Well… That Was a Busy Few Months!
It’s been a while since I’ve sent out an update, and apparently I’ve been making up for lost time. Between family visiting from Scotland, World Cup madness, gigs all over Maine (and a little Boston), festivals, weddings, studio projects, a music video, and one very surreal night at Hadlock Field, there’s been a lot going on.
My parents came over from Scotland for seven weeks this summer, which was incredibly special. Seven weeks sounds like a long visit until you fill practically every day of it! We got them out on the boat a few times, dragged them along to more gigs than they probably ever wanted to attend, traveled all over, and spent loads of time with friends. I think they had a brilliant time, although I suspect they were also quite happy to get home for a bit of peace and quiet!
We had even more Scottish reinforcements arrive when two of my aunts and some friends came over for the World Cup. Scotland may not have won the tournament, but I think it’s fair to say they won a few American hearts—especially in Boston.
Getting to experience all that energy in the city with family and friends from home was something I won’t forget anytime soon. I even wrote an original song for this incredible event!
Lots and Lots of Live Music
As usual, a huge part of the summer has been spent playing music.
I’ve had the chance to play several new venues, including:
Even better, a few of them have already invited me back for multiple gigs, so you’ll be seeing those names on the schedule again.
I also had the chance to play at Blue in Portland and Vinegar Hill Music Theater in Arundel alongside some ridiculously talented musicians and bands, including Toby McAllister & The Sierra Sounds, Jacob McCurdy & His Adult Sons, Old Tom & The Lookouts, Bailey’s Mistake, and Jeff Pellerin. One of the best things about the music scene here is getting to share stages with people I admire and call friends.
Oh, man! Festival season has kept me busy as well, with performances at the Standish Spectacular, Fort Halifax, and the Maine Celtic Celebration.
And I’m still holding down my regular residencies:
Ryan’s Corner House in Kennebunkport on Fridays
Dunn Bar in Biddeford on Wednesdays
RiRa in Portland on Sundays
I even made it back down to The Playwright in South Boston for a gig and some World Cup viewing—which seemed only appropriate!
There have also been several private parties and weddings mixed in along the way. Those are always extra special. Getting invited to provide the soundtrack for someone’s celebration is something I never take for granted.
Music for a Good Cause—and a Few Good Parties
I was honored to play a fundraiser benefiting the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association, supporting the people and communities that are such an important part of Maine.
We also celebrated the second annual American Dreams party at Dunn Bar in Biddeford, marking another anniversary of the pub’s ownership. It’s become a brilliant tradition and always a great night.
There have been some bittersweet gigs, too. I’ve been playing farewell shows at Banded Brewing as they prepare to close their doors this year. I’ve made a lot of great memories there, and I’m grateful to have been a small part of the place over the years.
Meanwhile, Back at The Jim…
There’s been a lot happening behind the scenes, too.
The Jim—my studio—has been undergoing some major renovations as I get it ready for a new project I’m really excited about: an upcoming podcast series called Claymore Dogs. There’s plenty more to come on that, but the studio is slowly transforming into the space I’ve imagined.
Of course, I’ve managed to make some music in there along the way.
I recently recorded an awesome cover of Portland Town with my mates Toby McAllister, Troy Bennett, Kris Rodgers, and Travis Cote. Getting that group together in my studio was every bit as much fun as you’d imagine, and I hope you've had a chance to hear it. Check it out HERE.
I also rounded up a couple dozen friends at a barn in Kennebunkport to record a music video for my original song Lucky Stars. It was one of those nights where I looked around and thought, how lucky am I to get to do this with all these people? I’m really excited to share the finished video - check it out HERE.
And Then This Happened…
One of the absolute highlights of the summer was getting to do something I never imagined I’d have the chance to do.
I sang the United States National Anthem at a Portland Sea Dogs game.
As a Scotsman who has made a life here in Maine, standing out there at Hadlock Field singing the anthem was a pretty incredible moment. I’ve played a lot of stages over the years, but that one felt different. Definitely one for the memory bank.
Looking back at all of this, it’s been a bit of a whirlwind—but a very good one. I’ve had family and friends from Scotland here, made a lot of music with people I love, played old favorites and new venues, celebrated weddings and milestones, supported some great causes, and somehow found time to tear apart and rebuild a studio in the middle of it all.
And apparently I’m not slowing down anytime soon. Stay tuned as always to see what's next...
As always, thank you to everyone who comes out to the gigs, listens to the music, shares a post, brings a friend, hires me for a party or wedding, or just stops by to say hello. I get to do what I do because you keep showing up, and I’m incredibly grateful for it.
There are plenty more gigs ahead, so check out my schedule online and come say hello somewhere along the way.
See you out there!
Ross
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