Casino Ballroom Celebrates 85 Years

The Casino Ballroom has been a staple on the boardwalk of Hampton Beach for decades. What started out as a “summer house” intended for social gatherings for people to dance, gamble and listen to music has transformed into one of the top entertainment hotspots on the New Hampshire Seacoast. 

Despite its change, it has always remained an entertainment hub, drawing world renowned acts such as Janis Joplin, Led Zeppelin, The Doors, U2 and Duke Ellington, while also showcasing some of the top talent in the comic world, with Jerry Seinfeld and George Carlin making appearances through the years.

This year the venue comes full circle, celebrating its history by hanging Hall of Fame banners highlighting 13 bands, artists and comedians that represent various points in its history. The banners don’t necessarily represent the best 13 shows or the 13 biggest bands that have ever played there, but rather historic points of growth it has taken on in the 20th century. 

“We are very authentic and have a rich history,” said Andrew Herrick, the ballroom’s marketing director. “These banners highlight a few of these shows, and each represents an era.” 

Since it’s construction just before the turn of the 20th century, many changes have taken place at the beachside venue, but it has always drawn crowds by the thousands. In its early stages, it brought in big bands, while also attracting patrons with its massive dance floor and the introduction of “Check Dancing.” 

It would be nearly two decades before the Casino Ballroom hit its stride, showcasing some of the top rock ‘n’ roll artists of the time, with acts like the Supremes, the Four Tops and the Four Aces all making their way through the venue. It was also during this period that headliners such as Jimi Hendrix and Simon and Garfunkel performed at the ballroom, preserving the venue’s place in music lore.

In the years that followed, the facility continued to attract some of the top musical artists of the time, but began to showcase renowned comedy acts that had audiences in a stir of laughter. Carlin was a staple, selling out more shows than any other performer at the ballroom over the next three decades. In the late '80s, Seinfeld made his debut at the venue, just one year before the television show “Seinfeld” premiered on NBC.

The ballroom continued to present top talent throughout the '90s, with Phish kicking off the period and local favorite Godsmack closing out the decade in style. These days not much has changed, as it is still attracting some of the top music and comedy performers from across the nation.

“We have great band recognition, it is something that is part of our history," said Herrick. “On any given night, you can see something special, and it's something the past has set us up with."

With stadium acts fading and audiences craving the live music experience, the Casino Ballroom continues to thrive and build upon its rich history, as performers are now moving toward playing in smaller venues.

Its all-wooden structure gives it a leg up on the competition, expelling acoustics that create an authentic feel, while also providing an intimate experience with crowd members, as they are never more than 90 feet from the front of the stage.

“This is a shared community in a live setting,” said Herrick. “You are up close and personal and because of that you are going to get a better experience. It’s a unique setting for a loud entertainment crowd that wants that.” 

As for what’s in store for the ballroom down the road, Herrick doesn’t have any doubts about the future.

“We’ve been around for the changes and have adapted,” said Herrick. “After 85 years, I think we are here to stay.”