portBOWIE is Maine’s premier homage to the music of David Bowie. It’s not a band that stresses the visuals and costumes; rather, this band focuses on Bowie’s MUSIC, diving deep and bringing out the essence of his songs, whether it’s a big hit or a deep cut.

In 2015, singer Mat Zaro was invited to assemble a group for a battle of the bandsplaying David Bowie’s music. That band included drummer Luc Bergeron. It went so well that Mat approached Luc about forming a permanent group. In January of 2017, this new group, at the time named “The Blackstar White Duke Band,” played Bowie’s last album, “Blackstar,” in its entirety, gaining admiration and respect fromlive audience members and YouTube commenters from around the world.

Zaro and Bergeron co-lead the group, which was renamed portBOWIE in 2018; other members are Scott Hughes and Jerry Perron on guitars, Jim Goss on keyboards, Stu Mahan on bass, and Andrew Doody on saxophones. They’ve performed themed shows through the years and have done full performances of the albums “Ziggy Stardust,” “The Man Who Sold the World,’ “Liveandwell.com,” “Stage,” “Station to Station,” “Hunky Dory,” and “Blackstar,” to the enjoyment of audiences in Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts.

2026 will mark the 10th anniversary of the release of “Blackstar” and the 50thanniversary of the release of “Station to Station,” so shows in 2026 will include a complete end-to-end performance of “Blackstar” and all of the songs from “Station to Station” – two albums that Bowie stated were his favorite to listen back to. For these performances they will have some special guests, including Adam Montminy on Tenor Saxophone and Sean Slaughter (The Masterstroke Queen Experience and John Hughes Radio) on vocals.

What does “General Admission Seated” mean?

For a General Admission Seated show, the theatre seats remain in place. Due to requests from many of you, we’ve adjusted this event format to include seating. All seating is first-come, first-served. If you require any accessibility accommodations, please contact us in advance, and we’ll be happy to assist.

Vinegar Hill Music Theatre is an independently-owned event space located at 53 Old Post Road in Arundel, ME. Our charming, historic barn and outdoor garden provide an ideal backdrop for an unforgettable, intimate evening! Learn more here.

In those rare instances that a band reaches its sixth decade, it’s usually a result of stardom. It’s easy enough to keep things together when each member has a jet and techs on retainer and the world tour rolls around every few years. But that’s not how Max Creek has done it. In 40+ years Max Creek has been small, big, regionally-huge, medium, and any other size one can think of; they’ve never graced the cover of Rolling Stone, but you’d be hard pressed to find a music fan in the Northeast that hadn’t heard of them. Well then, how’d they do it? If you knew Max Creek you’d answer simply, “they just did.” Creek lacks pretense; there is no hip style or genre-title that can define them. From the beginning they’ve mixed anything they liked—rock, country, reggae, soul, jazz, calypso—in with their own great songs and it’s all just come out sounding like Creek. As such they’ve never been the hot item in the flavor-of-the-year club yet they’ve also never gone out of style. Moreover, Creek exudes confidence but lacks ego; each member is an incredible musician but that’s never been what it was about. But that is all things Creek is not, and what Creek is is far more important. The band is certainly joyous, and their stage is full of smiles and laughter, both during and between songs. All one has to do is glance into the crowd to see that the feeling is contagious. Creek is also much more engaging than the average band, sculpting lengthy shows on-the-fly from their 200+ song catalog with rockers, ballads, deep jams and crowd sing-alongs all tucked into their perfect places. And Creek is, most definitely, a family. 40-odd years in, the audience is a multi-generational stew; it’s not uncommon to witness old-school Creek Freeks getting down with their teenage (or older!) kids. Creek itself is multigenerational. Though the “front line” of guitarist Scott Murawski, keyboardist Mark Mercier and bassist John Rider has remained intact since the mid-70s, the current drums and percussion team of Bill Carbone and Jamemurrell Stanley weren’t even born when Max Creek was founded.

What does “General Admission” mean? 

For General Admission events, all theater seats are removed from the floor to create an open space, with cocktail tables and barstools added for a more relaxed atmosphere. The number of tables and stools varies depending on the show and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Theater seating in the balcony will remain in place and is also available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please contact [email protected] for any accessibility accommodations. 

