Bandaloop (Vertical Dance)
2017-09-28 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Detroit) | Congress Square Park, Portland, ME, 04101, United States
Portland Ovations goes beyond the proscenium with vertical dance pioneer Bandaloop. Seamlessly weaving together dynamic physicality, intricate choreography, and the art of climbing, Bandaloop turns the dance floor on its side. The company’s unconventional venues run the gamut from the New York Stock Exchange and Seattle’s Space Needle to natural wonders like Yosemite’s El Capitan and majestic cliff faces in China. Together Ovations and Bandaloop scale new heights with free performances on the facades of two of Portland’s most iconic buildings.
Join Portland Ovations and Bandaloop Thursday, September 28 in Congress Square Park & The Westin Portland Harborview Hotel starting at 12 PM.

https://portlandovations.org/event/bandaloop/
Sponsored by: The Westin Portland Harborview Hotel, Preti Flaherty, One City Center, Dirigo Management Company
Supported by: National Performance Network, National Endowment for the Arts, and NEFA
Season Media Sponsor: Maine Magazine, Maine Home+Design Magazine, and Old Port Magazine

Hewnoaks Artist Colony Showcase
2017-09-28 18:00 - 20:00
Join us for our second annual Hewnoaks Showcase!
Artists who have been in residence at the Hewnoaks Artist Colony on Kezar Lake will share recent work. Visual artists will display their work for sale, with interactive demonstrations of their processes. Music will be played and writing will be shared.
*This event was postponed to September 28th due to rain. It’s original date was September 6th.

Downeast Soul Coalition
2017-09-29 18:00 - 20:00
Downeast Soul Coalition has been serving up a tasty and original blend of funk, soul, blues, and R&B since 2012. At the core of DSC’s sound are relentless and danceable grooves, strong vocals, creative solos, and a powerful horn section. The songlist includes originals and deep cuts that feature tight rhythms and tasteful improvisation. With high-energy performances and local radio airplay, DSC moves audiences at clubs, festivals, and private events throughout Maine and beyond.

Waking Windows Festival
2017-09-30 13:00 - 20:00
Featuring over 60 bands, writers, and comedians across multiple venues in East Bayside and Congress Street. On Saturday, September 30, performances will occur in Congress Square Park throughout the afternoon and evening.
FMI: www.facebook.com/WakingWindows
Tickets available at all Bull Moose locations and online: www.wakingwindows.com

Get into the rhythm:​ Music and Movement
2017-10-06 17:30 - 19:30
Join Spark Artist Collective for October First Friday Art Walk.
The Spark Artists Collective is a group of performers who bring music and creativity to all they encounter. In this event, people will be invited to become the performers as they explore different movement arts and musical instruments. Instruments will be provided or make your own simple instrument to take home.
Dance, make music or simply watch the performances!

Swing Dance with Clyde Bisbee and The Wheelhouse Revelers
2017-10-11 17:00 - 19:00
Join us for the final swing dance of the 2017 season with Clyde Bisbee and The Wheelhouse Revelers! A 6-piece, swing jazz & western swing dance band specializing in music from the golden era of jazz, the 1920’s, 30’s and 40’s. While many modern groups playing this style of music are decidedly “New Orleans,” in flavor, Clyde and the Wheelhouse Revelers approach the genre from the more northerly and western reaches. Their sound, while eschewing any singular label, has more of a west coast swing/western swing feel. Greats such as Louis Armstrong, Bob Wills, Billie Holiday, Milton Brown, Hank Williams and Louis Prima, to name a few, are in heavy rotation at their performances. Besides swing jazz and western swing, a bit of 1940’s and early 50’s jump blues are on the menu as well as some original music in keeping with the era.
www.clydebisbee.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.

Pumpkins in the Square
2017-10-22 13:00 - 15:00
Join us for the 3rd annual Pumpkins in the Square! Help us celebrate a successful 2017 season with pumpkin carving, hot cider, Hi-Fi donuts, and blue grass music with Shanna Underwood and the Wanderlost.

BYOP or buy one at the event. Prizes will be awarded for the best carved pumpkins.

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Thriller Throwdown
2017-10-26 17:30 - 18:30
Join us for the 5th anniversary of the Thriller Throwdown! What started as a flash mob of 30 dancers in 2012 now has grown into an annual event with more than 70 local dancers and hundreds of spectators. The Throwdown has moved to Congress Square Park and it’s now an all-out dance party! View last year’s Thriller Throwdown on YouTube.

Gather in the square and watch our zombies re-create Michael Jackson’s iconic video, then stay for a Halloween-themed dance party!

