By Erin Thomas, for Mobile Maine News
Orono, ME- If you’re looking for good food and drink as well as local entertainment, you don’t have to go far. Woodman’s, located in downtown Orono, is a popular spot in the college town and serves its strongest suite as the night life. Providing entertainment on three nights of the week, it is easy to say Woodman’s is frequented amongst the other local bars.
With Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday being the most popular nights, Woodman’s showcases different entertainment ranging from local band performances, open mic nights, as well as jazz nights.
Mike Powers, bartender at Woodman’s, performs with his band as well. The band, The Hampden Mountain Boys, has performed at the bar many times as well as other bands including Restless Groove, Suit Mullet, and Rapster.
The demographic Woodman’s aims towards is college students and Powers said, “I can’t remember the last time we booked a band that wasn’t from the University.” He also noted that most of the bands they hire they have discovered through the open mic nights and explained the importance of the live music.
Abe Furth, owner of Woodman’s as well as the Verve, said he looks local when searching for bands to play because he knows people want to see their friends perform. Furth said he used to have other bands from further around the state but they didn’t gauge as much popularity as the ones from this area.
The bands that are hired are paid 200 dollars to perform for the night and are often asked to come back and perform again based on turnout and sales. Powers said, “All shows are 21+ because at a place where you sell alcohol you run into disaster with minors there.”
University of Maine Senior, Justin Ouellette, has attended many open mic nights as well as live music nights. He said, “I like the fact that Woodman’s brings a lot of people together that enjoy the same thing. It can be a social setting in a small area.”
Powers said Woodman’s is all about the night life and incorporating live music and local college bands was a great decision.
Bands interested in performing at Woodman’s can contact Furth or Powers directly by calling 866-4040.
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