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Program Notes for “Samuel James Tells the Story of Tiny Bill McGraw” by Sarah Coleman

Friends,  As I curate our programming geared towards young audiences it is important that it covers the three major genres of the performing arts – theater, dance and music. Our final offering this season falls into the category of music. The list of musical artists is long and with the impact of the pandemic and … Read more

Our Stories – We’re POP-ing with Performances

As we close in on the one-year anniversary of pandemic shut downs, we’re overjoyed to be in production for Portland Ovations Presents: POP 90, a benefit celebration of Ovations’ 90th anniversary year. That’s right: Portland Ovations was founded as the Portland Music Commission in 1931: in the midst of another global crisis, the Great Depression. … Read more

Our Stories – Toward Being Future Beings

Seeking Resonance

As we look forward to next week’s Seeking Resonance conversation “Toward Being Future Beings” in partnership with Indigo Arts Alliance, we want to take a moment to share with you the genesis of this conversation: a dynamic new work by dancemaker Emily Johnson, “Being Future Being,” which Portland Ovations is co-commissioning. Originally from Alaska and … Read more

Program Notes for ‘Seeking Resonance: Toward Being Future Beings’ by Marcia Minter & Aimée M. Petrin

Dear Friends, The collaborative series Seeking Resonance is at the heart of Indigo Arts Alliance and Portland Ovations’ programming this year. At a time when we cannot gather in person, these virtual conversations and presentations are more vital than ever in helping us connect with each other, the artists we share and the places and … Read more

Our Stories – Learning and Dancing with Step Afrika!

Step Afrika

When we experienced Step Afrika! we couldn’t stay in our seats. The energy, the rhythm, and the speed were infectious. We couldn’t wait to get Maine audiences – of all ages – into Merrill for the performance. We had intended for Step Afrika! to be featured live in the 2020-21 season but those plans had to change. While … Read more