One Longfellow Square is one of Portland, Maine’s most charming and versatile, non-profit performing arts and concert venues, offering a warm and intimate atmosphere and setting the stage for unforgettable live music, performing arts, and community events.
Located in Portland’s West End at the entrance to the city’s vibrant Arts District, One Longfellow Square accommodates a wide range of events including film, theater, dance, and of course, live music.
Dust off your boots and gather around for some true and original modern honky tonk
music. An all-star cast of master musicians backs these two soul singers of country
music, Caleb Klauder and Reeb Willms. These two are known to roots music fans
across the globe for their soulful harmonies, driving dance tunes, classic original songs,
and commitment to the raw truth of rural American music. They live in the San Juan
Islands of Washington, though until recently, home was Portland, OR. They are
foundational to the exceptional old-time and country music scene in the Pacific NW with
the Caleb Klauder Reeb Willms Country Band and their membership in the Foghorn
Stringband, of which Caleb was a founding member. Charismatic performers, they bring
their unique set of talents to the stage with an eye towards good times and an ear
towards the deepest songs and tunes.
Caleb Klauder and Reeb Willms both originally hail from Washington State: Caleb from
the coastal islands, and Reeb from the high desert plateau. The two have come
together in music and are hailed as some of the most compelling musicians making
country roots music in America today. When these two sing together, their honest
incantations leave us spell-bound and smiling.
Their repertoire is made up of original songs and tunes as well as gems from American
roots repertoires, and the music they make is Americana in the truest sense of the word.
Music is clearly in their blood. Caleb and Reeb’s originals and interpretations of songs
have been covered and recorded by many performers and their musical presence
reaches into a diverse and loyal fanbase, giving credence to the impact that this duo
has on their listeners. Pillars of the Northwest music scene, they carry the torch of their
music around the world, and can be found touring as a duo, as well as with the Foghorn
Stringband, and the Caleb Klauder Country Band. Their fans exude admiration for the
timeless sound that these two produce, capturing the essence of American roots music.
Sometimes we get so unnecessarily swept up in who’s rising and falling in music these
days that the sheer joy of music is overlooked. One of the great things about Caleb and
Reeb is that they are a world apart from all of that nonsense and let you immerse
yourself in the melody and story of classic sounding country music until all other cares
of life fade away. Country music is the music of working people who use it to pass the
time and forget about the ever-present hardships in their lives. After years of touring
together, Reeb and Caleb work intuitively.
Caleb’s study and understanding of roots music is so dedicated and rich, that he can
hauntingly immerse himself in the same perspective of those old primitive country
composers and write as if he was right beside them. Their album Innocent Road
includes a clutch of lovingly arranged Klauder originals, along with well-placed and rare
covers. The pair bring the spirit of legendary country duos into their contemporary takes
on country music. Trading vocals back and forth, they complement each other strikingly
well in an attractive meld of honky-tonk that brushes shoulders with trad bluegrass.
Caleb has penned over 50 songs many of which are standards across America in honky
tonk and bluegrass jams and festivals, both on and off stage. There is a long list of
bands and singers who have recorded Caleb’s songs over the years.
The blend of true harmonies, the sharply-written country songs, and the un-showy
authenticity strike a rich vein that makes them seem like they are born and raised in
Music City. They quietly pursue a musical vision without much of a care for what’s
expected or in vogue at the time. There’s a lot to admire in this singular perseverance
and honesty.
Based out of Southern Maine, Old Hat fuses tight vocal harmonies with a driving acoustic rhythm section. With a sound draws from folk, old time, bluegrass, and country traditions, the band is comprised of Whitney Roy (Guitar, Vocals), Steve Roy (Mandolin, Fiddle, Vocals), and Amanda Kowalski (Bass). Their debut album was released in 2022 and features 10 original compositions by Steve and Whitney Roy.
Whitney’s lilting vocals provide the backbone of the vocal blend, while her solid rhythm guitar anchors the band’s pulse. Steve is a veteran of New England’s acoustic music scene, and has performed and toured with many of the acoustic world’s top acts. Amanda is one of the more sought after bass players in the worlds of bluegrass and old time music, and her rhythmic drive and energy on stage are second to none.
Old Hat has performed on world class stages such as Prescott Park Arts Festival, Ossipee Valley Music Festival, Portsmouth Music Hall, Stone Mountain Arts Center and Wind Gap Bluegrass Festival.
May Erlewine has split her heart wide open and hasn’t hidden any of the contents from view.
