- Say “Daniel Bernard Roumain” a few times out loud, for the sheer poetry of it. Then adopt the acronym DBR around friends and family. This will reveal your inner circle status with all things Ovations, Community Art Happenings, and “En Masse”.
- Take a late coffee break, or early lunch and bring a friend to the School-Time Performance of Maine Youth Rock Orchestra (MYRO) and DBR at 10 am on Thursday at Merrill Auditorium. Walk up tickets available, and there are still seats. If your child isn’t already going, bring them too. Bring your neighbor’s kid, or young nephew. Always important to ask the parents first.
- Watch this YouTube video on how to play the shaker egg. Trust me, you’ll be happy you did.
- Design your First Friday Art Walk/ “En Masse” experience to meet all of your art & community needs! You can join us at the beginning at 5:15 at Monument Square or along the way at one of the locations listed on this map. Grab the full Art Walk Map from Creative Portland here, and have the best of both worlds! Just make sure not to miss the grand finale at Congress Square Park from 6:30 on! We’ll be at the Ovations Information table just outside of Monument Square at 5:10 for in person parade route planning too! We’re thrilled to be collaborating with the Casco Bay High School Student Soap Box Speeches Culminating Event that is commencing at the same time.
- DBR says “For me the arts are like a religion…I still have and play the same violin I played when I was five years old. This inanimate object, the violin, has been the one constant thing in my life.” What do the arts MEAN to you? Bring that message with you, and share it with someone who may not know that about you.
- Look for our “En Masse” window clings on local businesses along Congress that are hosting musician groups leading up to their entry into the parade. Think about how we all can contribute to MAKE PORTLAND SUCH A GREAT CITY FOR ART! Or just plan on meeting another group of friends at one of these spots along the way.
- Listen to “Come Together” by the Beatles. Imagine yourself singing it with a shaker egg.
- Find out everything you can about our Maine-based musical performers including: 10801, Peaks Island Ukes, Batimbo United, 317 Main, Mammoth Rock Chorus, and Mammoth Brass Band. A few surprise performers may appear along the route as well!
- Listen to Daniel Bernard Roumain’s music, and immerse yourself in this Haitian born composer’s virtuosity, and then read the following article by Edwidge Danticat to help prime your summer reading list on all things Haiti!
- If you haven’t already, take a moment to imagine all of Congress Street an unfolding processional of musical groups, dancers, and YOU (and 1,000 of your newest friends) jamming out together at your final jam destination singing “Come Together” in Congress Square Park! Be sure to share your experiences via social media and don’t forget to tag us using #EnMasse, #ComeTogether, #ExperienceOvations.
