Performances Archive | Vinegar Hill Music Theatre

BLUEBIRD IMPROV

Get ready for a night of spontaneous comedy with Bluebird Improv. They joined us earlier this year for three shows, and if you were there, you know just how much we laughed. We’re very excited to have them back for another night of quick thinking, big laughs, and anything-can-happen comedy.

Over the past several years, Bluebird Improv has built a reputation you can trust. If you go to one of their shows, you know you’ll see high-caliber comedians and experience something hilarious, unpredictable, and completely original. Past performances have included Rachel Dratch (SNL) and Matt Walsh (Veep), and this year’s lineup promises to be just as exciting.

Each show begins with a quick chat with the audience, sparking entirely improvised scenes that you’ll only see that night.

Scheduled performers include:

(Cast is subject to change)

Marc Evan Jackson is best known for his roles as Kevin on Brooklyn: Nine-Nine; Shawn on The Good Place, attorney Trevor Nelsson on Parks & Recreation, and Mary Anne’s dad Richard Spier on The Baby Sitters Club Marc is an alum of The Second City Detroit and his also one of the partners in the schooner Grace Bailey in Rockland, Maine

Stephnie Weir is an actress, writer, comedian best known for her work on MadTv. She has a long list of acting credits – Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Happy Together, The Comedians, Castle, Key&Peele, Veep, The Goldbergs, Modern Family, A Million Little Things, Night Court, Mighty Ducks – to name a few. She’s written on numerous television shows including Raising Hope and The Millers. She is a mainstage alumni of The Second City and I.O. Theaters in Chicago. She and her husband, Bob Dassie, have a long-running two-person improv show called “WeirDass.”

Brad Morris is a veteran tv and film writer, producer, actor, director and improviser. An alum of four of Chicago’s Second City’s Mainstage revues, the iO Theatre and The Annoyance, Brad is a member of the renowned long form improvisational groups, The Reckoning and Uncle’s Brother with Tim Meadows. Brad has improvised around the world with the Second City National Touring company and Matt Walsh and Friends for the USO. As a TV writer, Brad spent three seasons as a producer on the TBS comedy, Cougar Town, was a producer on the Showtime series, Dice, and was co-ep and head writer for seasons 1 and 2 of the critically acclaimed series for Paramount and Seeso, Bajillion Dollar Properties. Brad has sold original scripts and development to ABC, TBS, Sony and Warner Brothers. On the film side, Brad co-wrote and produced the independent film, Unplugging, starring Matt Walsh and Eva Longoria. He is also producing the independent film, Stoners and Saints, starring Dylan Gelula and Matt Berry. Brad also recently co-wrote Family Squares, and a movie for Paramount, Rear Naked Choke, produced by Margot Robbie. As an actor, Brad has starred as a series regular in several network and cable pilots, and has appeared on Curb Your Enthusiasm, Veep, Modern Family, The Office, The League, Key and Peele, Great News, Playing House, Dice, F is For Family, Friends From College and The Good Place. He has appeared in films, Search Party, Sing, A Futile and Stupid Gesture, and Jay Roach’s, Bombshell. Brad can also be heard on his new improvisational podcast, Business Trips that he co-hosts with Mike O’Brien.

Joe Canale has been improvising around the world for the past 30 years, including stints at Boom Chicago in Amsterdam and The Second City Mainstage in Chicago amongst many others. While he’s not made appearances in film and television his greatest pleasure is derived from performing live improv for an audience. He hopes you enjoy watching this show as much as he enjoys performing it.

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.

NORTHERN CROSS: NEW ENGLAND’S CSNY TRIBUTE

Northern Cross is a tribute to America’s first supergroup, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. Based in the northeastern U.S., Northern Cross straddles all the genres of popular music encompassed by the eclectic career of CSNY, from country rock to confessional ballads, from acoustic guitars and voice to electric rock and psychedelia, all centered around a perfect replication of the intricate vocal harmonies CSNY is most loved for.

