BETHEL — Singer-songwriter Eli Lev will return to Bethel on Sept. 19 for a free performance at Steam Mill Brewing as part of his Up East Summer Tour.
Music begins at 6 p.m. Lev described the show as an uplifting, community-focused evening of what he calls “indie folk poptimism,” combining acoustic music, live looping and storytelling.
“I loop acoustic guitar, harmonica, Woodrow, and Native flute live on stage to build a full, warm sound around story-driven songs,” Lev said. “It’s an interactive, high-energy environment designed to bring people together, sing along, and feel connected.”
The Silver Spring, Maryland, musician has previously performed in Maine and said the Sept. 19 appearance will be his second performance in Bethel.
“I performed a couple years ago, and I’m looking forward to coming back and experiencing the mountain town vibe and sharing music at Steam Mill Brewing again,” he said.
Lev is touring in support of “Past Lives,” an album built in part around archival recordings of members of his family.
“Past Lives is about origin stories and honoring where we come from,” Lev said. “During the creation process, I dug through old family cassette tapes and voicemails, sampling original audio of my relatives speaking and singing directly into the tracks.”
He said weaving those recordings into newer acoustic arrangements allowed the album to connect family history with the present.
According to Lev’s biography, “Past Lives” reached No. 2 on the Folk Alliance International charts and received three 2026 WAMMIE Awards, including Best Folk Album. Lev has also performed at the Kennedy Center and Washington’s 9:30 Club.
Lev said he has now performed in 49 states and that Maine has become a regular part of his touring schedule.
“Maine holds a special place for me because of its deep appreciation for authentic, grassroots live music,” he said. “As I near the milestone of playing all 50 states, returning to Maine always feels like a breath of fresh air.”
The Bethel performance is free and open to the public.
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