Podcast Open Mic: Recent Episodes
Lorenzo Raffa
Part of the WMPG.org podcasts, Lorenzo presents original artists performing original songs with a bit of original talk. Enjoy!
POM 9/22 No. 2: Smizz
Born and raised in New Hampshire, Smizz grew up with a mother who loved soul and folk. His father was into older music such as Jimi Hendrix and The Beatles. An avid vinyl collector, his dad eventually handed down the records to Smizz. Smizz’s older siblings introduced him to hip hop artists such as Nas and Jay-Z.
As an early teen, Smizz drew influence from the likes of Kendrick Lamar, Joey Bada$$, and J. Cole.
Smizz began releasing solo music exclusively on SoundCloud as early as 2013, at the age of 15.
At the age of 19, Smizz began producing his own beats, which eventually led to him building relationships with likeminded producers and engineers in his area.
In 2022, Smizz and his team founded Shine Music Group, their independent label dedicated to shining a light on local New Hampshire talent.
Over the past year, Smizz has been steadily building momentum. Between a constant flow of music and a slew of performances around New England, he and his team have been working to solidify the foundation of a legendary career.”
Website:
https://smizzmusic.com Apple Music:
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/smizz/1478527861
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/229lH6QPlJlevBMMZX5ypb?si=P3IhoWSdS_GEo1pN77Phfg YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC0AUlFzJ9C6muPi6q3ssOFw
POM 9/22 Nicole LePera returns
I'm a singer/songwriter living in the beautiful state of Maine. After all these years, I finally found my home — and her transcendent beauty and power never fails to inspire and nurture me.
Music has always been a central part of my life — my mother said I sang before I spoke. Most of what I write is pure improvisation, and I write the music and lyrics on the fly, in a holistic manner. As such, my music is a diary, a means of therapy, and a window into my deepest thoughts and other worlds, and encompasses everything from pure folk to multitrack experimental or atmospheric music.
At 15, my parents took me on a vacation that would change my life. We went to Michigan and "while we were there," we visited the Interlochen Academy for the Arts. I was transfixed by the immense talent around me and I never forgot that place. One day, I mentioned the school to my mother and she had me apply. I was accepted and never looked back. I went on to study music composition at Peabody Conservatory of Music (Now The Peabody Institute of Music of the Johns Hopkins University) and the Yale School of Music and studied under composers Jacob Druckman, Martin Bresnick, Poul Ruders, and Morris Moshe Cotel. I've written string quartets and orchestra pieces. But eventually, I realized that I was my own instrument and pursued my authentic musical voice.
I will never forget the day I discovered the true power in and freedom I could experience when I connected deep into my soul and let it all out — the beautiful, the dark, the ecstatic, the bloody, the traumatic, the angry. It is one of the most wonderful experiences a human being can have.
Influences include Arvo Part, Ani DiFranco, George Crumb, John Cage, Bjork, Sinead O'Connor, Loreena McKennitt, and a host of others. I hope to reach out to others through the Internet during this crisis and make connections to other musicians and listeners.
https://oeinc.bandcamp.com/album/gate
https://nicolelepera.com
POM 8/22 No. 2: Jen Ayers
Jen Ayers is a vocal dynamo with a throat of gold, pianist, songwriter and recording artist. She’s performed thousands of shows nationwide, fronting Seattle-based band Honey Tongue and shared bills with the likes of Jack Johnson, Tom Petty and Bill Frisell.
Her powerhouse vocals and electric stage performances have earned invitations to sing across the U.S., including the National Anthem at NBA/MLB games, Led Zeppelin for “Bonzo’s Celebration Day” (with members of Heart, REM, Pearl Jam) and “House of Thee Unholy” – Broadway-level burlesque at Seattle’s Triple Door, and most recently appearing with Dave Matthews at Seattle's Moore Theater for SMASH. Jen is a frequent guest singer in high-profile gigs across the Northwest and currently fronts Wild Rumours – A Fleetwood Mac Experience.
Since 2012, Jen has also been performing at Teatro Zinzanni. First in “Return To Paradise,” which enabled her to dabble in the things she loves most: singing, acting and dancing. She even spun from a cirque cage while performing Honey Tongue’s original song “I Wanna Go.” Then, in “Be Italian” and “Hollywood And Vine,” she brought the character of Donatella DiMarco to life – a feisty Italian New-Jersey born chanteuse.
She also collaborated with Zinzanni to develop "Big Top Rock: Dream On," a Rock ‘N Roll Family Show in which she played the role of the Blondie-esque Jenny Jupiter alongside the rest of her Dream On band members. And subsequently starred in "Big Top Rock: Rock This Way" as Donatella with an all-star band (Hans Teuber, Keith Lowe Igor Abuladze and Jose Martinez).
Jen’s following up her debut solo CD “Every Day Is A Parade,” with “SHe Said”, a concept album and theatrical production about gender identity and transition.
The "SHe Said" show directed by Daryle Conners hits the stage 10/6, 10/7, 10/8 and 10/9/22 at Seattle's Broadway Performance Hall and will feature Jen, Marc Kenison (aka Waxie Moon), and a live band (Kathy Moore, Rebecca Young, Melissa Montalto, Geoff Reading and RL Heyer).
The "SHe Said" double album, produced by Jeff Fielder, will be released on vinyl, CD and digitally September, 9 2022.
POM 8/22 No. 1: Reesa Wood
Reesa Wood has been making music in Portland, Maine since 2016, when she learned to embody rage, desire and confrontation fronting the metal edged Cadaverette, and developed confidence in her songwriting and guitar abilities in the heavy shoegaze tinged Burr. She has been performing her unique twangy ballads under the name Draudiga since 2019, both as a solo artist and with her backing band.
Draudiga lurks in the dusk, in the sleaziest corner of a haunted glade- where the dryads and the wood nymphs Sleep in Safety, head to toe Death Rock, covered in desert dust and strung out on old Gun Club and Hasil Adkins records while maintaining the airy whimsy of Kate Bush and the toothsome menace of Lydia Lunch.
https://draudiga.bandcamp.com/
@draudiga_
www.cadaverette.bandcamp.com
POM 7/22 No. 2: Dave Bullard returns
Dave Bullard... Singer songwriter performer from California on Spotify iTunes, apple music tours once or twice a year COAST TO COAST davebullardguitar on Instagram and tiktoc Dave Bullard on Facebook Amazing You.S.A. book on Amazon Kindle. New albums online: SILOUETTE, Amazing You.S.A., & LOST HORIZON BLUES
POM 7/22 No.1: Spook Handy (from 7/21, the final POMotR broadcast)
A year ago this month Podcast Open Mic on the Radio had its final broadcast. But my last guest was a goodie and needs to be reheard.: Spook Handy, the only guest I have found via Portland Hour Exchange...
Spook Handy performed alongside Pete Seeger at festivals and concerts more than 50 times from 2003 – 2013 learning firsthand many of Pete’s songs and the stories behind them. Even more, he learned who Pete Seeger was and what he stood for. Spook is now traveling throughout the U.S. and Canada with his “Remembering Pete Seeger” World Tour, keeping alive Pete’s tradition by sharing a few songs by Woody Guthrie (Pete’s most notable mentor), plenty of songs by Pete Seeger and a healthy handful of new songs Spook wrote under Pete’s tutelage.
Spook’s sixth studio album, “Pete, Woody & Me, Volume II – Dedicated to the Proposition” reached the No. 3 position on the International Folk Radio Charts in May, 2019. His fifth studio album, “Pete, Woody & Me, Volume I – Keep the Flame Alive,” held the No. 3 position on the same charts in June and July , 2016 with his original song, “Vote!” reaching No. 2. Recorded with his backup band “The Seed Planters,” the CD is more than just a tribute to Pete. It is a work that, as John Weingart of WPRB Radio says, “certainly rests on the shoulders of the past but is unmistakably steeped in the present.”
Spook was named Best Folk Artist by Upstage Magazine, Gannett New Jersey, The Courier News, The Home News and About.com. His song “Whatcha Gonna Do?” was used in the BBC documentary film “Doomsday Code,” and four of his sings, including “Bring Back Abiyoyo” were used in a theatrical adaptation of Pete’s children’s story, “Abiyoyo.” Spook is a well known speaker and workshop facilitator at festivals, conferences and colleges around the country.
“The passion, purpose and spirit of American Folk Music are alive and well with Spook Handy and his Remembering Pete Seeger World Tour and concert.” … Gary Wien – Editor in Chief, New Jersey Stage
POM 6/22 No. 2 April Keez
April Keez is a multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, and music educator. April's YouTube channel, April Keez, has over 8,000 subscribers and is ranked among Feedspot's Top 5 Songwriting Channels to Follow in 2022. Her goal is to push the world of songwriting further by giving people access to great information, new ideas, and inspiration. April believes that anyone can be a great songwriter if given the right tools to get there, so she creates songwriting lessons, full songwriting curricula, as well as easy-to-use resources for people of all ages and skill levels to explore their creativity with songwriting. After many years of teaching and writing, she continues to use her own songwriting practice as a tool for both mindfulness and creative curiosity, exploring storytelling through unusual harmony, literary devices, sonic connection, and vivid imagery.
