What’s Playing in Portland: This Week’s Live Music 🎶🎤🎸
Get ready to dive into this week’s live music scene in Portland! On Thursday, August 22nd, Aliens Exist will reunite to perform Blink-182’s Enema of the State in celebration of the album’s 20th anniversary. Then, on Sunday, August 25th, catch Sparks The Rescue’s founding member, Toby McAllister, as he takes the stage for a solo performance at Foundation Brewing.
Looking for more live music? Check out Live Music Tonight, our full calendar of live music in Portland.
THE HEADLINER
For over 20 years and more than 3,000 shows, Dark Star Orchestra has been delivering critically acclaimed performances that bring the Grateful Dead’s live concert experience to life. This talented group of seven musicians masterfully recreates the Dead’s extensive catalog, often performing set lists from the Grateful Dead’s 30 years of touring or curating a unique set list for each show. Whether recreating a classic concert or crafting their own, Dark Star Orchestra keeps the spirit of the Grateful Dead alive with every performance.
Friday, August 23rd at Thompson’s Point
LIVE & LOCAL
Maine is renowned for its cold winters and picture-perfect summers, a natural beauty that inspires Toby McAllister‘s music. Best known as the founding member of Sparks The Rescue, Toby has been making music since he was old enough to pick up a guitar. He spent his 20s touring the world in a 15-passenger van with his best friends. When Sparks slowed down, Toby returned to Maine to settle with his family. The pandemic became an unexpected wellspring of inspiration, leading to his first solo EP, Daydreamin’. Just months after its release, Toby found himself back on stage, performing alongside acts across the country.
Sunday, August 25th at Foundation Brewing
MIDWEEK MUSIC
Aliens Exist came together in the summer of 2019 to pay tribute to Blink-182 and the 20th anniversary of their breakthrough album, Enema of the State. The band performed the album in its entirety, followed by a second set featuring Blink’s greatest hits and some of their deepest cuts. This summer, they’re reuniting for another high-energy show, celebrating the iconic power-pop-punk trio and their extensive catalog once again.
Thursday, August 22nd at Portland House of Music
STAFF PICK
Renowned guitarist Dweezil Zappa is hitting the road for a 30-city U.S. tour to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his father Frank Zappa’s iconic albums, Roxy & Elsewhere and Apostrophe. Dweezil has carefully crafted a setlist that showcases fan-favorite tracks from both records, featuring unique hybrid arrangements that bring a fresh twist to these classic songs. As Dweezil puts it, “The songs you think you know might just surprise you with parts you’ve never heard before.”
Saturday, August 24th at State Theatre
This is just a sample of what’s happening this week. Check out the Live Music Tonight page for a full calendar of live events happening in Portland, Maine.