Three more Maine music venues you might not know about, from Old Town to Brunswick

central gallery showCentral Gallery, Bangor

Though Bangor area residents that love live music already know about it, not a lot of other people outside the area are aware that the Central Gallery, located on Central Street in downtown Bangor, has for the past year been building a devoted following among bands and listeners alike. In fact, for the past six months the Gallery has hosted shows nearly every weekend — mostly of the punk rock, hardcore, metal and indie rock persuasions, but also occasionally classical, folk and electronic. It’s a small space, with a capacity of only about 50, but the energy inside can be electric, and the crowd is often very young, which speaks to the enthusiasm for all ages spaces. Coming up at the Central Gallery, there’s a DJ battle pitting Depeche Mode against Duran Duran at 9 p.m. Jan. 22, a hardcore show featuring Corrective Measure, Standard Issue and Combative at 6 p.m. Jan. 23, a punk rock show featuring the Crackhead Mikes, the Statutories and Tuesday Morning Wrestling at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 29, an indie rock show with Cool Tara, They Called Me Legion and Bummed Out at 8 p.m. Jan. 30, and a songwriter’s showcase with Jeff Beam, Sarah Sinford and Zach Thompson at 9 p.m. Feb. 5. For more info, like the Central Gallery on Facebook.

the-boomhouse-restaurantThe Boomhouse, Old Town

By day and evening, the Boomhouse is a great place for tasty burgers, pizza and steaks and local beer. By night, it’s the best place to see live music in the Old Town-Orono area, with bands playing almost every weekend throughout the school year. Located right on the river, the Boomhouse has played host to Rustic Overtones and the Ghost of Paul Revere over the past few months, along with a number of local bands and a semi-regular bluegrass jam. Owner Luke Duplessis also owns Mainely Brews in Waterville, so his knack for booking live music is a natural fit for his Old Town establishment. Coming up this winter and spring, expect to hear the likes of Magnetic North on Jan. 29, the Cards on Jan. 30, Wyld Life on Feb. 6, the Middle Men on Feb. 13, Fish Jug on Feb. 20, and the 220s on Feb. 27. Music always starts at 9 p.m., and it’s open to those 21 and over. For more info, like The Boomhouse on Facebook.

frontierFrontier, Brunswick

It’s just as known for showing film — and what a selection of film they show, from art house specials to indie choices to local stuff — but Frontier in Brunswick also hosts live music regularly. This comfortable venue, located in Fort Andross in downtown Brunswick, boasts a menu that melds Meditteranean influences with Maine ingredients, as well as fun cocktails and a good beer and wine selection. In between film screenings, a thriving art gallery and other events, there’s live performance. Coming up in the next month, you can take in the likes of the Tom Luther Quintet on Jan. 20, v i n y l j u n k y on Jan. 27, Ameranouche on Jan. 30, and a Maine Songwriters Association showcase on Feb. 3. For more information on all events at Frontier, visit explorefrontier.com.

Emily Burnham

About Emily Burnham

Emily Burnham is a Maine native, UMaine graduate, proud Bangorian and a writer for the Bangor Daily News, where she's worked since 2004. She reports on everything from local bands to local food to all the cool things going on in the Greater Bangor area. In her quest for stories, she's seen countless concerts and plays, been lobster fishing, interviewed celebrities, hung out with water buffalo and played in a ukulele orchestra. She's interested in everything that happens in Maine.