We’re getting back on track this week in Portland, featuring some heavy hitters in the music scene. After a few weeks off, some of the city’s major venues are again hosting big name acts for you to sink your teeth into. This week, we’re highlighting three nationally touring acts that are ready to rock you to your core, plus a chance to dance the night away with local DJs.
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
As we said, 2023 is kicking into high gear this week, bringing some pretty big names to Maine, highlighted by this week’s headlining show on Friday, January 27th, when electronic rock duo BoomBox will be performing at the State Theatre, along with their live horn section, “The BackBeat Brass.”
BoomBox is known worldwide for their unique fusion of psychedelic rock, funk, soul, R&B, house and electronica, and the Backbeat Brass add a new spice to the band that has been greatly received since their addition in 2019. Loyal fans flock to every show they can, catching a unique performance every time, as the band is known to not use setlists and instead improvise and change their sets’ directions, based on the energy of the show.
If you’ve missed big name, globally-acclaimed performances in Portland these last few weeks, you will not want to miss this one. Tickets are still available for the 9:00PM show.
LIVE & LOCAL
Formerly known as Retro, FlaskDance is a recurring event at Flask Lounge with the purpose of giving Portland a place to dance all through the night, every single month.
This January’s edition is coming up on Saturday, January 28th, and FlaskDance is going all out with a collection of talented Portland DJs, featuring DJ Cougar, joined by the Sheesh Collective, a group of three local DJs, including Tylord, Meech, and Thiccboi Drewski.
DJ Cougar and Sheesh will be switching off through the night, from 8:00PM until 1:00AM, for a full five hours of live DJ performances. Bring your dancing shoes for this one!
This show is 21+, with a $5 cover at the door. Cover goes up to $10 after 10:00PM.
MID-WEEK MUSIC
Garage punk-rocker Jon Spencer is making his way to Portland at Sun Tiki Studios, this Wednesday, January 25th, and he’s bringing his newest band the HITmakers in tow.
Spencer has been playing with numerous garage rock and punk blues bands since the 80s, including Boss Hog, Heavy Trash, The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, and more. Jon Spencer & the HITmakers are coming off the release of their album “Spencer Gets It Lit,” last April, an album Spencer calls his “most uncompromising album” yet.
If you’re looking for some classic punk vibes to get you through your workweek, get your tickets now for this 8:00PM show.
STAFF PICK
Round out the month with a high-energy and infectious rock and roll performance from Mac Saturn at Portland House of Music & Events on Tuesday, January 31st.
This soul-powered five piece from Detroit has a classic rock sound with a funky vibe that is sure to get the whole crowd moving when they stop in Portland during their North American “Until the Money Runs Out” tour.
Take advantage of your chance to see an intimate performance from this up-and-coming band hailing from the city that gave us The White Stripes, The Stooges, Greta Van Fleet, and so many more. Tickets for the 8:00PM show are still available.
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.
