March 2008

6th Annual Kingfield POPS and Festival of the Arts, June 28, 2008

Music Beckons from the Moonlit Mountains of Western Maine

Music, mountains, moonlight. There's no better way to spell 'magic.'

On Saturday, June 28, music will fill the air as the Kingfield POPS kicks off its sixth season, with the moon rising over the charming historic village of Kingfield, nestled against the peaks of Maine's majestic Western Mountains. Featuring four of the most popular performing groups from the past five years, this annual family-friendly outdoor concert promises another unforgettable experience for the nearly 2,000 concert-goers who will attend.

The day begins with the popular Festival of the Arts from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, featuring over 30 artists and artisans, and live music throughout the day. During the downtown festival, visitors can interact with artists and artisans as they exhibit photography, jewelry, stained glass, blown glass, paintings, metal works, wooden bowls, and spinning yarn. Maine musicians who will perform include the Widow's Mite Band, playing Contemporary Christian Rock; Nadia and Jocko playing blues, acoustics and soul music; the Kingfield Chorus led by Dot Lambert; Sweetgrass; and the Fugitives from Kingfield. "Since it was introduced to the Kingfield POPS in 2006, the Festival of the Arts has proven to be very popular, and it complements the cultural focus of the POPS," stated Kingfield POPS President, Donald Tranten. "The response has been tremendous, and by attracting an increasingly diverse group of artists, the Festival of the Arts helps fulfill the Kingfield POPS' mission of strengthening our communities through music, arts, and culture."

Following the Festival, the gates open at the Kennedy Farm for the Kingfield POPS, beginning at 4:00 pm. Now in its sixth year, the 2008 Kingfield POPS promises to top all previous years. The evening kicks off with an encore by Nadia and Jocko, Jeff Beedy's band, playing acoustical blues and original soul. "Nadia and Jocko delighted all who heard them at last year's Festival of the Arts, and so this year we are pleased that they accepted our invitation to open on the POPS stage," Tranten said. This year the Bangor Symphony Orchestra presents two of its outstanding ensembles to thrill the audience with rousing brass and percussion pieces. Next, the Edith Jones Project, the all women big band from the Portland area that brought the crowd to its feet in 2005, returns.

The evening culminates with the world renowned Kruger Brothers, who dazzled audiences for the first time at the POPS in 2006, and who have since enriched hundreds of students in the SAD 9 and SAD 58 schools. The Kruger Brothers' musical style defies definition, encompassing all styles of music through their personal individual development, classical European musical influences, and love of the American spirit. Combine it all together and the result is what can only be described as new American music. The organizers of the 2008 Kingfield POPS are thrilled that the Kruger Brothers will be returning to Kingfield POPS to headline the event. For the grand finale, as the Kruger Brothers bring the audience to its feet one last time, the Kingfield Pops' signature fireworks display will launch into the moonlit sky, bringing the fantastic day to a resounding close.

Each year the Festival of the Arts and Kingfield POPS attracts visitors from far and wide, enticing attendees with its full day of arts and cultural activities, fun, festivities, and fine food. Patrons can bring their own picnic baskets -- or they can buy a tempting variety of specially prepared POPS fare, snacks or dessert from a number of local vendors, and dine al fresco against the backdrop of the mountains. There are wonderful activities offered for children, including a clown and the BSO's Instrument Petting Zoo, which offers 'hands on' exploration of real musical instruments. Selected POPS gear and souvenirs will also be for sale.

In just six years, Kingfield POPS has grown from a single outdoor concert to the largest regional event of the season, presenting world-class performers to this stunning outdoor venue in rural Maine. It also creates opportunities to present young Maine performers. "Kingfield POPS has become a focal point for showcasing the endless recreational and cultural opportunities that are available in the western Maine Mountains," Tranten concluded. "Visitors to the POPS are at the hub of a region with breathtaking vistas, fantastic hiking, Sugarloaf golf, biking, swimming, rafting, boating and fishing. You name it, we've got it. This is the most gorgeous outdoor playground to be found anywhere. We also have great facilities - and we take special pride in the way we care for our guests."

