Get your live music fix this week with the front-man of one of classic rock’s biggest jam bands, a Portland local who’s been making a huge impression on the city’s artistic community for several years, and two high-energy acts at some of Portland’s most intimate venues.
We’ve highlighted four of our top picks for this week, but you can always check out our Live Music Tonight calendar for the full list of live music in Portland.
THE HEADLINER
If you missed the Phish show in Bangor earlier this year, you’ve got a chance to catch founding member and lead guitarist/vocalist, Trey Anastasio, this Wednesday, November 9th when the Trey Anastasio Band comes to the Cross Insurance Arena.
The alt-rock jam-band has taken many shapes and sizes since its inception in 1998, starting as a three-piece, going up to ten, and currently touring as an octet, with a variety of members rotating in and out, including Phish drummer Jon Fishman, currently touring with the group.
You’ll be sure to hear some Phish favorites, as well as hits from Trey’s extensive side projects throughout the years. It will be a must-see for any diehard Phishhead.
Get your tickets now for the 7:30PM show.
LIVE & LOCAL
This Monday, and every Monday, stop in to The Jewel Box from 7:30PM – midnight for live music in the Mezzanine from Kafari.
If you’re familiar with the inner-workings of the Portland music scene, odds are you are familiar with Ahmad Kafari, and the amazing work he’s been involved in around the community for the past several years.
Music has been a part of Kafari’s life since he was a child in Cincinnati, and he has made a life here in Portland by teaching the art to the most marginalized of groups in the local community.
An incredibly gifted pianist, Kafari has been a staple at The Jewel Box for years, even hosting virtual sets on Monday nights during the pandemic. If you haven’t caught this amazing local musician yet, you should certainly put the free show on your calendar.
MID-WEEK MUSIC
If you need a shot of adrenaline and energy to get you through the work week, check out Andy Frasco & The U.N. at Aura on Thursday, November 10th.
This fun and eclectic eight-piece is known for blues rock “fueled by reckless abandonment and a disregard for rules.” Their wild shows are known for being highly improvisational, stopping mid-set for impromptu “battles” between band members, and including the audience in their shows (both off and on the stage).
Releasing eight studio albums, two live albums and a DVD since their inception in 2007, Andy Frasco and the U.N. have gained a reputation for their heavy D.I.Y work ethic, on and off the road.
For a fun break from the work week grind, get your tickets now for this 7:00PM show.
STAFF PICK
If you want to party this Saturday, November 12th, and you’re not afraid of getting a little weird, may we suggest Bella’s Bartok at Portland House of Music & Events.
Growing its roots as a Great Barrington, MA-based collection of post-punk showmen, Bella’s Bartok has evolved into an electric, brass-filled, accordian-based spectacle of their own brand of “foot-stomping freak folk.”
If Mumford & Sons, but with a more D&D / A/V Club vibe, sounds intriguing to you, get your tickets and check out this fun and unique 7:00PM show.
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.