What do Kathy Mattea, Derek Gripper, Ranky Tanky, Palaver Strings, Bee Parks and the Hornets, Cold War, Tim Sample, The Hal McIntyre Orchestra, Mile Twelve and Low Lily, On The Basis of Sex, Odeon Chamber Orchestra, and Donizetti’s La Fille Du Regiment have in common? They are all entertainers, movies, or operas appearing at one of three amazing event venues in Camden, Rockport, or Rockland.

When we moved to Camden I thought I was leaving the chance to see great live concerts and performances. How wrong I was! I have been amazed at the variety of shows we have attended over the past 18 months. And talk about reasonable ticket prices! There truly is something for everyone at an unbeatable cost. From orchestras, comedians, dance troupes, child prodigies, intellectual conferences, jazz, bluegrass, rock n roll, country, Gullah, Irish Celtic, circus clowns, illusionists, and Acappella groups it’s all here in and around Camden.

I encourage you to check them all out. I think you’ll be surprised at what you can experience.

Camden Opera House
The Camden Opera House was built in 1894 and was once the tallest building in Knox County. The massive building was also home to several businesses and a businessman’s club. Willis Carleton, a lifelong resident of Rockport decorated the interior, including stereo relief gold and white on the stage arch, balcony front, and loge boxes. Fully restored, the Camden Opera House is stunning and takes you back in time to concert halls from the past century yet having great acoustics, comfortable chairs, and shows ranging from circus clown performances, jazz, international conferences, comedians, rock n roll, magicians, and every other genre out there. And the best part, it’s a 4-minute walk from Elms of Camden!

Bay Chamber Concerts
During the 1930s, the great philanthropist Mary Louise Curtis Bok chose Rockport, Maine as the summer home of her world-class music conservatory, the Philadelphia-based Curtis Institute of Music. Illustrious musicians from all over the world came to the area to teach and give concerts in July and August in this historic fishing and boat-building village. Performances were held in a converted boat barn in Rockport, giving the mid-coast the distinction of hosting one of the earliest of American summer music festivals.

I call Bay Chamber Concerts the undiscovered gem of music. They have an amazing event schedule and if you are a classical music fan you will not be disappointed. Like the Camden Opera House, they also have every style known to man and feature many young and upcoming artists from around the world.

Strand Theatre
The Strand Theatre, located in downtown Rockland on the coast of Maine, has been entertaining audiences since 1923. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the theater underwent an extensive renovation in 2005, which included new sound and projection equipment, a fully restored interior, exterior, and a bright new marquee.

This theatre truly has it all; Met Opera Live performances, Movies, Conferences, Concerts, and Comedians. If you haven’t checked out the full schedule of events you need to. Now!