Andres Institute of Art Live Concert series at Big Bear Lodge performance center in Brookline NH

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We encourage everyone to attend the live music series, whether it is your favorite genre or not. Selection of the concert series bands is curated to present high-quality artistry spanning musical styles to provide the musicians a paid gig and to provide audiences the opportunity to broaden their musical horizons. Join us on this melodic journey that also raises funds to support the art and mission of the Andres Institute of Art.

Scroll down to find the link to secure your concert tickets. Buy tickets to individual shows, or buy tickets to more than one show for a discount with the Season Ticket button below. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door.

For questions about the Andres Institute of Art Concert series at our Welcome and Event Center, formerly known as Big Bear Lodge, in Brookline NH, please contact [email protected] or call 603-732-0216.

 

Act 1 2026 Concert Schedule Big Bear Lodge, Andres Institute of Art. Live Music in Brookline NH

So many great shows! You owe it to yourself not to miss even one – and save $$ to boot!

Consider a Season Ticket for preferred pricing to two or more shows.

Tickets for individual shows below

 

Concerts are upstairs at the AIA Welcome Center on the Dream Trax Stage in Big Bear Lodge in Brookline NH. We are located at #106 Route 13 in Brookline NH – across from the Alami BBQ restaurant. The room is rustic with resonant acoustics. It features all table-seating with the audience limited to about 130 guests. Beverage service is available with donation requested. State Law does not permit us to allow alcoholic beverages into the facility. Food is available at many local eateries or bring in snacks from home or takeout. An elevator is available from the first floor AIA Gallery. Be sure to visit the Andres Institute of Art Gallery to learn about the history of the AIA and Pontanipo hill or arrive early to hike the sculpture trails before the show.

Compaq Big Band Plays Holiday Hits to raise funds for the Andres Institute of Art

Sunday, December 14      6 – 8 pm

 

The Compaq Big Band returns to the Live at the Andres Concert Series Stage. This will be their fourth show on the Big Bear Lodge stage. Their concerts always captivate audiences with a nineteen-piece ensemble plus a vocalist.

The Compaq Big Band excels in concert and nightclub settings with a balanced selection of both familiar and progressive jazz charts. Music selections for our gigs come from an extensive sheet music library of well over 2,000 songs. The Holiday book is particularly popular and will have you feeling jolly and festive in no time!

See Concert Information above for details on the venue, beverage service and more

Upcoming Concerts –  Act I  January – June 2026

Be sure to Like, Follow and Subscribe to our Facebook Pages for Andres Institute and Big Bear Lodge Performance center as well as our YouTube Channel to see clips from each concert!

 

Sorry Po Boys at Big Bear Lodge , Andres Institute of Art - Mardi Gras Show - Feb 15, 2025

Soggy Po’ Boys – Mardi Gras Show

Sunday, February 15 – 7-9pm

The Soggy Po Boys return to Big Bear Lodge to perform on the Dream Trax stage at Andres Institute of Art for a Mardi Gras show!  This is a band not to be missed! The Soggy Po’ Boys are a New England-native ensemble that has become an institution for spreading the joyous sounds of New Orleans music across the Northeast and beyond. Though based in New Hampshire, this eight-piece outfit channels the spirit of the Big Easy, delivering a blend of traditional NOLA jazz, funk, soul, and Caribbean influences. They are making a special return trip to Big Bear Lodge to play a Mardi Gras show, Feb 15th, 2026 at 7PM. Need convincing? Check out their sound on Bandcamp, YouTube, or Spotify.

See Concert Information above for details on the venue, beverage service and more

Brad Dubay takes the Dream Trax stage at Big Bear Lodge, Andres Institute of Art

Brad Dubay

Saturday, February 28th  7-9pm

Get ready for a powerful night of authentic American music as Brad Dubay makes his highly anticipated debut on the Dream Trax Stage at the historic Big Bear Lodge, located within the stunning Andres Institute of Art. Brad Dubay is a rising star known for resurrecting the raw, soul-stirring spirit of classic Blues and Rock. His music channels the sound of the ’60s and ’70s, captured with an obsessive commitment to analog authenticity—from his debut album, Planet 9, recorded with no guitar pedals, to the shimmer of vintage organ keys. His performances deliver pure, unfiltered blues rock: powerful, edgy vocals backed by blistering riffs and a tight, grooving rhythm section. This debut performance is a must-see event for lovers of true rock and roll and the timeless power of the blues. Use these links to hear a bit and will be sure to want tickets: Spotify, or YouTube.

