Maine’s Primo Cubano band to perform at Hawthorne House in Raymond

Portland's Primo Cubano band will bring son, bolero, salsa, cha cha chá and other Cuban dance music to the Hawthorne House next week.

The primo Cubano band will perform son, bolero, cha cha
chá and other Cuban dance music in Raymond during a 
concert at the Hawthorne House at 7 p.m. Thursday,
Aug. 28.SUBMITTED PHOTO  

The public is invited to come and enjoy authentic Maine-made Cuban Music as presented by the popular Primo Cubano at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28.

Primo Cubano, which means Cuban cousins in Spanish, plays traditional Cuban dance music dating back to the turn of the 20th century. The “Son” style of music is the most popular style to come out of Cuba and is the primary contributor to the blend of Latin styles today known as Salsa. It was first a music of the country people of Cuba and eventually migrated to Havana, where it was urbanized and began to draw a wider audience.

Cuban music is a collection of many cultures including Spanish, European, African, and from the indigenous people of Cuba such as the Arawak, Taíno, and the Ciboney. These unique influences helped to create various musical styles such as Son, Bolero, Danzón and Cha Cha Chá.

Danzón music originated in 1879 and became popular in Cuban dance halls. The style combines classical rondo form, an orchestra-like instrumentation known as Orquesta Típica, and the cinquillo rhythm to add an African element. Cha Cha Chá musical attributes feature simple melodies with an easy-to-remember chorus, simple and repetitive harmonic progressions, and repeated rhythm section parts.

Son music developed in eastern Cuba during the late 1800s and arrived in Havana in the early part of the 20th century as a sextet featuring voice, tres, bass, maracas, clave, and the bongo. Son groups traveled to New York City in the 1920s to perform and record and in the 1940s and 1950s, the smaller Son groups grew into Banda Gigantes (Big Bands) and Conjuntos, which eventually helped influence Salsa and Latin Jazz in America and beyond.

The Primo Cubano band has been practicing and performing traditional Cuban music since 2009 in Maine. Their music is well-received wherever they play and earlier this year, they performed in Cuba at the 40th Annual 2025 Havana Jazz Festival. The experience performing at that prestigious event has inspired the group to keep learning and practicing this music they love and to share it with salsa dancers and those who appreciate Cuban dance music in New England, including at the Hawthorne House.

Admission to their Hawthorne House performance in Raymond is $25. Reservation and payment are required prior to the event.

Space is limited for this concert, and tickets are non-refundable.

To order tickets, please go to www.hawthorneassoc.com and follow the links to Primo Cubano Concert.

You may also send a check to Hawthorne Community Association, PO Box 185, South Casco, ME 04077.

For further details about the upcoming Primo Cubano concert in Raymond, call Dan Grotto at 630-624-4121 or send an email to pagrotts@gmail.com. <

Sebago Lake Rockin’ Raft-Up concert to benefit Camp Sunshine

Boaters and music lovers are asked to come out this Sunday for a fun event for a good cause. The Don Campbell Band and the Andi Fawcett Duo will perform for a very special Rockin’ Raft-Up benefit concert on Sebago Lake, raising funds to support the incredible work of Camp Sunshine in Casco.

Performances by the Don Campbell Band
and the Andi Fawcett Duo will highlight
the 2nd Annual Rockin' Raft-Up, a concert
to benefit Camp Sunshine, starting at noon
on Sunday, Aug. 10 at Boater's Beach
(Rich Memorial Beach) in Standish.
SUBMITTED PHOTO     

With the help of the Sebago Boating Club, the 2nd annual Rockin’ Raft-up concert features the Don Campbell Band performing for free at Boaters Beach, with donations welcome, to benefit Camp Sunshine. The concert will be held starting at noon on Sunday, Aug. 10 at Boater's Beach (Rich Memorial Beach) in Standish.

Donations will benefit Camp Sunshine of Casco, Maine This feel-good concert invites boaters to raft-up, float, and enjoy an afternoon of live music, lake vibes, and giving back — all in support of Camp Sunshine, a special retreat for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.

“It’s a chance for the Sebago boating community to come together for a great cause while enjoying what they love most—being on the water, connecting with friends, and great live music!” says organizer Kristen DeQuattro.

Camp Sunshine provides hope, joy and community through unique experiences for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. At its pristine campus on Sebago Lake in Casco, more than 60,000 children, siblings, parents and caregivers from all 50 states and 27 countries have come together for fun-filled, year-round sessions with families just like theirs.

