Annual Giving Officer & Grants Specialist, (she/her)

As Annual Fund Officer and Grants Specialist, Lori works to secure funding to support all of 317 Main’s programs.  Playing music has always been a lifeline for her, learning flute and piano in her youth and as an adult, guitar. She is also a proud member of the “if you can’t sing well, sing loud” society. Her first experience with 317 was as a parent when her kids took a ukelele class with Ted Demille, and she later studied guitar with Conor Linehan.  She is excited to help ensure that anyone who wants to can experience the joy of making music.

Lori came to 317 Main with 20 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising and administration.  Originally from the Oxford Hills area, she has worked with organizations such as the Maine Development Foundation, the Boston Children’s Museum, the Center for Women & Enterprise, and the Maine Small Business Development Center.   An avid knitter, Lori lives in Brunswick with her husband and three children, all of whom love exploring the coast of Maine and a good dance party in the living room. 

Recording Studio Manager, (he/him)

Joe joined 317 in 2020 as a Drum set TA. He graduated from SUNY Purchase College with a BA in Liberal Arts. After college he quickly got in the NYC music scene, playing drums with multiple bands. While performing in New York, he also became a Merchandising Manager for HH Brown shoes located in Greenwich, CT, where he worked for 18 years. It was the perfect way to gain experience in both the music world and business world simultaneously. Joe is excited to use his skills in both to step in to help at 317 during this time of transition. Joe continues to be active as a musician in Maine and teaches drums. He lives in North Yarmouth with his wife, son and daughter and multiple animals.

Administrative Assistant & Facilities Caretaker, (he/they)

Benjamin joined the 317 Main team in 2024, shortly after receiving a B. A. in Music from American University in the District of Columbia. Ben is a tenor vocalist who also enjoys playing piano and the autoharp. Having grown up in northeastern Connecticut, Ben now lives with his family and dog Suzie in Yarmouth. They're very excited to have joined the admin team and look forward to making music with the greater Maine community.

Advancement Specialist, (she/her)

Little Roots Director, (she/her)

Gretchen joined 317 Main in 2021.  She previously taught elementary music in public schools both in Westbrook and Auburn.  She received her Bachelors of Music in Music Education from University of Hartford and her Masters in Education from Lesley University.  She loves providing high quality music education to families and our youngest students at 317 Main.  Gretchen lives in West Falmouth with her husband and two young children and enjoys knitting, singing, dancing, and being outdoors.

Executive Director, (he/him)

Graeme Kennedy is an award-winning musician and cultural leader who has been a driving force behind Maine’s arts community for over two decades.

Born in Brunswick, Maine, Kennedy developed deep ties to the state’s creative landscape through early involvement in organizations such as Maine State Music Theatre, The Theater Project, Portland Regional Youth Orchestra, and Maine Jazz Camp. Under the mentorship of acclaimed jazz musician Steve Grover, Kennedy honed his ensemble skills and formed several groups, solidifying his passion for collaborative artistry.

Kennedy moved to New York City to attend The New School, where he pursued interdisciplinary studies at Mannes School of Music, Parsons School of Design, and Eugene Lang College, graduating with a degree in Postcolonialism. While there, he separately explored a passion for audio production at the SAE Institute, writing and recording over 200 hours of demos. His work gained recognition in 2005 when College Music Journal (CMJ) named him one of New York City’s top unsigned artists.

In 2008, Kennedy released his debut album, Hidden Beast, under MKST Music, the record label he founded to champion emerging talent. Praised for its intricate arrangements and emotional depth, the album’s track "Aw. Turkish. Baby." earned airplay as an intro for NPR host Luke Burbank’s Too Beautiful to Live. That same year, Kennedy performed at the CMJ Music Marathon, cementing his reputation as a standout independent artist.

Returning to Maine in 2009, Kennedy expanded MKST Music into a full-service music publishing and marketing company. Over the years, its roster toured nationally and collaborated with artists like Wilco, Atmosphere, The Flaming Lips, and Dr. Dog. Kennedy’s innovative approach garnered national media coverage and awards, as well as earning him recognition as Best Electronic Act by The Portland Phoenix in 2010.