See Concert Information above for details on the venue, beverage service and more

New England Bluegrass Band show at Big Bear Lodge, Andres Institute of Art

The New England Bluesgrass Band

Sunday, March 8th  6-8pm

The New England Bluegrass Band is known for playing high-caliber, traditional bluegrass music, emphasizing powerful vocals and skillful instrumental work. Led by Cecil Abels, the group has been a regional institution, performing classic bluegrass with hot picking and tight harmonies. They have featured many top musicians from the area and are celebrated for providing a solid, entertaining experience. While the New England region has fostered both traditionalists (like Joe Val and The New England Bluegrass Boys) and groups that blend genres, the New England Bluegrass Band sticks to a respected, traditional sound.

Hear them right at Big Bear Lodge from their show two years ago – we can’t wait for them (and you!) to see and hear all of the improvements to the room since then! As anticipated, their performance was spot-on.

See Concert Information above for details on the venue, beverage service and more

Portrait in Jazz live music concert at Big Bear Lodge, Andres Institute of Art March 22, 2026

Portrait in Jazz

Sunday, March 22nd  6-8pm

Portrait In Jazz is a highly regarded, long-standing New England jazz ensemble founded in 1993 by guitarist and composer Brad Ellenberg. The group’s name pays homage to the seminal Bill Evans album, reflecting their goal of creating a democratic and harmonious musical conversation where every player contributes equally to the sound. This amazing jazz ensemble has grown from an initial trio to a versatile sextet featuring guitar (Brad Ellenberg), trumpet/flugelhorn (Gary Bohan), saxophone (Chris Hildebrand), bass (Bob Abruzese), drums (Grant Smith), and vocalists.Their approach emphasizes collective process and sophisticated arrangements, making them a popular fixture in clubs, festivals, and concerts across New England. Catch them on Soundcloud or select videos at their website.

See Concert Information above for details on the venue, beverage service and more

Aces and Eights Legendary Local Rock Band at Big Bear Lodge, Andres Institute of Art, Brookline, New Hampshire

Aces & Eights

Saturday, April 4,  7-9pm

The local legends are back! Nashua’s own Aces & Eights are making their triumphant return to the historic Big Bear Lodge, and you won’t want to miss the homecoming celebration. Known throughout Southern New Hampshire as a powerhouse of gritty, high-energy rock, Aces & Eights delivers a thrilling blend of classic rock n roll. The music takes place on the Dream Trax stage at Big Bear Lodge, famous for its incredible acoustics and history of hosting rock greats. Get ready for a night of pure rock and roll swagger, incredible musicianship, and a guaranteed good time as Aces & Eights proves once again why they are a Nashua area favorite. Catch them on YouTube.

See Concert Information above for details on the venue, beverage service and more

Jamdemic and the Mighty Colors Earth Day Benefit show at Big Bear Lodge, Andres Institute of Art. April 18th 7-10PM

3rd Annual Earth Day Benefit Show – Jamdemic & The Mighty Colors (Two Bands)

Saturday, April 18,  7-10pm

The Mighty Colors and Jamdemic return for the 3rd Annual AIA Earth Day show. They will be back on Saturday evening, April 18th from 7-10pm and will be performing in Big Bear Lodge on the Dream Trax stage. These two great local NH bands helped us formulate the idea for this amazing Earth Day Benefit show which helps both Andres Institute of Art and Beaver Brook Association raise funds.

