Who we are
The Ideal Maine Social Aid and Sanctuary Band is a Portland, ME based community activist band in the New Orleans street band tradition, embracing a broad range of diverse music. Our performances bring joy and danceable grooves to public displays of celebration, advocacy, and solidarity. We support progressive movements and believe that through music and song, we can fight apathy and work together toward peace and social justice for all.
How we play
We strive to foster an inclusive, safe, and amiable social gathering for musical people of all backgrounds, ages, gender identities, races, and ethnicities. Our band welcomes musicians of all skill levels, from professional to the novice and naive. Songs are learned through weekly rehearsals; reading music is not a requirement, and while we do have percussion instruments to share and individual members may have instruments to loan, members provide their own instruments. Instruction and tips, from basic instrumental skills to improvisation, are part of the band culture as we learn from each other and introduce each other to different musical traditions. The band is governed by consensus and collaboration.
Previous Performances Include:
Abortion Rights March, Back Cove Neighborhood Association, Bicycle Coalition of Maine, Colby College Community Day, Congress Square Park, Deering Porchfest, First Friday Artwalk, HONK Festival, King Friday Puppet Slam, Make Music Portland, MAMM Resurgam Festival, Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Association, Neo-Nazi Counter Rally, Peace Works 4th July Parade, Port City Mutual Aid, Portland Dyke March, Portland Food Coop, Portland Park Conservancy, Redbank Community Picnic, Sacred and Profane, South Portland SpringFest, Southern Maine Workers Center, Stop the Sweeps Rally, Third Act Street Theater, WMPG 50th Anniversary Celebration