Thanks to the incredible support of donors and volunteers, Camp Sunshine programs are 100 percent free for participants. Camp Sunshine is where families can focus on recharging, together, in a safe space with medical support available and a place where families discover a community who understand, and families find family.

With decades of dedication and expertise, staff and volunteers in each session put families at ease. Families can set their worries aside knowing that there is a physician on site. Camp Sunshine is a place where families can really relax and let staff and volunteers take care of every member of the family.

​Meeting other families who face the same issues, large and small, is a unique benefit of the Camp Sunshine experience. While attending one of the year-round sessions offered at Camp Sunshine, families can enjoy a wide range of activities with up to 40 other families. Whether it’s reaching the top of the climbing wall, swimming in the lake, or enjoying a horse-drawn wagon ride during a winter session, there is fun for every member of the family.

As a musician, Don Campbell’s mandate is to “Always perform for the audience, never at them.” He pleases listeners, venue buyers and event organizers with well-attended and memorable concerts and shows continued strength in music sales.

He is a highly talented multi-instrumentalist and plays acoustic guitar, piano, B3 Organ, bass, electric guitar, nylon string guitar, mandolin and harmonica in recordings. These are all impressively delivered in his latest feature album, The Dust Never Settles, a full-bodied collection of songs about the magnetization of love.

His music has been described as feeling like a friend, a natural extension of the singer-songwriter. Campbell performs nearly 200 shows per year and he resides in Portland.

Andi Fawcett is a seasoned performer and powerhouse vocalist who has been captivating audiences for over two decades. Known for her dynamic stage presence and versatile vocal styling, Andi has fronted a number of beloved acts, including funk-soul favorite Sly Chi, indie-pop outfit Doubting Gravity, and her latest ventures, After Dark – a premier party band that blends cover tunes and soulful originals with a modern edge, and Andi Fawcett Country, which delivers a modern twist on country songs from every decade; rich with harmonies, heartfelt storytelling, and dynamic male/female duets.

While she has a deep passion for writing original music, the foundation of her long-standing career lies in her live performances. Her solo act features a wide-ranging set of popular covers—from current hits to timeless classics. Whether it’s an intimate venue or a lively festival, Andi brings fresh energy and connection to every stage.

The Rockin’ Raft-Up concert on Sebago Lake is free to attend by boat and donations are encouraged and will be collected that day or in advance by going to www.campsunshine.org. Every dollar raised goes directly to Camp Sunshine’s programs, providing hope and healing to families when they need it most.

To make a donation, for specific event details, and concert updates, go to https://charity.pledgeit.org/rockin-raftup or visit www.doncampbellmusic.com. <

Blueberries and Community Spirit to Shine at 2025 Gray Wild Blueberry Festival

The small town of Gray, Maine is gearing up for one of its most anticipated summer events: the 9th Annual Gray Wild Blueberry Festival, set for Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025.

Participants compete in the Pie Eating
Contest during a previous Annual
Gray Wild Blueberry Festival. This
year's festival will be held from 9:30
a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9
at the Henry Pennell Municipal 
Complex in Gray.
COURTESY PHOTO 

Taking place from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Henry Pennell Municipal Complex on Main Street, the festival is expected to draw crowds from all over the state for a full day of family fun, live entertainment, local food, and, of course, plenty of wild blueberries.

The festival, which celebrates Maine’s iconic wild blueberry and the tight-knit community that calls Gray home, has become a hallmark of the summer season. Visitors can look forward to a vibrant lineup of music performances, starting with the Zoot Jumpers at 9:30 a.m., known for their lively swing, jazz, and blues, they’ll be followed by the high-energy ‘80s tribute band Girls Just Want to Have Fun at 11:30 a.m. Closing out the entertainment lineup is Jenny Jumpstart & the Cap Guns, offering a soulful blend of blues and Americana in the mid-afternoon slot.

At the heart of the celebration are the many ways to enjoy blueberries. From pie-eating contests to a competitive dessert bake-off—open to adults and, new for 2025, teens and youth—the event offers multiple chances for attendees to showcase their love for the little blue fruit. These lighthearted competitions are always a crowd favorite, providing laughs and sweet rewards for both participants and spectators.

More than 50 artisans and crafters will set up shop at the festival, offering Maine-made goods ranging from woodcarvings and paintings to handmade jewelry and gourmet food items. A community expo will also take place, featuring local nonprofits, small businesses, and educational displays by groups like the University of Maine Cooperative Extension and Master Beekeepers.

