Another week, another slew of options for live music in Portland. This week features a more low key headlining act, and an array of local legends of the Maine music scene.
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
Hippo Campus most likely isn’t the band with the most name recognition we’ve featured in our Headliner spot, but the indie rock five-piece has gained a loyal following through their five EPs, three studio albums, and various side projects since starting in 2013.
Forming in their college years, it didn’t take long for the friends to gain wide acclaim, playing giant festivals such as Bonaroo, South by Southwest, and more, and being named one of NPR Music’s favorite new artists in 2017.
Hippo Campus brings their mellow, feel-good live act to the State Theatre this Saturday, October 15th for an 8:00PM show. They’ll have support from Japanese indie poppers, Chai.
Tickets are still available: $26 in advance, $30 at the door.
LIVE & LOCAL
Don Campbell and his band are one of the most acclaimed Maine-based musical acts that you’ll find playing a downtown bar on any given night. Don’s singing and song-writing has won him national-level competitions and the title of “Maine’s Best Singer-Songwriter” six times, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find him on a Thursday night at the local saloon.
The Don Campbell Band is coming to Three Dollar Dewey’s this Thursday, October 13th, from 6:00PM – 9:00PM. This high energy five piece isn’t afraid to venture down many different pathways of music, sampling the likes of Johnny Cash, John Denver, Van Halen, and more, along with their own original creations.
Start the weekend early, and bring back Thirsty Thursdays, along with some of the best local live music Maine has to offer!
MID-WEEK MUSIC
Thompson’s Point is just about wrapped up for the year, but they’re ending their seasonal concert series with an October residency from Portland locals, 12/OC. Every Wednesday in October, 12/OC, a formation of three local brothers and a drummer, will take on a new genre as they play into the evening.
This Wednesday, October 12th, the four-piece takes on “The Music of Country Legends.” Doors open at 5:30PM, and music begins at 6:00PM for the standing-room only show. You won’t have the same food truck options you became used to over the summer at Thompson’s Point, but you’ll still have great local options such as Stroudwater Distillery, or Bissell Brother.
Tickets are still available.
STAFF PICK
If you’re looking to get funky this weekend, it’s going to be hard to beat Motor Booty Affair’s Fundraiser Funktacular, supporting the Noyes Family & Friends Scholarship Foundation. Motor Booty Affair is Maine’s own ultimate disco party band, and they’ve been bringing groovy jams to the state for several years now, gaining a huge local fan following.
Their live show is always a good time, featuring plenty of 70s style afros, and the music of Earth, Wind and Fire, the Bee-Gees, Abba and more. This show will be your only chance to catch Motor Booty Affair in Greater Portland this month, and proceeds go to support a great cause that offers scholarships for two graduating students from Westbrook High School every year.
The event begins with raffles that last from 6PM-9PM, and the music is from 8:00PM to 10:00PM.
It all happens at the Elks Lodge in Portland, and your $25 ticket gets you in the door, along with free appetizers throughout the night.
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.