Micromassé
2016-08-05 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Detroit) | Congress Square Park, Portland, ME, 04101, United States
Micromassé is a trio of established Portland musicians featuring organist Peter Dugas, guitarist Max Cantlin and drummer Chris Sweet. Inspired by the great jazz organ groups of the fifties and sixties, Micromassé also draws from traditional and contemporary African and Latin music.
“You won’t miss a vocalist here. Micromasse, a jazz trio featuring Max Cantlin, Chris Sweet and Peter Dugas, is as cool as they come; showing off some incredible chops with the finesse and nuance needed to create a true mood. It’s delightfully old-fashioned with enough originality. Standouts include Hinche and Ruelle Des Ursulines in this solid 10-song debut.”
– Dispatch Magazine

Films in the Square: On Golden Pond
2016-08-07 20:00 - 22:00 (America/Detroit)
Join us every Sunday evening at dusk for Films in the Square co-presented by Portland Summer Films. Bring a lawn chair, sit back and enjoy classic films in an outdoor venue. June 5th through August 28th.
Co-Presented By:

Sponsored by:

CS Public Art Forum
2016-08-08 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Detroit)
The Portland Public Art Committee is pleased to announce that four artists have been selected as finalists for the Congress Square Public Art Commission. Join us to meet the artist finalists at a free public forum!
Portland Museum of Art auditorium (7 Congress Square)
Free and open to the public

RSVP by August 5th: http://whoozin.com/V4W-DRP-YK69. (RSVP is required to attend, capacity is limited to 180 attendees. )

The four artists are:

Ned Kahn (Sebastopol,, CA)
Patrick Marold (Denver, CO)
Matthew Ritchie (New York City, NY)
Sarah Sze (New York City, NY)

Visit the project webpage for updates and information about the finalists: portlandmaine.gov/1113/Congress-Square-Redesign
Interested parties are invited to attend a free public forum that will include a presentation from each finalist and a question and answer session. The public forum is an opportunity for the community to learn about the prospective artists and provide input on the finalists. The City wants to hire an artist that the community will be excited about and who will be good partners with the City and the selected design team. An online survey will also be available to gather community input about the finalists. The presentations will be recorded and broadcast by CTN.

A Kornucopia featuring Tamar Korn
2016-08-10 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Detroit)
Tamar Korn has been a New York-based vocalist for the last decade, playing a repertoire steeped in traditional New Orleans and early jazz, western swing, and American roots music. Her formative years were with one of the pioneers of New York hot jazz revival, The Cangelosi Cards, and she now leads her own band, A Kornucopia. Tamar is a founding member of both The Brain Cloud and The Grand St. Stompers and she often appears with Baby Soda jazz band, Terry Waldo, and on occasion joins the violinist Mark O’Connor as well as Irish folklorist and tenor banjo and bouzouki player Mick Moloney. Her love is of singing songs both lyrically as well as playing her voice “instrumentally”. Tamar has toured throughout North America, as well as to Scandinavia, France, Lithuania, China, and the Caribbean and has appeared at venues all over New York ranging from establishments such as Cafe Carlyle and Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola to retro-nouveau speakeasyish pop-up affairs such as Shanghai Mermaid and The Salon. www.tamarkornvoice.wordpress.com
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.

Bayside Trio (Contemporary Chamber)
2016-08-11 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Detroit)
Back by popular demand, Bayside Trio joins us for a special Thursday evening performance, complete with PortTango dancers.
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.
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.
Benjamin Noyes, originally from Maine, studied in Boston before leaving for San Francisco at age 15 to participate in San Francisco Conservatory’s preparatory division. He won numerous awards while attending SOTA, an arts magnet high school in San Francisco , including top prizes in NFAA’s ARTS Recognition Competition, National Federation of Music Clubs Competition, and the National ASTA competition. After graduating, he was selected by Yo-Yo Ma to perform as soloist and recitalist throughout China, with the Beijing, Chengdu, Shenzen and Shanghai Symphony Orchestras. He received his BM from Rice University and his MM from Northwestern University playing under numerous maestros, including Pierre Boulez, Daniel Barenboim, and Mstislav Rostropovich. As a fellowship recipient he attended the Tanglewood Institute, the New York String Orchestra Seminar, Yale’s summer festival in Norfolk, CT, Sarasota Chamber Music Festival, the Aspen Festival, and participated in the Meadowmount program. A multi-faceted individual, Benjamin Noyes has as many talents as interests. His career currently finds him collaborating and participating in groups performing an eclectic array of styles, from improvising/composing with poets Gil Helmick and Lola Haskins, performing with the hip hop collective Immense Porpoise, jazz cellist in Quartet MUS, arranging and producing electronic music for the upcoming show Women’s Works, a concert of modern dance produced by Shana Bloomstein, as well as continued participation in various chamber ensembles in the area, including The Island Chamber Players and the Bayside Trio. He also finds immense joy sharing his passion for the arts as a teacher, coach and motivator of all ages and professions.

