The Jason Spooner Band will return to the stage at DRA’s Round Top Farm for this year’s Midcoast Music Fest. (Photo courtesy Cara Slifka)
The Damariscotta River Association will present its annual Midcoast Music Fest, a summer concert series taking place at 6:30 p.m. on both Thursday, July 14 and Saturday, July 16. This year’s festival lineup features Primo Cubano, the Jason Spooner Band, the Oyster Creek Fiddlers, and more. The public is invited to enjoy music, food (including oysters), and beer in the Darrows Barn at DRA’s Round Top Farm, 3 Round Top Lane, Damariscotta. The Midcoast Music Fest supports the conservation and education work of the DRA.
No ordinary hay barn, the Darrows Barn is known for its exceptional acoustics and warm ambiance. Excellent and affordable food, wine, and local beer will be available at both evening performances, offered by two of Damariscotta’s favorite restaurants, along with fresh-shucked oysters from the Damariscotta River.
The Jason Spooner Band, performing July 14, brings together the talents of Jason Spooner on lead vocals and guitar, Warren McPherson on keyboards and vocals, Adam Frederick on bass and vocals, and Reed Chambers on drums. The band’s unique blend of roots, blues, funk, and folk has earned it accolades and skyrocketing popularity across the U.S. The band’s website, jasonspooner.com, provides additional background on the band’s award-winning sound. Opening the show will be Portland artist Katherine Matzell. Doors will open at 6 p.m.
The July 16 show will feature Primo Cubano playing traditional Cuban dance music dating back to the turn of the 20th century. “Son” is the most popular style to come out of Cuba and is the primary contributor to the blend of Latin styles today known as salsa. Son was first a music of the country people and eventually migrated to Havana, where it was urbanized and began to draw a wider audience. Primo Cubano features guitarist Paul D’Allesio, Marc Chilled on trumpet, Eric Winter singing and playing maracas, Duane Edwards on bass fiddle, and Lenny Hatch on congas.
Opening for Primo Cubano is Zeme Libre, a New England-based band quickly gaining a reputation for its unique, high-energy blend of Afrobeat, reggae, ska, and funk. Doors will open at 6 p.m.
At 2 p.m., Saturday, July 16 the Oyster Creek Fiddlers will perform. This show is a free family-friendly dance concert featuring traditional fiddle music.
Tickets for the two evening concerts are $20 in advance, $25 at the door, and $10 for students with a valid 2015-2016 ID. The family concert on Saturday is free, but tickets are still required. Tickets are available online at midcoastmusicfest.com.