Vinegar Hill Music Theatre is an independently-owned event space located at 53 Old Post Road in Arundel, ME. Our charming, historic barn and outdoor garden provide an ideal backdrop for an unforgettable, intimate evening! Learn more here.

In those rare instances that a band reaches its sixth decade, it’s usually a result of stardom. It’s easy enough to keep things together when each member has a jet and techs on retainer and the world tour rolls around every few years. But that’s not how Max Creek has done it. In 40+ years Max Creek has been small, big, regionally-huge, medium, and any other size one can think of; they’ve never graced the cover of Rolling Stone, but you’d be hard pressed to find a music fan in the Northeast that hadn’t heard of them. Well then, how’d they do it? If you knew Max Creek you’d answer simply, “they just did.” Creek lacks pretense; there is no hip style or genre-title that can define them. From the beginning they’ve mixed anything they liked—rock, country, reggae, soul, jazz, calypso—in with their own great songs and it’s all just come out sounding like Creek. As such they’ve never been the hot item in the flavor-of-the-year club yet they’ve also never gone out of style. Moreover, Creek exudes confidence but lacks ego; each member is an incredible musician but that’s never been what it was about. But that is all things Creek is not, and what Creek is is far more important. The band is certainly joyous, and their stage is full of smiles and laughter, both during and between songs. All one has to do is glance into the crowd to see that the feeling is contagious. Creek is also much more engaging than the average band, sculpting lengthy shows on-the-fly from their 200+ song catalog with rockers, ballads, deep jams and crowd sing-alongs all tucked into their perfect places. And Creek is, most definitely, a family. 40-odd years in, the audience is a multi-generational stew; it’s not uncommon to witness old-school Creek Freeks getting down with their teenage (or older!) kids. Creek itself is multigenerational. Though the “front line” of guitarist Scott Murawski, keyboardist Mark Mercier and bassist John Rider has remained intact since the mid-70s, the current drums and percussion team of Bill Carbone and Jamemurrell Stanley weren’t even born when Max Creek was founded.

What does “General Admission” mean? 

For General Admission events, all theater seats are removed from the floor to create an open space, with cocktail tables and barstools added for a more relaxed atmosphere. The number of tables and stools varies depending on the show and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Theater seating in the balcony will remain in place and is also available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please contact [email protected] for any accessibility accommodations. 

Vinegar Hill Music Theatre is an independently-owned event space located at 53 Old Post Road in Arundel, ME. Our charming, historic barn and outdoor garden provide an ideal backdrop for an unforgettable, intimate evening! Learn more here.

With a voice that cuts through the noise like a razor and a straight-shooting songwriting approach that tells it like it is, New England native Stephanie Ryann is staking her claim as one of country music’s boldest new voices. She blends her Northern roots with a fresh, fearless sound that’s all her own, showcasing a magnetic presence and raw authenticity that are impossible to ignore.

Ryann spent her early years honing her craft before relocating to Nashville to chase her dream. Her journey has been anything but conventional — former volunteer firefighter turned fashion model turned country artist, she’s played dive bars, honky-tonks, and festivals, earning a reputation for her powerhouse vocals and genuine connection with audiences. Her independent spirit is reflected in every song she writes, from heartfelt tales of love and loss, to unapologetic tracks about living life on her own terms.

Since introducing her signature style in 2019 with the release of, I Should,  Ryann has been making waves with a series of fan-favorite singles. With every new release, she’s racked up hundreds of thousands of streams, earning her a growing, dedicated fanbase. Her 2025 release, Your Whiskey, written alongside hit songwriter, Stone Aielli,  has boasted over 250,000 + streams in just a month. She’s been featured in outlets including CMT, WSM Radio, and Celeb Secrets Country, and her songs have landed on numerous playlists, quickly making her a force in country music.

Stephanie Ryann’s live shows are where she truly shines, performing alongside some of the biggest names in country. She’s shared stages with artists including Clint Black, Stephen Wilson Jr., The Band Perry, Maddie & Tae, Matt Stell, Priscilla Block, Jamie O’Neal, Cole Swindell, Tenille Arts, Jackson Dean and more. With every performance, she proves she’s more than just a voice—she’s a storyteller who knows how to captivate a crowd and make a lasting impression.