As the standard bearers for the Woodstock counterculture in New England and beyond, Northern Cross will help you relive (or experience for the first time) the gripping emotions of a CSNY live performance, with all the tones and grooves, melodies and moments you would expect from the real thing.

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.

OLIVER WOOD

Olvier Wood LIVE at Vinegar Hill Music Theatre in Arundel Maine

Whenever Oliver Wood isn’t touring with The Wood Brothers — the Grammy-nominated roots trio that he co-founded in 2006 — he typically begins his mornings the same way: in Nashville, at home, with a coffee cup in his hand and a notebook in his lap.

“There’s a chair in my living room, right in front of a window,” he says. “Every morning, I go down there to drink my coffee, meditate, and write. It’s like a therapy session for me, because I can write without any specific goal in mind. I can be creative without being self-judgmental.”

Many of the songs from Fat Cat Silhouette, Wood’s second solo record, began taking shape in that chair. Produced by his Wood Brothers’ bandmate Jano Rix, it’s an album of unexpected twists and turns. Longtime fans will recognize the earnest, elastic voice that has always anchored the Wood Brothers’ mix of forward-looking folk and southern country-funk, but Fat Cat Silhouette doesn’t spend much time looking backward. Instead, it abandons convention, breaks a few rules, and positions Oliver Wood as a roots-music innovator who’s every bit as interested in the process as the product.

“I wanted to get outside my box and embrace the uncertainty of what’s out there,” he explains. “I wanted weird guitar tones. The song ‘Yo I Surrender’ has the worst guitar sound I’ve ever heard in my life, and I just love it. I wanted more percussion and less drums. Once we began experimenting and doing whatever we wanted, the pressure melted away and I felt liberated.”

On the album’s opener, “Light and Sweet,” Wood matches an imaginative storyline with a melody that leaps from ground level into the stratosphere. Eight songs later, he brings things to a close with “Fortune Drives the Bus,” which he recorded on an iPhone in his own backyard. While tracking the rest of Fat Cat Silhouette to analog tape, Wood pushed himself to keep things weird. “Making this album was a process of being immediate, making quick decisions, and trusting that the universe and my years of experience would handle the rest,” explains Wood.

Wood’s years of experience have left him with a wide circle of collaborators, and Fat Cat Silhouette features performances from guests like Los Lobos’ Steve Berlin (whose saxophone can be heard on the groove-heavy numbers “Whom I Adore” and “Yo I Surrender”), Ted Pecchio who handles bass duties throughout the collection and Marcus Henderson (who contributes flute and fife to “Whom I Adore”). Co-writers like Sean McConnell, Seth Walker, and Ric Robertson lend their help, too, while Katie Pruitt tackles a verse on the heartbroken soul ballad “Have You No Shame,” which was written by one of Wood’s mentors, the legendary Atlanta musician and songwriter Donnie McCormick. Jano Rix even pulls double-duty as producer and musician, anchoring the album’s mix of mystery and melody with his percussion and keyboards.

Despite the stacked guest list, some of Fat Cat Silhouette‘s best moments find Wood and Rix working together as a duo. On “Little Worries,” Wood sketches a picture of a reflective morning in his armchair — a cat in the window, pancakes in the skillet, anxieties crossing and leaving his mind — over Rix’s inventive pulse. “That song wasn’t easy to finish,” he remembers. “It required experimentation. Jano and I had to give ourselves permission to just be artists, rather than being a part of the music business.” Later, when time constraints prevented them from adding horns to “Star in the Corner,” they chose to sing the horn parts instead. “We innovated by stacking these ridiculous ohhhs and ooohs to create a faux choir sound,” he explains. “It ended up being more original sounding than a horn sound, or at least a little less typical.”

A little less typical, indeed. That might as well be Fat Cat Silhouette’s mission statement. This is an album that finds the art in the unexpected, and Oliver Wood — whose songwriting and vocal chops remain as sharp as ever — at his most adventurous.

