Maine Arts and Music at Harry Brown’s Farm

by harrybrownsfarm | Mar 2, 2026 | Artist Spotlights, Community & Legacy | 0 comments

Celebrating Maine Arts and Music at Harry Brown’s Farm

The Happening 2026 and Our Commitment to Maine Arts and Music

Maine inspires artists. From forest trails and rocky coastlines to hillside fields and dark skies, creativity lives here. At Harry Brown’s Farm, we see creative spirits shine every time someone tunes a guitar. We hear the impact of Maine arts and music in the voices that rise from our stage.

That’s why The Happening 2026 is more than a date on the calendar. It is our ongoing celebration of Maine arts and music. More importantly, it reflects the depth and diversity of artistic expression across the state.

This year’s featured Maine artists embody the range, heart, and ambition that make our scene distinctive. Together, they show what is possible when rural stages support bold creatives.

Sagittarius Rising create Maine arts and music

Maine Art and Music Lives at The Happening 2026

To support Maine’s arts scene, we intentionally highlight artists who bring something unique to the stage — through sound, story, heritage, and imagination.

Sagittarius Rising

Twin sisters Isabelle and Phoebe Rogers are a force of creative energy rooted in their upbringing in Starks Maine. Together, they make original music “inspired by nature and the imagination.” As a result, their harmonies and instrumentation (guitar, penny whistle, and percussion) blend into uplifting soundscapes. However, their artistry does not stop with music. They are also visual artists and award-winning filmmakers. In fact, they have created original films exploring mythical creatures of the ocean. Their music and soundtracks that reflect wonder, connection, and the stories that shape us

Darby Sabin

Described as “Maine’s best kept musical secret,” Darby Sabin carries a voice shaped by roots and Americana traditions. Born in Western Maine and trained at Berklee College of Music, she blends heartache, resilience, and strength into her songwriting. At the same time, her reach extends well beyond the state. She has toured internationally and performed alongside musicians connected to Phish, Billy Strings, and the Grateful Dead community. Because of this, she bridges local authenticity with national-level artistry.

David Pontbriand

David Pontbriand brings global influence and meditative depth to The Happening. David Pontbriand performs original sitar compositions that blend of Eastern and Western musical sensibilities. A Maine-based artist active since the 1970s, David’s music flows from inner reflection to open skies. Whether through spontaneous improvisation or raga-inspired expression, his sound invites reflection. Meanwhile, on a summer solstice morning, that contemplative energy takes on new life. The result is music that both calms and awakens.

Enjoying Maine Arts and Music at The Happening

Why Supporting Maine Arts and Music Matters

Supporting the arts is more than booking talent. Instead, it is about sustaining a creative ecosystem.

• It elevates local voices. From singer–songwriter storytelling to global sound traditions and multimedia practice, these artists reflect Maine’s cultural breadth.

• It strengthens community. When neighbors gather on The Hill, they share space, time, and experience. In doing so, they build connection.

• It keeps creativity accessible. By hosting diverse artists in a rural setting, we reduce barriers that often limit opportunity. As a result, expression flows from the people to the people.

• It shapes our identity. The Happening is another chapter in the story of Harry Brown’s Farm. Each gathering reinforces what we value: imagination, inclusivity, and courage.

How You Can Support Maine Artists

You are part of this story. Everyone who has gathered on The Hill is.

When you attend The Happening 2026, share an artist’s work, or simply listen with intention, you strengthen Maine’s arts and music community. Small actions matter. Over time, they shape culture.

So stay tuned for more lineup announcements and stories from the Hill. In the meantime, explore these artists. Their worlds are worth your time — and your attention.

Harry’s Hill Festival Community

by harrybrownsfarm | Nov 21, 2025 | Community & Legacy

See The World Spinning Round

There’s a moment on when you arrive at Harry’s Hill for a festival — you might know it — when you step out of your car or wander up the lane, and the air changes. Someone waves. Laughter erupts and you see an excited blur dash down to meet their friends. A drumbeat echoes from somewhere in the trees and is joined by two more. And whether you’ve been coming here for years or stepping onto the land for the first time, it already feels familiar. There is a vibe at Harry’s that feels like home.

