Ameranouche
9-First Baptist Church Sanctuary, High St. near Miller St., 6:00-6:45, 9:00-9:45 & 11:00-11:45pm. The award winning Ameranouche trio features the melodic virtuosity of guitarist Richard Sheppart, the vehement rhythm chops of guitarist Zachary Pearson & the dulcet low end of upright bassist Stephen Gibson. Together, this rip-roaring ensemble is a super force of hot acoustic jazz, sometimes referred to as hot swing or Gypsy jazz. The contrast of other influences like American Soul music, Flamenco & Bop are what give the fast fingered trio such a recognizable sound. All played on acoustic instruments, the music is rhythmic, vigorous & strangely elegant. It’s hard to believe only three people are creating such a big sound.
7 UU Church Sanctuary, 37 Miller St. between High & Church Sts. 9-9:45 & 11-11:45pm. Ann Delaney – vocals, has been influenced by Sarah Vaughn & Ella Fitzgerald. Ann’s quartet includes talented musicians; Lincoln Blake-piano, David Clarke-guitar & Wells Gordon-bass. The quartet will be treating you to a performance of the Jazz Standards you’ve come to love.
7 UU Church Sanctuary, 37 Miller St. between High & Church Sts., 5:00-5:45pm. The Belfast Bay Fiddlers are a group of amateur musicians devoted to playing & sharing traditional fiddle music & include lead & rhythm players on fiddles, mandolins, recorders, whistles, guitars & banjos. You will be delighted by a lively performance of fiddle tunes in the New england contra dance tradition.
9- First Baptist Church Sanctuary, High St. near Miller St., 5:00-5:45 & 7:00-7:45pm. The Blue Hill Brass have been entertaining audiences for over 25 years with their Brilliant Brass Entertainment that features music of the past 5 centuries. The performances by accomplished Maine musicians, Curt Brossmer & Allen Graffam on trumpets, Stephen Norris on trombone and Dr. Paul Greenstone on tuba are exciting, memorable and FUN!
8-Abbott Room-Belfast Free Library, 106 High St. at the corner of Miller St., 6:00-6:45 & 8:00-8:45pm. Castlebay treats the audience to a musical journey through time and across the Atlantic. Poignant ballads and robust pub songs are interspersed with evocative airs and joyous dance tunes played on Celtic harp, guitar, fiddle and tin whistle. Pithy stories and ancient lore round out the duo’s personable performance style.
Free Admittance – Limited Seating
3- Colonial Theater-Dreamland, 163 High St., near Main St, 2:00-2:30pm. Specializing in an “interactive” show of magic & illusions, geared to the young & young at heart, Carol Chapman will delight the whole audience; the smile & excitment he brings to younger faces will bring back memories & warm your heart…remember the birds & bunnies.
7-UU Church Sanctuary, 37 Miller St. between Church & High Sts., 6:00-6:45 & 7:00-7:45pm. Curlew is a group of 5 talented musicians who hail from Boothbay, Edgecomb & Portland, Maine. They are: Tamora Goltz-fiddle & family members David Stimson-guitar, flute & concertina, Nathaniel Stimson-flut & whistle, Abraham Stimson-fiddle, (they’re also known as 4/5′s of the group Flowing Tide, who perform for contra dances.) along with Darryn Peterson-Irish Pipes & whistle. Curlew will provide a lively New Year’s performance of Traditional Irish instrumental music.
8- Abbott Room, Belfast Free Library, 106 High St. at corner of Miller St., 7:00-7:45 & 9:00-9:45pm. David Dodson writes great songs that run the gamut of American styles-folk, rock, blues, jazz and country. they cover a variety of topics & range from poignant to hilarious. He plays a mean guitar, tells a good story, sings like a bird & he’s got rhythm. Performing with David will be frequent partner Mike Nickerson on upright bass & they will be joined by fellow musician Mac Ferris on mandolin, banjo & guitar.
6- First Church Sanctyary, Church St. at Spring St., 5:00-5:45 & 7:00-7:45pm. Ellacappella was founded in 2003 by a small group of woman in East Blue Hill. The acappella group now numbers 10 women from the Blue Hill Peninsula. Ellacappella’s repertoire is vast and varied and includes classical jazz, folk and pop. The group has performed at many local events and venues from Bar Harbor to Boothbay. Under the direction of Joyce Newkirk of Blue Hill and Jessica Booth of Brooksville, the group will bring their joy of song to your New Year….
6-The First Church UCC – Sanctuary, Church Street at Spring Street, 8:00-8:45 & 10:00-10:45pm. John and Ellen Gawler, with daughters, Molly, Edith & Elsie (& possible extended family guests, Bennett Konesi & Tyler Yentes.)They will bring you an assortment of old and new sounds from many folk traditions. They accompany their warm interweaving family harmonies with fiddles, banjo, wooden banjo, cello, guitar, ukulele and piano as well as a few surprises. Whether they are crooning a quietly poignant ballad or delivering a rollicking fiddle tune, their unique arrangements are especially engaging and often go along with antidotes of historical or humorous content. Although the Gawlers may be best known for their extensive collection of dance tunes in the Scots-Irish and French Canadian traditions their repertoire may include a gutsy Appalachian work song, a ‘Sweet Honey in the Rock’ a capella number, or an amusing ode to every day life. With the CD Golden Thread, to their credit, the Gawlers have earned a beloved place in the hearts of their audiences for their infectious spirit and sparkling musicianship to the merriment of folks of all ages.