Social Media & Pages:
Website: aprilkeez.com
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/6xER9ixLXSrlhowfQN0gpa
YouTube: youtube.com/aprilkeez
Skillshare: https://skl.sh/3PpxMMX
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aprilkeez/
Facebook: facebook.com/aprilkeez
POM 6/22 No. 1: Bill Stamey
I was born, and grew up, in Memphis, learned the basics of reading music at a young age, and got my first guitar at around age 5. Self-taught for the most part, I took lessons from a few key figures: Bob Salley (a university instructor) at age 14, Shawn Lane (a musical phenom) at age 18, was a University of Memphis music student for 2 years. Later, when I arrived in Maine I studied guitar for a year with the truly gifted Bob Thompson.
In my teens I started playing in original and cover bands (rock, R&B, and blues). I played out a lot, mostly in town, sometimes other states down south.
I had the privilege of recording in a few of the landmark studios in Memphis, which brought me into contact with incredible people. Some of my work was on original music, and some was in an effort to be a studio musician: playing on song demos for writers, or cutting jingles, theme songs, or really anything.
From 1998-2002 I took a detour and attended the East Tennessee State University Quillen College of Medicine in Johnson City, TN. During those years I played in a popular local cover band. From 2002- 2007 I completed my medical training in Tampa, FL, and Houston, TX. There was no time for playing in bands during that time, (though a few gigs did happen).
In 2007 my family and I moved to Maine, where I started practicing medicine. After about 5 years of practice I began playing out again or a limited basis. In 2018 I joined an established cover band in Brunswick.
From summer 2021 until February 2022 I recorded the album get up in my home studio in Harpswell. It is available online at https://billstamey.bandcamp.com/releases
POM 5/22 No.2: "Chaos Creator" Artimus Wolz
Artimus Wolz is a musician and social media influencer. He went viral on TikTok with his original song, Incompedance[1]. After a successful KickStarter campaign[2], he began work on his comedy album Chaos that is slated to publish in 2022.
POM 05/22 No.1: Jim Baumer ME returns
Biddeford-based indie rocker Jim Baumer has released a diverse pastiche of songs on the provocatively titled Living in Some Strange Days. The songs emanate from a space of darkness and deep pain and his music hearkens back to a period of time he calls indie’s “halcyon days,” in the early-to-mid-90s.
Music has been Baumer’s path forward after losing a son, well-known environmental activist and poet, Mark Baumer, killed in 2017. Picking up an old Yamaha acoustic he’d had around the house for 20 years, Baumer says he took it out of the case and started to play. “I’ve been playing it ever since.”
LISSD has solo acoustic material, rooted in 70s music and artists like Arlo Guthrie, Neil Young, Big Star, and others. Then, Baumer’s one-man-band electric songs” are influenced by angular indie bands like Pavement, Polvo, Silkworm, while channeling T. Rex and other influences, too, especially the grittiness of Lou Reed’s solo material.
A child of the 70s, Baumer grew up with music that never shied away from the topics of the day. “TNT (Acoustic Mix)” speaks to freedom and protest and is a paean to Canadian truckers, while sounding like it might have been recorded during Young’s “Tonight’s the Night” sessions.
He performed some of the new tracks from the new release on Podcast Open Mic.
Jim Baumer
Musician/One-Man-Band
Ph: (207)939-8057
Live on WMPG, featuring: Jamie Frick, Lindsey Montana, Jeffrey Knox, The Orchards, James Paul Gosslin, Rick Colella, and Christian Cuff & Amanda Gervais
Wielding a voice that defies the size of her body and strong storytelling sensibilities, Emilia Dahlin has carved out her name as a unique songstress. She weaves mesmerizing tales (complete with Greek myths, robotic messiahs, epic floods, and tax evaders) with raw, rootsy folk and dynamic jazz vocals. Her well-crafted songs sound as if they've been left outside where time and weather have worn cracks for the wind to whip through. Her sky-rocketing energy is delivered with honesty.
Throughout a sixteen-year musical performing career that has taken her through the U.S., Canada, Brazil and Europe, Emilia Dahlin has made Maine her home. Known for memorable performances, Emilia garnered national awards, from Telluride Troubadour, Winner of the Starbucks Music Makers Competition, Winner of Boston Music Conference Songwriting Competition, and the Great Waters Songwriting Contest.
Emilia garners great joy from collaborating and co-creating and believes that music and storytelling are some of the most powerful tools to foster connection between people and create positive social change. A teaching artist, who facilitates songwriting as a means for personal expression, creative collaboration, and language exploration, Dahlin’s also a fellow of Noel "Paul" Stookey's (Peter, Paul & Mary) organization, Music To Life, which supports and amplifies the work of musician-activists.
New Single "Something Outside" video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUEilM2J7xg
Chris Newcomb has performed on stages from Kittery to Holton; Penobscot Theatre to Mad Horse. He’s appeared in numerous independent movies, commercials, podcasts, music videos, and in his younger days he wrote commercials and DJ’d at two radio stations in Auburn, ME. More than anything, he loves telling his own stories.
"Think You Might Be Wrong" One Man Show https://www.thefootlightstheatre.com YouTube channel. “Thanks for Thinking with Chris Newcomb” https://youtube.com/user/cchrisonutube ARTernitives
https://www.chrisnewcombart.com
Dano’s music infuses modern folk, post rock, and groove oriented rhythms with poetic lyrics creating a unique brand of conscious music that uplifts and inspires.
Born and raised in the Buffalo suburb of Tonawanda, Dano’s role models were The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, David Bowie, Simon and Garfunkel.
As a youth during 70’s, Dano began leading the band Odysseus at the age of 13, playing guitar and singing at school events and neighborhood parties. At 16 years of age he switched to bass and joined the band Crossroads. He was immediately thrust into the Buffalo music scene playing some of the biggest venues and supporting international touring bands such as Judas Priest, Ambrosia, John Cougar Mellencamp, Modern English, Spirit, as well as many others. After a lineup change Crossroads would become the Beez and Dano would leave to start The Western Voice and his song writing was now front and center. With The Western Voice there was label interest from A&M records as well as production interest from Mitch Easter and the band began traveling extensively, often playing CBGB’s and the Peppermint Lounge in NYC. Dano moved to NYC to further pursue his music career starting the band Zider Zee and playing regularly in the Greenwich Village scene. Dano would later form the band Swift Running Water with collaborator and lifelong friend Kevin Henneman as well as members of the legendary NYC blues band King Dice. Dano now lives in Maine and continues to write, record, and perform.
DISCOGRAPHY
Beez – Me and My Girl/Losing Time
Beez – Handle on My Heart/Please be Mine
The Western Voice – SCREAM
Bandano – Bandano
DanoMatt – Jazz Holidaze
Alejandra O’Leary was born to a Colombian mother and Irish father in Portland, Maine. Having a different sounding name and being a woman of color both challenged and shaped her as she grew up listening to crashing ocean waves and Beatles records. Specifically, growing up in Portland instilled feelings of being both a native and an outsider. “I’ve always been at home with messiness, big emotions and uncertainty,” Alejandra reflects. “I guess that’s why I like rock n roll.”
After moving to Santiago, Chile at age seventeen, Alejandra became infatuated with the idea of creating rock music and followed her muse across the world for a decade, releasing four albums of original songs, sharing the stage with Guster and Asobi Seksu, and drawing positive nods from outlets like No Depression, PopMatters and Magnet. The sound Alejandra cultivated during this time was an expansive mix of raw rock theatrics, spiky indie bangers, anthemic Top 40 pop melodies, and soulful retro flourishes.
In 2016, Alejandra returned home with her newborn baby to Portland with the intention to record a new album. Never one to follow cookie cutter formulas, she rounded up a group of hand-picked local musicians and sent them demos of her new songs. No other instructions were given, and when they all showed up in the studio, it was made clear that they were going to improvise the song’s final arrangements. Alejandra refers to the band as a pop-up project, asserting “This improvisatory spirit keeps things fresh and thrilling. I find it to be the most enchanting way to create music.”
The resulting recordings have a live-wire feeling to them which reflects their on-the-spot creation. From the twangy 90’s Americana of “Undone” to the shoegazey twilight-rock of “Wires,” O’Leary’s new Maine music, specifically her fifth and sixth studio albums, EVEREST and SUNLIGHT, are packed with a variety of distinctive ‘retronuevo’ sensibilities, all indicative of their creator’s sparkling and soulful spirit.
Jason Lambert has been playing music for more than a quarter century. It started out as solo acoustic ballads, with some rock n' roll mixed in, and has eventually evolved into other musical outlets, including 80s influenced synth pop, and old school hip-hop. All the while, he has continued to write heartbreak ballads on the acoustic guitar. Lambert is also an author, who, this past summer, self-published a work of young adult fiction set in late 80s Portland. It is called Sophomore Summer and has been well received.
plus, one of my favorite holiday Lorenzo Commentaries.
Happy Holidays & stay safe!
Erin is a Portland resident who plays the keyboard and wants to connect with other musicians to create some fun new music. She uses her YouTube channel and playlists to help her loop her original music and add depth to her sound. Currently her music interests include playing Blues, Grateful Dead, English Country Dance music, and creating unusual piano compositions like the one titled “Messing around with the Chromatic Scale” which is on her YouTube channel. Reach out to her through YouTube or Instagram.
Based in Biddeford, ME, JimBaumerMe operates as the performance unit of singer/songwriter, Jim Baumer.