It’s not just the music, though the music is good
It’s not just the art, though we love the creativity
It isn’t on a schedule or the activities, or a campfire

It’s the people living in the moment
It has always been about the community

Each festival is built by folks that show up for one another — looking out for each other and finding their best days and nights are lived together

Share your memories and leave a review on Google

The Hill Wakes Up When We Arrive

Every tent raised is a welcome
Every tarp tied is cooperation
Every lantern hung is preparation for joy

Harry’s Hill festival community is made real when we gather. The land is beautiful on its own — but the spirit comes alive when the community arrives to meet it.

We don’t gather to escape life.
We gather to remember how to live together.

The moment the first vehicles roll up the road and someone swings open a car door, you can feel it. A shift, a stirring, a warming. Tents unfold like wings in the woods and multiply as neighbors meet. Strings of lights are threaded through tree branches. People call to one another across the Rabbit Hole, not out of urgency, but recognition. There you are. I’ve been waiting to find you since I got here!

A Harry’s Hill festival is not something that happens to us. It is something we build.

Visit Harry Brown’s Farm on Facebook

Friends on the last day of The Happening 2025

Our Culture

There’s a rhythm to thriving on The Hill — not written rules, but an understanding passed on by the elders:

All are welcome. Be who you are and know it is OK here. Show kindness and consideration for each other.

Share & care. If you see someone carrying too much — help. Respect yourself. A free grilled cheese can save your night.

Have fun and play. Wear wings. Make art. Dance in the grass.
Your joy gives others permission to shine.

Clean the land. The Hill holds us, we show how much we care by minimizing our impact. There is no such thing as a groundscore, someone would really like that back!

Making Magic Together

People sometimes ask what makes The Hill different — why it feels so alive, so personal, so authentic. The answer is simple: we don’t divide the world into performers and audience, VIP and gen pop, hosts and guests, insiders and outsiders. This isn’t a corporate festival with customers on one side and performers on the other. Everyone contributes to the atmosphere and we all swim in the fishbowl together.

Here, the vibe flows from the stage to your campsite and back, with each step revealing a diversity of experiences:

- The musicians don’t just perform; they offer
- The artists don’t just decorate; they transform space into meaning
- The vendors don’t just sell food; they feed and nourish community
- The fire spinners spin not to impress you, but to share joy
- The dancers dance not to be watched, but to remind everyone that bodies are instruments of celebration

Familes Welcome at Harry's Hill Festival

Harry’s Hill Festival Community

Volunteers — the ones quietly hauling water, checking gates, guiding cars, tending fire pits, holding radios — are not background labor. They are the heartbeat. They are the ones who hold the container that lets the rest of us expand. Families bring continuity. Kids grow up here, learning early that community is something you do, not something you passively receive. Elders bring memory — not nostalgia, but lineage. They remember the work that came before, and they remind us why we continue it. And newcomers — the fresh eyes, the curious hearts, the ones who ask “You know what would be a great idea here?” — they are not on the outside. They are the future. They are the ones who will build the next version of this place when we are old.

There is no one here who isn’t essential. All contribute to the vibe that makes each festival a singular event. You belong the moment you arrive. Each one of us contributes our energy into the gathering.

Harry's Hill Festival Community Lives On

New Adventures

The magic doesn’t end when the speakers turn off. The Happening is one weekend but the drumbeat of community beats for the rest of the year. Birthdays, dinners, workdays, grief circles, baby showers, jam sessions, service projects, last-minute “I’m having a rough day can you come over” moments. A community that gathers together continues to thrive when they find that their connections extend far from the farm.

Harry’s Hill Festival Forever!

People leave The Hill carrying something that corporate advertisers can’t sell, each other. People meet here and find renewal:

A new friend
A new project
A new music connection
A chosen family
A feeling that maybe we don’t have to live life alone

The Hill becomes a thread that ties lives together far from Starks Maine. “You know about Harry’s? I was just there!” can be heard in the Old Port and after a show in Pittsburgh as Hillcats find each other out in the world.

Come As You Are

If you are reading this, you are already part of a story that has been weaved by generations.

You don’t have to perform, dress to impress, or know anyone. Come Home to The Hill willing with openness and care. Show respect for each other. At the end of the weekend, the love you take will be equal to the love you make.

Bring your laughter
Bring your curiosity
Bring your joy

We can make magic — together.

