RYE, N.H. — “Test, test, test, one, two, three, hello,” Scott Brown said into a microphone, trying to talk over the strains of the glam metal band FireHouse. Brown is hosting a party in a barn, and while the music is pumping, the microphone isn’t working — a problem, because a presidential candidate will soon need to use it. Brown eats a pretzel stick, takes a swig from a can of Miller Lite, fiddles with the cord and the mixer, and does a mike check. This time it works. “Ah, I’ve got to plug it in,” he said. “Plugging it in helps, ladies and gentlemen.”

A former U.S. and state senator, retired Army National Guard colonel, a television pundit and a former magazine centerfold, Brown, 56, has taken on a new role in the world of New Hampshire politics: party host. Brown and his wife, television reporter Gail Huff, are hosting a series of “no-B.S.” backyard barbecues, inviting all of the Republican presidential candidates to participate. So far, eight have shown up, and at least one more is expected.

The no-frills, do-it-yourself affairs are Brown’s attempt to stay relevant in a raucous presidential primary season — and in a state where Brown is trying to find his place in the political landscape after moving here a few years ago from Massachusetts to run for Senate (he lost). “It’s not about me,” Brown insisted as he stood by the sound booth. Instead, he said, it’s a way for people to hear from the candidates for free in a relaxed setting. But soon enough, Brown heads over to shake the hand of the New Hampshire House speaker.

“I get the ability to see a lot of people who were very helpful in my campaign and stay active in the process of New Hampshire being the first-in-the-nation-primary state and listening and learning,” he said.