Friends of Congress Square Park

Swing Dance with Honky Tonk Heroes and Portland Swing Project
2016-05-11 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Detroit) | Congress Square Park, Portland, ME, 04101, United States
Join the Friends of Congress Square Park and Portland Swing Project as we host another summer of swing dances to fantastic live music! We’re kicking off the season on May 11th with the talented Honky Tonk Heroes, so bring a picnic dinner, grab your dancing shoes and come join your friends in Congress Square Park.

The Honky Tonk Heroes dish out a blend of Juke-Joint swing, Classic Country and Rock n’ Roll. Led by Jed Bresette, this six-piece band provides bluesy melodies, creamy-thick harmonies and uninhibited improvisation, all supported by a rock-steady rhythm section. Featuring: Jon Cooper on Slide Steel, Kyle Morgan on Lead Guitar, Jake Hoffman on Bass, Don Whitney on Drums and Pip Walter on Fiddle.

Portland Swing Project is a local organization with a passion for swing music and dances of the 1920s to today. We teach, dance, perform and provide live and DJ’d swing music spanning a century to local venues. We’re also some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet – we have a bunch of fun so come join us! For information on weekly classes and dances, private lessons and special events, check out www.portlandswingproject.com.

Planting Day!
2016-05-07 09:00 - 14:00 (America/Detroit) | Congress Square Park, Portland, ME, 04101, United States
Calling all green thumbs. Did you know that Congress Square Park is part of the Portland Pollinator Corridor? Yup, that’s right, and this year we’re adding even more native plants, like highbush blueberries. Yum. Come get your hands dirty with your fellow neighbors and help us make Portland’s pollinators happy!

Raging Brass Reggae
2016-05-06 06:00 - 20:00 (America/Detroit) | Congress Square Park, Portland, ME, 04101, United States
Raging Brass Reggae returns to Congress Square Park to kick off our Friday night events for the May First Friday Artwalk! This high energy 7-piece ska ensemble is sure to get you on your feet.
RBR was formed in 2014 by trumpeter Marc Chillemi. This 7-piece brass band pays tribute to 1960s Jamaican Ska, Rocksteady and Roots Reggae instrumentals. Created in South Portland, Maine, RBR includes trumpet, trombone, alto & tenor saxophones, guitar, tuba and drums. Featuring an all-star collection of musicians from Portland based bands Primo Cubano, Rustic Overtones, The Fogcutters Big Band, Sly Chi, and the Portland Rumba Project.
Raging Brass Reggae has been a long time vision of Marc’s that has finally come to fruition. After hearing the music of the legendary Skatelites for the first time, Marc knew he wanted to learn and play this music.
Marc assembled a hand-pick horn section from Portland’s most inventive and soulful players. Using tuba instead of electric bass, which is common in New Orleans music and brass bands from around the world, the beginning of the RBR sound was in place. Marc calls this rhythmic foundation “T&D”.
In addition to the performance side of RBR, there is an educational element. In 2014, Marc was awarded a project grant by the Maine Arts Commission to start a pilot program to teach young music students about jazz improvisation and how to groove as a group through this Jamaican music and it’s history that lead to its invention. The program serves as an expansion to the existing methods used in public schools throughout the United States. Our goal is to inspire groups of horn players to explore and discover their own sound and style. Out of many one sound.

Chase the Chill - Knitting in Public
2016-05-05 09:30 - 11:00 (America/Detroit) | Congress Square Park, Portland, ME, 04101, United States
Calling all knitters and crocheters! Lend your needles and hooks to creating a scarf, hat, mittens or socks that will be used to decorate Congress Square Park on Veterans Day, November 11, 2016! The items will be displayed on trees, benches, light poles, etc. Anyone who needs or likes something is welcome to take it free of charge and wrap themselves up in it!
You can create on your own or if you’d like to work together drop by the Square any Thursday morning from 9:30-11am for part or all of the time. Please bring your own supplies. If you have yarn, needles or hooks that you’d like to donate for this project, please let us know.
https://www.facebook.com/ChasetheChillPortlandMaine/

