On January 17, 2009, the Port City Music Hall will open its doors at 504 Congress Street in Portland, ME. The new state-of-the-art music venue will offer a robust schedule of nationally touring bands of all genres as well as the best of the local scene.

"The thriving music scene in Portland is a strong foundation for a mid-size venue like Port City Music Hall," says owner Rob Evon. "Our location on Congress Street is prime and I hope that our investment in the Arts District will spur continued arts-related development. With some extra effort, Portland can overcome the difficulties of being a secondary market and I know from experience, that if we give the artists and their management a memorable, professional experience - they'll be back!"

The spacious three-story space, formerly a movie theater and then a sports bar, has been completely redesigned and rebuilt as a performance venue. Evon was committed to working with local businesses in developing the venue. He worked closely with Portland architect Mark Sengelmann (ALPHAarchitects) and interior designer Joshua Bergey (Joshua Bergey Design Studios, Portland/Philadelphia) to create a comfortable yet elegant multi-use space. Evon paid special attention to acoustic elements and used his background in sound recording to outfit a top-of-the-line sound system for the venue. Branding and logo design for the business were provided by Portland's Lapchick Creative.

The central music hall can accommodate audiences of up to 660. Depending on the genre of music and the size of the expected crowd, flexible seating arrangements can offer cabaret seating at small tables; seats in rows; or standing room and a large dance floor.

The venue features a plushly appointed Front Lounge with intimate groupings of couches and comfortable chairs. The lower level offers a lounge with pool tables and the capability for live video and sound feeds from the stage. The third floor of the venue contains the Port City Music Hall administrative and production offices as well as a spacious Green Room for the artists # complete with separate dressing room, shower, and a rooftop deck.

The opening schedule indicates the broad scope of the venue's booking policies. A partial list includes reggae star Collie Buddz; blues icon Johnny Winter; indie-pop superstars OK Go; guitarist Derek Trucks, crowned the "New Guitar God" by Rolling Stone Magazine; and a showcase of four up-and-coming New England bands.

Tickets are now on sale for the following shows: 1/17 Fear Nuttin Band with Sidecar Radio; 1/22 SonicBids Showcase featuring Putnam Smith, the Firewater Band, Jordan Valentine & the Sunday Saints, and Lovewhip; 1/29 The Zen Tricksters with Sly-Chi; 2/6 The Derek Trucks Band; 2/15 Johnny Winter with Samuel James; 2/19 Jazz Mandolin Project; 3/12 Duncan Sheik; 3/13 OK Go with Longwave and Oppenheimer; 3/20 Assembly of Dust.

Tickets for all Port City Music Hall shows are available online at www.portcitymusichall.com and at all Bull Moose Records stores. For more information, call 207-899-4990 or e-mail info@portcitymusichall.com