The showcase is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on May 7.

LEWISTON – Nick Spitzer, the host of Public Radio International’s music show “American Routes,” will host a revue of Maine performers next Friday aimed at convincing area civic and business leaders of the arts’ importance.

“We wanted somebody national to highlight what we’re doing,” said Laura Davis, an organizer of the Blaine House Conference on Maine’s Creative Economy. “Spitzer said yes’ right away. He was very enthusiastic.”

The conference, scheduled for May 6 and 7, will conclude with the Maine Music Showcase on Friday night. Performers will include the Don Roy Trio, a jazz ensemble featuring clarinetist Brad Terry and the Sean Mencher Combo.

Spitzer, who also reports about music for National Public Radio, will host the event.

Performances are expected to be an integral part of the two-day event, not just its finale, said Davis, who works with Rinck Advertising in Auburn.

The conference was designed so someone might attend a discussion about tax incentives and then see a performance by jugglers or examine a sculpture.

Artist Jonathan Mess has created an artistic installation for the conference site, at the Bates Mill in Lewiston. The Maine Film Office plans to make a mini movie theater, complete with popcorn.

Poets Ann Arbor, Henry Braun and John Rosenwald will read from their works and jugglers Fritz Grobe and Michael Miclon will perform.

In keeping with the conference’s theme, Miclon, who runs the Oddfellow Theater in Buckfield, will host Thursday’s events.

The Friday show is open to the public. Admission is $10 in advance, $12 at the door.

“We want people to say, This is really what happens when the economy and culture come together,'” Davis said.

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