If you want to participate in the Thriller performance:

The dance party is free and open to the public. If you’d like to be trained to be a part of the Thriller Throwdown version of Michael Jackson’s classic music video, you can sign up for classes at Avant Dance and Event Center. For more information, visit Avant’s website
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End of Season Gardening Day!
2017-10-28 09:00 - 11:00
Friends of Congress Square Park has had a fabulous season – and it’s almost time to put away the furniture, replant the hydrangeas, and celebrate!
Please join us Saturday, October 28th from 9 – 11am in Congress Square Park for a morning of replanting and cleaning the park.
Should you join us:
– Dress in clothing you don’t mind getting a bit messy, and will have you feeling comfortable working in 65*F weather.
– Bring any supplies you think would help, such as gloves, spades, outdoor brooms, dust pans, etc. We’ll have basic supplies like rakes, shovels, clippers, and trash bags.
– We’ll have water, and we suggest bringing a refillable water bottle.
Afterward, please stay for a Volunteer Appreciation Celebration, which will happen in the park from 11am – 1pm. We’ll have snacks, games and camaraderie.
We’d love to have you join us. Look forward to seeing you there!

Portland Culture Exchange Presents: The City of Portland, ME
2017-11-03 17:00 - 19:00
AFRiCAN DUNDADA & The Portland Culture Exchange bring to you another great day to be in the Portland area. Come join us for some great art, live music, and comedy – and meet your neighbors.
The Portland Culture Exchange team will be kicking off some more community singing and dancing for you to join in as we celebrate The City Of Portland, our city, a beautiful and welcoming place with so much culture and love. Let’s celebrate who we are. Special live performance by some of your favorite local musicians Like Ben Shorr, Distant Brothers, Gold D, LOC DAB, Kid Calvin and more to come!

Share the warmth! Winter Clothing Giveaway
2017-11-11 08:00 - 15:00
Chase the Chill knitting group is hosting a warm clothing giveaway this Veterans Day!
Donated Winter items – mittens, scarves, hats, etc. – will be hung in the park the morning of Saturday, November 11th. Folks in need are free to take what they need until around 3PM that day, at which time all leftover items will be collected and donated to the American Legion.
To be a part of the goodness, bring your donations – hats, scarves, mittens, slippers, etc. for men, women and kids – knitted or crocheted to the Reiche Community Room, upstairs on Clark Street, between 8-10 a.m. Monday-Thursday preceding the event.
For up to date information on this event, tune in to the Chase the Chill Facebook page.

World AIDS Day Candle Lit Vigil
2017-12-01 17:15 - 18:00
Join Frannie Peabody Center along with a special presentation from Lumenarrt as we remember those we’ve lost and show support for those living with HIV/AIDS. Battery operated candles will be available when you arrive at Congress Square Park.
This year’s World AIDS Day coincides with Portland’s First Friday Artwalk. Many community partners have generously donated their time and effort to pay tribute on this important day. For a full list of events, visit www.peabodycenter.org/worldAIDSday

Chase the Chill Mitten Tree!
2017-12-29 08:00 - 15:00
Share the Warmth! Chase the Chill knitting group is hosting a Mitten Tree this season in Congress Square Park.
The tree will be home to donated Winter items – mittens, scarves, hates, etc. – which will be hung in the park the morning of Friday, December 29th. Folks in need are free to take what they need until around 3PM that day, at which time all leftover items will be collected and donated to the American Legion.
To be a part of the goodness, bring your donations – hats, scarves, mittens, slippers, etc. for men, women and kids – knitted or crocheted to the Reiche Community Room, upstairs on Clark Street, between 8-10 a.m. Monday-Thursday preceding the event.
For up to date information on this event, tune in to the Chase the Chill Facebook page.

Let's Clean Up the Square!
2018-04-21 09:00 - 12:00
Join us the morning of April 21 from 9am until noon for a park clean up morning! We’ll clean off the winter grime and prepare the park for a season of spectacular events and some Spring gardening.
Drop in any time. Dress in comfortable layers, in clothing you don’t mind getting a bit dirty. Note that the morning may end prior to noon, so we recommend arriving earlier, if possible.

Additional volunteer days early in the season include:
– Saturday, April 28 from 9am until noon: Gardening & Park Set Up Morning!
– Saturday, June 2 from 9am until noon: Moveable Planter Gardening & Painting Morning!

Email Dela Murphy, Executive Director, with questions at dela@congresssquarepark.org.

