“Tristan has been lighting up stages in the Northeast U.S. and releasing albums for over 10 years now. Having learned the ropes of recording and releasing albums and touring through playing in bands for a number of years, he has found his true calling by striking out on his own. Based out of Manchester, New Hampshire (right outside of Boston), along with fourteen years of guitar playing under his belt, Tristan’s stage show is a barrage of original and traditional four chord Folk/Americana songs along with tasteful licks, usually played at break-neck bluegrassy speeds. Though, just as he can have your head bobbing and feet tapping at a rocking speed, he can make your heart ache with a slow ballad type song. Even as a one-man act, Tristan’s energetic performance and skillful guitar and vocal ability fill up a stage like none other.” http://tristanomand.com/bio.html
About Us
Blue is Portland’s most intimate live music venue featuring an array of music such as Celtic, Middle Eastern, Blues, Old Time, Jazz, Folk, and more. In addition, we offer a selection of fine wines from around the world as well as Maine microbrews, other beers on tap, curious bottled beers, and a small but delicious menu featuring artisanal cheeses.
650A Congress St
Portland, ME 04101-3305
(207) 774-4111
HOURS:
Wednesday - Saturday: 6pm-Close
Today
- In the Round with ShannaIn the Round with Shanna
Time: 6:00 pm
Shanna Underwood brings Pete Witham (Cosmic Zombies) & Erik Neilson (Rural Ghost) into her series! Pete Witham from the Cosmic Zombies - He'll be doing some previously unheard stuff and some of his favorite Zombie songs in a listening session. No hiding behind that mad bass player. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pete-Witham-The-Cozmik-Zombies/247711001958 Erik Neilson from Rural Ghosts - Erik plays an eclectic bunch of instruments to accompany himself. Rather than the traditional songwriter with guitar, he writes on the baritone ukulele, mandolin, and other random things with strings. http://www.reverbnation.com/ruralghosts at 6:00 pm - Laura Grill BandLaura Grill Band
Time: 8:00 pm
Although clearly infused with Jazz and Classical sensibilities the Laura Grill Band sound is undeniably folk. Reflective lyrics are combined with tastes of chamber music, improvisation and four part harmonies to create a sound that is all her own. at 8:00 pm - Will GattisWill Gattis
Time: 10:00 pm
The prestige that accompanies the title Maine’s Best Singer/Songwriter (as won in the 2007 Maine Songwriter Showdown) is not lost on its holder Will Gattis, a Portland-native singer/songwriter whose influences range from The Beatles, The Who, and Queen to Ben Folds Five, Nobuo Uematsu, and David Bowie. Describing his translation of those influences into his own songwriting and performing style, Gattis quips that what fans hear is “the hypothetical result of Ben Folds sitting next to Freddie Mercury in a philosophy class taught by Paul McCartney." at 10:00 pm
Coming Soon
- April 28, 2012
- Rachael SageRachael Sage
Time: 8:00 pm
Self-taught musician, poet and producer Rachael Sage radiates what MOJO Magazine calls “warm, intelligent…NY indie charm”. An innovative, improvisational keyboardist, she performs over 150 dates a year with her band The Sequins throughout North America, Europe and Asia. In 2009, Sage made her debut at the world’s largest arts festival, Edinburgh Fringe, where she performed a week-long run of her show “Sequins & Shpiel” to rave reviews. A subsequent sold-out revival of the show at New York’s Joe’s Pub was recommended as a “Top Pick” by both the New York Daily News and Time Out. Sage, who has shared stages with Sarah McLachlan, Judy Collins, Marc Cohn, The Animals and Ani DiFranco, was named one of the Top 100 Independent Artists Of The Past 15 Years by Performing Songwriter magazine. A Grand Prize-Winner in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest (Rock) as well as 2-time winner of both the OUTMusic and Independent Music Awards, Sage has earned a loyal following for her infectious melodies, poetic lyrics, and often-outrageous, colorful stage banter. Her new self-produced album, DELANCEY STREET, contains a dozen tracks of what CMJ calls “a resonant mixture of pop, folk and jazz”; inspired by the urgency of the Green Movement as well as her Jewish immigrant heritage, it is Sage’s most revealing work to date. at 8:00 pm - Gregory Douglass Gregory Douglass
Time: 8:00 pm
Gregory Gouglass, joined by Rachael Sage, has an evocative, alternative sound that has been compared to Tori Amos, Jeff Buckley and Rufus Wainwright. His numerous accolades include being a finalist for both the 2005 International Songwriting Competition and the 2004 Independent Music Awards; he was the winner of the 2003 GrammyFest Awards in New York City, as well as the inaugural performer on the American Red Cross "Save A Life Tour" in 2003. Douglass actively appears at listening rooms, clubs, festivals, and campuses throughout the United States and has shared the stage with artists like They Might Be Giants, Melissa Ferrick, Jason Mraz, Regina Spektor, Third Eye Blind and Margaret Cho. Douglass' music video for "Hang Around" charted for six consecutive months on LOGO TV's "Click List" Top 10 Video Countdown in 2008, following similar success on LOGO TV with his video for "I Wanted To Run" in 2007. at 8:00 pm - The Hardy TrioThe Hardy Trio
Time: 10:00 pm
Twin saxophonists, Kyle and Duncan Hardy, trade off monthly gigs in the JAZZ AT THE BLUE series. Bringing in a a trio, sometimes a quartet every 4th Saturday of the month from 10pm to midnight. at 10:00 pm
- Rachael SageRachael Sage
- April 29, 2012
- BLUE BIRTHDAY BASH!!!BLUE BIRTHDAY BASH!!!
