Portland has been a mecca of music for many years, and it seems like every summer the schedules at mainstay venues like Thompson’s Point, State Theater and Aura are getting bigger and harder to keep up with. It’s great to see, but when we only get a handful of warm months, it can be hard to plan with so many other great things to do in our city and state during the summer.
That’s where we come in. Portland Old Port is proud to present its first ever Live Music Guide. Your guide to the biggest national touring acts making their way to Portland, as well as some smaller, more intimate acts at some of Portland’s smaller mainstays.
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, May 25th
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.
Iceage with Wiki at SPACE Gallery | SPACE | 8PM | Tickets
These Copenhagen natives have been making music together since 2008 and have gone through many stylistic shifts through the years, and they’d like to keep it that way. Trying not to get nailed down by any one genre, they always strive for new challenges when writing new music. Tickets range from $13 – $18 and can be purchased here. Doors open at 7:30PM, and the show starts at 8PM.
Thursday, May 26th
Vibing on a Thursday: KF3, Frank Fotusky & More | Blue | 5PM | Free Entry
Funk, soul and good music through the night at Portland’s most intimate live music venue. Donations are always appreciated, but as always, there is no cover to get in to see any bands in this night-long line-up. April Keez starts the night at 5PM.
Sylvan Esso | Thompson’s Point | 6PM | Tickets
The Thompson’s Point Summer Series of concerts finally kicks off this Thursday with Sylvan Esso. Forming in 2012, this duo’s goal is to make pop music you won’t hear on the radio, because it’s just too weird. Just in time for Memorial Day weekend, Thompson’s Point is back for live music and great sunsets right on the water of Casco Bay. Doors are at 6PM, show starts at 7PM. Grab your tickets online here.
The Portland Jazz Orchestra has been a mainstay at OLS since 2006, performing both originals and classics from Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Woody Herman and many others. Maine’s premier concert jazz ensemble is made up of professional musicians, many of whom have toured with the biggest names in jazz and orchestral music. Doors open at 7PM, and the show starts at 8PM. Tickets may be purchased for $5 – $10 here.
Friday, May 27th
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.
The Strangely Possibles | Blue | 6PM | Free Entry
Have an early night at Blue with these Portland-based funksters and their unique brand of psychedelic rock-folk. Music from 6:00PM – 7:30PM, and as always, donations are appreciated, but entry is free.
Start your Memorial Day weekend with some slam dancing at Geno’s Rock Club. Three acts of hardcore punk rock to last your through the night for $25. Doors are at 6:30PM, and the show goes until 11PM. Geno’s is a cash-only, 21+ venue. Grab your tickets online.
Plant Fight, Matriarch adn Black Hatch | The Apohadion Theater | 8PM | Cover at Door
This Bayside neighborhood venue can go overlooked but don’t miss out on the unique acts that come through here, including Friday’s show for all ages starting at 8PM. Mask and vax policy are currently in effect. Pay your cover at the door.
Get ready to get down with this one-man band slide guitar party. Bob Log III has been traveling the globe since 1996, and this super star sonic showman has to be seen to be believed. Clad in his cannonball-man jumpsuit, and motorcycle helmet with attached telephone, you won’t want to miss this unique performer. Doors are at 8PM, shows at 9PM. Get your tickets here.
Saturday, May 28th
Ragged Jack | Casablanca Cruises | 1PM | Tickets
Join Ragged Jack on Casablanca Cruises for a midday cruise around Casco Bay with high energy, American Roots Rockabilly tunes as you take in views of Portland from the water. Rock and roll, blues, country and bluegrass, all from Portland’s best party boat. Book your cruise here.
Ed Mitchell, Comrade Question & Anthony Crescente Quartert | Blue | 6PM | Free Entry
You’ll hear rock, you’ll hear pop, and you’ll certainly hear jazz at Portland’s most intimate live music venue. Stop in at 6PM for the Anthony Crescente Quartet, and Comrade Question. Then at 10PM, kick off the celebration of local musician Ed Mitchell’s 22nd birthday, featuring even more local live music acts, including the birthday boy himself.
The Wallflowers | State Theatre | 8PM | Tickets
Drive it home with One Headlight, and relive the glory days with these kings of the ‘90s. Led by Jakob Dylan, son of Bob Dylan, The Wallflowers were a regular name on the radio way back when. Doors open at 7PM, and the show starts at 8PM. Last minute tickets are available here.
Mother Iron Horse, Conclave & Death Strider | Geno’s Rock Club | 8PM | Cover at Door
Stop at Geno’s for their Memorial Day Weekend Bash. $10 cover to get in for the 8PM show. Geno’s is a 21+, cash-only venue.
The power trio of Nuclear Bootz has quietly built an army of fans in the Portland scene for their reckless brand of rock, racous riffs, and tounge-in-cheek lyricism. $10 will get you in to the show, with supporting help from Boat Dares & Lean Meats. Grab your tickets online at Sun Tiki Studios’ website.
Sunday, May 29th
In This Moment & More | State Theatre | 7PM | Tickets
The female-led hardcore band In This Moment brings a unique and theatrical performance wherever they go. Any fan of the harder stuff is going to want to be a part of the spectacle that is the In This Moment stage show, coming this weekend to one of Portland’s best venues – the State Theatre. Doors are 6:00PM, show begins at 7:00PM. Get your tickets online here.
Mess Esque with Chris Brokaw | SPACE | 8PM | Tickets
This curious duo brings a collection of dream pop, psych soul & ethereal indie rock to the SPACE art gallery. Their self-titled album has been described as “a dreamy visceral masterpiece,” and their unique sound is sure to make a mark on Portland’s art community with their performance this weekend. Doors at 7:30PM, show starts at 8:00PM. Purchase your tickets here.
Rick Rude & More | Sun Tiki Studios | 7:30PM | Tickets
It’s a three day weekend, so don’t let your long weekend go to waste by missing out on these local post-punk indie rock acts. Rick Rude, Gentle Heat and Pet Fox are coming to Sun Tiki Studios for a good time, more than a serious time and they’ve got the laid back, funky jams to do it. Doors open at 7:30PM, and the show starts at 8:30PM. Purchase tickets at Sun Tiki Studios’ website.
Monday, May 30th
Modest Mouse | State Theatre | 8PM | Tickets
Let the long weekend Float On until the very end with this huge name from the indie rock world of the 2000s. Coming fresh off their performance at Boston Calling, Modest Mouse is taking the short trip up to Portland, Maine to play at our beloved State Theatre. Doors open at 7PM, and the show starts at 8PM. Get your tickets while they last here.
Tuesday, May 31st
Get ready for The “A Legacy In Blood Tour,” featuring The Convalescence, Necronomicon, The Breathing Process, and Reflection of Flesh with special guests Exclave. This hardcore all-star line-up is $15 at the 21+, cash-only venue. Get your tickets in advance here.
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.
