The 5 Iconic Shows at New Hampshire’s Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom You’ll Never See Again

Hampton Beach, New Hampshire

Out of all the venues that I've been to in my life and I couldn't even count them, my favorite one, including the ones out of state and internationally, is the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom in New Hampshire.  It just feels like home to me.

There are thousands of acts who have climbed the stairs from the parking lot into the venue and onto the stage.  These are the ones that have, in some way, influenced my life.  Whether it was the piano of Ray Charles to the passionate voice of Janis Joplin, to think that they have been in the same place that I have frequented so many times sometimes still blows my mind.

Of course, you'll never be able to see these acts again, as they have all passed away.  But maybe, you were there.

Ray Charles, August 13, 1991

Janis Joplin, July 19, 1969

The Doors, August 19, 1967

The Ramones, July 3, 1981

Louis Armstrong, Big Band Era, circa 1932

I would be remiss if I didn't include Jimi Hendrix on this list.  He also played on stage at the Casino, according to their website, but, like Louis Armstrong, I could not locate a specific date for that show.  It was at some point, however, when the big band era went out and rock was in.

If you want to dive deeper into the history of the Casino, there is much more to be learned.  It was, at one point, a house that did not play rock and roll, for instance.  In another instance, the rock audience caused such chaos that the Casino had to shut down.  It's all here on their website.  

I know there are plenty on this list that are missing, but my point here is, if you hear of someone coming to the Casino, or any venue really and you want to see them before you or they die, do it.  You only get a chance on this gorgeous blue planet once, so you might as well make the most of it!