LISTEN-April 2011
Text + photograph by Bryan Bruchman

Bryan Bruchman doesn’t miss a beat when it comes to music happenings around Maine. Every issue, he fills the calendar with the best concerts, album releases, and news from your favorite artists and venues.

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Record Store Day: Launched by Bull Moose’s Chris Brown in 2007, Record Store Day is an annual event that celebrates independent record stores, with limited releases, sales, and in-store performances by local and national acts. This year’s event falls on Saturday, April 16, and participating shops will include all ten Bull Moose locations in Maine and New Hampshire, Sounds Absurd in Portland, Bill O’Neil’s House of Rock ’n Roll in Saco, the Record Connection in Waterville, and more.

News

With festival performances at Nateva and Solid Sound now under its belt, Portland indie band Brenda is looking to keep things moving, which includes plans to record a full-length album this month at the Seaside Lounge in Brooklyn, New York. The band should be in good hands at the studio where Neko Case, Beirut, and The National have all cut records. Back in Portland, Vanityites, a newer band featuring Chris Moulton and Stan Dzengelewski, are wrapping up their debut album under the production guidance of Jonathan Wyman.

Upcoming Concerts

Claire Lynch Band
April 8 | 8 p.m.
A New York–born, Alabama-raised bluegrass musician with a long history of musical affiliations, Grammy-nominated albums, and stints as a session vocalist, Claire Lynch and her band keep a busy tour schedule, including this not-to-be-missed gig in Brownfield.
Stone Mountain Arts Center | Brownfield | stonemountainartscenter.com

Bronze Radio Return
April 9 | 8 p.m.
Still buzzing from a feverish set at Maine magazine’s Gather party in December, Bronze Radio Return is back in Portland for a CD-release show. This Connecticut-based group has strong Maine ties, and fans of Ray LaMontagne and My Morning Jacket will appreciate their passionate, soulful roots rock.
Port City Music Hall | Portland | portcitymusichall.com

Melissa Ferrick
April 16 | 8 p.m.
An accomplished singer-songwriter with a loyal following, Ferrick recently signed a three-album deal with New York City–based MPress records. She brings her show—more commonly seen by crowds of thousands—to an intimate setting in Portland.
One Longfellow Square | Portland | onelongfellowsquare.com

Iron + Wine
April 18 | 7:30 p.m.
In only ten years, Sam Beam has grown Iron and Wine from an intimate solo project to a full-fledged band, embellishing critically acclaimed songwriting with complex folk, country, and rock-inspired arrangements. The Low Anthem, seen in Portland just last month at Space Gallery, are back in town to open this show.
State Theatre | Portland | statetheatreportland.com

Milagres
April 23 | 8 p.m.
HillyTown Presents brings Milagres—a Brooklyn band on the rise—back to Portland to follow up their inspired performance alongside Dark Dark Dark at Space Gallery in October. The Milkman’s Union, a local indie band, and Indiana-based Husband and Wife will open the show.
One Longfellow Square | Portland | onelongfellowsquare.com

John Prine
April 29 | 8 p.m.
The State Theatre crew branches out to present this show at Merrill Auditorium. John Prine is a nationally praised singer-songwriter whose songs have been recorded by Johnny Cash, John Denver, Carly Simon, Joan Baez, and numerous other musical legends. Known for injecting touching details into his songs, Prine has become exceedingly influential over the four decades since his debut album.
Merrill Auditorium | Portland | porttix.com

*Always check with the venue to confirm start times and ticket availability. Details sometimes change after listings are created.