 November 1, 2024 (Friday): Bruce Cockburn  click
for details
Dubbed "The Canadian Bob Dylan," Bruce Cockburn has 40 albums and nearly 400 songs to his name in over 50 years of music-making. He embraces folk, jazz, rock, and world as he sings heartfelt stories of personal exploration, politics, and spirituality. A twelve-time Juno Award winner, Bruce is one of Canada’s most revered, treasured, and innovative artists. It’s been too long since we have had him back. So happy he will grace our stage.
November 2, 2024 (Saturday): Erica Brown and the Bluegrass Connection details
We love this band…the pride of Maine...they have been through thick an thin with us these last few years and we are so happy to have them back on our stage!!!
Their latest album, Blue Pine Moon, and Erica and her five piece band feature some of the finest musicians in New England. The band features award winning fiddler and singer Erica Brown, Matt Shipman on mandolin, Lincoln Meyers on guitar, Eli Gilbert on banjo and Kris Day on bass. They are energetic, fun and diverse as they incorporate music from the traditional Bluegrass, Folk and Country repertoire as well as French Canadian fiddle music and original songs. It will be a super night of music as always from these special SMAC friends.
November 8, 2024 (Friday):
November 9, 2024 (Saturday): Ellis Paul click
for details
Ellis is a true Renaissance man. An astute storyteller, poetic and literate, with a stellar stage presence…Ellis Paul is one of those gifted singer/songwriters. Though some may refer to him as a folk singer, he is more, for lack of a better word, a singular storyteller, a musician whose words reach out from inside and yet also express the feelings, thoughts and sensibilities that most people can relate to in one way or another, regardless of age or upbringing. Besides being a fierce troubadour, he can add movie soundtracks, children’s books, artwork and more to his resume.
Don’t miss’em :>)
November 15, 2024 (Friday): Susan Werner click
for details
What can we say about Susan, but when I think of her I think of thoroughly talented, smart and entertaining. She would hate me for saying this, but I think she is the Mary Poppins of us singer songwriters. Her songwriting is poignant and her message is heartfelt…but always getting her point across with a little sugar on top. Couldn't we all have a little of that lately.
But back to her impressive career... Over the course of her twenty-five year touring career, Susan Werner has built a reputation as one of the country’s most compelling live performers. With formidable chops on guitar (she began playing at age 5) and piano (she was a guest on Marian McPartland’s Piano Jazz) along with a graduate degree in voice performance, her shows are a one-woman master class in musicianship. Her songs are noted for their poetry and sharp wit, and also for their astonishing stylistic range. She’s written songs in the style of Gershwin and Cole Porter (I Can’t Be New, 2004), gospel music (The Gospel Truth, 2007), traditional Cuban “son” (An American In Havana, 2016), and New Orleans junk piano (NOLA, 2019). In 2014 she composed the music and lyrics to the musical theater score Bull Durham, The Musical (MGM) and her latest recording of original songs, The Birds of Florida, took flight.
November 16, 2024 (Saturday): Tricky Britches click
for details
The RETURN of one of our favorite bands. It’s been too long. Some bluegrass , some country, some folk…some all of that! Tricky Britches formed in 2009, when four friends in Portland, Maine, took their fiddle tunes and country songs on the road across the US. Since then they have released three albums of original material: Comin’ in Hot (2016), Good Company (2013), and Hard Fought Day(2011). They have played on stages big and small across the US, Hawaii, and Europe. But Tricky on our stage is just the most special.
November 22, 2024 (Friday): Juston McKinney click
for details
With multiple appearances on “The Tonight Show”, one-hour specials on “Comedy Central”, and “Amazon Prime”, including “Parentally Challenged” and “On Mid-Life Support”, Juston is at the top of his game. He just released his 5th stand-up special, “On the Bright Side”, currently streaming on his YouTube channel.
