Memorial Day Weekend is behind us and we’re in full Summer mode here in Portland. The live music continues with worldwide touring acts, aspiring locals of the next generation and everything in between.
We’re back again with the line-up for the next week at Portland’s best mainstay music venues, with a couple unique acts thrown in at smaller, more intimate venues.
Who are you most excited to see this week? Let us know on Facebook or Instagram, and we’ll see you at the show.
Wednesday, June 1st
Irish Night & Jam Session | Blue | 7:30PM | Free Entry
Every Wednesday, join Blue for their Irish Night, with live acts at 7:30PM, followed by a communal Irish music session at 9PM. Bring your instrument, and play along to any songs you know.
Get through your Hump Day Blues with local funksters Maine Dead Project, as they kick off their summer residency at Portland House of Music & Events. Dead Wednesdays are back for the warm months! $8 tickets in advance, $10 day-of, for this 21+ show. Get your tickets here.
Nat Baldwin, E. Jason Gibbs, Jessica Ackerley & David Mesestres | The Apohadion Theater | 8:00PM | Cover at Door
It’s a night of experimental music with four talented musicians coming together at this intimate theater. The show starts at 8:00PM and mask and vax policies are currently in effect.
It’s a night of dance beats and bass at Sun Tiki Studios with the “Pass the Aux Cord” producer open mic followed by beat artists 8-BZA, ADvsFX, Teal Child, and Grand Vizier.
Thursday, June 2nd
Summer Sunsets Live | Thompson’s Point | 4PM | Free Entry
Thursdays and Fridays during the summer, if there isn’t a show at Thompson’s Point, you can still head down for live music, food trucks, local craft cocktails from Three of Strong Spirits, and plenty more beverage choices. Bring your friends, families and fur babies to this free event every week, going from 4PM ‘til the sun goes down. Follow Thompson’s Point on Facebook or Instagram for updates on who’s playing each week.
Showmen’s Rest, Maine Middle Eastern Ensemble & Tim Winchester | Blue | 5:00PM | Free Entry
Tim Winchester starts the night at 5:00PM, and Showmen’s Rest cap it off at 9:00. As usual, there is no cover to get into Blue, but a food or drink order is appreciated, and donations are always accepted.
SeepeopleS have been making music for 21 years and despite an impressive resume with contributions from the likes of Phish, Dave Matthews Band, Morphine and more, plus multiple awards across the years, they remain as a mostly underground cult favorite. Don’t miss your chance to see them in this intimate Portland favorite.
Early December, Birthday Ass, Lahnah & Festiva | The Apohadion Theater | 7:30PM | Cover at Door
Maine-based alt rockers Early Decembers will be headlining this night of music at The Apohadion. Entry ranges from $5-$10, and remember – mask and vax policy are in place.
Sun Tiki Studios brings the party Thursday night with three bands that are sure to keep you dancing and wanting more. This all ages show features three rock and powerpop acts that know how to keep the energy high. Tickets are $12, $15 the day of the show.
Peter Mulvey has been touring the road, sharing his beautiful songs and stories along the way for as long as he can remember, and he’ll be joined by Boston-based songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Dietrich Strause Thursday Night at the low-key One Longfellow Square. Tickets are $15.00 in advance, or $20.00 at the door.
Friday, June 3rd
Portland Bach Experience: Four Seasons Carnival Concert | East Bayside | 3:00PM | Free Entry
After the success of last summer’s Carnival Concert, the Portland Bach Experience, is bringing this exciting, outdoor, family-friendly event to East Bayside (as well as the Desert of Maine)! Come experience Vivaldi’s iconic “The Four Seasons,” as well as the U.S. premiere of “The [uncertain] Four Seasons,” a re-composition that reflects climate predictions for 2050. Runs from 3:00PM – 8:00PM.
Summer Sunsets Live | Thompson’s Point | 4PM | Free Entry
It’s another night of Summer Sunsets Live at Thompson’s Point! Head down for live music, food trucks, local craft cocktails from Three of Strong Spirits, and plenty more beverage choices. Bring your friends, families and fur babies to this free event every week, going from 4PM ‘til the sun goes down. Follow Thompson’s Point on Facebook or Instagram for updates on who’s playing each week.
Darlin’ Corey CD Release Show | Blue | 6:00PM | Free Entry
Husband and wife duo Matt Shipman and Erica Brown each boast impressive resumes, and when paired together, create a delight blend of vocal harmonies accompanied by fiddle, banjo, mandolin and guitars. They play a unique and diverse mix of bluegrass, old time and folk originals as well as covers, and will be celebrating the release of their newest album this Friday at Portland’s own Blue.