Baumer’s music originates from a space occupied by tragedy. In January 2017, Baumer’s only son—an award-winning poet and well-known environmental activist—was killed on a cross-country walk. A year later, Baumer picked up the acoustic guitar he’d had for 20 years and started playing and writing songs. He’s written more than 30 over the last 2 ½ years, and began posting music on platforms like Bandcamp and Soundcloud
His music is one part stripped-down acoustic, but Baumer is first and foremost a rocker and over the course of 2021, has developed a lively electric performance set that finds him operating as a one-man-band—playing electric guitar and utilizing a drum machine/stomp box as his percussionist. His originals speak from loss and sadness, but also offer newfound hope found in music.
Plus!
New Plague Dad EP Back In The Tree on BandCamp, and check out ThatPortlandSound.com
Brantah strives to make visceral, pure, raw music that straddles the line between progressive rock and singer/songwriter. Delivering a ride that expands from light sonic textures to aggressive rhythmic energy; performs as both solo and band. Always intuitive, listeners can expect improvisation and a jam mentality over catchy, unpredictable, original arrangements. http://www.brantah.com
Think Megadeth meets Joe Satriani!
Adam Gilchrest (Gilch) is an American rock n roll/metal guitar player who's newest song Conquering Covid-19 is the anthem for overcoming the coronavirus pandemic! It's now for sale as part of a full CD! E-mail at adamgilchrest@gmail.com for a copy. New song Aftermath of the Pandemic coming out later this year. Jeff Thal on drums (brother of Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal who played lead guitar for Guns N Roses) and Onur Coban on vocals (who has done singing for Dave Ellefson of Megadeth)
Now working hard to try to get my original music placed in TV!
Plague Dad is a high-energy acoustic duo out of Portland, Maine.
Frank Gallagher (vocals, 6- and 12-string guitars, mandolin and banjo) and Miguel Sanchez (vocals, bongo, spoons, stomp box and what have you) have honed their sound busking for hours around Portland and playing parties and club dates throughout Maine.
They’ve become skilled at not just commanding attention, but rewarding it, and the audience is growing.
Plague Dad delivers an authentic and compelling sound, crafted with steel strings and wood, calfskin and oak, drawing on a repertoire of tightly crafted original material and carefully curated covers. But whether they wrote the song they’re playing at any given moment or not, the Plague Dad sound draws you in: taut, sparse melodies and hauntingly urgent grooves that somehow fill the room, big or small.
One writer called it three parts Stanley Brothers and two parts Minutemen -- and a Plague Dad set is just as likey to feature a song from the one as it is from the other -- but a growing number of folks who’ve caught them live don’t really care what the label says, they just like what they hear, because Plague Dad connects.
The Plague Dad project came together in the early days of the pandemic. Laid off from his job, Gallagher spent the time up in his attic, writing and recording new songs, and just trying to make sense of it all. Eventually some of those recordings made their way to family and friends, and building on that support, Plague Dad has continued to attract attention and build an audience.
Plague Dad dropped a debut 7” in November 2020, and the first run of 250 copies is nearly sold out. They’ve got a new five-song EP coming on November 5, 2021. Tentatively titled Back In The Tree, the new material will be released in a limited run of 100 cassettes and 100 CDs, and will be available exclusively through the band’s Bandcamp page and at live shows.
Plague Dad also contributed a cover of Urine Speaks Louder Than Words to a compilation called Songs for a Bunny Named Pat, released on Eden-Wolf Records in August 2021. The CD project features a dozen covers of songs by Pat the Bunny from various artists, with 100 percent of the proceeds benefitting Books Through Bars. The limited run of 100 copies is going quickly, but a few copies are still available.
Heart Shaped Rock is Rock Shaped with Heart! We are: Sheridan: vox/Bret Mills: Guitar, b vox/Replica A: Guitar/Eric Eaves: Bass, b vox/Dave Bloom: Drums
All veterans of the Maine/Portland Music scene currently working on our 8th body of music. You can find us on most social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Bandcamp, Spotify and many more.
You can check out our "Award winning video" by Peter Giordano here: "Spyder Mylk"" on YouTube https://youtu.be/ehxuaT13TS8
Or our spaced out love song here: "Unconditional"" on YouTube https://youtu.be/78KYh0AStmo
heartshapedrock.co
From Nick himself: Colorado born and bred, I grew up in Golden under the auspices of the Coors Brewery before moving to Boulder where I spent the majority of my time studying, playing music, and eating burritos. I studied Neuroscience as an undergraduate and ultimately went on to receive a PhD in the field (also at CU). These science skills have enabled me some freedom of movement; I spent a year in Chile, two years in Germany, and I am now in Bar Harbor working as a postdoc studying stress neurobiology. Tennis and music have been the largest hobbies in my life and still abound today. Although my body won't allow me to play as well as the GOAT, Roger Federer, I still spend as much time on the court as an old man with old-man-hips can. Music began as a hobby and quickly shifted into a primary focus. I had a brilliant music teacher in college who opened my ears and mind. He taught me the importance of rhythm, making interesting arrangements, and practicing with a purpose. I spent a lot of time searching for my sound, and I am quite happy with the results and am excited to see how I grow.
Frank and Peggy went to high school together in Ann Arbor, Michigan growing up in the turbulent 60’s. Out of high school a they and large group of their friends would gather nightly for a song swap. In the early 1970’s they started writing original songs influenced by Moody Blues, Harry Chaplin, Tim Buckley, Gordon Lightfoot and other folkies. They performed at Open Mic nights at the Ark Coffeehouse in Ann Arbor. Love of music carried them through many decades of separation, reuniting them in 2015 when they picked up where they left off, both musically and personally.
The Wildcat O'Halloran Band has been thrilling audiences in Western Massachusetts for over thirty years, and is currently promoting its 16th album “You Can't Fall Off the Floor"... building on the success of the previous: "Deck of Cards" " NYC Chill", "Hot Pulldown", "Midnight Service Call","Party Up In Heaven", and “Drinkin' With the Harp Girls” each of which was played on over 200 stations, and called “crazy-fun” by the Boston Blues Society and “a great release” by the UK's Blues Matters. Living Blues Magazine wrote: “Wildcat emerges as one of the most entertaining songwriters in contemporary blues...and his band doesn't know the meaning of dull!”
The band has opened for just about every major blues artist to visit Massachusetts, from Greg Allman to John Lee Hooker to The Stray Cats, and has been backup band for Bo Diddley and James Cotton. Recently, they opened for Duke Robillard at Greenfield's Hawks and Reed Music
Often featured at Millenium Music Conference, and longtime host of the Sunday Blues Jam in Northampton, the Wildcat (guitar and vocals) will often be accompanied by "Dr." Kathy Peterson(Bass), “Dr. Luscious”….Emily Duff (sax), Devin Griffiths (guitar, vocals) and drummer Mark Chouinard Hall.
https://www.northamptonartscouncil.org/2021/05/transperformance-live-tribute-music.html
Living Blues added these kudos : “the grooves are so damned infectious, and the guitar playing so stirring....The Wildcat O'Halloran Band can make you dance and make you laugh if you let it...irresistible”
https://wildcatohalloran.com
Zeke L’Vek started the phenom rock band called Zeke and the Endorphins back in early 2001, drawing from the pool of incredibly talented local and national musicians he’s played with over the years, to record and perform original music. All of the players are exceptionally creative, have great listening skills, and a deep love of music! While the focus is on “Zeke tunes”, the band’s rock roots encompass all genres and styles in a go anywhere, do anything—anytime fashion. Each song’s performance will delight or haunt—they emote, float, sting, or bring you to laughter or tears. It’s worth more than a listen! It’s goose bumps!
A classically trained percussionist, Zeke fell off the deep end pursuing a postgraduate degree in Philosophy. Torn asunder between academics and musical corruption—he chose the latter —joined a rock band, toured the heartland, and began composing and recording songs. His musical background includes stints with symphonies, drum corps, college bands, big bands, little bands, and multiple rock, jazz, and R & B groups. The more diverse, but less diffuse, the better. “You gotta feel it!” There were some famous people along the way of course. But, you could find him playing smoky jazz in Paris someday, reggae in Jamaica, surf music in the Baja, or maybe all of the above! “Rock it!!”.
https://zekedrumz.com/
Listen Up! Music is a Portland, ME-based nonprofit that supports musicians with intellectual uniqueness in writing, arranging, recording, and performing their music. We are affiliated with Composition Studio, The Art Department, Publication Studio, and Creative Trails, and collaborate with other organizations and musicians to make our music heard. Facebook
I am a South Portland songwriter, producer and graphic artist. My business website is www.mattwibby.com and my Youtube channel is https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7qHsi4RtU08ObRemf4XrpQ. Just a bit of caution about the channel: we are just starting to build it, so there aren't many videos on there yet. For graphic arts, I sell t-shirts at tees.edbliss.com. Eventually, I will move that site over to tees.mattwibby.com, though. I have been writing songs and publishing EP's since 2004, mostly under my pen name, Ed Bliss. I recently changed my business model and started writing music for licensing in movies and for performers under my new company, Matt Wibby Arts. I play out pretty regularly with my band, the Funky Vulcans (https://www.facebook.com/FunkyVulcans/). I play bass in the band. I play guitar and sing at open mics in the Portland area as myself :>D
Joel Carpenter is an American poet and singer songwriter based in New England. He was born in 1992 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, then raised in Portland, Maine, from the age of two. Carpenter is the founder of the Underground Writers Association, an independent publishing house with a mission to bring bold book projects from emerging writers to market. Carpenter is also known for his daring dog rescue in 2015, adopting his dog Sadie 1500 miles from home, and making national news.
