CAMDEN – The Camden Opera House in downtown Camden has initiated a new "Maine Made Music" this summer, with musicians performing July through August. Dave Morrison, Camden Opera House manager, said the idea is to expose Midcoast audiences to Maine musicians, whom they might not otherwise get to hear.

"We are reaching out to musicians," he said. "Some from Portland, some from other parts of the state and some local. We want to produce a full concert series of Maine musicians and bands."

The series will kick off this month with Vicki Andres on July 20.

"She is a wonderful singer, guitar player and song writer," Morrison said. "She'll be playing with her three-piece band, which is called Life Itself."

Andres is accompanied by Max McFarland, on a 12 string bass, and Jason Dean, on drums.

The Southern Maine band, 61 Ghosts, will open for Andres.

"This band has an interesting history," he said. "The guitar player played with Johnny Thunder and other interesting rock folks. They are a new twist on the blues. It's a two-piece band, just guitar and drums. Vicki played with them and had a blast, so she sent them our way."

Chris Ross and the North are scheduled for October 13. Ross is from the Ellsworth area and has played for years as a singer-songwriter.

"They are a great Americana rock band," said Morrison. "Opening for them will be Travis Humphrey, himself a long time singer/song-writer."

Katie Matzell and Jason Spooner will round out the program November 3.

"Matzell is a beautiful soul singer," said Morrison. 

Morrison said the Opera House books local and touring musicians, “but it seemed like we were missing something in between, which is up-and-coming, excellent Maine bands, who are from the state, but not necessarily from the area,” he said.

"Maine Made Music seemed like a great way to fill that gap. It's a partnership with these bands in that we are doing a door-split. Rather than they having to rent the hall and us having to pay them, it’s more like something we are doing together."

Morrison said the Camden Opera House is also opening an intimate performance space on the third floor. The space was created by Juniper Purinton, who is technical director for the Opera House.

"It's going to be called the Blue Cafe," he said. "It will have 40 seats and 40 Paper will be providing a bar for the performances. Our first booking is Scott Cleveland, who will be doing a history of the blues. Cleveland is a Berkeley-trained, solo piano player. That will be on August 10."

Morrison said the cafe is free and open to the public.

"There is no charge," he said. "We are paying the musicians an honorarium from monies we've raised from our annual appeal. It's a model that we want to try in a place where folks can come and meet their friends, have a drink and listen to quality entertainment in an intimate environment."

It's a new season at the Camden Opera House, with fresh energy and new staff.

"We have a great Opera House Committee and a great season planned," he said. "We're now looking at 2019 and looking for interesting things."