LISTEN-September 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.

To Be Released
Though he’s spent a good amount of time traveling and touring, Billy Libby is still a familiar face in Portland, where he’s performed on many of the city’s stages with various acts over the years. This month, fans can finally get what they’ve wanted all along: a proper release of the multi-talented songwriter’s solo work—with the help of a few friends, of course. Pitter Patter is a five-song EP, released in conjunction with Intrigue Music. Libby promises a slew of regional performances this year and another EP in 2012.

Upcoming Concerts

Lady Antebellum 
September 5 | 7:30 p.m.
The moniker of this country trio is misleading: their songs are modern, sweet, and poppy, cleverly making excellent use of their co-ed lead singers to craft their arena-ready tunes.
Bangor Waterfront Pavilion | Bangor waterfrontconcerts.com

The Whisperians 
September 8 | 9 p.m.
Local promoter A Robot has been throwing excellent, free, low-key shows at Flask Lounge. Tonight brings the Whisperians, a poppish NYC punk band in the vein of Superchunk and the Thermals, to the cozy Spring Street bar.
Flask Lounge | Portland | flasklounge.com 

Tricky Britches
September 8 | 10 p.m.
Still fresh on the scene, this local bluegrass combo honed their skills on back porches and street corners before launching an extensive tour last year. Now they are making the rounds of Maine venues and quickly gaining a strong following at home.
Blue | Portland | portcityblue.com

HenryFest
September 11 | Noon
The 317 Main Street Community Music Center hosts HenryFest, their annual family-oriented bluegrass music festival to benefit the organization. Performers will include Heather Masse, Joy Kills Sorrow, Joe Walsh, Jerks of Grass, and of course, the student-led 317 Main Street Ensembles.
Skyline Farm | North Yarmouth | 317mainst.org

Cut Copy
September 14 | 8 p.m.
Aussie electronic giants Cut Copy bring their shimmery, melody-laced beats to Portland for a surefire hipster dance fest. The chillwave-purveying opening act, Washed Out, will get things off to a gauzy start.
State Theatre | Portland | statetheatreportland.com

JJ Grey + Mofro
September 15 | 8 p.m.
The rustic Florida roots of soul singer JJ Grey come through in everything he does. Backed by his competent band, Mofro, Grey soars through Memphis blues and country jams with ease on his busy tour schedule.
Port City Music Hall | Portland | portcitymusichall.com

Reba McEntire
September 17 | 5 p.m.
Known simply as Reba, the renowned Nashville artist and media mogul shows no signs of slowing her long-running career. An outdoor concert on the waterfront is the perfect venue to catch this country legend.
Bangor Waterfront Pavilion | Bangor | waterfrontconcerts.com

Boubacar Traore
September 25 | 8 p.m.
The Mali-based artist spent more than forty years as a performing musician before releasing his first album in 1990. His latest, Mali Denhou, shows both his guitar playing and singing taking a softer turn than his previous work.
Stone Mountain Arts Center | Brownfield | stonemountainartscenter.com

Keb’ Mo’
September 28 | 7:30 p.m.
A three-time Grammy winner for Best Contemporary Blues Album, Keb’ Mo’ brings his highly acclaimed show to Portland in support of his new album, The Reflection.
State Theatre | Portland | statetheatreportland.com

*Always confirm start times and ticket availability with the venue before heading to a show. Details sometimes change after listings are published.