181 State St
Portland, ME 04101
USA
If music is made from memories, and memories are made from moments, then performing songwriter Don Campbell’s songs and his 30+ year career are a storybook full.
Growing up in Scarborough Maine, Don spent his teen years on the wharves and cobblestone streets of Portland’s Old Port and waterfront, sitting at the feet of the folks playing music that were his local heroes. Many of these very musicians, such as the notable Devonsquare and Schooner Fare bands, would become national heroes, as well. The connection of these things is not lost on Campbell in the least.
Campbell is very vocal about these early inspirations, and in many ways he has been the torch bearer for not only that generation of Maine musician, but for those like Dick Curless before them. His peers all agree that there couldn’t be a better representative for the best of what Maine has to offer in heartfelt songs and energetic performances. Don Campbell has been recognized dozens of times over, winning six consecutive years as the Maine Sunday Telegram‘s favorite Maine songwriter. His notable performances, opening for industry greats, and headlining his own concert halls, are further proof of his recognition throughout the region, and across the country.
It is in his travels across this country, and closer to home around New England, that he’s experienced some of his greatest moments, and shares these stories generously. Whether performing to capacity audiences headlining his own concerts, serving as opening act for any number of legendary songwriters and musician acts, or simply sneaking down to his favorite local watering hole with his guitar, everyone gets the same show from Don. Every audience gets his best songs, most earnest stories, dynamically tender performances, butterscotch voice, and rapt attention.
In recent years, Don has traveled up and down the East Coast, and out to the midwest, headlining concerts of his own music, opening for longtime friend and collaborator Jonathan Edwards, performing his concerts dedicated to the music and memory of Dan Fogelberg, and his Veterans Appreciation concerts.
As can be expected for one who lives his life on stages and on the road, Don Campbell is comfortable virtually anywhere. But, family and his connection to his own childhood memories… string band jams in the kitchen with Dad and his uncles… that have inspired more than one song or session. He celebrated this very special part of his life and upbringing in his “Songs From the Campbell Kitchen” album, capturing several performances of family members for the first time, and many for the last.
In his most recent CD of original music, The Dust Never Settles, Don Campbell easily hits upon dozens of universally-understood topics. But, perhaps the most dear to him is the songwriter’s time-honored tradition of an ode to the sea; a tradition held high by his friends Schooner Fare, as well as his hero Fogelberg. Campbell pens this loveletter, “Seize the Moment,” which he does in this song so very well. Using nautical imagery, he sings a love song to a companion, as well as to the oceans that surrounded him growing up, “I believe in kindred spirits, since we’ve been walking side by side. It doesn’t matter where we’re going, we’ll keep our eyes upon the tide.”
7pm doors – 8pm show | $20 adv. – $25 at the door