The community is invited to join the Waldo Theatre for an evening of local food, drink, and music on Aug. 1 from 5:30-10 p.m. at Tops'l Farm’s beautiful new timber frame barn in Waldoboro.

Proceeds from this event go to the renovation and restoration of the Waldo Theatre: this beautiful building and once-vibrant hub of the community has been shuttered since 2014, fallen into disrepair, and in 2017 was placed on Maine’s List of Most Endangered Historic Places. Growing community support has given momentum to the newly formed Waldo Theatre board’s mission to restore the theatre to its rightful place as a thriving arts center in the region, starting with the Raising the Roof Barn Party.

Headlining is John Stirratt (Wilco and The Autumn Defense) performing with Portland- based Maine Youth Rock Orchestra, who through collaboration with national artists, aims to redefine music education for students of all backgrounds and demographics, creating transformational experiences. Maine duo Oshima Brothers with their harmony-rich blend of contemporary folk and acoustic pop, and The Ale House String Band with their style of “chamber-folk” will be opening the evening. This is a one-night-only opportunity to see all of these talented performers under one roof.

The $75 tickets include food provided by Harvest Moon Catering, and will feature wood-fired, farm-to-plate cuisine using local ingredients from Morse’s Sauerkraut, Borealis Breads, Ducktrap Seafood, Spear’s Farm, Fiore Olive Oils and Vinegars, Coppertail Farm, Mystique Cheese, Riverside Butcher, and Lakin’s Gorge Cheese. Desserts will be provided by Kahren’s Kitchen and Rock City Roasters while Blue Cloud Farm in South Bristol is donating beautiful floral arrangements for the decor. There will be oysters for sale from Pemaquid Oyster Company, as well as a cash bar featuring local beer from Waldoboro's own Odd Alewives Farm Brewery.

This rain or shine event promises to be a not-to-be-missed night of incredible local food and drink and exciting musical performances; blankets and lawn chairs encouraged. Space is limited. Tickets will not be available at the door, so must be purchased in advance. Tickets can be purchased online at waldotheatre.org or in person at Long Winter Soap Co. at 11 Friendship St. in Waldoboro.

Tops’l Farm’s Timber Frame Barn is locacted at 364 Bremen Rd., Waldoboro.

The Waldo Theatre, located at 319 Main St. in historic downtown Waldoboro, is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit. Regular monthly meetings occur on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m.