Films in the Square: Snow White
2016-08-14 20:00 - 22:00 (America/Detroit)

Downeast Soul Coalition
2016-08-17 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Detroit)
Downeast Soul Coalition returns for an encore performance! 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.

Cast Aside Productions: Hamilton Sing-Along
2016-08-18 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Detroit)
You’ve been singing the songs in your shower for the past year; now you can join other Hamilton fans in Congress Square Park for a revolutionary sing-along.

Dress in your finest Hamilton-inspired outfit, grab your friends, and don’t throw away your shot at singing along to the 11 time Tony Award-winning musical.

Community DIY Bunting-Making with #stitchHIVE
2016-08-19 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Detroit)
Do you love Congress Square Park? We’ll help you stitch your LOVE onto a small cloth panel to be hung in the park for all to see! No experience necessary. All ages welcomed (children under 10 will need adult assistance). All supplies provided. It’s FREE. It’s FUN. It’s #stitchHIVE!

Zeme Libre
2016-08-19 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
“Zeme Libre is a New England based band that is quickly gaining a reputation for its unique, high energy blend of Afrobeat, reggae, ska, and funk. Consisting of veteran performers from around the country, members of Zeme Libre have played and shared the stage with such great acts as: Michael Franti and Spearhead, Culture, Toots and the Maytals, Black Uhuru, Wyclef Jean, The English Beat, Burning Spear, De La Soul, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, The Wailers, The Skatalities, Bim Skala Bim, Ozomatli, Lee “Scratch” Perry and Yellowman.
Whether on a stage at a local club or a high profile festival, Zeme Libre packs a wall of sound that is sure to get the crowd moving and dancing. Afro-fusion, hard tinged reggae, and ska…. Zeme Libre!”

Community Event: Maine Hip Hop Summit
2016-08-20 12:00 - 20:00 (America/Detroit)
Come enjoy live art, music, performances, and more at the 4th annual Maine Hip Hop Summit!
Check out the video from last year’s summit here!

Films in the Square: Moonrise Kingdom
2016-08-21 19:30 - 21:30 (America/Detroit)

Games & Fun, International Board Games
2016-08-24 15:30 - 17:00 (America/Detroit)
Join us for Games & Fun, International Board Games with Jerry LaSala, Professor of Physics and Chair of the USM Physics Department. All ages and skill levels welcome – come discover some of Jerry’s surprises of ancient, old and new games from all over the world!

Contradance with Barefoot and Caller Maggie Robinson
2016-08-24 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Detroit)
Contradance in the Square!
Come join in the dance led by Caller Maggie Robinson and the band Barefoot playing driving fiddle tunes to keep your feet moving. With Ed Howe on 5-string fiddle and Jamie Oshima on mandolin, keyboard, and foot percussion, Maggie Robinson will teach and cue the dances, no experience necessary.

New England Contra Dance features live fiddle music, and has been around for a couple hundred years. It is kept fresh with innovative new tunes and dance moves. You can come with or without a partner, do bring some water and prepare to have fun!

Community Event: Community Support Concert
2016-08-26 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Detroit)
Back for a second year in a row, please join us for a special afternoon concert with three local community support bands.
MVRA’s Back Bay Rockerz:
The Back Bay Rockerz are a group of men and women who love music and attend MVRA’s day program Back Bay Connections located in Portland Maine. The band formed 4 years ago and has been jamming ever since! They enjoying writing and playing originals songs as well as practicing cover songs. They have interests in all genres of music especially Classic Rock. This will be their second live performance in Congress Square Park and are very excited to get to do it again!
Feel free to check out this music video made by MVRA’s Back Bay Rockerz!

