The Most Intimate Live Music Venue in Portland

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* OUT OF THE BLUE ContestOUT OF THE BLUE Contest

Time: 8:00 pm

EVERY TUESDAY NIGHT15-20 musicians (local and touring) have 2 songs or 10 minutes to perform original music in front of an audience of peers and one unknown guest judge. Once everyone has had a chance to perform, there will be a short break and the guest judge will determine 3 finalists. The 3 finalists will perform one more song and then our guest judge will pick a winner. THE RULES: There is a entry fee per performer (initially said , but after talking with potential contestants I discovered that they were interested in a bigger pot to win). Each performance must be limited to three players per act. No effects...set-up needs to minimal, time is of the essence. No drum kits - only scaled down or hand-held percussion allowed. Performers must check in for their slot, 30 minutes prior to their scheduled playing time. Because "playing ability" is a judging criteria, for obvious reasons, CD Accompaniment Tracks are not allowed. ALSO, due to the size of the room and the number of performers, the ONE PURCHASE MINIMUM DOES APPLY...it's how we stay in business. Performers are judged based 5 categories: Songwriting Vocal performance Playing ability Stage presence Audience response Weekly contest winner will receive: A. MONEY - each contestant will pay a entry fee - winner takes all! B. A chance to perform in the semi-finalists' show and possibly perform in the YEARLY FINALISTS SHOW SIGN UP: EMAIL us at outoftheblue@portcityblue.com Please confirm your spot via email the day of the show. If you CAN NOT make you scheduled slot, please let us know as soon as you can.
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* Kevin McElroy &Jim; PrendergastKevin McElroy &Jim; Prendergast

Time: 7:30 pm


* TRADITIONAL IRISH SESSIONTRADITIONAL IRISH SESSION

Time: 9:30 pm


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* Peter AlbertPeter Albert

Time: 6:00 pm


* Joel CageJoel Cage

Time: 8:00 pm

A powerful voice with tunes to match, Joel Cage's personal take on life is poured forth through his music in a way as to make each listener swear he was singing especially for them. His lyrics, albeit autobiographical, are rife with images that evoke the ideas of every man (and woman).
* The Potato PickersThe Potato Pickers

Time: 10:00 pm

Playing original folk, country, and salty songs written by Jeff Aumuller, as well as traditional bluegrass, country and fiddle tunes.
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* Brad StrauseBrad Strause

Time: 6:00 pm

Strause comments "I have never been able to decide what to be if I grow up, so my songs seem to reflect that and run a wide eclectic, or just confused, gamut from Cajun, Americana, old-time rock & roll, pre-war blues to rockabilly, Motown, and mournful country ballads. They are all reconstituted bits and pieces of what I listened to growing up in Detroit and the Midwest – and in the South, the Southwest, the Northeast, and all along the way. Basically, I write to explore and try to enrich my own thoughts and emotions. I feel very connected to others when they connect with the imagery and themes, the thoughts and feelings of my songs.
* Andrew MerziAndrew Merzi

Time: 8:00 pm

Merzi's sound is a mix of country-blues and americana. His high energy guitar playing, heart felt lyrics and soulful vocals are conveyed sincerely in his performance style and caught the attention of the Timberland apparel company, who featured him as the Timberland artist for January 2011.
* OKBARI with bellydancersOKBARI with bellydancers

Time: 10:00 pm


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* Kyle James HauserKyle James Hauser

Time: 8:00 pm

Kyle James Hauser is a Denver, Colorado-based singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist specializing in banjo. A graduate of the prestigious Berklee College of Music, Hauser has been a highly respected studio player for the better part of a decade, playing on albums by Head For The Hills, Will Knox, among others.
* Mike Beling TrioMike Beling Trio

Time: 10:00 pm

JAZZ AT THE BLUE
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* OUT OF THE BLUE ContestOUT OF THE BLUE Contest

