You won’t believe your ears! Engaging and imaginative blue grass interpretations of material you thought you knew. You won’t soon forget Charlie & the Slim Pickins!

Traditional Irish Music and $2.50 Guinness (20oz) ALL NIGHT!

Concert: Celtic Tribe

Celtic Tribe blends the energy of traditional Irish dance tunes with the percussive pulse of world drumming and the rhythm of a driving guitar. Kevin Sheehan (mandolin) and Ramona Connelly (fiddle) have played Irish music from Key West, FL to Bath, ME, and perform locally in the Old White Church concert series in Tuftonboro, NH, the Cu Na Mara, Bristol, NH, and as feis musicians for the Murray School of Irish Dancing. They are joined by multi-instrumentalist, Bill Zecker on guitar, whose varied experience includes the NY rock scene, French-Canadian dance music in Maine, long-time member of the Lamprey River Contra Dance Band, and as a representative of NH music at the1999 Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, DC. Chris Murphy, percussionist, brings bodhran, djembe, dunbek and low whistle rhythms to the group. He recently completed an Irish tour with the legendary piper Paddy Keenan, and can often be found playing with Keenan and world renown musicians at the Shaskeen Pub in Manchester, NH. It will be an evening of high energy and good tunes, so please come and enjoy!

Seisún (session) is a tradition throughout Ireland, in the town Pubs, where musicians, who are often patrons, gather in a large circle and acoustically perform the traditional music of Ireland. Seisún takes place right here at Blue each and every Wednesday evening around 9:00 P.M. If you have not experienced it, come down to the Blue, have a Guinness and treat yourself!

On Friday, April 29, 2005, Blue opened its door for the first time. Alison Violette took the stage on that magical, blue night...she was the first artist to ever perform at Blue. Tonight, with a special place in our hearts, we welcome her back!
Alison Violette discovered a songwriting outlet after picking up an old 60's nylon string guitar belonging to her mother. It wasn't long until she had written her first hit, "Dandelion Wine" based on the book by Ray Bradbury. In 2001, she released her debut album, "Melancholy Blue" and has since graced venues from coast to coast with her soothing and, sometimes eerie vocals and steady guitar playing. Violette has appeared in clubs, coffeehouses and on radio stations throughout the Pacific Northwest, New York City area, New England, and parts of the Southeastern U.S. She has performed at the Sister's Folk Festival and the Daisy Chain Women's Music Festival in Oregon, the 2003 Folk Alliance Conference in Nashville, the 2004 International Open Mic Music Festival in Hanover, New Hampshire, New Years Portland (Maine), The Maine Festival, and the 2004 first annual Gypsy-Hobo Gathering in the Western Maine mountains.

She has also opened up for such national acts as The Peacemakers, The Rustic Overtones, Jack Straw, Justin Rosolino, and has performed with 2004 Kerrville Folk Festival New Folk Competition Winner, Tom Prasado-Rao.

SAMUEL JAMES LIVES!!!!! Delta Blues legends Tommy Johnson, Robert Johnson, and Petey Wheatstraw were all said to have sold their souls to the devil in exchange for their exceptional musical abilities. Now, we're not saying that Samuel James sold his soul to the Devil... but we're not NOT saying that either.

Authentic Delta and Piedmont Blues, two essential, regional types of blues within the genre. He is also joined by Miss Nina Marie for a few tunes. If you haven’t seen them, well…

Singer-songwriter Rachel Griffin, based in Portland, Maine, has always been a natural performer. Rachel began performing in the musical theater at age seven, appearing in venues throughout the state. By her senior year in high school, Rachel realized that she felt most comfortable at the piano, and began developing the natural songwriting skills that she had since childhood. Growing up Rachel was influenced by the soulful singing and songwriting of artists like Ben Folds, Billy Joel, Carole King and James Taylor, and she incorporated her passion for their art into her own music.

Following high school, Rachel entered the University of Southern Maine’s School of Music where she studied classical and jazz voice and piano. It was then that she began to branch out to develop a grassroots independent musical career, one that has brought her a loyal following throughout Maine.

In March of 2003, Rachel Griffin released her first independent CD, “Let It Go,” a collection of fourteen original songs performed with full band. Rachel received rave reviews for her CD and live performances. The Portland Press Herald stated, “Rachel Griffin, at the ripe old age of 20, is putting out music like a veteran. She calls it ‘jazz influenced pop.’ I call it better than Norah Jones.”

Rachel Griffin has continued to be a prolific songwriter, and in March 2004 she released her sophomore album, “I’m Up to No Good.” In reviewing the album, The Portland Phoenix wrote, “her vocal abilities continue to progress to the point where, on pure vocal talent (range, delivery, projection) she’s likely among the top five local female singers, with people like Carol Noonan and Sara Cox” and described the title track as “scrumptious.”

The critical acclaim of her second album made a big splash in the local music scene, and propelled her to successful performances and interviews on radio stations WMPG and WCLZ. She has appeared on multiple local television shows, including the popular show “207.” Rachel performed throughout the area with other popular artists, including two opening performances with renowned folk singer Livingston Taylor. Rachel continues to write and perform throughout New England, and the future holds exciting possibilities for this emerging artist. As The Portland Press Herald reported, “We’ve got her early in her career, so take advantage…If I ever wanted to see a storybook ending for a musician, it would have to be Rachel Griffin.”

Sorcha’s vocal strength and versatility are as captivating as her songs. She is a singer-songwriter whose music has folk roots but often leans toward blues and jazz. Accompanied by acoustic guitar, Sorcha’s voice has been described as “sultry” and “jazzy” (Portland Phoenix) and “luminous…[one of the] driving forces behind her jazz-folk sensibilities” (Portland Press Herald). Her debut CD Balance was released in 2001 and her second album is currently underway. A dynamic performer and inventive lyricist, Sorcha keeps people coming back for more.

