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Shawn Colvin “Steady On” 30th Anniversary Tour (Acoustic, Folk)
Apr
2
7:30 PM19:30

Shawn Colvin “Steady On” 30th Anniversary Tour (Acoustic, Folk)

Ticket Prices: $45-$65 Advance/$65 Door
VIP Packages Available!

Shawn Colvin won her first GRAMMY award for Best Contemporary Folk Album with her debut album, Steady On, in 1989. She has been a mainstay of the contemporary folk music scene ever since, releasing twelve albums and establishing herself as an enduring talent. Her songs are slow-release works of craft and catharsis that become treasured, lifetime companions for their listeners. Colvin triumphed at the 1998 GRAMMY Awards, winning both Record of the Year and Song of the Year for “Sunny Came Home.” Her inspiring and candid memoir, Diamond in the Rough, was published in 2012. Shawn was recently recognized for her career accomplishments when she was honored with the 2016 Lifetime Achievement Trailblazer Award by the Americana Music Association. In September 2019, for the 30th anniversary of her debut album, Colvin will be releasing a newly-recorded, acoustic version of that landmark album.

Special Guest Opener: Daphne Willis

There is something real and raw that emanates from Daphne Willis when she performs. Her songs and her voice convey hope and compassion for others; her lyrics are sincere, compelling and relevant. She has a critical message to relay to others when she speaks and performs to her audiences nationwide.

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Shawn Mullins featuring special guest Lauren Crosby (Singer-Songwriter)
Nov
2
7:30 PM19:30

Shawn Mullins featuring special guest Lauren Crosby (Singer-Songwriter)

$40/$32/$25 Advance/$40 Door
NO NEW DATE YET

After a series of indie record releases, Shawn Mullins’ critical breakthrough came when 1998’s Soul Core album shot him to fame on the strength of its Grammy-nominated No.1 hit, “Lullaby.” His song “Shimmer” was used in promotion of the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney and was included on the Dawson’s Creek Soundtrack. For its 20th anniversary, Mullins revisited the music on Soul Core, recording two new versions of the album, entitled Soul’s Core Revival, which features brand new arrangements of some of his most popular songs.

Lauren Crosby is a rising folkie/bluesy songstress from Georgetown, Maine. Her unique voice captures the rawness of the oceanic setting in which she grew up in, and her songwriting exemplifies the beauty and hardships of coastal living. At just twenty years old, Lauren's debut self-titled album received national praise for its unique blending of blues, folk, and jazz genres.

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Schooner Fare (Downeast, Maritime) 
Sep
12
7:30 PM19:30

Schooner Fare (Downeast, Maritime) 

Ticket Prices: $22 Advance/$25 Door

Chocolate Church Arts Center favorites, Schooner Fare, are regarded as the premier performing group of original and traditional maritime songs. Brothers Steve and Chuck Romanoff’s energetic concerts are laced with a Maine brand of universal humor. The band also writes and performs topical songs, country ballads, and maritime masterpieces that have made their name synonymous with the “Down East” style. Combining their talents on six and twelve-string guitars and banjos, Schooner Fare’s distinctive vocal and instrumental arrangements have made icons of Maine folk and beyond.

POSTPONED

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Parents’ Night Out with Amanda Panda
May
15
7:00 PM19:00

Parents’ Night Out with Amanda Panda

Ticket Prices: $10–$15/Child

Thanks to a generous grant from The Maine Community Foundation, the Chocolate Church Arts Center is proud to offer our brand new childcare program: Parents' Night Out! For a very reasonable cost, we will offer professional childcare (with an emphasis on fun arts activities) during our concerts. The idea is simple: You come to a show and have a great time, while we take care of the little ones and provide them with fun, educational arts opportunities in the Annex! Once the show is over, stop by the Annex to pick them up.

