Western Maine Music Week announced for Sept. 10-17

3 mins read
Coig will be one of many bands and performers at the Western Maine Music Festival in September.
Coig will be one of many bands and performers at the Western Maine Music Week in September.

Skye Theatre director Phill McIntyre has unveiled plans for a self-supporting music week to fill the void of Crossroads Celtic Festival. Ten concerts are scheduled to take place in Oxford and Franklin Counties in Western Maine starting on Wednesday, Sept. 10 at Skye Theatre and ending on Wednesday, Sept. 17 for the closing and final event at Skye after a 10-year run as Maine premier Celtic music venue.

“Artists are coming from far and near, we have had a great amount of interest from venues; artists; and fans after the announcement of the cancellation of Crossroads a few months ago,” said McIntyre. “We were not able to continue with Crossroads at this time but everyone still wants the music and an event to fill the gap. A self supporting event will take it’s place with artists from Maine; New England; and Canada. It will be funded 100 percent from ticket sales and attendance is crucial to its success.”

Shows will take place in Farmington, Rangeley; Phillips; Stratton; Harrison; and Carthage. Artists will include; Coig from Cape Breton; Denny Breau; The Don Roy Band; The Gawler Family; Perpetual e-Motion; Erica Brown & the Bluegrass Connection; and Eric W Johnson from Maine; Nikki Engstrom (Stanley & Grimm) from Cape Cod; and Cassie & Maggie MacDonald from Nova Scotia. Other volunteer artists will perform during the last two shows at Skye Theatre on Sept. 16 and 17.

Over the past 10 years McIntyre has worked to bring Celtic music to Maine and N.H. by presenting concerts in many venues and with non-profit organizations in the region. A fan base has been developed and provides opportunities for local artists and youth to perform with International touring artists. “It has been a great ten years at Skye and I feel it is a fitting end to go out with a bang,” said McIntyre.

Skye Theatre has been sold and plans are moving forward to continue programing in the Farmington and Rumford area. The Fall music week is McIntyre’s way of saying good bye to Skye and opening the next chapter.

A full schedule can be found with artists, venues, ticket prices, and start times at www.necelticarts.com or by calling 207-562-4445.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.