What: Concert in memory of Tom Rowe

When: 7 p.m. Saturday, May 8

Where: First Parish Church, 425 Congress St., Portland

For tickets: Call toll-free (888) 647-6783
Musicians plan Tom Rowe tribute concert
The Auburn resident was a beloved member of Schooner Fare and Turkey Hollow.
PORTLAND – A concert in memory of Maine musician Tom Rowe will be held at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 8, in First Parish Church.

Rowe was born in Lewiston and educated in the Auburn school system, graduating from Edward Little High School in 1969. He became interested in music at an early age and formed his first band, the Chord Majority, before any of the members were old enough to drive themselves to concerts. He was a member of Vehicle and The Flairs. He briefly joined the folk-pop band Devonsquare before forming Schooner Fare with brothers Chuck and Steve Romanoff.

Most recently he and his son Dave joined friend Denny Breau to perform together as Turkey Hollow.

For many years, Tom was also a teacher. He taught at Buckfield High School and at Edward Little High School. He ran a recording studio and worked with many Maine musicians over the years.

Tom died in January of complications related to treatment for throat cancer. He was 53.

The tribute concert will feature Schooner Fare, Turkey Hollow, the Dave Rowe Trio, Rob Carlson, Castlebay, Christine Lavin, Eugene Byrne, Ed Romanoff and Cliff Haslam. In addition, alumni of Vehicle and The Flairs as well as the members of Tom’s first band, the Chord Majority, will perform.

Organizers hope to use proceeds from the concert for scholarships and to help music students buy equipment.

“Dad always liked to see kids get into music,” said Dave Rowe.

‘’Tom loved music. He loved playing and he loved the life he led. I can’t think of a better way to honor his memory,” said his brother, Russ Rowe.

Concert tickets are $23 each, plus a $2 handling fee per ticket. They may be ordered by calling toll-free, (888) 647-6783. Tickets will also be available at the door the night of the concert.

The First Parish Church is located at 425 Congress St. in downtown Portland.