Listen up’s The Furry Ambers :
The Furry Ambers are a band made up of participants from the Listen Up! Music non-profit day program. They play original folk/rock/pop music that blends the skills and perspectives of four very talented and individual songwriters. They have released their debut album “Turn Around the Tide” and are currently recording the follow-up. They have played in Portland at The Big Easy, One Longfellow Square, Slainte, and The Art Department.
You can listen to their music here: http://listenupmusicmaine.bandcamp.com/album/turn-around-the- tide. And check out a radio documentary about them here: https://soundcloud.com/emilyforman/the-furry- ambers
Casa’s Clearwater Benders:
Are a rock band based out of Westbrook, Maine. The band was founded in early 2011 and the core group of members that live together at a supported living program run by Casa, Inc. They are a group of musicians from all walks of life. If you come to one of our performances, you will immediately be taken over by the undeniable spirit and passion of Rock n’ Roll wasn’t meant to be perfect and neither are The Clearwater Benders — but we love music, we love performing together and we hope that our fans will enjoy our brand of Rock n’ Roll as much as we do.

Hurry Down Sunshine
2016-08-27 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Detroit)
A special Saturday afternoon lunchtime performance with Brian Kavanah and Stan Davis playing jazz standards, the blues, love songs, and other songs about life. Brian’s singing, Stan’s storytelling, and their two guitars weave a tapestry of complex, ever-changing music. Their music combines deep, emotional vocals and improvised acoustic guitar melodies. Like the guitarist Michael Hedges, they play the guitar because it lets us dream out loud.
For more, please visit http://www.hurrydownsunshine.com/

Films in the Square: Star Wars the Force Awakens
2016-08-28 19:30 - 21:30 (America/Detroit)

Community Event: Swing Dance with Tuba Skinny and Portland Swing Project
2016-08-29 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Detroit)
Formed in in 2009, Tuba Skinny has steadily evolved from a loose collection of street musicians into a solid ensemble dedicated to bringing the traditional New Orleans sound to audiences around the world. Drawing on a wide range of musical influences—from spirituals to Depression-era blues, from ragtime to traditional jazz—their sound evokes the rich musical heritage of their New Orleans home. The band has gained a loyal following through their distinctive sound, their commitment to reviving long-lost songs, and their barnstorming live performances.

www.tubaskinny.com
https://tubaskinny.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Tuba-Skinny-198301143539894/?ref=hl

https://www.facebook.com/groups/tubaskinny/

The Novel Jazz Septet
2016-08-31 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Detroit)
The Novel Jazz Septet comes to Congress Square Park to feature the swinging music of the great American jazz composers, Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. The band performs well-known compositions, plus rare, vintage gems, recently unearthed from original scores at the Smithsonian in Washington D.C. and re-interpreted for you at Congress Square Park. These guys travel far and wide, keeping the spirit of Duke and Swee’Pea alive and swinging!
Check ’em out on FB @ Novel Jazz Septet or www.mainejazz.net

Circus Ole
2016-09-02 17:00 - 17:45 (America/Detroit)
Circus Ole` is an animal free circus that provides all the elements of a traditional circus without the use of live animals. Enjoy this 45 minute First Friday Art Walk performance.
Fun for the whole family, come one come all… Ole`!
www.circus-ole.com

Monarck Lisa (Indie pop)
2016-09-02 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Detroit)
On Friday, September 2nd, Monarck Lisa will be bringing their unique blend of groove oriented soul pop to Congress Square Park. With their vibrant female vocals, front and center horns, and powerhouse rhythm section, they bring their original music to the crowd with what is always a fun and energetic performance. Don’t miss what promises to be a great way to end the summer!

