Bruce Pingree has hosted The Blues Show at WUNH-FM at the University of New Hampshire since the early 1970s and is now heard every Tuesday on Radio Free Amsterdam. Pingree is the general manager of The Press Room in downtown Portsmouth where he has worked for the past 32 years, showcasing local musicians with jazz, blues, folk, R&B and Latin jazz performances seven nights a week.
“My dad was an actor and director for the Concord Community Players so I developed a respect and passion for the arts early on,” said Pingree. “I think it is so important to keep music and the arts alive in our local communities and inspire our youth to do so as well. It helps our neighborhoods become more vibrant and culturally diverse.”
Pingree is involved with many local nonprofit organizations and initiatives. He is a long-time supporter of the Seacoast Local (H)EAT campaign, which raises funds for food and fuel assistance in the greater Seacoast area. Pingree is one of the founders of WSCA Portsmouth Community Radio and served on the board of directors for 10 years. He also helps organize local cultural events including the Jazzmouth Poetry & Jazz Festival, RPM International Music Challenge and the Portsmouth Halloween Parade.
“It’s hard to be a part of this community,” said Sarah LaChance, “and not know Bruce Pingree. Even if you don’t know who he is, you have most likely still benefited from his involvement. Bruce is an avid supporter of the arts and is always willing to lend a hand, a space, a connection and his thoughts to help. I’m thankful to have Bruce in our community and can’t imagine the Seacoast without him.”
Thanks to Kathleen Reardon, Citizens Bank, Manchester
