This season's Waterfront Concerts lineup is their biggest ever, with a wide variety of acts spanning all manner of musical genres and that's just at the Darling's Waterfront Pavilion. WFC also has shows happening at the Maine State Pier in Portland and a number of other venues.
Alex Gray is the man in charge for Waterfront Concerts.
'We hope the WFC fans love this year's lineup as much as we do,' Gray said via email. 'It's by far one of the most diverse and the largest in our seven-year history.'
Gray went on to mention some of WFC's venue changes moving forward.
'We are working with the city staff and ultimately the council to make several improvements to the venue,' he said, 'but for the most part, improvements this year were focused on the artists and backstage access. As our plans are approved, we will implement these improvements as fast as possible.'
When asked about acts he was personally excited for, Gray offered up a diverse list.
'Hall & Oates, TTB (Tedeschi Trucks Band), Rise Above Fest, Blink-182,' he said. 'Of course, always a huge fan of Dave [Matthews] and excited for [Jimmy] Buffett.'
As you can see just from that selection barely a quarter of the overall list there's likely going to be something for just about every musical taste coming to the waterfront this summer.
Here's a look ahead to WFC's 2016 summer by the river. For tickets or more information about any of these shows, visit waterfrontconcerts.com.
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{gallery}WFC 2016 Cover Story{/gallery}
June
Dierks Bentley, with Randy Houser and Cam and Tucker Beathard (June 4)
The 'Somewhere On A Beach' tour named for the lead single from Dierks Bentley's latest studio album 'Black' brings first-rate vocalist Randy Houser, the Grammy-nominated Cam and the multitalented Tucker Beathard to the WFC stage before Bentley, one of the biggest names in country music today, closes the show.
Dave Matthews Band (June 8)
Dave Matthews has been to the Waterfront before and there's no reason to think that this latest show will be any less well-attended. They are one of the most beloved touring acts currently going; audiences can expect the usual display of showmanship and quality performance. If you've seen Dave before, see him again, and if you haven't, wellhere's your chance.
Dixie Chicks with Anderson East (June 16)
The Dixie Chicks have dealt with their share of controversy over the years, but there's no disputing the impact they have had on the world of country music. The multi-platinum, 13-time Grammy-winning trio will bring their own unique sound to the Bangor stage. Joined by rising star Anderson East, this show promises to be a big one.
Dolly Parton (June 18)
When talking about who might be considered the grande dame of country music, then Dolly Parton has to be on the short list. The 'Pure and Simple' tour brings the most decorated woman in country music history to the Bangor waterfront; this is an opportunity to experience a country legend in person and hear some of the most beloved songs in the genre's history.
Journey and the Doobie Brothers with special guest Dave Mason (June 22)
You'd be hard-pressed to find many American rock bands more successful than Journey; they've got a list of Top-40 hits as long as your arm. Add to that classic rock mainstays The Doobie Brothers 48 million albums sold and you've got as good a one-two punch as you're likely to find. Toss in the legendary Dave Mason and you're looking at a rocking good time.
Florida Georgia Line, Cole Swindell, The Cadillac Three and Kane Brown (June 23)
The award-winning Florida Georgia Line is headlining the 'Dig Your Roots' tour and bringing it to Bangor. Expect the dup to tear up the WFC stage with the help of quality young country acts like singer/songwriters Cole Swindell and Kane Brown and the Southern rock stylings of The Cadillac Three. It's a great collection of hot young talent that is sure to satisfy.
Def Leppard, REO Speedwagon and Tesla (June 24)
'Pour Some Sugar On Me.' 'Can't Fight This Feeling.' 'Signs.' These classics and others are what you can expect when these three long-admired acts take to the WFC stage. Anyone with any love in their hearts for the 1980s is going to absolutely love this show featuring a trio of phenomenal examples of the era's most popular bands. Good stuff.
