Maine Art Scene Announces Its First Statewide Online Music Performers Showcase

On April 1st, Maine Art Scene (www.maineartscene.com) will introduce Maine's first statewide music performers on www.maineartscene.com. Cellardoor Vineyard of Lincolnville (www.mainewine.com) is sponsoring this unique event.

True to the mission of the magazine, the music performers showcase is aimed at helping Maine professional songwriters, vocalists, musicians, and composers gain greater visibility. The event is open to all professional music performers who are at least part-time Maine residents and have recorded an album within the last five years.

"Once again, we are excited to have so many artists participating in our second statewide online event," says Brenda Bonneville, editor of Maine Art Scene. "The response has been incredible and really highlights the enormous musical talent that exists here in Maine."

"When we think of Maine and art, we tend to think of visual artists, particularly painters," says Thierry Bonneville, media director. "After viewing and listening to Maine's music performers showcase, you might start to think otherwise. We find the breadth and quality of Maine music artistry to be quite astonishing".

The list of over twenty five musical performers participating in the showcase includes: Ellen Tipper and Emelia Dahlin, both talented singers and songwriters, who recently performed at the Camden Opera House as part of the "Sweet Sounds of Spring: An Evening with Maine's Finest Female Artists" show; Steve Grover, a well known jazz drummer and band leader, as well as adjunct music faculty member at Bowdoin College, Bates College, and the University of Maine at Augusta; Evergreen, Maine's leading American Roots music ensemble, with the distinction of having appeared in hundreds of events throughout the state; Tom Snow, an international jazz pianist and frequent music lecturer at Bates College; and Hiroya Miura, conductor of the Bates College orchestra, teacher of composition and music theory, and recipient of various awards and fellowships including those from the Mellon Foundation, the Atlantic Center for the Arts, and the American Composers Forum.

Each participating artist, band and vocal ensemble have their own page on maineartscene.com to display their latest work (three mp3 samples), a statement, list their upcoming performances, and link to websites where their CDs can be purchased.

Maine Art Scene has garnered an enthusiastic response from artists and arts organizations, and our closely monitored readership has tripled in the last six months. In addition to press releases and events coverage (posted by artists and arts organizations for a nominal fee), the search engine-optimized website offers a statewide art directory, multi-media artist profiles (slideshows, podcasts and streaming videos), and a blog "artTalk" where anyone can post Maine art-related comments. The goal of the publication is to enable Maine artists and arts organizations to promote themselves, their artwork, and their message, and to serve as a resource for those who love the arts.

Chamber hosts Forum on Same Sex Marriage Law

Civil marriage equality in Maine will be the
subject of a community forum presented by the Portland Regional Chambers'
Policy Soundings program on April 15, 2009.

Two pieces of pending legislation that would change the definition of
marriage and civil unions in Maine will heard on April 24th in the
Legislature. Panelists will be Senator Dennis Damon (D) and Representative
Les Fossel (R) who have each sponsored pending legislation, Shenna Bellows
from Maine Civil Liberties Union, Marc Mutty representing the Catholic
Diocese, and Ron Gobeil from Maine Marriage Initiative.

The forum, designed to present all perspectives on this issue, is open to
the public, and will be held on Wednesday, April 15, 2009 at the Portland
Marriott at Sable Oaks, from 7-9am. The cost, including breakfast, is $16.
Register at PortlandRegion.com or by calling 772-2811.

Policy Soundings is produced in cooperation with the University of Southern
Maine Muskie School of Public Service, and is made possible through the
generous support of our corporate sponsors, Pierce Atwood LLP, Citizens
Bank, Collaborative Consulting and Oxford Networks.

2nd Annual IndieBiz Awards

Portland Buy Local kicks off the 2nd Annual IndieBiz Awards to honor local, independent businesses nominated by the public in each of 10 categories (see 'Award Categories' below).

Who can participate:

Anyone can nominate a business for an IndieBiz Award! However, only eligible local, independent businesses can win.

How:
Go to www.portlandbuylocal.org between April 1 & April 22
Click the 'Nominate Your Favorite IndieBiz' link
Fill out the nomination form
Go to www.portlandbuylocal.org between May 1 & May 15
Vote from among the finalists
Attend the IndieBiz Awards Night Gala May 20th (see below)
That's it!
Details:
After nominations close, anyone is welcome to vote from among the finalists online at www.portlandbuylocal.org (May 1-15).

