• HOT TICKET Voodoo Daddy — Big, Bad and back BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY was one of the most visible and prolific of the bands that helped re-establish swing music as cool back in the 1990s. But you know what? It’s still cool, and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy is still going strong, having performed on “Dancing […]

A thoughtful, cheeky, immense talent with a smidge of smarm, Sam James is an original, a troubadour with his trusty ax who calls it like he sees it. From humble beginnings in Portland, James’ act has caught fire and carried him around the world and back. His patented grumble is a worthy match for his […]

If there’s one guy who’s become almost synonymous with Texas, it’s Lyle Lovett. Not only has he sung more rhapsodies to his home state than he can count — including the famous made-for-tourism tune “That’s Right (You’re Not from Texas),” the chorus of which contains that fabulous follow-up, “but Texas wants you anyway” — he’s […]

The first couple of moments on Jay Jacques’ patient, spacious “Star Girl” cast the spell that will linger for all 11 tracks. Discordant, distant bells mingle with a quiet finger-picked electric for a beautifully murky effect. The pop song that follows, “Sigulda Girl,” abandons much of the haze for straightforward structure, but not without hinting […]

• HOT TICKET Du Maine soloist at Midcoast concert MUSIC DIRECTOR ROHAN SMITH conducts the Midcoast Symphony Orchestra in Lewiston and Topsham in a program featuring brass instruments and military themes. Guest soloist Wayne du Maine, a Juilliard-trained trumpeter, will perform Henry Tomsai’s Trumpet Concerto. WHEN & WHERE: 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Franco-American Heritage Center, […]

One can never be sure what to expect heading to a place called the Monkey Bar, especially when the bar’s website boasts a stuffed monkey riding a motorcycle “Easy Rider”-style as its logo. This place is obviously going to be absolutely awesome or horrifically terrifying. Also, the reputation of the Monkey Bar’s venue is hard […]