For families, the festival offers a full slate of activities. A dedicated kids’ zone will include a 1/4-mile fun run for children ages 3 to 12, a spelling bee for elementary students, and a wide variety of games and attractions such as inflatables, a dunk tank, sprinklers (weather permitting), and face painting. Young artists will enjoy caricature and henna booths, along with a tie-dye T-shirt tent. Additional attractions include a variety of lawn games.

Food is another central attraction, with an expanded food court featuring savory comfort food and sweet treats alike. Blueberry desserts of every variety will be on offer, as well as a local farmer’s market and a fire truck display, adding to the hometown charm.

Organized by the Gray Wild Blueberry Festival Committee, the event is a nonprofit effort that benefits community programs and local school groups. Free to attend and supported by local sponsors and volunteers, the festival has become a staple of Gray’s summer calendar and a symbol of the town’s enduring community spirit.

Whether you’re coming for the music, the food, the contests, or simply a relaxing day in the sunshine, the 2025 Gray Wild Blueberry Festival promises something for everyone. Mark your calendar for August 9 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and enjoy a day filled with flavor, fun, and a true taste of Maine.

Please note that in the event of severe rain, the festival will be postponed to Sunday, August 10 with same time and schedule.

A handful of offsite parking locations are within walking distance. Please note that no dogs are allowed.

For complete schedule, information, and updates please visit: www.wildblueberries.me/grayfestival. <

Christmas in July Boat Parade lights up Naples Causeway

The 6th annual Naples Christmas in July Boat parade returned to the Naples Causeway on Saturday, July 19 and it made for quite a festive and fun evening for participants and parade viewers.

Holiday decorated boats pass under the Naples Causeway
during the 6th Annual Christmas in July Boat Parade on
Saturday, July 19.  PHOTO BY ED MERCER   

According to event organizer Joanne Jordan, there were 22 boats that registered to participate. The top three decorated boats received a private day with friends and family on Pine Island Retreat on Brandy Pond offered by Randy and Jamie-Lynn Bernard. The first-place winner also received a 4-person float from Sun Sports, and all top three winners received gift certificates from local restaurants.

This year’s first-place winner is a strong competitor who also won first place last year. Jenna and Jerred Newbegin live in Massachusetts but have family in Naples and enjoy the creativity of the event. This year their pontoon boat won by being transformed into the Polar Express, Jordan said.

Second place was won by Phil Audet of Naples with his Searay 40 adorned from bow to stern and a giant Santa climbing up the side.

Third place went to Aliiana Nielson of Harrison with her bowrider depicting a Hawaiian Santa.

The Naples Marine Safety Division and Naples Fire Department were on hand to assure the safety of the participants and the spectators. The Maine Warden Service was also on the water during the event.

The parade started on the west shore of Long Lake and proceeded to the Causeway and under the causeway bridge, following the East Shore of Brandy Pond.

The Christmas in July Boat Parade organizers concentrate the viewing on the causeway because it’s where many people can gather to view the parade and the majority of event sponsors exist.

“Some people who live along the parade route decorate their docks and cheer the parade on,” Jordan said. “There are always requests to be closer to shore or go farther to allow more people who live on the lake to be able to see the parade. There is a balance between safety and how late the participants and the safety departments should be on the water.”

On land, local businesses also supported Christmas in July.

Lakeside Dairy Bar won for the best dressed business with their Christmas decorations and snow maker.

Funds were raised for local charities through the Christmas in July Boat Parade event as well. Glow wands were handed out by volunteers to 400 spectators with a QR code to donate to Raise the Roof initiative looking to build a permanent community center for outreach services.

Parade viewers were also able to make donations for Naples Christmas4Kids in which the Community Resource Council of Naples provides each child with pajamas, socks, underwear, a new toy and a holiday meal for the family.

Some of the sponsors of the event agreed to raise funds for Naples Community Resource Council of Naples Christmas for Kids. Gary’s Olde Towne Tavern made an amazing effort encouraging staff and patrons to get involved and raised $1,470 for the cause.

“This event is unique for this area. There are other boat parades around the country, but the Naples Causeway provides a unique opportunity for this to happen in fresh water with a beautiful viewing area that allows the boats to get up close to the crowds when going under the causeway or visiting one of the waterfront businesses,” Jordan said. “The event is free for boaters to participate and free to watch. It creates a feeling of joy for both groups. We have been lucky to have talented music producers create a fun atmosphere for the crowd while waiting for the boats to arrive and when the boats reach the crowd, everyone is excited, and everyone feels like a kid at Christmas.” <