2026 is shaping up to be a breakout year for Ryann. With new music on the horizon, and opening for Jo Dee Messina this summer, she’s ready to take her place at the forefront of the genre. Whether she’s performing on stage or sharing her most vulnerable moments through song, Stephanie Ryann’s unapologetic spirit and genuine passion for country music are sure to leave an indelible mark.

What does “General Admission” mean? 

For General Admission events, all theater seats are removed from the floor to create an open space, with cocktail tables and barstools added for a more relaxed atmosphere. The number of tables and stools varies depending on the show and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Theater seating in the balcony will remain in place and is also available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please contact [email protected] for any accessibility accommodations. 

Vinegar Hill Music Theatre is an independently-owned event space located at 53 Old Post Road in Arundel, ME. Our charming, historic barn and outdoor garden provide an ideal backdrop for an unforgettable, intimate evening! Learn more here.

Higher Ground: A Tribute to the Superstars of Soul delivers the very best of vintage soul, celebrating iconic artists like Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and Aretha Franklin, and many more.

Founded in 2023, this 18-member band has quickly built a powerful live presence, performing for 2,500 people at the Cross Insurance Center, selling out Sun Tiki, packing Vinegar Hill twice, and headlining Portland House of Music, Aura (drawing over 300 attendees), and Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues.

Higher Ground is thrilled to return to Vinegar Hill for the third year in a row, kicking off the first stop on our 2026 Summer of Soul tour. Come groove with us.

Vinegar Hill Music Theatre is an independently-owned event space located at 53 Old Post Road in Arundel, ME. Our charming, historic barn and outdoor garden provide an ideal backdrop for an unforgettable, intimate evening! Learn more here.

Studio Two, now entering their 14th year of touring, is a headlining Beatles tribute band featuring Berklee College of Music Alum who focus on the most exciting, energetic period of The Beatles—the early years (1962–1966). Choosing from a catalog of number one hit songs from their club and touring performances, Studio Two captures all of the excitement and danceable 50’s and 60’s Rock ‘n’ Roll songs The Beatles helped popularize. All of this is done in period-correct attire and equipment. You will be transported in time!

Accolades:

“Voted the BEST Beatles tribute band in New England” ~ The Boston Globe

“The most exciting Beatles tribute band out there today!” ~ Chachi Loprete, Host of Breakfast with The Beatles on WUMB Radio

“Voted Best Tribute Band in New Hampshire” ~ Editors of NH Magazine

Vinegar Hill Music Theatre is an independently-owned event space located at 53 Old Post Road in Arundel, ME. Our charming, historic barn and outdoor garden provide an ideal backdrop for an unforgettable, intimate evening! Learn more here.

Carbon Leaf’s fifteenth studio album, Time is the Playground is both a call to action and an embrace of the moment. Marrying nostalgic storytelling to nuanced, folk-infused indie rock, the Richmond, Virginia band embroiders heartfelt melody and harmony with acoustic and electric instrumentation to create a 12-song rumination on time, love and personal growth that’s equal parts urgent epiphany and contented exhalation.

“Everybody says people don’t listen to albums anymore,” mulled Carbon Leaf front man Barry Privett, holed up in a coastal cottage. “So, the challenge for us was to make something that felt good to get through from beginning to end … to listen to like a story.”

Originally formed as a college cover band in 1992 and with over 3,500 famously enthused live shows together, Carbon Leaf helped to define the aughts indie rock that they ultimately outgrew and outlasted. They first earned national recognition with “The Boxer,” a song that won the American Music Awards 2002 New Music Award and made Carbon Leaf the first unsigned band to perform before millions on the AMAs.

“The Boxer” entered regular radio rotation, Carbon Leaf’s tours grew bigger and better, and within a couple of years they quit their day jobs and inked a record deal. The band’s fanbase snowballed, drawn to their infectious spirit of commitment, empathy, communion, and self-reliance – not to mention supremely crafted songs with ultra-relatable, thought-provoking lyrics.

After a trio of charting albums for Vanguard Records, multiple songwriting awards and headlining shows, Carbon Leaf opted to return to the complete creative control of their indie roots. Guitarist Terry Clark, who co-founded the band with Privett and multi-instrumentalist Carter Gravatt, converted his garage into the band’s Two-Car Studio, where they’ve recorded releases for their own Constant Ivy imprint ever since. Carbon Leaf’s DIY spirit even extended to re-recording their three Vanguard albums in order to regain the rights.