Juston was born in Portsmouth, NH and grew up living on the border of New Hampshire and Maine. In the late 1990’s after spending seven years as a Deputy Sheriff in rural Maine, he traded his gun for a microphone and moved to NYC to pursue a career in comedy. He quickly became a regular at Comic Strip Live, Stand-Up New York, Dangerfield’s, Gotham, Caroline’s on Broadway and the New York Times called him, “Destined for stardom.” Juston has starred in numerous Comedy Central shows including his half-hour Comedy Central Presents and his one-hour special “Juston McKinney-A Middle-Class Hole”. He has multiple appearances on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Conan O’Brien as well as a Showtime Special with Rob Gronkowski. He has also appeared twice at Denis Leary’s, Comics Come Home at the TD Garden. His TV & movie credits include; The King of Queens,100 Centre Street, The Zoo Keeper and Here Comes the Boom.
November 23, 2024 (Saturday): Amy Helm click
for details
When creating her fourth album, the soulful and reflective Silver City, Amy Helm was guided by her North Star: women’s voices. “Women whispering, singing, shouting their stories - speaking the truth. I wanted to dig into that inherited narrative and reach for what I could.” The epistolary anthology is a collection of conversations that travel through time, exploring and celebrating womanhood in all its complexities. Silver City blends the folk twang of Helm’s childhood with gospel and soul, drawing inspiration from varied stories: the life of Helm’s great-grandmother, the story of a young fan struggling with substance abuse, Helm’s own life as a single mother and hard-touring singer. Recorded at Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock, New York, and produced by Josh Kaufman, the album finds Helm exploring themes of womanhood, single motherhood, and personal struggles, offering songs that are deeply personal and narrative-driven. With Silver City, Helm embraces the beauty of age, survival, and transformation through her powerful, story-rooted performances. Here with a great band.
November 27, 2024 (Wednesday): Thanksgiving Eve Dinner click
for details
Dinner in the Queen Post Café for Dine in and Curbside
Come out with the gang the night before...don't mess up the kitchen twice!!
And if you don't want to mess up the kitchen at all, Get a Turkey dinner to go for the next day! Menu is varied from Turkey and Steak Tips to Salads and Desserts. Seating is all located in our 200 year old barn where there are private snugs, barn aisle tables, loft spaces, and a winterised porch. Ald lots of vintage nick nakvcs to enjoy! RESERVATIONS Beginning at 5:30
Reserve early... limited seating
November 28, 2024 (Thursday):
November 29, 2024 (Friday):
November 30, 2024 (Saturday): The Martin Sexton Abbey Road Show details
Martin Sexton puts his signature style on his rendition of this iconic Beatles album combining what Rolling Stone calls his “soul-marinated voice” with his inventive guitar prowess.
We are all invited to Come Together to experience these brilliant songs celebrated in such a compelling reimagined way.
So excited to have Martin here!. Plain and simple....he is one of the best singers I have heard in my lifetime. I was lucky enough to have him sing on one of my albums when he was kicking around Boston, many, many years ago. Little did I know how big a star he would become, and we most humbly welcome him for another visit to Stone Mountain."His outstanding taste in songwriting as well as a soul marinated voice that can easily be compared to the likes of a young Steve Winwood or Van Morrison."- Rolling Stone "The best live performer I've ever seen."- John Mayer. We couldn't agree more…
December 7, 2024 (Saturday): Dana Cunningham and Carol Noonan details
ONE SHOW ONLY ...
Annual Christmas Concert at The Little White Church in Eaton, NH
Dana the composer and pianist, and Carol the singer songwriter together form a really beautiful and fun Christmas show that they play annually at this special place on Crystal Lake in the quaint village of Eaton NH.
Doors open at 7:00 pm - Show begins at 7:30pm
Again, this concert is held at the Little White Church in Eaton NH
Tickets may only be purchased
through the Stone Mountain Arts Center Box Office
Join Dana and Carol for a very special holiday memory
at the Little White Church.
Please Note:
* This is not a SMAC produced show, so SMAC memberships or credits do not apply.
December 8, 2024 (Sunday): Annual Christmas Craft Fair Sunday details
The SMAC Kitchen will have a nice brunchy/lunchy menu available all day. (reservations for tables suggested)
Our Halls are "decked" alright!! Two beautiful halls full of some of area artisans and crafters. These are the prettiest Christmas rooms in the Valley. We are proud to announce once again our annual Christmas Craft Fair. Santa will be parking and The SMAC Box Office will be open for all kinds of gift ideas like concert tickets deals and gift certificates. The Bar will be open in the Queen Post Cafe for some Christmas cheer and C'mon by and get all yer shopping done! It's a Christmas Tradition!!
