The Kingfield POPS is an annual outdoor music and art festival held each summer in Kingfield, Maine. It was started in 2003 by a group of citizens who shared a dream of bringing live music to rural Maine, of enticing people 'from away' to visit this unbelievably beautiful place, and of creating a new foundation for a floundering economy. The 2008 event, which will take place on June 28, marks the POPS' sixth anniversary.

The main concert takes place at the Kennedy Farm -- a spectacular venue nestled in Maine's Western Mountains. The BSO's program includes familiar spirited and patriotic music, as well as show tunes and engaging pieces from the classical repertoire. In 2007, more than 2000 people attended the feature performance by the 65 musicians of the Bangor Symphony Orchestra (BSO), under the leadership of Music Director and Conductor Xiao-Lu Li. The program featured a stunning performance of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture finale -- with the cannon sounds produced by 12-gauge shotguns "played" by local hunters who were awarded "honorary percussionist" status by the BSO.

Each year, talented musical ensembles in various genres -- big band, folk, fiddle, or jazz, to name a few -- provide additional entertainment. Opening acts often showcase some of the state's finest musicians and in 2007, the concert featured exceptionally talented youth performers, including the Smith Brothers and the Pineland Fiddlers. The 2006 POPS included a performance by the acclaimed Kruger Brothers, an engaging trio that plays compelling original music and brings a unique style to traditional American folk and bluegrass.

The evening always concludes with a spectacular fireworks finale in a patriotic celebration of the 4th of July. It has never failed to bring the cheering crowd to its feet in a standing ovation.

On the day of the event, hundreds of visitors come early to enjoy the POPS Festival of the Arts in the village of Kingfields. Visitors enjoy free live music while they observe and admire the work of some of Maine's finest artists and artisans.

Central to the POPS' mission is the commitment to providing music enrichment for young people in the region. To that end, the POPS presents ongoing music programs for the students in School Districts 58 and 9. In 2007, the Kruger Brothers, the Franklin Fiddlers and the Abbott Hill Ramblers spent two full days working with 1,500 children in the schools of SAD 9 and SAD 58. The POPS also donated funds to the Mt. Abram High School Band to assist with the cost of a performance trip to Orlando, Florida. in other years, the POPS has brought BSO ensembles to the schools and has made it possible for band students to travel to Orono to hear the BSO's Youth Concerts.

The Kingfield POPS is a non-profit, community-based organization with 501(c) (3) status. Ticket prices do not cover our costs, but sponsorship enables us to admit youth up to age 17 for free, and to maintain a moderate admission price despite rising costs.

Kingfield POPS Board of Directors (2007)

The Board of Directors includes 17 tremendously energetic, committed individuals. It's a working Board whose diversity reflects every sector of this community: young and old, women and men, people who have lived here all their lives and people 'from away.' What they all have in common is their love for this place and their willingness to invest their efforts to secure a positive future for the region.

Kingfield POPS is pledged to provide the Western Maine region with a sustainable annual music festival that strengthens the community by providing exciting live music experiences for diverse audiences and enrichment for area youth through music education, performance opportunities and festival involvement.