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Join Bailey’s Mistake and Ross Gregor Adam for a concert commemorating the 250th anniversary (to the day!) of the British bombardment of Portland. The tragedy, which took place back on October 18, 1775, left the city in ashes and was a major catalyst for the American Revolution. It’s even mentioned in the Declaration of Independence.The lively concert will poke good-hearted fun at the British as well as celebrate Portland’s remarkable resiliency.
Bailey’s Mistake will debut a new song all about Alice Greeley, a legendary Portland widow and barkeep who saved her tavern by scooping up red-hot cannonballs with her frying pan.
Ross Gregor Adam, originally from Scotland, will feature a healthy dose of Irish and Scottish anti-British rebel songs from his vast repertoire.
About the performers:
Ross Gregor Adam is a one-man-band and fun factory originally from Burntisland, just up the coast from Edinburgh, Scotland. The folk musician is now based in Portland, Maine and is known for his energetic performances and authentic Celtic sound. With roots in Scotland and a love for live performance, Ross blends traditional Irish and Scottish ballads with modern folk favorites, captivating audiences across New England.
Bailey’s Mistake is a not-quite-traditional, Celtic-inspired, four-piece folk band from Maine. The group mixes traditional music from Ireland, Scotland and Newfoundland with brand new songs about contemporary life in New England. Bailey’s Mistake’s pulsing sound is driven by bass, drums and guitar and topped off with hearty vocal harmonies and thrilling bagpipe and whistle tunes.
Bailey’s Mistake is made up of four seasoned musicians who all went to the same rural high school in Maine — aptly named Bonny Eagle. Collectively, they have about 110 years of touring musical experience.
Troy R. Bennett plays guitar, sings soulful lead and writes most of the band’s original songs. Travis Cote learned to play the bagpipes at 10 and thrills audiences with his rhythmic, majestic sound. Dean Clegg is the band’s inventive percussionist and oversees all technical aspects of every show. Rob Babson plays bass, sings delicate harmonies and is the band’s musical leader.
Bailey’s Mistake has played gigs all over New England. The band is also recording and releasing one new song, nearly every month, throughout 2025.
Bailey’s Mistake takes its name from a legend told for generations along the Maine coast. Back in the 19th century, there was a certain ship captain named Bailey. He was trying to guide his vessel safely around West Quoddy Head Lighthouse and into Lubec Harbor.
Unfortunately, it was a foggy night and he missed. Instead of safe harbor, Bailey ran aground in a shallow, rocky inlet just south of the lighthouse. But rather than face the wrath of the ship’s furious owners in Boston, Bailey and his crew unloaded the lumber they had on board, built houses in the cove and settled down with several local ladies.
To this day, on most good maps, that little harbor is simply labeled “Bailey’s Mistake”.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
The Hill Arts ME, 76 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101-3617, United States
Tickets
