When it comes to live music, Portland punches far above its weight, and the upcoming ARME Boot Camp Festival 2 at Threshers Brewing in Searsmont on Aug. 4 and 5 proves that point in a big, big way – the headlining act this year is Maine’s own Rustic Overtones, who are reuniting to play their first show in years!
That said, there are nearly 40 acts on the roster, and with tickets starting at only $60, that’s pound for pound your best live music value, hands down … tix are going wicked fast and, as of this writing, there are but a handful left. Get yours here, ‘cause if you’re reading this piece, you’re not gonna wanna miss this.
The guys in Rustic Overtones haven’t played together in a while, but it’s not like they haven’t been busy. Overtones frontman Dave Gutter took home a Grammy back in February for his song, “Stompin’ Ground,” that was recorded by Aaron Neville and won in the Best American Roots Performance category.
If you’ve never seen them live, it’s truly something to behold. Their sound defies categorization, swinging effortlessly through ska, soul, R&B, Americana, rock, and Latin, but always with purpose and firmly in the pocket. Their pleasure they take in playing together is infectious. They’ve got an uncanny knack for connecting with the audience, and the relentless touring they’ve done over the year has earned them a legion of devoted fans. You can read more about that here.
The Rustic Overtones are headlining the Day Two on Saturday, Aug. 5, but Dave Gutter will be playing a set on Day One, on Friday, Aug. 4, too, with his new combo: Dave Gutter & The Strongly Worded Email, and if there truly is a Just And Loving God, we’ll get a chance to talk with him soon about that in greater detail. Stay tuned.
And while Rustic Overtones may be the thing that’s got everybody talking, the fact is, the ARME Boot Camp 2 – that’s right, it’s the second year for this event – roster straight-up slays from top to bottom. There are close to 40 acts on the bill, and the roster of artists who will be performing is larded with the best of Portland and beyond. You can dip your toes into what’s in store via our newly created Spotify playlist, below.
In the coming days, we’ll be talking with and about more of the performers who will be playing, including The Worst, SeepeopleS, Scissorfight (hella stoked for this one), Vapors of Morphine, Lake Over Fire, Spall, Bait Bag, Milk St., One Hundred Thorns, and more – a lot more.
The ARME Boot Camp Festival is an all-ages event, it’s pet-friendly, and camping is available. It’s gonna sell out, and you if you snooze, you lose, so do yourself a favor and grab tickets now, while you still can. It’s gonna rock.
ThatPortlandSound 