Many of Portland’s larger venues are taking a bit of a break after the holiday craze, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still find some great opportunities to get out and hear some amazing live music. This week, we have another Afrobeat Headlining act, and plenty of local musicians ready to play for you, including a couple free options headed your way!
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
If you’re a fan of Afrobeat, the past two weeks have been great for you. For the second week in a row, we have an Afrobeat headliner coming to Portland. Combining traditional West African music styles with American funk, jazz and soul, Afrobeat is a unique celebration of some of the best music to come out of Africa.
After growing up in Nigeria, the birthplace of Afrobeat, singer/guitarist Kaleta started performing in the 70s, playing at churches before being quickly noticed by music pioneer King Sunny Ade. It wasn’t long before Kaleta was touring with legendary Afrobeat band Egypt 80 throughout the 80s and 90s.
Now based out of New York, Kaleta and his Super Yamba Band have been playing together since 2017, playing historic venues and festivals ever since, and on Friday, January 6th, they’ll be stopping into Portland at One Longfellow Square.
Get your tickets now for the 8:00PM show.
LIVE & LOCAL
Get a toned-down taste of one of New England’s most veteran rock bands, with Quiet Riot Act, performing at Three Dollar Dewey’s this Thursday, January 5th!
Not to be confused with four-piece rockers Riot Act, this is an unplugged two-piece featuring local boys Johnny “Jam” Martinez (of Riot Act), and Scott “Skippy” Lank. This duo joins forces around Portland to play an entirely different setlist than what you’d hear at a Riot Act show, covering five decades of your favorite rock and roll, ranging from Sublime to Bob Marley to Paul Simon, and everything in between!
Catch their act (with no cover to get in!) this Thursday, beginning at 9:00PM.
MID-WEEK MUSIC
For more free music of an entirely different genre, get to Geno’s Rock Club on Tuesday, January 10th, and every second Tuesday, for Spellbound: New Wave Weirdness with DJ Mark Ryan!
Beginning at 9:00PM, dance the night away to an eclectic mix of nostalgic new wave hits that will get you ready to party no matter what day of the week it is.
This is a 21+ event, and Geno’s is a cash only venue, but again, zero cover to get you through the door!
STAFF PICK
Get a sneak preview of some of New England’s best up-and-coming DJs and producers this Wednesday, January 4th at Sun Tiki Studios. Stereo Dreams Producer Showcase, presented by Graphic Melee, is coming to highlight amazing creative local acts such as Goiter, Peace Out Pat, ThinkFishTank, and Trip Seat.
All four acts have gained loyal followings for their inventive dance beats and high energy music. Get yourself over to Sun Tiki on Wednesday to see some of tomorrow’s best talents to come out of New England as you dance away the evening to some heavy duty electronic music.
Tickets range from $5-$10, and the doors open 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.