The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band delivered a nostalgic performance at The Music Hall in Portsmouth, NH during their All the Good Times – The Farewell Tour.
Before the show, the marquee lit up with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band‘s name, and fans eagerly lined up outside, taking selfies with the sign. Many attendees already wore shirts and hats featuring the band’s name, showing their enthusiasm. This excitement carried throughout the night, highlighting the deep appreciation for their music.
Formed in 1966 by Jeff Hanna, Bruce Kunkel, and Ralph Barr, the band has released 24 studio albums and embarked on numerous tours, despite some lineup changes over the years. Given their long history, the crowd was primarily composed of Baby Boomers and Gen X, though many Millennials were also present, proving their sound resonates across generations. The Music Hall, with its capacity of about 1,000 seats, holds a special significance for the band, having hosted them in the past and featuring many legendary acts over the years.
Tommy Prine opened the show, sharing personal and humorous stories with the audience. One standout moment was when he recounted his wife telling him to paint the porch while she was out running errands; he jokingly declined and then performed “Ain’t No Man,” a song about avoiding manual labor. He also showcased his love for fantasy with a song referencing “The Lord of the Rings” and Gandalf. As the son of legendary singer-songwriter John Prine, Tommy blends elements of country, folk, and Americana, often drawing from personal experiences in his songwriting. His soulful, country sound created a unique pairing with the lyrics, and the crowd thoroughly enjoyed his performance, giving him a standing ovation at the end.
Next, it was time for the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band to take to the stage. Lead singer Jeff Hanna shared stories about the band’s collaborations with artists like Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and Jimmy Buffett. He also took his time to acknowledge his band members, emphasizing their individual contributions. Fans listened intently, recognizing this could be one of the last opportunities to see the band perform.Current members of the band include Jeff Hanna, Jimmie Fadden, Bob Carpenter, and Chris Eldridge, who together bring a wealth of talent and experience to the stage, adding to the night’s nostalgic atmosphere.
The band played many of their hits, with the crowd cheering at the start of each chord and singing along. A highlight was their performance of “Mr. Bojangles,” during which the audience joined in wholeheartedly. Jeff Hanna also recounted the introduction to “Bless the Broken Road,” sharing a humorous anecdote about how Rascal Flatts famously covered the song. He joked about the royalty checks he received every time it played, adding that it helped fund his new kitchen, which drew laughter from the fans.
Throughout the night, he teased what is likely their most popular song, “Fishing in the Dark.” When those first few notes finally hit, the crowd erupted in applause, singing and dancing along. This song was written in 1987 by Jim Photoglo and Allen Reynolds and became one of the band’s biggest hits after its release in 1989. It has resonated with audiences over the years, often being associated with outdoor gatherings and reflecting themes of love and connection in nature.
The concert was a fitting celebration of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s legacy. The engaging performances and familiar favorites created a warm atmosphere at The Music Hall, leaving everyone with great memories and a strong appreciation for the band’s music. With a few tour stops remaining, anyone who wants to catch a show should make it a priority.
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