Rooted in real stories from members of Maine's immigrant community, this concert explores themes of home, identity, loss, courage, and belonging through seven original documentary songs. Local musicians collaborated with immigrant storytellers to create original songs that blend personal narratives with multiple musical traditions. The result is a unique fusion of documentary and artistry that brings these important stories to life through melody and verse.

The songs featured are all written using the Documentary Songwriting Method, a unique step-by-step method of collaborative songwriting that builds connection, empathy, and a shared sense of humanity. The Documentary Songwriting Method breaks down the creative process to allow anyone, regardless of their musical background, to transform a personal story into a meaningful song.

Mixing live performances, interviews with the original storytellers, and opportunities for audience engagement, "Voices of Maine" creates a multifaceted experience that invites listeners to connect with each other through stories, music, and open dialogue.

Immediately following the performance, join the musicians, storytellers, and community members for a discussion about the themes explored in the songs and the impact of immigrant voices in Maine's cultural landscape.

Open to all ages. Parents discretion advised, songs contain mature themes relating to faith-based killings and AIDS.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Voices of Maine, is collaboration between the Immigrant Music Connection and Documentary Songwriters that brings together storytellers, musicians, and audiences to explore the diverse experience within Maine through music. The project is guided by following principles:

• Authenticity: Each song is based on a real story, told by a member of Maine's immigrant community.

• Collaboration: Local musicians work directly with storytellers to ensure their experiences are represented accurately and respectfully.

• Accessibility: The power of music allows these stories to connect with audiences across language and cultural barriers.

• Community Engagement: Through Q&A sessions and discussions, the project aims to foster understanding and connection within the broader Maine community.

The project team includes musicians, storytellers, and community organizers committed to amplifying immigrant voices and fostering cross-cultural understanding through the universal language of music.

ABOUT THE MUSICIANS

Jenny Van West is an Americana artist and the founder of the IMC Portland which builds community with recent immigrants through music, and the International Open Mic at Mayo Street Arts. She also produces the twice-weekly national music podcast Postcards.

Will Foote is a vocalist and songwriter who has been instrumental in bringing documentary songs to new communities. Along with writing and performing, Will also trains musicians in the Documentary Songwriting Method. He is a graduate of Brewster Academy and of St. Lawrence University. Will wants to write documentary songs with people who have learning differences, as well as people who feel alienated in their communities.

Will Foote is a vocalist and songwriter who has been instrumental in bringing documentary songs to new communities. Along with writing and performing, Will also trains musicians in the Documentary Songwriting Method. He is a graduate of Brewster Academy and of St. Lawrence University. Will wants to write documentary songs with people who have learning differences, as well as people who feel alienated in their communities.

Known for his exceptional voice and passionate performances, singer and multi-instrumentalist Lukebana has been performing since he was a child in Angola. He lives and works in Portland, Maine, and loves to collaborate with other writers and musicians

Vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, recording artist, teacher and performer Aaron Seglin has been making music since childhood. Blind from birth, his encyclopedic knowledge of music in all of its forms, and his direct, loving, thorough and sometimes humorous approach to teaching and collaborating make him a favorite with his students and colleagues. He is a 20-year founding member with Bill Binford of the widely-loved Maine-based roots band 13 Scotland Road and a member of the Portland international fusion band Bondeko. He is vocalist-in-residence, music teacher and coach with Jenny Van West at the Immigrant Music Connection located at Studio 224 in Portland, Maine.

ABOUT DOCSONG

Documentary Songwriters connect teaching artists and storytellers from around the world to transform personal stories into meaningful songs. Through the art of documentary songwriting, we are building a world where shared stories and music connect us to each other, creating thriving communities committed to deep listening, empathy, and mutual care. DocSong has ongoing projects writing songs with members of Portland’s immigrant community, survivors of domestic violence, and people who are incarcerated. For more information, please visit www.docsong.org

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Saturday, October 12 at 7:00 PM (doors at 6:30 PM), approximately 90 minutes

Tickets are available for free by donation ($15 suggested).

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PAY WHAT YOU CAN

No one will be turned away from MSA events for lack of funds; please contact us at 207-879-4629 or info@mayostreetarts.org to learn more and reserve tickets. Our box office staff are also happy to help.

EVENT PARKING

Free on-street parking is available in Mayo Street Arts’ neighborhood.

There is one paid parking lot conveniently located a six-minute walk from the venue: Top of the Old Port Parking (119 Pearl St, Portland ME 04101)

Mayo Street Arts is accessible by Greater Portland Metro bus routes with nearby transfer points 7, 9A & 9B. Click here to learn more.

ACCESSIBILITY

All performances and most other events held at Mayo Street Arts are wheelchair accessible. There are two accessible spots directly in front of our building, however there is not yet a curb cut out at that location.

If you would benefit from additional information or accommodations, we invite you to contact us at info@mayostreetarts.org or 207-879-4629.

COMMUNITY HEALTH

Audience members — in addition to artists, staff & volunteers — who feel sick or exhibit symptoms of illness should stay home out of respect for others.

SEATING POLICY

We will save your reserved seat until showtime, at which point any unclaimed seats may be offered to other people. Please call our box office at 207-879-4629 if you are running late.

CANCELATION POLICY

MSA has a no refund policy for all reservations. In the event that MSA is forced to cancel an event due to weather, illness, etc., refunds will be offered via the Ticket Tailor platform.