In a growing trend, the group’s Maine chapter keeps musical acts a mystery until they perform in quiet, offbeat venues. Attentive fans are all ears.
Ray Routhier
Staff Writer
Ray Routhier has written about pop culture, movies, TV, music and lifestyle trends for the Portland Press Herald since 1993. He is continually fascinated with stories that show the unique character of Maine’s people and places. He’s written about why so many businesses use the made-up word “Mainely” in their names, how you can trace Portland’s history through its various smells and why Mainers lament the loss of Portland-made B&M baked beans. He’s interviewed a wide variety of filmmakers, actors, musicians and authors, including Patrick Dempsey, Tony Shalhoub, Richard Russo, Tess Gerritsen, Tony Bennett, Anna Kendrick, and Stephen King. His passions, besides writing, include baseball history, old movies and “Jeopardy!” A native of Manchester, New Hampshire, he graduated with a degree in political science from the University of New Hampshire. He lives in South Portland with his wife and two children.
MPBN to launch separate classical music radio service in May
The new Maine Public Classical service is aimed at satisfying both niche listeners and those who want more news and information on Maine Public Radio.
After 37 years, meteorologist Joe Cupo to hand over the rains at WCSH
The familiar forecaster known for his breezy style is taking a voluntary retirement package.
Student in pro-Trump hat sets off taunting, dialogue at South Portland High
Sophomore Connor Mullen expected classmates to hassle him, but when staff members joined in he decided to defend his free-speech rights.
Maine-born jazz guitarist Lenny Breau remains influential 30 years after his killing
A new Westbrook restaurant named in his honor, a Canadian music award nomination last year and a planned documentary film are among the examples of how his music and memory live on.
Maine College of Art, Salt Institute may announce merger next week
After more than eight months of discussions, the plan may become a reality Tuesday with the announcement of a union of ‘two of Maine’s landmark educational institutions.’
Maine native Devin Ferreira encourages Boston Marathon runners with original song, ‘Unstoppable’
Boston TV station WBZ is using the song to promote its coverage of the race.
Former Portland TV news anchor Erin Ovalle to host weekly show exploring Maine
“#Maine Life” will premiere Saturday at 7:30 a.m. on Portland station WGME.
Under the iconic Hawkes Plaza TV repairman sign, a new eatery opens
Lenny’s in Westbrook is owned by Bill Umbel, who ran Empire Dine & Dance in Portland, and offers ‘upscale pub’ food.
Rick Pinette of Maine-based rock band Oak dies at 63
The band’s biggest hit, ‘King of the Hill,, reached 36 on the Billboard singles chart in 1980.