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.

Do This, Food

Eat & Run: Mitr in Portland puts a twist on Thai

by Ray Routhier May 22, 2023May 22, 2023

Mitr Ping Yang Thai Kitchen on outer Congress Street serves up grilled meats and Thai street food.

Do This, Food

Southern Maine’s fleet of mobile eateries keeps growing

by Ray Routhier May 22, 2023May 22, 2023

A look at what seven new food trucks are serving up this summer.

Arts & Entertainment

Maine summer concerts selling fast, but there are alternatives

by Ray Routhier May 18, 2023May 18, 2023

The dozens of rock and pop shows scheduled this year include Extreme, Dispatch, Dave Matthews, James Taylor, Gregory Alan Isakov, Rufus Wainwright, Goose and Santana.

Do This

From historic homes to an umbrella cover collection, seasonal museums bring infusion of culture and fun

by Ray Routhier May 8, 2023May 11, 2023

The Ogunquit Museum of American Art and Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport are open now, with more opening around Memorial Day.

Arts & Entertainment, Feature Obituary, Maine, News

Yvonne Jacquette, painter and long-time Maine summer resident, dies at 88

by Ray Routhier and Dennis Hoey May 4, 2023May 4, 2023

She had spent summers since the mid-60s at her home in Searsmont and was known nationally for her aerial views.

Arts & Entertainment

From the archives: Belafonte makes world of difference

by Ray Routhier April 25, 2023April 25, 2023

There’s no way Harry Belafonte could be just a singer-actor-producer, not while there are children out there somewhere who need a helping hand.

Arts & Entertainment, Review

From the archives: Harry Belafonte, fans shake rafters

by Ray Routhier April 25, 2023April 25, 2023

The musician played Merrill Auditorium in 1998.

Arts & Entertainment

With concert tours back and environment top of mind, Reverb’s work amps up

by Ray Routhier April 21, 2023April 27, 2023

The nonprofit, founded by Cape Elizabeth couple Lauren Sullivan and Guster’s Adam Gardner, has been making concerts more environmentally friendly since 2004.