We just passed the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. It seems fitting that this turning point in the universe, at which the sun is at its maximum declination and then begins slowly to subside for those of us in the northern hemisphere, is also the end of Portland Ovations’ organizational year: a time when we look to the new, to what is coming next, to gather us together as the days begin again to shorten.
As we do that — planning and announcing Ovations’ upcoming season of live, in-person performances — we also turned to our family of Members to listen to what they love most about Ovations, to learn why they not only attend shows but donate additional support towards our mission.
Here’s what a few of them had to say…
School-Time Performances, Blue Man Group — and Ovations’ presentation of Broadway National Tours at Merrill Auditorium in general — were definitely a few of the favorite memories for Members of all ages such as the Carville family.
How about you? Tell us your favorite Portland Ovations’ performance memory!
The diversity of Portland Ovations’ season is another thing our Members seem to love — and honestly, we do, too! While we started 90 years ago in 1931 as a classical concert association, today you never know what to expect in an Ovations’ season. One week we’ll be hosting Taylor Mac at the State Theatre, and the next the New York Philharmonic String Quartet at Hannaford Hall. We’re always delighted to welcome Jim and Thurl, above, to our classical series and more!
What Ovations story do you have to tell us? Click here to email us a text or even a selfie or video from your phone!
And Jim and Lynn gave a particular shout out to Ovations’ dance programs — we’re the largest presenter of contemporary dance in Maine — as well as to Seeking Resonance, our ongoing partnership with Indigo Arts Alliance to center the voices of BIPOC artists.
Whether you love our thrilling local dance artists like Sara Juli or Riley Watts, or come back year after year to see the Alvin Ailey Dance Company on tour — we want to hear YOUR STORY of what you love about Ovations.