Time is the Playground is Carbon Leaf’s first full-length album in a decade, during which they released two EPS and a 27-song live performance album and Blu-ray. Time is the Playground gathers the best of songs written, in fits and starts, over 15 years, alongside brand new ideas. Privett dusted off old demos and shut himself away for months to finish their stories, while also honing recent compositions. With Clark engineering, Carbon Leaf – completed by longtime bassist Jon Markel and drummer Jesse Humphrey – spent a year and a half recording and mixing the resulting songs.

Opener Announcement: We’re super excited to have the amazing Chris Daly joining Carbon Leaf! A killer singer-songwriter from Newtown CT, Chris’s music is “equal parts energetic and irreverent—burning and sincere. A combination of soul, punk, rock and roll, folk, and classic country. Original songs and original takes on songs that helped inspire them.” 

What does “General Admission” mean? 

For General Admission events, all theater seats are removed from the floor to create an open space, with cocktail tables and barstools added for a more relaxed atmosphere. The number of tables and stools varies depending on the show and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Theater seating in the balcony will remain in place and is also available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please contact [email protected] for any accessibility accommodations. 

Vinegar Hill Music Theatre is an independently-owned event space located at 53 Old Post Road in Arundel, ME. Our charming, historic barn and outdoor garden provide an ideal backdrop for an unforgettable, intimate evening! Learn more here.

PLEASE NOTE THE EARLIER START TIME

For over two and a half decades, Erica Brown and The Bluegrass Connection have captivated audiences with their exceptional musical performances. Comprising award-winning fiddler and vocalist Erica Brown, mandolinist Matt Shipman, guitarist Lincoln Meyers, banjoist Eli Gilbert, and bassist Kris Day, the band seamlessly blends original and traditional music from Bluegrass, Folk, and Country genres.

Renowned and highly esteemed musicians in their own right, The Bluegrass Connection forms a formidable bluegrass powerhouse, combining vocal and instrumental expertise that enchants every audience they encounter.

Notable achievements include performances at esteemed venues such as the Thomas Point Beach Bluegrass Festival and the Stone Mountain Arts Center. The band has also collaborated with the Bangor Symphony Orchestra, performing three of their original songs during the Kingfield Pops. Furthermore, they were featured on Maine Public Television’s new series “Sound Waves” in January 2026.

Their music has garnered accolades, with bluegrass greats The Gibson Brothers praising it as “real and honest,” renowned mandolinist Joe K. Walsh recognizing them as a “stellar band featuring some of the finest pickers you could hope to find,” and legendary folk singer Jonathan Edwards expressing overwhelming admiration for their flawless sound, captivating tunes, and impeccable performances.

Vinegar Hill Music Theatre is an independently owned event space located at 53 Old Post Road in Arundel, ME. Our charming, historic barn and outdoor garden provide an ideal backdrop for an unforgettable, intimate evening! Learn more here.

Rose Alley celebrates the music of Jerry Garcia, JGB and beyond. Made up of Maine music scene veterans Kevin Roper, Aaron Nadeau, Neil Carroll and Drew Wyman, Rose Alley toes the line of Garcia Band authenticity while adding plenty of their own flair from their combined experiences. Three part harmonies and electrifying jams add to the sonic pleasure of a Rose Alley concert! As their popularity rises, they have been honored to have John Kadlecik (Dark Star Orchestra, Furthur, JGB) join them on multiple occasions, and most recently Melvin Seals (Jerry Garcia Band) himself!

Vinegar Hill Music Theatre is an independently owned event space located at 53 Old Post Road in Arundel, ME. Our charming, historic barn and outdoor garden provide an ideal backdrop for an unforgettable, intimate evening! Learn more here.

We are . We bring the amazing songs of Queen to life on the stage, with a tip of the cap to the style, bombast and essence of Queen’s live shows. 

Founded in 2015 by band leader/lead vocalist and self-professed “Queen Freak,” Sean Slaughter (finalist in the 2011 Roger Taylor/ Brian May officially Queen sanctioned Queen Extravaganza Contest), the MQE is nine members strong of exceptionally experienced and talented musicians who replicate the complex album arrangements and layers that Queen produced so spectacularly well, while still having fun and doing some mash-ups with live versions. 