December 11, 2024 (Wednesday): Comedian Bob Marley click
for details
I don't know any other person who worked harder to keep us entertained during 2020 and beyond than comedian Bob Marley. His daily videos were a comic relief from the world's challenges, and there have been many. Bob has a gift and a way of finding the hilarity in the obvious and the seemingly common occurrences in our sometimes mundane lives. In fact, he would make fun of me for saying all this!!. I can just hear him mocking me now!
On a personal note, Bob kept my staff from going crazy! We appreciate him for being one of the artists that was willing to do shows in whatever way he could to make venues and people laugh..whether it was a small capacity show or a drive in…he did it all. Nothing can stop the Bob Marley train and we love him for that. And yes, I said artist!!
Bob is not just our Maine comedian, he is one of the funniest people in the current world of comedy. His viral videos have thrust him into further popularity as one of the hottest and most sought after comedians in the country. But we are lucky he will still come to us! You know'em, you love'm...more than 15 years as a stand-up comic, Maine's own Bob Marley has been featured in his own special on Comedy Central, and is one of the few comics to do the complete late night TV circuit: The Late Show with David Letterman, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Night with Conan O'Brien and The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson and Craig Kilborn. But all those accolades aside, he is just one of us, and we can't get enough of him. And geesh don't we all need to laugh right now. Always a quick sell out!
December 13, 2024 (Friday): Stone Mountain LIVE for Christmas details
Hosted by Carol Noonan and the Stone Mountain Boys
featuring Duke Levine, Kevin Barry and very special guest Guitar God Bill Kirchen
There is simply no better place to celebrate the holidays than at Stone Mountain Arts Center! With the lights all strung and garlands galore, Stone Mountain LIVE at Christmas is the whole "Experience"... it takes all the best aspects of this special place on the hill and packs it into one fun festive night! Stone Mountain's owner, Carol Noonan, who hosts this unique revue style show with her house band the Stone Mountain Boys ... featuring guitarists Duke Levine and Kevin Barry. Featuring special guest, the one and only Bill Kirchen...famed of his Commander Cody days and his version of Hot Rod Lincoln, well if we could have a a favorite Uncle for SMAC, it would be him!!
December 14, 2024 (Saturday): Stone Mountain LIVE for Christmas details
Hosted by Carol Noonan and the Stone Mountain Boys
featuring Duke Levine, Kevin Barry and very special guest Guitar God Bill Kirchen
There is simply no better place to celebrate the holidays than at Stone Mountain Arts Center! With the lights all strung and garlands galore, Stone Mountain LIVE at Christmas is the whole "Experience"... it takes all the best aspects of this special place on the hill and packs it into one fun festive night! Stone Mountain's owner, Carol Noonan, who hosts this unique revue style show with her house band the Stone Mountain Boys ... featuring guitarists Duke Levine and Kevin Barry. Featuring special guest, the one and only Bill Kirchen...famed of his Commander Cody days and his version of Hot Rod Lincoln, well if we could have a a favorite Uncle for SMAC, it would be him!!
December 18, 2024 (Wednesday): Comedian Bob Marley click
for details
I don't know any other person who worked harder to keep us entertained during 2020 and beyond than comedian Bob Marley. His daily videos were a comic relief from the world's challenges, and there have been many. Bob has a gift and a way of finding the hilarity in the obvious and the seemingly common occurrences in our sometimes mundane lives. In fact, he would make fun of me for saying all this!!. I can just hear him mocking me now!
On a personal note, Bob kept my staff from going crazy! We appreciate him for being one of the artists that was willing to do shows in whatever way he could to make venues and people laugh..whether it was a small capacity show or a drive in…he did it all. Nothing can stop the Bob Marley train and we love him for that. And yes, I said artist!!