Time: 8:00 pm

EVERY TUESDAY NIGHT15-20 musicians (local and touring) have 2 songs or 10 minutes to perform original music in front of an audience of peers and one unknown guest judge. Once everyone has had a chance to perform, there will be a short break and the guest judge will determine 3 finalists. The 3 finalists will perform one more song and then our guest judge will pick a winner. THE RULES: There is a entry fee per performer (initially said , but after talking with potential contestants I discovered that they were interested in a bigger pot to win). Each performance must be limited to three players per act. No effects...set-up needs to minimal, time is of the essence. No drum kits - only scaled down or hand-held percussion allowed. Performers must check in for their slot, 30 minutes prior to their scheduled playing time. Because "playing ability" is a judging criteria, for obvious reasons, CD Accompaniment Tracks are not allowed. ALSO, due to the size of the room and the number of performers, the ONE PURCHASE MINIMUM DOES APPLY...it's how we stay in business. Performers are judged based 5 categories: Songwriting Vocal performance Playing ability Stage presence Audience response Weekly contest winner will receive: A. MONEY - each contestant will pay a entry fee - winner takes all! B. A chance to perform in the semi-finalists' show and possibly perform in the YEARLY FINALISTS SHOW SIGN UP: EMAIL us at outoftheblue@portcityblue.com Please confirm your spot via email the day of the show. If you CAN NOT make you scheduled slot, please let us know as soon as you can.
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* Grainne Murphy &Kathleen; BoyleGrainne Murphy &Kathleen; Boyle

Time: 7:30 pm

Grainne Murphy & Kathlenn Boyle - from Cherish the Ladies! Both members of the busy touring band Cherish the Ladies, Kathleen Boyle and Gráinne Murphy have begun touring as a duo in their free time, performing and teaching workshops at intimate venues across the U.S and Ireland. Hailing from Glasgow and a family steeped in the music of Donegal, Kathleen plays both piano and piano accordion, and earned a bachelor's degree in traditional music from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. Gráinne, a Boston native with Clare roots, learned to play the fiddle from Clare legend Séamus Connolly, and currently resides in New York City. This spring, the pair will tour the Northeast, playing music from each of their solo albums, as well as new arrangements from their recent collaborations. www.grainnemurphy.com www.kathleenboyle.co.uk www.cherishtheladies.com
* TRADITIONAL IRISH SESSIONTRADITIONAL IRISH SESSION

Time: 9:30 pm


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* 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
* Cinder CorkCinder Cork

Time: 8:00 pm

Playing Balkan and Eastern European music, Matthew Schreiber (accordion) & Xar (bull fiddle) of Cinder Cork make their Blue Debut
* TrapparatusTrapparatus

Time: 10:00 pm

Funky jazz featuring: Chris Sweet Shaun Bolduc Amory Raymond Tyler Card Tyler Quist
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* Justin LantripJustin Lantrip

Time: 5:00 pm


* Brendan HoganBrendan Hogan

Time: 8:00 pm

Brendan plays original roots, modern folk, and blues-based songs, as well as two familiar standards in the folk and country genres. Hogan's work in songwriting and performing has seen him share stages with Kris Delmhorst, Cliff Eberhardt, Slaid Cleaves, Geoff Muldaur, Ray Bonneville, Eilen Jewell, Les Sampou, Paul Rishell & Annie Raines, Spider John Koerner, Brooks Williams, and others, and he has recently headlined Club Passim, performed at the WUMB Music Fest (aka Boston Folk Festival), and showcased for the Boston Area Coffeehouse Association and the Northeast Regional Folk Alliance conference. The Boston Phoenix newspaper has called Hogan "a distinctive new musical voice".
* The Forbes QuartetThe Forbes Quartet

Time: 10:00 pm

Gideon and Jacob Forbes are bringing exciting original jazz music to Blue along with arrangements from some of their favorite jazz artists.
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* Clara BerryClara Berry

Time: 6:00 pm

Evocative folk-pop with an soft spot for well placed dissonance, it's often compared to Regina Spektor and Fiona Apple. Portland Magazine says "Sparkling and dark, intriguing and entrancing, Clara Berry's music is so fresh it crashes over the sea wall and reaches the other side of the street"
* Malandrino Malandrino

Time: 8:00 pm

Malandrino (literally, 'little criminal') performs folk songs from the geographical area known as the 'Mezzogiorno', or 'Land of the Noonday Sun', encompassing Southern Italy, Sicily, and Sardinia. Malandrino specializes in performing songs from the underground and immigrant cultures of Southern Italy and Sicily, including songs of imprisonment, revenge ballads, immigration songs and 'canto di malavita' or 'songs from a life of crime'. These songs tell the story of a culture that has often been voiceless in the face of poverty and alienation with simple but arresting melodies and heart-wrenching lyrics.
* Ahmad Hassan Muhammad SoloAhmad Hassan Muhammad Solo

