Two faculty members at Bates College in Lewiston and a photographer from Rockport were among this year’s fellows.
Ray Routhier
Staff Writer
Ray Routhier has written about pop culture, movies, TV, music and lifestyle trends for the Portland Press Herald since 1993. He is continually fascinated with stories that show the unique character of Maine’s people and places. He’s written about why so many businesses use the made-up word “Mainely” in their names, how you can trace Portland’s history through its various smells and why Mainers lament the loss of Portland-made B&M baked beans. He’s interviewed a wide variety of filmmakers, actors, musicians and authors, including Patrick Dempsey, Tony Shalhoub, Richard Russo, Tess Gerritsen, Tony Bennett, Anna Kendrick, and Stephen King. His passions, besides writing, include baseball history, old movies and “Jeopardy!” A native of Manchester, New Hampshire, he graduated with a degree in political science from the University of New Hampshire. He lives in South Portland with his wife and two children.
Posted inArts & Entertainment, Life & Culture, Maine, New England
This Maine author’s YA novel could be headed for Broadway
‘Freak the Mighty,’ by Rodman Philbrick of Kittery, was published in 1993. It will make its theatrical debut in Cleveland next month, a test run for Broadway.
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Posted inMaine, News, Things to Do
Five fun things to do while you’re in Gardiner
The director of Johnson Hall Opera House shares some of his favorite spots in the historic Kennebec River town.
Posted inArts & Entertainment, Life & Culture, Maine, News, Things to Do
19 big concerts across Maine to put on your calendar now
There are pop, rock and country shows all over the state, from Portland to Bangor, now through Labor Day weekend.
Posted inArts & Entertainment, Life & Culture
Barry Manilow postponing Portland show
The pop singer had been scheduled to play Cross Insurance Arena on April 19.
Posted inArts & Entertainment, Life & Culture, Maine, Things to Do
Portland comic arts festival draws on the indie scene
Comic Arts Maine Portland, which began in 2025, will feature exhibitors, workshops and panels with comics creators on Saturday.
Posted inArts & Entertainment, Life & Culture, Maine
Portland teacher announced as new Maine poet laureate
Dawn Potter, of Portland, was named Friday as the seventh person to fill the role, which was created in 1995.
Posted inArts & Entertainment, Life & Culture, Maine, News
Comedian John Mulaney to play Bangor in November
The SNL alum will also perform in Hampton and Gilford, New Hampshire, on his 2026 tour.
Posted inLife & Culture, Maine, News
Tracy Kidder, Pulitzer-winning author who shared his work with Maine neighbors, dies at 80
Kidder, who died Tuesday in Boston, had a summer home in South Bristol and often did readings and events in Maine.
Posted inArts & Entertainment, Life & Culture, Maine
A NatGeo photographer turned a road trip on Maine’s Route 1 into a film
‘100 Years of Route One: A Centennial Road Trip’ by Bob Krist of Boothbay Harbor features sites and stories from Kittery to Fort Kent. The film will air on Maine Public TV.