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Cris Williamson (Singer, Songwriter, Activist)
May
9
7:30 PM19:30

Cris Williamson (Singer, Songwriter, Activist)

Ticket Prices: $32 Advance/$37 Door

Decades before indie labels were the norm, and years before women had any real access to the industry, Cris Williamson was busy changing the face of popular music. In 1975, the twenty-something former schoolteacher recorded The Changer and the Changed, for her brainchild, Olivia Records, the first woman-owned woman-focused record company. Her music and voice quickly became an essential part of the soundtrack of a movement, and was the cornerstone of what would become known as “women’s music,” music created, performed, and marketed specifically for and by women. Today, that recording, The Changer and the Changed, remains one of the best-selling independent releases of all time. 

 For Cris, the music became the vehicle for something larger. Her lyrics appear on a regular basis in books and thesis papers. Her albums are part of the curriculum for women's studies courses, and thousands of people who may not even know her name join their voices in “Song of the Soul” around campfires and places of worship. She is embraced by women. She is sampled in hip-hop. Her music is used by midwives welcoming life into the world, while hospice choirs sing her songs in tender sacred escort. “She is often considered a treasure, passed hand-to-hand, person-to-person,” says the Boston Phoenix, “Williamson is a heroic character whose tireless activism continues.” 

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Joan Osborne (Soul, R&B, Folk, Rock)
Apr
25
7:30 PM19:30

Joan Osborne (Soul, R&B, Folk, Rock)

Ticket Prices: $35 Advance/$40 Door

Joan Osborne has rightfully earned a reputation as one of the great voices of her generation— both a commanding, passionate performer and a frank, emotionally evocative songwriter. A multi-platinum selling recording artist and seven-time Grammy nominee, the soulful vocalist is a highly sought-after collaborator and guest performer who has performed alongside many notable artists, including Stevie Wonder, Bob Dylan, Luciano Pavarotti, Emmylou Harris, Taj Mahal, and Mavis Staples, to name a few.

Counting such legendary artists as Etta James and Ray Charles as influences, Osborne has released several acclaimed albums and continues to tour extensively in various configurations—with her own band, as Joan Osborne's Soul Revue, and as an acoustic duo and trio. In 2003, Osborne joined forces with the surviving members of The Grateful Dead when they regrouped to tour as The Dead. In addition to her own solo shows and frequent guest appearances, Osborne currently also tours as a member of the rock/soul supergroup Trigger Hippy, founded by Black Crowes drummer Steve Gorman and built from each musician's shared love of R&B and soul.

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Parents’ Night Out with Amanda Panda
Apr
25
7:00 PM19:00

Parents’ Night Out with Amanda Panda

Ticket Prices: $10–$15/Child

Thanks to a generous grant from The Maine Community Foundation, the Chocolate Church Arts Center is proud to offer our brand new childcare program: Parents' Night Out! For a very reasonable cost, we will offer professional childcare (with an emphasis on fun arts activities) during our concerts. The idea is simple: You come to a show and have a great time, while we take care of the little ones and provide them with fun, educational arts opportunities in the Annex! Once the show is over, stop by the Annex to pick them up.

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Peter Gallway & The Real Band  (Rock, Jazzy Folk)
Apr
24
7:30 PM19:30

Peter Gallway & The Real Band  (Rock, Jazzy Folk)

Ticket Prices: $12 Advance/$15 Door

Called “a master of free verse” in the Boston Globe, Peter Gallway has released more than twenty-five albums on Warner/Reprise and various independent labels. A founding member of The Fifth Avenue Band, Peter's albums have spanned styles from ‘60’s rock and roll, to “jazzy folk”, to atmospheric Americana. With his return to Maine in 2018, the resurgence of The Real Band has been unstoppable! The Real Band is Peter Gallway on vocals and guitar, Mark Wainer on lead guitar and Andre Re on vocals and percussion.

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Runnin’ Down A Vision (Tribute Band Double Header)
Apr
18
7:30 PM19:30

Runnin’ Down A Vision (Tribute Band Double Header)

Ticket Prices: $17 Advance/$20 Door

A classic rock extravaganza! After playing massively popular shows at our Summer Waterfront Concert Series in 2019, two of Maine’s best tribute bands will team up for a double-header performance on our mainstage. The first set will feature Runnin’ Down A Dream playing the music of Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers. They will be followed by Crystal Vision, who will perform the classic songs of the iconic Fleetwood Mac. This is the closest you’ll get to seeing both legendary bands on one stage!

