Question 1

What is BPM?

Accepted Answer

BLUE PORTLAND MAINE (or BPM) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit performance venue with a diverse array of programming. We host 300 performances every year, each one helping to build and support the Portland music community.

Question 2

What’s the difference between a for-profit venue and a nonprofit venue?

Accepted Answer

Typical for-profit performing arts venues tend to focus exclusively on ticket and bar sales. Because BPM focuses on community building programming, nonprofit status makes more sense for us because it makes us eligible for grants, donations, and various forms of membership/sponsorship; it also provides for some flexibility in licensing, allowing audiences of all ages to attend events.Additionally, we can raise funds to cover administrative costs to adequately compensate sound technicians and artists dedicated to our mission of building community through performance.

Question 3

How do I support BPM?

Accepted Answer

Thanks for asking! You can support BPM in a number of ways:Sign up for our newsletter (form at bottom of page)Become a MemberVolunteerDonate

Question 4

I’ve heard something about BPM being a jazz club. Is that the only music you book?

Accepted Answer

Nope! We do indeed book jazz. In fact, every Wednesday night we host an open Jazz Sesh in which anyone who wants can call a tune and get up to play or sing with the house band. There aren’t many spaces for jazz in Portland, so we’re happy to help keep the tradition alive.But we book a lot of other music as well! Our shows range from open mic nights, to salsa, punk, metal, indie and everything in between and beyond. We prioritize booking artists who present collaboratively, but we’re open to just about anything. That’s why BPM has become a landmark for residents and tourists alike who seek quality, memorable performances.

Question 5

Where can I find information about upcoming events at BPM?

Accepted Answer

Click here to view our upcoming events. You can also stay current on our events by checking us out on Instagram.

Question 6

Do I need a ticket to attend a BPM show?

Accepted Answer

In an effort to make our events as accessible as possible, entrance to most of our shows is offered at a sliding scale. We recommend bringing $5-20 to support the music. Feeling generous? Bring more! Ticketed shows are identified as such on our website - for these shows, you will need a ticket for entry or pay at the door. Please note that ticket purchases are nonrefundable.

Question 7

I bought tickets for a show but can’t go - what do I do?

Accepted Answer

Tickets are nonrefundable, even if you can’t physically be in the space, you’re still contributing to the musicians, sound tech, and door person (which is COOL). Who doesn’t want to be cool?

Question 8

When do shows start?

Accepted Answer

Our website usually states a door time and a start time for each show. “Doors at 6” means our door is unlocked at 6. The performance may not start for another hour or so but if you’re confused or anxious or want a good spot to talk, eat, drink, or just chill, come early. We’d love to see you!

Question 9

Where do I park?

Accepted Answer

We don’t have a parking lot, so you’ll have to look for street parking (which is free after 7p) or a pay lot. Alternately, you could save some gas (and the environment!) by carpooling with friends, taking the bus, biking, or walking if you're able!

Question 10

How old do I have to be to attend a show at BPM?

Accepted Answer

Our shows are 18+ (anyone under 18 can be present with a parent or guardian). You MUST be 21+ to drink alcohol but everyone can (and should) purchase snacks or non-alcoholic beverages!

Question 11

Does BPM serve drinks?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We have a full bar menu including: beer, wine, specialty cocktails, and non-alcoholic options. See our menu here.

Question 12

Is there a drink minimum?

Accepted Answer

Nope!

Question 13

Does BPM serve food?

Accepted Answer

We have a highly curated selection of pre-packaged snacks. We also encourage patrons to bring in take-out (no beverages) from neighboring restaurants; why not enjoy dinner AND a show!

Question 14

Is there seating available?

Accepted Answer

We change our floor layout daily depending on the kind of show. If the show you are attending is seated, seating is first come/first serve. BPM does not offer reserved seating, even for ticketed events.

Question 15

Does BPM have ADA access?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Feel free to contact us directly at admin@blueportlandmaine.org if you have any questions related to accessibility.

Question 16

I would like to perform at BPM - how do I contact booking?

Accepted Answer

All booking information can be found here.

Question 17

Can I rent BPM for a private event?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely - you may submit a Private Event Rental Inquiry here.

Question 18

How do I get in touch with BPM?

Accepted Answer

Your best bet to reach us is to email admin@blueportlandmaine.org or through the links provided elsewhere in this FAQ. You can also stop by whenever BPM is open - we’d love to see you! What you can’t do, though, is call us. Yes, we do have a phone number that you might be able to find if you look hard enough, but we maintain it only for Internet billing purposes - so please don’t call!

Question 19

This all sounds great! How can I learn more about BPM?

Accepted Answer

Click here to read more about BPM, and click here to see our latest annual report.

WELCOME TO BPM

watch this

upcoming shows

What is BPM?

What’s the difference between a for-profit venue and a nonprofit venue?

How do I support BPM?

I’ve heard something about BPM being a jazz club. Is that the only music you book?

Where can I find information about upcoming events at BPM?

Do I need a ticket to attend a BPM show?

I bought tickets for a show but can’t go - what do I do?

When do shows start?

Where do I park?

How old do I have to be to attend a show at BPM?

Does BPM serve drinks?

Is there a drink minimum?

Does BPM serve food?

Is there seating available?

Does BPM have ADA access?

I would like to perform at BPM - how do I contact booking?

Can I rent BPM for a private event?

How do I get in touch with BPM?

This all sounds great! How can I learn more about BPM?

faq

Support
takes many forms:

FAQ

VISIT

MENU

WELCOME TO BPM

watch this

upcoming shows

What is BPM?

What’s the difference between a for-profit venue and a nonprofit venue?

How do I support BPM?

I’ve heard something about BPM being a jazz club. Is that the only music you book?

Where can I find information about upcoming events at BPM?

Do I need a ticket to attend a BPM show?

I bought tickets for a show but can’t go - what do I do?

When do shows start?

Where do I park?

How old do I have to be to attend a show at BPM?

Does BPM serve drinks?

Is there a drink minimum?

Does BPM serve food?

Is there seating available?

Does BPM have ADA access?

I would like to perform at BPM - how do I contact booking?

Can I rent BPM for a private event?

How do I get in touch with BPM?

This all sounds great! How can I learn more about BPM?

faq

Support takes many forms:

Support
takes many forms: