Beat Night is a poetry reading in its 27th year, conceived and run by Larry Simon for 15 years. Beat Night began in 1999 with its first year at the Crazy Cat Lounge (formerly the Elvis Room). At the urging of Bruce Pingree, general manager at The Press Room, Beat Night moved to the upstairs stage at The Press Room and found it’s home until the end of 2016. In 2013 Larry had to move on but we all wanted Beat night to keep going. Bruce and I talked about it and I took over hosting at the beginning of 2014 while Bruce continued to host the biggest Beat Night of the year, Undead Beat Night, as part of a fundraiser to raise money for The Portsmouth Halloween Parade. Lengthy repairs and upgrades at The Press Room in 2016 forced us to find a new venue and Beat Night landed at Portsmouth Book & Bar. After eight years Book & Bar closed and we went back to the Press Room for a couple years. Changes at the Press room had us moving on to the downstairs venue at Thirsty Moose Taphouse in Portsmouth. 

What sets Beat night apart is that the writers get to read with a full band. They give a few words about the tone, style or mood they want for their piece and the band improvises something just for that. The results range from fun to amazing. Beat Night is a mutual exchange of inspiration between the writer, the band and the audience and it’s never the same thing twice.

The Beat Night Band is Frank Laurino, percussion. Mike Barron, Drums. Chris Stambaugh, Bass. Dave Tonkin, guitar. Scott Solsky, guitar. Scip Gallant, Keys. Occasional members are Don Davis, Sax. Cynthia Chatis, flutes and voice

Interview With State Laureate Alexandria Peary about Beat Night with Frank Laurino and Mike Nelson
Article about Beat Night by Denise Wheeler
Interview about Beat Night with Chris Hislop

If you’re interested in being a featured or want more info Email Mike.
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