98.9 WCLZ

05/06/2020

Hi Everyone! This is Brian checking in to let you know that starting at 10 on Friday morning, I will be airing pieces from a conversation I had with Mavis Staples earlier this week. This will be unedited (because everything she said is worth hearing) so you will really feel like you are right there on the phone with her. She's got stories to tell from her time with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., childhood memories from family cookouts where Curtis Mayfield, Mahalia Jackson and even Ray Charles ate, the almost hard to believe story of how she turned down a marriage proposal from Bob Dylan ... TWICE, and she even sings a little for us. Mavis has seen so much in her 80 years and what I can't stop thinking about is how much joy she still carries with her. When you hear her laugh (which she does often) you can't help but smile. I hope you'll join me on Friday.

05/06/2020

Take Action — NIVA | National Independent Venue Association (NIVA)

Earlier this year we shared a story that Rolling Stone Magazine did about how great of a music town Portland has become. It is in large part because of the venues we have in town and they need our help. Let your voice be heard.

05/01/2020

Thanks to our friends at Atlantic Records and Pat’s Pizza in Brunswick, WCLZ was able to deliver 200 box lunches to workers on the front lines at Mid Coast Hospital in Brunswick. It’s our way of saying thank you for the important work being done by health care workers in our community.

Thanks to our friends at Atlantic Records and Pat’s Pizza in Brunswick, WCLZ was able to deliver 200 box lunches to workers on the front lines at Mid Coast Hospital in Brunswick. It’s our way of saying thank you for the important work being done by health care workers in our community.

04/30/2020

04/30/2020

Tune in at 6pm EST for Stay Strong At Home With The Ghost of Paul Revere featuring all 5 members of The Ghost, streamed from their separate quarantined locations! Proceeds generated will go towards the Stay Strong Foundation
Donate Here:

PayPal- [email protected]
Venmo- @ghostofpaulrevere

Presented by State Theatre, Portland, Maine and 98.9 WCLZ

04/30/2020

REVERB's Quarantine Kitchen (Ep 3: Tyler from Barenaked Ladies)

Join us this Thursday at 5pm EST for the third installment of REVERB's Quarantine Kitchen, a live video series where we bring on some of our favorite artists, celebrities, and more to share sustainable recipes, talk about music, and chat about life in quarantine!

This week, we're thrilled to have Tyler Stewart from Barenaked Ladies on the show teaching us to make Curried Root Vegetables.

Get caught up on the first two episodes of REVERB's Quarantine Kitchen on Youtube: www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLL8Pk38fW6I7I3TUD65XrEcj--qUCksy3

04/30/2020

Tune in at 6pm EST for Stay Strong At Home With The Ghost of Paul Revere featuring all 5 members of The Ghost, streamed from their separate quarantined locations! Proceeds generated will go towards the Stay Strong Foundation
Donate Here:

PayPal- [email protected]
Venmo- @ghostofpaulrevere

Presented by State Theatre, Portland, Maine and 98.9 WCLZ

04/30/2020

Mavis Staples: 'When We Come Out of This, We Will Be Much Better People'

Here's a wonderful new interview with Mavis Staples in Rolling Stone. We hope this puts on smile on your face today

"I listen to Yola, because she just gave me her CD. She is great, I’ll tell you. I love her. And what’s the name of my cute little girl, she and I just did a song together… Norah Jones! I like her."

Staples is listening to Prince and Marvin Gaye, and praying for the world

04/29/2020

Join us this Thursday at 5pm EST for the third installment of REVERB's Quarantine Kitchen, a live video series where we bring on some of our favorite artists, celebrities, and more to share sustainable recipes, talk about music, and chat about life in quarantine!

This week, we're thrilled to have Tyler Stewart from Barenaked Ladies on the show teaching us to make Curried Root Vegetables.

Get caught up on the first two episodes of REVERB's Quarantine Kitchen on Youtube: www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLL8Pk38fW6I7I3TUD65XrEcj--qUCksy3

04/29/2020

Dead Gowns

I wouldn't say mundane ... more like zen.

