The weekend of September 9 and 10 features two top Maine musical acts on the historic Opera House stage in Boothbay Harbor. Friday, Sept. 9, will see country and blues with Denny Breau & Friends in concert followed by an evening of American roots rock with the Jason Spooner Band on Saturday, Sept. 10.

Denny Breau has been called a “musician’s musician.” His rhythmically flawless and dazzlingly clear style allows him to do stunning things with a six-string guitar. He first draws in an audience with a finely arranged melody and then slides effortlessly into scorching finger work that sets ears aflame. The lighting fast guitar lines that seem almost humanly impossible to accomplish are balanced with those that have a quiet intimacy and wrap tenderly around his carefully crafted songs. He mixes genres with ease — folk, Delta blues, country and jazz — “creating a totally accessible musical mélange that captivates as it entertains,” according to Lucky Clark writing for the Kennebec Journal.

As Denny greets concert-goers and shakes hands following his performances, guitar players invariably ask how he performs certain techniques and Denny, who has a passion for teaching, is happy to show them. This is especially true when demonstrating the guitar style of Chet Atkins, who was a family friend and major influence. The evening with Denny Breau will include Pat Pepin, Barney Martin and Bill Baskis playing country, blues, Cajun, folk and more. Advance tickets are $15. Regular tickets are $20.

Portland, Maine based songwriter, guitarist and producer Jason Spooner has been a visible and respected presence on the northeastern and national live music circuits for close to two decades. As the bandleader of The Jason Spooner Band (Dan Boyden – drums, Stu Mahan – bass and Dawson Hill – keyboards), Spooner has expanded his musical horizons significantly over the course of 5 studio releases. The quartet stands out with an interesting signature American Roots Rock sound supported by audibly strong musicianship, interesting arrangements and well-crafted, intelligent writing.

Over the past 15 years Spooner has performed with acts as varied as B.B. King, John Mayer, Jackson Browne, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Ray LaMontagne, Susan Tedeschi, Brett Dennen, Allen Stone, Everlast, Jackie Greene, G. Love, Guster, Blues Traveler, Peter Rowan and Sara Bareilles. The band has performed at Targhee Fest in Jackson Hole, WY – The Gathering of the Vibes in Bridgeport, CT – FloydFest in Floyd, Va – The Festival at Sandpoint – Sandpoint, ID – The Naukabout Festival on Cape Cod, the River City Roots Festival in Missoula, MT – The Rocky Mountain Folk Festival in Lyons, CO and have been perennial favorites at The Sundance Film Festival in Park City, UT.

In addition to glowing recent press in Guitar World Magazine, No Depression, High Times Magazine, Wood & Steel Magazine and USA Today, the Jason Spooner Band was recently named one of Relix Magazine’s coveted “On The Verge – Bands you should know.” The band has won and received numerous nominations for the New England Music Awards including Live Act of the Year (winner) and Song of the Year (nominee).

Advance discounted tickets for the Jason Spooner concert are $20, with regular tickets at $25. Tickets for all upcoming performances are on sale through the Opera House box office at 86 Townsend Ave., Boothbay Harbor or by calling 633-5159. Tickets are also available online at boothbayoperahouse.com and on the day of the show at the door. Doors for seating at both concerts open at 7 p.m., with the music beginning at 7:30.