June 2007

The Bangor Symphony Orchestra's newest, honorary, orchestra members include six Franklin County men better known for their hunting prowess than their musical ability. Clay Pidgeon, Clay Tranten, Nick Tranten, Curt Johnson (also Roger Meldrum and Jay Lander, not in picture) have officially been designated as BSO "extreme percussionists" or "cannon simulators." Their instruments? Twelve-gauge shotguns. Yes, really. The five men will simulate the cannon shots that are party of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture finale by shooting blanks into empty 55-gallon drums at the June 30 Kingfield POPS concert in Kingfield, Maine. A dream come true for a wanna-be musician? Maybe not, but as extreme percussionist Clay Pidgeon explained, "It satisfies my love of guns and music."

HEAR THEM ROAR!

FRANKLIN COUNTY 'EXTREME PERCUSSIONISTS' NEW ADDITIONS TO BSO AT KINGFIELD POPS

June 15 2007 - What do a symphony orchestra, 55-gallon drums and 12-gauge shotguns have in common? You'll be forgiven if the first thing that comes to mind is not Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture finale.

When the Bangor Symphony Orchestra decided to play this piece at their upcoming Kingfield POPS concert on June 30, they knew they would need some special help since the piece was composed to include cannons - and 'scarce' would be the best way to describe the supply of cannons in Franklin County.

Wanting to produce a more authentic sound than the kettle drums or recordings that many modern orchestras use to replicate the sound of cannon shots in the 1812, the BSO invited some local hunters to lend their shooting expertise to the orchestra.

The six men, officially designated as "cannon simulators" by the BSO, will shoot blanks from their 12-gauge shotguns into empty 55-gallon drums placed in safe areas well behind the stage and audience. How do the non-musicians know when to 'play' their instruments? A BSO staff member reads the score and cues the shooters with walkie-talkies and arm signals. The result? A series of big bangs that sound pretty much like a cannon.

Susan Jonason, Executive Director of the Bangor Symphony Orchestra explains, "Though we no longer play the 1812 Overture to celebrate Russia's victory over Napoleon, the piece has been a 4th of July tradition since 1974, when the 'other BSO' (the one in Boston) thrilled audiences with the sounds of cannons blasting, bells ringing and the singing of patriotic songs to revitalize the Boston Pops. It's a real thrill to bring this wonderful tradition to our celebration in Kingfield and to do it up in our own style, with local 'extreme percussionists' creating the booming sound of cannons with Kingfield's version of heavy artillery - good old 12-gauge shot guns!"

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For more information about Kingfield POPS, call Deborah Robie at (207) 512-2924 or email info@kingfieldpops.com. For information on the Bangor Symphony Orchestra, call Johnna Lacey at (207) 942-5555.

KINGFIELD POPS HONORS PIANO TEACHER DOT LAMBERT

(June 13, 2007) - Kingfield piano teacher Dot Lambert has been invited to be the guest conductor at the Kingfield POPS concert on June 30 in Kingfield. Lambert, who has taught hundreds of Franklin County children to play the piano, and has touched the musical lives of many more, will conduct the 61-piece Bangor Symphony Orchestra in John Philip Sousa's "Stars and Stripes Forever."

According to Donald Tranten, president of the Kingfield POPS, the Board of Directors chose to honor Lambert because "she represents the best of what the Kingfield POPS is all about." He explained that the Board had put a lot of consideration into the possibilities of who to invite. "As soon as someone mentioned Dot's name," he said, "everyone came to attention. We all knew instantly that she was the right person - she has had a huge impact on the community, bringing music to all ages, but most especially to children. And that's a big part of the POPS' mission, creating ways and means for young people to be enriched by music, through education, exposure and performance."

Lambert, who is looking forward to the experience of conducting a large orchestra, has been teaching piano students for about 15 years, but her experience with music started well before that. "I started taking piano lessons when I was about eight years old from Phyllis Lander, who was the organist at our church. Later, the grammar school needed a pianist who could keep the beat, with a steady rhythm, to help the children learn to march in step. I learned that if I missed a note, I just had to go on and not mess up the beat or I'd mix up the children." Lambert went on to direct the church choir and organize its cantatas during the 25 years that she was raising her eight children and working in a beauty parlor. It was after her own children were grown that she began to take private students.

