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The cover of the new issue of Portland Monthly features a time-split juxtaposition of The State Theater (pictured above, as seen by myself last year on a trip before moving to Portland) in its last heyday as a functioning venue and in its current dormant state. The article, titled “Who Kidnapped the State Theater” doesn’t answer too many questions – in fact it closes with an almost humorous pointing of fingers between concerned local parties – but it does attempt to shed some light on what happened in the past and what might be happening these days behind those doors. Some of the information is actually conflicting (Dave Marshall indicates that there may be some progress being made to improve the structure, while the same entity who is supposedly making the repairs claims no current activity, so who knows?) but it’s always interesting to hear the various opinions and speculation on both sides of this one. There’s a new vinyl-only record shop (LPs & 45s) opening in Portland this week. Check it out this (Black) Friday (November 27) as they open their doors for the first time.
Sounds Absurd has taken over the space at 55 Oak Street that was formerly occupied by Herbs Gully, who shut their doors not long after being closed for renovations earlier this year. Check out the new record shop’s Facebook page here! This is just a friendly reminder to the bands out there – I want you to put me on your mailing list. And your press list, if you have one. This is only for bands in Portland, ME or those that play here frequently (and their publicists, labels, etc). So here goes, it’s hello -at- hillytown.com. When you send show info, please please please include at least the following: Date, venue name and address, cover price, age restrictions, all bands playing, and the start time. If you have a link to purchase advance tickets, that’s great too! Include the flyer for the event (or facebook/last.fm/myspace rsvp link) as well. Not every show that I get sent info on will be listed, but the chance is that if I’ve mentioned the band here before or you’re playing at one of the venues I usually cover, it will be included. I’m also interested in local restaurant, gallery, store, and venue updates. If you have an event (like a party, opening, sample sale, awards event, etc) please let me know! Depending on the nature of the event, it may wind up in the listings (though it’s most likely if there’s a music aspect to it) but I’m more likely to mention it in the news and possible cover it for the site. Thanks! - Bryan
Last Wednesday, Port City Music Hall filled up with another huge crowd for a great WCYY-sponsored show loaded with animal-named bands (incredibly, no Wolf bands were involved.) Keeping with the Athens, Georgia theme, Twin Tigers started things off and set the epic, noisy tone for the night. Later on, As Tall As Lions pushed things in a dancier direction, and then Minus The Bear added a more epic, polished touch – though all three bands worked really well together. From start to finish, it was just a great night of music. Read on for a full photo gallery! Read on…
It’s been a very busy week for shows (and still going, with great shows tonight and tomorrow at SPACE) and we’ve got plenty of photos to show for it! On Tuesday, Metric headlined a show at Port City Music Hall. I was really impressed by the openers, a UK band called Band Of Skulls. Read on for photos!
I noticed that the new Figa Restaurant on Congress Street has a sign up and it looks like the interior is coming along nicely, with chairs and other furniture in place… but when is the opening? If you know, please share! In other food news, the Phoenix recently featured my favorite pizza joint, Otto (who appear to have a fancy new website!).
Sometimes you just can’t make it to every show. It’s a great problem to have though, in a city like Portland where music fans often complain a lack of good shows to check out (which is less and less the case lately). On Saturday night (November 14), I was at SPACE Gallery for most of the night at the Two Man Gentlemen Band show while just up the street at Empire Dine & Dance, Portland was being treated to an awesome rock show. I stopped by and caught a bit of Boston-based TAB The Band‘s set (pictured above, more below) but didn’t get a chance to make it back for Brooklyn’s Kittens Ablaze (who left a huge impression on me during CMJ this year – see the photo below) or Portland’s own This Way, who will be taking it easy until they return to the stage in the Spring. I’m curious to hear what Portland music fans thought of Kittens Ablaze…
Read on for more photos of TAB The Band. Read on… |
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