Tuesday, March 28, 2023
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Signage and several suits from the Dick Curless exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame. (Photo courtesy Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum)

Maine country legend Dick Curless’ newly released ‘Basement Tapes’ demand fresh listen

It’s easy to think of the late Dick Curless, Maine’s closest thing to an old-time country superstar, as a relic of another era. His...
Al Hawkes sits next to audio engineer Todd Hutchisen surrounded by his old recording equipment used at Event Records. The equipment moved to Acadia Recording Company in 2013.

Westbrook country-bluegrass label Event Records gets second life

In that Country Music Hall of Fame exhibit on Dick Curless’ life and career, there are any number of relics with Maine ties —...
Jared Mongeau, Lucious K. Fox, Juliet Moniz (standing), and Savannah Irish work in a "Do You Feel Anger," directed by Christopher Price at the Theater Project in Brunswick. (Photo courtesy The Theater Project)

Sharp ensemble at Theater Project tackles the dilemma of horrifying men

Think you have a tough and thankless job? Consider Sofia (Juliet Moniz). She’s just been hired as an empathy coach at a debt-collection call...
Reginald Kissoonlal, #5, of the Maine Celtics flexes his arms in a game against the Lakeland Magic on January 21, 2023 at Portland Expo Center in Portland, Maine. (Photo by China Wong/NBAE via Getty Images)

Game On: Maine Celtics fan favorite brings ‘Big Reggie Energy’

"Big Reggie Energy" comes in the form of thunderous alley-oop dunks, blocked shots and deep 3-pointers. You might say it’s the source behind Reggie...
Portland artist Sigrid Harmon, 23, has made music under the moniker The Asthmatic since 2017.

‘Something Else’: Budding artist Sigrid Harmon leans into the thrill of improvisation

Perhaps you’ve heard Dave Gutter’s Grammy-winning “Stompin’ Ground” (see “Musicians Dave Gutter, Amy Allen win Grammys for Portland,” page 2). What makes the funky,...
A Rock Pigeon looks directly into the eyes of author Nick Lund. (Portland Phoenix/Nick Lund)

Into the Wild: How did Portland get its pigeons?

What’s your hot pigeon take? Love ‘em? Hate ‘em? Wanna kick them out of the way? Toss them bread crumbs? Flying rats or friendly...
Kevin O'Leary and Karen Ball in "Sweet Goats and Blueberry Señoritas," at Portland Stage. (Photo: No Umbrella Media, LLC)

From Miami to Maine: Poet Blanco, local actors, make sweet cultural mash-up at Portland...

Cuban-American baking doesn’t translate perfectly in rural Maine. Beatríz (Ashley Alvarez), a young baker from Miami, says she can’t sell guava turnovers to Mainers...
A plate of apricot hamantaschen made by the author, following her bubbie's recipe. (Portland Phoenix/Natalie Haberman Ladd)

Leftovers: Purim, a holiday offering ‘lots’ of meaning and fun

Ancient Jewish holidays refuel my resolve, chutzpah and ability to make sense of our world. All the holidays hold lessons and on the veneer...
Evelyn Wong, "Context is Everything in the Rabbit’s New Year," 2023. Silkscreen on paper, origami paper, red silk threads. (Photo courtesy CMCA)

Art Seen: What’s up at the CMCA Biennial?

The Center for Maine Contemporary Art’s 2023 Biennial (in Rockland through May 7) is, like most open juried biennial exhibitions, an introduction to who...
Portland High School ice hockey player Sloane O’Donnell Fox finds her “outlet” at Troubh Ice Arena in January, 2023. (Portland Phoenix/Greg Levinsky)

Game On: O’Donnell Fox finds purpose and comfort in ice hockey

Sloane O’Donnell Fox is happiest with her helmet on, skates sharp and stick taped. Ice hockey is her haven; a strong connection to her late...