10 Mayo St
Portland, ME 04101
USA
Rooted in real stories from members of Maine’s immigrant community, this concert explores themes of home, identity, loss, courage, and belonging through seven original documentary songs. Local musicians collaborated with immigrant storytellers to create original songs that blend personal narratives with multiple musical traditions. The result is a unique fusion of documentary and artistry that brings these important stories to life through melody and verse.
The songs featured are all written using the Documentary Songwriting Method, a unique step-by-step method of collaborative songwriting that builds connection, empathy, and a shared sense of humanity. The Documentary Songwriting Method breaks down the creative process to allow anyone, regardless of their musical background, to transform a personal story into a meaningful song.
Mixing live performances, interviews with the original storytellers, and opportunities for audience engagement, “Voices of Maine” creates a multifaceted experience that invites listeners to connect with each other through stories, music, and open dialogue.
Immediately following the performance, join the musicians, storytellers, and community members for a discussion about the themes explored in the songs and the impact of immigrant voices in Maine’s cultural landscape.
Open to all ages. Parents discretion advised, songs contain mature themes relating to faith-based killings and AIDS.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Voices of Maine, is collaboration between the Immigrant Music Connection and Documentary Songwriters that brings together storytellers, musicians, and audiences to explore the diverse experience within Maine through music. The project is guided by following principles:
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Authenticity: Each song is based on a real story, told by a member of Maine’s immigrant community.
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Collaboration: Local musicians work directly with storytellers to ensure their experiences are represented accurately and respectfully.
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Accessibility: The power of music allows these stories to connect with audiences across language and cultural barriers.
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Community Engagement: Through Q&A sessions and discussions, the project aims to foster understanding and connection within the broader Maine community.
The project team includes musicians, storytellers, and community organizers committed to amplifying immigrant voices and fostering cross-cultural understanding through the universal language of music.
ABOUT THE MUSICIANS
Jenny Van West is an Americana artist and the founder of the IMC Portland which builds community with recent immigrants through music, and the International Open Mic at Mayo Street Arts. She also produces the twice-weekly national music podcast Postcards.
Alex Millan is a musician and educator based in Portland, Maine. As a songmaker, she performs & records under the moniker Juniper Ginger. Through Juniper Ginger, Alex weaves tales of intimacy, (dis)connection, navigating grief, and finding home.
Will Foote is a vocalist and songwriter who has been instrumental in bringing documentary songs to new communities. Along with writing and performing, Will also trains musicians in the Documentary Songwriting Method. He is a graduate of Brewster Academy and of St. Lawrence University. Will wants to write documentary songs with people who have learning differences, as well as people who feel alienated in their communities.
Known for his exceptional voice and passionate performances, singer and multi-instrumentalist Lukebana has been performing since he was a child in Angola. He lives and works in Portland, Maine, and loves to collaborate with other writers and musicians
Vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, recording artist, teacher and performer Aaron Seglin has been making music since childhood. Blind from birth, his encyclopedic knowledge of music in all of its forms, and his direct, loving, thorough and sometimes humorous approach to teaching and collaborating make him a favorite with his students and colleagues. He is a 20-year founding member with Bill Binford of the widely-loved Maine-based roots band 13 Scotland Road and a member of the Portland international fusion band Bondeko. He is vocalist-in-residence, music teacher and coach with Jenny Van West at the Immigrant Music Connection located at Studio 224 in Portland, Maine.
ABOUT DOCSONG
Documentary Songwriters connect teaching artists and storytellers from around the world to transform personal stories into meaningful songs. Through the art of documentary songwriting, we are building a world where shared stories and music connect us to each other, creating thriving communities committed to deep listening, empathy, and mutual care. DocSong has ongoing projects writing songs with members of Portland’s immigrant community, survivors of domestic violence, and people who are incarcerated. For more information, please visit www.docsong.org