Downtown Portsmouth now has two new venues for live music. The Thirsty Moose Taphouse on Congress Street has opened its downstairs lounge, and the Martingale Wharf on Bow Street has launched a live music series.

The Thirsty Moose opened at the former location of The Muddy River Smokehouse this summer. It opened The Lounge at the Moose in September, with capacity for up to 110 guests. The venue is currently booking bands and DJs for live entertainment. Interested musicians should visit www.thirstymoosetaphouse.com.

Local visitors might recognize the underground site as the former location of The Muddy River’s lounge, which hosted regular shows, including the infamous experimental concert series “The Tong” back in 2005. The spot has gone through several transformations since then, but now brings live music back to the stage. For upcoming events, visit the website or find the Thirsty Moose Taphouse on Facebook.

The Martingale Wharf also opened this summer with a waterside deck on Bow Street. Ray Brandin, who formerly booked live shows at The Dolphin Striker, is now in charge of the Wharf’s new music series.

The restaurant typically presents acoustic performers on Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday nights, providing atmospheric sounds for guests who are dining or chilling out in the bar or lounge areas.

Upcoming acts include John Plaza on Wednesday, Oct. 3; Ryan Fitzsimmons on Tuesday, Oct. 9; and Yamica Peterson and Don Severance on Wednesday, Oct. 10. All shows begin at 7 p.m. For a full schedule, visit www.martingalewharf.com.