Bob is not just our Maine comedian, he is one of the funniest people in the current world of comedy. His viral videos have thrust him into further popularity as one of the hottest and most sought after comedians in the country. But we are lucky he will still come to us! You know'em, you love'm...more than 15 years as a stand-up comic, Maine's own Bob Marley has been featured in his own special on Comedy Central, and is one of the few comics to do the complete late night TV circuit: The Late Show with David Letterman, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Night with Conan O'Brien and The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson and Craig Kilborn. But all those accolades aside, he is just one of us, and we can't get enough of him. And geesh don't we all need to laugh right now. Always a quick sell out!
December 21, 2024 (Saturday): Adam Ezra Group click
for details
If you haven’t connected with Adam Ezra Group yet, this underground, Americana songwriter and his bandmates seem to have popped out of nowhere. They’ve established a connection with their fans unlike any other, and are suddenly selling out theaters throughout the Northeast. This folk musician, activist began playing shows over 20 years ago. When music venues wouldn’t hire him, he played bars, bookstores, fields, and parking lots, often raising money for causes he cared about; a practice that grew into his nonprofit organization Rally Sound, empowering communities through music. These winners of the 2023 New England Music Award’s “Americana Act of the Year”, inspired John Oates to invite Adam to begin a songwriting friendship that would lead to John co-writing and producing their upcoming release “Hold Each Other Now”. How did this happen? Adam will tell you: "One person at a time, over many years and thousands of shows, decided to turn their heads to listen."
These days you’ll find Adam and his bandmates, Corinna Smith (Fiddle), Poche Ponce
(Bass), and Alex Martin (Percussion), constantly out on the road. If you look at their
tour schedule now, you can buy tickets to see them at festivals, rock venues, and
theaters around the country, but you will also see their tour continuously peppered with
activism and grassroots events; a testament to an artist who will never forget where he
came from, and whose mission is about much more than music.
December 27, 2024 (Friday): Dar Williams click
for details
With Special Guest Gail Ann Dorsey
Singer, songwriter, author, activist, folk legend. Known as much for her staunch progressive ideals as her raw acoustic energy, for decades Dar Williams has been captivating audiences with her sheer elegance and honesty in her folk-pop songwriting.
Critics say ...
"Dar Williams, one of America's very best singer-songwriters… Her songs are beautiful. Some are like finely crafted short stories. They are, variously, devastatingly moving, tenderly funny, subtle without being in any way inaccessible, and utterly fresh—not a cliche or a clunker in her entire songbook." -- The New Yorker
December 31, 2024 (Tuesday): Soggy Po' Boys click
for details
with Celia Woodsmith of Della Mae
The New Orleans styled Soggy Po Boys, native to New England, are spreading the good news of New Orleans music across the northeast and beyond. Joined by Celia Woodsmith a Grammy nominated performer, vocalist, percussionist, and songwriter. A show not to be missed! Perfect to say goodbye to 2024.
*Please note:
Our usual showtimes apply so you can be home for your own countdown :>)
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January 10, 2025 (Friday): Albert Lee click
for details
One of the most respected and renowned guitarists in music history, Albert Lee has worked with The Everly Brothers, Eric Clapton, Emmylou Harris and The Crickets over his long and illustrious career.
The British-born country-rock artist started his career during the emerging rock 'n' roll scene of sixties London, when he swapped bands with the likes of Jimmy Page and Chris Farlowe. After moving to the U.S. and assimilating himself into the country music scene, Albert quickly garnered a reputation as one of the fastest guitar players in the business. He recorded a number of solo albums, and won a Grammy in 2002 for his contribution on 'Foggy Mountain Breakdown'. He continues to tour today, and plays his signature Ernie Ball Music Man Guitar.
First time to our stage.
January 17, 2025 (Friday): Dervish click
for details
I can’t wait to see this band. Irish traditional ensemble, Dervish, has performed together more than 30 years. From the band’s humble beginnings in the low-slung pubs of County Sligo to sold-out audiences in South America, Asia, and across the United States, the group has garnered accolades abroad and at home. In 2019, the band received a lifetime achievement award from the BBC. And well deserved.
Just what we need for a winter night. Click to get to know them.