Time: 1:00 pm
Celebrating 7 years of great music and friends with 4 bands: Matt Meyer & the Gumption Junction, Sean Mencher & His Rhythm Kings, The Evan King Group, and Chas Lester (LQH) at 1:00 pm - Sean Mencher &His; Rhythm KingsSean Mencher &His; Rhythm Kings
Time: 2:00 pm
Sean Mencher and His Rhythm Kings play classic 1950's style Rockabilly music. at 2:00 pm - Matt Meyer & The Gumption JCTMatt Meyer & The Gumption JCT
Time: 4:00 pm
Portland's "Most Handsomest" band plays New Roots, Sea Shanties, & Old Time Mountain Music. Matt Meyer-vocals, banjo, guitar Chris Beth-guitar, vocals Vince Nez- fiddle, vocals Nathaniel Meyer-upright bass, washboard, harmonica, vocals Vince Nez- fiddle at 4:00 pm - THE EVAN KING GROUPTHE EVAN KING GROUP
Time: 6:00 pm
Soul, Jazz...remixed at 6:00 pm - LHQLHQ
Time: 8:00 pm
Chas Lester, Evan Haines & Tyler Quist at 8:00 pm
- BLUE BIRTHDAY BASH!!!BLUE BIRTHDAY BASH!!!
- May 1, 2012
- May 2, 2012
- The ForgeThe Forge
Time: 7:30 pm
Maeve Gilchrist, Nicole Rabata, Cara Frankowicz & Anna Colliton "breathe fresh life into Ireland's traditional music - and deliver it with a punch. Hailing from both sides of the Atlantic, the women of the Forge perform a stunning fusion of tradition today." at 7:30 pm - TRADITIONAL IRISH SESSIONTRADITIONAL IRISH SESSION
Time: 9:30 pm
at 9:30 pm
- The ForgeThe Forge
- May 3, 2012
- After the RodeoAfter the Rodeo
Time: 8:00 pm
After the Rodeo is an innovative and imaginative new Americana act that is a harbinger of their genre. Featuring some of Vermont’s busiest and most sought after musicians, After the Rodeo is an amalgamation of talent that blends seamless, melodic musicianship along with supple three-part harmonies that transcends beyond the typical musical landscape. Taking their combined interests in a variety of genres, After the Rodeo brilliantly infuses meandering jazz, traditional blues and bluegrass along with the reminiscent charm of cowboy folk, associated with such artists as Guy Clark and Townes Van Zandt. Not only is this trio creatively breaking ground musically, they also have a shared gift individually and as a group, for songwriting. Crafting each song with attention to detail and literary precision, their original compositions both instrumental and lyrical, evoke timeless images that tend to linger in the imagination long After the Rodeo is through. at 8:00 pm - Geoff ZimmermanGeoff Zimmerman
Time: 10:00 pm
Well... Geoff Zimmerman is a singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Portland, Maine. His urban-folk/indie-rock style is eclectic, finding inspiration from anywhere in time and space. Geoff has been writing songs for over 10 years and has earned a bachelor degree in music. at 10:00 pm
- After the RodeoAfter the Rodeo
- May 4, 2012
- Art Opening for ADAM POLICKYArt Opening for ADAM POLICKY
Time: 5:00 pm
at 5:00 pm - The Olympic SymphoniumThe Olympic Symphonium
Time: 6:00 pm
Crafting delicately arranged folk-pop that drips with bittersweet melodies, soaring harmonies, and an awful lot of passion, The Olympic Symphonium (from Fredericton, NB) have been sharing their quiet world with us since 2005. They are and always have been a collaborative effort between three multi-instrumentalists, songwriters, and friends: Nick Cobham, Kyle Cunjak, and Graeme Walker. at 6:00 pm - Ana MallozziAna Mallozzi
Time: 8:00 pm
Ana Mallozzi is a singer/songwriter from Providence, Rhode Island. She has a voice that can cut through the air like a knife or sound like home. Her songs are very much rooted in matters of the heart. They move from zero to sixty faster than a folk musician normally can on account of her powerhouse vocals. If you look at her it is easy to think that she is a mild mannered and reserved girl but as soon as she sings it is like the noise of a freight train passing your house in the suburbs, that's a little too close to the tracks. It forces you to sit up in the night and listen to it. Only the sound of this freight train is a welcome diversion from sleep. -JES Listen to and/or purchase Ana's new album "April" on http://ana.mallozzi/bandcamp.com at 8:00 pm - OKBARI with bellydancersOKBARI with bellydancers
