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

Open Chair

"Either the forces of nature have aligned together to thwart me from booking a performer this week or I am just getting really lazy....in any case, noone has stepped to the plate and rather than spring it on someone last minute I decided we would try out an Open Chair format at Blue starting at 7:30. So, calling all musicians, young and old, pro to beginner, if you'd like to show off your skills in the hot seat, please come on down and take the chair for as long or as short as you want. Play a tune, sing a song (Trudy!) do a little dance - whatever you please. When the victims....um, I mean volunteers...run out, we will start the session and go from there. If this works out, it might be something we could do every now and then. This is a great chance for the more casual players to get a piece of the spotlight. All are welcome to take a whirl.  Normal concert activities resume next week."
~Tom Rota
       

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!

"Having had the pleasure of hearing Ms. Stephanie Hayward perform, I was immediately and thoroughly captivated. A talented and energetic pianist and singer/songwriter, Ms. Hayward definitely someone to watch. Come over to Blue on this night and listen to this exciting and gifted performer."                  
~Barry P. Martin, Proprietor of Blue

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.

So listen up, amigos…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.

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.

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.

Katzenjammer

Rock –n- Roll, Rhythm ‘n Blues, Honky Tonk, Rockabilly and more…Katzemjammer is going to bring it. These guys have been around for awhile and are one of Portland’s best bands. Come and find out why. On that night, Blue will be offering a special Middle Eastern plate consisting of Barry’s homemade hummus, tabouli, stuffed grapes leaves, and Syrian bread. Don’t miss this incredible performance and the delectable.