Meet the Finalists: Congress Square Redesign Public Forum
2016-05-04 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Detroit) | Congress Square Park, Portland, ME, 04101, United States
You are invited to attend a FREE public forum at the Portland Museum of Art to meet the four finalist design teams for the Congress Square Redesign project. The forum will include a presentation from each finalist and a question and answer session. RSVP is required to attend, capacity is limited to 180 attendees. Click here to RSVP.
The four finalist design teams are (in alphabetical order):
– CRJA – IBI (Boston, MA)
– Michael Boucher Landscape Architecture (Freeport, ME)
– Terry DeWan & Associates with Olin Studio (Yarmouth, ME and Philadelphia, PA)
– WRT (Philadelphia, PA)
The public forum is an opportunity for the community to learn about the prospective consultants and provide input on the finalists. The City wants to hire design professionals that the community will be excited about and who will be good partners with the City, Community, and the selected artist.
An online survey will also be available to gather community input about the finalists. The presentations will be recorded and broadcast by CTN. Visit the project webpage for updates and information about the finalists:portlandmaine.gov/1113/Congress-Square-Redesign

Tai Chi Chih/Qigong
2016-05-04 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Detroit) | Congress Square Park, Portland, ME, 04101, United States
Take an hour out of your busy week to enjoy a free Tai Chi Chih/Qigong class with Raymond Reid.
Tai Chi Chih (pronounced tie chee cha) is a non martial form of Tai Chi that increases the life force or vital energy that flows through us and all things in the universe.
Tai Chi Chih consists of 19 movements and one posture. Tai Chi Chih creates an awareness of and influences dimensions of our being that are not part of traditional exercise programs.

May Day Celebration!
2016-05-01 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Detroit) | Congress Square Park, Portland, ME, 04101, United States
Join us for the official opening of our 2016 season with our 2nd annual May Day Celebration! Don’t miss this wonderful family friendly community event in celebration of Spring and public spaces!
There will be May Pole festivities, games & crafts, a spring treat bake sale, face painting, and New England folk dancing with live fiddle music by The Violin Movers, and instruction by Caller Maggie Robinson.Fun, easy social dances for all ages – families, singles, and couples welcome. Bring friends, bring the kids!
And, thanks to all the wonderful seniors from 10 Congress Square Plaza and 100 State Street who have been busy meeting and making tissue and crepe paper flowers for the May baskets and May crowns that will be given away for the celebration!

Extinction Sucks
2016-04-30 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Detroit) | Congress Square Park, Portland, ME, 04101, United States
Extinction Sucks is a public art and kite flying event by artist Michael Lewis in conjunction with the closing of “Bird: I Wish I Could Have Met You,” a solo show of paintings currently at the Vestibule 594. Chef Michael Beers will serve up an incredible meal culled from a flock of extinct birds to nine famous naturalists. Immediately following the meal there will be a ceremonial kite in honor of the birds.

World Tai Chi & Qigong Day
2016-04-30 10:00 - 23:00 (America/Detroit) | Congress Square Park, Portland, ME, 04101, United States
Take a moment out of your busy schedule to join Tai Chi & Qigong participants from around the globe for an hour of meditative movement and breathing. Class will be led by Raymond G. Reid. (No previous experience necessary!) http://www.taichichihstudio.com/
Tai Chi Chih (pronounced tie chee cha) is a non martial form of Tai Chi that increases the life force or vital energy that flows through us and all things in the universe.
On April 30th the world … will “breathe” together! WORLD TAI CHI & QIGONG DAY brings humanity together around health and healing and connection … Qigong
means “breathing exercise” or “life energy exercise.” In over
80 nations each year the world comes together to “breathe together.” For more information visit: WorldTaiChiDay.org

Community Event: Urban Earth Day
2016-04-24 12:00 - 16:00 (America/Detroit) | Congress Square Park, Portland, ME, 04101, United States
We’re proud to co-sponsor Urban Earth Day in Congress Square Park – a day to recognize, respect and learn the importance of an urban society working together with the natural environment for a stronger tomorrow!
Performances • ongoing activities for kids and families • Inspired artisans • natural healing • Eco friendly Info Tables
On stage:
Lee Chisholm
Zack De La Rouda
Rachel Lyn Rumson
Happy folk
Amanda Parkhust
Morgyn Danae
Trash Hat Fashion
Marissa Caminiti
Earth Person
Portland Protectors
Myles Bullen
Drum circle f/Nanintu
**Urban Earth Day is also accepting toiletry donations for Preble Street**
To learn more: http://www.urbanearthday.info/

Park Clean Up Day
2016-04-10 09:00 - 14:00 (America/Detroit) | Congress Square Park, Portland, ME, 04101, United States
We’re getting ready for another great season of free public art events and activities! Come help us sweep off the winter grime and get the park looking spick and span. Plus, we’ll be bringing back out our adirondack chairs, custom made benches and cafe tables and chairs!