Time: 10:00 pm
at 10:00 pm
- Art Opening for ADAM POLICKYArt Opening for ADAM POLICKY
- May 5, 2012
- Julia BerryJulia Berry
Time: 8:00 pm
Julia Barry is an indie pianist, singer, and songwriter based in NY. Recently hitting the studio with eight other instrumentalists, she recorded her second CD, Once, or Twice, which features jazz- and blues-inspired songs of wonder and longing. Often compared to artists like Norah Jones and Joni Mitchell, Julia's voice is as gritty and sweet as her songs are kick-you-under-the-table honest. Her live sets have been described as "mesmerizing" and "provocative" and you can catch her performing live on the East Coast, especially in NYC. at 8:00 pm - Gypsy Moth QuartetGypsy Moth Quartet
Time: 10:00 pm
Join Daisy Castro’s Gypsy Moth Quartet for an evening of music that will conjure exciting and romantic visions of Paris? illustrious Jazz Age. This young violinist?s daring playing style has been creating quite a stir in the world of Gypsy Jazz . Her ability to embody this passionate, beautiful music at such an early age has charmed and amazed audiences both here and abroad, and has landed her onstage with some of the ?nest players in Europe and the U.S..Daisy (the In?del Castros) and her violin will be joined by Mike Arciero (formerly of Hot Club Of Portland) on guitar, Ryan Flaherty(formerly of Ameranouche) on guitar, and Derek Van Wormer (Jason Anick Trio) on upright bass. at 10:00 pm
- Julia BerryJulia Berry
- May 8, 2012
- May 9, 2012
- May 10, 2012
- MSA In the RoundMSA In the Round
Time: 6:00 pm
Phil Daligan brings MSA members to Blue every month for a series of In the Round at 6:00 pm - Anna Dagmar & Nina SchmirAnna Dagmar & Nina Schmir
Time: 8:00 pm
Born in England, raised in MA and based in NYC, Anna Dagmar creates piano-woven folk-pop songs that will surprise and move you. A graduate of the Eastman School of Music, she has been influenced by artists including Debussy, Keith Jarrett, Joni Mitchell, Billy Joel and Anais Mitchell. Nina Schmir plays acoustic, indie folk-pop and folk-rock, spanning sounds reminiscent of 60’s pop and jazz-inflected piano pop to jangly, guitar-driven folk and thoroughly modern folk variations sprinkled with a true sense of wit. at 8:00 pm - TrapparatusTrapparatus
Time: 10:00 pm
Funky jazz featuring: Chris Sweet Shaun Bolduc Amory Raymond Tyler Card Tyler Quist at 10:00 pm
- MSA In the RoundMSA In the Round
- May 11, 2012
- Cheryl B. EngelhardtCheryl B. Engelhardt
Time: 6:00 pm
Cheryl is a performing artist and composer. She has toured throughout the USA and Europe with her band, supporting her three records. Cheryl composes original music for documentaries, nationally airing ads, movie trailers, CollegeHumor.com and other video projects. She also speaks at colleges and music conferences like SXSW about creating and controlling an artistic career. at 6:00 pm - Jeff Michaels BandJeff Michaels Band
Time: 8:00 pm
"piano ballads that would sound at home on any Billy Joel album…" (Aaron Rubin, Co-Opted Music) "Unique songwriting talent…great protruding melody in each and every one of their songs… hard not to like." (Naomi Allaway, InSite Editor – London, UK) at 8:00 pm - The Evan King GroupThe Evan King Group
Time: 10:00 pm
Soul, Jazz...Remixed at 10:00 pm
- Cheryl B. EngelhardtCheryl B. Engelhardt
- May 12, 2012
- Rob CimitileRob Cimitile
Time: 6:00 pm