Portland Buy Local invites the public, the business community and Buy Local members to attend the IndieBiz Awards Night Gala, May 20th from 6-9 pm at The Empire Dine & Dance for music, food, silent auction of goods donated by Portland's diverse local independent businesses, and the announcement of the awards. Admission is free (donations welcome)! One award is reserved for an eligible business who may not fit any category, based on audience decision the night of the event (see Wild Card Award) . Each of the 10 winners receive an award, and professional portrait taken in their place of business donated by Buy Local member Fitzgerald Photo.


Award Categories:
Soul of Portland
This business radiates 'Portland', in character, originality, individuality, service, and contribution to the city's quality of life.

Flavor of Portland
Portland is known for good food, but this food business goes the extra acre by going out of their way to buy from local growers, suppliers, distributors, bakers, and service providers, strengthening our economy and supporting a diverse small business culture.

Environmental Hero
This local business is the one you consider Portland's environmental icon...tell us why!

Portland's Best Kept Secret
Some local independent businesses consistently deliver a high level of quality, but more often than not, fly under the radar. Which is Portland's Best Kept Secret?

Community Hero
As consumers ,we support local businesses we frequent by buying from them. This local business does a remarkable job of supporting the community back...

Portland Totem
This local independent business has has been in Portland long enough to have had such an influence on the city, that it's hard to even imagine working and living in Portland without them.

The Business With No Front
Many of Portland's independent businesses operate in a studio, a workshop, an office, a clinic, a garage, a gym, or even out of the home. You can't swing by for the paper and cup of coffee, but they're a big part of our economy and our quality of life, When you need to call on them, you always have a great experience, and you're always glad they're there. Which outstanding local business without a store front deserves special recognition?

Global Hero
This independent Portland business supports our local economy, but also exposes our local community to the big world outside, reminding us to be actively aware of the global community we are all a part of.

Wild Card Award
On IndieBiz Awards Night, there'll be one award reserved for the business who has such passionate patrons that they are willing to get up and tell everyone all about the local business that defies categorization! Publicly divulge your favorite local business at IndieBiz Awards night at the Empire on May 20th!

Portland participating in Earth Hour

On Saturday, March 28, the City of Portland will participate in Earth Hour, a global event sponsored by the World Wildlife Fund and the Sierra Club to raise awareness about the affects of global warming. City Hall lights will be turned off for the entire weekend in show of support for Earth Hour.

Original 'Wizard of Oz' showing at Westbrook Cinemagic

On Sunday, April 5 at 4 pm, Westbrook Cinemagic will be showing "The Wizard of Oz" for one performance only. See this epic film the way it was intended to be viewed … on the big screen.

MECA student designs label for Geary's Summer Ale

Each year, the D.L. Geary Brewing company partners with Maine College of Art on a contest for students to design the label for the Geary's Summer Ale. The winning student is awarded a $5,000 scholarship and their work is featured on the label and packaging for nearly one million bottles of beer distributed along the Eastern seaboard.

This year the winner is Kegan Ambrose of Denmark, Maine, a senior majoring in graphic design. His design features a colorful assortment of lobster buoys spelling out the word "Geary's". Kegan grew up sailing the coast of Maine with his family. He recently restored a 19-foot sailboat, which is moored off East End Beach in Portland. His time on the ocean and his love for it inspired his colorful lobster buoy design. In the future he hopes to combine his design work with his interest in sailing. He is the son of Gary Ambrose, a longtime member of the sculpture faculty at the College. Says his father, "He has wanted to win this competition since he enrolled at MECA."

To see a slide show of all the entries, go to www.meca.edu

“Willard Beach, The Real Story 2.8” launches April 1

Maine filmmakers Kate Kaminski and Betsy Carson are preparing to launch their latest venture, a web series called "Willard Beach, The Real Story 2.8." Equal parts soap opera, satire, and improv experiment, the comic series will enter the webstream appropriately enough on April Fool's Day 2009.

Wanna learn improv comedy?

Have you ever thought about doing improv comedy?

Here is your chance! Learn the basics with Tuck Tucker and Rachel Flehinger. They are founding members of the Running With Scissors Improv Troupe with over 20 years of combined improv experience. This 8-week course will culminate in a performance at a local venue.