Kenny Chesney and Old Dominion (July 9)
Kenny Chesney is one of the biggest touring acts in music today. Few artists country or otherwise can match the massive spectacles and huge turnouts generated by Chesney. There will be more of the same with his return to the Bangor waterfront. He'll be joined by the excellent Old Dominion, but really, it doesn't matter who he tours with. You know he's going to put on one hell of a show.
Hall & Oates, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue (July 14)
Just about everyone is going to have a favorite show among the many that WFC has assembled for Bangor this summer. This one is mine. I have an enduring affection for the music of Hall & Oates anyway, but when you fill out the bill with musical giants like Sharon Jones and Trombone Shorty, you've got something special. Chances are good that you'll see me there.
Tedesci Trucks Band with Los Lobos and North Mississippi Allstars (July 15)
The Tedeschi Trucks Band is leading the way on the 'Wheels of Soul 2016' tour. They're considered among the best roots musicians in the business, with Derek Trucks noted as one of the world's greatest guitarists. They've got a pair of exceptional acts joining them, with Los Lobos and the North Mississippi Allstars taking part. There's an exciting craft brewery collaboration as well. You can't go wrong.
Luke Bryan with Little Big Town and Dustin Lynch (July 17)
Luke Bryan arguably the biggest thing currently going in country music is bringing his 'Kill The Lights' tour to the Darling's Waterfront Pavilion. Considered one of the best entertainers in the business, Bryan will bring his signature swagger to the stage. He'll be joined by the swinging harmonies of Little Big Town, as well as singer/songwriter Dustin Lynch. This'll be a big one.
Toby Keith (July 21)
Toby Keith is one of the giants of the country music scene. He's been a superstar for the entirety of the 21st century. And he's still going strong; his 'Interstates & Tailgates' tour promises to bring the party to the waterfront. No one does it quite like Toby; his persona and his performance are both larger than life. The ground will be shaking as he shows concertgoers a foot-stomping good time.
Bryan Adams (July 28)
Bryan Adams - everyone's favorite Canadian - is coming to Bangor. The 'Get Up' tour is in celebration of the singer's 13th album of the same name, though fans can likely anticipate hearing at least a few of their favorites from the extensive and beloved Adams catalog and there are plenty of favorites to choose from, considering that Adams has sold over 65 million albums.
Darius Rucker with Dan + Shay and Michael Ray (July 29)
If you're like me, you're never going to stop calling Darius Rucker 'Hootie.' However, Rucker has definitely built an exceptional solo career; his 'Good For A Good Time' tour seems likely to live up to the promise made by its title. With hot young acts like Dan + Shay and Michael Ray joining the fun, it seems impossible that you WON'T have a good time.
Counting Crows & Rob Thomas (Aug. 3)
This show promises to be interesting, featuring as it does such a prominent pair of co-headliners. Counting Crows have been a force on the rock scene since the early 1990s, while Thomas has built a strong solo career after his early work with Matchbox 20. For those with a 90s kind of sensibility, this show promises to be a whole lot of fun.
Fifth Harmony with Jack & Jack and Victoria Monet (Aug. 5)
Fifth Harmony is one of the hottest girl groups in the business right now, so it's no surprise that they're bringing their '7/27' tour to the WFC stage. They'll be joined by pop-rap Vine stars Jack & Jack and singer/songwriter Victoria Monet. If you're looking for a chance to check out the next big thing, this might just be the show for you.
Rise Above Fest (Aug. 6)
Rise Above has been one of the most enduring shows of the Waterfront Concert series. This year's lineup features fest founders Seether and hard rock giants Disturbed, as well as Volbeat, Alter Bridge, Killswitch Engage and a handful of other bands. Not just a good time, Rise Above Fest raises money for SAVE (Suicide Awareness Voices of Education), a leading not-for-profit organization devoted to raising public awareness of mental illness and suicide prevention. Great show for a great cause.
Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band (Aug. 18)
This is one that Alex Gray and company have been working toward for a very long time. Happily, the wait is over as music legend Jimmy Buffet brings his Coral Reefer Band to Bangor as part of the 'I Don't Know' tour. Buffett will welcome his legions of loyal Parrotheads to the waterfront and bring one of the biggest parties in the entire music business to our backyard.
Miranda Lambert with Kip Moore and Brothers Osborne (Aug. 21)
Miranda Lambert is yet another megawatt country superstar coming to the Darling's Waterfront Pavilion this summer. She's scored massive hit after massive hit and is considered by many to be the best female vocalist in the country music world right now and she's on her way to Bangor. The show will also feature the rootsy sounds of singer/songwriter Kip Moore and the eclectic work of the Brothers Osborne.
Blink-182 with A Day To Remember, All Time Low & DJ Spider (Sept. 3)
Blink-182 has been offering up their signature blend of punk-pop for over 20 years; they're touring in support of their seventh studio album, out in July. They've got more than 50 million albums sold and a defining sound. Joining them will be rockers A Day To Remember and pop-punks All Time Low, as well as noted EDM figure DJ Spider. It'll be loud and fast and lots of fun.
Rascal Flatts with Kelsea Ballerini & Chris Lane (Sept. 4)
Closing out WFC's summer of 2016 is this show featuring one of the most acclaimed country acts of the 21st century. Rascal Flatts will be bringing their unique high-energy show to the waterfront and showing the audience why they've sold over 7 million concert tickets. Joining them will be up-and-coming singers Kelsea Ballerini and Chris Lane; it promises to be a strong finish to a strong season on the banks of the Penobscot.
(For tickets or more information on upcoming Waterfront Concerts shows, visit their website at waterfrontconcerts.org.)
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WFC events in Portland
Maine State Pier
Kenny Rogers with Linda Davis & The Jason Spooner Band Duo (May 24)
Hot 104.7 Summer Hot Show with Fat Joe, Post Malone, Ty Dolla $ign and Niykee Heaton (June 4)
Jackson Browne (June 9)
Rebelution (June 12)
Taste of Chaos: Dashboard Confessional with Taking Back Sunday and special guests Saosin and The Early November (June 15)
WCYY presents AWOLNATION with Death From Above 1979 & Irontom (June 21)
Barenaked Ladies Last Summer on Earth Tour 2016 with OMD and Howard Jones (June 24)
Josh Turner with special guest Raquel Cole (June 25)
Whitesnake (June 26)
Melissa Etheridge M.E. Solo (July 2)
The Beach Boys and the Temptations (July 7)
Lee Brice (July 8)
311 Unity Tour 2016 with Matisyahu (July 17)
Slightly Stoopid with SOJA, Zion I, The Grouch & Eligh (July 21)
Joe Walsh with special guest JD & The Straight Shot (July 28)
George Thoroughgood Badder Than Ever Tour with special guest Mike Eldred Trio (Aug. 5)
Phillip Phillips and Matt Nathanson with A Great Big World (Aug. 7)
Gov't Mule & Blackberry Smoke (Aug. 11)
Hunter Hayes (Aug. 12)
Bush and Chevelle (Aug. 13)
Dark Star Orchestra (Aug. 14)
Flogging Molly with Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls and Chuck Ragan (Aug. 16)
Goo Goo Dolls with Collective Soul and Tribe Society (Aug. 17)
The Band Perry (Aug. 18)
Bonnie Raitt (Aug. 19)
Blues Traveler and the Wallflowers with G. Love & Special Sauce and Howie Day (Aug. 28)
Gavin DeGraw and Andy Grammer (Sept. 1)
WBLM presents ZZ Top (Sept. 4)
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Cross Insurance Arena
Phish (July 6)
Nick Jonas and Demi Lovato (July 9)
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Merrill Auditorium
WCLZ presents Colvin & Earle (July 17)
Celtic Thunder (Aug. 27)
Nick Offerman and Megan Mullaly (Aug. 30)