One of the Midwest’s most prolific and passionate songwriters, Erlewine has a gift for writing songs of substance that feel both fresh and soulfully familiar. Her ability to emotionally engage with an audience has earned her a dedicated following far beyond her Michigan roots. She shows us her heartbreak, but she also shows us her empowered and emboldened spirit. In her quest to find her most authentic self, Erlewine gifts each listener with a powerful, emotional experience that immediately connects us.
Raised in a home full of art and music, Erlewine began writing songs at a very young age. As a teenager she hitchhiked across the country, honing her skills as a performer and absorbing the kind of stories and landscapes that would inform her music. Her songs show a very real connection and concern with everyday folk.
Erlewine draws from a wide variety of influences to create her sound. Lyrically, her songs are rooted in hard-wrought wisdom, joy and sorrow, simplicity, and stories from her own experiences. Musically, May’s songs wash over the audience like a tender hug. She is a magnetic solo performer and is also often supported by her carefully chosen backing bands.
Erlewine uses her music as a platform for positive change. She considers her job a service-oriented one and carries the torch of the folk-singer activist. Her voice on stage encourages connectedness and stresses the importance of environmental advocacy, social justice, creative empowerment and community building as necessary work for all of us.
Erlewine’s music has touched people all over the world. Her words have held solace for weary hearts, offered a light in the darkness, and held space for the pain and joy of being alive in these times. She is a true artist, an anthem, and another example of why we need to listen to women. We need to hear these stories. When she starts to sing, there’s no way around it: The time is now.
We are thrilled to announce the upcoming musical performance by the Maine Middle Eastern Orchestra, where the essence of classical and art music from the Arab World will come alive. The program for this event will feature masterpieces by iconic composers and musicians such as Mohamed Abdul-Wahab, Riad al Sounbati, Mohammed al Qasabji, the Rahbani Brothers, and Bassam Saba. Come join us for a momentous occasion that promises to be a sublime journey through the rich cultural tapestry of Arab music.
Maine Middle Eastern Orchestra was founded in 2018 by Eric LaPerna with the goal of preserving and performing Arabic, Turkish and Armenian music from the art, classical, folk and Sufi traditions. This music was passed on to Eric and other members of the orchestra by master musicians, Alan Shavarsh Bardezbanian, Bassam Saba and Michel Merhej Baklouk.
The MMEO is made up of music faculty members from Bowdoin, Bates and Colby Colleges, as well as musicians from the world renowned New York Arabic Orchestra, DaPonte String Quartet, Amarantos Quartet, Okbari Middle Eastern Ensemble, Seyir Duo and the Casco Bay Tummlers.
Antje Duvekot is a crafter of intricate, closely observed songs that are as moving as they are beautifully crafted. Her sound blends the storytelling traditions of folk with a fresh, contemporary approach, carried by the warm, whispery sensuality of her voice. The Boston Globe describes her music as “fresh-faced and firmly rooted,” while Grammy-winning producer Neil Dorfsman praises her ability to “create an entire, detailed world in verse.”
As a compelling live performer with extensive touring experience across the US and Europe, Antje has graced some of the most renowned stages and festivals, including the Newport Folk Festival, Philadelphia Folk Festival, and Kerrville Folk Festival. Internationally, she’s headlined events like Scotland’s Celtic Connections and Denmark’s Tønder Festival. Her accolades include the Grand Prize in the John Lennon Songwriting Competition, the prestigious Kerrville “Best New Folk Award,” and the Boston Music Award for “Outstanding Folk Act,” solidifying her as one of the most accomplished singer-songwriters of her generation.
Madeleine Roger (she/her) is a singer-songwriter from Winnipeg, Canada, known for her poetic lyricism and breathtaking melodies. Accompanying herself on acoustic guitar, she has a gift for weaving honest, evocative storytelling with stunning melodies that captivate audiences.
Her sophomore album, Nerve (out August 2024 on Birthday Cake Records), is a deeply personal exploration of love, loss, and resilience, produced by Josh Kaufman (Anaïs Mitchell, Bonny Light Horseman) and recorded in Kingston, NY. Drawing from experiences of heartbreak, caregiving, and self-discovery, the album showcases Madeleine’s meticulous songwriting and soul-searching artistry. She has toured extensively across Canada, Europe, the USA, and the UK, performing at major festivals and collaborating with JUNO-winning string quartet The Fretless.
Antje Duvekot is a crafter of intricate, closely observed songs that are as moving as they are beautifully crafted. Her sound blends the storytelling traditions of folk with a fresh, contemporary approach, carried by the warm, whispery sensuality of her voice. The Boston Globe describes her music as “fresh-faced and firmly rooted,” while Grammy-winning producer Neil Dorfsman praises her ability to “create an entire, detailed world in verse.”