"I've always loved children, and I've always loved music, so teaching music was a natural thing for me to do," Lambert explained. She added that learning to play an instrument is good for children and that they often do better in school when they learn music. "And if they get to a certain level," she said, "they have it for life. If you learn to read music, and you can count, you can learn to play anything."

Lambert's Kingfield POPS guest conductorship for Stars and Stripes with the Bangor Symphony Orchestra will take place on June 30 at the Kennedy Farm in Kingfield. Live music starts when the gates open at 5:00 p.m. with opening acts including the Western Mountain Trash Can Band, the Smith Brothers and the Pineland Fiddlers. Tickets are $20 in advance ($25 at the gate) and free for children 17 and under. They can be purchased locally at Camden National Bank Branches; in Farmington at the Chamber of Commerce office and Mickey's Hallmark; and in Kingfield at Grand Central Station and Tranten's. Or visit bangorsymphony.com or call 1-800-639-3221. Go to kingfieldpops.com for more information.

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May 2007

2007 Kingfield POPS Promises Best concert Ever

Moonlit Western Mountains Set the Stage for the Bangor Symphony Orchestra and Great Maine Musicians

May 12, 2007 -- On Saturday, June 30, the Bangor Symphony Orchestra (BSO) will strike the opening notes of the Kingfield POPS' fifth annual outdoor concert at the Kennedy Farm in Kingfield against a scenic backdrop of forest and mountains.

Music Director and Conductor Xiao-Lu Li will lead the 65-member orchestra through a program that includes popular songs such as Blue Moon, the Pink Panther theme and The Sound of Music, as well as familiar patriotic and light classical tunes. As the full moon rises, the orchestra will play Tchaikovsky's dramatic 1812 Overture finale, with the sounds of the cannons provided by a couple of local 'extreme percussionists.' The big day will conclude with the POPS' celebrated fireworks display.

The 2007 Kingfield POPS will also feature some exceptional regional performers who will treat spectators to the sounds of bluegrass, folk and country tunes. Live music starts the moment the gates open at 5 p.m. Featured artists include the Western Mountain Trash Can Band on steel drums; the Smith Brothers, a dynamic teenage duo who play bluegrass, old-time, Down-East, Celtic, and modern tunes on fiddle and guitar; and the Pineland Fiddlers, a group of 20 fiddlers age six to 16 who play Celtic, Quebecois and traditional New England fiddle tunes and have been described as "holding the future of Maine fiddling in their hands."

About 1500 guests have attended past POPS events. Many bring lawn chairs, blankets and a picnic, but food can also be purchased from one of the local vendors on site for al fresco dining.

Before the orchestra takes the stage children can explore BSO's Instrument Petting Zoo, where they can investigate, 'hands on,' many of the instruments in a symphony orchestra. Selected POPS gear and souvenirs will be for sale.

The Festival of the Arts will take place in the village of Kingfield from10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission to this event is free. Visitors can meet artists and artisans and interact with them as they exhibit photography, jewelry, stained glass, blown glass, paintings, metal works, wooden bowls, spinning yarn and more. Maine musicians will also be on hand playing live music throughout the day.

Tickets for the Kingfield POPS concert are $20 in advance and $25 at the gate. Children 17 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.

For tickets visit bangorsymphony.com or call 1-800-639-3221. Go to kingfieldpops.com for more information.

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Franklin County Makes Kingfield POPS an Affair to Remember!

Five Years of POPS ... strengthening the community through the sound of music

May 17, 2007 -- Five years ago, a few people in Kingfield, Maine had a dream--a dream of bringing live music to Franklin County, of enticing people 'from away' to visit this unbelievably beautiful place and of creating a new foundation for a floundering economy. Sure that a little elbow grease could make their dreams come true, they invited the Bangor Symphony Orchestra (BSO) to perform at an outdoor concert in the Western Mountains of Maine.

