John Legend headlines our 4th annual
Emerging Artist Benefit Concert

Saturday, May 2, 2026 • The Music Hall Historic Theater
Music Hall Member On Sale: Wednesday, 2/25 at 12pm
Public On Sale: Friday, 2/27 at 12pm

Tickets On Sale Now!

Ticket Prices: $99; $125; $200; $350; $500
PLEASE NOTE: All tickets will be delivered electronically via email 48 hours prior to the event start time.
4-ticket limit per order.

Become a Member today for early ticket access!

 

Sara Bareilles headlines the 2025 Emerging Artist Benefit Concert | Photo by Will Zimmermann

ABOUT THE EVENT

Proceeds from the Emerging Artist Benefit Concert directly support The Music Hall’s mission to invigorate audiences, nurture healthy communities, and drive economic vitality in the region. As an arts and culture nonprofit organization, The Music Hall has created this fundraising event as an annual revenue source to support our operations and stewardship of our theaters in a mission-aligned manner while supporting the next generation of superstars.

EMERGING ARTIST GRANT

Jason Mraz and The Superband headlines the 2025 Emerging Artist Benefit Concert | Photo by Will Zimmermann

The Music Hall’s Emerging Artist Grant supports rising musicians with financial aid and industry connections to advance their careers. Each year, we award two $5,000 grand prizes and three $2,500 runner-up grants to contemporary artists, helping fund live performances, recording sessions, music videos, and marketing efforts.

Beyond funding, recipients gain access to our team’s industry expertise and professional network.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE THE EMERGING ARTIST GRANT

PAST EMERGING ARTIST BENEFIT CONCERT HIGHLIGHTS


What is the Emerging Artist Benefit Concert?

The Emerging Artist Benefit Concert is The Music Hall’s signature fundraising event, which replaces previous fundraising events such as the Kitchen Tour, online auction, and gala.

What does this benefit concert support?

Proceeds from the Emerging Artist Benefit Concert directly support The Music Hall’s mission to invigorate audiences, nurture healthy communities, and drive economic vitality in the region. As an arts and culture nonprofit organization, The Music Hall has created this fundraising event as a crucial revenue source to support our operations and stewardship of our theaters in a mission-aligned manner while supporting the next generation of superstars. 50% of your ticket purchase to this event is a tax-deductible donation to The Music Hall.

What is an Emerging Artist?

We consider an emerging artist to be an artist entering a phase of pivotal growth in their career, as they expand their fan base from their local and regional base, to secondary and tertiary markets (much like Portsmouth).


10-time Grammy award-winner Brandi Carlile performed at our inaugural Emerging Artist Benefit Concert on February 14, 2023. Carlile first performed on our historic stage in 2005 as an emerging artist and launched her storied career right here on the Seacoast. Photo by Sydney Bilodeau Photography.


Some emerging artists we’ve recently welcomed to The Music Hall include Carly Pearce, Brandy Clark & Hayes Carl, Madison Cunningham, Nolan Taylor, Chris Pierce, Amythyst Kiah, Smithfield, The Wellermen, Haley Reinhart, and much more!

 

Haley Heynderickx & The Westerlies 

With crushingly intimate songwriting, and raw, immersive vocals, the Portland-based singer-songwriter defies music categorization.

Brandy Clark & Hayes Carll

Grammy-nominated singer-songwriters, Brandy Clark and Hayes Carll, have written award-winning songs performed by music legends like Brandi Carlile, Alicia Keys, and Kenny Chesney.

Madison Cunningham & Juana Molina

This double bill featured the soulful folk melodies of a fresh-faced Grammy-winner and the experimental soundscapes of an experienced musician with a storied career in the industry.

Haley Reinhart •  The Lounge

The double platinum-certified singer-songwriter electrified The Lounge for two nights with her empowering level of charisma, quiet confidence, and a timeless voice that outlasts eras.

Bandits on the Run • The Lounge

The Brooklyn-based folk group formed while busking in the subways of New York City and have since grown to work with producers of some of the biggest artists in the scene.

Nat Zegree 

Nat Zegree has taken our audiences on a musical journey like no other, charting the development of rock ‘n’ roll in the 1940s and 50s; dove deep into the classic and recognizable holiday songs of our time; and continues to present live shows that educate and entertain.