As a compelling live performer with extensive touring experience across the US and Europe, Antje has graced some of the most renowned stages and festivals, including the Newport Folk Festival, Philadelphia Folk Festival, and Kerrville Folk Festival. Internationally, she’s headlined events like Scotland’s Celtic Connections and Denmark’s Tønder Festival. Her accolades include the Grand Prize in the John Lennon Songwriting Competition, the prestigious Kerrville “Best New Folk Award,” and the Boston Music Award for “Outstanding Folk Act,” solidifying her as one of the most accomplished singer-songwriters of her generation.
Madeleine Roger (she/her) is a singer-songwriter from Winnipeg, Canada, known for her poetic lyricism and breathtaking melodies. Accompanying herself on acoustic guitar, she has a gift for weaving honest, evocative storytelling with stunning melodies that captivate audiences.
Her sophomore album, Nerve (out August 2024 on Birthday Cake Records), is a deeply personal exploration of love, loss, and resilience, produced by Josh Kaufman (Anaïs Mitchell, Bonny Light Horseman) and recorded in Kingston, NY. Drawing from experiences of heartbreak, caregiving, and self-discovery, the album showcases Madeleine’s meticulous songwriting and soul-searching artistry. She has toured extensively across Canada, Europe, the USA, and the UK, performing at major festivals and collaborating with JUNO-winning string quartet The Fretless.
Johnny Cash’s unforgettable voice, characterized by its booming timbre and raw power, remains an enduring presence in the collective consciousness. Jay Ernest, the talented vocalist behind Church of Cash, a tribute show band dedicated to
Johnny Cash, is instrumental in preserving that legacy. With his resonant and commanding vocals, Ernest ensures that the revered Man in Black’s spirit lives on.
Church of Cash released their fourth album, titled “Flowers for June,” on October 22, 2022. While the record explores familiar elements of Cash’s discography, it delves into lesser-known gems. Ernest and his band members cover a range of songs, including “(Ghost) Riders in the Sky,” “One Piece at a Time,” “One on the Right Is on the Left,” “Ballad of a Teenage Queen,” and “Thing Called Love,” among others.
“Flowers for June” was recorded at Square Studio in Minnetrista, Minnesota, and produced by BB Productions (Jay Ernest, Jonathon TeBeest) with mixing and engineering by TeBeest. The album’s sound is crafted by a talented lineup, including Jay Ernest (lead vocals, acoustic guitar), Jonathon TeBeest (drums, percussion, background vocals), “Jumpin’” Jack Mansk (electric, baritone and acoustic guitars, background vocals), Tony Wirth (bass, upright bass, background vocals), Alexandra Green (vocals), Kale Olson Reed (violin), and sisters Kendra and Kansas Jenson (vocals).
Music has been a constant presence throughout Ernest’s life. “I have been singing since I was very young,” he shares. “I hit puberty about a year ahead of my classmates, and when we would sing in the choir, the choir director immediately knew it was me. As a farm boy in rural Minnesota, I baled hay and did farm chores to save money for my first guitar at the age of 13. I loved the sounds of a choir and the deep bass voice of Johnny Cash. I also had a fondness for
Van Halen and played the guitar as much as possible. It didn’t take long for me to realize that music was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.”
Cash, choirs, and rock ‘n’ roll – Ernest embodies the true artistic spirit of the man he admires every time he takes the stage. This is why Church of Cash goes beyond being a mere cover band; it represents a career driven by passion rather than the pursuit of easy money.
Originally formed in Honolulu, Hawaii in 2009, the band later relocated to Minneapolis. In 2015, Church of Cash released their self-titled debut album. Since then, touring has become an integral part of their journey, with thousands of shows performed across the United States, Belgium, the Netherlands, and more.
Where excellence resides, accolades follow. In 2019, Church of Cash received the “Best Tribute Act 2019” award from the Midwest Country Music Organization. In 2021, Jay Ernest and Church of Cash were honored with induction into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame. Never one to rest on his laurels, Ernest, with the assistance of his friend Tom Pickard, wrote a Cash-focused musical titled “Folsom Prison Experience.” The project is touring nationally.