Fódhla - Irish music
2016-09-09 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Detroit)
Fódhla (pronounced “foh-luh”) – Irish music from Portland and Boston

After 15 years of performing together and recording on each other’s solo albums, Portland, Maine-based flute player Nicole Rabata and Boston-based fiddler Ellery Klein decided a group together was long overdue. With the addition of Bethany Waickman on guitar, the trio found a sound rooted in the traditional Irish music Ellery and Nicole honed during years abroad in the Irish cities of Cork, Limerick, and Ennis. The trio is also influenced by the depths of Nicole’s virtuosic classical music career, Ellery’s Americana sounds, and Bethany’s soft-spoken, yet driving, guitar playing.
Fódhla have been well received at festivals such as Portland’s Saltwater Festival, the Maine Celtic Celebration, and the Boston Celtic Music Festival. Their debut recording, Notes from Millpond, was released in December 2015 to a sold-out show at Acoustic Artisans in Portland.
Bios:
Fiddler Ellery Klein brings a style steeped in traditional Irish sounds seasoned with American fiddle styles. She toured with the Billboard-charting Irish music group Gaelic Storm from 2003-2007 and was a founding member of the all-female ensemble Long Time Courting. In 2015 she was invited to be a featured soloist with Duluth, MN’s Lake Superior Chamber Orchestra, performing Nickitas Demos’ Double Concert for Celtic and Bluegrass Fiddle. She holds an MA in Traditional Irish Music from the University of Limerick. www.elleryklein.net
Irish flutist Nicole Rabata is well known for her diverse musical interests including the classical, Celtic, and Brazilian choro genres. Holding an International Artist Diploma and Masters Degree in Performance from Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, England, she is on the faculty at Colby College and the University of Maine at Augusta. She spent four years in the west of Ireland immersing herself in traditional music, and has since traveled as a teacher and performer to Sweden, India, Germany, Italy, France and the UK. www.nicolerabata.com
Bethany Waickman is a guitarist based out of Portland, Maine. She grew up in a musical family in the Adirondack Mountains of northern New York state. After college she spent some time traveling, hiking, and playing music in Ireland. Upon returning, she moved to Boston to focus on music. She co-founded the contra dance trio, Anadama, and is the guitarist for VT-based fiddler/singer Lissa Schneckenburger. She’s toured across the US, Canada, Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, and Germany. Bethany moved to Maine in 2013 and has been enjoying the Portland session scene as well as keeping in rotation in the New England contra dance circuit. www.bethanywaickman.com

Try Your Hand (Calligraphy Art Interaction)
2016-09-10 10:00 - 13:00 (America/Detroit)
Did you ever wish you could write in another language? Or have beautiful penmanship in your own? Here’s a chance to Try Your Hand at an international calligraphy event at Congress Square Park!

People from around the world will show you how to write in their native script, such as Cyrillic, Japanese, Arabic. You’ll also have a chance to try Medieval and Modern Latin alphabet calligraphy. You’ll learn a few words and perhaps a proverb from the different cultures and be able to make a keepsake pendant with your choice of two languages. Come out and do something different at Congress Square Park!

Supplies will be provided and instruction is free.

Robin's Zodiac Yoga
2016-09-12 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Detroit)
Robin’s Zodiac Yoga starts your week off right with Sun and Moon salutations, deep stretches, twists, balance, and heart and hip openers. Attune your mind and body to the natural rhythm of the season including postures aligned with new and full moons. Energize with breath and movement, songs and sound, and other surprises that’ll make you smile. All levels are welcome including beginners. Robin promises a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Bring your own mat.

Watch This! film festival
2016-09-16 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Detroit)
The Art Department and Bomb Diggity Arts are teaming up once again to present the “WATCH THIS!” film festival. Through an open call for all sorts of creative filmmaking – short films, music videos, animations and claymations – Watch This! provides an eclectic mix of local films sure to delight.