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Mud Boots & Black Tie Gala (Special Event)
Apr
4
5:30 PM17:30

Mud Boots & Black Tie Gala (Special Event)

Ticket Price: $50
Celebrate “mud season” in style at this premiere fundraising event benefiting the Chocolate Church Arts Center.

What is the Mud Boots & Black Tie Gala?
Under normal circumstances, this special evening includes guests and hosts coming together in person to celebrate the community of theatre, music, dance and visual arts. Supporters open their homes and host dinner parties throughout the region for their guests and then we all gather back at the Chocolate Church for live music, desserts, silent auction and night cap.
This year, due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, we are having to restructure the event. We will be postponing the afterparty and community dinner at CCAC. At this time, hosts are not encouraged to hold dinner parties as planned.
We strongly request that you if you are able, please purchase your tickets now. Rescheduling this event has created a significant and unexpected loss of revenue for us, and your support is absolutely vital at this moment.

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Rustic Overtones (Indie Rock) with Gentle Temper
Mar
28
7:30 PM19:30

Rustic Overtones (Indie Rock) with Gentle Temper

Ticket Prices: $20 Advance/$25 Door

Rustic Overtones is an indie rock band from Portland Maine that Rolling Stone Magazine calls,  “A unique sound steeped in both Earth, Wind and Fire-style funk and late-era Beatles psychedelia. There’s no voice quite like Dave Gutter’s, a weathered coffee-and-cigarettes growl that can turn vulnerable to vicious and crackles like a vintage Fender amp when he screams.”Rustic Overtones has worked with legendary artists such as Imogen Heap, David Bowie, Aaron Neville and many others. Their ever changing sound has been the trademark of their studio albums and live shows for more than 2 decades.

Opening band Gentle Temper is a new-age folk duo from Boston, Massachusetts. Ryan Meier and Marion Earley began their journey as a duo in the fall of 2016 and molded their sound into what Deli Magazine called “harmony-laced smokey folk”.

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Yellow Brick Road: A Tribute to Elton John (Live From Home Concert)
Mar
28
7:30 PM19:30

Yellow Brick Road: A Tribute to Elton John (Live From Home Concert)

Maine’s own Yellow Brick Road, A Tribute to Elton John, is a full concert tribute. Every detail of an actual Elton John concert is presented in such a way that will have Elton John fans screaming for more. The band is led by Gerald Brann, who has a degree in jazz piano from the University of Maine at Augusta and has been performing professionally for over 35 years. Since the early eighties, Gerald has performed in many bands, most notably “The Barking Spiders”, “Ultimate Sin” (An Ozzy Osbourne Tribute) and “The Deal”. Tickets are not necessary for the Live from Home concerts. Audience members are encouraged to donate.

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Gentle Temper (Live From Home Concert)
Mar
27
7:30 PM19:30

Gentle Temper (Live From Home Concert)

With their ever-expanding instrumentation and dynamically rich live performance, Ryan Meier and Marion Earley make up Gentle Temper, the New-Age Folk duo from Boston. Formed in 2016, Meier and Earley found their footing deeply rooted in the vast realm of Folk and have molded their own unique sound by constantly pushing the boundaries of what a duo is capable of. They draw inspiration from their surroundings, bringing forth music and lyrics that are steeped in observances of travel, mental health, politics, and love. Gentle Temper's latest single "Triple Dog Dare" is available now on all streaming platforms. Tickets are not necessary for the Live from Home concerts. Audience members are encouraged to donate.

