A show produced in Farmington is spreading across state cable TV systems.
By Eric Horn
Special to the Sun Journal

FARMINGTON – Music. Television. There is good news for Mainers who like both, and it has nothing to do with Britney Spears or American Idols.

With its first show taped less than three months ago, “Musicians of Maine” has spread to local cable access TV across the state, including most recently in Bangor and South Portland, according to adviser Larry Bisbee.

The program showcases talent from around the state and can be seen on 14 cable systems in 123,000 homes in 75 Maine communities, according to a prepared statement.

The show features artists of all ages and backgrounds performing in a wide range of musical styles.

Included in this season’s list of performers are 8-year-old Brian Wardwell, a national award-winning country singer from Limington, and Leeds resident Ray Chouinard, who specializes in music from France.

“It’s pretty diverse,” said Bisbee of the roster. “For the first few shows we had mostly folk, country and gospel artists because those are the people I was in contact with.

“As word gets out we are having all kinds of artists from all over the state wanting to be on the show.”

Bisbee, who runs the Countryfolk Music Theater in East Dixfield, has been involved with small theater and music since the 1960s. In early spring he pitched the idea of running a Tennessee-based country music show to producer Dick Stevens and director J.P. Fortier of Mount Blue Community TV – cable access Channel 11 in Farmington.

The two asked Bisbee to host a program promoting Maine musicians instead. Bisbee agreed to team up with Stevens and Fortier, and “Musicians of Maine” was born.

Before long, Bisbee was calling on some of his friends from the music business to help with the task of putting the show together. One of those was longtime broadcaster and Dryden resident Heidi Sweetwater.

A former Maine radio broadcaster and veteran actor, Sweetwater is now the host for “Musicians of Maine.” Bisbee feels she fits the show well.

“Heidi is great in front of the camera and does a good job with the performers,” he said. “She’s an outstanding hostess.”

Alan Rich, another friend of Bisbee’s who lives in Livermore, serves as the sound director and set designer. Rich even performed during the first show.

Every other week, the production crew welcomes four musical guests at the MBTV-11 station.

Several names slated for the coming weeks and months include Maine Country Music Hall of Fame members Ginger Mae Dyer of Corrina and Slim Andrews of Auburn. Stevie Cee, a Country Music Award winner from Biddeford, is also scheduled to perform.

Bisbee thinks there will be more of an international flavor in the future. “We are looking to bring more ethnic music onto the show,” he explained.

Maine residents wishing to see the program should check their local listing for availability.

Artists who would like more information about performing can contact Bisbee at larry@countryfolkmusic.com or Dick Stevens at 645-4748, or they can get on to the “Musicians of Maine” Web site at www.n1rct.com.

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