Event Volunteer Information Session & Orientation!
2018-04-21 13:00 - 14:00
Do you want to have a positive impact on our city and community?
Are you interested in getting to know your neighbors?
Would you like to volunteer while attending fun events you’re interested in?
Want to feel like you’re a part of growing something special?
Become an Event Ambassador with Friends of Congress Square Park!
We’re seeking folks who would like to represent FoCSP at four or more events of your choosing from May through October throughout the 2018 season. You would be the host of the events, greeting the artists and performers, making announcements to kick off the evening, and being present for the duration of the event to mingle, share information on FoCSP, and ensure a successful event.

Want to learn more?
Join us in Congress Square Park Saturday, April 21st or Saturday, April 28th from 1 until 2pm for an information session and orientation. While munching on snacks, we’ll provide an overview of the role, give you a tour of the park’s amenities, and answer any questions you have. Bring your calendar to sign up for volunteer spots!

If you cannot make it to either orientation and are interested in volunteering, let us know by sending us a note here.
Questions? Contact Dela Murphy, Executive Director, at dela@congresssquarepark.org.

Temporary Art by Athena Lynch
2018-04-25 - 2018-05-05
Friends of Congress Square Park has partnered with the Maine College of Art during our 2018 season to feature temporary student artist work. Athena C. Lynch is the first artist in the series. Her work, “REQUIEMS TO SEPIA EXISTENCE”, will be on view in Congress Square Park from April 25 through May 5, 2018.
To learn more about this partnership, see our blog post.

REQUIEMS TO SEPIA EXISTENCE
REQUIEMS TO SEPIA EXISTENCE is in homage of Tamir Rice, 12 and Aiyana Jones, 7, who were both victims of police shootings. The piece will lay in state for 9 days* in illustration of the length of time (9 hrs) taken for Tamir to receive medical attention after being shot. Aiyana’s time was much shorter and therefore fit within his time frame. This installation is confronting the violence and lack of empathy towards African Americans locally, as well as, nationally. Systemic racial disparities that perpetuate said indifference and, in some instances, fueled violence towards that community. This work is a calling to SEE US! See us as human beings, not just as an outline of who we used to be.
*Initial time frame was for 9 days (April 25 through May 3, 2018), but deinstallation has been extended to May 5 in order to be on display for First Friday

Artist Statement
“I never categorized myself as a political artist. However, due to the political and social climate of late, that changed. My work has been about social-isms. Specifically, being black and how that skin is viewed in society. My work conjures visceral reactions that speak to the climate of the world on both a local and national scale.
I let the narrative tell me how it desires to be illustrated. To me, my art serves as the voice of my ancestors speaking through me and guiding my hands. I feel it is my responsibility to tell those stories. My passion is education and I take up that charge of informing youth and even peers who simply aren’t aware. The best way to describe who I am as an artist and a black woman in the present climate of America can be articulated by two artists I look up to:
‘To be a negro in this country and be relatively conscious is to be in a rage almost all the time.‘ – James Baldwin
‘I choose to reflect the times and situations in which I find myself. That is my duty. And at this crucial time in our lives, when everything is so desperate, when every day is a matter of survival, I don’t think you can help but be involved.‘ – Nina Simone”
– Athena Lynch, 2018

Artist Biography
Athena C. Lynch was born and raised in New Jersey where she was constantly surrounded by creativity. Her mother was an artist and fashion designer. That, along with her appreciation for multiculturalism, are what influence her work today. Currently residing in Richmond, Maine, Athena is a student at Maine College of Art in Portland. There she is pursuing a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Sculpture and eventually a Master of Arts in Teaching for art education.
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Tai Chi Chih & Qigong
2018-05-02 10:00 - 11:00
Take an hour out of your busy week to enjoy a free Tai Chi Chih/Qigong class.
Tai Chi Chih (pronounced tie chee cha) is like moving meditation. It 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. It’s 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. Various studies from Harvard Medical School and UCLA cite the many benefits of regular practice.
Classes will be taught by Raymond Reid or Sara Leonard.

Tai Chi Chih/Qigong classes will be taught in Congress Square Park in May through October, excepting July. All classes will occur weekly on Wednesdays from 10 until 11 am.

Chase the Chill: Knitting in Public
2018-05-03 09:30 - 11:00
Chase the Chill: Knitting in Public is a casual hand-crafts group that meets weekly in the Square. If you’re a knitter or crocheter, gather with others to create craft and community each week!
*This event is weather-permitting. Should rain or inclement weather occur, the group will likely meet in the Reiche School Community Room.*

Knitting in Public is hosted in Congress Square Park weekly every Thursday from 9:30 until 11 am May through September.

