13 Years Ago: The State Theatre in Portland, Maine, was Flooded With Spring Concerts

I was going through my ticket stub collection recently – yep, big nerd alert – and noticed that the State Theatre was poppin’ with some big shows in the spring of 2012. People were done with winter, ready to get out of the house, and the State gave us plenty to do. Alt rock, folk, hip hop, metal, classic rock… it was all there over the course of just two months.

3/3 – Jane’s Addiction

This was a special night. Seeing Jane’s Addiction in the intimate setting of the State Theatre was a pretty awesome experience. I was backstage before the show with some WCYY contest winners for a meet and greet and an acoustic performance with the band… except it was not acoustic whatsoever. In fact, the band plugged in… in their dressing room. It was like nothing I had ever seen. Why don't I have any pictures from this night? That is a great question. I do, for some reason, have the schedule of events for the show that day/night... the flash was clearly not necessary. 

3/16 – The Head And The Heart

Indie folk at its finest and Maine loves this band. 

3/21 – Toots & The Maytals

Reggae royalty graced the State Theatre. Toots Hibbert and crew had the summer vibes going strong on the first day of spring. 

3/30 – Snoop Dogg

Maine went nuts when the word dropped that Snoop was coming to Portland. Another one that sold out fast. It was a little... cloudy in the State that night…

3/31 – Strangefolk

A jam band with a massive New England following. Strangefolk has always shown Maine plenty of love, and this night was no exception.

4/4 – Mastodon / Ghost

A heavy night at the State. Ghost was still on the rise, and Mastodon melted faces as always. If you forgot your earplug that night, you may have permanent damage. 

4/17 – Passion Pit / Matt & Kim

Fun – that’s how to describe this show. The quirky sound of both bands set the tone for a high-energy night. Passion Pit’s synth-heavy indie pop had everyone dancing, and Matt & Kim’s chaotic onstage chemistry is a whole vibe of its own.

4/20 – Seether

Another band that’s always shown the love to Maine playing here at least 10 times over the years. In 2012, the band already had a decade of hits under their belt and the crowd was all in. 

4/21 – Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo

What a night. The dynamic duo of Pat and her longtime husband, Neil Giraldo, is always a guaranteed great show… and you know every song. Here’s proof (insert setlist pic).

4/24 – Theory Of A Deadman

A solid night of radio rock anthems. You knew what you were getting and the band didn’t disappoint.

5/1 – Bob Weir

Deadheads, unite. Bob brought his signature storytelling, jam-heavy set, and the faithful fans soaked up every note.

5/4 – Trailer Park Boys

Yup… Ricky, Julian, and Bubbles brought their chaos to the State for a hilarious and interactive show, with many from the audience making their way on stage throughout the night. My head hurt from laughing so hard.

Spring 2012 at the State Theatre was one for the books. Looking back at this lineup, it’s wild how much variety and talent rolled through Portland in just a few months.

Our beloved State Theatre is still crankin’ out shows at the venue on Congress St. as well as outdoors in the summer at Thompson’s Point. You can see the full lineup here.