LEWISTON, ME — The Windham Chamber Singers will be appearing in concert at the Franco Center on Wednesday, April 9 at 7:00 pm as part of their 2025 Spring Tour. The Windham Chamber Singers gained international attention in 1996 when they won the Prize of Vienna, the highest award given at the International Youth Music Festival in Vienna, Austria. Since then, they have captured the hearts of audiences across the globe.

They have appeared in concert with artists including the late Kenny Rogers and Andy Williams, John Rutter, Josh Groban, Noel Paul Stookey (Peter, Paul and Mary), Sutton Foster, Norm Lewis, Mandy Gonzalez and numerous times as special guests of the Portland Symphony Orchestra. Recent performances include their annual American Family Holiday concerts and collaborations with the Celtic Tenors and Portland Municipal Organist, James Kennerly.

Recognized for diversity, their performances include music spanning hundreds of years and many different cultures and genres. For example, in May, 2016, they were featured for the third time at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City in a concert of sacred a-cappella music. In contrast, later that year they joined with tribute band, Master Stroke in a performance that featured the music of the iconic rock band, Queen.

The choir has released four CDs on the Pine Point label and appears on many other compilation recordings as both a featured choir, and as backup singers.

According to the conductor, Dr. Richard Nickerson, “We are so excited to begin our tour in Lewiston and honored to perform at the Franco Center!” Nickerson is also the Artistic Director of the Maine Music Society, based in Lewiston.

What: Windham Chamber Singers in concert

When Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at 7:00 pm

Where: Franco Center

48 Cedar Street

Lewiston, ME

FMI www.windhamchambersingers.com

Admission: Adults $15, Students $10

MONMOUTH, ME — The Monmouth Community Players, along with Marquis Sponsor, Great Falls Regional Federal Credit Union, and season sponsors Winthrop Area Federal Credit Union and Readfield Insurance Agency, invite you to join them for their performance of Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell’s Ride The Cyclone. Spearheading this production in her MCP directorial debut is Hannah Hanson (Lewiston). Her creative team includes music directors Rachel Scala-Bolduc (Lewiston) and Moll Brown (Lewiston), choreographer Julie Sanborn (Bath), stage manager Pascal Ford (Brunswick), and producer Tim MacLeod (Auburn).

In this hilarious and outlandish story, the lives of six teenagers from a Canadian chamber choir are cut short in a freak accident aboard a roller coaster. When they awake in limbo, a mechanical fortune teller invites each to tell a story to win a prize like no other — the chance to return to life. This popular musical is a funny, moving look at what makes a life well-lived!

Audience attendance is highly suggested at 18+ but will be left to parental discretion due to the mature themes listed above.

The selection of competitors is portrayed by a multi-talented cast of actors from all over Maine, including: Julia Badaraco of Waterville; Bryanne MacMillan, Archer Slater and Jonny Bolduc of Lewiston; Hillary Perry of Buckfield; Anthony Delorme of Auburn; Owen Lewis of Gardiner; Casper Madarasz of Brunswick; Ben Simpson and Meghan Rivard of Turner; Madeline Labonte of Mechanic Falls; Abram Dwyer of North Yarmouth; Birdie Gay of Monmouth; and Lou Ford of Bath.

Ride the Cyclone, by Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell, is presented through special arrangement with Broadway Licensing. www.broadwaylicensing.com

Ride The Cyclone will be performing in the beautiful, historic Cumston Hall at 796 Main Street, Monmouth, April 18th – 27th, 2025. Performances will be at 7:30PM on 4/18, 4/19, 4/25, and 4/26, with matinee 2PM shows on 4/19, 4/20, 4/26, and 4/27. Understudy performances will be the afternoon of 19th and evening of the 26th. The additionally interpreted ASL performance will also be on April 26 for the matinee performance. For more information, or to purchase tickets, please feel free to email the theater at mcpboxoffice@gmail.com, call them at (207)370-9566, or purchase tickets online at www.monmouthcommunityplayers.org.

Front row: Bryanne MacMillan, Birdie Gay, Anthony Delorme, Archer Slater, Meghan Rivard, Casper Madaraz and Madeline Labonte;

Back row: Jonny Bolduc, Abram Dwyer, Owen Lewis, Lou Ford, Julia Badaraco, and Hillary Perry;

Missing: Ben Simpson

LEWISTON, ME – Today the City of Lewiston launched a new campaign, This is Lewiston, designed to connect transformational investment in the city’s downtown to strengthening the city’s economic outlook.

