Rock Hearts concert at the Center Theatre

DOVER-FOXCROFT — The  Southern New England band Rock Hearts returns to the Center Theatre for the Performing Arts 501(c)(3) on Saturday, Oct. 19. This show is sponsored by the Bluegrass Music Association of Maine 501(c)(3) a statewide organization focused on the preservation, promotion, education, and outreach of bluegrass music.

Rock Hearts was formed in 2013 and brings together five seasoned musicians who love to sing and pick bluegrass, old country tunes, and seek out tunes from other genres to “bluegrass-ify.” Mandolin player Bill Thibodeau has a strong connection to Piscataquis County having grown up in Cambridge, and his family has a long history of playing and promoting bluegrass music in Maine. Thibodeau lived in Bangor many years, playing in bands such as Bluegrass Supply Company and Union River Band, as well as providing music lessons.

Named an Official 2021 IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) Showcase Band, the Rock Hearts is currently enjoying national radio and chart activity. They are a sought after band for major bluegrass festivals. Alex McLeod’s (guitarist) song “Starry Southern Nights” put Rock Hearts on the national radar in 2021. The following year Rock Hearts released their first 615 Hideaway Records label single from their project “Wanderlust” which continues to receive outstanding fanfare and radio attention. The album has since released multiple hits. Their third project, and second with the 615, Unfinished Bridges, was just released. For more information and to hear clips of their music visit their website rockheartsbluegrass.com

Individual band members have received recognition from many organizations. At the recent IBMA Business Conference, Alex MacLeod had songs selected for the 2024 Songwriter Showcase that is a coveted opportunity for songwriters to perform to an audience of some of the best bluegrass artists and producers in the industry. Thibodeau was an inductee into the 2023 Maine Country Music Hall of Fame and a 2017 alumnus of the IBMA Bluegrass Leadership Team. Fiddler Austin Scelzo was one of five finalists for the IBMA World of Bluegrass 2024 Momentum Industry Involvement Award and was also selected for the 2023 Connecticut Arts Hero Award that honors and celebrates Connecticut residents who are doing inspiring things in, for, or through the arts.

Rock Hearts had sold out shows at the Center Theatre the past two years. This years’ concert is Oct. 19 at 7 pm; doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets and reserved seating are $16 in advance; $18 at the door. Contact the Center Theatre for advanced tickets and information; www.centertheatre.org or call 207-564-8943.   

Bluegrass Music Association of Maine is pleased to announce a Rock Hearts’ meet & greet event at the Mill Café that is within walking distance from the Center Theatre, from 2:30-4 p.m. on Oct. 19. Rock Hearts will provide insight into their music in an up close and personal atmosphere. Hear band stories highlighting some of their most memorable moments as well as their individual bluegrass music history. Rock Hearts will have their instruments, play a few songs acoustically, and if time permits, take requests from you. Admittance to the event is $10 and can be purchased at the Center Theatre in combination with your concert ticket or individually.  Seating is limited so make your reservations early. Tickets will be sold at the door for this event as well, if available. For more, go to www.mainebluegrass.org.

At 5 p.m. the Café is offering a delicious, informal dinner.  Seating is limited, so reservations are required for this wonderful, bluegrass family meal. Reservations can be made on the Mill Café website thedfmillcafe@gmail.com or by calling 207-564-7966.