With the release of Flowers for June and the national tours of Folsom Prison Experience, Ernest and Church of Cash are poised to cement their growing reputation as the gold standard Cash tribute show band. Ernest and his band members are living, breathing embodiments of the enduring force that is Johnny Cash’s artistry. “I want to be known as the best Johnny Cash tribute show in the world,” says Ernest. “We have credibility, and we have four studio albums as Church of Cash. I also want to have a concert in Nashville honoring the Cash family by playing his music for them and their friends. It is my wish to take Folsom Prison Experience to stages everywhere and prove that I can tour and make records, but also conceive a story and bring that story to life in musical theatre.
Johnny Cash’s unforgettable voice, characterized by its booming timbre and raw power, remains an enduring presence in the collective consciousness. Jay Ernest, the talented vocalist behind Church of Cash, a tribute show band dedicated to
Johnny Cash, is instrumental in preserving that legacy. With his resonant and commanding vocals, Ernest ensures that the revered Man in Black’s spirit lives on.
Church of Cash released their fourth album, titled “Flowers for June,” on October 22, 2022. While the record explores familiar elements of Cash’s discography, it delves into lesser-known gems. Ernest and his band members cover a range of songs, including “(Ghost) Riders in the Sky,” “One Piece at a Time,” “One on the Right Is on the Left,” “Ballad of a Teenage Queen,” and “Thing Called Love,” among others.
“Flowers for June” was recorded at Square Studio in Minnetrista, Minnesota, and produced by BB Productions (Jay Ernest, Jonathon TeBeest) with mixing and engineering by TeBeest. The album’s sound is crafted by a talented lineup, including Jay Ernest (lead vocals, acoustic guitar), Jonathon TeBeest (drums, percussion, background vocals), “Jumpin’” Jack Mansk (electric, baritone and acoustic guitars, background vocals), Tony Wirth (bass, upright bass, background vocals), Alexandra Green (vocals), Kale Olson Reed (violin), and sisters Kendra and Kansas Jenson (vocals).
Music has been a constant presence throughout Ernest’s life. “I have been singing since I was very young,” he shares. “I hit puberty about a year ahead of my classmates, and when we would sing in the choir, the choir director immediately knew it was me. As a farm boy in rural Minnesota, I baled hay and did farm chores to save money for my first guitar at the age of 13. I loved the sounds of a choir and the deep bass voice of Johnny Cash. I also had a fondness for
Van Halen and played the guitar as much as possible. It didn’t take long for me to realize that music was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.”
Cash, choirs, and rock ‘n’ roll – Ernest embodies the true artistic spirit of the man he admires every time he takes the stage. This is why Church of Cash goes beyond being a mere cover band; it represents a career driven by passion rather than the pursuit of easy money.
Originally formed in Honolulu, Hawaii in 2009, the band later relocated to Minneapolis. In 2015, Church of Cash released their self-titled debut album. Since then, touring has become an integral part of their journey, with thousands of shows performed across the United States, Belgium, the Netherlands, and more.
Where excellence resides, accolades follow. In 2019, Church of Cash received the “Best Tribute Act 2019” award from the Midwest Country Music Organization. In 2021, Jay Ernest and Church of Cash were honored with induction into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame. Never one to rest on his laurels, Ernest, with the assistance of his friend Tom Pickard, wrote a Cash-focused musical titled “Folsom Prison Experience.” The project is touring nationally.
With the release of Flowers for June and the national tours of Folsom Prison Experience, Ernest and Church of Cash are poised to cement their growing reputation as the gold standard Cash tribute show band. Ernest and his band members are living, breathing embodiments of the enduring force that is Johnny Cash’s artistry. “I want to be known as the best Johnny Cash tribute show in the world,” says Ernest. “We have credibility, and we have four studio albums as Church of Cash. I also want to have a concert in Nashville honoring the Cash family by playing his music for them and their friends. It is my wish to take Folsom Prison Experience to stages everywhere and prove that I can tour and make records, but also conceive a story and bring that story to life in musical theatre.
“Why see a show when you can BE the show!”
Choir! Choir! Choir! is the fully interactive, participatory show that turns audience into performer! So get ready to laugh, dance and SING! your hearts out with hundreds of other music-lovers just like you. It’s like a big birthday party for the greatest songs of all time and you’re invited!
So grab a friend (or ten), and come out ready to GIVE IT ALL YOU’VE GOT! – all voices welcome, no experience necessary. They Teach, You Sing! Everyone Wins!
