Portland Maine

Not sure what Schubert was talking about, but Portland, ME has been a resource of great music for years...I’ve seen many amazing concerts at fine venues, it’s a state where the speed limit goes up and the population goes down, except for those moving there for far less expensive real estate (relative to places where you might want to actually live) and a hip little town like Portland. I taught surfing in the summers while surfing year round (various wet suits needed of course) in Kennebunk for a decade, and was involved in a great local music scene that if nothing else has gotten better over the years. Beautiful beaches, beautiful hiking, boating, and camping (look up how many summer camps for kids are in Maine...and for frightened people like Schubert, lots of bug repellant available everywhere), and simply an astonishingly beautiful state with far less "crowd based" stress.

Thanks, everyone for the tips so far. Larry--I'll reach out and appreciate your help.

You could check out Fidelus Audio in Nashua NH about 100 miles south. 

There are bluegrass festivals pretty much every w/e in the summer. Several within 100 miles of Portland. Lots of small live music venues in the downtown/Old Port area. Restaurants abound. Have a ball..

I just saw Umphrey's McGee at the State Theater. Incomprehensible jam band music with great lights, but still, it's great to see the State up and running!