Open 12:00 pm – 1:00 am
$3 DRAFTS ALL DAY & ALL NIGHT!

Boghat

Boghat is a Traditional Irish Dance Music trio of accomplished musicians based out of Portland, Maine. Boghat plays the traditional music of Ireland with a contemporary twist. From fiery reels and sexy jigs to plaintive airs and the occasional song, Boghat covers the entire spectrum of the genre, experimenting with contemporary elements while maintaining a healthy respect for the tradition.

The Mutineers

The Mutineers play traditional folk, blues and old-time country music.  With the necessary ingredients (guitar, mandolin, acoustic bass, dobro, banjo) the songs are adapted and arranged in ways that are at once traditional and unique. The songs are selected, arranged and sung by Stuart MacDonald, who has been collecting, learning and playing traditional folk music for a number of years. He is joined by multi-talented stand-up acoustic bassist Rod Pervier. Rod has a wealth of musical experience and is an accomplished, and highly sought-after musician, playing contra dances and other events. Dick Hodges rounds out the trio with tasteful mandolin, dobro and lead guitar picking. Having played in a wide variety of bands previously, Dick lends his knowledge & varied musical background.

Old Red

Old Red: Appalacian fiddle tunes, old time songs, and ballads; high spirited stringband breakdowns, bluesy Mississippi melodies, waltzes and twosteps from Cajun country...we play it all...fiddle, guitar, mandolin, bass, banjo, etc...Come join us for an evening of fun and frolic! Guaranteed to get your toes tapping and bring a smile to your face!
EDUCATIONAL AND FUN!  LADIES WELCOME. NO SPITTING OR CURSING. KEEP HEAD AND ARMS INSIDE AT ALL TIMES!

Weighing several tons, measuring 15’ X 40’ X 15’, Blue was born at this precise time on Friday, April 29, 2005!!

Meantone

Meantone is Original Graveyard Blues. A duo comprised of Meantone, fretless, slide guitar and throat and Young Bret, drums and percussion. Meantone’s songs are heavy guitar with ripping slide and grooving drums. Meantone's unique tuning that covers the bass and guitar registers along with Young Bret’s maximal playing of his minimalist drum kit, make you think there’s at least three to four people in the band. Another unique aspect of Meantone's fretless guitar and songs is that they are in a tuning that was popular in Europe from the 15th to 18th centuries called quarter comma meantone. You see, he's not mean at all, just his sound. Meantone chooses to use 31 notes to the octave from this tuning as opposed to 12 notes on normal guitars. All of this puts a twist on the Blues and makes Meantone unique and fresh.

Vanessa Torres & Touching Ground

Vanessa Torres & Touching Ground is Lyrically rich, original folk music full of soul and a call to social justice. Straddling the genres of folk, bluegrass, and edgy roots pop, Vanessa Torres' songs draw you in, pluck at your heart string while keeping your feet tapping. Her dynamic three-piece female band,Touching Ground,lays down soaring harmonies, melodic banjo and powerful hand
drums. Having opened for Erin Mckeown and Kaki King, and played on a number of local radio and t.v. stations and venues in the Northeast, Vanessa Torres and Touching Ground are gaining momentum and devoted fan base.

Okbari           

Okbari performed at Blue on opening night, Friday, April 29, 2005, following Alison Violette. One year to the day, we are thrilled about their appearance for  the one-year birthday of Blue!

Okbari performs multi-instrumental original music inspired by the Middle Eastern, Turkish, and Indian traditions. They also present traditional and classical pieces from these traditions, as well as new interpretations of percussive pieces from Eastern Europe and South India. Okbari’s music is largely inspired by the poetic traditions of Turkey and Persia, and is lyrically based on works from these areas. Okbari is Amos Libby and Eric LaPerna. Amos is a disciple of Vidwan Vasudev Rao of Bangalore, India, and a student of oud virtuoso Alan Shavarsh Bardezbanian of Bath, Maine. Eric is a student of renowned Lebanese percussionist Michel Merhej Baqlouq. Okbari performs on the oud, bouzouki, doumbek, riqq, tabla, ney, mridangam, and several other instruments from around the world.

The Revival of Monday Night Soul at Blue with Bernie Bouthot & Miss Evan King of The Waiters

In the fall of 2004, on Monday nights, I would frequent a place called “Jim’s”…you might have heard of it. Upon entering, I was often greeted by the friendly owner, Jim, a guy named Karl (you might have seen him around), and a bartender by the name of Pat. I would then belly-up to the bar, order a slice of pizza and a cold Shipyard Export and find a table. A group known as The Waiters would then perform and absolutely charm and capture the audience. Consisting of Miss Evan, Bernie, Al and others, they would play everything from jazz standards to soul to contemporary music and always left us satiated, yet excited about the next Monday! Sadly, Jim’s closed in January 2005 and Mondays vanished like a Maine summer.

Blue arrived on the scene on Friday, April 29, 2005, but I never chose to open our door on a Monday. Perhaps it was out of some kind of unconscious reverence for the past and our beloved Waiters. Only one thing could possibly persuade me to open on a Monday. Then it happened! On April 17, 2006, Blue opened for the first time ever on a Monday to the long-awaited return of Miss Evan, Bernie & Al, members of The Waiters, with other guest musicians (e.g., trumpeters, bassists, drummers, etc.) to this venue known as Blue, formerly Jim’s. Welcome back!

Barry P. Martin, Proprietor of Blue