For more information contact Tuck Tucker or Rachel Flehinger - email portlandacting@gmail.com or tuck3354@yahoo.com

8 week course: $150

Classes held at Dana Warp Mill, 90 Bridge Street, Westbrook, Maine

May 4, 2009-June 29, 2009 6:00-8:00 pm

There are Beach to Beacon entries to be had

Were you hoping to run the 12th Annual TD Banknorth Beach to Beacon but didn't get through to register in time?

Portland Trails to the rescue! We have Beach to Beacon entries that you can bid on at our Happy Trails Big Bash and Silent Auction on Friday, May 8th 2009!

Join us at The Portland Club for an evening of great food, fabulous live music, and exciting bidding! Big Chief will keep the tunes coming all night, hearty hors d'ouevres will be provided by Black Tie Catering Company, and Izzy's Cheescake is donating delicious desserts! Mark your calendars - you will not want to miss it! Tickets are $20 for Portland Trails members, $25 for non-members, or you can purchase 10 tickets for $150 ($50 savings, even off the members price!)

Buy tickets online or call us at 775-2411 for more information.

Portland Trails hopes to see you May 8th!

Seeds of Obama 'Victory Garden' first sown in Maine

One-hundred-thousand people signed a petition asking the Obamas to replant a Victory Garden at the White House, and recent news reports indicate that they are about to reap what they sowed. 

Bob Marley spreading the laughs for McAuley

Interested in an evening of Maine humor and laughter?

Bob Marley will be appearing at Catherine McAuley High School on Thursday, March 26 at 7 pm to benefit the Class of 2009's Project Graduation. Tickets are $15 per person and may be purchased from Mary Beth Robillard, Executive Secretary to the Principal, or at D. Cole Jewelers on Exchange Street in Portland's Old Port.

FMI, call 797-3802.

Artists and indie crafter needed

The Blissful Revolution Arts & Crafts Bazaar is accepting vendor applications from local artists/crafters the 2009 Spring Bazaar being held June 6, from 9 am-6 pm at Lincoln Park, 356 Congress St. in Portland.

Tables available at Bayside World Market & Fair, June 13

Low cost tables are available at the third annual Bayside World Market & Fair taking place Saturday, June 13 from 11 am-4 pm at Portland High. Vendors can choose from $40 premium tables and $20 flea market tables. In past years, artisans, small business owners and community groups have sold everything from jewelry and art to clothing and flea market goods. Last year food vendors offered a number of world cuisines, including Thai, Indian, Somali, Polish and Latin American. Reserve tables online at www.baysideworldmarketandfair.com.

Each year, the market draws thousands of visitors. Admission is free. The popular festival features a free program of music, dance and immigrant journey stories. Once again, there will be a dedicated children's area with crafts and games.

The Bayside World Market & Fair is sponsored by the Bayside Neighborhood Association in conjunction with the Portland Public Schools. It serves as a celebration of the rich diversity that exists in downtown Portland and brings together new Mainers and long-time residents.

Portland High School is located at 284 Cumberland Avenue in Bayside, Portland's most diverse neighborhood. FMI visit www.baysideworldmarketandfair.com or call 207-772-7595.

CMCA wants work from craft artists

The Center for Maine Contemporary Art in Rockport has put out a call to artists to submit work for its annual Work of the Hand crafts show and sale, to run from Oct. 10#18. This year, Work of the Hand will be celebrating its 20th year as one of Maine's most outstanding crafts shows. The postmark deadline for submissions is Thursday, April 30.

Make friends with Longwave and get tickets to the OK Go, Longwave show

So you REALLY want to go to the OK Go, Longwave, Oppenheimer show at Port City Music Hall on Friday, but budget's being what they are these days it's hard to fork over the cash.

Longwave understands. They'd like you to come to the show courtesy of the band.

Here's how you get in on the generosity:



Fans should hop onto MySpace and friend Longwave [http://www.myspace.com/longwaveofficial ]. Then send the band a message with "Portland Ticket Giveaway" in the subject line.

Winners end up on Longwave's guest list.

Now go make some friends: http://www.myspace.com/longwaveofficial

American Idol has Ryan Seacrest. Rock-Off 25 has Ryan Woodbury.

