It’s another week of festive live music in Portland, as we’re highlighting two holiday-themed Portland traditions, plus British rockers making an appearance at the State Theatre, and more live music from one of Portland’s favorite local bands.
Don’t forget, you can always check out our Live Music Tonight calendar for the full list of live music in Portland, including even more holiday festivities.
THE HEADLINER
British rockers Foals are crossing the pond and stopping in Portland for a Sunday, December 18th show at the State Theatre.
The indie-rock/dance-punk trio got their start in 2005, and have been making waves on the British charts since their debut album in 2008. The band’s line-up has shifted a bit over the years but they have stayed true to their passion to not take themselves too seriously, and to produce music that is just as much fun to make as it is to listen to, from old classics like “Hummer,” to more recent hits like “2001.”
Foals is known for being one of the top live acts in the UK, with an award-winning, high energy stage show brought to life by their funky rock rhythms and fun antics on stage.
This is going to be one you won’t want to miss. Get your tickets now for the 6:30PM show.
LIVE & LOCAL
If you haven’t noticed, the holidays are here in Portland, and we’d be remiss to not include one of the city’s most time-honored holiday traditons.
Now in it’s 43rd year, check out the Portland Symphony Orchestra’s holiday show: “Magic of Christmas” at the Merrill Auditorium. Led by Music Director Eckart Preu, join Portland’s own masters of symphony as they play Christmas classics new and old, including a “Magic of Christmas” tradition – “Sleigh Ride!”
The PSO was running Magic of Christmas last weekend as well, but this Friday, Saturday and Sunday (December 16-18), are your last chances to catch this collection of incredibly talented local musicians. Showtimes differ each day, so check out PSO’s own website for ticket info.
Can’t make it to any of the live shows? Get your tickets for the on-demand digital concert!
MID-WEEK MUSIC
Bull Feeney’s is open and back to full speed since a long shutdown due to COVID, and that includes a Thursday night residency from Portland’s favorite 90s cover band – Hello Newman!
Winners of Portland Old Port’s “Best Local Musician/Band” category in the Portland, Maine Best of 2022 Awards, Hello Newman is a well-known alt-rock five piece that covers all of your favorite punk rock, pop punk, ska and alternative hits from the late 90s and early 2000s. They’re also known to throw in unique takes on off-genre hits like rap, swing, hip hop and more that you won’t expect, but you’ll be pumped to hear.
Hello Newman is currently playing EVERY Thursday at Bull Feeneys (including this Thursday, December 15th), beginning at 9:30PM. There’s no cover to get in, just head upstairs and dance the night away to some of your favorite jams from yesteryear.
STAFF PICK
We’re wrapping up this week’s Live Music Guide with even more local, and even more cheer, with the return of Spose’s PDank Christmas at Aura!
Spose is Maine’s own rap superstar, who made national waves with his 2010 hit single “I’m Awesome,” which eventually found its way to a peak position of #37 on the Billboard Hot 100, not bad for someone “drivin’ ’round in his mom’s ride.”
Spose’s style is a more alt-hip hop mix with a little bit of comedy to go along with it. He’s been holding a holiday-themed homecoming show, his Spose and Friends PDank Christmas show for years now, and this Saturday, December 17th is the eighth iteration of the holiday show.
Spose loves to go big with these home shows, and this year is no different. The show’s first opener will be Spose’s daughter Ivy, doing a sing along performance to get the good times flowing, and Spose himself will have three sets throughout the night, in between supporting acts Jarv and Wax.
Get your tickets now for another Portland holiday tradition in the live music scene, and one that is sure to be a goofy and high-energy hip-hop holiday party. Show starts at 8:30PM.
There’s so much live music happening around the city at any given time that we’d never have the time to list them all here.
Check out our Live Music Tonight page for a full calendar of live events happening in Portland, Maine.