PHOTO ESSAY BY KATIE JOHNSON
Looking for live music? Andy’s Old Port Pub is locally famous for having music every night of the week. Owners and Great Diamond Island residents Rick Frantz and Jennifer Fox’s support music draws performers from all over the state, country and occasionally beyond.
“We’ll see people from Canada,” said Fox. “We had a guitar player from Switzerland, and then all over the country. Our artists travel, too. Portland artists go out West and they hear about us from one another when someone asks, ‘Where’s a good place to perform in Portland?’ We get a lot of word of mouth.”
Andy’s hosts quite several Americana and bluegrass-style bands, as well as some more bluesy and folk artists. There are acts that have a weekly slot, like David Beam & the Custom House Gang, and some that play once a month. Most of the performers simply call in seeking an available night.
Regardless of who’s playing, the music keeps your feet tapping and inspires some to get up and dance. Each group comes with its own set of fans and friends, sometimes even bringing along a musical guest or two.
“It’s so much fun seeing such a mixed crowd here, all enjoying the music together,” Fox said. “The biggest thing we have to be thankful for is that Portland is a very artistic and very talented community.”