“Sean Slaughter and his band of merry men and women burn it down! The high quality performers and performance take the crowd from 1973 to the early ‘90’s as they cover the hits and deep tracks of the band who invented arena rock and spectacle.

The two and a half plus hour show never lets up. Slaughter keeps things moving by leading the charge and graciously stepping aside featuring his skilled colleagues and guest musicians, who he clearly holds in high regard. 

Slaughter is the consummate front man and band leader. He is the man for the job with vocal chops, flair, humility, humor and again, a deep admiration and respect for those who share the stage with him.

The Masterstroke Queen Experience, in the spirit of Queen, is a rock’n’roll rollercoaster ride, rich in musical history and tons of fun!” 

-Steve Peer, writer “Steve’s Theme Park”



Vinegar Hill Music Theatre is an independently owned event space located at 53 Old Post Road in Arundel, ME. Our charming, historic barn and outdoor garden provide an ideal backdrop for an unforgettable, intimate evening! Learn more here.

See Traveller: The Chris Stapleton Experience LIVE at Vinegar Hill Music Theatre on June 20th.

Traveller: The Chris Stapleton Experience is the brainchild of Alec Antobenedetto, the voice of Traveller, who oddly enough plays drums for many of the areas most popular bands; including the Peacheaters (An Allman Brothers Band Experience) Confounded Bridge (Celebrating the Music of Led Zeppelin), Pieces of Eight and many more.

This group started when Alec Said “I just heard his voice and over the years it had become more than obvious I had to do this”. So I called up some music buddies and they all jumped in feet first and this is such a fun group to be around and we love this music and playing this music for people, seeing their reaction means everything”.

You’ll feel like you’re at a Chris Stapleton concert when this group starts playing.

Michael Corleto will be opening for Traveller: The Chris Stapleton Experience. Michael Corleto is a Kennebunk, Maine native who’s been playing guitar since age ten. Always a local favorite, Michael has been sitting in with area musicians since age 11. He soon branched off and began his career honing his craft as a solo musician adding vocals and performing an average of 250 gigs per year. Since the early days of his playing, Michael has continued to grow musically: graduating high school in 2022, attending a short yet prominent time at Berklee College of Music, recorded 3 studio albums, and spent his 2025 in Nashville. He has since returned back home and now professionally resides between Southern Maine and Key West, Florida.

Vinegar Hill Music Theatre is an independently-owned event space located at 53 Old Post Road in Arundel, ME. Our charming, historic barn and outdoor garden provide an ideal backdrop for an unforgettable, intimate evening! Learn more here.

The Who, one of the most legendary bands in rock history, burst onto the charts in 1964 with their breakout hit “Can’t Explain.” This marked the start of an incredible journey that would redefine rock music for generations. More than 50 years later, their timeless sound continues to captivate audiences, with their music featured in commercials, TV themes, and radio playlists worldwide.

Magic Bus, a Portland, Maine-based tribute band, brings the electrifying energy and iconic sound of The Who to life. From the rebellious anthem “My Generation” to the powerhouse hit “Who Are You,” we’ll take you on a musical journey through The Who’s storied career. Our performances also feature select songs from their groundbreaking rock operas Tommy and Quadrophenia, delivering an authentic and unforgettable tribute to one of rock’s greatest bands.

Vinegar Hill Music Theatre is an independently-owned event space located at 53 Old Post Road in Arundel, ME. Our charming, historic barn and outdoor garden provide an ideal backdrop for an unforgettable, intimate evening! Learn more here.

PLEASE NOTE THE EARLIER START TIME!

Get ready to boogie! Friday Night Fever brings 70s hits and disco grooves to the beautiful Vinegar Hill in Arundel, Maine on Friday, June 26th, 2026. Doors open at 6:30 PM, and music starts at 7:30 PM, all in support of Sweetser.

Plush will be performing live, delivering high-energy 70s classics and disco favorites that will light up the night.

All proceeds benefit mental health in Maine – grab your friends, enjoy your favorite throwback hits, and party hard to support mental health!

