John Orlando is the one-man force behind Grand Banks Entertainment, a new independent events and entertainment company based in Camden. He is responsible for bringing Motor Booty Affair to the Camden Opera House this Saturday night with special guest DJ Terry Frank of Global Grooves.

Grand Banks Entertainment was founded in 2012.  One side is concert promotion and the other is full-service special event planning.  "The reason I started this business in Camden, Maine is that I love living in the region," said Orlando, also citing a need for more live music productions in the area.  "However, like any new venture in the Midcoast, I am not quitting my day job," he said. "I actually commute back and forth to Boston to assist in a family construction business that was established in 1940 by my grandfather.  We shut down in the winter and this gives me a chance to work on getting Grand Banks Events and Entertainment some legs to stand on.  The bottom line is that music is my passion and with patient tenacity, I hope that someday my passion can turn into a viable and long standing business."

Q: You're bringing the "Mothership of Funk" known as Motor Booty Affair to Camden town this weekend. What is it about cheesy disco that gets people in "forget that it's winter, I'm boogying down" kind of frenzy?

It's a great way for the community to get together, dress up and enjoy each other's company.  Winter is a long, and at times, difficult season for people and it's a great way to get your swerve on and enjoy each other. Cheesy: No Comment!  BootyLicious: Indeed!

Q: Your events tend to have an offbeat theme. Tell us about the time you did a film about a goat on a boat? [Side note: he actually got a local charter boat to bring a goat to an island.}

I believe that offbeat is necessary for events.  It's a way to be creative and have fun.  The goat on a boat is actually part of a short comedy film that I am producing, which is about 12-15 minutes  long.  Tootsie is the goat's name.  I hope to complete the film in the fall of 2013 and will send it off film festivals around the world, but there is still a great deal of work ahead on this project.

Q: What is is about events and entertainment that is your true calling?

Entertaining people, I believe, is a great service to offer and a way to be a part of something bigger than myself. I have always had a passion to work in entertainment.  I lived in Burbank, CA for a while and was going to make a go of it there, but Camden is where I feel more comfortable.  I figure it may take a great deal of energy and patience here, but it's worth the fight.  Maine has given me much to be grateful for and it's a way of giving back.

Q: Many people don't realize that a portion of the tickets to the MotorBooty Affair event will be donated to the Seton School in Camden. What is your connection to this school?

I started working with The Seton School this past summer when Jeff Spera, a teacher there presented the idea of doing some Contra Dances at High Mountain Hall.  We wanted to bring awareness and raise some much-needed funds for the school. The Seton School, like Grand Banks Entertainment, is in the beginning phases of starting their mission.  David Heath, the Executive Director, is finding out what is means to follow his passion and make a difference in these children's lives.  It's a community effort in Camden and we all need to help one another any way we can.

Q: Even though the event is sold out, you said some tickets may be released the day of the event. What do people have to do to get one?

Unfortunately, all tickets have been sold and no more are to be released.  I do plan on booking Moto rBooty Affair in the summer at a venue that could accommodate many more people than the the third floor lounge of the Camden Opera House.

The 2nd Annual Great Cabin Fever Escape Dance Party Pt. II Featuring MotorBooty Affair will be held on Saturday, Feb. 9. For ticket holders, doors open at 8:45 p.m. Everyone must have a ticket and positive I.D. For more information, check out their Facebook event page or visit their website.

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com