Music has a special way of bringing people together and creating a sense of belonging. And, for generations, lobster has brought Maine natives and those “from away” together not only to enjoy this delectable crustacean but also to celebrate this iconic image of our state. 

On Sunday, May 7, from 2 to 7 p.m., music and lobster will come together in a special entertainment event, Band Together: A Concert to Celebrate Maine’s Lobstering Heritage. Proceeds will benefit Maine lobstermen as the industry works to protect this unique way of life. Tickets for the event to be held at Elks Lodge #188, 1945 Congress Street, Portland, can be purchased through this link: https://bit.ly/3oi47wc.

This rousing entertainment event will feature music by: Holy Smoke, a Portland-based band founded in 2016 by Todd Erickson (bass/lead vocals) and John Edwards (guitars/vocals). From their 2019 debut, “Tuned In (Antenna Up)” to their most recent release, a heavily updated take on The Cars classic, “Bye Bye Love,” the band has earned a reputation as a formidable recording act and much-anticipated live band with a new album slated for a November 2023 release. 

Mike Maurice, a singer/songwriter from Biddeford who combines soulful and earthy instrumentals and melancholy undertones to create a unique sound.  The experience is described as “sonically rich” fronting a 6 piece band.  Influenced by the playing of John Mayer and the writing of Bon Iver, Fleet Foxes and Gregory Alan Isakov amongst others, his new album "Apartment Secrets" touches on love, loss and the inner dialogue that many can relate to from the isolation of the pandemic. 

John Hughes Radio, purveyors of ‘80s New Wave/Post Punk-inspired indie dance rock since 2015, features Sean Slaughter on lead vocals, Matt Zimmerman and Michael Solak on guitars, Jason Marshall on bass and drummer Max Heinz.

One Hundred Thorns, four guys fresh out of high school with Luc Puglionesi on lead guitar and vocals, Mason Landre on rhythm guitar, Will Boylen on bass, and Gavin Lavoie on drums sounding like a seasoned touring band. Sometimes playing rock, metal, acoustic and most in between, they play shows with passion and bring energy like no other.

Comedy performances will include: Connor McGrath, a comedian and writer who has performed throughout the Northeast for over a decade. He was twice named “Maine’s Best Comedian” by readers of the Portland Phoenix (2017-18). His first album, Kind, Bearded and Weird, will be released later this spring.

Adam Groppman, who came up in the Los Angeles comedy scene where he performed in many top shows, clubs and national festivals. A Boson native, Groppman graduated from Second City Conservatory LA and has appeared in TV commercials and independent films. 

Also, not to be missed will be special raffles and a LOUD auction with proceeds to benefit the work being done by the Maine Lobstermen’s Association and Maine Lobstermen’s Community Alliance. Organizers of Band Together are working closely with these organizations to support the work they are doing to protect Maine’s iconic lobster fishing industry and to preserve the coastal communities that make Maine special.