Rob Cimitile's music combines elements of bluegrass and folk with vocal effects, percussive guitar and lyrics that volley between spirituality, metaphysics, and the human experience at large. The conscious influences on this music vary widely, but perhaps the most noticeable are Johnny Cash, Ennio Morricone, Frankie Valli, Kaki King, Tom Waits and Bright Eyes. at 6:00 pm - Annalise EmerickAnnalise Emerick
Time: 8:00 pm
Her familiar melodies, many borrowing from the folk legacy of American antiquity, calm the soul like a childhood friend. Yet Annalise’s voice uniquely twists intricate melodies in fresh and exciting new ways. It would be just as true to describe her voice as modern, with bits and pieces of Brandi Carlile’s songwriting prowess, Adele’s powerful vocal style, and Regina Spektor’s quirkiness all mixed in. To fully appreciate the wisdom of the Annalise Emerick folk/pop/indie experience, catch her live. There is no telling where the open road may call this talented gypsy muse. She could be across the continent or the globe in a year, so see Annalise Emerick while you can. at 8:00 pm - Ben Appel QuartetBen Appel Quartet
Time: 10:00 pm
JAZZ AT THE BLUE at 10:00 pm
- Rob CimitileRob Cimitile
- May 15, 2012
- May 16, 2012
- May 17, 2012
- In the Round with ShannaIn the Round with Shanna
Time: 6:00 pm
at 6:00 pm - John BrodeurJohn Brodeur
Time: 8:00 pm
New York musician John Brodeur has made a reputation as a talented recording artist, composer of first-class alternative pop songs, and a restless multi-instrumentalist. at 8:00 pm - Groove RuckusGroove Ruckus
Time: 10:00 pm
Groove Ruckus is a refreshing twist off of the jazz funk fusion genre. With all the musicians coming from very different musical backgrounds, everybody adds their own flavor to the sound. All the students are students of jazz music, but we all like to drop the textbook and jam out! If the music of Soulive, The Slip, and The Bad Plus were put into a bender, this would be the result. at 10:00 pm
- In the Round with ShannaIn the Round with Shanna
- May 18, 2012
- Bread & BonesBread & Bones
Time: 8:00 pm
Bread and Bones is a harmony driven acoustic trio that plays original music with a strong traditional-roots foundation. While Richard Ruane plays guitar, mandolin, 5 string or tenor banjo and ukulele, Mitch Barron adds his wonderful presence on fretless and upright bass.In addition to their original music, they also perform traditional songs from America and the British Isles, songs by other songwriters and a few jazz standards. Beth Duquette completes the trio with a rich alto that weaves through the music. All three members contribute lead and harmony vocals at 8:00 pm - Matt Meyer & The Gumption JCTMatt Meyer & The Gumption JCT
Time: 10:00 pm
New roots music, old time sea chanteys, and mountain songs at 10:00 pm
- Bread & BonesBread & Bones
- May 19, 2012
- Sarah FardSarah Fard
Time: 6:00 pm
Sarah Fard is a graduate from the University of New Hampshire in Music Education and jazz guitar. Her involvement in jazz combos, big bands, classical guitar ensembles, and musical theater orchestra pits has shaped her interpretation of the jazz standards she performs at 6:00 pm - Sean Mencher &His; Rhythm KingsSean Mencher &His; Rhythm Kings
Time: 8:00 pm
Honestly, I don't believe that Sean Mencher needs a long introduction as every true rockabilly fans should know him either from his work with High Noon, his productions (The Two Timin' Three, The Gin Palace Jesters, Jessie Lee Miller, Croonin' Kurt...) or his appearances as guest guitarist (Wayne "The Train" Hancock, Dig Wayne...). This fine guitar player also finds time to lead his own band, The Sean Mencher Combo. by Fred "Virgil" Turgis at 8:00 pm - Tip O' the Hat SeriesTip O' the Hat Series
Time: 10:00 pm
JAZZ AT THE BLUE featuring MARK TIPTON: Each month, Mark pays homage to a late great musician who has has a profound influence his Musical Life and Personality. (FYI - Not all musicians chosen are associated with Jazz!) THIS MONTH: Mary Lou Williams (American Jazz Pianist/Composer) - 31 years gone on May 28 at 10:00 pm
