PORTLAND – Singer/songwriter Bob McKillop is a well-known face on the local music scene. He is the founder and editor of MaineFolkMusic.com; he has leadership positions with both the Portland Music Foundation and the Maine Songwriters Association; he is a regular host on the city’s open-mic circuit, and he is a tireless writer and promoter for the local acoustic music community.

On Saturday, April 19, McKillop will take center stage at 8 p.m. at a party celebrating the release of his new CD, “Portland Afternoon,” at The North Star Music Café, 225 Congress St.

The Mutineers, a Maine string band, will open. Admission is free and open to all ages.

In a creative twist of synergy, McKillop will partner with the Red Cross to attract blood donors on the morning of the CD release. The singer has been a regular blood donor and Red Cross supporter for many years. On April 19, he will offer a free CD to all blood donors at the Portland Donor Center. In addition, McKillop will provide some live entertainment for those who stop in to donate a pint. The Red Cross Center is at 524 Forest Ave. For more information on donating blood, call 775-2367.

“Portland Afternoon” features six original songs. McKillop calls the title track his “love song to Portland.” He describes the bulk of his work as songs of redemption. “They’re about making mistakes – then forgiving yourself and moving on,” he said. “Really, they’re about being human.”

Several local luminaries play on the disc, including Alan Dickson (mandolin, bass) who is half of McKillop’s duo, McKillop and Dickson; singer/songwriters Vanessa Torres and Heather Caston (backing vocals); Jeff Trippe of the Mutineers (fiddle); Eric Bettencourt of Giraffe Attack (electric guitar); Jason Ingalls of Seekonk (drums); and Lindsey Montana of Smoldering Bones (piano). The disc was recorded at Acadia Recording Co.

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