This time, Choir!Choir!Choir! Presents: We Will CHOIR! You!: An EPIC QUEEN Sing-Along
When it comes to EPIC anthems, it doesn’t get BIGGER than Queen! And nothing feels better than belting out their biggest hits with a room full of Queen fans! So unleash your inner Freddie Mercury, grab your best friends and frenemies, and create harmonies that will blow the roof off the place! We Will CHOIR! You! will be the most fun you’ve had in years…Since 2011, Choir! Choir! Choir! directors Daveed Goldman + Nobu Adilman have blurred the lines between performer and audience, traveling the world to create harmony with strangers and friends alike. They’ve collaborated with renowned artists like Patti Smith, David Byrne, Brandi Carlile, Rick Astley, Rufus Wainwright, and even Kermit The Frog at New York’s Lincoln Center, creating memorable videos that have garnered views in the millions. Now it’s your turn to SING!, so grab your friends, get your tickets and we’ll C! you there! #NeverStopSinging
“Why see a show when you can BE the show!”
Choir! Choir! Choir! is the fully interactive, participatory show that turns audience into performer! So get ready to laugh, dance and SING! your hearts out with hundreds of other music-lovers just like you. It’s like a big birthday party for the greatest songs of all time and you’re invited!
So grab a friend (or ten), and come out ready to GIVE IT ALL YOU’VE GOT! – all voices welcome, no experience necessary. They Teach, You Sing! Everyone Wins!
This time, Choir!Choir!Choir! Presents: We Will CHOIR! You!: An EPIC QUEEN Sing-Along
When it comes to EPIC anthems, it doesn’t get BIGGER than Queen! And nothing feels better than belting out their biggest hits with a room full of Queen fans! So unleash your inner Freddie Mercury, grab your best friends and frenemies, and create harmonies that will blow the roof off the place! We Will CHOIR! You! will be the most fun you’ve had in years…Since 2011, Choir! Choir! Choir! directors Daveed Goldman + Nobu Adilman have blurred the lines between performer and audience, traveling the world to create harmony with strangers and friends alike. They’ve collaborated with renowned artists like Patti Smith, David Byrne, Brandi Carlile, Rick Astley, Rufus Wainwright, and even Kermit The Frog at New York’s Lincoln Center, creating memorable videos that have garnered views in the millions. Now it’s your turn to SING!, so grab your friends, get your tickets and we’ll C! you there! #NeverStopSinging
Joe is a force of nature on stage. He is in his power AND he communes with his audience and welcomes them into the magic.
From touring with Gordon Lightfoot, headlining major US festivals, receiving Folk Alliance International “Album of the Year,” releasing NINE BECOMES ONE (2023) to being named Folk Alliance International Artist-in- Resident, Joe is on fire. He’s played with Suzanne Vega, Dar Williams, David Francey, John McCutcheon, John Gorka, Judy Collins and 100’s more. His songs are are being made into award winning films. Watch this trailer for Brooklyn in July
He’ll surprise you. He awakens the cynics. He’s plumbing for lyrical gold.
His rhythm is infectious. In concert, he is funny as hell one moment and transcendent the next.
HE BELIEVES IN STORIES
Come to a show. Visual, artful and surprising. Brooklyn in July, Oklahoma towns, rattlesnake tails, turbary thieves, meter maids and drunk roosters. At the end of the night, you’ll leave inspired. “The Long Note” is a phrase in Irish culture. “The Long Note” is that place of resonance and transcendence where the music, the voices, the instruments, and the community ALL come together and unite.
THERE IS A LONG NOTE & JOE IS REACHING FOR IT
Whether he’s weaving through lap slide songs or fiddling an American Southern tune, he’ll draw you in. It happens every time. Watch a YouTube video…it’s fine, but it’s not the same. You gotta come to a show. With unwavering courage to be himself, he is literate, poignant and funny as hell.
He lives in Ithaca NY, and tours regularly in the US, Ireland and Canada.
Best quote~ “I hate folk music, but I absolutely LOVE Joe Crookston’s music.!”
Peter Mulvey has been a songwriter, road-dog, raconteur, and almost-poet since before he can remember. In 1989 he spent a year in Ireland, busking on the streets of Dublin and hitchhiking to whatever gigs he could find. Back stateside, he spent a couple years gigging through the bars of his native Midwest before taking off for Boston, where he returned to subway busking and coffeehouses. Small shows led to larger shows, which eventually led to regional and then national touring. The wheels have not stopped since. Twenty albums, one illustrated book, thousands of live performances, a TEDx talk, a decades-long association with the National Youth Science Camp, opening tours and gigs for luminaries such as Ani DiFranco, Greg Brown, Emmylou Harris and Chuck Prophet, appearances on NPR, an annual autumn tour by bicycle, emceeing festivals, hosting his own Lamplighter Sessions for years in Boston and in Wisconsin… he has built his life’s work on collaboration, on an instinct for the eclectic and the vital.
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