- Sarah FardSarah Fard
- May 20, 2012
- May 22, 2012
- May 23, 2012
- May 24, 2012
- The Barn SwallowsThe Barn Swallows
Time: 6:00 pm
Kate Driver, Jake Henry, and Rebecca Minnick play a repertoire of traditional & original songs with deep roots in bluegrass music and old-time harmony. at 6:00 pm - Michael KrapovickyMichael Krapovicky
Time: 8:00 pm
Michael Krapovicky is a singer and songwriter... and also a multi-instrumentalist, member of multiple touring bands, recording engineer, mastering technician and producer. He has immersed himself in every facet of the music making process. This deep knowledge of “song” proves the cornerstone to well-structured tunes, an intuitive audience connection, and a sound in nearly any room that ranges from folksy, communal light-heartedness to rumbling mug-clashing conviviality. at 8:00 pm - Samuel James & Dana GrossSamuel James & Dana Gross
Time: 10:00 pm
Trading songs & stories at 10:00 pm
- The Barn SwallowsThe Barn Swallows
- May 25, 2012
- Bob RaseroBob Rasero
Time: 6:00 pm
Singer, songwriter, guitarist Bob Rasero is joined by drummer Jeff Davison and bassist Kent Allyn. Longtime friends and bandmates Jeff and Kent join Bob for a set of original blues and rockin' acoustic tunes. Both have been with Bob since the early 1990's and were the original Renovators along with Dave Thibodeau. Jeff has been the leader of Portland's Big Chief band for over twenty years and has shared the stage and set the grooves for too many stars to mention….ditto for Kent Allyn, a multi-instrumentalist/producer/teacher who is first call up and down the east coast….. at 6:00 pm - Ryan FlahertyRyan Flaherty
Time: 8:00 pm
Ryan Flaherty is an American singer-songwriter with a fiery flamenco edge, combining folk, jazz and gypsy guitar with enticing vocals and magnetic lyrics. Flaherty was born and raised in Rock Island, IL, across the river from Bix Beiderbecke's hometown of Davenport, IA. His music is an exciting mixture of folk, pop, rock, flamenco and a percussive guitar technique that blazes with cultural diversity. Flaherty's influences range from Woody Guthrie and Lead Belly to Django Reinhardt and Paco De Lucia. at 8:00 pm - "Jazzy" Chas Lester"Jazzy" Chas Lester
Time: 10:00 pm
“Jazzy” Chas has been singing and performing since he was a young adult attending Hall-Dale schools while growing up in Hallowell, then earned a bachelor’s degree in jazz and contemporary performance from the University of Maine at Augusta. He taught himself how to beat box and teaches the skill to students at the Kennebec Conservatory of Music in Augusta and at the Maine Academy of Music in Portland. In addition to vocals, Chas also plays drums. He performs in a number of bands, including Bass Box, and currently performs at the Empire Dine and Dance in Portland every Tuesday evening. You can also catch him at a number of venues between Portland and Hallowell. at 10:00 pm
- Bob RaseroBob Rasero
- May 26, 2012
- Hattie SimonHattie Simon
Time: 6:00 pm
Jazz singer and pianist, Hattie Simon, performs standards from the Great American Songbook, contemporary jazz and music of alternative artists like Regina Spektor and Ben Folds. Hattie released her first EP "La Vie En Jazz" in October 2011. at 6:00 pm - Hickory StringsHickory Strings
Time: 8:00 pm
Hickory Strings blends elements of jazz, bluegrass, classical, world, and folk music into a unique brand of modern American chamber music. The resulting compositions and improvisations are unclassifiable. The group’s versatility has led to performances in concert halls, bars, coffee shops, bluegrass festivals, schools, libraries, and is one of the few groups truly suitable for nearly any venue. at 8:00 pm - Lincoln Allen TrioLincoln Allen Trio
Time: 10:00 pm
JAZZ AT THE BLUE at 10:00 pm
- Hattie SimonHattie Simon




