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

Kevin is returning for his 3rd Blue performance this week. He will be joined by flute player Nicole Rabata in the second half and will focus on songs and solo material in the first half. If you haven't seen Kevin play at Blue before, don't miss this one. He is one of the finest proponents of Irish fiddling in Maine today and a vital part of the Portland session scene.

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 $3 (20oz) Guinness and enjoy the night.

If you’re a fan of Jonathan Call and his soulful acoustic style, you’re going to love his new creation, “Jon Call & the Foundation”. Mr. Call is a very passionate and talented young musician in the Portland scene who has assembled this exciting and promising trio.

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.

"Now pursuing his solo career, Rhad frequents The Acoustic Coffee in Portland, Maine and has recently been seen playing at The Bitter End in NYC. His music is hard to define, with vastly changing styles. His serious blues and jazz influences apparent, as he seamlessly switches up his repertoire melding several genres of music into a single set. "  
 
"With strong improvisational skills lending to an innate creative mind, Rhad's songs need not be heard, but experienced. Vastly changing styles and a seamlessly never ending repertoire make listening to Rhad's music a delight to the senses, leaving one curious to the next sounds they will hear."

Normally Okbari would be performing on the first Friday here at Blue, however, as some of you know, Amos Libby of Okbari sustained an injury to his left hand and is unable to play at this time. The prognosis is hopeful and we look forward to the return of Okbari next month on the first Friday.

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.

Jazz guitar, saxophone and keyboards, the Jeff Scott Trio, are three talented jazz musicians who will dazzle you with their brilliant renditions of your favorite jazz standards.