Though he's never competed in the Rock-Off, 17-year-old Ryan Woodbury of Gray is one incomparable local singer-songwriter destined to become a successful major artist.

In the meantime, he will be hosting Reindeer Records' 25th Annual Rock-Off competition at McAuley Performing Arts Center in Portland, where 19 high school rock bands from across the state will be displaying their original talents in hopes of becoming the "Best High School Rock Band in Maine."

Ryan picked up his first guitar at the age of fourteen and hasn't stopped playing since. In 2007, he played his first public performance at a local talent show and revealed his impressive and unique guitar and vocal skills. Since then he's developed a broad fan base as he continues to cultivate his original material and advance his recording goals.

A senior at Gray-New Gloucester High School, Ryan has a style that is refreshing and unequaled in talent, with such influences as John Mayer, Eric Clapton, B.B. King and James Taylor. In addition to being a frequent performer at local open mic shows, he can be heard every Saturday at Mt. Abram ski resort

Growing up in the small town of Gray, Maine, and coming from a musical family, Ryan had opportunities to perform all of his life, but never picked up the guitar until his mom started playing in 2005.

Like an artist who paints with his hands and colors, Ryan uses his guitar and voice to shape his songs and captivate his audience. Some of his tunes have a serious side while others are humorous and catchy. He is hoping to release his first CD this summer but admits, "it's something that can't be rushed."

Ryan recognizes the gift he has to share and said he can't imagine doing anything else with his life besides writing and sharing his music. "I write from the heart and it just seems to flow."

The Rock-Off 25 Showcases are slated for Sunday, March 15 and Sunday, March 22, both at 2 PM. The all-ages shows are open to the general public. General Admission is $10/advance and $12/door. For complete information, contact Reindeer Records at 857-9002 or visit www.mainetoday.com/rockoff.

Woodbury. Out.

PSO joins Orchestras Feeding America to Benefit Preble Street

National food drive inspired by the upcoming film The Soloist

The Portland Symphony Orchestra (PSO) will participate in Orchestras Feeding America, the first national food drive by America's symphony orchestras. Volunteers will collect non-perishable food at the PSO's "Dance! Dance! Dance!" concerts featuring Music Director Robert Moody conducting with Fred Strickler, tap dancer, and Neos Dance Theater on April 4 and 5 in the lobby of Merrill Auditorium. All food collected will be donated to Preble Street. For hours and collection details visit www.portlandsymphony.com.

To date, almost 200 orchestras have come together to combat hunger in their communities through Orchestras Feeding America, and the number of participants is growing daily. The project will take place in March and April, and is organized by the League of American Orchestras (representing the nation's professional, volunteer and youth orchestras) and Feeding America's network of over 200 food banks and 63,000 agencies. The drive was inspired by the true story characterized in the upcoming film The Soloist starring Jamie Fox and Robert Downey Jr.

Ari Solotoff, PSO's Executive Director, stated, "We all are feeling the effects of this economic crisis, but we cannot let that stop us from helping our neighbors in greater need. Our orchestra's music uplifts people, but with this project we can do more to support the community that has supported us for so long."

One in eight Americans is at risk of hunger. According to the USDA, there are 36 million people at risk of hunger in the U.S.; 12 million of them are children. Maine is one of the two most food-insecure states in the nation, and at Preble Street, the demand for emergency food assistance has increased 30%. The food pantry and soup kitchen have served a record number of meals in the past four months.

The Soloist, directed by Joe Wright, will be released by Paramount Pictures to theaters nationwide on April 24. A Dreamworks Pictures/Universal Pictures presentation in association with Studio Canal and Participant Media, the film is based on the true story of the relationship between Los Angeles Times columnist Steve Lopez and Nathaniel Ayers, a gifted Juilliard-trained string player whose mental illness landed him among the homeless on the streets of Los Angeles. Their relationship expanded to include staff and musicians of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. The Soloist, which also features the Los Angeles Philharmonic, is a testament to the redemptive power of music and a reminder of our connections to the most vulnerable among us.

Ticket prices for the "Dance! Dance! Dance!" concerts range from $17 to $62, with special pricing available for students, seniors and groups. All Portland Symphony Orchestra tickets are sold through PortTix at (207) 842-0800 or www.porttix.com. (Phone and internet orders subject to $5 per ticket handling fee.) Tickets may also be purchased in person at the box office at 20 Myrtle St., Monday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m.