David Johnson lives on the coast of Maine in a home he bought he built and powered by harnessing the sun. His low overhead allows him to travel in the winter, at times enjoying local music, dance, and food with people from all over the world who laugh with joy and listen with open hearts. He has volunteered teaching carpentry to children in Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Bolivia. He works as a carpenter renovating homes, some of which, luckily, are by the sea but sailing is is what rally feeds his soul and blows away the stress.
www.billygoatdave.com
Kevin Tacka = Visual Artist, Musician, Theatrical Performer/Producer, Building Trade Artisan, Educator.
Kevin Tacka has been located on/near Congress Square Portland since 1994. Specializing in Fresco Murals, Fountains, Painting, Art Restoration, Plaster - Paint -Cement Surfaces, Song/Story Producing, and Campfire Cowboy Appearances. Appearances that have resulted in 100's of Adventures Of The Black Toad and Big Bad Dan Stories, performed live at the local Cable Access Station. Kevin also enjoys being the Portland Chapter Coordinator for The Plein Air Painters of Maine since 2014.
As a 2 time University of Southern Maine Graduate ( Fine Arts, Art Education ), Kevin has been in the WMPG Radio community since 1984.
Hannah Harleen (born Hannah Kramer) is a Portland-based Jazz & R&B vocalist. She grew up in the Bay Area and moved to Maine when she was 10, when she discovered her love for singing. Her parents introduced her to Jazz music, and she fell in love with the vocal stylings of Ella Fitzgerald, her first and greatest inspiration. She been singing and performing ever since. Over the years, her vocal style has evolved from Jazz to include the sounds of R&B, Pop, and Neo-Soul. She has most recently been writing original music, and plans to release her first EP in Summer 2020. You can find her current music on all streaming platforms, and can follow her on YouTube and Instagram @hannahharleen.
First person!
I’m a 19 year old artist who’s used music as a way to express myself. I’ve been performing for about 6 years. I’ve been through a lot in my life , but I’ve overcome so much with the help of writing and recording music. I hope to help people see that they can overcome anything.
FBb has been playing together for about four years. The original members were James Fletcher on bass guitar and Nathan Fletcher on lead guitar and lead singing. Hayden Bachman (drums) joined the band in the September of 2017. Now, the band features other people like Annabelle Brooks on piano, Emma Moreau on alto saxophone, and Cooper Swartzentruber on alto saxophone and baritone saxophone. Also, the manager and soon to be sound guy is Aidan Collins.
They have played at such notable places as Hella Good Tacos, Empire, One Longfellow Square, and even all the way in Rochester New Hampshire on multiple occasions. The bands main genre is Rock.
Another first person bio!
Hey guys! My name is Madelyn Perry and I am a sophomore at USM. I want to go to school for recording arts and be in the music producing industry. I’ve been songwriting since I was around 15 but I’ve been playing music since I was 10. I went to Maine Academy of Modern Music for two years and preformed all around Portland. I am a work-study student at WMPG 90.9. This song called Fantasy is about finding myself and realizing what I want to do with my life and as a career and how I’ve felt in the past year and a half and how it’s brought me here today.
No stranger to the stage, Carole Wise has been composing and performing for over 50 years. Carole began playing guitar at age eight and began a professional path by age 17, performing in local clubs and restaurants in her hometown of Lewiston/Auburn! Her musical journey would eventually trek across the country, spanning many genres and opportunities to share the stage with well-known local and national artists
Carole’s musical tapestry has been woven thread by thread, song by song, year-by-year from a meaningful journey, rich with struggles and discipline, integrity and gratitude. Her rapport with the audience is easy and intimate her voice fluid and soulful. Like Carole herself, her music has incredible energy and intensity as powerful as it is passionate at times it brings a tear to your eye. At times the smile to your heart…but it never leaves you unmoved.
Carole returns to the stage and her musical roots after an eight year caregiving hiatus with a hopeful, positive spirit. She is grateful for this second act and for the love and support of her family and friends
Rwanda-born, US Artist Sikko, is known for his unique melodic sound of today's Hip Hop-R&B music. Sikko embodies the free spirt of hip hop while staying true to his traditional roots. The polyglot R&B rapper uses his creatively in merging different accents to create astonishing melodies.
At the young age of 9, Sikko wrote his first song inspired by various Hip Hop and R&B artists around the world, initially by a Rwandan artist named Mani Martin. Moving to America at age of 14 in 2008. Sikko started out as a versatile drummer, who later came to produce and direct music for a band that went on to open for the rapper YG in summer 2016. Sikko has taken the opportunity to master his flow that he now describes as All-around Sound; a flow that was influenced by different genres of music and artists, all while continuing to push the boundaries in hip hop-R&B music in hopes of creating a new genre and most importantly inspiring his audience.
Sikko has been featured on multiple local radios including blog interviews. From the critics, Sikko is expected to be the next Hip Hop -R&B sound.
If you can think of a melting pot of music, that is Sikko’s talent. His love for all the sounds makes him the most current unique Hip-Hop-R&B artistFuego Blaze born and raised in Portland, Maine started his music career in 2016. Fuego Blaze has been around music practically his whole life, from sample music to Rap music. Starting with a Record Label from 2016-2017 by the name of King Records, where he soon ventured off to do his own projects where he's recently produced his current singles "Warzone" and Hole Team Lit & Fire living ... Fuego gets his inspiration to produce his music from listening to Hip Hop/Rap legends like 2Pac, Nas, Mob Deep. Fuego Blaze is looking to go worldwide with his music. Along with his passion for music he would like to give back to the community and invest in children as well. From 2016 till now Fuego Blaze has made a major impact in his music career and will continue to do what it takes to become the next big thing.
Maine-born and raised singer-songwriter Chris Kemp White has been making music in and around Portland for more than twenty years. After performing almost exclusively with bands––HausCats, An Overnight Low, Andy Happel, Hotel Arrival and The Frotus Caper, to name a few––he is currently writing, arranging and recording solo material. Drawing from classic and modern influences like David Bowie, Crowded House, Wilco and Death Cab for Cutie, the songs explore both spiritual and everyday themes of love, loss and longing. Josh Rogers of the Portland Phoenix writes, “White’s got a knack for poetry, elevating the quality of his lyrics with inventive phrasing and word choice.”
Chris performs solo around Maine, sharing acoustic arrangements of original music and rearrangements of popular songs from the 60s to present. He released his first, self-titled, CD in June, 2016, then a 2-song record in partnership with boutique record label Leesta Vall later that year. Since summer 2018, Chris has been digitally releasing his song, making them available on iTunes, Spotify, Deezer, and other streaming formats. His latest song, “(They Can’t) Undo This Love” can be heard on 98.9 WCLZ, Frank FM, and 106.3 The Bone. He also plays bass and sings backing vocals with Portland cover band HausCats.
In spring of 2018, after teaching middle and high school social studies for 6 years, Chris changed careers to pursue music and carpentry full time. White balances his love of music with career and family. Above all, Chris cherishes time with his wife, Rachel, two children, Arran and Alice, and their dog, Ida.
Ed tells his story:
I was born 1956 in Portland Maine. I have 4 older sisters who had a big love of music. They played it loud! I grew up dreaming and playing air guitar until early 70s when friends had a band and no one would sing I was just a spectator; I don’t know how it happened, I started singing,then learned to play some to practice singing. I self-taught guitar and have been playing 45 years. I enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on my 17th birthday and served 6 years. Then at BIW as a machinist 3 years, then 25 years with New England Telephone. Now pursuing music married 38 years to the love of my life with 3 children.
A long time resident of Maine, and current resident of Portland. Kelcie has played guitar/music for 19 years, since age 12. Since then has picked up several instruments which are featured in most of his recordings including banjo, mandolin, washboard, double bass, dobro, and ukulele. Kelcie was in various bands such as Cold Shower, The Loconuts!, The Cash Onlys!, and From Around Here. You can find his music on spotify as The Loconuts! On bandcamp at https://theloconuts.bandcamp.com/releases and on YouTube as From Around Here https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9smTcqpCMXkoWoFC-ttr1w?view_as=subscriber
A short bio from David himself:
I am a 58 year old singer/songwriter/actor and father of 4 wonderful kids. A lifelong musician, I play guitar, keyboards, bass and sing. As a songwriter I had several of my songs recorded for an album titled "Unfinished Business", which was in limited release. In 2014 I wrote and recorded a jingle for the Saco water-park "Aquaboggan" which was heard on many radio stations around New England for several years. My second album, tentatively titled "Americana Divide" is in the process of being recorded. As an actor I have appeared in on-stage performances and in numerous student films for the various local colleges. Also I have been involved with several independent feature films, such as "The Water in the Bay" and "The Hanover House". I can occasionally be seen performing live solo at various Southern Maine venues.
Smokemaster 420 is what happens when experimental musicians get bored at work. Smokemaster 420 is what happens when listening to music on Youtube gets boring. Smokemaster 420 is what happens when you combine a love of musique concrete and plunderphonics with a soft spot for toilet humor. Smokemaster 420 is what we'd be doing anyway, but for your ears as well as ours. Smokemaster 420 is the name of our printer at work. Smokemaster 420 is.
Rebecca Kerwick is a singer-songwriter, composer, and multi-instrumentalist currently based in Portland, ME. Rebecca has performed her original music in cafes, bars, backyards, and other intimate spaces across the Northeast since 2018. Her upcoming debut album explores themes of interiority, desire, and loss. In performing the relationship between vocality and instrument, she achieves ethereal sound.