Don Campbell Band | Casablanca Cruises | 6:30PM | Tickets
Start your weekend right with a Friday night cruise of Casco Bay with the Don Campbell Band. These eclectic performers have been rocking for years with their mix of original creations and fan-favorite covers. Multi-instrumentalist frontman Don Campbell leads the band with a vocal range that allows for a catalog from Vince Gill to Johnny Cash.
Psychedelic Boston-based rockers Ghosts of Jupiter are hard to track down, but have a loyal word-of-mouth following that has earned them a solid reputation. They’ll be at Sun Tiki Studios Friday night with equally psychedelic Jeff Beam to rock the night away. Get your tickets here.
Lucy Kaplansky | One Longfellow Square | 8:00PM | Tickets
Lucy Kaplansky is back on tour celebrating the release of her first solo album in six years – Everyday Street. She’ll be sure to play several new tracks off the acoustically-based, intimate album when she stops in at One Longfellow Square Friday night. Tickets are $20.00 in advance; $25.00 at the door.
Saturday, June 4th
The Head and the Heart | Thompson’s Point | 5:30PM | Tickets
Thompson’s Point is sure to be packed Saturday night for national touring act The Head and the Heart as they bring their high energy live show to Portland, Maine. With hits such as “Honeybee,” “Rivers and Roads,” and “Lost In My Mind,” they’ve sold out legendary venues such as Red Rocks and landed prime time mainstage slots at events such as Coachella and Lollapalooza. Get your tickets soon, as they could certainly sell out.
Clifford Cameron, Meridian 71 & Michael Beling TRIO | Blue | 6:00PM | Free Entry
Stop into Portland’s most intimate venue for this trio of performers presenting their own brand of jazz. Entry is free, but there is a $15 suggested donation. 21+ event, but underage can attend with a legal guardian.
Primitive Man | SPACE | 7:00PM | Tickets
Denver locals Primitive Man is a savage, sparse mix of death metal, blackened noise, and doom. They’ve found strong success in the 10 years since their forming, and will bring their heavy rock to Portland’s SPACE Gallery this Sunday as a part of a massive tour.
Thunder Kittens | The Apohadion Theater | 7:00PM | Cover at Door
Get ready for a Saturday night filled with groove rock from Vermonters Thunder Kittens. They’ll play two sets throughout the night, with doors at 7:00PM, and the first set starting at 7:30PM. The show is for all ages with a $5-$10 suggested cover.
Livingston Taylor with Chelsea Berry | One Longfellow Square | 8:00PM | Tickets
Livingston Taylor has been playing music for over 50 years and has never stopped performing since his early coffeehouse days, sharing the stage with Fleetwood Mac, Jimmy Buffett, Jethro Tull and many more. He’s a full professor at Berklee College or Music, and will be bringing his expertise of music to One Longfellow Square this Saturday. Tickets are $45.00 in advance, $55.00 at the door.
Sunday, June 5th
Reggae Sunday | Jones Landing | 3:00PM | Cover at Door
Take part in a Peaks Island tradition with Stream Reggae – Maine’s premier reggae band. Catch the ferry out and enjoy a Sunday afternoon in the sun for a Portland-local summertime favorite. There’s a $10 cover to get in.
Under the Oaks with GoldenOak | South Portland | 4:30PM | Tickets
Get up close and personal with one of southern Maine’s biggest up-and-comers, GoldenOak. Playing in a secret “backyard” location for a very limited audience, they’ll open with a Meet & Greet at 4:30PM, before their show at 6:00PM. No food or drink will be provided at the intimate show, so feel free to bring your own, alcohol is allowed. Space is very limited so hop on this unique experience quickly!
Monday, June 6th
Monday Night Boogie | Portland Zoo | 7:00PM | Free Entry
All June, the Portland Zoo will be hosting local live music and food pop-ups. Join them early next week for Double Dessert and dance along for free fun on your Monday night.
Gina & The Red-Eye Flight Crew are back with their summer residency at Portland House of Music & Events. Every Monday is Funky Monday with Gina & The Red-Eye Flight Crew! This nine-piece funk rockers come with a dose of originals and unexpected covers that will keep you moving all night long. The shows are at 9:30PM, with doors opening an hour earlier. $8.00 in advance, and $10.00 day of this 21+ show.
Tuesday, June 7th
Weekly Jazz Jam Session | Blue | 9:00PM | Free Entry
Every Tuesday is the open jazz jam session at Blue. Featuring a rotating house band, come and enjoy the music either as a player or just to listen. As always – Blue is a free venue, but donations are always appreciated to keep the music going at this small Portland mainstay.