Time: 10:00 pm

JAZZ AT THE BLUE featuring Hassan Muhammad. Ahmad Hassan Muhammad is a pianist and composer from Cincinnati, Ohio and a recent graduate of Bowdoin College (Brunswick, Maine, U.S.A). He began studying jazz in the ninth grade under the guidance of pianist William Menefield, who lit a fire inside of Ahmad through performing for his class one afternoon in the fall of 2002 at the School for Creative and Performing Arts. At Bowdoin College, Ahmad continued to grow as a pianist, composer and improviser under the inspiration and direction of Frank Mauceri, Naydene Bowder, Matthew Fogg and Steve Grover, and sought to expose his classmates, and audiences throughout New England, to jazz music and his other favorite improvisational activity, freestyle rapping. In his sophomore year at Bowdoin, Ahmad began commuting to Boston to study with pianist Aaron Goldberg—whose insightful mentorship pushed him even further—and to New York City, to study with other world-renowned improvisers such as Fred Hersch, Tony Malaby and Andy Milne. While on campus, Ahmad balanced an active performance career with passionate engagement with literature and philosophy. Having graduated from Bowdoin with a degree in English, Muhammad is currently based in Portland, Maine, and will be spending the fall touring high schools, middle schools and concert venues across the Northeast and Midwest with the ‘Improv Alive’ Collective.
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* Ed MilichEd Milich

Time: 12:00 pm

The New England Desmo Owners Club is proud to be able to introduce motorcycle road racer, author, poet, and Motorcyclist Magazine writer Ed Milich to the New England area with a series of readings from his recently released second book "Fueled" Sunday April 15th 12:00pm -2:30pm in association with Moto Milano at "Blue" 650A Congress St Portland, ME 04101-3305 (207) 774-4111 www.portcityblue.com Fueled embodies the author’s personal motorcycle road racing experiences. The first half of Fueled is written in free verse, similar to material from Milich’s first book, "Wrenched". The second half is comprised of short stories about the passions and madness of racing: rusted motorcycles, crusted men, and how Milich won a race at Daytona on a 0 Moto Guzzi. Ed Milich is a writer and championship winning motorcycle road racer. He amassed a total of 13 race wins over the past five years at Daytona International Speedway’s Bike Week Vintage Races.
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* OUT OF THE BLUE ContestOUT OF THE BLUE Contest

Time: 8:00 pm

EVERY TUESDAY NIGHT15-20 musicians (local and touring) have 2 songs or 10 minutes to perform original music in front of an audience of peers and one unknown guest judge. Once everyone has had a chance to perform, there will be a short break and the guest judge will determine 3 finalists. The 3 finalists will perform one more song and then our guest judge will pick a winner. THE RULES: There is a entry fee per performer (initially said , but after talking with potential contestants I discovered that they were interested in a bigger pot to win). Each performance must be limited to three players per act. No effects...set-up needs to minimal, time is of the essence. No drum kits - only scaled down or hand-held percussion allowed. Performers must check in for their slot, 30 minutes prior to their scheduled playing time. Because "playing ability" is a judging criteria, for obvious reasons, CD Accompaniment Tracks are not allowed. ALSO, due to the size of the room and the number of performers, the ONE PURCHASE MINIMUM DOES APPLY...it's how we stay in business. Performers are judged based 5 categories: Songwriting Vocal performance Playing ability Stage presence Audience response Weekly contest winner will receive: A. MONEY - each contestant will pay a entry fee - winner takes all! B. A chance to perform in the semi-finalists' show and possibly perform in the YEARLY FINALISTS SHOW SIGN UP: EMAIL us at outoftheblue@portcityblue.com Please confirm your spot via email the day of the show. If you CAN NOT make you scheduled slot, please let us know as soon as you can.
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* Ed Pearlman & Laura Scott Ed Pearlman & Laura Scott

Time: 7:30 pm


* TRADITIONAL IRISH SESSIONTRADITIONAL IRISH SESSION

Time: 9:30 pm


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* Kristen MarloKristen Marlo

Time: 8:00 pm

American songwriter Kristen Marlo began singing before she could talk, and hasn’t stopped since. She is a classically trained vocalist and self-taught guitarist, but also an accomplished composer and lyricist. Inspiration for her prolific songwriting comes from passion for new experiences; her work covers the full range of human emotion, from love and lust to rage and revenge. The last few years have seen her touring the West Coast extensively in support of an independently released EP and a live LP. Her broad appeal is reflected in the eclectic list of internationally known American artists she’s opened for, including Sara Bareilles, Joshua Radin, Matt Hires, April Smith, Fanfarlo, Gary Jules, folk singer Todd Snider, and country artist Eric Church. Likewise, her music is featured on a score of compilations and her backing vocals can be found on dozens of other artists’ releases. She recently finished her second EP, entitled Death, Love and Ice Cream.
* 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.
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* Lazy GaitLazy Gait