Jamdemic is a New Hampshire-based band focused on Classic Rock and Jam Band covers and originals, aptly named for rising to prominence post-pandemic. Their repertoire includes deep cuts from classic jam bands like the Grateful Dead and Phish, alongside artists such as Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and Santana. Jamdemic actively performs in the local music scene, playing classic rock, blues, and funk with a focus on extended, infectious jamming to “revive the public soul.” Find out more at https://Jamdemic.com or on their YouTube channel at https://YouTube.com/@Jamdemic

The Mighty Colors Band, based out of the greater Nashua area, has been playing music as a band for over 30+ years.  These talented musicians are a prominent fixture in the New Hampshire music community, often lending their talents to local benefit shows. Known for their captivating and genre-spanning sound, they perform covers from classic rock and jam-band legends like the Grateful Dead and the Rolling Stones, to Goose, Steely Dan and more. Find out more about the Mighty Colors on their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/themightycolors

See Concert Information above for details on the venue, beverage service and more

Cosmic Blossom Live at Big Bear Lodge on the Dream Trax Stage - Andres Institute of Art

Cosmic Blossom

Saturday, May 9,  7-9pm

We are proud to welcome amazing local band Cosmic Blossom to the Dream Trax Stage at Big Bear Lodge, Andres Institute of Art. This will be their first show at Big Bear Lodge. 

The Cosmic Blossom music collective stands at the intersection of countless genres, creating a sound that is as intellectually stimulating as it is irresistibly danceable. They deliver a kaleidoscopic blend of Psychedelic Rock and complex Progressive Jazz, deep Soul grooves, Rock ‘n’ Roll, and sharp bursts of feel-good Funk. Their live performance is a journey: expect intricate, dynamic songwriting laced with expressive vibraphone melodies and soaring instrumental jams.

Check out their amazing sound on Facebook reels or their YouTube channel, then grab tickets for you and your friends!

See Concert Information above for details on the venue, beverage service and more.

Compaq Big Band returns to Big Bear Lodge Andres Institute of Art Saturday June 6, 2026

Compaq Big Band

19-piece Big Band + Vocalist

Saturday, June 6,  7-9pm

The Compaq Big Band returns to the Dream Trax Stage at Big Bear Lodge, Andres Institute of Art. This will be their fifth show on the Big Bear Lodge stage. Their concerts always captivate audiences with a nineteen-piece ensemble plus a vocalist. The Compaq Big Band excels in concert and nightclub settings with a balanced selection of both familiar and progressive jazz charts, swing hits, Latin rhythms and Big Band standards. Music selections for their gigs come from an extensive sheet music library of well over 2,000 songs. There is always room for dancing when Compaq Big Band is in the house! Sample this video from a previous show at Big Bear Lodge – then grab tickets because they always sell out!

See Concert Information above for details on the venue, beverage service and more

Sad Bastards, Loose Standards and SevenEight Ensembles perform live jazz June 14, 2026 at Big Bear Lodge, Andres Institute of Art, 6-9pm

Sad Bastards, Loose Standards and SevenEight (Two Bands)

Sunday, June 14,  6-9pm

Two amazing Jazz acts in one great show!  We are thrilled to welcome back Sad Bastards, Loose Standards and look forward to hearing the supporting act SevenEight on the Dream Trax Stage at Big Bear Lodge, Andres Institute of Art.

Sad Bastards, Loose Standards is a unique trumpet and piano duo featuring Chris Klaxton and Mike Effenberger. Their music is a blend of jazz, spirituals, and rock, creating a “gospel noir” sound that is both unexpected and cathartic. They delve into the great American songbook, as well as sacred melodies, and reinterpretations of artists like Nirvana, Elliott Smith, and Black Sabbath. They have two albums out, give a listen on YouTube, BandCamp or Spotify.

Joining them as the supporting act, will be the SevenEight.  SevenEight specializes in Jazz and Funk, delivering smooth licks and trading off on seven and eight string guitars (Scott Solsky & Gary Smith) all while drummer Mike Walsh holds down the beat.  At the end of the night, we’ll have both bands up to jam together for an unforgettable Big Bear Jazz Superjam!

See Concert Information above for details on the venue, beverage service and more

Previous Concerts in the Series (click here)

Be sure to Like, Follow and Subscribe to our Facebook Pages for Andres Institute and Big Bear Lodge Performance center as well as our YouTube Channel to see clips from each concert!