January 25, 2025 (Saturday): The Suitcase Junket click
for details
The first time Suitcase was here some lucky folks saw him as part of our free music series. That was the first time he blew everyone away. Since then performs to a packed house and does the same. I just love this guy. Totally original and totally a giver when it some to his audience. You feel like part of his journey. One man band, doesn't do this artist justice. Suitcase is an Artist, tinkerer, tunesmith, swamp Yankee. Matt Lorenz is a one-man salvage specialist singing into the hollow of a Dumpster guitar, slipping a broken bottleneck onto the slide finger, railing on a box of twisted forks and bones, rocking till every sound is ragged at its edges, till the house is singing back. Then, unplugging all the amps and letting one mountain ballad soar over the raw strings on that guitar. Every night is a hard-driving, blues-grinding, throat-singing search-and-rescue junket. Sooner or later everything rusts, busts, and gets tossed into the junk heap: iron, bones, leather, hot rods, muskrats, the night, the heart. The goal is to recover it. To waste nothing. To create new ways from old. This is The Suitcase Junket. A Big Staff Favorite for a reason!!!
February 7, 2025 (Friday): Harry Manx click
for details
Like the song says....."Im just wild about Harry!!"..and you will be too!
It takes begging and pleading to get Harry to come to the States these days. I did and he is!! What can I say about Harry....we have had him here many times....for a reason. Canadian artist (artist in every sense of the word) Harry Manx known as the "Mysticssippi" blues man has been called an "essential link" between the music of East and West, creating musical short stories that wed the tradition of the Blues with the depth of classical Indian ragas. I mean, who else would play a banjo, guitar and sitar, and keeps the beat with his feet. Oh, and great songs too. There is no one like him. He has created a unique sound that is hard to forget and deliciously addictive to listen to. We are obviously hooked on Harry too. As we said, his U.S. appearances can be a rare sighting, so we are so happy and lucky he is back!
February 8, 2025 (Friday): Cécilia click
for details
Erin Leahy, Timi Turmel, and Louis Schryer ... Canada's finest
We are very excited about this show..Erin was here with her brother Donnell Leahy and Natalie MacMaster, (Canadina royalty) a while back and she was outstanding, as are Timi and Louis. Traditional music that causes a wonderful stir and fills to overflowing every venue – that is Cécilia! Widely recognized as three of Canada's finest musicians, it is a pleasure to see how much enjoyment Timi Turmel, Erin Leahy, and Louis Schryer find in playing together. While honoring their heritage as Cécilia, their music making has an undeniably fresh and high-spirited sound.
They bring the best of many musical worlds together in their explorations of traditional, Celtic and Quebecois music. Every one of their pieces is skillfully arranged and highlighted with influences from contemporary, classical, jazz and swing styles. Cécilia's recent debut album Accent is an impressive offering full of vibrant rhythms and melodies, all resonating with a unique warmth and richness of expression.
Each performance by Cécilia is a call to come out and share – not only in the joy of three dedicated musicians making music together but also in creating with Timi, Erin, and Louis a unique and memorable musical experience. You'll find yourself with a smile that lasts long after the final notes of Cécilia's accordion, piano, and violin have melted away.
February 14, 2025 (Friday): On A Winter's Night on Valentine's Day details
Reunion Tour 2025 Featuring
John Gorka, Patty Larkin, Lucy Kaplansky, and Cliff Eberhardt
Presenting the Reunion Tour of “On A Winter’s Night” from veteran singer-songwriters that remain among the brightest stars of the singer/songwriter movement for the past three decades. In 1994 musicians gathered together, to showcase music of the Winter Season on the now-classic On A Winter’s Night CD, followed by several years of touring collaborations. As soloists, these artists have released dozens of recordings and toured steadily through the decades, with fond memories of their touring days together. The winter season is again celebrated by these unique and popular performers, back together by popular demand. AND FOR VALENTINE'S DAY!!!
Grab someone you love and come on out for a Winter’s Eve of voice and song.
February 15, 2025 (Saturday): Love in the Country click
for details
A Country Love Song Swap
with The Gibson Brothers, Carol Noonan and Kevin Barry
Join us for a night of song swapping between these good friends, bluegrass greats Eric and Leigh Gibson along side singer songwriter Carol Noonan (our fearless leader) and guitarist Kevin Barry. On stage together, these fine musicians will pull out some of their best country love songs of their own and some classics while backing up each other for some great spontaneous musical moments and banter.
