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.

Arts & Entertainment, Do This

John Fogerty still rolling on the river 50 years later, and is coming to Maine

by Ray Routhier August 5, 2019August 5, 2019

The lead singer of Creedence Clearwater Revival brings his impressive musical resume to Westbrook’s Rock Row on Sunday.

Local & State, News

There’s no place like homes by Boothbay builder

by Ray Routhier August 4, 2019August 4, 2019

David Lee has spent 45 years building whimsical storybook houses and promoting their practicality and durability. His latest will be sold at auction this week.

Arts & Entertainment, Local & State

Ogunquit Museum of American Art getting $2 million gift

by Ray Routhier August 2, 2019August 3, 2019

The donation comes from Ann Ramsay-Jenkins, a member of the museum’s board.

Arts & Entertainment, Do This

Ice skating joins the circus for Crystal

by Ray Routhier July 29, 2019July 25, 2019

The Cirque du Soleil show comes to Portland’s Cross Insurance Arena Aug. 7-11.

Arts & Entertainment, Local & State, News

Maine singer-songwriter Amy Allen gets a recording deal

by Ray Routhier July 23, 2019July 23, 2019

After writing hits for Halsey and Selena Gomez, the Windham native will record her own songs for Warner Music.

Do This

Do you have the moves like Jagger? Here’s your chance to show them off

by Ray Routhier July 22, 2019July 19, 2019

The Jagg Off comes to Portland House of Music on Friday, with competitors all trying to do their best Mick Jagger impersonation.

Local & State, News

Mainers remember the summer of ’69 – like it was yesterday

by Ray Routhier July 21, 2019July 21, 2019

The 50th anniversaries of the moon landing and Woodstock remind us how much the events of that extraordinary season affected us.

Local & State, News

Here’s what some of us were doing 50 years ago

by Ray Routhier July 21, 2019July 20, 2019

Steve Romanoff was at Woodstock, sort of. A founder of two Maine folk bands, Devonsquare and Schooner Fare, Romanoff was at a party in Portland when he and a friend decided they should go to the much-anticipated music festival, happening the next day. So they got in a Chevrolet Corvair and drove all night to […]