'We've had so many great nights, it's hard to pick just one, but we recently performed for Yoko Ono in New York City at a WhyHunger benefit. She sat right up in front and sang along and smiled,' Dean said. Dean plays six- and 12-string guitars.
According their website, WhyHunger is an organization that connects people to nutritious, affordable food by supporting grassroots solutions that inspire self-reliance and community empowerment. The Nutopians' website states that they are now affiliated with WhyHunger. The website also states that a portion of the proceeds from concerts as well as 'Imagined' CD sales will be donated to WhyHunger.
Tom Dean says that the band paired up with WhyHunger because 'It seemed a perfect fit to honor John's spirit of activisim and ... Yoko is a big supporter.'
Yoko Ono also had a huge part in the naming of the band. After learning about them through their involvement with WhyHunger, she gave it to them. The band says it is based on 'Nutopia,' the fictitious country that Yoko and John 'founded' in the early 1970s to promote world peace.
Touring with the Nutopians this year is 16-year-old Maggie Coffin. Coffin's father, Robby Coffin, plays in the group as well. This is the second year that Maggie Coffin has done vocals for the ensemble. Coffin says that she started singing 'officially' when she was 11, but remembers singing around the house when she was 3. This is the second band Coffin has been in, her father's being her first. The high school sophomore says balancing school and performing has not been difficult for her, and plans on going to a music-oriented college.
Maggie Coffin is the featured lead vocalist on two songs on the Nutopian's new album 'Lennon Re-Imagined.' Rex Fowler, who is a co-founder of the group as well as a guitar player, says they have been working on the new album for almost two and a half years.
The performance at Jonathan's Restaurant will be a CD release concert. The show begins at 8 p.m., and tickets start at $25. You can purchase tickets by visiting jonathansrestaurant.com or by calling (207) 646-4777. For more information on the Nutopians and other upcoming shows, visit theNutopians.com.
