A pithy name, revamped space and restaurant await fans of the former Empire Dine and Dance. So does a similar commitment to music, new management says.
Ray Routhier
Staff Writer
Ray Routhier has written about pop culture, movies, TV, music and lifestyle trends for the Portland Press Herald since 1993. He is continually fascinated with stories that show the unique character of Maine’s people and places. He’s written about why so many businesses use the made-up word “Mainely” in their names, how you can trace Portland’s history through its various smells and why Mainers lament the loss of Portland-made B&M baked beans. He’s interviewed a wide variety of filmmakers, actors, musicians and authors, including Patrick Dempsey, Tony Shalhoub, Richard Russo, Tess Gerritsen, Tony Bennett, Anna Kendrick, and Stephen King. His passions, besides writing, include baseball history, old movies and “Jeopardy!” A native of Manchester, New Hampshire, he graduated with a degree in political science from the University of New Hampshire. He lives in South Portland with his wife and two children.
Off Beat: Folks queueing up for skull session with Max
The crystal skull is said to have ‘healing’ and ‘spiritual’ abilities.
Expect El Ten Eleven to bring the indie-cool instrumentals
The Los Angeles-based duo plays Empire on Thursday.
Author Q & A: Reality left behind for freedom in Paris
Susan Conley moves from her memoir about living in China and battling cancer to the choices that come with creating characters and plot.
Grammy-winning Halestorm plays State Theatre
Siblings Arejay and Lzzy Hale started the band, which now includes Josh Smith and Joe Hottinger.
Off Beat: Mutton busters not sheepish about riding as far as they can
The Litchfield Fair’s sheep-riding contest is cute, intriguing and a big hit.
Maine native, choir cut from ‘America’s Got Talent’
Abi Hodgson and 36 other members of the American Military Spouses Choir fail to win the $1 million prize.
Former WMTW news anchor to launch interview program
Dismissed by Channel 8 in June, Shannon Moss plans a comeback on two Portland TV stations next month.
Maine native faces another round of ‘America’s Got Talent’
Abi Hodgson has been appearing on the show as one of the 37 members of the American Military Spouses Choir.
Off Beat: Rebels stage robbery on the rails
Civil War re-enactors of the Gray persuasion will surprise Blue troops aboard the narrow gauge train in Portland.