March 1, 2025 (Saturday): Kat Edmonson click
for details
Kat is Back!!!
We just love her..her music, her stories, her joyful presence. And if you haven't seen her well JUST DO IT!!!
The first time I saw Kat was on CBS Saturday morning ("Saturday Sessions" is a great program that showcases rising stars.....highly recommend it). She is known most as a jazz singer, but she calls her music vintage pop. Whatever you call it, it is completely pure. She has shared stages with the likes of Lyle Lovett, Asleep at the Wheel, and Chris Isaac with appearances on Prairie Home Companion and E Town. When I heard her, there was something about her that reminded me of hearing Joni Mitchell when I was a kid.. She doesn't sound like her, or the music isn't the similar, but the command of her craft and her band reminds me of Joni. A terrific song writer with the sounds of a jazz singer, but the feel of a vintage folk singer. Oh, and she is an actress too!
Speaking of jazz, check out this video of one of the many sides of her.
But this is the sweet song that stopped me in my tracks when I heard it.
And these are just samples of her live...take some time and get lost in some of her videos on YouTube. Like her songs, they are like mini vintage movies harkening back to a time when ceramic dogs and typewriters were the norm. (for some of us,it still is :>) There are so many great videos of her....too many to pick, so again, spend a few minutes and discover this amazing talent. Seems like everyone in the critical world knows about her.....now its your turn.
Comes Very Very Highly SMAC Recommended
March 13, 2025 (Thursday): Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy details
The entertainment world is filled with extraordinary stories. But few match the beguiling true-life tale of Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy, Canada’s reigning couple of Celtic music, whose dazzling career achievements underpin an incomparable off-stage life. Indeed, when two of the planet’s very best fiddle players married in 2002, the proverbial mantelpiece was instantly crammed with JUNO and East Coast Music Awards. Though MacMaster and Leahy followed different trajectories – she a Cape Breton native who could step-dance before she could walk; he the oldest brother of acclaimed family group Leahy – both had assuredly crested the traditional music peak. Their first recorded collaboration, 2015’s Bob Ezrin-produced album One, which was followed by 2016’s A Celtic Family Christmas (and which cemented the couple’s status as powerhouses on the seasonal circuit) confirmed MacMaster and Leahy are as dynamic working together as they were working apart. Performing thousands of shows and collaborating with a multitude of world renowned artists Natalie’s and Donnell’s family and work-life have been intertwined. Their values are equally as important in their life as music. They believe incorporating family into the performances and their music is the perfect way to maintain a healthy work-life balance. MacMaster and Leahy now have five beautiful children, and Natalie and Donnell devotion to them is job number one. On a personal note, I cannot describe the elation and emotion when this family performs together...love is not a big enough word. We LOVE them ... comes highly SMAC recommended.
March 29, 2025 (Saturday): Altan click for details
Wow, it’s been too long since we have seen these dear musical friends. With a career in Irish music for 35 years, Altan has achieved legendary status in a genre that has been equally shaped by the band's influence and genius. Audiences from Ireland to Japan to Australia to Europe have embraced their heartwarming, dynamic live performances and their exquisitely produced, award-winning recordings. Over a dozen releases to date, ranging from the most touching old Irish songs to hard-hitting reels and jigs. Chicago Weekly, said, "Thought by many to be the finest traditional Irish combo working today, Altan seamlessly blend dazzling instrumental prowess and the gorgeously delicate vocals of Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh" I would whole heartedly agree. They have not been here for many years and we have missed them. The real deal of Irish bands...don't miss their welcome return.
April 12, 2025 (Saturday): Lonesome Ace Stringband click
for details
Ya know we get more than our share of string band pitched to us these days. But with all the rebooting and reinventions of bluegrass and old timey music, every once in while something more pure comes through and I was so glad we hosted this band. EVERYONE loved them!
Case in point from from Canada , the Lonesome Ace Stringband is an old-time band with bluegrass chops that play some righteous folk and country music. There's a depth of groove and sense of space not often heard in bluegrass today, a level of instrumental interplay and vocal blend uncommon in old-time, and an on-stage rapport that transcends all of this. Click to listen to a sweet ballad on YouTube. But no worries they can S&@t kick it with the rest of them.