Today we have the Kingfield POPS, an annual summer music festival that brings the BSO to perform in a natural outdoor amphitheater in Kingfield - and by last summer, there was scarcely a body still sitting when the audience of almost 1,500 rose to its feet and cheered as the fireworks finale concluded the evening. That's success!

The 2007 concert, on June 30, will mark the POPS' fifth anniversary--a tribute to the vision and dedication of the community volunteers who have made it all happen. Volunteers have carried out every aspect of this project, from fundraising, advertising, and ticket sales, to mowing the field, building the stage and lodging the performers. Individuals and businesses--more than five hundred over the years--have given time, money, labor, in-kind services and products.

Their efforts have paid off. Each year has seen steady growth in concert attendance and ticket sales, increased volunteer participation, a broader base of support, and higher public visibility.

And each year the POPS has made a greater contribution to the community: free admission for youth under 17; affordable ticket prices despite rising costs; enrichment for area youth through music education, performance opportunities and festival involvement; and in 2006, for the first time, a Festival of the Arts in the village of Kingfield.

Along the way, the POPS' radius has expanded in every direction. Volunteers, donors and sponsors come from all over the region, even a few from out of state. POPS Directors represent many towns in the region and come from every walk of life. Audiences travel from distant parts of the state, from other parts of the country, and even from Canada and Europe. And while the star performers are the highly trained musicians of the BSO, the POPS also provides performance opportunities for young Maine musicians.

The POPS' success has enabled them to provide music enrichment programs in the schools--a key part of their mission, and an achievement in which the Board of Directors takes justifiable pride. According to Donald Tranten, President of the POPS Board of Directors, "A big part of our mission involves bringing music enrichment to young people throughout the region. In April, the POPS offered two days of music programs that touched about 1500 children in SAD 9 and SAD 58. We're also committed to strengthening the community's economic foundation. That's why we initiated the Festival of the Arts - to bring more visitors into the region over the 4th of July weekend."

The POPS is good for business, and for the future of business. It strengthens the local economy and galvanizes community leaders and volunteers. As traditional sources of income in this area have dwindled, communities have been looking for creative, innovative ways to promote growth. The POPS hopes that eventually, their success might even provide a blueprint for other communities seeking innovative strategies for economic development.

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April 2007

Kruger Brothers, Maine Musicians To Visit Schools In Western Maine April 26 & 27

Visits part of POPS youth enrichment and BSO's educational outreach Strings Attached program...

April 23, 2007 -- The Kingfield POPS with the Bangor Symphony Orchestra will present three special concerts for students in Farmington, Wilton, Kingfield, Phillips, Stratton, Strong and Mt. Abram High Schools as part of the BSO's Strings Attached Outreach, and as part of the Kingfield POPS' commitment to music enrichment for area youth. These events are open to the public and admission is free.

The internationally acclaimed Kruger Brothers are one of three performing groups of musicians to visit students in Western Maine April 26 and 27. The Kruger Brothers, Abbott Hill Ramblers and Franklin County Fiddlers will perform two concerts for third through eighth grade students at 10:00 am and 12:30 pm on Thursday, April 26 at the Farmington Middle School.

The groups will then visit Kingfield Elementary School at 9:00 am Friday, April 27 and perform for students in fifth through eighth grade.

The Kruger Brothers will give a small performance at 11:00 am (Friday) at Mt. Abram High School in the library for high school musicians.

The three groups will give a final performance at 1:00 pm (Friday) at Strong Elementary for grades five through eight.

The Kingfield POPS may be best known for bringing the magic of the Bangor Symphony Orchestra to the Western Mountains, but their mission, POPS president Donald Tranten explained, includes supporting youth music programs, performance opportunities and education throughout the region. "Bringing the Strings Attached Outreach to this area," he said, "offers a terrific opportunity for the POPS to further the music enrichment of the young people in our backyard."

Throughout the season, the BSO, Bangor School Department and the Bangor Public Library have launched a series of educational "informances" as an offshoot of the BSO's Know Your Orchestra! Outreach program, titled Strings Attached. This outreach program showcases the Kruger Brothers, local and regional fiddling ensembles and BSO musicians to build new audiences for two genres of music - American folk and classical. An important long-term goal of this collaboration is to encourage string lessons among the area's young people. Because there are relatively few string programs in Maine schools, the BSO is challenged by an ongoing shortage of proficient local string players. The project also seeks to showcase local artists and support Maine teachers' efforts in music education.