Portland Ovations presents "En Masse"
2018-05-04 17:00 - 18:30
During May’s First Friday Art Walk, join Daniel Bernard Roumain in Monument Square around 5 p.m., then follow him and myriad musicians from performance to performance down Congress Street to Congress Square Park. There, witness a massive community jam session led by DBR, featuring over 40 musicians!
“Daniel Bernard Roumain—innovative composer, thrilling violinist, and fierce arts advocate—returns to Portland for an expansive musical spectacle that is part flash mob and part processional. Celebrating music and community, En Masse features an array of Maine musicians of all ages with Roumain as maestro and pied piper, leading a musical parade through the Arts District from Monument Square down Congress Street, culminating in a community jam in Congress Square Park. Known for his signature violin sounds infused with a myriad of electronic and urban music influences, DBR takes his genre bending beyond the stage and into the streets.”
FMI: See the Facebook event

Falafel Mafia Food Truck
2018-05-04 17:00 - 19:00, 2018-05-05 18:30 - 20:00
Falafel Mafia is a Maine based food truck and catering company specializing in Falafel pita pockets and other Middle Eastern cuisine. They aim to support local farms while making creative and delicious food, much of which is vegetarian or vegan. And they’ll be in Congress Square Park regularly throughout the season! Check out our calendar to see which events will feature their cuisine.

Dark Follies
2018-05-04 20:15 - 21:00
Dark Follies is an award winning vaudeville style variety show based in Portland, Maine. Family friendly while still keeping an edge, Dark Follies features the live music of the Dark Follies Rhythm Orchestra, dancing, juggling, side show acts, fire performers and more.
Celebrating their ten year anniversary, this year Dark Follies is showcasing performers who have shared the stage with the troupe over the past decade of their history as street performers in Portland.
Dark Follies will perform in Congress Square Park every First Friday Art Walk through October. Enjoy them again and again!

Check Mates! Chess
2018-05-05 09:00 - 12:00
The Check Mates! is a casual community chess club for everyone! All ages and experience levels welcome. Come for just a game or stay for as long as you like.
Use one of 10 new Weighted Tournament Style chess sets to play a game with a friend or a neighbor you don’t yet know.
*This event is weather permitting. If it gets too cold, Check Mates! will meet at the nearby Coffee by Design on Congress Street.*

Check Mates! Chess meets weekly in Congress Square Park every Saturday morning from 9 am until noon from May through October.

Thanks to SPACE Gallery, The Friends of Congress Square Park and YES Books for making this series possible.

Sound & Fury presents "Romeo & Juliet"
2018-05-05 18:30 - 20:00
Sound and Fury presents: Romeo and Juliet – Shakespeare’s famous comedy-turned-tragedy. Their company mission is to tell honest and accessible stories using Shakespeare’s text. In this play, Sound & Fury sees the truths in the struggles that we have all faced, especially as teenagers.
*Content warning: themes of depression, violence, and suicide.
If you miss this performance, note that Sound & Fury will host additional performances in early May:
Friday 5/4 – North St. Park
Sunday 5/6 – Quill Books & Beverage (4PM show)
Thursday 5/10, Friday 5/11, Saturday 5/12 – New Fruit Arts Collective

FMI: See the Facebook event

"The Way We Move" Accessible Interactive Circus Arts
2018-05-06 10:00 - 11:00
Do you want to add some whimsy to your life? This accessible circus and flow arts program can help you learn a new skill while having lots of fun. Learn from trained professionals who have experience helping people of all skill and ability levels discover the amazing world of circus and flow arts.
The Way We Move is an interactive flow arts/circus program for children and adults with disabilities, and anyone else who wants to participate. This interactive activity will allow children and adults to explore different Flow and Circus arts in their own accessible way. There will be multiple types of props and movement activities for people to try out and play around with.
People of all ages and abilities are encouraged to come and explore their flow.

Silent Book Club
2018-05-07 17:30 - 19:30
Welcome to introvert happy hour! Join others who love books every 1st Monday in Congress Square Park throughout the season. Bring a book you’d like to enjoy, talk with others who love books (if you wish), and simply enjoy the ambiance of the Square while reading with others.
“There’s no assigned reading at Silent Book Club. SBC can happen over coffee, over lunch, long distance, on Instagram, and in person once a month in more than 40 cities around the world. SBC is about treating yourself. Sitting in a bar with a book. Reading in companionable silence with a friend. Interlacing gossip with recommended authors. And never worrying if you haven’t finished the book.”
Silent Book Club meets in Congress Square Park every 1st Monday of the month May through September from 5:30 until 7:30pm.

