Greetings!
Read on to hear about the exciting events we have taking place in our venues and public spaces this coming month.
Andy Downs, Director, Public Assembly Facilities
An Evening with Jay Leno Saturday, October 19 @ 8:00pm Merrill Auditorium Tickets are still available to see this acclaimed TV late night show host, admired stand-up comedian, best-selling children’s book author, much-in-demand corporate speaker, TV and movie voice-over artist, pioneering car builder and mechanic, and philanthropist Jay Leno’s late night television ratings domination included two decades as the host of the #1-rated “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno”, and in October of 2015, Leno produced and hosted the CNBC Television series “Jay Leno’s Garage” that recently began it’s 5th season on CNBC.
2019 Holiday Event Sunday, November 17, 10:00am-4:00pm Ocean Gateway This beautiful venue with lovely views of Casco Bay, will be filled with beautiful decorations, lighted Christmas trees and a wide variety of local artisans, crafts, gourmet foods, meet many local businesses and enjoy some new winter fashion and accessories. Both Santa and a Snowman will be on site for photos. There will be a cash bar with fun holiday cocktails.Christmas music, demonstrations, and giveaways will take place throughout the day. Donations of nonperishable food will be appreciated. All food will be donated to local food Pantry. FREE Admission & Parking
Maine Red Claws Opening Home Games at Portland Expo: Friday, November 15 @7:00pm vs Fort Wayne Mad Ants
Sunday, November 17 @1:00pm vs Raptors 905
Saturday, November 23 @7:00pm vs Westchester Knicks The Maine Red Claws is entering its 11th season of NBA G-League basketball, with the season beginning on Nov. 9th at Delaware, and the first home game on Nov. 15th at the Portland Expo. Get your tickets today!
Casablanca Comics presents: Portland Comic Expo 2019 Sunday, October 27, 10:00am-5:00pm Portland Expo The Portland Comic Expo is a comic book convention that is held annually each October. It is a one day event filled with comic dealers, artists, publishers and cosplay. Admission only $5.00!
Join in celebrating the life-changing impact a wish can have on a child and their family. Wish Night raises enough funds to help grant more than 28 wishes to Maine children with critical illnesses. This sparkling evening will include live music, dancing, hors d’oeurves, drinks, and an exciting auction benefiting Make-A-Wish Maine.
Maine Roller Derby Saturday, October 19, Doors @4:30pm Portland Expo Maine Roller Derby is Maine's first women's flat track roller derby league, come see what it's all about!
Casco Bay Wind Symphony presents: Places We Can No Longer Go Wednesday, November 13 @7:00pm Merrill Auditorium Celebrate the 40th anniversary of Casco Bay Wind Symphony with the New England premiere of "Places We Can No Longer Go" by world-renowned composer, John Mackey, in addition to other classic and modern wind symphony repertoire. The Casco Bay Wind Symphony is a non-profit organization of about 75 adult musicians, formed originally in 1980. They are a group of music ambassadors from a variety of musical backgrounds, with a mission to demonstrate that the arts, and music in particular, are a lifelong pursuit and opportunity for enjoyment. They will be joined by USM music students for this concert.
Tony Bennett | The I Left My Heart Tour Thursday, October 24 @7:00pm Merrill Auditorium
Tickets are still available to see this 19-time Grammy Award-winning musician whose music spans over six decades! At the age of 93, Tony Bennett is not slowing down and his latest recording with long-time friend and musical colleague, Diana Krall, "Love is Here to Stay", topped the jazz charts upon its debut and was nominated for a Grammy Award. Tony Bennett’s daughter, Antonia Bennett, has been touring with her father and will open the performance with a collection of jazz/pop standards. Antonia Bennett is a graduate of the prestigious Berklee College of Music.
Spotlight On:
Portland Ovations Presents: Exploring Our World, Main Stage Performances, Music
The Kingdom Choir Saturday, November 9 @8:00pm Merrill Auditorium They say you shouldn’t upstage a bride on her big day, but luckily the Kingdom Choir didn’t get the memo. Their show-stopping performance of “Stand By Me” was the highlight of 2018’s Royal Wedding between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, launching the London-based choir to worldwide fame and acclaim nearly 25 years after their founding by award-winning conductor Karen Gibson. Their recent debut album is a joyful compilation of both the secular and the sacred, interspersing top hits from John Legend, Beyoncé and Coldplay with gospel classics. With a mission to create a sound that resonates in people’s hearts, the Kingdom Choir makes their Maine debut with Ovations.
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Looking to purchase tickets to one of the many exciting shows at Merrill? Don't forget to buy them directly through PortTIX, the only company authorized to sell tickets to our events.