Serving the city of Portland, the State of Maine, and Northern New England, the PSO is the largest performing arts organization in Maine. With critically acclaimed performances and broad community engagement, the PSO is widely regarded as one of the top symphony orchestras of its size in the country. For more information visit www.portlandsymphony.com.

Preble Street works to make sure that youth, adults, and families who have no home will not go hungry, will not have to be on the street when they are tired or sick or cold, will not have to live in fear and danger, and will have a chance to move beyond homelessness. For more information visit www.preblestreet.org.

Online Registration for TD Banknorth Beach to Beacon 10K to Begin at Noon this Sunday

Field expanded to 6,000 for popular road race set for August 1 in Cape Elizabeth, Maine

With online registration set to begin at noon this Sunday (March 15), runners who want to participate in the 2009 TD Banknorth Beach to Beacon 10K Road Race are being urged to keep in mind the idiom: He who hesitates is lost. Indeed, race organizers expanded the field size to 6,000 this year # an increase of 500 runners # but still anticipate the race filling up as soon or sooner than last year's record of 26 hours.

"We are encouraging # make that urging # anyone who wants to participate in the race to go online and register soon after it opens on March 15 because there's no way to know how long it will take before it fills up," said David Weatherbie, the race president.

Online registration is the only way for runners to enter the popular international road race, set for Saturday, Aug. 1 along the Maine coast in Cape Elizabeth. Runners register by going to the race website at www.beach2beacon.org, where they also can find more information and further instructions. The 2009 race entry fee is $35.

Also new this year, race organizers have moved the popular Kids Fun Run to the Friday (July 31) before the race. In past years, the kid's event was held at Fort Williams Park following the road race and before the award's ceremony. Registration will begin online on March 15 as well. The location and time of the kids event is still to be determined.

"We decided to give the Kids Fun Run its own day to showcase the event and give it its own place in the sun," Weatherbie said. "We also see this as another way to give the TD Banknorth Beach to Beacon more of a race weekend feel."

The growing popularity of the TD Banknorth Beach to Beacon prompted race organizers to increase the field size by 500. By moving the kid's race to Friday, they also are confident the increased number of runners will be more easily absorbed at the finish in Fort Williams Park. "With demand so great, it made sense to try to accommodate more runners, which we feel can be managed without impacting safety and the quality of the race," Weatherbie said.

The field size has doubled since it began with 3,000 runners in 1998. The race grew to 4,000 in 1999, 5,000 in 2002, and 5,500 in 2006.

Even with the increased field sizes, registration for the race has consistently closed sooner and sooner each year. In the early years, the race did not fill up until June. By 2007, it closed in 10 days. Last year # the first year of online-only registration # it filled in a mere 26 hours.

The TD Banknorth Beach to Beacon is one of Maine's premiere sporting events and one of the most popular events on the U.S. road race circuit. The race draws runners from throughout the region and the world to the small coastal community of Cape Elizabeth. Thousands of spectators cheer on the runners along the picturesque course and at the finish, and more than 800 volunteers help ensure a smooth operation.

The race begins near the Crescent Beach entrance on Route 77 in Cape Elizabeth, winds past breathtaking ocean vistas, and ends in Fort Williams Park at the historic and stunning Portland Head Light, the most photographed lighthouse in the world.

More than $60,000 in prize money is awarded to the top finishers and place winners in the various categories for men and women. For more information, visit www.beach2beacon.org.

TD Banknorth is the title sponsor of the race founded by Joan Benoit Samuelson, the Olympic gold medalist from Cape Elizabeth who also serves as a spokesperson for the bank during the year to promote the race and the bank's giving programs, which benefit Maine youth with sponsorship programs and charitable donations.

Portland Dyke March Committee seeks performers of all genres

The Portland, Maine Dyke March Committee seeks performers of all genres for an Open Mic Night at the North Star Cafe, in Portland ME, April 17, 2009.

