Concerts at Farmington,
Portland and Auburn

New England Celtic Arts will present the Dave Rowe Holiday Special on Saturday, Dec. 10, at North Church with the Farmington Historical Society.

It will also appear for the first time in Portland, at One Longfellow Square on Tuesday, Dec. 13.

On Dec. 17, the Rowe Holiday Special will be performed at the First Universalist Church, 169 Pleasant St., Auburn, where Rowe and pianist Phil House first began performing a holiday concert in the early ’90s. This year, the Rowe show is part of the church’s new concert series, Concerts for a Cause.

Curtain is at 7 p.m. at all shows. 

Since Rowe and House began performing a holiday concert about 25 years ago, the show has undergone changes. The first four or five years, Dave was joined on stage by his late father, Tom (of Schooner Fare) in their duo called Rowe by Rowe. After several years, Denny Breau joined the Rowes’ band, becoming a trio called Turkey Hollow. Tom Rowe passed away in early 2004 and, since that year, his son has continued the tradition with Breau and House.

During the past five years, the event has become a holiday standard in Franklin County as well, first appearing at Skye Theatre and now, with its closing, the show has moved to the Farmington Historical Society’s North Church. Through New England Celtic Arts, the program will now also be offered at One Longfellow Square.

“It’s a family affair in every sense,” Dave Rowe said. “Phil House and I have been performing this show together for so long and now Denny Breau has since 1998. It’s just like getting together with family and friends for a little music over the holidays. I don’t think any of us would miss this for the world.”

The Farmington performance will be held at North Church, 18 High St. For reservations, call 207-778-2006. Tickets are $15.

The Portland performance will be held at One Longfellow Square, 181 State St. Tickets are $15. Call 207-761-1757 for reservations or go to onelongfellowsquare.com/event-registration/?ee=616.

Tickets to the Auburn show are $17 and will be sold only at the door.