32 NORTH: NEW DIRECTIONS in 2024

            Named after the road that took the band from its birthplace in Round Pond to venues all around Maine’s midcoast, 32 North is a Maine-bred string band. For the last eight years, the band ---- Gary McCue (Fender Telecaster, harmonica, vox), Frank Bedell (electric bass, resonator guitar, vox), John Monterisi (electric acoustic guitar, vox) and Logan Sampson(violin, vox)---- has been delivering the best from country music’s “outlaws,” the swamp, blues, Grateful Dead, fiddle music and even originals to a wide variety of audiences and venues.  The band’s mission is to bring its brand of groove, style and passion to music and stories from the American highway.

            And its mission has taken us to many wonderful musical experiences! We are “the house band” at Shuck Station, a monthly residence that’s always fun and exciting. Or you may have seen us at Coveside, Contented Sole, private parties (we love to fire up good times with new and old friends!), Live Edge Music Festival, Annie’s Book Bistro, Outback Saloon, and Southport General Store. 32 North has also participated in several musical theatre events, including two productions of “Woody Guthrie’s American Song” and “The Dylan Project” in which the band produced and performed all the music. Yes, we are pro grade.

            Now, in its eighth year, 32 North is very pleased to announce that Kella River(percussion, vox) has joined the band. Kella “sat in” for some performances during summer of ’23, and all of us loved the wonderful singing, playing and experience she brought to the band. Kella has performed in various configurations, from solo gigs to full bands, for the last 30 years. She is known locally for her work in the community through interactive family concerts and children’s programs. Part Emmy Lou meets Donna G, with a touch of soul queen and a splash of Rickie Lee, we welcome Kella to 32 North. She will undoubtedly help us raise our sound to the next level.

            For the 2024 season, we anticipate a core band of Gary, Frank, John and Kella for most gigs. Brother Logan, who has long heard the “siren song” of the sea, will join us when he is on land, and he is “likely” for Shuck Station appearances. Of course, we may have special guests sit in with us, since we enjoyed that so much in ’23.

            We want to thank our many fans for their kind support, and we invite you to come see us and hire us for the 2024 season. It will be a blast to share good music and good times with you!

THANKS TO RIVER COMPANY FOR A WONDERFUL SHOW! OCTOBER, 2023

COMING IN 2022

The boys -- Gary, Frank, Logan and Johnny are booked for gigs at some of their favorite venues in midcoast Maine for the coming 2022 season. Check the "Shows" page, and come see us at Shuck Station, Outback Saloon, Coveside and other fine establishments.

 

This summer, 2020, 32 North did a bit of home recording and video to produce Logan's tune Butterscotch Blonde. We used this video as our contribution to the "virtual open mic" extravaganza benefitting The Inn Along the Way.

 

Logan, me, Capn Frank and Gary play a set after slurping bloodies and tasty oysters at Glidden Oyster Farm in Newcastle, ME.

32 North firing on all cylinders at The Dylan Project. John Keyser on drum kit.

Here's a sweet summer moment from Live Edge Fest August, 2018, sponsored by Midcoast Conservancy.

32 North is coming on strong for 2018, with shows at its fave watering holes, the Midcoast Conservancy's Live Edge Fest in August, on-the-water gigs at Coveside and Contented Sole, and The Dylan Project --- a very cool multi-media collaboration with our friends at Skidompha Library in Damariscotta. And don't forget July 13 at the Jefferson Historical Society, arguably the best acoustics in the midcoast.

This year three of our gigs are with our friend, the awesome Kat Logan.

Stay tuned --- this is gonna be fun.