Genres can include (but are not limited to): singers, bands, slam poets or spoken word artists, drag queens or kings, jugglers, burlesque, etc. Audience members will be giving their input on any and all performers for selection to appear during the 2009 Dyke March Pre-Show (in Monument Square) or at the After Party (at One Longfellow Square) on June 19th. All time is a donation to the Portland Dyke March Committee and performers are requested to have one sample performance piece prepared (of no more than 7 minutes in length) for the April 17th Open Mic event (performance lengths for the June 19th events will be determined in conjunction with the committee). Performers are encouraged to bring any friends and all supporters.

If interested please contact the Portland Dyke March Committee at portlanddykemarch@gmail.com. Please provide the following information: Name, Genre, Contact information, Sound needs and Number of people performing with you (if any). The deadline to sign up for the Open Mic event is April 3rd and the evening lineup will be determined by the following Friday. Performance spots for the April 17th Open Mic event will be based on the number of performers and the time available.

The mission of the Portland, Maine Dyke March is to create an empowering movement that fosters community and celebration for dykes and the people who love them. The Portland Dyke March seeks to be positive, feminist, diverse and community-driven in all of its endeavors. We welcome anyone with a past or present connection to the dyke community.

The Portland, Maine Dyke March Committee
www.mainedykemarch.com
portlanddykemarch@gmail.com
http://www.myspace.com/portlanddykemarch

NBA Maine Basketball Announces Name the Team Promotion

NBA Maine Basketball announced today that with the help of the Portland Press Herald and the BIG JAB they are looking to their fans to help name the team. Fans can go online at www.nbamaine.com, call our office at 207-210-6655 or send in the ballot from the Portland Press Herald to help select the name for their team. There are seven names fans can choose from; Maine Beacons, Maine Crushers, Maine Claws, Maine Destroyers, Maine Red Claws, Maine Swarm, and Maine Traps. The team will also choose one randomly selected voter to receive two tickets to a 2009 Boston Celtics playoff game.

"We are excited about getting input from our fans on our team name. The fans are what this is all about and we can't wait to see what they decide." said Jon Jennings, Team President and General Manager of NBA Maine Basketball.

"We are looking forward to trying out names for the team and finding out what the fans think the team should be named live on The BIG JAB" said Jon Van Hoogenstyn, GM of Atlantic Coast Radio.

"As an organization committed to the communities we serve, we are very proud to be involved with the NBA Development League. The excitement it has generated is simply thrilling, particularly given the positive impact it will surely have on area businesses. We look forward to partnering with the new team on a variety of fun and creative marketing initiatives." said Valerie Markgren, Corporate Marketing Manager for the Portland Press Herald.

To enter the contest fans need to visit www.nbamaine.com, call 207-210-6655 or send in the ballot from the Portland Press Herald to help select the name and provide their complete contact information and selection before March 31, 2009. The team will announce its new team name on or about April 3, 2009. For official rules visit www.nbamaine.com.

NBA Maine Basketball will begin play in November at the Portland Expo Building. Fans can purchase season ticket packages by calling (207) 210-6655 or visit www.nbamaine.com for more information.

The NBA Development League, founded in 2001, is the NBA's official minor league and features 16 teams with direct affiliations to NBA teams. The league has produced 15 percent of the players on 2007-08 end-of-season NBA rosters and continues to develop current NBA coaches and referees. In fostering the league's connection to the community, its teams, players and staff promote youth basketball, support local needs and interests, and assist in educational development through NBA D-League Cares programs. The NBA D-League also advances the game of basketball as the research and development arm of the NBA. Throughout this season fans can watch all NBA D-League games on NBA Futurecast, the free live Web-streaming initiative found at nba.com/futurecast.

Maine film screening at Miami Festival

The winner of the 2008 Portland, ME 48 Hour Film Project, "Mailboat", will screen at Filmapalooza at the Miami International Film Festival on the weekend of March 13. The film was made in only 48 hours by team Ghee La Roche, led by Jayson Lobozzo.

PMA gets record attendance in Feb.

February 2009 was the most attended and most successful February in the Portland Museum of Art's history, thanks to the popularity of the exhibition "Backstage Pass: Rock & Roll Photography."

Citywide parking ban beginning at 6 pm

A parking ban for the City of Portland has been declared beginning at 6 pm tonight, March 2, and ending at 6 am tomorrow morning, March 3. The city asks residents whose trash collection day is Tuesday to wait until tomorrow morning, 6:30 am, before placing trash and recycling at the curb for pick-up.