Member Musings: A Conversation with Pat Nicolino

LS: Please tell us a little about yourself:
PN: My husband Carl and I moved to the Seacoast from Bedford, NH a few years ago. As we considered where to retire we spent about two years doing day-trips and weekend stays, always asking ourselves if we felt we wanted to live full time in each locale. We narrowed down the search to Portsmouth or Rye, feeling they had the perfect combination of city and small suburb, as well as, ocean and country lanes. Rye became the choice for us, giving us a peaceful setting just 10 minutes from Market Square.

LS: How did you become a member of The Music Hall?
PN: We first learned of The Music Hall when we were living in Bedford . When we moved there I was actively looking for artistic/cultural events so we could better understand our newly adopted state. Ads in The Hippo were the first thing I remember seeing. After one of our day trips to visit Portsmouth we decided to order tickets for a show, beginning our love affair with The Music Hall, the Seacoast, and the vibrant, friendly spirit we sensed right away.

LS: What is your favorite benefit of being a member of The Music Hall?
PN: Here are a few of my “favorite things”: first, I really like the high level of communication from The Music Hall. New show announcements, newsletter mailings, and newspaper ads keep their programs top of mind. As members we get early buy opportunities and try to take advantage of that. Second, we are always impressed and delighted with the breadth of the programs offered. Just this winter we laughed with Jimmy Tingle, quietly contemplated the power of spiritual thought during the Yogananda movie, rocked with The Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and had a fascinating conversation after the film Food Chains to name a few. Thirdly we value the community enrichment that is a hallmark of The Music Hall’s persona. It seems to be embedded in the choices they make and the way they communicate. It is felt as much as heard; a testament to the leadership of the organization.

LS: What has been your most memorable moment at The Music Hall?
PN: The historian David McCullough’s visit still lingers in my husband’s mind as an all time favorite (I was traveling for business at the time). Another favorite, and now an annual event for us and a group of long time friends, is the Capital Steps fundraiser Good laughs for a very good cause.

LS: In what ways does your Music Hall membership make you feel part of a community?
PN: As newcomers to the Seacoast, we moved here knowing only the real estate agent who handled our sale, we didn’t have an established circle of friends in this area yet.  However, every time we attend the Historic Theater or the Loft we are surrounded with friendly people and invariably have a conversation with someone new. I recently joined The Music Hall Book Club and that has been a joy.  Each month we have 15-20 people—which is a perfect size—and the discussions are lively, introspective, and engaging. It is another element of the total atmosphere around this institution. A fascinating question is whether the Music Hall attracts interesting people or the interesting people make The Music Hall attractive. Hmmmm….a lovely conundrum.