As many of you know I am from the Midcoast region of our wonderful state. One of the characteristics I found most appealing was that there was quite a bit of local musical talent, and as a result, many opportunities for listening, relishing wonderful music performed and often created by local people.
When I first moved to Biddeford seven months ago, I discovered that the Midcoast isn’t the only area in Maine that is rich with local live music. I met a guy in a bar named Matt, who is from Texas but lives here and after chatting for an hour or so suggested we both go over to a place called Fatboys, just a couple of blocks away. They had an “Open Mic Night” going on (they did each Wednesday) and I was pleasantly surprised to find that the York County local musicians are quite talented as well. I have been playing music there most Wednesdays ever since.
Recently, the building that Fatboys operated in was purchased by a fellow from Portland named Josh Corbeau and he had other plans for the building. So Fatboys is no more. I know the bar had a bad reputation, and I never went there on any night but Wednesdays, but I have to say the guy who ran the Open Mic, Paul Conner, did a great job. There were never any problems at the times I was there and it seemed clear that was Paul’s doing. He created an atmosphere that was friendly and nurturing for musicians. And his Coast Guard buddies (Paul is retired from the service) regularly showed up to support Paul and the other musicians. Paul and I became friends, and this week, now that Fatboys is closed he suggested that we go to another place called Trains Tavern on Route 11 in Lebanon. He said he thought it was one of the best Open Mics around. So this past Tuesday evening after work, I picked him up and we went down there.
I have to say, it was a bit of a ride, but it was well worth it. It is a big bar and lots of folks show up. A very nice couple run the Open Mic and do a great job. Everybody was friendly and yes, there was some extraordinary talent there. There was a very young man who played the drums, graduated from William and Mary studying music and was absolutely remarkable. I have played with and seen many outstanding drummers and bands in my youth in the music scene in New York, and can say without reservation this young man could hold his own in any band at any level. What was also extremely appealing was that he was not in the least bit arrogant about his talent and achievement. His father was also there and was obviously an accomplished blues guitarist.
I had a great time, as it seemed everyone did. We got to listen to great music and many us got to participate in sharing our own, bathing in the uncommon wealth of artistic juices that flow freely here in York County, Maine.
Thanks for reading, stay informed and hopefully inspired by reading every day, drive safe, be kind, hug your children and have a wicked great week!
— Bruce M. Hardina is the publisher of the Journal Tribune, a singer-songwriter, a philosopher, a student of life and the human experience, a columnist, an entrepreneur and a family man. To comment on his musings, email bhardina@journaltribune.com or mail a note to Journal Tribune, Attn: Bruce Hardina, 457 Alfred St., Biddeford, ME 04005.
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