Community Event: Tent of Casually Observed Phenologies
2016-09-18 12:00 - 18:00 (America/Detroit)
What Can Tarot cards teach us about climate change? Join artist James Leonard on Sunday, September 18th in Congress Square Park to find out!
It can be hard to face a future we fear. Divination has been used by cultures throughout the world to help people navigate difficult futures. Artist James Leonard has adapted Tarot cards to help others process what he calls “overwhelming climate anxiety.” This summer he’s traveling the country, making one-day stops to give climate change divinatory readings inside a special, handsewn tent.
Leonard will be inside his tent, offering free, private climate change readings. Everyone is invited. Readings last approximately 15 minutes each and are given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Leonard calls his artwork The Tent of Casually Observed Phenologies. From the outside, the tent looks like a cross between a post-apocalyptic wigwam and a children’s blanket fort. The rainbow interior is made out of brightly colored recycled clothing. It required over 500 hours of hand sewing to complete. Detailed tea-colored ink paintings of different plant and animal species—each reportedly affected by climate change are pinned to the outside.
Leonard explains, “A lot of thought has gone into The Tent of Casually Observed Phenologies. I wanted to create a space for contemplation, where participants can slow down, articulate questions and find clarity. Climate change is a universal concern. Art is the perfect place for expressing and evaluating concern.”
James Leonard is an internationally exhibited artist. He recently finished a 2016 artist residency at MASS MoCA. In 2015, he was artist-in-residence at the Boston Center for the Arts. When not on the road, he lives and works in Brooklyn, NY.

Happiness To Burn
2016-09-21 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Detroit)
Happiness to Burn (Lisa Redfern & Jenny Van West on vocals & guitars, Andy Happel on fiddle, Jon Cooper on dobro)
We will be serving up vocal harmony-infused country & swing, and maybe a Pink Floyd cover.

Salsa in the Square with PM Salsa & DJ Braulio
2016-09-23 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Detroit)
Join us for our monthly Salsa in the Square with Wendy Edwards of PM Salsa. These smokin’ hot dance nights are a park favorite and not to be missed!

Hewnoaks Showcase
2016-09-24 12:00 - 17:00 (America/Detroit)
Join us for our first annual Hewnoaks Showcase! Artists who have been in residence at the Hewnoaks Artist Colony on Kezar Lake will share recent work. Visual artists including Sarah Perea Kane, Pamela Moulton, Sarah Baldwin, Amelia Harnas, and Anne Scheer will display their work for sale, and Moulton and Baldwin will lead interactive demonstrations of their processes. At 3:30 pm, award-winning fiction writer Douglas Milliken will read stories, Kerry Herlihy will read from her memoir-in-progress, award-winning poet Lee Sharkey will read recent work, and composer James Falzone will provide beautiful music.
Art displays and demonstrations 12-5 pm, Performances at 3:30 pm

Community Event: Concert Across America to End Gun Violence
2016-09-25 12:00 - 15:00 (America/Detroit)
It’s said that this could be the Woodstock of 2016. (Mike Weisser, Huffington Post, 8.23.16).
On Sept. 25, 2016, the Concert Across America to End Gun Violence will happen at over 150 sites across the country. Portland’s event will be a free concert from noon to 3 pm at Congress Square Park. The Portland event is being sponsored by the Phoenix Chorale, Portland’s social justice choir. “It is right in line with our mission to change the world through song” comments Dr. Deirdre McClure, Artistic Director.
Concert coordinator Betsey Remage-Healey observes that “we’ve had such a string of recent gun tragedies from Orlando to St. Paul to Baton Rouge to Dallas. The Concert is a chance to honor the dead and energize the living. And in Maine, the cool thing is that we can do something in November with the background check referendum on the ballot.”
In addition to the Phoenix Chorale, performers will include Lyle Divinsky, Gina Allibrio, Wes Covey, Ronda Dale and Portland’s immigrant girls’ choir, Pihcintu. The concert will be introduced by Mayor Ethan Strimling, with additional remarks by the mother of a gun murder victim, Judi Richardson, and Nick Wilson, Executive Director of the Maine Gun Safety Coalition.
The event is co- sponsored by the Maine Gun Safety Coalition, Maine Moms Demand Action, Remembering Darien and the Friends of Congress Square Park.
Big names are signing on to events in Brooklyn and LA including Jackson Browne, Rosanne Cash, Marc Cohn. Don Felder, Ed Begley Jr., Kenny Loggins, Ryan Cabrera and Sabian Kale.
For more information about the national event, visit concertacrossamerica.org ; also visit the Portland event page at www.facebook.com/CAAportlandme/.