Band Biography

Plush is a Maine-based 10-piece live band bringing energy, style, and a full dance-floor sound to events across New England. With 4 vocalists, a 2-piece horn section, and a driving rhythm section, Plush delivers a versatile, high-energy show that feels equally at home from black-tie galas to packed wedding receptions and community celebrations.

Vinegar Hill Music Theatre is an independently owned event space located at 53 Old Post Road in Arundel, ME. Our charming, historic barn and outdoor garden provide an ideal backdrop for an unforgettable, intimate evening! Learn more here.

Story Songs of the 70s is a seasonal concert series by Maine-based singer/songwriter, Tom DiMenna, and features songs by 3 legendary songwriters of the vinyl era — Gordon Lightfoot, Cat Stevens, and Harry Chapin. This folk-rock act blends lush vocals, intricate guitar playing and iconic story songs into a sound that’s both intimate and powerful. While rooted in the folk tradition, this special Summer edition has toe-tapping rhythms, sing-along choruses, and a fully amplified presence that has charmed audiences all over New England. It’s a carefully crafted presentation of the timeless songs that shaped a generation — performed with heart, humor, and resonance.

In addition: Tom is now officially endorsed by Gibson Guitars and John Pearse Strings, legendary names in acoustic tone. 

“Go See Tom!” -Aimsel Ponti, Portland Press Herald



Vinegar Hill Music Theatre is an independently-owned event space located at 53 Old Post Road in Arundel, ME. Our charming, historic barn and outdoor garden provide an ideal backdrop for an unforgettable, intimate evening! Learn more here.

Reserved Seating: $35 – $40 Advance | $45 – $50 Door

Doors 7pm | Show 8pm

Experience the Adam Ezra Group LIVE at Vinegar Hill Music Theatre on July 2nd.

We don’t see many artists building the kind of momentum Adam Ezra Group is generating right now.

What has grown over more than two decades of relentless grassroots touring has become something far bigger than a typical touring band: a fiercely independent, fan-powered community that continues to expand one show at a time. Rooms across the country are selling out when Adam Ezra Group comes to town, with longtime fans regularly traveling across state lines to catch multiple shows, drawn by the band’s deep sense of community and the promise that no two nights are ever the same.

The band never performs from a fixed setlist, instead shaping each night around the energy in the room. Songs, stories, and moments unfold in real time—part concert, part revival, and part reminder of what live music can still be at its best.

Blending folk/Americana soul, rock ’n’ roll energy, and deeply human songwriting, Adam Ezra Group has built one of the most authentic underground followings in live music today while quickly becoming recognized on a national level. As SPIN recently put it, they are “an independent underground folk band blowing up without selling out,” a rise that has happened entirely outside the traditional industry system, powered by word of mouth, community activism, and a genuine connection between band and audience that often turns first-time listeners into lifelong fans.

Catch them now while they’re still playing the kinds of rooms where you can give Adam a hug on your way out.

Vinegar Hill Music Theatre is an independently-owned event space located at 53 Old Post Road in Arundel, ME. Our charming, historic barn and outdoor garden provide an ideal backdrop for an unforgettable, intimate evening! Learn more here.

Beloved comedian and actress Caroline Rhea, best known for her role as Aunt Hilda on the hit show Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, brings her sharp wit and infectious humor back to Vinegar Hill. A cherished summer resident of Maine, Caroline has built a career spanning decades, earning acclaim for her unique blend of warmth, sass, and laugh-out-loud comedy.

Currently headlining clubs and theaters across the U.S. and Canada, Caroline continues to captivate audiences with her quick humor and relatable storytelling. Beyond the stage, she’s a familiar face on television, appearing as a regular guest on shows like Lopez vs. Lopez, Funny You Should Ask, and LIVE with Kelly & Ryan. She’s also made waves in the podcast world, with featured appearances on Bertcast with Bert Kreischer and The Harland Highway with Harland Williams. Whether performing for live audiences or connecting with fans on screen, Caroline Rhea remains a comedic force beloved by audiences everywhere.

Vinegar Hill Music Theatre is an independently owned event space located at 53 Old Post Road in Arundel, ME. Our charming, historic barn and outdoor garden provide an ideal backdrop for an unforgettable, intimate evening! Learn more here.