Amos Libby is a disciple of Vidwan Vasudev Rao of Bangalore, India, and a student of oud virtuoso Alan Shavarsh Bardezbanian of Bath, Maine.Amos is a multi-talented, multi-lingual individual with uncanny musical abilities. He might perform Sicilian folk tunes, play an oud, doumbek or tabla; you just never know. However, here’s what we do know: you don’t want to miss this.

Hallowell and MacIntyre are hooked on songs and tunes – the stories they tell and the feelings they evoke. With guitar and Irish bouzouki in hand (and the  occasional fiddle and whistle) they follow traditional music back to Celtic roots and to contemporary settings around the world.  Favoring Irish and British Isles sources but weaving in sea chanties, songs of coastal Maine, and the Maritimes they build a variety of soundscapes with scenes of love, hardship, bravery, joy, and reflection. Dave Hallowell (Bouzouki and fiddle), Portsmouth NH, plays in a variety of sessions and ensembles in the area.  Bruce MacIntyre (Guitar, Bodhran, Whistle), Lee NH, sings and plays in many settings, including performances and recordings with folklorist Jeff Warner.

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 this night, Carla Seidl and Ryan Hubbard will each perform some of their original material and also collaborate on some songs. Carla and Ryan are two  talented, aspiring artists who share an instrumental and vocal chemistry that is rarely found. Their rendition of “Hallelujah” will stay with you. 

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…

Oscar Del Sebastien, Strange for Strangers is one man, one voice and six strings. From Latin, Classical, and Bossa Nova roots a mesmerizing and contemporary folk entity is born.

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.

Jazz standards and more! This is a trio lead by the very impressive jazz guitarist, Jeff Scott and comprises guitar, keyboard and saxophone. If only we could infuse the Blue with clouds of cigarette smoke, you’d feel like you’re back in a 1950’s jazz club.

Chuck Muldoon has been playing the guitar for 22 years, thanks to being initially inspired by the rootsy picking of John Fogerty. Prior to that, an ear had always been tuned to Beatles, Broadway tunes, film scores, classical and jazz. For the past 15 years, Chuck has focused on the "American Primitive," fingerstyle traditions, performing mainly original compositions. Influences are John Fahey, Leo Kottke, Merle Travis, Chet Atkins, Roy Book Binder, Steve James, Paul Geremia, Dave Van Ronk and John Jackson, amongst others.

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