The DRA Great Salt Bay Music Fest: Roots, Rock n’ Reggae

A Rasta Peace Patch turns any outfit into a reggae celebration!

One of our favorite local Maine events is back and better than ever! The Roots, Rock n' Reggae Fest is a musical extravaganza of good vibes and great tunes, taking place at one of our very favorite places--the Salt Bay Farm in Damariscotta! Owned by the Damariscotta River Association, the Salt Bay Farm is on 100 acres of protected land in the Great Salt Bay. The Damariscotta River Association is an awesome organization, dedicated to preserving and promoting the natural, cultural, and historical heritage of the Damariscotta River and surrounding areas. Many of the places we love to hike in the midcoast are being protected and maintained by the DRA---in short, they rock!

Last year's Reggae by the Bay celebration was awesome, and we are super psyched for this year's event, taking place this Saturday, July 23 from 10:30AM to 5:00PM. A fun event for the whole family, there is great food, tasty drinks, and awesome music surrounded by the gorgeous backdrop of stunning fields and forest.

Singer/songwriter Bruce Hardina will get the party started at 11:00AM, with his warm melodies and insightful lyrics easing the crowd into an awesome day as his tunes skip and tumble from reflective to rockin'.

Following Hardina's mellow grooves, the New Rangers will take the stage at noon with their unique blend of folk and country-roots rock.

Gypsy Tailwind will rock your socks off at 1:30, playing soulful Americana with a modern twist. See them performing their original song "Spirits" below:



Next up is some awesome reggae with festival favorite Beat Horizon. Known for their high-energy reggae, there is no way you will be able to listen to this band without getting up and grooving!



Mexicali Blues is proud to be sponsoring this event with other local businesses, and all proceeds support the conservation and education work of the Damariscotta River Association. "Tickets are on sale now at Maine Coast Bookstore in Damariscotta, Mexicali Blues in Newcastle, and also at DRA headquarters at 110 Belvedere Road in Damariscotta. Prices are $20 in advance, $25 at the gate, children 12 and under free. A single ticket is good for the entire day, granting access to all four performances. This year, hoping to make the concert more accessible to teens and young adults, the DRA will offer a special student price of $10 in advance and $15 at the gate. Volunteers are needed and receive free admission and a t-shirt." More info can be found at the DRA website.

Come join us for a fun and fabulous day of awesome music and great times! We hope to see you there!

Upcoming Events with Mexicali Blues!

See post below for more information about this weekend's concert!

Mexicali Blues Summer Concert: Marie Moreshead & Connor Garvey

Mexicali Blues in Freeport, Maine

It's no secret that Mexicali Blues loves music. Not only is our name taken from a Grateful Dead song, but anyone who has been inside the stores has probably spotted the rather extensive collection of band t-shirts and stickers in the midst of all the gemstone jewelry and Buddha sculptures. Perhaps you have even seen store employees drumming on the counter and grooving a bit to the tunes playing over store speakers as they fold scarves and tapestries.

Over the years, Mexicali has helped to sponsor and arrange concerts by up-and-coming artists, like the Dave Matthews Band who opened for the Samples in 1994. The store sponsored and helped found the Roots & Reggae on the Bay fest, which will be happening again this year on July 31st in Damariscotta. From annual concerts like the Up North Festival or Pier Review to one-off gigs at the Camden and Boothbay Opera Houses, Mexicali owners and employees are always there, ready to rock out and lend a hand where needed.

This year on June 26, Mexicali Blues will be having our first show at one of our own retail locations, on Bow street in Freeport! The two talented musicians who will be rocking your socks off are Connor Garvey and Marie Moreshead, singer/songwriters and musicians extraordinaire.

photo via stay tuned radio

Connor Garvey plays folk-funk on guitar and ukulele, using unexpected rhythms and chord progressions to provide pleasing melodic backgrounds to his smooth and soulful singing. His lyrics are unique and thoughtful, and the yarns he spins will suck you in. Don't be surprised if you find yourself inexplicably smiling and wanting to sing along when you see him play! Check out his MySpace page here.

photo via Portland Press Herald

Marie Moreshead is a pop-folk songstress never without her acoustic guitar, with a sweet and undeniably pretty voice and lyrics that make you see the sunny side of life, even when the words are sad. She was named one of Portland's Top Ten Artists to Watch in 2009, and when you see her live, you will wholeheartedly agree! Legend has it that Moreshead used to work at the Mexicali store in Portland before she took to becoming a full-time music-maker. Visit her lovely website here.

Gather your lawn chairs or blankets, and come join Marie Moreshead, Connor Garvey, and Mexicali Blues on the lawn of the Freeport Store on June 26, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm, for some musical magic, good vibes, and an all-around amazing afternoon!