Funviralpark “The inaugural celebration honors our incredible state and people.” Governor Janet Mills said:“We are thrilled to showcase the extraordinary food, culture and music that make our state so special.”
Evening entertainment includes the RJ Miller Trio, Gina and the Red Eye Flight Crew, and Retrospecticus. The festive menu pays tribute to the culture and tastes of Maine’s people. From French-American Tourtieres and Poutines to New American African Chicken and Peanut Stew to Mini Italians and Greek/North African Lamb Keftas, Maine’s diversity and its flavors will be showcased. Plus, traditional New England fare with a twist, featuring local vendors and sponsors such as Shuck’s Lobster Mac & Cheese, Maine Coast Fisherman’s Monkfish Stew, and Maine Grains Corn and Maple Muffins. Desserts include Maine Needham Company, Bixby Chocolates, and Coffee by Design.
The inaugural gala will be hosted by Coast 93.1’s Blake Hayes. As per previous practice, the “Cocktail Attire, Bean Boots Optional” event is invite-only. The celebration features a large stage for entertainment, a dance floor, tables, food stations and a cash bar. Costs are covered by a $30 ticketing fee and donations collected through the Mills Founding Committee.
This event is open to the press, but we need your credentials to cover it. Additional details regarding qualification and compensation logistics will be released later today.
Entertainment timeline (subject to change) and background
- 19:00: Welcome from host Blake Hayes
- 19:05: Music and Dance, RJ Miller Trio
The RJ Miller Trio features Maine-based drummer and composer RJ Miller, guitarist Peter Herman, and bassist Dan Klingsberg. A long-established fixture in New York City’s jazz and experimental music scene, the globe-trotting Maine-born drummer has played “Alive in Japan” (Aaron Parks), “Ben Entrada La Nit” (Bill McHenry) and his own electronic music. Solo debut album “Ronald’s Rhythm” (2013). Miller maintains musical connections and relationships in Europe and New York while teaching music at his Arts Academy in Maine, Bowdoin College, Colby His College, and the University of Maine, Augusta, where he calls singer Paula his call. We are supporting him as he performs in the US in the summer of 2022.
- 7:45 PM: Music and Dance, Gina and the Red Eye Flight Crew
When Boston-based vocalist Gina Alibririo moved to Portland, she joined forces with members of Rustic Overtones, Joe Jems, Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Bird, and Model Airplane. formed Gina and the Red Eye Flight Crew. Alibrio’s vocals have been compared to her Susan Tedeschi’s understanding of the blues, with her songwriting talents like Christine McVie in her youth. Her energetic nine-piece troupe tackles originals with a funky, seasoned sense of professionalism. The Flight Crew catalog includes a list of pop, soul and R&B favorites that may surprise you, but are sure to impress.
- 8:40 p.m.: Ben Waxman, co-owner of American Roots, introduces Governor Mills
- 8:45 p.m.: Brief remarks by Governor Mills
- 8:50 pm: Music and Dance, Retrospecticus
Retrospecticus is an energetic dance band specializing in popular music for over 70 years. The band is fronted by talented and soulful vocalist Stephanie Fogg and conducted by her husband, pianist Matthew Fogg. Together, the couple has performed with artists as diverse as Otis Redding III and The Voice’s Delvin Choice, playing venues ranging from intimate seaside weddings along the Main Coast to Carnegie Hall. .