Hillcats Playlist

by harrybrownsfarm | Oct 18, 2025 | Artist Spotlights, Community & Legacy, Music, Playlists

Bella’s Bartok

‘Into the Woods’ is song written with a journey into the unknown, of facing both inward and outward fears in order to better overcome them both. Directly inspired by the old Russian tale of Vasilisa the Beautiful and the Baba Yaga, the lyrics tell of a growing darkness starting to penetrate the waking world. The old gods of the east are stirring — will the narrator face her fears and embrace the mysteries of the forest? Or will she fall victim to the Baba Yaga’s ethereal machinations?

Once again Bella’s Bartok is waving their freak flag fly high, fiercely and free. They hauntingly invite us to question why we aren’t dancing more and to throw inhibitions to the wayside. There is comfort in their warm sonic embrace. They are at the edge of dreams that come between the dawn at the end of the night.

The Floors may be broken but our hearts are full.

Liz Bills

“He’s a wildfire and I tried to put him out… I’m a hurricane and I just feed the flames.” This is the raw, vulnerable side of Liz: just her voice, guitar, and a story about heartbreak that speaks to all of who have loved. Liz is brave to be so vulnerable and real in this recent release. The drive here to connect and share is both sweet and ferocious. Liz is hosting a secret listening party for her debut solo album “Change” on Friday, November 21 at The Burren in Somerville!

This is not a public release. The songs will only be shared with those in the room that night — you’ll be among the very first to hear the entire album, long before it’s released to the world. Liz won’t be releasing Change publicly for a while, making this an exclusive opportunity to experience her most vulnerable and transformative work in its raw, unfiltered form.

Liz will perform the album live from start to finish, true to how it’s recorded — creating a powerful, emotional journey through every song in order, just as it was meant to be heard.

The evening will also celebrate Liz’s birthday, so expect laughter, connection, and a few joyful surprises.

Opening the night is the soulful and radiant Jessica Songbird, whose voice will set the tone for an unforgettable evening of heart, healing, and music.

$25 at door / $20 presale / $17 w/ 24HOUR or STUDENT code (with ID)

Doors 6PM | Show 7PM | All ages welcome

Ticket Link

Leon Trout

Leon Trout’s full set at ADK Music Festival 2025 in Lake George on Sunday, August 31st, 2025.

Setlist

Big Chungus
Wizard of Mops / Control
Hungry Like the Wolf * / Believe ^ / Hungry Like the Wolf *
Fading Lights
Paradigm

Leon Trout was clearly having fun with playing releases from their sophmore album ‘Paradigm’, with aggressive guitar and bass and drums intent to smash through with pure adrenaline. The track “Big Chungus” pays tribute to the story of Eduardo Garcia, a chef who lost one hand in a freak accident after touching a dead bear that lay on top of a power line. Wizard of Mops continues to homage inside jokes among frieneds about a friend who would bring mops to our shows, which became totems at music festivals where people would just dance around with these mops. Who doesnt like a good mashup with Leon Trout? Here they devour Believe like the wolf of myth, with more than enough in the tank to deliver performances of new tracks Fading Lights and Paradigm.

HannaH’s Field

Fully Let Go features HannaH’s Field with Michael Walker of Goodbye Ego along with Michael Bafundo & John Mundy of West End Blend. Their magical mix of jam-band, drum-circle, healing-chant, beach reggae delivers healing sound waves and music as a form of sonic medicine.

Lyrics

Take a moment to breathe.

Fresh Air heals my lungs Open up to see what you shall become When we return to the sea.

Our bodies burn to dust

Teach me how to fly, to flow, fully Let Go.

Fully Let Go.

Always end each day with a positive thought and a grateful heart.

I grieve for the trees.

Will you believe in me?

I’ll dance inside your dreams.

Wake up an remember me.

Feathers fall so far but never disappear I’ll live inside your heart.

Your presence is so clear.

Teach me how to fly, to flow, fully Let Go. Fully Let Go.

Always end each day with a positive thought and a grateful heart.

When you weep for me inside your garden bed Look up to the sky.

I’ll Lift up my head And then when you look down.

A purple flower grows

Teach me how to fly, to flow, fully let go.

Always end each day with a positive thought and a grateful heart.

P(x3)

The duo of drummer Rob Madore and keyboardist/saxophonist Isaac Young are joined in The Sergei Suite by the ever deft Rob Compa. The duo pushes the boundaries of modern dance music, funk, with soaring lines in this release Live at Nectars. Both Madore and Young have a deep intrinsic connection on stage that rears up as a multibeast in this track. Their latest release, “Piano Percussion Planet” features guitarist, Thomas Xavier Kenney of the band Doom Flamingo — an album that further showcases the diverse musical prowess of this dynamic outfit. The boys are bouncing around the Carolinas this fall before returning to Bridgeport CT with Octave Cat on December 11.