Pumpkins in the Square
2015-10-25 16:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Congress Square Park, Portland, ME, 04101, United States
Friends of Congress Square Park is proud to present Pumpkins in the Square! Bring the whole family for an end-of-season pumpkin carving and painting celebration! Enjoy warm cider and Holy Donuts and live bluegrass music by Northwood.
BYOP or buy one at the event. At dusk the pumpkins will be lit for a group photo and The Friends of Congress Square Park Programming Committee will crown the pumpkin carving victor!
Garbage to Gardens will be on hand to help compost the gooey insides.
Northwood is a 4 piece acoustic group that carefully blends sounds ranging from bluegrass to gypsie folk, country to pop. They are built from strong instrumentation and powerful three part harmonies.

A special thanks to Holy Donuts for their generous support! YUM!!

Films in the Square: BE KIND REWIND
2015-10-14 18:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Congress Square Park, Portland, ME, 04101, United States
In appreciation of Videoport for 28 years of steadfast dedication to Portland’s movie-watching culture — a free screening of Michel Gondry’s modern videostore classic, Be Kind Rewind at sunset in Congress Square Park.
Two bumbling store clerks (Jack Black and Mos Def) inadvertently erase the footage from all of the tapes in their video rental store. In order to keep the business running, they re-shoot every film in the store with their own camera, with a budget of zero dollars.
Presented with SPACE Gallery. Film starts at sunset. Dress warm!

Waking Windows Portland & Artist Market
2015-10-10 12:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Congress Square Park, Portland, ME, 04101, United States
We’re thrilled to be a venue for Waking Windows : Portland, ME – a music, arts, comedy, and literature festival that will take place Saturday, October 10, 2015 in downtown Portland, ME and will feature over 60 performers in 8 venues.
The 5 performances in Congress Square Park are FREE. There will also be an artist market from 12-5pm.
Join us for a day of music and art in the Square!
Micromasse 12:00pm-12:40pm
Rick from Pile 1:00pm-1:40pm
Forget Forget 2:00pm-2:40pm
Yazan 3:00pm-3:40pm
Sunset Hearts 4:00pm-4:45pm

Music in the Square : Choro Louco
2015-10-03 16:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Congress Square Park, Portland, ME, 04101, United States
Brazilian Choro has been around for over a hundred years. Its beautiful melodies, complex harmonies, and syncopated rhythms combine elements of European folk and classical, ragtime, jazz, Latin, and African music creating a style that is uniquely Brazilian and enormously appealing.
The members of Choro Louco started meeting informally in 2013 to play through some choro tunes – and have evolved into a classic sounding choro ensemble. They are driven by a love of the music and a desire to share it with others. None have ever been to Brazil, but they’re crazy enough to give it a try…hence the name, Choro Louco…
Carl Dimow, flute and guitar, has played jazz, classical, and klezmer music here and abroad with the Casco Bay Tummlers, and numerous other ensembles. Nicole Rabata, Carl’s former student and now a teacher herself, is best known in celtic music circles, but also plays classical flute with the Colby College orchestra and the Bangor symphony. Joel Eckhaus comes from an old time/jazz/pop/vaudeville background and has applied his knowledge of the ukulele to the cavaquinho, Brazil’s version of the uke. David Newsam. 7-string guitar and mandolin, brings decades of experience as a jazz and classical guitarist to his choro playing. Eric La Perna, fabulous percussionist with Okbari and Alhan, brings his great hand percussion skills to the pandeiro, the Brazilian tambourine.

FamilyAffair: An evening with God.Damn.Chan. and friends
2015-10-02 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Congress Square Park, Portland, ME, 04101, United States
Come dance in Congress square park in celebration of the lives of Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet.
Trvp Nite resident dj and producer God.Damn.Chan. will curate your booty shaking soundtrack with bass-soaked party jams.
Bring dancing shoes. Don’t drink the wine.