The Kruger's educational outreach visits are a prelude to the Bangor Symphony Orchestra and Kruger Brothers World Premiere of Music from the Spring: A Romantic Serenade for Banjo, Guitar, Bass & Orchestra on June 2, 2007 at the Maine Center for the Arts.

More information about the premiere and the Strings Attached program is available online at bangorsymphony.com.

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The fifth annual Kingfield POPS concert will take place on Saturday, June 30. The gates at the Kennedy Farm open at 5 p.m., following the daylong POPS Festival of the Arts, which will showcase the work of some of Maine's finest artists and artisans in downtown Kingfield. The 2007 concert features performances by some of Maine's most talented young musicians, including the Smith Brothers, the Pineland Fiddlers and the Western Mountains Trash Can Band. The BSO will play familiar light classical and popular tunes, including Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture finale - with the sounds of the cannons provided by a couple of local 'extreme percussionists' - and the big day concludes in grand fashion with our celebrated fireworks display. More information is available at www.kingfieldpops.com.

About The Kingfield POPS: The Kingfield POPS is a community-driven event and is a collaborative effort with The Bangor Symphony Orchestra. The mission of the POPS, with the Bangor Symphony Orchestra, is 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. Proceeds are used to bring educational, entertaining and inspirational music experiences to regional school districts.

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For information about the Kingfield POPS, contact Vici Robinson at (207) 265-5831 or Deborah Robie at (207) 512-2924. For information on the Bangor Symphony Orchestra, contact Johnna Lacey at 1-800-639-3221.

The internationally acclaimed Kruger Brothers, who performed at the 2006 Kingfield POPS, will be performing at Farmington, Kingfield, Strong and Mt. Abram schools, along with youth musicians The Abbott Hill Ramblers and the Franklin Fiddlers, on April 26 and 27. The performances, which will reach almost 1500 young people in Franklin County, are brought to the area thanks to the Kingfield POPS, whose mission includes providing music enrichment to area youth, and the Bangor Symphony Orchestra, as part of their Strings Attached outreach program.

March 2007

Kingfield POPS Invites All To Two Free Smith Brothers Performances At Sugarloaf On March 17

March 12, 2007 - The Smith Brothers, a dynamic duo aged 15 and 17 who play bluegrass, old-time, down-east, Celtic and modern music on fiddle and guitar, will play at Sugarloaf on March 17 in support of the Kingfield POPS.

The Smith Brothers from Industry, Maine, have been fiddling throughout the state for the past six years. They were one of the opening acts for the Bangor Symphony Orchestra (BSO) at last year's Kingfield POPS, and they have entertained audiences at the National Folk Festival in Bangor; the Maine Festival at Thomas Point Beach; the Lobster Festival; Weeks Mills in Music; Maine Pioneers of Country Music; the East Sangerville Grange; as special guests with Mac McHale and the Old-Time Radio Gang; as well as many community events and fiddle contests.

The first performance will take place in the King Pine Room at Sugarloaf's Base Lodge from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. It is free of charge.

Later that day, at 5:00 p.m., in the Golf Clubhouse, the brothers will play at a party that has been organized to provide information about the Kingfield POPS' concerts and about the organization's mission. There will be a raffle. All are welcome to attend. Hors d'oeuvres and beverages will be provided. There is no charge. Please RSVP Cindy Gilmore at 265-2181 x4405.

At both performances, guests will have the chance to learn more about the POPS and buy tickets for the June 30 Kingfield POPS concert, which features a performance by the Bangor Symphony Orchestra.

The Smith Brothers' performance is part of the Kingfield POPS' commitment to providing music enrichment to youth through education and performance involvement.

For more information about the Kingfield POPS' mission, to buy tickets or inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please email info@kingfieldpops.com or call Deborah Robie at 512-2924. For information about the party, contact Cindy Gilmore at 265-2181 x4405. For information about the Bangor Symphony Orchestra, contact Johnna Lacey at 942-5555.