10- Belfast Coop Cafe, 123 High Street at Beaver Street & Pendleton Lane, 6:00-7:45pm. George Lirakis has performed in Maine for over 35 years, from regular Winter gigs in Sugarloaf to Summer gigs on land at Dennett’s Wharf in Castine or sailing the Penobscot aboard a magestic windjammer. George on guitar & vocals is known for his Irish folk tunes and the music of the sea “ sea shanties”
7-UU Church Sanctuary, 37 Miller St. between High & Church Sts., 8:00-8:45 & 10:00-10:45pm. A member of the Nipmuc Nation, a self taught crafted artisan who makes a variety of eastern woodland flutes by hand. Hawk is also an accomplished musician and storyteller. His music creates a peaceful experience for each of us… Hawk’s music and words are peaceful, yet powerful…a spiritual experience…reminding us of the gifts life and nature have to offer and inspiring each person to find their own sacredness.
Visit www.hawkhenries.com
4- Colonial Theatre-Dreamland, 163 High St. near Main St. light, 4:15-4:45pm Free Admittance ( show geared to younger set) & 6:00-6:45pm. Admittance Button needed. Jennifer Armstrong is a musical storyteller with songs and stories for all ages. Her programs are interactive and weave together songs, tunes and tales from the folk tradition and her own life experience. A wide variety of instruments enliven her shows including bagpipe, fiddle and banjo. This dynamic, engaging performer draws listeners into a heart satisfying, participatory community event.
6- First Church UCC Sanctuary, Church St. at corner of Spring St., 6-6:45, 9-9:45 & 11-11:45pm. Awarded “Best Bluegrass Band” for 2009 & 2011 by the Maine Academy of Country Music, The Katahdin Valley Boys have been thrilling audiences in Maine & northern New Engand since blending their talents in 1998, with traditional & contemporary Bluegrass & Gospel music, including original tunes. The band’s hard driving sound, features tight harmonies & smooth solos and the band is also unique in that each of the 4 band members share lead singing. The band includes: Ken Brooks-guitar, Jeff Folger-banjo, Kip Yattaw-fiddle and Steve Bixby-bass.
9-First Baptist Church Sanctuary, High St. near Miller St., 8:00-8:45 & 10:00-10:45pm. The Leaky Boot Jug Band is a group of Waldo County rabble rousers who have a common interest in acoustically based music. With a nod to the original jug bands of the early 1900′s as well as the troubadours who re-visited the genre in the 1960′s:John Sebastion, Jim Kweskin & Geoff Muldar, the band covers material that includes traditional blues, Grateful Dead and some bluegrass for good measure. Band members are: Neal Parent-harmonica, Travis Lloyd-bass & guitar, Jon Kerr-banjo, Dave Johnson-percussion, Dan Miller-hand drums, Wes Cotton-fiddle & Russ Lloyd- guitar & bass. Everyone contributes vocals & noises as necessary. All photos by photographer Georges Nashan.
10-Belfast Coop Cafe, 123 High Street at Beaver Street & Pendleton Lane, 5:00-5:45pm. Lincoln Blake-saxophone instrumentals, a formally trained Belfast jazz musician will be performing Jazz Standards to start off your New Year Celebration….
Free Admittance – Seating Limited
3-Colonial Theater- Dreamland, 163 High St., near Main St., 3:30-4:00pm Maine balloon twisters Carroll & Ezekiel Chapman are a father & son team of balloon artists. Their audience participation stage balloon zoo show includs balloon magic tricks, balloon games & entertaining antics.. Kids & adults will have a great time.
3- Colonial Theatre, 163 High St. near Main St
2:40-3:25pm Free Admittance – 5:00-5:45pm Admittance Button required
Scot received formal training in Music Education & Composition at Berklee College of Music, pantomime training with Kenyon Martin’s National Mime theatre, Master Mime Tony Montanaro & the legendary Marcel Marceau. Mime & Music is a wonderful mix of mime, music, storytelling, songs & audience participation. Scot performs part of the show in white face. Family fun for all ages. The program ends with a mime lesson.
8-Abbott Room Belfast Free Library, 106 High St. at Miller St., 10:00-10:45 & 11:00-11:45pm. Shades of Blue- Jazz and Blues Trio, is comprised of Juliane Gardner- lead vocalist & rhythm guitar, Christopher Poulin- lead guitar, vocals & flute with Ezra Rugg- acoustic & electric bass. The trio met over 18 years ago as students of the U. of ME-Augusta ‘s Jazz & Contemporary Music Program & have played in various groups over the years until forming Shades of Blue in 2008. Well known in mid-coast & down-east Maine, the trio performs an eclectic mix of old time jazz favories, blues & original compositions.
8- Abbott Room-Belfast Free Library, 106 High St. at corner Miller St., 5:00-5:45pm.” Stories & Songs from the Land” Shana Hanson - on fiddle, ukelele, accordian- Folk melodies with varied rhythms, participation for the whole family from 3 Stream Farm, with guest Kathleen O’Connor.