church web site.