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David Mallett (Maine Bicentennial Concert)
Mar
27
7:30 PM19:30

David Mallett (Maine Bicentennial Concert)

Ticket Prices: $23 Advance/$25 Door

In a career spanning four decades, he has recorded 17 albums, had several hundred covers of his songs, including the American folk classic Garden Song (Inch by Inch, Row by Row) and performed in clubs, concert halls and festivals across the US, Canada and Europe. He has appeared on numerous broadcasts, including National Public Radio’s A Prairie Home Companion. Known for his carefully written, poetic offerings, his body of work has provided material for an eclectic list of artists that includes Alison Krauss, Pete Seeger, Hal Ketchum, Emmylou Harris, John Denver and the Muppets.

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William Lederer (Live From Home Concert)
Mar
20
7:30 PM19:30

William Lederer (Live From Home Concert)

William Lederer is former professional musician, full-time composer and performer, before taking the reins at CCAC. Lederer has two albums of original indie-pop under his belt, as well as a long stint as guitar player for popular Baltimore-based soul singer, Bosley. During his Live from Home concert, Lederer will share his own songs, as well as some favorite covers from a wide range of artists. Tickets are not necessary for the Live from Home concerts. Audience members are encouraged to donate. For the first concert with performed by CCAC Executive Director, William Lederer, all donations will go directly the CCAC.

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Doppelbloopers (Comedy)
Mar
13
7:30 PM19:30

Doppelbloopers (Comedy)

Ticket Prices: $15 Advance/$18 Door
In The Annex

The Doppelbloopers are back to play and they’ve brought more special guests, new games, and even more laughs! Arguably Maine’s funniest, improv troupe, Doppelbloopers offers up hilarious and unpredictable comedy in the ‘Whose Line’ style.

Seating is limited. Adult themes and content. May be suitable for teens 16+. Parental discretion is advised.

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Blithe Spirit (Theatre) multiple dates
Mar
8
2:00 PM14:00

Blithe Spirit (Theatre) multiple dates

Ticket Prices: $12 Advance/$15 Door
February 28, 29, March 6, 7 at 7:30pm
March 1, 8 at 2pm
In The Annex

Arguably Noel Coward’s most popular work, this ‘spirited’ British caper follows the life of popular novelist Charles Condomine as he is haunted by his tragically expanding coterie of ex-wives. Morton Achter. who directed last year’s, very popular, Plaza Suite will return to the director’s seat for this otherworldly smash comedy hit!

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Blithe Spirit (Theatre)
Mar
1
2:00 PM14:00

Blithe Spirit (Theatre)

Ticket Prices: $12 Advance/$15 Door
February 28, 29, March 6, 7 at 7:30pm
March 1, 8 at 2pm
In The Annex

Arguably Noel Coward’s most popular work, this ‘spirited’ British caper follows the life of popular novelist Charles Condomine as he is haunted by his tragically expanding coterie of ex-wives. Morton Achter. who directed last year’s, very popular, Plaza Suite will return to the director’s seat for this otherworldly smash comedy hit!

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Blithe Spirit (Theatre)
Feb
29
7:30 PM19:30

Blithe Spirit (Theatre)

Ticket Prices: $12 Advance/$15 Door
February 28, 29, March 6, 7 at 7:30pm
March 1, 8 at 2pm
In The Annex

Arguably Noel Coward’s most popular work, this ‘spirited’ British caper follows the life of popular novelist Charles Condomine as he is haunted by his tragically expanding coterie of ex-wives. Morton Achter. who directed last year’s, very popular, Plaza Suite will return to the director’s seat for this otherworldly smash comedy hit!

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Blithe Spirit (Theatre) multiple dates
Feb
28
7:30 PM19:30

Blithe Spirit (Theatre) multiple dates

Ticket Prices: $12 Advance/$15 Door
February 28, 29, March 6, 7 at 7:30pm
March 1, 8 at 2pm
In The Annex

Arguably Noel Coward’s most popular work, this ‘spirited’ British caper follows the life of popular novelist Charles Condomine as he is haunted by his tragically expanding coterie of ex-wives. Morton Achter. who directed last year’s, very popular, Plaza Suite will return to the director’s seat for this otherworldly smash comedy hit!