And now for the mundane teaser 🐶 ☕️. New music out this Friday, 5/1, and a digital concert (An Evening with Dead Gowns) with State Theatre, Portland, Maine and 98.9 WCLZ on Sat, 5/2.

04/28/2020

Retail - #WeAreMaineStrong

Hot Tubs, Stoves, Jewelry, Furniture, Socks, Books, Plants. Our listings under “Retail” on We Are Maine Strong cover a BROAD range of goods and services. With over 140 Maine businesses to choose from, there is surely something that you might need during a pandemic! While many of these businesses aren’t open for in-store business, you can show your support checking them out online and placing orders through their websites, or buying a gift card to use on a later date. #WeAreMaineStrong

Add Listing Manage Listing

04/27/2020

Spencer Albee's Livestream of Consciousness

In case you missed it on Saturday! Also - a perfect soundtrack to bring some light to your dreary Monday.

Original stream date 04-25-20 Presented by statetheatreportland.com and WCLZ HOW TO SUPPORT SPENCER: PAYPAL: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xcl...

04/27/2020

Get ready for more live music this week!

We're getting the band back together...virtually! Join us this Thursday, 4/30 at 6 PM ET for Stay Strong At Home With The Ghost of Paul Revere, a Facebook Live event featuring ALL 5 band members, streamed from separate quarantined locations.

The stream will be donation-based, with proceeds going towards benefiting the Stay Strong Foundation.

RSVP: Stay Strong At Home With The Ghost of Paul Revere

Presented by State Theatre, Portland, Maine & 98.9 WCLZ

04/27/2020

Dr. Anthony Fauci Cold Open - SNL

Did you catch SNL this past weekend? Brad Pitt starred in one of the best cold opens in that show's history, as Dr. Anthony Fauci. https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=uW56CL0pk0g&feature=emb_logo

Dr. Anthony Fauci (Brad Pitt) addresses the public to decipher the coronavirus misinformation President Trump has been spreading. Subscribe to SNL: https://g...

04/24/2020

Please join us in wishing our fearless leader, Randi Kirshbaum, a happy birthday today! We are safely celebrating at the proper distance over here. We'd love to hear your favorite Randi story!

04/20/2020

Join us this Thursday at noon for a special edition of Live from the Archives with The Marcus King Band proudly supported by Bull Moose.
Listen online -> https://v7player.wostreaming.net/7911

04/17/2020

Makers/Artisans – #WeAreMaineStrong

Our Makers/Artisans section on We Are Maine Strong is like walking into a virtual craft fair! Show your support for over 50 artists all across Maine by purchasing a gift for a loved one today!

Add Listing Manage Listing Filters 59 Items Found View As GridListMap Sort By A to Z (title)Z to A (title)Latest listingsOldest listingsPopular listingsRandom listings My Business Has Gift Cards Available for PurchaseYesNo Reset Filters ANGELROX | SUGER 271 Commercial Street, Portland, ME, USA 207.6...

04/17/2020

Portland Artist Relief Fund

There is a new fund up and running to help out artists in the local community get through this trying time. Some in the community are pitching in to help where they can. Musician Joel Thetford Band has generously announced that half the online sales revenue from his latest live album will go to support Creative Portland and its Artists Relief Fund. Please consider donating if you can.

04/15/2020

It's never too late to celebrate an anniversary! 10.19.19 - The Mallett Brothers Band celebrated their 10th anniversary with a blowout at the State Theatre, Portland, Maine. This Friday at noon, join Brian as we take a listen to a few of the gems recorded on that historical night. We miss live music and we know you do too. So lace up those dancin' shoes and walk over to your radio and turn it up nice and loud.

04/15/2020

Watch a 4-year-old Newburyport boy sing an uplifting rendition of Bob Marley’s ‘Three Little Birds’

4-year old Rylyn Clark, from Newburyport, Massachusetts, says "every little thing gonna be alright". I believe him!
https://www.boston.com/culture/lifestyle/2020/04/09/4-year-old-newburyport-boy-rylyn-clark-bob-marley-song

"His sweet message seemed to resonate."