Ric Robertson will be starting the night off. Robertson crafts the kind of music that doesn’t beg for your attention — it quietly earns it. One note, one image, one breath at a time. He’s a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and visual artist — but mostly, he’s just trying to make sense of the absurd beauty in being alive.

These days, Robertson is mostly out on the road solo, carving out his own odd little orbit, hauling a real upright piano from town to town — a heavy, creaky companion that makes every show a little less predictable and a lot more alive. It’s an old-school, seat-of-the-pants kind of operation: no playback, no safety net, just songs, stories, and a whole-hearted belief that the good stuff doesn’t need a middleman.

Raised in the American South but never easy to pin down, the music floats somewhere between timeless folk wisdom and psychedelic backroom vaudeville. A strange, beautiful blend , he has a gift for turning personal detours into universal truths, and turning heartbreak, hilarity, and hallucination into something you can hum along to.

Robertson has lent his voice, songs, and musical curiosity to projects with artists like Lucius, The Wood Brothers, and Sierra Ferrell, but it’s in his solo work where his vision comes fully alive and his voice shines most true. His latest album, Choices and Chains, is a crooked little odyssey of transformation- following the technicolor psychamericana on his breakout album “Carolina Child”.

Quietly radical, unabashedly grassroots, and fiercely human, you may find Ric Robertson somewhere past the edge of the map — alone on a small stage, an upright piano, a spellbound crowd, and a kind of music that cuts through the noise and reminds you why any of this matters at all. There’s a tenderness here, and a little madness too. But mostly there’s honesty — the kind you don’t come across every day, and the kind that sticks with you long after the music fades out.

A NIGHT WITH JUSTON MCKINNEY – BENEFIT FOR WEBHANNET CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

An Evening of Laughter. Community. Giving Back.

Enjoy an unforgettable evening of laughter with York County deputy-turned-comedian Juston McKinney at Vinegar Hill while supporting the Webhannet Charitable Foundation. Your ticket includes cocktails, delicious appetizers and a charitable donation. Proceeds from the event will benefit River Tree Arts, a community art center where creativity is nurtured and explored through visual and performing arts, and Special Surfers, an organization dedicated to providing individuals with special needs the opportunity to experience the joy of surfing. Join us for a night of comedy, community and giving back to two organizations making a meaningful difference.

More about Juston McKinney: A former York County Deputy and City Theater favorite, Comedian Juston McKinney. He has multiple appearances on the Tonight Show, Conan O’Brien, both ½ hour and 1-hour specials on Comedy Central. He also has two one-hour specials you can currently watch on Amazon Prime. Throw in a couple of performances at the TD Garden for Comics Come Home with Denis Leary, a Showtime Special with Rob Gronkowski and his newest special On the Bright Side on his YouTube Channel, and his new TEDX talk ‘Being Human’.

Tentative Night of Schedule:

6:00-7:30: Cocktails & Appetizers under tent

7:45-8:15: Live Auction

8:15-9:15: Juston McKinney

JIM MESSINA

An undisputed expert in the fine art of making hit music, Jim Messina’s legacy of musical genius spans five decades, three super groups, a vibrant solo career and scores of producing and engineering credits.

While acting as producer/audio engineer for Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Buffalo Springfield, Messina ultimately joined the band as its bass player. When “the Springfield” disbanded in 1968, Jim and fellow bandmate Richie Furay formed Poco. With Jim on lead guitar, Poco defined a new musical genre, Country Rock. After three successful albums, Jim was ready for a change and left to return to his passion for producing music. He signed as an independent producer with Columbia Records.

In November 1970, Columbia asked Jim to work with an unknown Kenny Loggins. While helping Kenny get ready for a record and touring, the two discovered that they worked well together and Jim agreed to sit in on Kenny’s first album. Kenny Loggins with Jim Messina Sittin’ In was released in November of 1971 and an accidental duo was formed.

