Music in the Square: The Old Time Jam Band
Every Tuesday evening in Portland’s Post Office Square, among the traffic, construction, and pedestrians, there is music. The sound of fiddles and banjos fills downtown as the Old Time Jam Band performs. Sitting on coolers, rocks and old chairs borrowed from concert halls, they play bluegrass. The reason? For the love of music, and for 317 Main.
In front of the group, propped up on a rock, is an open guitar case, with a sign. “The Portland Old Time Jam Band. Your donations support 317 Main Community Music Center.” Alan Davis, a banjo player in the group, doesn’t remember how he stumbled upon 317 Main, but when asked why the band donates the busking money to 317, he laughs. “Well, if we took the money, and divided it up among 16 musicians, that's not even beer money. So we give it to 317 Main.”
This band has been playing for years now, creating a lasting musical legacy. They’ve bounced between bars, people's homes, back to bars, until they found their home in Post Office Square. They show that music is not contained within four walls; rather, it thrives where it is loved and appreciated. In the middle of the street, people stop and engage. They take off their headphones, smile and watch as this group of old-timers play their bluegrass. This represents exactly what 317 Main is about: creating community.
The next day, Alan Davis walks up to the 317 Main front desk and empties a Ziploc bag full of fives, ones, quarters, and even a few pennies. He then leaves, and keeps the Ziploc bag for next week.
317 Main thrives thanks to generous support from the communities around us, big and small. We are grateful to the Old Time Jam Band for paying it forward, and to everyone who gives to 317, for continuing to support the arts and spark connection, creativity, and community.
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.