Time: 8:00 pm

The Lazy Gait is an acoustic Western Swing band from Portland, Maine. They wrangle up everything from Bob Wills and Dan Hicks to Hank Snow and Wynonie Harris. “We like to get people dancing and have a good time”, says lead singer and rhythm guitarist, Tom Whitehead.
* Yellow Roman CandlesYellow Roman Candles

Time: 10:00 pm

The Yellow Roman Candles are an acoustic folk 4 piece band. The songs (all originals) are influenced by the frustrations of singer songwriter Aaron Morse; the emotion is made evident by the sweeping bowed notes played by bassist Jake Ross and alternating violinists nick destino, Angela Doxsey, and Michael Conant the contrasting backing vocals provided by Sarah Klomparens.
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* SORCHASORCHA

Time: 6:00 pm

Sorcha’s voice packs a luscious punch. Weilding acoustic guitar and clawhammer banjo alongside “sultry and jazzy” vocals, she “unveils a suite of musical styles that shows a wide-ranging songwriting ability...witty verses with smart rhymes” (Sam Pfeifle, Portland Pheonix).
* The Whiskey BoysThe Whiskey Boys

Time: 8:00 pm

Fiddle, a Guitar and two voices. The Whiskey Boys play original and traditional Irish, Old Time, and Bluegrass music reharmonized with Jazz, Rock, and wit. Often rowdy, sometimes tender, The Whiskey Boys are always a crowd pleaser.
* Tip O' the Hat SeriesTip O' the Hat Series

Time: 10:00 pm

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: Nina Simone (Jazz/R&B; Singer/Composer) - 9 years gone on April 21
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* OUT OF THE BLUE ContestOUT OF THE BLUE Contest

Time: 8:00 pm

EVERY TUESDAY NIGHT15-20 musicians (local and touring) have 2 songs or 10 minutes to perform original music in front of an audience of peers and one unknown guest judge. Once everyone has had a chance to perform, there will be a short break and the guest judge will determine 3 finalists. The 3 finalists will perform one more song and then our guest judge will pick a winner. THE RULES: There is a entry fee per performer (initially said , but after talking with potential contestants I discovered that they were interested in a bigger pot to win). Each performance must be limited to three players per act. No effects...set-up needs to minimal, time is of the essence. No drum kits - only scaled down or hand-held percussion allowed. Performers must check in for their slot, 30 minutes prior to their scheduled playing time. Because "playing ability" is a judging criteria, for obvious reasons, CD Accompaniment Tracks are not allowed. ALSO, due to the size of the room and the number of performers, the ONE PURCHASE MINIMUM DOES APPLY...it's how we stay in business. Performers are judged based 5 categories: Songwriting Vocal performance Playing ability Stage presence Audience response Weekly contest winner will receive: A. MONEY - each contestant will pay a entry fee - winner takes all! B. A chance to perform in the semi-finalists' show and possibly perform in the YEARLY FINALISTS SHOW SIGN UP: EMAIL us at outoftheblue@portcityblue.com Please confirm your spot via email the day of the show. If you CAN NOT make you scheduled slot, please let us know as soon as you can.
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* Murray and FalkneauMurray and Falkneau

Time: 7:30 pm


* TRADITIONAL IRISH SESSIONTRADITIONAL IRISH SESSION

Time: 9:30 pm


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* 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.
* Drew KellyDrew Kelly

Time: 8:00 pm

Drew is a young up and coming singer/songwriter from Scranton, PA. Drew started gaining attention in May of 2010 when he started playing on the streets of downtown Scranton for money under the pseudonym Tom Riley. Drew has a large catalog of original songs and is always writing new material. He plays his songs on the guitar, harmonica, and piano and can also cover a very wide range of artists. The sound of his music is rooted in Folk, Blues, Country, and Rock and Roll and does not conform to today’s modern sound. Drew has a very unique style and persona and is in every way his own artist.
* Samuel James & Dana GrossSamuel James & Dana Gross

Time: 10:00 pm

Trading songs & stories
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* 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
* 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.
* 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."
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* 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.
* 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.
* 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.
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* 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)
* 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.
* 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
* THE EVAN KING GROUPTHE EVAN KING GROUP

Time: 6:00 pm

Soul, Jazz...remixed
* LHQLHQ

Time: 8:00 pm

Chas Lester, Evan Haines & Tyler Quist
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Calendar developed and supported by Kieran O'Shea

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

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