Small Portland, Maine, Spot Named Best Music Venue in State

When trying to determine the best place in Maine to see a live music performance, much of the criteria can be subjective. People like to experience concerts in different ways. Some prefer small crowds and more intimacy while others prefer all the people and all the energy.

So you can't be upset when Love Exploring named One Longfellow Square in Portland as the Maine's best live music venue. In a lot of ways, it makes sense. One Longfellow Square is a terrifically intimate venue, operating without a bad seat in the cozy house.

Its location within Portland is perfect for visitors and locals and the design of the music hall itself always lends to a sonically satisfying performance whether it be acoustic or plugged in.

But for many music lovers, the venue doesn't possess the kind of energy they seek. Portland's rise in the food and beer scene has also spurred an elevation in the arts scene. It wasn't all that long ago when the city barely had any live music venues to speak of. These days, Portland boasts some incredible options.

If you roll back time just 15 years ago, there was no State Theatre. The venue had closed in 2006 with little hope of reopening. By 2010, a pair of investors had decided the State Theatre was worth saving and the rest has been history.

The State Theatre's reopening and success and pushed other venues as well. The Asylum transformed into a state-of-the-art music experience called Aura. Portland House of Music and Events continues to bring terrific local, regional and national artists to its small space. And without the State Theatre, there would likely be no concerts at Thompson's Point.

So yes, One Longfellow Square is a solid choice for the best live music venue in Maine. But remember, it's all subjective.