BLUE PORTLAND MAINE (BPM) originally opened in 2005 in a room half its current size. The business has changed hands a few times since then, and each holder has helped the room evolve into a place where local, regional, and international talent perform regularly.
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The venue has been mentioned in Rolling Stone, The New York Times, as well as the Portland Museum of Art Magazine (2024, Volume I) which states: "Real cities need places like Blue - casual, fun, and unassuming spots where music leads the way."​
Following the Pandemic, Blue (along with countless other venues throughout, well, everywhere) found itself struggling to regain footing. There were countless livestreams and attempts at regular operating hours, but the model shifted and the business was eventually sold to current owners Andrew Roseman and Celeste Parke in 2022.
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Portland has changed quite a bit since the mid 2000s, and with the most recent boom in breweries and restaurants (and condos) there aren’t too many places in the city that have Blue's kind of legacy. In 2025, Blue will be heading into its 20th year!
The time has come for BPM to announce we're officially a nonprofit organization!
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Blue has always been known as an intimate listening room, and for the last two years, it’s evolved to produce an eclectic, diverse array of high quality, community-building events. Ranging from Call-A-Tune style Jazz Sesh, to Salsa Nite, to Punk/Metal/Indie shows, BPM has become a landmark for residents and tourists alike who seek quality, memorable performances. ​
Our mission is to facilitate, participate in, and chronicle community building events in the arts.
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Our vision is to continue operating an independent, community-building arts space that facilitates high quality performances, creates opportunities for independent artists, encourages collaborative learning and engages with other non-profits and independent venues.​​
By pursuing non profit status, BPM can raise funds to cover administrative costs and adequately compensate artists dedicated to community building events such as open mics, jazz sessions and others. These funds will also compensate sound technicians, provide training related to live sound and production, and facilitate live recordings of musical events. Additionally, BPM's licensing and insurance will allow minors to participate in performances.