Blue Portland Maine (BPM)
Blue Portland Maine is a nonprofit music venue and arts organization on Congress Street in downtown Portland. Known to locals as Blue or BPM it hosts roughly 300 performances a year. Local and touring musicians play jazz and Celtic and Middle Eastern music along with blues and bluegrass and folk.
The Story Behind Blue
Blue first opened in 2005 in a room half its current size. It has changed hands several times and grown into a stage for local and regional and international artists. It recently became a nonprofit so it could pursue grants and memberships and open more events to audiences of all ages. Proceeds go back into community programming.
The Vibe
Blue is an intimate listening room with an artist-first spirit. Most shows are pay what you can with a suggested $5 to $20 which keeps live music affordable.
What They Serve
The full bar pours beer and wine and specialty cocktails along with non-alcoholic drinks. There is a small selection of snacks and guests may bring outside food from nearby restaurants.
Tuesday Open Mic
Every Tuesday BPM runs an open mic from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM with doors at 6:00 PM. Music goes first at 7:00 PM and comedy follows at 9:30 PM. Sign-up happens through online forms that open at noon on the day of the show and close at 6:00 PM or when slots fill. In-person sign-up is available if online spots run out. Admission is pay what you can and all money supports BPM's community events.
Why Musicians Like It
The room is built for listening and the crowd is used to hearing everything from Irish tunes to jazz standards. Online sign-up means you know your slot before you arrive.
More Events
BPM hosts a weekly Portland Drawing Group on Mondays and a Wednesday evening wine gig series along with a steady calendar of jazz and folk and world music shows.
Good to Know
Blue Portland Maine is at 650A Congress Street in Portland ME 04101. Most shows are 18 and over and guests under 18 must be with a parent or guardian. You must be 21 to drink. Visit blueportlandmaine.org for the calendar and sign-up forms. Schedules can change so confirm with the venue or host before heading out.
