“Steven's music can be described many ways...striking, visual, moving, beautiful. Steven utilizes a loop recording pedal and such oddities as a violin bow and elbow along with interesting strummed percussions, all with a single acoustic guitar, creating layered, deceptively intricate, and often mesmerizing music. Ultimately more or less label defiant, his music mixes elements of folk, slow core, math rock and pop into a unique blend of haunting melodies and wistful, ironic lyrics"

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!

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…

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.

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 Pheonix) 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.

An upstate New York native, who recently moved to Maine, Ryan Hubbard brings his unique easy listening style to the stage at Blue. Through guitar, vocals and soulful song-writing, he extracts the truth and meaning of our everday lives. Don’t miss this extraordinary performance!

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!

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 night. 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, Evan, Bernie & Al!

~ Barry P. Martin, Proprietor of Blue