Still Buzzing: A Night to Remember at the 317 Main House Party
Some of the incredible volunteers and staff who made the night happen. All photos courtesy Patrick Bevan, Elizabeth Henderson, and Mackenzie Lentz.
We’re still buzzing with gratitude and joy after an unforgettable evening at the 2025 317 Main House Party. Last Friday, on a beautiful spring night, more than 170 guests gathered across our campus—laughing on the back patio, dancing to live music in Founder’s Hall, exploring the iconic VW bus parked out front, and soaking up the spirit of the evening. With a joyful 1960s theme and community energy everywhere you turned, it truly felt like the best of what 317 Main has to offer.
Thanks to your generosity—through ticket sales, corporate sponsorships, auction bids, and Fund the Need—we surpassed our goal, raising $57,000 for the Annual Fund. Those dollars go straight to the heart of our mission: making music accessible, inclusive, and joyful for people of all ages and backgrounds.
But more powerful than the numbers was the feeling in the air. This wasn’t just a celebration—it was a reminder of why we gather. In a time when the world feels uncertain or divided, nights like this affirm what we know to be true: community moments, filled with connection and creativity, strengthen us. As our Director, Graeme Kennedy, said in his opening remarks, “They remind us that we belong to each other.”
Throughout the evening, guests experienced the full scope of the 317 Main Experience:
Music from Teaching Artists Ted DeMille, Diana Hansen, and Mesa Schubeck infused the night with retro energy and heart.
A moving performance by Kathleen Shevenell of ListenUp! Music spotlighted one of our 15 Community Outreach & Access programs. ListenUp! is a Portland-based nonprofit that supports musicians with intellectual uniqueness—317 Teaching Artists partner with their team to lead workshops and offer creative guidance.
A surprise flash mob performance by our Local Vocals ensemble (yes, Mamma Mia and Free Fallin’ made their mark).
The debut of our brand-new “Building Community Through Music” video—generously produced in-kind by our friends at the VIA Agency—showcased the thriving, growing, music-filled world we’re building together.
Here’s the impact your support makes possible:
Record-breaking growth with 3,110 student registrations this year—our highest enrollment ever.
More than 1,000 Mainers engaged through our Community Outreach & Access programs—bringing music to libraries, recovery centers, and classrooms across the state.
Over $20,000 in financial aid awarded to ensure that cost is never a barrier to music education.
A powerhouse faculty of 40+ Teaching Artists shaping Maine’s cultural landscape—on our stages, in our classrooms, and beyond.
50+ performances and events since 2023, transforming our expanded campus into a hub of cultural celebration and connection.
As we look to the future, our Community Outreach & Access programs are poised to elevate our mission and deepen our impact—and they are entirely powered by your philanthropy. For all ages: from creatively aging adults to children and adults with varying abilities, these partnerships bring music to those who might not otherwise have access. Last year alone, we delivered 15 unique programs, including:
7 vibrant partnerships serving K–12 students, nurturing creativity and confidence in the next generation.
3 dynamic programs for adults 55+, fostering connection, joy, and lifelong learning at every stage of life.
5 inclusive initiatives for individuals with varying abilities, designed in collaboration with partners to ensure music is accessible and empowering to all.
We are so grateful to everyone who joined us to celebrate—and to all who continue to fuel this work. Thank you for believing in the power of music to bring people together and transform lives. We can’t wait to do it again.
The House Party Is Presented By:
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