Over the next seven years, Loggins & Messina released eight hit albums, had scores of hit songs and sold over 16 million albums. They had become one of rock’s most successful recording duos ever, but it was time for the duo to go their separate ways.

After a series of celebrated solo acoustic tours, Jim formed a band made of acclaimed musicians who have played with him at various points in his career. His latest release, In the Groove, includes selected hits from all three of Jim’s previous bands, as well as several of his solo works.

Touring the country and playing sold-out shows, Jim says that he’s enjoying discovering who he is, where he’s been and, most significantly, where he’s going.

ST. ALFONZO – A TRIBUTE TO FRANK ZAPPA

St Alfonso A Tribute to Frank Zappa LIVE at Vinegar Hill Music Theatre in Arundel Maine

Forged in the spirit of fearless musical exploration, this electrifying New England based ensemble brings the music of Frank Zappa roaring back to life with precision, passion, and a healthy dose of irreverence.

This nine piece powerhouse, anchored in New Hampshire, features a richly layered lineup of guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, vocals, vibes, and a blazing horn section, capturing the full sonic spectrum of Zappa’s legendary catalog. Spanning generations from their 20s to their 60s, the band unites seasoned veterans and rising talent into a single, tightly woven musical force.

More than just a tribute, this group is a labor of love, driven by deep respect for Zappa’s boundary pushing compositions and a shared obsession with getting every nuance just right. Audiences can expect intricate arrangements, explosive improvisation, and the kind of musical daring that defined Zappa’s legacy.

The project is the brainchild of guitarist Scott Abene, whose vision brought together some of the finest players in the New England music scene. With the band’s sound powered and elevated by the masterful arrangements of Justin Leach, each performance transforms complex compositions into a vivid, living experience.

With eyes set firmly on the stage, the band is ready to deliver Zappa’s music the way it was meant to be heard live, loud, and uncompromising, bringing this iconic catalog to audiences who crave something truly extraordinary.

THE GARCIA PROJECT

We are excited to welcome The Garcia Project back to the barn for the second time this year. They sold otu the first time, so don’t wait!

The Garcia Project has been celebrating the timeless music of the classic Jerry Garcia Band since 2010, faithfully recreating the concert experience that made Jerry Garcia’s solo performances so beloved. More than a tribute, The Garcia Project is a living musical journey through the many eras of the Jerry Garcia Band, performing authentic, era-specific set lists with the same spirit of exploration, soul, and improvisation that defined the originals.

Every Garcia Project performance is unique. Just as Jerry Garcia Band concerts were never repeated, each show features a different full concert drawn from the band’s rich history, transporting audiences through the joyful, healing music that has inspired generations.

The band has earned a devoted following nationwide for its musical authenticity, heartfelt performances, and meticulous attention to detail. Fans often describe the experience as stepping into a “Jerry Garcia Band Time Machine,” where the songs, arrangements, instrumentation, and improvisation faithfully capture the feel of a classic Jerry Garcia Band concert.

The Garcia Project has performed at theaters, performing arts centers, and premier music venues across the United States, selling out shows and building one of the most passionate fan communities in the Jerry Garcia musical universe.

Jackie LaBranch, who sang with the Jerry Garcia Band from 1982–1995, said it best:

“They remind me of what it felt like to sing these beautiful songs with Jerry Garcia.”

For those who experienced the magic of a Jerry Garcia Band concert—and for those discovering this music for the first time—The Garcia Project offers an unforgettable evening of soulful improvisation, joyful connection, and the healing spirit of Jerry Garcia’s music.

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 first come, first serve. Please contact info@vinhillmusic.com for any accessibility accommodations.

SAY YOU LOVE ME – THE MUSIC OF FLEETWOOD MAC

Fleetwood Mac Tribute Live Show at Vinegar Hill Music Theatre in Arundel Maine

Formed in 2017 by vocalist Susanne Gerry, Portland, Maine’s Say You Love Me has performed to sold out crowds and rave reviews. Made up of musicians from bands such as Gina and the Red Eye Flight Crew, Micromasse, Plush, Model Airplane, and QUAD, Say You Love Me strives to create a fun, energetic, and unique experience of Fleetwood Mac’s full catalogue, as well as solo album hits for an unforgettable evening.