“This is Lewiston presents a fresh and compelling narrative – one that speaks to residents, future neighbors, business owners, and investors alike,” said Nate Libby, the Director of Economic & Community Development for the City of Lewiston. “It’s a declaration that Lewiston is a city of innovators, where opportunity isn’t just found but created. It reflects both the strength of our community today and the limitless potential ahead. This is Lewiston tells the world our community and our people are worth the investment.”

The campaign, designed by Lewiston-based communications firm Upstream Strategies, includes a website highlighting $174.9M invested in Lewiston’s Choice Neighborhood following the City’s successful bid for federal Choice Neighborhood funding in 2021. The campaign’s photographs, taken by local photographer Ryan Captures Life, feature people who live, work, play, and raise their families in the Choice Neighborhood.

The City launched This is Lewiston to LA Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce breakfast attendees during a presentation about the economic impact of Choice Neighborhood funding. The campaign was developed thanks to funding from the John T. Gorman Foundation.

“This campaign is what businesses across Androscoggin County have wanted for years,” said Shanna Cox, President & CEO of the LA Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. “We have all been part of conversations about the challenges our community is facing. This is Lewiston acknowledges those challenges and asks us to look at Lewiston in its entirety. It amplifies the innovative and complex work people do here every day and that is key to strengthening our local economy.”

During a preview for the Downtown Lewiston Association earlier this week, members noted that the campaign will be a helpful boost for businesses on Lewiston’s Lisbon Street corridor.

“This is Lewiston helps to articulate exactly what discerning investors see here: a growing community worth attention, support, and putting our dollars behind,” said Danielle Snow, co-owner of 75 Park and Chair of the Downtown Lewiston Association Board of Directors. “This campaign challenges us to move beyond tired rhetoric about Lewiston and asks us to invest in what is possible here. Those conversations are critically important to our downtown businesses, and we are proud to be a part of these efforts.”

While the initial phase of the campaign focuses on the $174.9M invested in the Choice Neighborhood from 2021-2024, City leaders noted plans to expand the campaign to highlight businesses and investments throughout Lewiston, which has seen over $324.5M during the same period of time.

“This is Lewiston is more than a campaign – it is a statement of confidence in our city’s future,” said Mayor Carl Sheline. “Through the Choice Neighborhood Initiative and the Transformation Plan, we are not just revitalizing the Tree Streets, we are demonstrating what strategic investment can achieve. The economic momentum we are seeing is proof that when we invest in people and place, we create lasting change. Lewiston’s story is one of resilience and renewal, and we are ready for the next chapter.”

AUBURN, ME –Diamond Point Development, LLC (DPD), in partnership with The Ardent Companies, have announced that on April 15, 2025 at 3:00 pm, they will hold a Community-Wide Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening Celebration at the new, state-of-the-art Extra Space Storage facility at 1 Center Street, in Auburn, Maine.

“In the short time the Auburn Extra Space property has been open, it has been very well received by both the residential and the business communities,” said Jason Sommer, Diamond Point Development Principal. “In appreciation of the city’s support of the project, we are proud to make a donation to the new ‘Auburn PAL Center.’”

Auburn Mayor Jeff Harmon will be in attendance at the Ribbon Cutting ceremony on April 15, as well as other distinguished members of the city staff.

Mayor Harmon said, “Thank you so much for this support of the Auburn PAL Center – it is so meaningful and will directly impact the kids and families of this community. We look forward to welcoming you to our wonderful city of Auburn.”

Liz Allen, the City of Auburn’s Director of Communications & Community Engagement said, “We look forward to being a community partner and to supporting positive growth in Aburn. We are happy to connect the Extra Space team with the greater Auburn community, on April 15 and beyond.”

Eric Cousens, the City of Auburn’s Executive Director of Public Services said, “It was great to work with Aaron and Jason from Extra Space Storage on a very challenging site. The Site was attractive due to the high traffic and that also made it a challenge. Aaron and Jason assembled additional real estate to make the access safe and made room for public access rights for a future riverfront trail while designing the site. We appreciate their collaboration and investment in Auburn.”

The Extra Space Storage is a new, state of the art 100,000 square foot multi-story, secure, climate-controlled facility. The self-storage property was built on a blighted property along the Androscoggin River.

