Portsmouth Pavillion

Before I begin this review let me start off by saying that this review is based solely on my opinion and my alone so with that being said let's go!.This is my first time and experience here in a concert setting, ( I have been here for a graduation once,maybe twice) and I enjoyed myself during this experience! Wait so ask why the star left out? It's because the long lines with I can understand with the amount of people that attended the venue but not only that but once I got the food it was very disappointing ( not hot and not very flavorful)!. Let me add that you can bring your own food in a ziplock so I'll know for my next visit. And yes you read it right I will be back!!..

This is what I like to call a Throwback Thursday review. Believe it or not growing up, I didn't really go to concerts unless it was like a free one at Busch Garden's or a local high school band was playing or something. Even as a teenager, saving up lots of money to see a musical artist just wan't appealing to me. When my friends caught wind of this, they bought me tickets to the Hot Summer Fiasco in June 2013, because they knew that I was a big fan of Carly Rae Jepsen and she was headlining the concert. So you could say that this is where my first "Real" concert.What I like about this venue is that there is plenty of room to move around, especially in the pit, because at other venues, sitting in the pit feels you're being packed in like a bunch of sardines. Also if you need to get away from the loud noise for a little bit, there's plenty of space to walk around still hear what's going on at a comfortable volume, because there sound system is excellent. Also if you're at a concert where there's a dance floor (no seats) and you need a break, they have no problem with letting you go up on the lawn to take a seat and relax and then returning to the dance floor when you gather some energy back up.The one drawback to this venue is that food and drink is so expensive, but that's to be expected at any concert venue. All in all, I'm glad I had my first real concert experience here. It was really special, and I haven't stopped going to concerts whenever an artist I like is in town since.

I came here recently to see 90's sensations, Babyface & Brandy perform. I was pleasantly surprised by how intimate the venue is and that it's right by the water where boats dock. Having the sun semi setting was perfect for grabbing some selfies ;) I immediately noticed some places to grab food and drinks. Since we had eaten dinner right before we came, I opted for a beer. It was a little pricey but also more ounces than I'd normally get at some other venues I've been to.After grabbing drinks, we went to find our seats. The staff placed at different sections to help with finding seats was super friendly and made it easy to find our row. I was really pleased with the seats we purchased. The venue is so intimate, I really think you could have a great experience from even the lawn area.Brandy and Babyface performed and they were amazing. Even better than I expected! I wouldn't hesitate to come back to this venue. Love the "smallness" of it as well as the covered top too, which would help shelter you from the sizzling sun during those hot summer days!

Jill Andrews and her band opened for the Avett Brothers.Wow, a great venue for a summer concert.I had never heard of Jill before and I was just knocked out!This was maybe the fourth time I had seen the Avett's and they just get better and better. Their live shows have great energy and it's so cool to be around so many people who know the words and sing along to the songs.A really nice venue because you can stand in front of the stage or sit in seats and not be blocked out.The beers are a little pricey at $12 for a 24 ounce brew.I also like that you can see the video screens for the close-ups of the band.

I went to see Stick Figure a couple days ago...The roof wasnt doing so well at the Pavillion. They had relocated the concert to the entrance way, and we had to stand the whooole time...whew...this area is much smaller than the amphitheater, but it is still a nice place for small concerts.

We had such a wonderful time coming here to see Babyface and Brandy. This is my first time here. We had VIP tickets and had boxed seating. Before the concert we went to the VIP lounge I guess if that's what you call it and had some"appetizers" but it was a crostini with pork... Couldn't have that and bread pudding. Are you kidding me, forVIP lounge area? We should've just went straight to our seats. Other than that debacle the concert was awesome. Thank you Babyface and Brandy for entertaining us this evening

I went to this venue for the Lionel Richie concert. There was no parking at the venue but there were a few parking garages within a block of the venue. Parking was free for the event. The venue is outside but has a tent covering the stage and seating area. This venue is a nice size but not enough room to move around once you're seated. Overall it's a decent venue. If there was an event I wanted to attend and it was here I'd come again.

Pretty neat place. I attended the Umoja Fest here this past Saturday. It was an outdoor event. Plenty of vendors and a nice set up. I would attend again but, since it was not planned we did not even think to bring chair. It was lawn seating. It was so much food to choose from. I purchased a few pairs of earring. I had to have an ice cream cone filled with delicious chocolate ice cream. If you are in town you may want to check out what's going on at this place.

Summer 2018So the Pavillion has some structural issues. Unfortunate. A Memorial Day weekend concert is rescheduled to a Sunday in July. Truly apples and oranges to go from a three day weekend billing to a Sunday night.....but what do you do?!? So show night, the Pavillion is now topless and it's been raining every day for over a week. And sure enough the clouds roll in and it begins to drizzle during the show. Then harder rain. Then rain, gusts, thunder & lightening. LoL. Yeah. The event staff initially told us we couldn't open umbrellas. So people began to walk out. When the lightening began the act on stage- Chrisette Michelle promptly exited stage left. About five songs into her set and she did not take the stage again. After a 28 minute rain intermission the main act took the stage and as it continued to rain- I had one of the best concert experiences of my life. Brian McKnight gave a great show and was humbled we all stuck it out to see his performance. The venue called the event once again because of lightening and that was that. McKnight stayed shook hands, gave high 5s, signed autographed as it continued to rain on us all.The Pavilion's 2018 season should have been cancelled until the repairs were accomplished plain and simple. It's not fair to the consumers and certainly not fair to the performers.I've been to a few concerts at this venue and I must say I have not experienced the parking and egress issues like you do at Scope in Norfolk, Coliseum in Hampton or Farm Bureau in Virginia Beach. Getting in and out of the area is super easy with the interstate entrance two traffic light away. The Pavilion is beautifully located at the water's edge with a small marina to look out onto. It's a smaller venue than the ones I've mentioned. But it's still stunning acoustically and visually with the stage lighting trying to out shine sunsets. Seating varies from event to event but the orchestra or floor seats are great. There is a military discount for general admissions area only. My only asks would be better concession items, better box seat location, and a no smoking policy for this outdoor facility.

While OCMS puts on an amazing show this venue is terrible. I've been to many of bluegrass concerts in the west as I travel professionally and they nearly always have a dance area or at least never begrudged people their space at the front. This pavilion gave people nothing. You put on a good show like Old Crow Medicine Show and people want to dance, give them a place to do it that is safe and fun. Sadly the sound is also poor and resolves into a muddy noise. My first east coast concert and I am really unimpressed. There are good places I am sure and I will find them!