The best job

LACONIA – As president of the Lakeport Opera House, Emma Teto has a big job, but seeing the joy that her work ultimately brings to guests is the best part of the work.

“I oversee virtually every venue operation,” Teto said. “I am responsible for everything from the facility and bar, finding and booking the shows, backstage operations and production, and the financials, along with the day-to-day of everything it takes to get the space ready for guests and shows. But my favorite responsibility is greeting our guests and seeing their smiling faces.”

The Opera House, as most people fondly dub it, has been presenting concerts since it opened. The first show was the Flutie Brothers Band on June 12, 2021. The history of the building and the effort put into restoring the space and transforming it into a first-class concert/event venue is fascinating. Morphing from unused space, the Opera House, located at 781 Union Avenue in Laconia, presents shows of all kinds, and overseeing it all is a big job.

“It is a long list of responsibilities that allow the venue to run smoothly during every event,” Teto said. “It means coordinating with the staff and production crew to address potential issues and ensuring the performers backstage have what they need. My favorite part is my connections and friendships with our guests and artists; they become friends and feel like family. However, what makes it all worth it is when I see people’s emotional reactions, the nostalgic moments, and the happiness during a show. My heart is full when I see a guest bring their elderly parents who once knew the Opera House, and even more so when I see them get up and move to the music. Oh, how I love our senior community.”

Teto grew up in the Boston area, where she later studied psychology and pre-med at Northeastern and Tufts universities. Her husband’s family has been in the Lakes Region since the late 1930s.

“We split our time between Massachusetts and New Hampshire,” Teto said. “My career was primarily in partner development and high-tech sales at Microsoft, Oracle, and America Online. That experience is a symphony of what I do today: cater to people’s emotions through entertainment and create partnerships with agents, artists, and promoters.”

Before the building was transformed, Teto recalled, the first time she walked through the property with owner Scott Everett.

“When Scott showed us the building after purchasing it (there was a silver toilet sitting on the main floor as the only occupant of that space), it was disastrous,” she said. “No one had lived (there) in 60-plus years, and remodeling was a monumental task. Many said he should have just ripped the building down, but the bones were good, and the infrastructure was extremely sound. A sound consultant said it was perfect and the sound generated would be magical. I watched it transform from the beginning, and I was working on that first show on June 12, 2021. I cried most of that show, watching people finally enjoying being in public after the pandemic in the most beautiful venue surrounded by happy faces. As the owner, Scott has allowed me to help launch his project, bring my creativity, engage the community, and be a part of an icon in Lakeport.”

The Opera House is definitely all about music and, Teto said, out of the various types of music they offer to the public, the tribute bands are steadily the best sellers. Still, guests love the themed dance nights and regional bands as well.

“The venue can transform from a listening room to a high-energy dance hall to a Margaritaville beach party. Mature crowds love dancing here as it’s vibey, roomy, and safe,” she said.

As for the many bands and others who grace the Opera House stage, Teto added, “We love all our artists and treat them like royalty. I want them to leave saying they can’t wait to play the venue again, and so far, they all do. We try to give our artists the highest level of hospitality, which means welcoming them to the area, so they feel it’s more of a mini vacation than just a gig. This area is too beautiful not to take in the views and culture while they are touring. Scott Everett built a home this year to provide a beautiful space for the artists to stay and enjoy their time here. If the artists are happy, it shines through, and they connect perfectly with the audience.”

With the upcoming season just around the corner, Teto has been working hard to create the lineup of shows.

“We will have an incredibly fun lineup with a lot of variety,” she said. “I listen to our guests and absorb feedback and requests, and that’s how I choose what goes on stage. I review almost every show in person by traveling throughout the northeast to Nashville, the Big Easy, and Vegas, searching for ideas and concepts to bring back to Lakeport. We are small but bring in high-quality national acts and keep them affordable. We want everyone to feel welcome and find a show they are interested in. This year, we have included weeknight and early shows for those who aren’t free on weekends or don’t like driving at night.”

Just a sampling of upcoming shows includes Floydian Trip, a Pink Floyd Tribute, on April 27; Cheek to Cheek, a Tony Bennett/Lady Gage Tribute, on June 15; and a Van Morrison Tribute Concert called Moondance on June 28.

The Opera House is appropriate for various events as well as for concerts.

“We rent the venue for many private and corporate events, and we can transform the space into any setting. It’s very customizable and can accommodate any size gathering. We host everything from lectures and corporate meetings to weddings and birthday parties,” Teto said.

The Opera House is open year-round with an ambitious summer season of shows and events and a lighter fall and winter season. Private and corporate events are welcome throughout the year.

Teto has plans to relocate, eventually, to the Lakes Region full-time.

She said, “Once my kids are finished high school, our plans include living in Laconia full time, with a dash out of the cold weather for a couple of months to the Sunshine State. My kids are fourth-generation Tetos in Laconia, so we are deep-rooted, and we plan to stay and continue being part of the Opera House.”

For a schedule of concerts and further information, visit lakeportopera.com.