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Bill Staines (Folk)
Feb
7
7:30 PM19:30

Bill Staines (Folk)

Ticket Prices: $15 Advance/$18 Door

Bill Staines is one of the most durable and beloved singer-songwriters on the folk music scene today. An intimate, compelling performer born out of the folk scene of the 1960’s, Bill connects with his audience at every show, encouraging them to join him on the choruses of his songs. Bill has recorded two children’s albums, and his music has appeared in a number of films, including the HBO series, Deadwood. His humorous tales of life on the road and observations of everyday people provide an entertaining blend of story and song.

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Muddy Ruckus (Rock, Americana)
Feb
1
7:30 PM19:30

Muddy Ruckus (Rock, Americana)

Ticket Prices: $15 Advance/$18 Door

Muddy Ruckus is a rock duo of “darkly inventive Americana” according to the New York Music Daily. Guitarist Ryan Flaherty and drummer Erika Stahl of Portland play a grungy style of railroad indie punk blues. This stripped-down power-duo blends rootsy guitar and edgy percussion on a suitcase drum kit, and is known for a full rock band sound.

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Doppelbloopers (Comedy)
Jan
31
7:30 PM19:30

Doppelbloopers (Comedy)

Ticket Prices: $15 Advance/$18 Door
In The Annex

The Doppelbloopers are back to play and they’ve brought more special guests, new games, and even more laughs! Arguably Maine’s funniest, improv troupe, Doppelbloopers offers up hilarious and unpredictable comedy in the ‘Whose Line’ style.

Seating is limited. Adult themes and content. May be suitable for teens 16+. Parental discretion is advised.

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Blue Fuse Jazz (Hot Jazz)
Jan
25
7:30 PM19:30

Blue Fuse Jazz (Hot Jazz)

Ticket Prices: $12 Advance/$15 Door
In The Annex

Blue Fuse Jazz is  steeped in the sound of  legendary Gypsy Jazz  Guitarist Django Reinhardt and the  driving, swinging style of Hot Parisienne Club Jazz of  the 1930s and 40s. Blue Fuse Jazz honors the traditions of this “gypsy jazz” adding their own interpretations, arrangements and original compositions.

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Happy Folk Commune (Contemporary Ballet) multiple dates
Jan
12
2:00 PM14:00

Happy Folk Commune (Contemporary Ballet) multiple dates

Ticket Prices:
Regular: $12 Advance/$16 Door
Student: $8 Advance/$12 Door
Jan 3, 4, 10, 11 at 7:30 pm
Jan 4, 5, 11, 12 at 2pm

A Resurgence Dance Company Contemporary Ballet In The Annex.
This comedy by Resurgence Dance Company Artistic Director Ashley Steeves is told through contemporary ballet, speech and recycled costuming.

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Happy Folk Commune (Contemporary Ballet)
Jan
11
7:30 PM19:30

Happy Folk Commune (Contemporary Ballet)

Ticket Prices:
Regular: $12 Advance/$16 Door
Student: $8 Advance/$12 Door
Jan 3, 4, 10, 11 at 7:30 pm
Jan 4, 5, 11, 12 at 2pm

A Resurgence Dance Company Contemporary Ballet In The Annex.
This comedy by Resurgence Dance Company Artistic Director Ashley Steeves is told through contemporary ballet, speech and recycled costuming.

BUY TICKETS >

View Event →
Happy Folk Commune (Contemporary Ballet)
Jan
11
2:00 PM14:00

Happy Folk Commune (Contemporary Ballet)

Ticket Prices:
Regular: $12 Advance/$16 Door
Student: $8 Advance/$12 Door
Jan 3, 4, 10, 11 at 7:30 pm
Jan 4, 5, 11, 12 at 2pm

A Resurgence Dance Company Contemporary Ballet In The Annex.
This comedy by Resurgence Dance Company Artistic Director Ashley Steeves is told through contemporary ballet, speech and recycled costuming.

BUY TICKETS >

View Event →