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The Smith Brothers, a dynamic duo aged 15 and 17, will play bluegrass, old-time, down-east, Celtic and modern music on fiddle and guitar in their lively and distinctive style at Sugarloaf on March 17 in support of the Kingfield POPS.

February 2007

Music Beckons In The Moonlit Mountains Of Western Maine

February 28, 2007 -- On Saturday, June 30, as a full moon rises over the charming, historic village of Kingfield, which nestles against the peaks of Maine's 4000-foot Western Mountains, Xiao-Lu Li, the conductor of the Bangor Symphony Orchestra (BSO), will raise his baton and the 65-member orchestra will strike the opening notes of the Kingfield POPS' fifth annual outdoor concert.

At the end of the evening, when Tchaikovsky's '1812 Overture' comes to its grand finale, fireworks will launch into the moonlit sky. More than 1500 cheering people will rise to their feet - as they do every year - and offer an enthusiastic standing ovation to the BSO and the Kingfield POPS.

In its fifth year, the 2007 Kingfield POPS promises to be the best ever, featuring not only the BSO, but also some exceptional regional performers and an increasingly popular Festival of the Arts. This magical musical event and full day of arts and cultural activities, fun, festivities, and fine food attracts visitors from near and far.

Guests can bring a picnic or buy food from one of the local vendors and dine al fresco against the backdrop of the mountains. Children can explore BSO's Instrument Petting Zoo, where they can investigate, 'hands on,' many of the instruments in a symphony orchestra. Selected POPS gear and souvenirs will be for sale. As the lead-in to the BSO performance, great Maine musicians will play non-stop from the moment the gates open at 5:00 p.m.

During the day, at the Festival of the Arts in the village (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), visitors can meet artists and artisans, and interact with them as they exhibit photography, jewelry, stained glass, blown glass, paintings, metal works, wooden bowls, and spinning yarn. Maine musicians will play live music throughout the day.

********** Admission is free for the Festival of the Arts, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tickets for the Kingfield POPS concert are $20 in advance and $25 at the gate. Children 17 and under are admitted FREE when accompanied by an adult. Gate opens at 5:00 p.m. For more information or to buy tickets, visit www.kingfieldpops.com or buy tickets by calling 1-800-639-3221.

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Directions: Go to www.kingfieldpops.com for a link to a map and directions.

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January 2007

Kingfield POPS Supports Music Education in SAD 58

January 30, 2007 -- The Kingfield POPS presented a $500 check to SAD 58 Music Director Bea Milewski at a ceremony at Mt. Abram High School on January 30. The funds are designated for the district's instrumental band program.

"We're incredibly pleased to be able to help support Bea Milewski's music program," said David Hart, vice president of the Kingfield POPS. "She has personally been responsible for training dozens of young musicians in this area. Without Bea there would be no band. The POPS wishes to honor her outstanding achievement by helping her further her mission, which is right in line with our mission -- to help create music enrichment opportunities for young people. And the best way for us to do that is to help support the band."

District Superintendent Quenten Clark, one of Milewski's most dedicated supporters, pointed out that one of the great proofs of Bea's success is that in just six years she has created a band "from scratch" and brought them to a level where they can travel to Orlando, Fla. to perform a concert at the Universal Studios STARS Stage at Disney World. Bea and the band members have been preparing for the trip for two years - not only training, practicing, and rehearsing, but raising money. Costs have included travel expenses, as well as uniforms, instruments and music.

The Kingfield POPS may be best known for bringing the magic of the Bangor Symphony Orchestra (BSO) to the Western Mountains, but their mission, POPS president Donald Tranten explained, includes supporting youth music programs, performance opportunities and education throughout the region. "Making a contribution to the Mt. Abram Band," he said, "offers a terrific opportunity for the POPS to further the music enrichment of youths in our backyard."

The 2007 Kingfield POPS, which will take place on June 30, features the Bangor Symphony Orchestra and also offers opportunities for music enrichment for youth. Tranten explained, "Not only do we keep the performance accessible to families with children by offering free admission to young people under age 17 (accompanied by an adult), but this year's event will also feature some exceptionally talented youth performers from the region."