GHOSTBUSTERS! Interactive Screening of a Classic
2015-09-30 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Congress Square Park, Portland, ME, 04101, United States
Join us for a screening of one of the best films from one of the best years in American Cinema, 1984’s Ghostbusters. That’s saying a lot since Gremlins, The Karate Kid, Beverly Hills Cop, Temple of Doom, Terminator, Purple Rain, Spinal Tap, Repo Man, Romancing The Stone, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Sixteen Candles and a ton more all came out in 1984.
What the heck do we mean by an “interactive screening?” – Each visitor or group will get their own noisemaker (like a kazoo for example) attached to a notecard with instructions for when to use said noisemaker (every time a character says “gatekeeper” for example). If you’ve seen it 100 times come flex your Ghostbusters viewing muscles by being right on cue, if you’ve never seen Ghostbusters – first of all what’s wrong with you? jk – we can’t think of a better first time to see it than this, and if you’re like most people and have seen it but it’s been awhile come watch it with fresh eyes…and a buzzer.
INSTRUCTIONS AND PARTICIPATORY MATERIALS AT 6:00, FILM BEGINS AT DUSK.

Downeast Soul Coalition
2015-09-25 06:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Congress Square Park, Portland, ME, 04101, United States
Five musicians who met in Maine’s musical melting pot, Downeast Soul Coalition has been serving up a tasty and original blend of soul, funk, blues, and R&B since 2012. Each member of the Coalition brings a wealth of musical talents and influences to the band’s high energy performances.
DSC’s tight sound is anchored by funky bassist frontman Scott Morrison and driven by the relentless grooves of drummer Nancy Durham. It features the scorching sounds of guitarist Nelson Nadeau, punchy horn lines and soulful saxophone solos by Kate Campbell Strauss, and the jump blues rhythms and beastly Hammond solos of Mike Vaughan. DSC has produced and released two albums, which have received airplay on WMPG, WBLM, and WHUS. The band continues to attract a loyal following and moves audiences at clubs, festivals, and parties throughout Maine.

Pelleas et Melisande Open Air Screening
2015-09-24 19:30 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Congress Square Park, Portland, ME, 04101, United States
Come join us for an evening film screening of the Claude Debussy’s opera Pelléas et Mélisande, directed and designed by brilliant postmodernist Richard Wilson, at the Salzburg Festival in 1997. Wilson reinterprets this turn of the century love triangle with his signature minimalist set design and movement while staying true to the opera’s classical sense, and his production is rich and dreamlike in shifting blues.
Bring a picnic and a blanket indulge in this stark, strange, and deeply beautiful story of thwarted love.

Dance Party for Everyone!
2015-09-23 06:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Congress Square Park, Portland, ME, 04101, United States
Dance Your Heart Out and Your Socks Off with the Friends of Congress Square Park and Reggie Osbourne at our fall dance party in Congress Square Park!
Popular Dances from the Past 75 Years – Stroll, Twist, Bunny Hop, Rhumba, Polka and More!
Something for Everybody, Family Friendly
No Experience Necessary. Some basic instruction will be offered.

Bonsai Visions Art and Nature in Harmony
2015-09-19 10:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Congress Square Park, Portland, ME, 04101, United States
For centuries artists in the Far East have been sculpting bonsai as an expression of their passion for the drama and beauty of nature. Unknown to most, the Art of Bonsai has gained a firm foothold here in Maine!

PM Salsa featuring Primo Cubano
2015-09-18 17:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Congress Square Park, Portland, ME, 04101, United States
ALL Level dancers wanted! DANCE FLOOR PROVIDED!
5:00-5:30 FREE 1/2 hr Beginner Salsa lesson w/Wendy of PM SALSA
5:30-7:00 Live Music w/ Primo Cubano

Silence in the Square
2015-09-17 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Congress Square Park, Portland, ME, 04101, United States
Art in the Square presents Silence in the Square: Live Soundtracks and Silent Film.
Inspired by American composer and artist John Cage’s writings, join us for a selection of silent films and live music installation. Bring a picnic, and watch original screenings come to life with the infusion of sound.
In collaboration with curators Ashleigh Burskey and Denis Nye and the following visiting artists: Local electronics enthusiast Galen Richmond will perform a score for the 1902 Georges Méliès film, “A Trip to the Moon”. Patrick Corrigan, known for street-based art performances and videos, will screen “The Secret Adventures of Tom Thumb” by The Bolex Brothers with music and sound effects in collaboration with RJ Miller and Dave Noyes of the RJ Miller Quartet. Following guest artists, composer Denis Nye has created an intricate, improvisational composition to accompany Buster Keaton’s film “The Balloonatic”.

