Why This Matters.

Why Live Music Matters—Even If You Only Attend a Few Shows a Year

Maybe you're a die-hard concertgoer—an unwavering supporter of Portland’s DIY punk scene, a lover of intimate jazz or folk nights, or someone who plans a few special nights out each year to catch major touring acts. If that’s you, you likely already understand the irreplaceable value of live music and the vital role local independent venues play in our cultural fabric.

But what if you only attend one or two shows a year?
Why should this matter to you?

That’s a fair question. Here are a few compelling answers:

1. Economic Impact

According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, arts and culture contribute $1.55 billion annually to Maine’s economy, supporting over 10,000 jobs statewide—including nearly 4,400 in Cumberland County. That’s a major economic driver impacting everything from local employment to public school funding.

Importantly, this figure doesn’t even account for the broader economic ripple effect tied to live music. Think of the restaurants, bars, and shops that benefit when someone plans a night out around a concert. Or the visitors who travel from out of town, stay in local hotels, and explore our city’s offerings. Live music venues are one critical domino in Portland’s economic ecosystem—if they fall, others are likely to follow.

2. Cultural Vitality and Community Support

Portland’s music venues are more than just stages for global acts like Alabama Shakes, Kacey Musgraves, Queens of the Stone Age, Norah Jones, and Wilco. They are essential spaces for:

  • Local musicians to earn a living and build careers.

  • Young artists to gain experience, confidence, and creative direction.

  • Marginalized communities to safely gather, express themselves, and be heard.

  • Artistic cross-pollination—supporting music enriches our literary, visual, and theatrical communities, too.

A city that invests in live music invests in a vibrant, diverse, and interconnected cultural landscape. Organizations like the Maine Music Alliance help ensure this ecosystem survives—and thrives. Supporting them sends a powerful message: we value art, and we value the people who create it.

3. Quality of Life in Portland

Many of us chose to live here because of the special balance this city offers—natural beauty, a strong sense of community, and a culturally rich environment. Live music plays a crucial role in that equation. Without it, what else begins to slip away?

This is not about defending corporate giants like Live Nation or Ticketmaster. This is about defending your neighbors—the bartenders, sound engineers, booking agents, stagehands, and artists who make our city hum. These are the people whose livelihoods hang in the balance.

Now is the time to ask:
What kind of city do we want to live in?
How do we define “community” and “culture” when they’re at risk of being lost?

If these questions resonate with you—even if you only catch one or two shows a year—consider lending your voice, your support, and your presence to this cause.

Support the Maine Music Alliance. Support Portland’s cultural future.