04/14/2020

We are happy to announce a few more shows from home!

**JUST ANNOUNCED** The State Theatre and 98.9 WCLZ present two upcoming digital concerts with the collaborators behind Bell Systems:

Sat. April 25 - Spencer Albee's Livestream of Consciousness

Sat. May 2 - An Evening with Dead Gowns

Streaming live right here at State Theatre, Portland, Maine Facebook

Keep an eye out for another Bell Systems announcement coming soon from the State Theatre...

04/14/2020

Food & Beverage – #WeAreMaineStrong

Our Food and Beverage page on We Are Maine Strong boasts over 170 listings of local restaurants, farms, corner stores, coffee shops, breweries, and more! And we’re talking ALL over Maine- from Ogunquit to Greenville, there is a business in the food and beverage industry looking for your support! Check out what’s near you today, and what they’re doing during these tough times to make your favorite meals and drinks more accessible! #WeAreMaineStrong

Add Listing Manage Listing Restaurants, Bakeries, Coffee Shops and Quick-Stops have all kinds of great options to go! See who has delivery, takeout, and curbside service available today. For more up-to-date information on a host of delicious take-out schedules… click here! Filters 192 Items Found ...

04/10/2020

We Are Maine Strong features over 70 Maine businesses with the center focus of wellness. While not all places are currently open to the public, many businesses are taking steps to transform their in-person services to virtual ones. We are all going through it- whether it’s physical, mental, or spiritual, so carve out some time today to see what businesses around Maine are doing to keep your wellness a priority. Check them out below! #wearemainestrong

https://wearemainestrong.com/wellness/

04/10/2020

Opinion | Jason Isbell: John Prine Taught Me to Stay Vulnerable

Hope you don't mind that we throw another Prine story your way. This one comes from Jason Isbell and boy does it hit home.

"Once while performing onstage with John, I noticed him glance down past his Italian driving shoes to check the digital clock on the floor, and he saw me notice. He leaned in and whispered, 'I wish we had more time.'"

If the artist’s job is to hold a mirror up to society, John had the cleanest, clearest mirror of anyone.

04/09/2020

A great spotlight on one of the awesome places that makes Maine, well, Maine. What has been your go to take out lately?

Repost from #InsideWomensWork @elledarcy
.
.
Natalie “Figgy” Dibenedetto is the chef and owner of Figgy's Takeout and Catering in Portland, Maine.

While Figgy’s is a fixture in our incredible food scene, and her business model has always been take-out driven, Figgy states, “I’ve never worked harder or been busier in my life, but helping out the city we love means the world to us.” Figgy starts cooking very early each morning and doesn’t get home to see her 13 year old son until about 9pm each evening. Figgy is fervent that everything she and her staff cook is made by hand—which costs more and takes more time—but she believes it’s absolutely worth it.

Due to the pandemic, Figgy has had to put a $35 minimum on all orders, but is always willing to barter or forgive those that can’t reach the minimum. Along with that, she often notifies her followers on social media of free meals that she makes available to those that can’t afford food. Figgy has been able to keep her same five staff members on since the beginning too, “This job is hard right now physically and mentally and none of us (including this boss lady) make much more than $15 an hour. Tipping truly helps us out especially during hard times like these!” Figgy knows this sentiment is echoed deeply throughout the service and hospitality industries in our country.

By 4pm on days they’re open, Figgy is already working her way through about 15 take-out orders, “All of our takeout packaging is biodegradable and we convert our oil into biofuel. We’re doing our part to not make a big impact environmentally.” Her sign in front also encourages people to maintain social distancing guidelines and to keep a thoughtful space between them and the take-out window.

Figgy and her business were nominated for Inside Women’s Work numerous times, “Her video posts through this crisis have been uplifting and funny, and Figgy has truly shown how she has been a beacon of kindness for those struggling in this time. I can’t begin to fathom what her personal journey has been through this time, but she continues to show her positivity throughout,” one submission emailed.

