Portland is just 40 minutes north of Portsmouth, NH along Route 95, but feels so much closer. I think it’s because there’s usually less traffic driving north, especially in the cold and gray non-tourist season. Portland is full of fun things to do – it has big city potential, but folks are happy just the way it is – it’s northern New England’s crossroads of culture on the coast. Whether you’re a fan of bar hopping, art galleries, independent film, gourmet and ethnic food, coffee, shopping, or sight-seeing – Portland has it all and without the big city price tags.  There are many parking garages and street parking spots – all priced not to break the bank. Some areas are even free – but I’m not telling where… you’ll have to find ‘em yourselves.

Start out parking near lower Congress Street, which is downtown Portland’s main drag.  It’s mixed with local and national businesses to admire – but pay most of your attention to YES Books located at 589 Congress Street. They’ve got tons of used books in all categories – I always find something and have at least 1 conversation with another patron…

I’ve been involved with the local music scene since 1992 when I began at WUNH 91.3 FM in Durham, NH. After DJing and acting as the radio station’s music director in 1996-97 I began working at BullMoose Music upon it’s grand opening and became the location’s indie music buyer. After 3+ years in retail, I decided to finish school and work in the world of computing and Information Technology, but never giving up my interest or involvement with music.  After the turn of the century I started a music promotions business, in which I represented Important Records, Broken Sparrow Records, and Aesthetics Records. I also released two Justin Carloni albums under the Sadheel Records label. I later volunteered at WSCA (Portsmouth Community Radio) as Music Director, where I met some great people, expanded the music library, and was nominated for the 2005 CMJ Music Director of the Year.  After a few years volunteering and doing weekly radio programs, I decided to exit WSCA and try my hand at booking acts for the Hush Hush Sweet Harlot music series at The Red Door. Laurel Brauns had worked her magic the previous two years, but was soon moving to Oregon, which gave me the opportunity to book live music beginning in January 2006.  This whole story finally leads us to the following news…

I am resigning my duties effective April 1, 2010 at The Red Door and handing over the Hush Hush Sweet Harlot music series to Mr. Tristan Law.

1. Slowdive – Souvlaki (1993)
2. Magnetic Fields – The Wayward Bus (1991)
3. Magnetic Fields – Holiday (1994)
4. Magnetic Fields – 69 Love Songs, Part I (1999)
5. Magnetic Fields – 69 Love Songs, Part II (1999)
6. Magnetic Fields – 69 Love Songs, Part III (1999)
7. Tortoise – Tortoise (1994)
8. Tortoise – Millions Now Living Will Never Die (1996)
9. Pavement – Slanted & Enchanted (1992)
10. Pavement – Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain (1994)

My list for Best Music of 2009 is not set in stone and it will not stir up many new sales for the artists mentioned. I sat at my desk, decinding which one made the cut – my simple list is not based on any reviews, recommendations – and no artists is listed because of any favors. It’s good music – pure and simple. It’s just like, my opinion, man. I love all genres of music and this year, I believe these to be the best songs released within the last calendar year. There are many new artists that made the list, but a few oldies that perhaps show my bias, but you can never go wrong with artists like Yo La Tengo, My Morning Jacket, or Tortoise – can you? Just check out the list, will ya?

U2 played a long set full of songs from every decade they’ve been together. Personally, I like everything up to Zooropa, but each fan has their own U2 favorites and opinions. The stage presence was immense, the electricity used must’ve cost more for 4 hours than the rest of the town of Foxborough, MA for that evening. The band looked good, performed well, but the sound was atrocious. I was sitting in the 300 level and it was just awful. Every note, every word that Bono said, echoed, ricocheted, and bounced into each other, some getting lost in the concrete walls and sky-boxes. Toward the end, I moved down to the warmer 100 level where the sound was clearer, the vocals more crisp, and that unique guitar sound of The Edge was much more coherent.  People from all walks of life were sneaking their way to better seats and singing, but also joyfully dancing to “Where the Streets Have No Name.” I was pleased to hear tunes like, “MLK,” “Sunday Bloody Sunday,” “With Or Without You,” and “Mysterious Ways.” Bono brought great attention to the election problems and Human Rights violations in Iran and Burma, but I’m sure some of that message was lost on the inebriated patrons scattered all over the ad-ridden coliseum. It was a great experience inside the stadium and beforehand, tail-gaiting across Route 1. I just wish the sound was better from atop Mt. Gillette.