PORTLAND, Maine — Editor’s note: The above video aired Nov. 10, 2021.
Country music star Scotty McCreery will bring Portland’s winter festival, Carnaval Maine, to a close next month.
The “You Time” singer will headline the Snow Stage on the Eastern Prom on Feb. 26. Portland’s own 12/OC will open for McCreery.
“I’m always happy to visit Maine,” McCreery said in a news release. “My father was raised in Maine before moving to North Carolina for college, so it’s almost like coming home. I can’t wait to perform at Carnaval.”
The Ghost of Paul Revere, also from Maine, will kick off Carnaval on the Snow Stage on Feb. 18. Lead singer Griffin Sherry said the band is excited to perform after their New Year's Eve show at State Theatre was canceled.
"It's been quite an experience — the last fall and coming into the winter months— you know, being from New England our entire lives, it's tough to play an outdoor show once the snow starts to fall around Halloween," Sherry said. "So we're just kind of thankful we can get a lot of people together in a safe outdoor space."
Other musical acts set to take the stage include Motor Booty Affair, Time Pilots, rePercussion, Girls Just Want to Have Fun, Pete Kilpatrick Band, Hello Newman, Jason Spooner Band, VIVA and the Reinforcements, Maine Academy of Modern Music, Maddy's Theatre, and Firefly of Penobscot Nation.
The 10-day festival will run from Feb. 17-26. This year's theme is Fire and Ice. It will feature a series of events and "epic experiences" to celebrate winter in the Pine Tree State, according to organizers.
Carnaval Maine was created and is operated by Shamrock Sports & Entertainment. The company will, according to a spokesperson, transform venues across Portland into a winter wonderland with activities and attractions that will appeal to residents and visitors alike.
Tickets to Carnaval and the concerts are available here.