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Figures of Speech presents "The Art of Memory" film & Puppetry Workshop
2018-05-11 20:00 - 21:30
Join Figures of Speech Theatre for a screening of “The Art of Memory: Stories from Maine’s Outer Islands,” a shadow puppet film based on oral histories gathered on some of Maine’s most remote islands. Following the 35-minute film, audience members of all ages will be invited to peek behind the scenes before creating live shadow scenes of their own stories!

Figures of Speech Theatre partnered with the Island Institute to produce “The Art of Memory.” Director of Education at Figures of Speech, Ian Bannon, led a team of four artists as they collaborated with students in six of the one- and two-room schoolhouses off Maine’s coast. In the spring of year one, Bannon travelled to each island to introduce students to documentary techniques, which they then used to cull stories from other island residents, historical archives, and publications. The entire artistic team returned that following fall to collaborate in the creation and filming of shadow puppet adaptations of their favorite stories.
The resulting 35-minute film combines a variety of shorts ranging from pirate stories to tall-tales to ill-conceived stand-offs with Abenaki Native Americans. The pieces are held together with a layered dreamscape of shadow imagery, narration from some of Portland’s most sought-after voiceover artists, and a captivating original musical score by Dave Noyes of Rustic Overtones.

Figures of Speech Theatre, a puppet theater company founded in Freeport in 1982, is the recipient of four coveted UNIMA Citations of Excellence—the highest distinction in American puppet theatre. The company has toured all over the world – from Sofia, Bulgaria to Tokyo, Japan, to Lima, Peru – while retaining a strong commitment to teaching and performing throughout its home state of Maine.
The Island Institute works to sustain Maine’s island and remote coastal communities, and exchanges ideas and experiences to further the sustainability of communities here and elsewhere. The Institute’s Outer Islands TLC (Teaching and Learning Collaborative) improves the quality and ensures the sustainability of one- and two-room island schools on Cliff, Cranberry Isles, Frencboro, Isle au Haut, Matinicus, and Monhegan by creating collaborative educational and social opportunities for students across islands via technology and face-to-face learning opportunities.
“The Art of Memory” was made possible through the generous support of the Helen & George Ladd Charitable Corporation, the Expansion Arts Fund ofthe Maine
Community Foundation, and the Maine Arts Commission, an independent state agency supported by the National Endowment for the Arts.
For more information regarding the film, visit www.figures.org/memory. To find out about similar educational and artistic opportunities, contact Ian Bannon of Figures of Speech Theatre at (207) 865-6355 or ianbannon@figures.org.

Sounds of the City: Hip Hop Lives in Maine
2018-05-16 18:00 - 20:00
Join AFRiCAN DUNDADA and Monday of the Minds for an evening of live hip hop.
“MONDAY OF THE MINDS, hosted by Rizing In Life Entertainment, is a community hip hop showcase in Portland, Maine. The event is held every second and fourth Monday at Flask Lounge. MOTM runs a community outreach program in an effort clean up the park system. They strive to promote members of the hip hop community to become more involved with volunteering and creating opportunities for people to come together in positive ways.”

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"The Spring Share" with Maineshare
2018-05-18 12:00 - 14:00
Join the SpringShare from 12:00 – 2:00 at Congress Square Park – an opportunity for the entire Maine Community to celebrate the causes and values we care about!
The SpringShare invites people who love Maine to give to up to 44 non-profit organizations working every day for economic opportunity, environmental sustainability, diversity, education, the arts, health, safety, animal welfare, social justice, and peace in Maine.
Grab your friends, come have lunch in the park, and let your community know what you value and support at #thespringshare!
FMI: thespringshare.org

Portland Swing Project featuring Flying Home
2018-05-18 18:00 - 20:00
Join Portland Swing Project for live music and swing dancing in the Square! This month, Flying Home will perform.
Portland Swing Project spreads the appreciation of swing music and dance through weekly classes and events for all levels of experience. We teach, dance, perform and provide live and DJ’d music to venues throughout Maine. Absolute beginners welcome, no partner needed.
“Flying Home is Seacoast Maine and Brooklyn, New York’s premier Benny Goodman Ensemble. An instrumental sextet that also features special guest singers, Flying Home covers classic repertoire from the BG small ensembles from the Sextet, Quintet, Quartet, and Trio PLUS many big band hits of the 30s and 40s! A dynamic group of top Seacoast and NY players, the band, led by drummer John Mettam, takes listeners and dancers on a musical journey of the classic swing era with all the energy and excitement of a modern live ensemble!”

Portland Swing Project hosts swing dances in Congress Square Park every third Friday from May through August.