Mehuman "May-mon" : An East Coast native singer/songwriter/guitarist cut her teeth on old time gospel spirituals, straight ahead jazz, country blues, and classic rock and roll. Recently independent and re-connecting to her fanbase as a self distributed artist, the former Arista Records recording artist, Mehuman established herself in the Detroit, Manhattan, Dublin Ireland, Canne France, Nashville, and Los Angeles music scenes as an gifted performer. Mehuman has toured in the U.S.,Europe, Eastern Europe, and West Africa, as an award winning songwriter and producer delivering a powerful and punchy mix of "funky pulse-poet potions she calls folk hop for hip folk." Performing Songwriter Magazine dubbed Mehuman a sultry blend of Lenny Kravitz and Indie Arie, mixed in the passionate delivery of Sade and Bono. CNN Music, touted "Mehuman to be one of the top 10 burgeoning songwriters to watch." Most recently, thriving in Maine, Mehuman enjoys sharing and making music within the local artistic community as an independent songbird, songwriter, and educator.
RICK ADAM has been performing, teaching, and inspiring people of all ages for over 20 years. He has combined his extensive theatrical and musical experience and training with his own life experience to create original theatrical performances that both educate and entertain. Adam has toured widely, from elementary schools to colleges to maximum-security prisons, from Rhode Island to Russia. He has acted with the Trinity Square Repertory Company and has appeared in films and on television. He was featured on a PBS show about one-man bands, which is now in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian Institute.
Maine Metal/Stoner Rock band Thems That Wait was formed when longtime friends and songwriting partners Craig Garland and Mat Patterson met Texan Branden Clements through a Craigslist ad in early 2017. The band’s sound has been compared to Black Sabbath, Clutch and Kyuss.
Thems That Wait prides itself on being a solid live rock band that sounds as full as possible as a 3 piece with mammoth drumming by Branden Clements, true bass playing from Mat Patterson who tastefully weaves around guitarist Craig Garland’s heavy handed, memorable riffs and barbaric, guttural vocals. Following the band’s live debut in January 2018 in Portland, Maine, the power trio continued to gig and make connections, and ultimately landed a chance to open for New England Hardcore legend Scissorfight in the fall of 2018. In January 2019, Thems That Wait recorded their debut EP Fiction at The Maine Music Mill in Brunswick, Maine with Andy Porta(Blackcat Sounds).
Andy and the band mixed the EP and Steve Austin(Today Is The Day, Austin Enterprise Recording & Mastering) mastered it. In addition to the band’s arsenal of all original songs, Bass player Mat Patterson designs all of the artwork for the band, including the cover for the FictionEP. The band plans to record the follow up to Fictionbefore the end of 2019 with a tentative 2020 release date but until then, we wait…
Hi, I go by the name Lovelore. You can find my music here: https://soundcloud.com/lovelore
I am an artist with my hands in a few things: producing, singing, rapping, piano, videography, and more. I don't like to stick to one particular genre or style of music and I allow myself to be open-minded while creating. When recording or writing music I try to channel whatever energy or feeling I'm currently experiencing and translate it into the music or art. I feel that if I can help create a powerful feeling within myself and keep it there when recording then that is the first and most important step in the process of making a powerful song that creates a powerful feeling in myself and possibly others. Sometimes it is difficult to capture the feeling and it becomes a balancing act of sorts.
I need to know when to simply allow the music and ideas to flow through me and when to direct them and/or focus. Also I think improving technical ability where needed/wanted will help in the execution of the process and in other people being able to connect with or enjoy the expression. This is the way I currently view making music but any other way is valid as well and some people may like to think about it in a purely technical sense and that's totally okay too. In my eyes and how I currently create, being open-minded is most important and goes along with my general and music-related philosophies. Thanks for reading/listening and good luck in finding and following your path!
Formed in Boston in 2010. Bill had been primarily playing drums in his friends' bands for years since his art school days (School of The Museum of Fine Art, Boston) but decided to start something brand new after writing a bunch of songs, learning to play the guitar and finding his voice.
He decided to perform as a solo act for a year at first to gauge the response to his material. After repeated warm and positive responses to his solo shows he kept hearing from people that he should "get a band together". So the decision was made. Bill Dwyer Band has been fortunate to have included many amazing people and musicians in it's ranks through the last several years.
Current members include Cullen Corley (Drums), Charles Murphy (Bass), Joe Diaz (fill-in Bass) and Attis Jerrell Clopton (fill-in Drums). BDB is a 3 piece band with heart as its main drive. The band released it's first full-length, 15-song album "Renaissance After Sundown" (iTunes, cdbaby, Amazon, Google) in the Summer of 2015. They completed their first tour of Europe in September 2016 with 10 shows in 14 days with stops in Germany, Lille and Paris France, Amsterdam and London. The band had a BLAST as the shows were ELECTRIC and they were warmly welcomed by audiences everywhere they performed.
BDB performs throughout New England, NYC/Brooklyn and the East Coast for now. Stay tuned!
Jane Clukey, a native of Maine, has been a singer for as long as she can remember but began taking voice lessons at the age of 14. She earned her Bachelor's of Music from the University of Southern Maine, her Masters of Music from the University of North Texas, and is pursuing her Doctorate from Shenandoah Conservatory in Virginia. Jane moved back to Maine in 2018, and has since been busy teaching voice and piano lessons, classes, and workshops. In addition to singing and playing the piano, she is teaching herself the ukulele and guitar. Jane is passionate about songwriting, is looking for band members, and hopes to record a studio album in the near future.
Sister Kay Kay, SSS, is a Servant of the Blessed Sacrament in Waterville, Maine. Growing up in Florence, Arizona, she was influenced by country Gospel (Roy Acuff), Spanish devotional hymns, Gregorian chant and blues (Billie Holiday). Although country and blues were frowned upon in the convent, she used them privately to express insights from St. John of the Cross’ “Spiritual Canticle” and other writings. She recorded “To the Edge of Ecstasy” and “On the Wings of Love” . Her latest effort was “American Family Snapshots”, an EP based on Pope Francis’ Apostolic Letter “Joy of the Family”. At age 81, she continues to compose songs and to sing them in “my Gravel Gertie voice”, occasionally posting them on her SongU website.
Listen Up! Music is a Portland, ME-based nonprofit community support day program and music studio that supports adult musicians with intellectual uniqueness in making music. Established in 2012, Listen Up! provides opportunities for musicians to work on writing, arranging, recording, performing, and marketing their music to the local music community and beyond. Listen Up! works with musicians of all technical abilities and skills and seeks to promote a musical community based on creativity, excitement, joy, and inclusiveness. They are affiliated with Composition Studio, The Art Department, Publication Studio, and Creative Trails, and collaborate with other organizations and musicians to make their music heard.
Listen Up! Music is proud to celebrate the release of Portland singer/songwriter/bassist Kathleen Shevenell’s “Travel EP.” Kathleen and her fellow musicians at Listen Up have written and recorded a batch of songs chronicling some of Kathleen’s travels over the past six years, with music taking a wide-scale view of North America. The music ranges from country rockers to urban ballads and campfire sing-alongs, with Kathleen’s lyrics detailing the wonder and excitement of seeing new places in each song. From Kathleen: "At Listen Up I started writing songs that are travel-related. I have written about one each year so far. It gave me the idea of releasing a Travel EP Album. So far I have 5 songs on it which are the best ones from my over six years of being at Listen Up. I hope you enjoy it."
David Vail is a multi-discipline artist, musician, and filmmaker from Portland, ME. He has been writing and recording music in the rock/pop genre with Listen Up! Music since 2012, teaching himself drums and guitar in the process. He has released his solo album “Unvailed” in collaboration with musicians at Listen Up! and performs regularly around Southern Maine. He has more recently released two singles which can be found on Spotify, and feature his trademark soaring vocals and catchy melodies.
Nils Crusberg studied jazz guitar in Worcester, MA with Joe D'Angelo throughout the late 1980's. He moved to Boulder, CO in the early 1990's where he befriended a host of musicians and participated in a decade of endless jams. Nils traveled to the island Jamaica in 1997 where the island's culture, religion, and music made an exceptional influence on his life. He purchased an alto saxophone that same year and started obsessively practicing, songwriting, and recording. The year 2000 brought Nils back to New England. He has been performing for the last 12 years with a reggae/hip-hop influenced band out of the Seacoast of NH called "Boom Lava". He also performs with a jazz group that goes by "Cocheco Street Jazz". He teaches private lessons on guitar, bass, ukulele, and woodwinds out of the Exeter Music Store in Exeter, NH. You can find examples of his music at: www.boomlava.com www.soundcloud.com/jazz-band
Red Gallagher has been performing professionally full-time for 44 years. During his 30s and 40s living in Minneapolis, MN Red produced three vinyl records and 3 CDs. He performed at over 100 college campuses and opened concerts for B. B. King, B. J. Thomas, The Oakridge Boys, Leon Russell, Three Dog Night, The Guess Who, Mickey Gilley, Ronnie Milsap and others. He now resides in Standish, ME and performs mainly for retirement clubs and residences. His website is www.RedGallagher.com. He can be reached at DPGRedbird@aol.com
This World Has Bees is a post-rock band from Portland, Maine. Drawing comparisons to Explosions in the Sky and Pelican, they have created music that can sometimes be crushingly heavy, or melodically ambient, but is always dramatic, experimental and bold. They have recently released their new single "It Was Right Where You Left It" in July of this year.
https://thisworldhasbees.bandcamp.com/
Jeanette's love of music began at the age of 2, thanks to her Mom and Dad she was listening to everything from Dylan to Hendrix. At age 10 she began to teach herself how to play guitar and not too long after began writing and recording original music. Everyday after school music was the only thing she wanted to do. As soon as she felt confident enough to play out she found every open mic around and dragged her parents all around the state of Maine. Since then her love of music has taken her so many places, from trying out for the voice in New York to recording her first EP in Nashville. Jeanette has honed her sound to bring together her love of Folk and Pop Music bringing you a show you won't want to miss!