Say You Love Me:

Vocals: Gina Alibrio, Ashley Christy Ellis, Susanne Gerry, and Jenna Guiggey

Guitar and Vocals: Owen Conforte

Guitar: Max Cantlin

Percussion: Chris Wilkes and Chris Sweet

Keyboard: Tyler Quist

Bass: Colin Winsor

MARTIN SEXTON

Martin Sexton tours in support of the 25th anniversary of Live Wide Open – the critically-acclaimed double vinyl live album. The show will include these fan-favorites as well as some new material and surprise covers.

“The real thing, people” —Billboard

“Soul-marinated voice” —Rolling Stone

“Mr. Sexton as an impassioned performer can bring women and men to tears when they see him live” —Wall Street Journal

“The best live performer I’ve ever seen.” —John Mayer

“Master of dynamics, reducing a room to silence with his blustering baritone, then teasing that silence with a fluttering falsetto.” —Acoustic Guitar

About Martin Sexton

America comes together in the music of Martin Sexton. Our hearts mend, our political and philosophical differences melt away, and the various strains of our roots music entangle. Of Sexton, The New York Times says: “His unpretentious heartiness helps him focus on every soul singer’s goal: to amplify the sound of the ordinary heart.”

Sexton has remained true to his mission of sharing peace and harmony throughout his 10 albums, and in countless incendiary live performances. He has thus built a loyal following of fans, including critics and superstar artists. He is without a doubt what Billboard calls: “The real thing.”

These days, people are coming together to revel in Sexton’s musicality for his Martin Sexton Abbey Road Show. This is a live show extravaganza in which he performs the iconic Beatles’ album in its entirety followed by a set of mainly original music. Currently, Sexton is also working on his 11th album, which will be his first full-length album in 10 years.

Sexton is a songwriter’s songwriter, with a multi-octave voice that knows no bounds. Acoustic Guitar Magazine calls him a: “Master of dynamics, reducing a room to silence with his blustering baritone, then teasing that silence with a fluttering falsetto.”

Sexton’s career in music has unfolded like the stories in one of his sweetly redemptive songs. He got his start busking on streets and performing at open mics. Since then, he has gone on to be praised by modern legends such as John Mayer and Dave Matthews, who calls him one of his favorite singer-songwriters. Sexton’s songs of grappling and gratitude were the soundtrack to John Mayer’s early gigging years, and made an indelible impact on the budding songwriter. Mayer says: “This is the music of my LIFE.”

Sexton has headlined venues from The Fillmore to Carnegie Hall, and his songs have appeared in television series such as Scrubs, Parenthood, Masters of Sex, and in numerous films. His dynamically emotive live show has earned him critical raves and an engaged and loyal following. The Wall Street Journal says: “Mr. Sexton as an impassioned performer can bring women and men to tears when they see him live.”

HERE WE COME! A TRIBUTE TO THE MONKEES (NIGHT TWO)

here we come a tribute to the monkees live at vinegar hill music theatre in arundel maine

Due to popular demand, we’ve added a second night! Here We COME! A Tribute to The Monkees will now take the stage on September 13th as well. Don’t wait – get your tickets today!

On the 60th anniversary of the first airing of The Monkees TV show, members of Vinegar Hill favorites Being Petty and Northern Cross bring you a new tribute band experience… Take the Last Train to Clarksville all the way to Pleasant Valley Sunday, and get ready to sing along with all your favorite Monkees songs! “Here We Come” combines live music and multimedia to bring you an extravaganza like no other, celebrating the pre-fab four the way you wish you could have seen them in the screaming sixties! The music, the mayhem and the merriment will make you say, “I’m a Believer”!

The night will be begin with a short solo set from Tim Dion (from Northern Cross)!