More fun than a mass vaccination site! The historic Opera House at Boothbay Harbor continues to work to keep the doors open for a limited number of audience members this spring, featuring some of Maine’s best musical talents in live performances. While following Covid guidelines including masks for all audience and staff, open windows for fresh air, and socially distanced seating, the Opera House offers the opportunity to go out and hear live music in an intimate setting this season.

Check it out: Saturday, May 1 -  Junction 27;  Thursday, May 6 - Portland Symphony’s Brass Quintet;  Saturday, May 8 – Mark Farrington’s Cattle Call and Thursday, May 20 – Portland Symphony Violin/Piano Duo.

May Day (May 1) brings the talents of Sally Carroll, Ron Arsenault, and Dick Spofford into the stage lights, performing as their long-running trio with many names, tonight they appear as Junction 27. Their spirited playing rolls off the stage and into an audience they perform for – with music from multiple decades and genres, and lots of laughter sprinkled in, this trio never disappoints. This show is sure to sell out and interested audience members are urged to reserve their seats now. Advance tickets are $20.

The following week, on Thursday, May 6, the music of John Williams, Tylman Susato, J.S. Bach, Scott Joplin, Eubie Blake, Fats Waller, W.C. Handy, Duke Ellington and others will fill the House when members of the Portland Symphony’s brass section pay a visit to Boothbay Harbor. Joe Foley and Betty Rines on trumpet, Lauren Winter on principal horn, Nicholas Orovich on trombone, and Don Rankin on tuba will bring this program ranging from classical to jazz favorites. Advance tickets are $20.

Just as the big sound of the brass quintet is settling into memory, musician Mark Farrington will arrive on stage with his band Cattle Call on Saturday, May 8. Cattle Call sold out the last time they appeared at the Opera House and the evening is guaranteed to bring their fans out of hibernation. Don’t wait to purchase these coveted tickets. Cattle Call recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of their first CD release, and to celebrate they re-mastered, added 5 bonus tracks, and re-released “Good Life” which will be available at the show. Along with Mark Farrington, longtime singing partner Jimmy McGirr will be on bass, John Davison (of McCarthy’s fame) on drums, and Boothbay’s own Gabe Tonon on lead guitar. Come on out and enjoy Mark’s songs of life in Maine, old friends, lost loves, and good times. Advance discounted tickets $20.

Portland Symphony Orchestra’s Assistant Concertmaster Amy Sims on violin and Vytas Baksys on piano bring an evening of Mozart, Stravinsky, William Grant Still and Johannes Brahms to the Opera House on Thursday, May 20. The evening’s program is The Fairy’s Kiss. Join us for this late spring evening of classical music. Advance discounted tickets $20.

All May performances begin at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30. Call 633-5159, or visit the box office at 86 Townsend Avenue, Boothbay Harbor, to reserve tickets for any performance. Tickets are not currently available online. Additional information about all concerts being presented this season is available at boothbayoperahouse.com