Tickets

Darby Sabin

Maine’s best kept musical secret is out of the bag now with the new release of ‘No Love Lost’ by your hometown girl Darby. This latest song, born in the Foothills of Western Maine, is a showcase of the strength and determination of a Maine woman. Darby’s official introduction to the world as a recording artist came with her July 2022 debut EP ‘Throne of Thorns’. Her songs are a mirror of mistrials, mourning, and hope as she navigates the storms and safe harbors of life. When not on the road, she can be found singing new T. Swift bangers to the majestic full moon.

What Makes The Happening Different? It’s the People, the Vibe, The Hill

by harrybrownsfarm | Jun 8, 2025 | Community & Legacy, General

The Happening is more than just a weekend party—it’s a community music festival in Maine unlike any other. Held every June at Harry Brown’s Farm in Starks, it brings together artists, activists, and music lovers for a grassroots celebration of connection, cannabis culture, and creativity.

1. A Community, Not a Crowd

At The Happening, you’re not just attending a festival—you’re part of it. From first-time guests to longtime family, everyone contributes to the magic. Whether you’re sharing a meal, joining a jam session, or helping someone find their tent, it’s all built on trust and kindness. If you’re looking for a community music festival in Maine that’s built on real connection and heart, this is it.

2. A Cannabis-Friendly Culture That Respects the Land

The vibe is elevated—literally. Cannabis has always been a part of the culture at The Hill, but this isn’t about excess. It’s about intention, celebration, and shared respect. We say it often: No powders, no pills, no pressurized gasses. Just flower, friends, and flow. Stay green. Stay chill. Keep the scene clean.

Want to learn more about Maine cannabis laws? Check out this article and get the deets.

3. Music That Moves You, Not Marketing

Our lineup is powered by passion, not algorithms. You’ll find fire-spinners, psychedelic jam bands, beatmakers, acoustic troubadours, and wild experimental sets—often on the same stage. It’s discovery, not a greatest-hits reel.

Explore the Festival Hub.

4. The Hill Is Sacred

For nearly 30 years, Harry Brown’s Farm has hosted gatherings that celebrate freedom, community, and creative expression. The land holds stories. You can feel it in the drum circles, the sunrise sets, and the quiet morning walks through the dew. What makes The Happening stand out from every other community music festival in Maine is the people, the land, and the love.

🎟️ Ready to Feel the Difference?

👉 Grab your tickets now →

You can’t fake this kind of magic. It’s real because we build it together. Come be part of the energy, the love, the music—and the moment.

#TheHappening2025 #CannabisCulture #CommunityFestival #MaineMusicFestival #HarryBrownsFarm #TheHill

Flashback! Take a trip down memory lane

by harrybrownsfarm | Apr 10, 2025 | Community & Legacy

When Was Your First Time on the Hill?

We were all first-timers once.

Long before the first official festival in 1991, Harry Brown welcomed the wild-hearted to his hilltop haven in Starks, Maine.

Artists, activists, dreamers, and rebels found community and purpose here. Harry’s Hill was—and still is—a refuge in a world gone mad.

Now, 35 years later, the spirit of those early gatherings is stronger than ever. This summer, we return for The Happening 2025—a milestone celebration of music, magic, and memories.

Remember Your First Time?

Everyone’s first visit to Harry’s Hill leaves a mark. Maybe you came for the music, but stayed for the sunrises. Maybe it was the late-night laughter echoing through the trees, or the neighbor who cooked you a fresh lobster just because.

Maybe you met a lifelong friend. Or maybe you met yourself.

The Hill has a way of making ordinary moments feel extraordinary. Singing around a campfire with a stranger who was just on stage. Dancing barefoot in the mud. Waking up to the sound of birds and bass in perfect harmony. These are the vibes that make Harry’s so special.

Come Celebrate with Us at The Happening 2025

For one weekend in June, we gather again to celebrate the legacy of Harry Brown’s Farm and everything it represents.

The Happening 2025 marks our 35th anniversary, and we want you to be part of it—whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth.

Save the dates: June 19–22, 2025 in Starks, Maine.