April 19, 2025 (Saturday): Alison Brown click
for details
Alison Brown“Like James Taylor’s voice or B.B. King’s guitar, Alison Brown’s banjo is an instrument possessed of a unique sonic signature and an inescapable beauty….an artist who never ceases to delight.”
—Billboard Magazine
One of the most multi-faceted minds in roots music, Alison Brown is a GRAMMY-winning musician, GRAMMY-nominated producer, former investment banker (with an AB from Harvard and an MBA from UCLA), and co-founder of The Compass Records Group which is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2023. Although Alison began her musical career as a teenager in the Southern California bluegrass scene, she has built a reputation as one of today’s most forward thinking and innovative banjo players. She is known for taking the instrument far beyond its Appalachian roots by blending bluegrass and jazz influences into a sonic tapestry that has earned praise and recognition from a variety of national tastemakers including The Wall Street Journal, CBS Sunday Morning, NPR, and USA Today. On her new release, aptly titled On Banjo, Alison continues her musical explorations on a set of original compositions that explore the range of the banjo. The album features an eclectic cast of collaborators including Steve Martin, Kronos Quartet, Sharon Isbin, Anat Cohen, Sierra Hull, Stuart Duncan and members of the Alison Brown Quintet.
Alison is the recipient of the USA Artists Fellowship in Music and the Distinguished Achievement Award from the International Bluegrass Music Association. In 2019, she was inducted into the American Banjo Museum Hall of Fame. Alison serves on the Board of Governors of the Recording Academy and as co-chair of the Steve Martin Banjo Prize.
“Banjo music is seldom thought of as ‘mellow’ or, dare we say ‘pretty,’ but Alison Brown makes it so in the jazz-classical-pop-folk-Latin mix of the Alison Brown Quartet. As a true ground-breaker, [she’s] opening up whole new vistas for an instrument once solely associated with pickin’ ‘n’ grinnin’.” —USA Today
So many accolades ... I hope we are deserved of her... for the third time on our stage. Check her out. Always with a great group of players.
May 10, 2025 (Saturday): Rickie Lee Jones click
for details
Rickie Lee Jones is an American musician, storyteller and two-time Grammy winner who has been inspiring pop culture for decades, beginning with her star-making self-titled debut, followed by the seminal Pirates. Named the “premiere song-stylist and songwriter of her generation” by The New Yorker, and “The Duchess of Coolsville” by Time magazine, Jones released her Grammy-nominated album Pieces of Treasure in 2023, a reunion with Russ Titelman, who produced her first two records. Jones’ celebrated memoir Last Chance Texaco was named Book of the Year by MOJO and a Best Book of the Year at Pitchfork and NPR. The Independent writes, “There has always been something defiant about Rickie Lee Jones . . . a voice from a dream, elusive yet familiar, transcendent, a messenger from another place.”
August 1, 2025 (Friday): Tom Rush - ONE SHOW ONLY click
for details
Accompanied by Matt Nakoa
Since Tom Rush's 1962 debut as an unknown folk-blues musician on the Boston/Cambridge music scene, he has established himself as a consummate performer and singer-songwriter. A few years back, a sold out celebration of his five-decade career anniversary at Boston Symphony Hall proves his fan loyalty and endurance. When you think of the importance of the folk scene in the 60's you should think of Tom. These days he is just as vital and entertaining. We welcome him back with a big hug!
August 8, 2025 (Friday): An Evening with Maine Authors click
for details
A Benefit for Camp Susan Curtis
Join the 9th Annual Evening with Maine Authors to benefit Camp Susan Curtis, a non-profit organization that provides a free 10-day overnight summer camp experience to Maine children facing economic hardship. The evening will begin with a cocktail hour followed by a delicious buffet dinner in the Maine Concert Hall. After dinner, a current CSC Staff Member will share reflections about their camp experience followed by the evening’s feature presentation of readings by award winning authors TBD.
For more information and tickets click here.
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Thanks
for checking out our schedule... Tickets are on sale Online or at the Arts Center Box Office. 