Over the next 5 years, Kennedy transitioned from promoting musicians and bands to a career in branding and strategic communications, developing content strategy for a variety of clients, independently and as part of the award-winning design agency Might & Main. Clients ranged from local institutions such as SPACE Gallery, The Telling Room, and the Institute for Doctoral Studies in the Visual Arts to national corporations such as Beam Suntory (now Suntory Global Spirits), L.L.Bean, and more.

In 2014, Kennedy joined the Portland Museum of Art (PMA) and spearheaded its transformation into a nationally celebrated vibrant and inclusive cultural destination. His visionary leadership introduced the museum’s first DEAI Roadmap, created free admission for youth and young adults, and drove record-breaking attendance. Under his strategic and creative direction, the PMA successfully launched groundbreaking campaigns totaling over $100 million, fueling its growth and community impact, and Kennedy’s efforts were recognized with two prestigious Golden Arrow Awards from the Maine Public Relations Council.

In 2024, Kennedy was named Executive Director of 317 Main Community Music Center, an organization renowned for its commitment to acoustic music traditions. Building on this foundation, Kennedy is focused on expanding the center’s impact and establishing it as a national leader in multi-generational music education and performance.

Throughout his career, Kennedy has pioneered innovative strategies in advancement and communications, elevating the visibility and growth of the institutions and individuals he’s worked with. Looking ahead to his future with 317 Main, he is eager to continue this trajectory—connecting people and enriching communities through his lifelong passion for music.

Director of Operations, (she/her)

Samantha joined the 317 Main team in 2020. Her background is in non-profit events and fundraising and she received her BA from Skidmore College and her JD from the University of Maine School of Law. Samantha lives in Yarmouth with her husband and two young sons and enjoys dancing, reading, and spending time outdoors with her family and friends.

Director of Advancement, (she/her)

Emily oversees all fundraising and donor relations activities in pursuit of 317’s mission to encourage creative expression, personal growth, and community connection through music. Emily is passionate about the power of music education and access to music as an opportunity for connection to others and ourselves. She believes in the power of philanthropy to make a difference in our communities by linking donors to causes they care about. 

Before joining 317, Emily spent seven years working in the Office of Advancement at Bates College as Director of Research and Prospect Management and Director of Mount David Society Giving. Prior to Bates, Emily worked on the development teams at Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.  She holds a B.A. (History of Art, Educational Studies) from Colgate University. Emily lives in Yarmouth with her husband, two daughters, and a spirited dog and cat. She enjoys hiking, exploring the great outdoors, traveling and being involved in the local community.

Director of Business & Finance, (he/him)

Director of Music Education, (she/her)

Alicia Phelps is a  vocalist, pianist and music educator based in Portland. Throughout her career Alicia has performed with Grammy award-winning vocalist/saxophonist Darmon Meader (New York Voices), the Portland Jazz Orchestra, organist/pianist Dr. Joe Utterback, jazz pianist Jed Wilson, and notable musicians throughout the Southern Maine and the Seacoast areas. Alicia works with multiple groups in Maine performing treasures from the American Songbook and pop favorites from the '90s and 00's.

Since graduating from the University of Southern Maine with a B.M in Music Education, Jazz Concentration in 2016, Alicia has worked in both the public and private spheres of music education to bring meaningful musical experiences to students in Maine. Over five years Alicia cultivated free-to-student outreach programming with 317 Main Community Music Center in Yarmouth ME, and now serves as their Director of Music Education. In addition, Alicia maintains a vibrant studio of private piano and voice students, works as an accompanist and vocal jazz clinician, and directs music ministry at the Westbrook-Warren Congregational Church in Westbrook, ME. 

In her free time, Alicia loves baking sweet treats, exploring the outdoors, and singing songs with her son, Benjamin.

Finance Coordinator, (she/her)

Serving the 317 Community Music Center for nearly two decades and contributing to the vision of a music center that welcomes everyone to experience the joy of making music together.