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Reverberations of loud music and cheering could be heard across the street from Woodman’s Bar and Grill on Saturday, Oct. 24. People throughout the community gathered together to enjoy live tunes and cold beers. The Hampden Mountain Boys took the stage around 10 p.m. to kick off a performance that had no formal name.
“The name was just an idea to have a community of musicians share a stage to play and perform,” said Tim Berrigan, lead singer and acoustic guitarist for the Hampden Mountain Boys.
It was a common understanding that the purpose of the show was to exhibit musical talents of anyone interesting, not the promotion of just one band.
This group performed with a unique sound characterized by their use of harmonica, banjo and slide guitar. Their unconventional style has been called a “contemporary bluegrass twist on classic rock” by Joshua Bernier, the bass player for Restless Groove and loyal fan and friend of the Hampden Mountain Boys.
The night began with light-hearted slow jams, which proved appropriate for the friendly conversation between those in attendance. As the night progressed, people flooded in through the doors, and no one showed signs of leaving as long as the music and beer kept flowing.
The light-hearted tunes soon gave way to faster and louder jams as the band gained members throughout the night. The Hampden Mountain Boys were in no way exclusive and invited local musicians to share their talents in an environment fostering a genuine love of music.
“My favorite part was the final collaboration where there were almost three bands combined,” said Beth Gerard, an audience member.
There was something fluid in the scenery of the pub. Musicians displayed their respect for one another, exemplifying music’s power to bring people together. There was a palpable sensation shared between listeners as they grooved, some with closed eyes.
“The bar’s dim lighting, along with the music, creates a colorful haze that keeps people wanting to come back,” said Matthew Pepin, an undergraduate student at the UMaine and regular customer at Woodman’s. Those present seemed to be of similar opinion, as indicated by the bar’s full capacity until its closing at 1 a.m.
The Hampden Mountain Boys’ love of music is contagious. It flowed from their instruments and vocals and transmitted to the restless limbs of dancers near the stage as well as those sitting at the bar and bobbing their heads to the beat. They can be seen rocking out on most Wednesdays at Woodman’s weekly open-mic night.
