Steve Earle has called singer-guitarist Malcolm Holcombe the “best songwriter I ever threw out of my recording studio.” That says a lot. First, Earle is one of the most critically acclaimed songwriters of his era, so he knows musical talent when he sees it. He’s also famous for battling addiction and being hard to work […]
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.
Posted inLife & Culture
Mainer advances on ‘Sing-off’
Portland’s Michael Odokara-Okigbo added hip-hop to his musical resume Monday night, leading his singing group one step closer to winning a recording contract on national TV. Odokara-Okigbo sang lead vocals on the danceable hip-hop hit “Club Can’t Handle Me” by Flo Rida. The performance helped his college a cappella group — The Dartmouth Aires — […]
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Posted inLife & Culture
Dressing up your cats and dogs for Halloween
Fido and Fluffy steal the show at Halloween, because ‘it’s never not funny’ seeing them rock their tiny costumes.
Posted inUncategorized
The Royal Family Ball at the State Theatre
Soulive and Lettuce share the record label Royal Family — as well as the stage Saturday at the State.
Posted inNews
After 40 years, MPBN auction’s going, going, gone
The public broadcasting network says its iconic Great TV Auction is not cost-effective fundraising.
Posted inLife & Culture
Portland singer: Girls can’t divide us
Portland’s Michael Odokara-Okigbo admitted on national TV Monday night that he couldn’t really relate to the song he and his college a cappella group – The Dartmouth Aires – were about to sing. That’s a good thing, since the song was the poppy ’80s hit “Jessie’s Girl” by Rick Springfield, which is about coveting your best friend’s girl . . .
Posted inLife & Culture
Life’s an itch?
Don’t worry – there are ways to combat this year’s bumper crop of pesty, crawly, bloodthirsty fleas.
Posted inLife & Culture
Music and Nightlife: Spin City
The Doctors are in the house at Port City Music Hall on Tuesday night.
Posted inNews
Cancer mission gets personal
When Jeff Parsons went on the radio to raise money for cancer research Wednesday morning, he could really relate to the topic.
Posted inLife & Culture
Portland vocalist rocks ‘Sing-Off’ judges
Portland’s Michael Odokara-Okigbo is getting closer to his dream of a career in music.