Javan DeHaven and Jake Mitchell have been collaborating on various musical projects for more than 15 years. big sun * brief heart, their most recent project is an effort to explore themes of Americana, folk, and rock 'n roll. Lyrics and music were contributed by both. Recording took place at Sun Dog Studio in Mount Vernon, Maine. Other songs from the project can be found at their sound cloud link.
https://soundcloud.com/user-357332322
aLunarLanding is an emcee, artist and songwriter residing in Portland, ME. Originally from South Florida, aLunarLanding made his way to Portland in October of 2015. He can be found hugging rappers at Monday of the Minds every second and fourth Monday at Flask Lounge. He has played shows up and down the east coast sharing the stage with acts such as Sage Francis, B. Dolan, Afro Man, LMFAO, Ceschi, D II, Eyenine, Seth on Gray Street, Ill By Instinct, Stay on Mars, Graphic Melee, Myles Bullen and many more. His most recent project “Notes from the Corner of the Room” is available at www.alunarlanding.bandcamp.com
Jack Blagdon and Ian Smith have been making music off and on in one form or another since the 80’s. Spall is their current incarnation as a two piece band playing mostly instrumental originals with Jack on drums and Ian electric guitar. Ian opened Sun Tiki Studios on Forest Avenue in Portland in April of 2018. Sun Tiki is a live performance venue with fully equipped hourly rehearsal rooms. Shows include nearly every genre of music and happen three or four nights a week.
I’ll let Elaine tell you about herself:
I have been playing guitar since my college days when I soul searched for a guitar maestro. I began my training with classical guitar. Folk music soon came a-calling and I met weekly with an excellent finger-picking teacher, Jerry Lund. I was introduced to singer songwriters Shawn Colvin, John Gorka, Nancy Griffith, Richard Shindell, and Lucy Kaplansky. I love writing music, poetry, and instrumentals. I also experiment with alternative tunings and a mashup of capos to create unusual and airy chords.
When Olivia Frances walks on stage, her infectious positive energy and powerful stage presence captures a room. After winning four distinguished awards in 2018 alone, this pop/folk artist is now working on her highly-anticipated third release.
This Cincinnati-native continues to be recognized by Nashville Songwriter Association International (NSAI) as a “Ones to Watch” songwriter, now over a dozen times. Her songs on SoundCloud have reached over 100,000 streams, generating a loyal fanbase around the world. Her critically-acclaimed single, “Moon to My Sun” was the VOX Pop Winner in the Love Song Category at the 2018 Independent Music Awards (IMA’s) held at Lincoln Center. The IMA’s “honor the year's most exceptional self-released & indie label projects from around the world.” She also won 1st place in the Singer-Songwriter Category in the 2018 New England Songwriting Competition.
As an independent artist, Frances has organized several tours throughout the Midwest, South, and along the East Coast, impressing audiences from Nashville to Boston. In 2018, she was one of the few American artists selected to perform at IndieWeek Canada in Toronto, where she made her international debut.
In the midst of co-writing, practicing, and performing, Olivia is also a full-time college student in her senior year at Clark University in Worcester, MA majoring in Global Environmental Studies and minoring in Music. After graduation, she’s excited to call Nashville her permanent home. Her fans, who are affectionately referred to as “Frances Friends,” and new listeners alike, can keep up with her upcoming shows and news at www.oliviafrancesmusic.com.
Olivia and former podcast guest Sigrid Sibley (POM52) will be playing at Lenny’s in Westbrook on Tuesday, June 4th at 7pm.
Paul Rainone started writing songs in his teens. All he ever wanted was to write good songs. He studied music at Berklee and spent the last decade living in random towns in random states. He hopes to release his first album independently late 2019.
A long time resident of Maine, and current resident of Portland. Kelcie has played guitar/music for 19 years, since age 12. Since then has picked up several instruments which are featured in most of his recordings including banjo, mandolin, washboard, double bass, dobro, and ukulele. Kelcie was in various bands such as Cold Shower, The Loconuts!, The Cash Onlys!, and From Around Here. You can find his music on spotify as The Loconuts! On bandcamp at https://theloconuts.bandcamp.com/releases and on you as From Around Here https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9smTcqpCMXkoWoFC-ttr1w?view_as=subscriber
Frank Pennisi has appeared on the POM Podcast twice previously, but this is his solo debut. Frank is a coworker of yours truly, and also a friend.
Michael Freitag is a musician based out of Southern Maine. After studying music theory at the University of Southern Maine and playing many Zeldas, he's been combining his two loves as a hobbyist composer, creating soundtracks in his spare time for games that don't exist. He aspires to one day write music for real, actual video games, and maybe even get paid for it.
Endo Gena is an artist out of Trenton, New Jersey, with many performances and rap battles under his belt. He is the youngest of 7 children. Throughout his diverse education he often participated in performing arts classes for his fellow classmates. His music style is very unique and innovative. In the 2000's he moved from state to state looking to find the best audiences and performance venues. Even though he experienced hardship in the city, he always stayed humble and positive, looking for the greater opportunity. As a self starting young entrepreneur with a very ambitious attitude, he is making his way up. When obstacles come his way, he overcomes them, always keeping a smile on his face. His music is versatile with a new age rap style, incorporating the traditional flowing method of late 90's and 2000's songwriters and rappers. Some of his influences are Biggie Smalls, Tupac, Eminem, Big Daddy Kane, Drake, Future, Lil Uzi Vert, and a host of others. With all that he has conquered, he's determined to thrive and seek excellence!!!
Dial S For Space Cadets is a band located in the Portland, Maine area, featuring Hunter Walkup, Thomas Downey, and Logan Strout.
Dial S For Space Cadets enjoys artists like, Led Zeppelin, Bob Dylan, Radiohead, Pink Floyd, and The Beatles. Hunter Walkup's interests: Guitar, classic literature (Lewis Carroll), rhyming, and having a good time!!!! Thomas Downey's interests: Movies, chit chat with friends, hockey, playing music, Bill Murray Logan Strout's interests: Planes, trains and everything in between.
Stephen Wheeler is a young, up and coming Boston based comedian quickly making a name for himself in the industry. After first performing stand up in High School, he has been consistent and passionate about his drive into the business; with performances taking him throughout the New England, and New York City areas so far in his career. His style of topical and realistic humor is what helps make him stand out, attracting audiences of all ages to not only enjoy, but also relate to. His perfectionist mindset has him striving to master his style at each and every appearance, and says he has no bigger love than the love he has for the stage.
INNNNI, Southern Maine’s one-man folk-punk/emo band. Drawing influence from protest songs, pop punk, and 90’s lofi, INNNNI’s songs careen from self-deprecating humor to leftist anthems to confessional ballads—all in three minutes or less. Ideal listening for the clinically depressed and those with short attention spans. innnnitheband.tumblr.com
Sigrid Sibley is a singer-songwriter based in Southern Maine. In additional to playing original music, she also enjoys playing bluegrass, Americana, and traditional fiddle music. Sigrid performs both as a solo musician and with local band Flight 317. She is currently studying music education with a focus in composition at the University of Southern Maine.
In Randel's words:
We were both born in St. Louis, Randel in '51 and Russell in '59.Our father was a singer/songwriter/comedian/bassist. We traveled around quite a bit as our father perused his career with limited success. I settled for many years in Oklahoma where I went to college(did not graduate) Russell, the outdoorsman settled in Kentucky. Though we both dabbled in music our whole lives neither of us ever perused it seriously and because of our age difference had never played together until Russell moved to Portland in '93, where I had been living for a few years.I am retired and live in Portland with my partner of 22 years "Fran". Russell is retired and lives alone in Portland.I write the songs and Russell assists me with bass and rhythms and valuable creative advice.
I'll let Ronda tell you about herself, my very special guest on my 50th episode!:
I come from Central Virginia, in the piedmont of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains where most of my family still lives. I’ve traveled around some, gotten some schoolin’, lived in the Northern VA/DC area, Spain, New York City, on a sailboat for a few years, alit on glorious Peaks island off the coast of southern Maine for 12 years, and am now based just outside of Portland, ME.
Throughout my travels, my guitar has accompanied me over hill and dale, on planes, trains, automobiles and buses, to foreign lands, on the high seas. I’ve worn blue collars, white collars, no collars.
