Maine Coast Life's guide to Portland's music venues - Part Two
Yuuf, from London, England, performing at Portland House of Music and Events
Written by Madison Ellingsworth
We have explored Portland's music venues from the Fore River to the Old Port, but our first guide was not thorough enough. We realized there is still more to discover in the Portland music scene. For the music aficionados that pride themselves on knowing every local group, there is the Apohadion. For the classic concertgoer who is ready for the hits, there is Cross Insurance Arena. But why resign yourself to specific venues? There are so many great spots to see music in Portland!
City Hall
Portland House of Music and Events (Portland HOME) prides itself on being, in their words, "a beacon for music enthusiasts, culture aficionados, and community seekers alike." This compact venue has capacity for around 300 attendees, a full bar, and select seating at a limited number of tables — arrive early if you're hoping to rest your feet. As an alternative, concertgoers can enjoy performances while dancing in "the pit." Portland HOME is known for featuring both popular and emerging groups, including many cover bands. They also feature DJs as the headliners for their popular themed dance parties.
Bayside
The Apohadion is Bayside's prized underground music venue. Local acts and experimental performances of all shapes and sizes have played on its stage. Declaring itself a labor of love, the Apohadion is staffed by a crew of dedicated volunteers and artists, and its popularity has been steadily growing for almost 10 years. This intimate, unconventional space can fit up to 50 guests. It is small but very welcoming. A cash bar is available during shows, and there is ample parking.
Downtown
Aura, a relatively recent addition to the Portland music scene, has spent the last decade establishing itself as a lively music venue. With room for up to 1,000 guests, this mid-size, colorfully illuminated locale focuses on beloved artists across genres: country, rap, rock, punk, and more. Aura is also well known for its comedy shows, putting attendees in close proximity to their performers. The first floor is standing room with limited tables, while the balcony provides ample seating. There are also two full bars. Aura has prioritized vertical growth over horizontal, making it the place to be if you're looking to get up close and personal with your favorite acts.
Arts District
Blue Portland Maine is this city's go-to venue for jazz, burlesque, and storytelling performances. An intimate establishment with room for 100 attendees (or 65 for seated shows), Blue has made a point of focusing on independent artists and giving them a platform to shine. They ultimately hope to build and serve a strong, artistic community, and host a weekly open mic night, drawing group, karaoke, and more in pursuit of this goal. Attendees can relax with the casual low lighting, full bar, and plethora of happening events.
Want to know more about Geno's Rock Club? They have only one response: "Get to the pit and find out." Geno's has been in its current location for over 20 years, and it's one of Portland's best spots for alternative music. Focusing on punk, metal, drag, hardcore, goth, and any show on the fringe, this venue wants concertgoers to give in to the spirit of rock 'n' roll. It has room for 184 standing guests, and its full bar is known citywide for serving delicious boozy frozen coffee. If you're looking to experience a classic old-style Portland show, then Geno's is where you'll want to go.
East End
An institution in the East End, The Hill Arts has been housed in Parish Hall on Munjoy Hill since 2001. This traditional theater is known for hosting national tour groups like The Amazing Acro-Cats, as well as supporting local art performances. There are only 110 seats available in the Parish Hall's current state. However, The Hill Arts is beginning preparations on an adjoining 400-seat performance complex, where they will transition their live theater, music, and comedy, and become an even larger venue for the East End community.
Downtown
Cross Insurance Arena (formerly the Civic Center) is famed for its concerts. It has capacity for up to 9,500 attendees, making it the largest of Portland's music spaces, and has hosted world-famous performers like Elton John, Ringo Starr, and Alice Cooper. This venue also functions as a year-round professional minor league hockey arena, so concertgoers benefit from the stadium seating, concessions (including Maine craft beers, pizza, and fresh local farm foods), restrooms, and a convenient on-site parking garage. Cross Arena brings a friendly, large-scale feeling to the Portland music scene, matched only by its other massive (but seasonal) venue, Thompson's Point.
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Portland is a great city to see your favorite performers and has no shortage of incredible venues. Concertgoers have their pick of standing versus seated, food stands versus cash bars, intimate versus extensive, and classic spots versus up-and-comers. There is a perfect fit for everyone.
Are there any music venues that we overlooked in our search? Places that you feel especially passionate about? Let us know! We're always looking to connect over music.