PORTLAND, Maine — As we make our way through the back half of November, there are plenty of concerts coming up around the state. Portland Press Herald music writer Aimsel Ponti joins us with a look at some of the concerts you won’t want to miss.
SHOW: Tricky Britches
WHEN & WHERE: Saturday, Nov. 16 @ Stone Mountain Arts Center in Brownfield
COST: $20
DETAILS: Some bluegrass, some country, some folk, some all of that! Tricky Britches formed in 2009, when four friends in Portland, Maine took their fiddle tunes and country songs on the road across the U.S. Since then they have released three albums of original material: Comin’ in Hot (2016), Good Company (2013), and Hard Fought Day(2011). They have played on stages big and small across the US, Hawaii, and Europe.
SHOW: Joy Clark
WHEN & WHERE: Friday, Nov. 22. @ The Strand Theatre in Rockland
COST: $20 in advance, $23 day of show
DETAILS: Singer-songwriter and lyrical guitarist Joy Clark creates soulful original compositions that celebrate peace and the undeniable power of love. Her intricate rhythms and warm melodies reveal a sweet vulnerability that enchants her audiences around the world. The Louisiana born-and-raised singer-songwriter is charting her own path with her debut album Tell it to the Wind. As the youngest of five children born into a tight knit, deeply religious family just outside of New Orleans, the album marks Clark’s arrival on the national stage as a proud, queer, Black woman blending the social consciousness of folk, the rhythms of Southeast Louisiana, and the soul-centered music she grew up with. New album called “Tell it to the Wind” was released on Oct. 4. One Step in the Right Direction and Lesson are both such great songs.
SHOW: Oshima Brothers Bash: Concert and Dance Party
WHEN & WHERE: Saturday, Nov. 23 @ Portland House of Music and at Rockport Opera House on Friday Nov. 22
COST: $18 in advance, $25 day of show
DETAILS: Join us for a dazzling night of music and dancing! Oshima Brothers, the Japanese-Italian alt-pop band from Maine, will kick off the evening with an upbeat set of smooth harmonies and groovy guitar lines. But that’s just the beginning. After the set, they’ll switch gears and DJ a dance party, spinning a mix of retro classics, reggaeton, and groovy jams. Come ready to party with us! Maine-based indie duo, Oshima Brothers’ have been creating music together since childhood. The brothers blend songs from the heart with blood harmonies to produce a “roots-based pop sound that is infectious,” (NPR). On stage, Sean and Jamie offer lush vocals, live looping, foot percussion, electric and acoustic guitars, vintage keyboard and bass – often all at once. They want every show to feel like a deep breath, a dance party and a sonic embrace. When not recording or touring they find time to film and produce their own music videos, tie their own shoes and cook elaborate feasts. Maine Public Radio’s Sara Willis describes their songs as “beautiful, those brother harmonies can’t be beat. They are uplifting and, let’s face it, we need uplifting these days.”
SHOW: Model Airplane’s Funksgiving
WHEN & WHERE: Saturday, Nov. 31. @ Aura in Portland.
COST: $25
DETAILS: A version of this has been happening in Portland for several years and it’s always such a good time. R&B, soul, groove and funk classics. Lyle Divinsky and an ace band of musicians.
LIGHTNING ROUND!
- The Stomp Street Seranaders (music of the 1920’s and 30s) on Friday, Nov. 15 @ The Hill Arts
- Kaleta & Super Yamba Band @ Chocolate Church Arts Center on Nov. 22
- Melissa Ferrick with Sweet Petunia @ One Longfellow Square on Nov.23
- Patty Larkin with Erin McKeown @ Chocolate Church Arts Center on Nov. 23
- Amy Helm @ Stone Mountain Arts Center on Nov. 23
- Jake Blount Trio @ Dance Hall in Kittery on Nov. 24