This newly-constructed three-story self-storage facility includes approximately 75,000 rentable sq ft and 750 individual storage units. To make the storing experience more comfortable and to protect customer’s belongings from the elements, every unit is temperature and humidity controlled.

Diamond Point Development and The Ardent Companies build class A self-storage facilities up and down the East Coast.

AUBURN, ME – The Auburn Public Library is excited to announce the return of its 2nd Annual Margery Eyer Schuler Silent Art Auction, taking place on Saturday, March 29th, at 10:00 AM, with bidding closing at 11:00 AM. This highly anticipated event offers attendees the opportunity to support the library while celebrating local artists and their incredible talent.

Guests will enjoy a welcoming atmosphere with light hors d’oeuvres and live music from Honey, a talented trio of Edward Little High School students, adding a harmonious touch to the morning.

Named in honor of Margery Schuler, a devoted advocate for the arts and literacy, the auction features an array of her water-themed watercolor paintings bequeathed to APL in 2023. All proceeds from the event will directly benefit Auburn Public Library programs and services, continuing Schuler’s legacy of fostering creativity and learning in the community.

“This event is a wonderful way to bring together art lovers, library supporters, and community members in a meaningful way,” said Haley Warden, APL’s Director of Development.

The auction is open to the public, and everyone is encouraged to participate. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply looking to support the library, this is an opportunity to take home a unique piece while making a positive impact.  Advance ticket purchase is required, only $5.00, and ticket sales are available on the library’s website or at the Lending Desk.

For more information, please visit the Auburn Public Library or www.auburnpubliclibrary.org.

AUBURN, ME — The First Universalist Church of Auburn presents About Love: Grief & Loss, 11:30-1pm. This panel talk will consider the role of faith and community in dealing with personal loss. The panel features members who have lost a loved one.

The Adult Religious Education group, chaired by Charles I. Nero, is presenting a year of programming on the theme “The Power of Love,” to explore the Unitarian Universalist Association’s new covenant. “Love is the power that holds us together,” the covenant proclaims, “and it is at the center of our shared values. We are accountable to one another for doing the work of living our shared values through the spiritual discipline of love.” Nero conceived the “About Love” series to explore that accountability.

Nero teamed up with Toby Haber-Giasson, director of the church’s award-winning UU Theater group, to structure a framework for the talk. The duo also collaborated on “About Love: Esther’s Story,” featuring a senior member’s experiences.

Freewill donations to the church will be accepted in lieu of an admission fee.

First Universalist Church of Auburn is located at 169 Pleasant St. (entrance on Spring St. across from Dairy Joy). Accessible; parking available.  FMI, call 783-0461 or contact office@auburnuu.org.

FINAL WEEKEND! Imagine Steel Magnolias meets The Golden Girls in the hilarious and heartwarming comedy HALFWAY THERE, playing at The Public Theatre now through March 23.

Filled to the brim with humor, heart and romance, this delightful comedy about four lovable ladies who meet every day for coffee and a gab fest at a diner in Nova Scotia celebrates the unshakeable bonds of female friendship and is the perfect antidote to chase away the winter blues! For tickets visit thepublictheatre.org or call 782-3200.

LEWISTON, ME – Much may have changed in Lewiston since the city’s 90s punk era, but punk, rock, and post-punk are still alive and well in L/A. Not only is the music–and the ethos–still relevant to the original generation of area musicians, it’s inspiring their kids, too. In fact, they’ll even share a stage on Friday, March 21st when local headliners Mouth Washington play with area bands Art Car and Curfew at LA Arts’ gallery and performance space at 168 Lisbon St. Doors open at 7pm, music at 7:30. The general admission show has been curated for an all-ages audience to reflect the deep and living culture of the scene.

The show kicks off LA Arts’ stylistically eclectic Downstage Performance Series and will be the first plugged-in event on the organization’s brand new stage. Envisioned as a mixed-use community arts and culture space, the downtown art gallery may seem at first glance like an atypical venue for a punk show. But the event itself makes perfect sense to local musician, performance organizer, and LA Arts Board member Elijah True, whose production vision is behind the Downstage series and the makeup of the March 21st bill.

“Punk is deeply connected to art, culture, and political expression, often tackling nuanced or difficult topics,” says True. “Over the last two decades, opportunities for punk artists to perform in L/A have mostly been limited to a dwindling number of bars and unofficial DIY spaces. These opportunities are now virtually nonexistent. I think punk bands deserve a sustainable, above-board space to perform where they can remain appropriately connected to the arts and our community.”

