LISTEN-January + February 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.

Upcoming Concerts

Fishtank Ensemble with Cinder Conk
January 6 | 8 p.m.
The California-based Balkan/Gypsy jazz ensemble hooks up with Maine accordionist Matt Schreiber and his group, Cinder Conk, for a night of unique music.
One Longfellow Square | Portland | onelongfellowsquare.com

Arborea with Allysen Williams Callery
January 8 | 8 p.m.
As Arborea, Maine folk duo Shanti and Buck
Curran craft gentle sonic textures that should feel at home in this cozy listening space.
The Oak + The Ax | Biddeford | theoakandtheax.blogspot.com

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
January 16 | 6 p.m.
Dig that zoot suit out of your closet and get swinging. Dinner and weekend getaway packages optional.
Stone Mountain Arts Center | Brownfield | stonemountainartscenter.com

Marcy Playground
January 21 | 8 p.m.
After thirteen years, Marcy Playground are probably still playing their hit single, “Sex and Candy,” but this time around they’re
promoting an album of fan-crafted remixes.
Port City Music Hall | Portland | portcitymusichall.com

Acoustic Mixtape Revue
January 27 | 8 p.m.
This tour, featuring Massachusettsbased acts The Brew, Audrey Ryan, and Will Dailey Band, makes a stop in Maine.
One Longfellow Square | Portland | onelongfellowsquare.com

Catie Curtis
February 19 | 6 p.m.
A Maine-raised acoustic folk songwriter,
Curtis focuses on life, love, and social issues.
Stone Mountain Arts Center | Brownfield | stonemountainartscenter.com

Girl Talk
February 28 | 8 p.m.
Laptop artist Gregg Gillis is known for mashing hit songs together to make impossible dance jams that start the party. Be ready to dance.
State Theatre | Portland | statetheatreportland.com

News and Upcoming Releases

Billy Lynch, of Deep in the Belly Management, reports that This Way will release a ten-song album described as a Nashvilleinfluenced departure from the pop-rock feel of their previous work. Marion Grace is in the studio recording the follow-up to their debut, Lying Down Looking Up, and expects to release the record later this year. Dan Capaldi (formerly of The Cambiata and currently the Holy Boys Danger Club drummer) is set to release a self-titled album as Sea Level, produced by Noah Cole and with artwork by Robbie Kanner.

Recap: Maine Rocks Brooklyn, State Theatre Reopens

In October, ten Maine bands traveled to New York City for the CMJ Music Marathon & Film Festival. Maine magazine and the Shipyard Brewing Company sponsored a HillyTown party at the Rock Shop in Park Slope featuring three of these acts. Luke’s Lobster served up lobster, shrimp, and crab rolls to complete the Maine experience. In Portland, the State Theatre’s return has been consistently attracting large audiences, with a variety of local bands rocking the renovated stage.