What's happening in Portland, Maine:

Noonday Concert Series at First Parish Church

Noonday Concert at First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church

The Guru Ganesha Band, Live in Concert

THE FUTURE OF MANTRA MUSIC IS HERE NOW

($15 adv/ $18 door. OLS is not selling tickets for this event. Tickets available online at www.showclix.com/even)

Imagine a great world beat concert—the whole room throbbing with sinuous grooves and mesmerizing tonal colors from all over the globe. Now imagine an uplifting evening of kirtan—devotional chanting. Feel yourself being led deeper and deeper into the blissful heart of ancient mantras by a group of experienced kirtan wallahs, a convocation of beautiful souls who have long trodden the spiritual path.

This is what it’s like to experience the GuruGanesha Band in concert. The group is led by world devotional music pioneer GuruGanesha Singh, renowned for his work with singers Snatam Kaur, Tina Malia and Nirinjan Kaur; widely respected as the founder of Spirit Voyage records. An avuncular figure in turban, kurta and long white beard, GuruGanesha handles his guitars with easygoing mastery, bouncing trippy, inventive, melodic leads off the ceiling and casting polyrhythmic glitter all over the grooves.

Opening Reception of “FESTIVAL”

Come join us for our "Festival" of eclectic work and riotous color. From the abstract to the realistic, you'll enjoy art created in a multitude of mediums. There will be musical entertainment, along with belly dancing by "Nabintu and Sisters of the Sun." The opening of "Festival" also coincides with the first Friday art walk, so come join us to enjoy great art and entertainment! Light refreshemnts will be provided.

Jazz Brunch with Sean Mencher

EVERY SUNDAY, enjoy Local Sprouts delicious brunch menu with some jazz on the side.

2 Pianos 4 Hands

June 1 - July 1, 2012

As children, Ted and Richard don’t have much in common – except for the shared desire to become classical pianists. But does either of them have what it takes? 2 Pianos 4 Hands is a play with music that follows the dynamic and comical journey of two boys into adulthood, their musical aspirations gleaming like the grand pianos that they play masterfully on stage from beginning to end.

John Gorka

Rising from a milieu of lovelorn singer-songwriters, John Gorka illuminates instead with his trademark wordplay, twisting, turning and tying words and phrases in the way a balloon artist creates complex creatures from simple balloons. Few contemporary songwriters coax language as deftly as Gorka.

For over two decades, Gorka's keen ear has picked up the stories of those along his path, folding them into poetry and song. His keen perceptiveness inspires people from all over the world to share their stories. By involving those tales in his music, he escapes the trap of introspection that hobbles less gifted singer-songwriters.

John Gorka flies below the pop culture radar with an almost cult-like following that never fails to fill concerts. Speak with any of his fans and one instantly feels their enthusiasm and genuine affection. His shy, almost self-effacing stage presence rightfully focuses attention on the songs. His versatility on guitar and piano keeps his sets musically interesting, while his rich baritone effortlessly executes his bidding. And he's never short of the sly comment or clever joke that invariably ignites the audience.

With his uncanny ability to work every nuance of language, capturing a wide array of topics and experiences woven into memorable melodies, John Gorka's career continues to prosper and to garner ever-increasing attention.

An Evening with Dar Williams

One of the most acclaimed singer-songwriters of her generation, Dar Williams has been engaging audiences with her musical artistry since the early 1990s when she rose from the Northeast coffeehouse circuit to the national spotlight. A native of New York’s Hudson Valley, where she still resides, Williams maintains in her life and music a strong system of values, idealism and community involvement.

Throughout her career, Williams has toured with artists such as Joan Baez, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Ani DiFranco, Shawn Colvin, etc. Few performers create a bond from the stage with an audience like Williams does. Because her songs succeed with storytelling “intimate, honest and whimsical travails and triumphs“ listeners lean forward to catch the details, which are copious and meaningful.

2 Pianos 4 Hands

June 1 - July 1, 2012

As children, Ted and Richard don’t have much in common – except for the shared desire to become classical pianists. But does either of them have what it takes? 2 Pianos 4 Hands is a play with music that follows the dynamic and comical journey of two boys into adulthood, their musical aspirations gleaming like the grand pianos that they play masterfully on stage from beginning to end.

Deeper

A SIGNS AND WONDERS EVENT
Come and experience the stuff of the Bible; The sick are healed the captive set free, the hungry discover a deeper relationship with Jesus and the prodigals are welcomed home!

2 Pianos 4 Hands

June 1 - July 1, 2012

As children, Ted and Richard don’t have much in common – except for the shared desire to become classical pianists. But does either of them have what it takes? 2 Pianos 4 Hands is a play with music that follows the dynamic and comical journey of two boys into adulthood, their musical aspirations gleaming like the grand pianos that they play masterfully on stage from beginning to end.

Rhythmic Cypher

Avant garde poetry with a beat open mic with musical accompaniment featuring local, regional and national performance poets. EVERY SUNDAY at Slainte!!