Image: Event flyer for 3/21 Mouth Washington show with Art Car and Curfew

Details

· Mouth Washington with Art Car & Curfew at LA Arts

· Friday, March 21, 2025

· Doors: 7pm; Music: 7:30

· LA Arts, 168 Lisbon Street, Lewiston, ME · Tickets: $15 at laarts.org/performances

· General Admission, all ages

· Beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase

LA Arts, the arts agency for the cities of Lewiston and Auburn Maine, has pursued a mission to engage and inspire a vibrant community through arts and culture since 1973. The agency works with governments, businesses, schools, and local arts and cultural organizations to create opportunities for community members across the generations to experience, learn, and participate in the arts. LA Arts organizes arts programs and initiatives, supports the work of local artists and arts organizations, and highlights the essential role the arts play in shaping an economically vital, socially integrated, and forward-looking future for its community. Learn more at www.laarts.org.

AUBURN, ME — The Auburn Public Library presents “A Journey Through the Roots of American Popular Music” with Jon Waterman on Monday, March 24th at 5:30 PM. All are welcome to join for an engaging performance exploring the history of American popular music.

“A Journey Through the Roots of American Popular Music,” is a program of songs and stories about the origins of the blues, rock and country music presented by singer and songwriter Jon Waterman. In the show, Jon is joined by Li Waterman on bass. The program, which also features an accompanying slideshow, explores some of the fascinating characters and events that are part of the history and the role of music in our lives.

The performances have received enthusiastic reviews from those in attendance. Sarah Swifter, the Director of MAGMA in Gloucester, MA, where the program was presented in November of 2019 writes:

“A Journey Through the Roots of American Popular Music” by Jon Waterman is a unique performance experience combining music history, storytelling, and original songs inspired by his research. Waterman successfully transforms fascinating tales from history into an evening-length performance that feels personal, contemporary, and politically relevant. A must see for anyone interested in American history or American music!” – Sarah Swifter, Director, MAGMA – Gloucester, MA (November, 2019)

This program is paid for by proceeds from the Lisa Giguere & Ralph Tuttle Endowment Fund. It will take place in the Androscoggin Community Room at the Auburn Public Library. Registration is not required.

For more information about this and other programs offered at the Auburn Public Library, visit their website at www.auburnpubliclibrary.org or call the Reference Desk at 207-333-6640, ext. 4

LEWISTON, ME — Central Maine Medical Center’s (CMMC) soon-to-be new neighbor is already making a positive impact.

cPort Credit Union is preparing to open its doors this fall at its Lewiston location on Main Street, directly across the street from CMMC. In a show of support for the hospital and its team members, cPort has generously given CMMC a $10,000 donation, reinforcing its commitment to community well-being, even before its official launch.

“We are excited to be partnering with Central Maine Medical Center,” said Gene Ardito, CEO of cPort Credit Union. “This collaboration represents an important milestone as we work together to better serve this region. We are particularly enthusiastic about being partners and neighbors, contributing to the strong sense of community in the Lewiston-Auburn area.” 

“This partnership with Central Maine Medical Center underscores our commitment to our community’s well-being by supporting both financial and physical health,” said Kelsey Marquis, President of cPort Credit Union. “Together, we can work towards ensuring a healthy future for all area residents.”

“We are grateful to cPort Credit Union for their generous $10,000 donation to support our Corporate Partnership Program,” said Lisa Lavallee, Development Director at Central Maine Healthcare. “This contribution will directly impact our ability to provide vital services and resources to our patients and team members. Their commitment to our mission strengthens our community and enables CMMC to continue delivering exceptional care.”

For more information on Central Maine Healthcare’s Corporate Partnership program, please contact System Director of Philanthropy Lisa LaVallee at 207-795-2685 or giving@cmhc.org.

Pictured left to right: Sophia Giancotti, Marketing Manager, cPort, Kelsey Marquis, President of cPort, Lisa Lavallee, System Director of Philanthropy, Central Maine Healthcare, Kara Johnson, Senior Vice President of Business and Community Development, Central Maine Healthcare, Dick Kropp, Chief People Officer, Central Maine Healthcare, Gene Ardito, CEO of cPort, Mandy Hill, Marketing and Communications Coordinator of cPort