$3 Harpoon UFO’s!

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, and bartender Pat. I’d 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 and later saw the long-awaited return of Miss Evan, Bernie, & Al with various guest musicians (i.e., trumpeters, bassists, drummers, etc.) to this venue known as Blue, formerly Jim’s.                     
~Barry P. Martin, Proprietor of Blue

Joe McEachern and Bruce MacIntyre

Please join Joe and Bruce for a night of old style Irish traditional music and song on the melodeon and concertina. Joe hails from Kittery, ME and plays at various sessions and hooley's throughout northern New England. Joe's music is heavily influenced by the music of Clare and Galway. Bruce, from Lee, NH will be joining Joe on the guitar and voice.

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!

Starting out as a solo folk musician in the early 80's, Pam Baker is back to her roots.  Growing up on Joni Mitchell, Janis Joplin, Carole King, Joan Baez, and a love for the ladies of jazz and blues (Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan), it's no wonder she's back out singing with her guitar.   

Both an outstanding vocalist and an adept performer onacoustic guitar, this able songstress captivates her audience with the intensity of her performance.  Her strong background in blues and contemporary folk music provide a unique twist as Pam offers up the work of blues legends like Bessie Smith to more contemporary performers adding a few of her songs to the mix.

Opening for artists such as Savoy Brown, Tab Benoit, Coco Montoya, Debbie Davies, Popa Chubby, James Montgomery and Duke Robillard, Pam weaves a spell around her audiences, capturing and holding their attention. 

One day, you may well utter these words: “I remember when Samuel James was just starting out. We would go to see him every Thursday evening at this intimate, warm night club in Portland, Maine called Blue.”

Come and see the amazing Delta and Piedmont Blues man, Samuel James. Hambone, guitar, harmonica, tap dancing, a cappella, keyboards…he does it all! Mr. James is joined by the incomparable Miss Nina Marie, who moves audiences with her voice like no one else.

Rachel Griffin

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.”

The Swear Words

The Swear Words consist of Ronda and Kevin, who are both from the deep south and got washed up on a rock somewhere off the coast of Maine and stuck fast like two happy little clams.  They make some cool kind of music, some original songs, some rockin’ cover tunes, and always a party.

Appalachian fiddle tunes, old time songs, and ballads; high spirited string band breakdowns, bluesy Mississippi melodies, waltzes and two-steps from Cajun country...Old Red plays it all...fiddle, guitar, mandolin, bass, banjo, etc...Come join them for an evening of fun and frolic! Guaranteed to get your toes tapping and bring a smile to your face!