Dealing with some serious health issues in the mysterious autoimmune realm a few years back helped me realize I’m on earth to sing. The road to healing has been transformative, and fun - though not always, especially in the beginning - and fascinating, and has precipitated a streaming flow of hope and percolating possibilities. Now I spend my life’s energy pursuing musical dreams centered around singing and connecting with the audience.
http://rondadale.com/
Jim Majka, of Windham, Maine is a christian musician and songwriter, and his genre is "Alternative Christian". This is due to the fact that his music cannot easily be classified as any specific style heard today. Married 30 years with three grown children and one granddaughter, Majka built his own recording studio in his home, under the name of "Broken Pick Studios" and has produced two albums. "Home" was released in 2014, and "Foolproof" was released in June of 2018 "Never Coming Home" is a song and music video about texting and driving and a young 17 year old girl who fails to heed the warnings... Majka's songs and video are available at his website, http://brokenpickstudios.com , as well as links to Bandcamp, and Youtube
Kevin Kearns is the Seedling Program Director at the Morrison Center in Scarborough and a founding and core member of tje Morrison Sunshine band.
The Morrison Seedling Program employs twenty adults with developmental disabilities in two state-of-the-art buildings known as “the happiest greenhouses in Maine.” Plants are for sale to the public Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Morrison Center Greenhouses | 60 Chamberlain Rd. | Scarborough | 207.883.6680 | mdcmaine.org
The Asthmatic is the nom de plume of Sigrid Harmon, who has been performing around Portland since 2013. https://soundcloud.com/the-asthmatic
AKELA MOON is an original musical project based out of Portland, ME. We blend diverse elements of soul, funk, rock, afrobeat, latin & hip hop into a unique sound. Made up of an experienced group of musicians, many of us have played together before in numerous projects (including the long-standing project THE BEAT HORIZON), our roster allows our music to go in many different directions.
Carson Goring, 14, is currently starring in The Cardboard Countess, an original play touring in Fringe theater festivals across Canada and the Eastern seaboard. Carson co-wrote Middleschoolandia, in the Hollywood Fringe Festival 2017 when she was just 12. Carson has been acting professionally since she was 9, and has traveled across America with a family swordfighting show. You can see the The Cardboard Countess at the Charlottetown, PEI Fringe Festival in the first week of August, or at the Fundy Bay Fringe in St. John, New Brunswick soon after. To find out more about Carson and her work, go to carsongoring.com or thecardboardcountess.com
Phil aka Philosmaximus just moved to Portland and is interested in performing and getting to know the local scene.
ia is a free spirit and whose art is self-described as glitchcraft/library music/lowbrow experiential home recordings while learning composition.
Noonday Crawlers is a Portland, ME based original band that draws from many styles including rock, blues, americana and psychedelic. Basically it's an amalgamation of rock! Check out the video for 'Tin Foil Hat' at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmRjv1qp3ic and the album "The Desert of When" released the summer of 2017 at: www.noondaycrawlers.com
Urban Americana songwriter from Brooklyn, NY now lives in Portland, ME. Favorite songwrtiers: Warren Zevon, SteveEarle, Paul Jay Favorite band: The Mallett Brothers Favorite old band: Jason&theScorchers Favorite new band: Lofi Decibels
Dale Robin Goodman is known around WMPG Community Radio as the Development Director for the past 10-plus years, but when she is not picking the pockets of our fabulous listeners to raise funds for this great radio station, she's a musician (guitar, banjo and Appalachian dulcimer, etc), Wepecket Island Records artist, and fan of old, forgotten songs. More info about Dale Robin is at dalerobin.com.
It’s been a huge year for the rapper, activist, and visionary who goes by African Dundada. Hailing from Pajok, South Sudan, the Portland artist has upped his game considerably in 2017, repping the upstart intercultural organization Portland Culture Exchange and hosting fundraiser concerts for immigrant communities and youth. To Afri, the art of making music is inseparable from activism. “I want to help as many people as I can,” he said during an appearance on WMPG’s New Mainers Speak recently. Blurring reggae, dancehall, rap and native South Sudanese music, AFRiCAN DUNDADA is a true Maine artist, and credits his move to the state for teaching him how to rap.
.James was born in South Sudan and was orphaned at age three. He was raised in Uganda at his aunt's Catholic mission school where he learned English. At 15 he went to Kenya's refugee camp where he got documents to come the the USA. He arrived in 1995 as a 16 year old. After three years of working and going to school he heard about a "utopian" society--the US military. He joined the Marine Corps where he served as a helicopter mechanic from 1998-2006. His buddies loved his stories and thought he was funny and encouraged him to become a comedian. Now James does stand up comedy at Empire and other area open mic and comedy nights. He values contributing to community because he feels he was raised by the community and wants to offer something back. He is also a worker, father, husband, landlord, and friend to many and lives in the Biddeford area. The subtitle of James's podcast on wmpg.org is “Talking S*** with Two Black Guys.” Each episode will feature James and another Black person having a conversation about culture, diversity and humor.
Get Him Johnny is powered by the ardent duo, Megan & Paul. A couple that has been together for 20+ years, they’ve only begun playing music together in the last three. Their songs can be described as a juxtaposition of simple and complex, with a lyric-centric core. Lyrics and melody drive the simple chord structure behind most of their songs. If you ask Paul what the most important thing to pay attention to while listening, he’ll say “listen to the words, listen to the sounds those words make, absorb the meaning behind them”. Songwriters that sowed the seeds of creativity for GHJ include: David Byrne, Kurt Cobain, Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, Thom Yorke, Tom Waits, among many other favorites. Their musical thrust consists of acoustic guitar and ukulele, but you’ll also hear mandolin, bass, harmonica, cajon, keyboard, kazoo, and even some spoons in the mix. GHJ’s two self-released albums, Splinters & Stumps, and Standing Near Moss were mixed and mastered by Paul in their home studio. Get Him Johnny can be listened to and purchased at Apple Music, ITunes, Spotify, Soundcloud, Bandcamp and on their website at www.gethimjohnny.com. You can watch them play on Youtube and Facebook.
Bellatrix is a talented trio of women who craft original songs that blend bluesy, soulful melodies, folksy finesse, tight harmonies, and smart lyrics. This new ensemble has been wowing audiences at their shows in Portland and surrounding areas.
In August 2016, three songwriters came together through the magic of Craigslist to meet over craft brews. The result was Bellatrix, a new trio of women from different parts of the country that has gone on to create an alchemy of thoughtful lyrics, haunting melodies, and intoxicating harmonies. Named after the female warrior star in the constellation Orion, Bellatrix enchants audiences with their rich songwriting, distinct blend of voices, and unique instrumentation: the band plays a constantly shifting combination of cajon, autoharp, keys, flute, electric guitar, mouth trumpet, and more! These three ladies feel thankful to have made a deep connection with each other through music and harmony of spirit, and greatly enjoy sharing their musical kinship with audiences in Maine and beyond.
Todd Glacy is a creative explorer who describes himself as an Enlightenment Advocate, promoter of peace and an Instigator of Joy. As the creator of Sacred Sound and Living he travels extensively as a speaker, musician and workshop facilitator sharing his passion for empowering people to live happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. Learn more at www.toddglacy.com
Sam is a 24 yearold singer/songwriter/Guitarist from Portland, Maine. Sorry, that's all I've got!
Isaac Kinzambi the founder of the theory “Dream-Time-Motion” for human development. He is the founder and CEO of Dream Time Motion Institute with mission information and transformation organizing trainings and mentorship for young leaders in pthe rivate and public sector in French, Englis,h and Portuguese in Europe and Africa since 2009. Isaac is also an author (The Impossible is Possible), a gospel singer, a radio and TV personality, Soccer Analyst Chiormaster, Worshipship Leader, Songwriter, Actor, and Poet. He is the father of four daughters Esther, Sabina, Elsie, and Worship.
Isaac Kinzambi is an international inspirational motivational speaker and teacher was born in 1972 and Central Africa. Ordained as a minister at the age of 25. He worked from 1997 to 2009 as a missionary preacher and teacher in France South Africa, Congo, Angola, Portugal, and Namibia. His study background includes theology, practical philosophy, coaching, public speaking, mentoring, counseling, media production, applied science, and international technology. Isaac holds a bachelors degree in human resources management
good luck valiant is a solo project by a young man named Dylan Hoey who is based in Saco, Maine. With influences from modern pop punk bands like Green Day, Sum 41 and The Offspring Dylan blends in his own sound to the mix to create something new in the world of pop punk!
Songwriter, Farmer, Jeweler. Born in Maine. Playing guitar for 45 years. Studied music at Cabrillo College 1982-1984 in Aptos,Ca. Lived in San Francisco, Oakland, and Berkeley Ca. playing in original bands. Moved back to Maine in 2001 and play out when it works. Always looking for a hook, or a new song idea to work on. Music keeps coming and I feel grateful for the chance to play everyday.
Bri Lane is a classically trained multi-instrumentalist, and singer-songwriter from Portland, ME. Her experience in music began at the age of 12 when she learned to play the drums, piano and guitar. Bri's recent single, "Wild Side" has received positive international reception with plays on radio stations around the world in countries such as Italy, France, US and the UK.
ILL MURRAY is a local Portland, Maine based hip hop artist. He has released 2 projects. He is part of MONDAY OF THE MINDS, a community hip hop showcase. The event is held every second and fourth Monday at Flask Lounge in Portland. MOTM runs a community outreach program in an effort clean up the park system and the local image of the hip hop culture in Portland. They strive to promote members of the hip hop community to become more involved with volunteering and creating opportunities for people to come together in positive ways.
AD.vs.FX is a performance duo of Swik & Be See. They combine heavy bass drops with live improvisation, for tight groove-transducing tracks.
