Live Performances

Special Events

POP

Annual Fundraiser

November 12, 2026 • 7:00 PM

Live at Madrid's

BUY TICKETSBID IN THE ONLINE AUCTION
POP is back — bigger, bolder, and more unforgettable than ever. With 10 restaurants, a brand-new venue, and a fully reimagined experience, this year’s POP will be the most exciting yet. As Ovations’ signature fundraiser, the evening directly supports our School-Time programming, bringing transformative live arts experiences to more than 10,000 Maine students each year.
 
From the moment you walk through the doors at Madrid’s, expect the unexpected at every turn as pop-up performances and immersive experiences unfold all night long. Step into a world of juggling and cycling acts, palm and tarot readings, custom poetry written just for you, salsa dancing, a live tattoo station (temporary only, we promise), and more surprises waiting to be discovered. The night begins with the Maine-made Cuban rhythms of Primo Cubano and builds toward a show-stopping finale from The Fogcutters, complete with blazing horns, powerhouse vocals, infectious original music, and a dance floor that won’t quit.
 
Come hungry and indulge in standout bites from Black Betty’s Bistro, Niyat Catering, Empanada Club, TAJ, Pulutan, Eighty8 Donuts, David’s Restaurant, and more. Sip from the cash bar, fuel up with Coffee By Design, and explore our exclusive online auction while raising your paddle in support of our mission. There is simply nothing else like POP. It sells out every year, and this expanded experience will go faster than ever, so don’t miss your chance to be part of the most delicious, exhilarating, and talked-about party in town.
BUY TICKETS

Event Accessibility

POP is a lively fundraiser with loud music and flashing lights. Ear protection available upon request. This is not a seated event, chairs are available around the room for guests who would prefer to sit.

Wheelchair icon

Madrid’s is a standing room only venue, with ADA seating available. Click to read more information about accessibility at this venue.

There is no dedicated parking. Nearby hourly street parking, plus several parking garages/lots nearby:

  • Ocean Gateway Garage – 167 Fore Street
  • The Roux Institute Garage – 100 Fore Street
  • Thames Street Lot (right in front of the venue)
ASL_Black_Small

ASL interpretation available upon request.

POP Hosts

Rachael & Justin Alfond 
Mary Allen Lindemann & James Hoban 
Genius Black 
Atiim Boykin 
Maile Buker 
Liz Cotter Schlax 
Daniel DeSimone & Melora Gregory 
Carole & Jim Fallon
Sherouk Fetaih & Phil Hodgkins 
Peter Genova 
Sarah & John Halpin
Corey Hinton & Ally Hinton 
Roberta & Robert Hirshon
Jamie Isaacson & Kristen Lape 
Celine Kuhn
Jack Lufkin & Liz Stone
Nyamuon Nguany Machar 
James T. Morgan
Sayad & Rebecca Moudachirou 
Karen Nelson
Mary K. Noyes 
Kevin & Page O’Rourke
Daniel Nuzzi & Dana McEnroe 
Aimée M. Petrin 
Tania & Joseph Powers 
Bill & Ann Stauffer
Connor Smart 
Michael & Dawn Stillings
Ayres & Catherine Stockly
Lynn Teo 
Richard & Barbara Trafton
Mary Wellehan 
Amy Yasko 

BE A HOST

Featured Restaurants

Featured Artists

The Fogcutters are a 19-piece big band from Portland, Maine, delivers an electrifying performance blending funk, rock, Afro-Cuban, and hip-hop with traditional big band sounds. Featuring 13 horns, a powerful rhythm section, and captivating vocals, they offer a truly unique and unforgettable musical experience.

Where Primo Cubano goes, people dance. For the better of two decades they have been bringing the infectious rhythms, rich harmonies, and lively improvisation of Cuban music to the Northeast, playing festivals, clubs, parties, weddings, and other private events.

 

 

Janoah the Jester’s  juggling and performances are inventive with props and attentive towards audience. He strolls interactively at festivals, unicycles energetically in parades and presents captivating stage shows (SpinS & meSSeS) for all ages

 

 

 

Danza Latina brings the energy, rhythm, and joy of Latin dance to communities throughout the state. Led by founder and instructor Anna, Danza Latina offers instruction and performance in Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, and Kizomba, creating welcoming spaces for dancers of all experience levels.

 

 

 

Portland poet Stevie Trevino, Stevie’s Poem Store invites audience members to share a story, memory, person, place, or idea and then watch as it becomes an original poem, typed right before their eyes. No two poems are alike, and each one is created specifically from the moment and the person in front of the typewriter.

Online Auction

Support Ovation’s mission while treating yourself to the best of what Portland has to offer. Get ready to bid, and win. This year’s POP auction features indulgent experiences from Bei Capell, Lucinda’s Day Spa, Ovations performance merch and signed posters, and a goodie basket from Uncommon Paws. Visit your local favorites like Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine, Portland Yoga Project, and Finish Strong Physical Therapy. Dream up your next adventure like a summer stay in Bar Harbor, or a relaxing trip to a château in Quebec. Start your holiday shopping now and let us arrange the details! Every contribution directly supports Ovations School-Time Performance program. Thank you to our local businesses for their generosity—our mission thrives because of a community that believes in a shared goal.
BID HERE

Thank You To Our Sponsors

Marquee Sponsor

Presenting Sponsor

Producing Sponsor

Contributing Sponsor

Media Sponsor

Restaurant Sponsor