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The Kingfield POPS presented a $500 check to Bea Milewski (seated), director of the SAD 58 Music Program, on Jan. 30 to help support the district's music program and the Mt. Abram High School Band. In making the presentation, David Hart, vice president of the Kingfield POPS, left, credited Bea with creating a program "from scratch" that furthers youth music education in this area. The Kingfield POPS is committed to supporting youth music programs, opportunities and education throughout the region. Supt. Quenten Clark, standing far right, and Felicia Pease, principal of the Strong Elementary School, and band member parent, look on. (Photo BJ Bangs)

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For more information about Kingfield POPS, please email Deborah Robie at info@kingfieldpops.com or call her at (207) 512-2924. For information on the Bangor Symphony Orchestra, call Johnna Lacey at (207) 942-5555.

December 2006

Kingfield POPS tickets make great Christmas gifts

Dec. 7, 2006 - Why not give the gift of music this Christmas? Tickets for the 5th annual Kingfield POPS concert are now on sale. The highlight of this annual summer music festival, which will take place on June 30, 2007 in Kingfield, Maine, is a performance by the Bangor Symphony Orchestra (BSO). The BSO, with 50+ musicians under the leadership of Music Director and Conductor Xiao-Lu Li, is the country's oldest continuously operating community orchestra and is well known for its crowd-pleasing programming.

Designed as a fun, family-style festival, Kingfield POPS also features some exceptionally talented regional musicians in addition to the BSO. Also during the event, there is a BSO instrument petting zoo, a clown, family activities and lots of delicious food. From 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., artists and artisans display their creations and musicians perform outdoors at a Festival of the Arts in the village of Kingfield. The concert gates open at 5:00 p.m., so families and friends have time to savor the spectacular setting and enjoy non-stop music while they dine on a home-packed picnic or food from on-site vendors. The evening closes with a fireworks finale.

Tickets are $20 in advance ($25 at the gate) for adults, and free of charge for youths under the age of 17 who are accompanied by an adult. Tickets can be purchased at Camden National Bank branches in Farmington, Kingfield, Stratton, Phillips, and Rangeley. In Kingfield, they can also be purchased at Grand Central Station and Tranten's Grocery Store; in Farmington, at Mickey's Hallmark and at the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce. Shoppers can also buy tickets on the BSO website at www.bangorsymphony.com.

Grand Central Station in Kingfield is also selling POPS gear at discounted prices, including great-looking POPS T-shirts at half-price ($7.50), hats ($10), and Frisbees ($3). Gift-wrapping is included with the purchase of tickets and another POPS item.

Why not make someone's mid-summer night's dream come true by stuffing a pair of Kingfield POPS tickets in a mid-winter Christmas stocking?

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For more information about Kingfield POPS, please call Vici Robinson at (207) 265-5831 or email Deborah Robie at info@kingfieldpops.com. For information on the Bangor Symphony Orchestra, call Johnna Lacey at (207) 942-5555.

November 2006

Kingfield POPS elects new officers, prepares for 2007 concert

Nov. 20, 2006 - The Kingfield POPS' Board of Directors is gearing up for next summer's concert with the Bangor Symphony Orchestra, which will take place at the Kennedy Farm in Kingfield on June 30, 2007.

At last week's Annual Meeting of the Directors, Donald Tranten was elected president; David Hart, vice-president; Brian Toomey, treasurer; and Vici Robinson, secretary. The Board also welcomed two new Directors: Quenten Clark, Superintendent of MSAD 58; and Lorna Nichols, Executive Director of the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce. Deborah Robie is joining the team as Executive Director.

"This summer marks a major milestone, as it is the fifth anniversary of the POPS concerts," said Donald Tranten. "We are thrilled to have come so far, and we look forward to this year's concert being better than ever. The Board is on fire with great energy and ideas and we even expect to be ready to sell tickets before Christmas. It's a good feeling to be able to look back at a significant track record of achievement, and move toward the future with confidence."

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For more information, please call Vici Robinson at (207) 265-5831 or email Deborah Robie at deborah@kingfieldpops.com.