Have an original song to share? Contact me, Lorenzo, at podcastopenmic@gmail.com, and let’s talk!
A few words about Dan: musician, music teacher in Portland, Maine,husband, dad, son, brother, uncle, friend, fisherman, poet, Dean of Students, Rise and Shine Coordinator, song writer, dreamer and lover of the growth mindset.
Have an original song to share? Contact me, Lorenzo, at podcastopenmic@gmail.com, and let’s talk!
Ronnie Lee began his musical journey with his first drum kit at age four. After years of banging on old drums and pots and pans, his Mom encouraged him to try other instruments. Ronnie began playing keyboards at age 13 and started playing guitar at age 18. Learning other instruments threw Ronnie into writing his own original music and is now heavily influenced by songwriters such as Steven Wilson, Kevin Moore, and Phil Collins. Ronnie owns and runs Haven Studio, producing and recording his own original music.
Ronnie’s latest project is the band RADIO. Following in the footsteps of legendary bands like Rush, Genesis, Pink Floyd, and Journey, RADIO writes epic emotional songs to fit today’s life.
Have an original song to share? Contact me, Lorenzo, at podcastopenmic@gmail.com, and let’s talk!
Richard Doherty plays all kinds of guitars and genres of music fairly well. He is a reliable and creative support musician and can even sing harmonies! Starting on the snare drum in second grade, Richard moved to guitar and bass in his teens, while keeping a drum stick in his pocket and a hand on the keyboards from time to time. He's experienced lots of recording and playing over the years, but little desire to "make it." Music is a creative outlet and performing is a fun pastime for Richard. Richard moved to Portland Maine in May 2017 and hope to meet other versatile musicians to create and play with. You can find some of his work at Soundcloud under the "Sidewinding" name. Richard is also a DJ and radio host at WMPG 90.9 in Portland, ME.
Have an original song to share? Contact me, Lorenzo, at podcastopenmic@gmail.com, and let’s talk!
his is the sound of a monkey beating a simulated vacuum tube on a rock. Born on a raft long ago, Flying Crowbar maintains a lifelong commitment to staying off rafts. That's not a raft, it's a dock. Which is delightful, but would you like me to use it in the show description, or would you like to write something. Your choice. Have an original song to share? Contact me, Lorenzo, at podcastopenmic@gmail.com, and let’s talk!
Steph Pappas, who at the age of sixteen received as a Christmas present her first harmonica in lieu of another train set, was born in Jamaica Plains, Boston, Massachusetts on July 5. Her early love of baseball nearly led to another career, but influenced by legendary players such as Odetta, Led Zeppelin, Joan Baez, Janis Joplin the guitar was calling her name in which Steph found her true calling. Sporting a reputation as "Jimi Hendrix baby sister", Steph Pappas has also been known as the "psychedelic cowboy chick" and has been compared with the energetic stage performing style of The Boss. Steph is on her own Guitar Girl label in Burlington, Vermont. Discography (all music released to date) www.cdbaby.com/Artist/StephPappas www.stephpappas.com
Have an original song to share? Contact me, Lorenzo, at podcastopenmic@gmail.com, and let’s talk!
Rick, a long time friend of POM's predecessor Radio Open Mic (as well as his lovely wife Elaine Colella) is a left-handed, multi-genre, multi-tuning, life-inspired street-lovin' troubadour who has many original songs and over 100 cover songs. Rick enjoys playing on the streets of Portland and becoming the soundtrack for people' s lives. The street gives a musician a chance to practice dynamics and phrasing in order to pleasantly catch a listener's ear. And the tip jar doesn't lie! Rick's goal is to make a living from doing what he loves: playing heartfelt tunes to an appreciative audience.
Have an original song to share? Contact me, Lorenzo, at podcastopenmic@gmail.com, and let’s talk!
Evan, a very busy Portland musician has a new album, "NortheasternWestern" that explores film music through basic instrumentation. Evan captured the essence of the west with beautiful guitar playing and cinematic themes that will keep you listening.
Have an original song to share? Contact me, Lorenzo, at podcastopenmic@gmail.com, and let’s talk!
Daniel Giulianti is an 11 year old fifth grader at Greely Middle School in Cumberland, Maine, where he plays percussion in the school band. His passion is guitar, having played since he was 9 years old. Daniel has studied music at the School of Rock in South Florida, Camp Encore in Sweden, Maine, and currently studies drums and guitar at the Maine Academy of Modern Music in Portland, Maine. He has performed with his band, The Cheapskates, at Aura, Port City Music Hall, One Longfellow Square, and a host of other local venues. He was a member of two choirs when he resided in Florida: the Broward County Honors Choir and the Florida Singing Sons. Daniel writes his own music, which he describes as a blend of metal, grunge, and jazz fusion. He looks forward to attending music college in the future!
Have an original song to share? Contact me, Lorenzo, at podcastopenmic@gmail.com, and let’s talk!
Pete is 40 years old, a USM alum, plays jazz and soul rock, and psychedelic pop music, enjoys coffee and listening to vinyl records.
Have an original song to share? Contact me, Lorenzo, at podcastopenmic@gmail.com, and let’s talk!
Shelly Waters "Blood Sweat and Tears" Louisiana-born singer-songwriter possesses a voice that demands adjectives such as huge and wide ranging. Best of all, she really knows how to sing. Shelly milks emotions from her material, sometimes in a commanding way, as she leads a bold electric song like “Blood, Sweat, and Tears,”
Have an original song to share? Contact me, Lorenzo, at podcastopenmic@gmail.com, and let’s talk!
Ronnie Lee is an Independent Drummer, Singer, Songwriter, and Producer. He is also the Drummer and Lead Singer for the band RADIO. Ronnie has been writing and playing music for over 30 years and has toured the US and UK. He has extensive studio work and has released several solo albums and singles. Over the years Ronnie has played with many bands and performed at various clubs, fairs and larger venues and events.
Have an original song to share? Contact me, Lorenzo, at podcastopenmic@gmail.com, and let’s talk!
Hilary Silver is a songwriter, yes, but most definitely gives credit to the heart of her rhythm and guitar playing, knowing the movement and sound is what catapults her into channeling the lyrics. Hilary Silver's sound has been said to be a mix of rock, reggae, jazzy rhythm, with hints of world fusion in her tunes inspired by specifically an Afro-Brazilian religion/music called Umbanda which honors deities of nature. You can find her communing with the forests and oceans around southern Maine, drawing inspirations from the silent language of nature and hoping to inspire her listeners to connect to their own heart!
Have an original song to share? Contact me, Lorenzo, at podcastopenmic@gmail.com, and let’s talk!
Heathens at the Loom is a Portland-based electronic/indie rock band. They have created their unique sound by blending synth tracks generated through computer software (including LMMS, FL studios, Abelton, etc) with live analog instruments and vocals. Members include Molly Soneson (vocals/keys/synth backing tracks) and John Finison (guitar/synth backing tracks). Find them on soundcloud: Heathens at the Loom
Have an original song to share? Contact me, Lorenzo, at podcastopenmic@gmail.com, and let’s talk!
Davey Halfbeard is a singer/songwriter from the Greater Portland area with 150+ songs recorded on a variety of formats in an even wider variety of places. He draws influence from the Mountain Goats, Daniel Johnston, and Iron & Wine. You can find more about Davey Halfbeard by leaving some fresh bread under your pillow or visiting daveyhalfbeard.bandcamp.com, it's your choice.
Have an original song to share? Contact me, Lorenzo, at podcastopenmic@gmail.com, and let’s talk!
The lost episode! Frank (from POM3) returns (after a malfunctioning file incident) with MSB bandmate Emily to play the second of the duology cycle, "Cora". Hope to have the entire band in soon!
Have an original song to share? Contact me, Lorenzo, at podcastopenmic@gmail.com, and let’s talk!
Bryan Waring is a music composition major here at the University Of Southern Maine. As a composer looking to put his foot into the music industry, Bryan has an impressive catalogue of recorded music. Plus, each piece of music has a cool story to it. This podcast features "Dinner By The Candleight." (not a typo, as we'll learn) which fortunately has a happy ending.
Bryan will be the guest DJ on “Husky Tunes” March 19, 2018 (If this date has passed when you read this, you can still listen to it on our show archive page 0m wmpg.org until late April 2018).
Have an original song to share? Contact me, Lorenzo, at podcastopenmic@gmail.com, and let’s talk!
Nathan Lapointe aka Unique Unknown is a Maine local hip hop artist apart of the group Dead Flow It Society. The beginning of a collective for all forms of art. Music is his way of concious and subconcious release. www.youtube.com/channel/UCC7EXGcALf9vE6EbwVxnzOA uniqueunknown.bandcamp.com/releases And by searching unique unknown in Soundcloud. Remember we are all Unique Unknown.
Have an original song to share? Contact me, Lorenzo, at podcastopenmic@gmail.com, and let’s talk!
Nicole Lepera’s music tends to span the gamut of styles. She just writes whatever comes to her, with no censoring whatsoever. Nicole has an interesting background in that she’s received a Masters Degree in Music Composition, writing string quartets, orchestra music and the like. However, She ended up returning to the world of songwriting, abandoning the more complex styles of music.
Nicole plans to keep on living, keep on writing, keep on playing, solo for the most part, although she does enjoy collaboration with other songwriting pals.
Have an original song to share? Contact me, Lorenzo, at podcastopenmic@gmail.com, and let’s talk!