#InsideWomensWork

04/08/2020

Randy Newman - Stay Away

Great to hear some new music from Randy Newman on a day like today. "If you're angry about something, let it go"

Stay Away Venus in sweatpants That's who you are And when this mess is over I'll buy you a car We'll drive that car So fast and so far All your stupid friend...

04/08/2020

John Prine Endures, With a Half-Smile and a Song

Thanks to Tim for sharing stories and spinning songs this morning from John Prine. I'll keep the Prine Time rolling through the morning and afternoon with a song at the top of every hour and I'm digging around for a few songs for a special Live from the Archives. - Brian

From the NYT piece from 2016:
The joy he finds in his continuing presence is evident, but Mr. Prine is too fine a writer to reduce his post-cancer worldview to Hallmark bromides. He does allow, though, that his illnesses forced him to reckon with who he was, exactly.

And what did he learn?

“That I’m a pretty good guy to hang around with,” he said.

Mr. Prine, closing in on 70 and after two bouts with cancer, is still on the road, singing heartfelt songs like “Paradise” and “Hello in There.”

04/08/2020

John Prine, One of America's Greatest Songwriters, Dead at 73

John Prine has left us. https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/john-prine-obit-253684/amp/

Grammy-winning singer who combined literary genius with a common touch succumbs to coronavirus complications

04/07/2020

Back in June 2015 Spoon played a gig over at State Theatre, Portland, Maine. Just down the street Maine's own Jeff Beam's Loudspeaker Wallpaper was doing a special Spoon tribute at Empire. After Spoon wrapped up its show, the band surprised Beam and the rest of the Empire audience by dropping in on the tribute set. Fast forwarded two summers and Spoon was back in town for a show at the State with The New Pornographers and this time Beam was invited to play the big room as the first act on stage that night. Thanks to Beam's generosity we will bring you his full opening set performance this Thursday at noon for a special Live from the Archives.

Photo: July 22nd show by Dylan Verner

Read more from the June 2015 surprise -> https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/inside-spoons-cover-band-crashing-surprise-set-36677/

04/06/2020

Tim here.
If you know me, you know I'm not an "inspirational" music kinda guy.
My favorite band, Phish, is not an "inspirational" band.
But do yourself a favor and take a few minutes this morning, just after 8, to listen to their new song "Leaves" here on WCLZ.

Breathe.

04/04/2020

Weakened Friends

We miss live music ... thanks to Weakened Friends and State Theatre, Portland, Maine for the show tonight!

"Where The Heart Is" a digital concert with Weakened Friends - presented by State Theatre, Portland, Maine and 98.9 WCLZ !!! We'll be bringing the rock and or roll right from our home to yours!

04/03/2020

Goggles for Docs

Thanks to our friends at Reverb for the tip on this new organization that is using ski goggles as a way to help healthcare workers without eye protection. Head over to Reverb's page at 7 tonight for a special performance from 207's own Pete Kilpatrick.

Goggles for Docs is an effort to get used or new ski goggles into the hands of healthcare workers who are currently treating COVID-19 patients with no eye protection.

04/03/2020

Sad to hear the news that Bill Withers has passed away. Enjoy one of the finest concerts of all time ->

04/03/2020

John Prine's Wife Fiona: 'He Is Very Ill and Yet I Remain Hopeful'

Another John Prine Update:

Singer has spent eight days in the ICU after a sudden onset of symptoms

04/02/2020

Studio Z…….to A | 98.9 WCLZ

Can we get a big round of applause for our friends over at the State Theatre, Portland, Maine for all the love they are giving during these strange times? Thanks for the shout out!

Studio Z…….to A Photo: 98.9 WCLZ To help fill the live concert gap in our lives, we’ve decided to replay all of our Studio Z performances……backwards…..from Z to A. We’ve had hundreds of artists come into Studio Z over the years to do intimate private performances that you can’t hear ...