The week of Christmas is upon us, and the live music scene is relaxing just a bit as most make plans to spend time with family over the coming days. That being said, there are still some great options for you to get out there and enjoy some live music in Portland.
We’ve selected our top four, but don’t forget that you can always check out our Live Music Tonight calendar for the full list of live music in Portland.
THE HEADLINER
This local three-piece may not have the status of some of our previous Headliners, but with the limited line-up this week, and many bigger venues on a bit of a break, rockers Rigometrics will be putting on one of the week’s biggest shows at Portland House of Music and Events this Thursday, December 22nd.
You may have seen these fun, classic-style rock and rollers around Portland at various venues and bars, or rolling through the streets in their tricked-out, custom built Rigometrics school bus, with its unmissable paint job. They’ve made big moves on the Portland music scene, and are throwing one last party before heading out on a national tour in early 2023.
Looking for another reason to go? They’ll be joined by Maine music legend and singer of Rustic Overtones and Paranoid Social Club, Dave Gutter.
Get your tickets now for this collection of Maine’s hottest acts, both young and old. The show starts at 7:30PM.
LIVE & LOCAL
We try not to double up on venues in the Live Music Guide, but again, given the limited number of options this week, we decided to make an exception. That being said, if you’re looking for a festively funky party, get back over to Portland House of Music and Events on Friday, December 23rd for The Red Eye Flight Crew Presents: Silent Flight!
Guaranteed to be one of the best choices to dance your way into the holiday weekend, The Flight Crew are a local nine-piece featuring Boston-native Gina Alibrio on vocals, and musicians from some of Maine’s biggest bands, including Rustic Overtones, Sister Sparrow & the Dirty Birds and more.
You can expect some blues, funk, pop, soul and festive vibes as the band rocks into the night. Known to have a few tricks up their sleeve, you may hear some things you wouldn’t expect, but it’s all sure to keep you moving!
Get your tickets now for the 8:00PM show.
MID-WEEK MUSIC
If you’re looking to start your holiday celebrations as early as posible, get to the St. Lawrence Arts Center Wednesday, December 21st for A Don Campbell Christmas, with the Don Campbell Band.
Award-winning singer-songwriter-composer Don Campbell has released two volumes of Christmas CDs, and you’ll be sure to hear some of those, some holiday classics, and other Don Campbell originals to keep the spirits high and vibes festive all through the evening.
Don is joined on-stage by his band of four master musicians to create a versatile, energetic ensemble that is known for blending a variety of music styles.
Catch one of Maine’s hottest acts in what is sure to be a festive celebration and an all-ages Christmas extravaganza. Tickets are still available for the 7:00PM show.
STAFF PICK
Looking for another chance to kickstart the holiday weekend with some live music before spending time with the family? Sun Tiki Studios‘s Christmas Party this year has been rescheduled for this Friday, December 23rd, for a free party featuring live music from local bands, Beers Brosnan and Spall.
The party will include prizes from Landrace Cannabis Co., great live music from two of Portland’s more underground rock bands, and did we mention it was FREE?? Advance tickets are encouraged to ensure your spot, but if you’r looking for a free way to kick off the weekend’s festivities, this is where you want to be. Show starts at 8:00PM.
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.