Films in the Square: Peter Pan
2015-09-13 19:15 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Congress Square Park, Portland, ME, 04101, United States
Discover Neverland at an outdoor screening of Peter Pan! Bring some chairs and popcorn, and enjoy this wonderful Disney classic co-presented with Portland Summer Films! Always free, always fun.

The Bayside Trio
2015-09-12 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Congress Square Park, Portland, ME, 04101, United States
Widely recognized for their dynamic and imaginative approach, the Bayside Trio is a bold new voice in contemporary chamber music today. Dedicated to pioneering new works, creatively arranging for their instrumentation and presenting compelling repertoire that is seldom heard, the Trio is passionate about inspiring their audiences with inventive interpretations of progressive new works. The program will include Bach, Haydn, Martinu, and Piazzolla.
There will be an opening Tango dance performance from 6-6:30pm.
Anastasia Antonacos has given notable performances around the world as a solo recitalist and chamber musician. She has played at venues such as the Salle Cortot, Casa Orfeo, Holland’s Alkmaar Conservatory, and Alice Tully Hall. She has also played in Greece, Russia, France, and Belgium, as well as various places in the U.S., including Washington D.C.Dr. Antonacos has made solo appearances with the Northshore Philharmonic Orchestra, the Midcoast Symphony Orchestra, the Portland Symphony Orchestra, and the Bangor Symphony Orchestra. A former member of the full-time piano faculty at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, she holds a master’s and doctorate in piano performance from Indiana University in Bloomington, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Maine School of Music. She lives with her husband and daughter in Portland, where she was named one of the 100 Most Influential People of Portland by the Phoenix.
Flutist Nicole Rabata has performed throughout Europe, Asia and the United States as a soloist and chamber musician. Recent performance highlights include appearances at Interharmony International Music Festival in Bavaria, the International Flute Festival of Lund, Sweden and the Magic Flute Festival in Stockholm. She was selected as guest performer and presenter at the National Flute Conventions in both New York City and San Diego. She has appeared at the White Mountain Bach Festival, Portland Chamber Music Festival and has been featured on NPR National Radio, BBC Glasgow and French National Television. She has adjudicated and coached chamber music at the Bay Chamber Concerts’ Next Generation program, and recently travelled twice to India to teach and perform, co-directing and coaching a chamber music program at the Gandhi Ashram School in the Himalayas and presenting concerts in Northeast Bengal.

Portland Swing Project featuring The Hadacol Bouncers
2015-09-11 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
The Hadacol Bouncers plays the music of Fats Waller, James P. Johnson, Louis Armstrong and more: a fun hybrid of New Orleans Jazz, Chicago Style Jazz, novelty songs and other classics from the great American songbook, with a traditional lineup of banjo/tenor guitar, piano, tuba, drums, trombone, soprano sax/clarinet and trumpet/cornet.
The Portland Swing Project brings the music and dances of the 1920s-40s to our modern-day city through weekly classes, live music, dances and performances.

Kitten Therapy!
2015-09-09 11:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
Midday stress got you down? Lighten up your day with a dose of kitten therapy in Congress Square Park.
The Animal Refuge League and Dextrous Creative will be hosting kitten therapy on Wednesday, September 9th inviting park goers to take a break from their busy day to relax and play in a box of bouncing kittens.

Out of Your Hands: is more than a manicure
2015-09-05 12:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
What do painted nails say and not say about us? When we choose a color, a design, a length what are we consciously or subconsciously saying about ourselves? Participants will be invited to have their nails painted as a divider separates them from the artists, the process, and the final product. What will your nails say about you when they are out of your hands?

Watch This! Film Festival - movies by whoever
2015-09-04 06:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
The Art Department (Creative Trails) and Bomb Diggity Arts (Momentum) are proud to present Watch This! Film Festival – Movies by whoever.
A superhero and animation themed short film night at Congress Square Park. Check out some great work by local filmmakers.

Films in the Square: Annie Hall
2015-08-30 19:15 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Congress Square Park, Portland, ME, 04101, United States
Films in the Square: Annie Hall co-presented with Portland Summer Films
