Give audiences a way into the bizarre and a way out of the normal. This ethos guides pop-minded experimentalists JOBS, one that finds them fusing uniquely human gestures with precise repetition, creating an overall sound with distant echoes of folk songs, IDM, and 1970s jazz fusion. Portland Maine's experimental rock heroes An Anderson join the bill with their sonic soundscapes and creative polyrhythms. Opening the show is Portland's Red Eft, an indie pop-experimental group taking the scene by storm.
HIGHER GROUND ~ a tribute to Stevie Wonder ~ a benefit for Sweetser
Saturday, October 21, 2023
All Ages
Door 7 / Show 8 / $15 ADV $20 @ Door
The incredible Stevie Wonder, had his first hit record at the age of 13, has gone on to have over 30 top ten hits and has won 25 Grammys. He has sold more than 10 million records and songs like Sir Duke, Superstition, You are the Sunshine of My Life and many others are iconic treasures in the American songbook. Stevie has been a champion of black rights and ran a very successful campaign in the early 80’s to have Dr Martin Luther King’s birthday celebrated as a national holiday. Higher Ground, a Tribute to Stevie Wonder, a benefit for Sweetser, features eighteen of Portland’s most accomplished musicians, performing 24 of Stevie Wonder songs. The musicians hail from stellar Maine bands and collectives such as Hambone, Akela Moon, BOBA FUNK, DJ vs Rapper, Papa Tim and the Whisky Throttle Band, Wake Up Mama, Ragtime Rebellion, Jason Spooner Band, Bad Combo, Jumpin’ Willy’s, Biddo Honeys and the XYZ Factor. Produced by Marc Kaplan whose previous productions included sold out tributes to Tom Petty, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, the Allman Brother Band and Chicago. Collectively, these productions have raised thousands of dollars for Preble Street, Full Plates Full Potential and Sweetser. Sweetser is a behavioral health nonprofit that provides evidence-based treatment, support & hope through a statewide network of community-based mental health, recovery, and educational services. Sweetser served over 15,000 children, adults, and families just last year alone. Visit https://www.sweetser.org to learn more.
Jeffrey Lewis and The Burning Hell
Saturday, November 4, 2023
All Ages
Door 7 / Show 8 / $15
NYC antifolk cult songwriter and comic artist Jeffrey Lewis is teaming up with longtime friends and frequent tourmates The Burning Hell for a tour of the Northeast USA this fall. Hailing from Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island, The Burning Hell will be performing songs from their recently released album Garbage Island, and Jeffrey will be mining his extensive back catalog of songs and hand-drawn short films. Bring your ears and your eyes: in spite of their differences, these two acts share a love of densely-packed narratives, surprising twists, and joyful performances.
Reid Genauer & Assembly of Dust
Saturday, November 11, 2023
All Ages
Door 7 / Show 8 / $20-$25
Reid Genauer is best known as a singer and songwriter. In that capacity he first hit the national stage fronting the band Strangefolk in the mid nineties. Since then he has gone on to cement his reputation as a prolific songsmith and band leader, fronting a second grassroots success story – The Assembly of Dust. Genauer’s success as a songwriter is evidenced by the caliber and cast of musicians who have supported those songs. Beyond his bandmates from Strangefolk and Assembly of Dust, Genauer has his recordings gilded with guest performances from the likes of Bela Fleck, John Scofield, Mike Gordon, David Grisman and Richie Havens. The music Genauer makes with Assembly of Dust and his original group Strangefolk is a Psychedelic infused Folk Rock and has been compared to the likes of Paul Simon, CSNY, and The Band. Strangefolk leans more towards the psychedelic and Assembly of Dust more towards Americana. The commonality of both groups is the backbone of Genauer’s trademark songs, characterized by crafted lyrics, American stories and authentic vocal performances.
