28th annual Great Falls Balloon Festival.

Schedule

Friday, August 19, 2022

4:00pm: Food Booths Open
4:30pm: Elvis - Robert Washington
Robert Washington has been performing as an Elvis tribute artist for over 35 years and has won numerous contests, including the 2003 world championship Memphis contest. He has also toured overseas in Japan, Germany, and other countries. In addition to his musical talents, Robert has appeared in the documentary Almost Elvis and the movie short Baby Lets Play House. He is truly a man who knows how to bring the King back to life.
6:00pm: Balloon Launch
6:30pm: Breakin’ Strings
We started this band 18 years ago, took a 10-year Hiatus, and NOW we are back.
Cliff Gelina - Mandolin, Vocals
Corey Bonnevie - Guitar, vocals
Ed Howe - Fiddle, Vocals
Hunter Webber - Banjo
Brian Durkin - Bass, Vocals
Our Music is the best of Bluegrass.
Dusk: Moonglow
8:15 pm: Shugah Kitty
We are excited to have Shugah Kitty headlining Friday night on the Lewiston stage!
Shugah Kitty started playing as a group in May 2019. Rock’in back to the ever popular Classic 80’s hair metal.
Band Members include:
Amanda Johnson as A.J. Foxxxy - Lead Vocals
Mike Dozois as Tommy Shocker - Lead Guitar/Vocals
Michael Fox as Mikey McHotsauce - Rhythm Guitar/Vocals
Mike Richard as Sticky Mitts - Bass/Vocals
Glenn Foss as G-Spot - Drums/Vocals

Location:Simard-Payne Park-  46 Beech Street Lewiston, ME

4:00pm: Food Booths Open
4:30pm: Christie Ray
Christie Ray will be performing in Auburn at Festival Plaza on 19th from 4:30 – 6:00pm
Christie is an emerging Maine singer, songwriter, and musician based out of New Gloucester, Maine.
Along with performing at many venues throughout New England, Ray has also performed live on the local tv show “207” and auditioned for “America’s Got Talent”.
Though her sets focus on songs from her newly released album, “The Battle”, she also put her own spin on cover songs from artists such as Fleetwood Mac, The Rolling Stones, Miranda Lambert, Queen, Tom Petty, Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Blondie and many more.
Christie is accompanied by Andrew Pelletier on Percussion and backup vocals and Sean Finn on bass guitar and vocals.
6:15pm: LA Harley Band
Rockin' the New England music scene for 15 years. With a hard-driving sound covering popular music from Rock, Country, and Funk with a cast of veteran music talent with years of success in the music entertainment business.
Over the years, the members have changed, but the goal has always been there, a great time, an awesome music selection, and the drive to commit to the success of The LA Harley Experience.
From sharing the stage and performing with National Music acts like, The
Southern Rock All-Stars, Doobie Bros., Greg Allman Band, Josh Turner, and so many others have put the LA Harley Band on the map of the finest NE music talent.
The following is the current veteran list of performers :
Bert Asselin founding member on Electric guitar and background vocals.
Dan (DJ) Johnson Vocals and Bass thumping guitar.
Dave Perlman Vocals and Electric Guitar and Acoustic guitars.
Derek Johnson all drums and percussion with backing vocals.
A talented lineup that will keep you on your feet and your hands clapping and
singing along.
The "Legendary" LA Harley Band

Location: Festival Plaza: 112 Main st, Auburn, ME

Saturday, August 20, 2022

5:30am: Pancake Breakfast
6:00am: Balloon Launch
11:00am: Food Booths Open
11:00am: Parade
We will be holding our annual GFBF Parade Saturday August 20, 2022 starting in Auburn and coming over the bridge into the Lewiston Festival area. Line up will begin at 10:00 am and 11:00 am start. If you have a group or business that is part of our community, please send in an application and join our parade.
This year Thayer Corporation has become our Parade Sponsor and is promoting the Celebration of 130 years for the Kora Shrine Temple. We are excited that Potentate Robert Mckinely has invited all the parade units to lead the parade in celebration!
Please join us as a spectator or as a parade participate. Please visit our website at www.greatfallsballoonfestival.org for a parade application or message [email protected]
12:30pm: Show Time Athletics
Show Time Athletics is central Maine's fastest growing Cheer, Tumble & Dance facility!
They are located in Waterville, Maine and opened their doors in May of this year, 2022. By the time the Balloon Festival is happening, they will have only been open for 3 months!
They have kids from all over the state of Maine and offer all star cheer, hip hop dance and tumbling to kids starting at the age of 3 all the way up to adult.
1:30pm: Cheer Envy
2:30pm: The Old Gold Blues Band
OLD GOLD WAS BEGUN IN 1975 IN LEWISTON... WE HAVE BEEN PLAYING VENUES OF ALLTYPES ALL OVER NEW ENGLAND.... THE BAND IS COMPRISED OF STEVE FOOTER ON BASE AND VOCALS... MOE BOULAY ON DRUMS AND MARCEL CHAMBERLAND ON GUITAR AND LEAD VOCALS.... WE PLAY MOSTLY CLASSIC ROCK / BLUES / AND FOLK MUSIC... WITH SOME COUNTRY... I SHARE MAINE JOKES AND STORIES AND ALL HAVE FUN,
4:00pm: Imari & Sahara Desert Dancers
Imari – Belly Dancer , Performer, Instructor, Artistic Director of Imari & the Sahara Desert Dancers Imari has been Belly dancing for over 30 years. For over 20 years she has instructed belly dancing, sharing her passion with thousands of women throughout New England.
Her classes are often brought to students by Health & Wellness Programs at various Hospitals and Dance Studios. "Every woman is beautiful when she is belly dancing", Imari insists. This art form is intended for women of all walks of life, all ages, and body sizes. No previous dance experience is necessary. She offers a friendly and positive atmosphere with absolutely no intimidation, allowing anyone to learn how to Belly dance. Her style is traditional, elegant, and graceful, holding belly dancing true to its mysterious reputation. With endless charisma, she delivers her dance to her audience with a warm smile and classy demeanor.
They have dazzled crowds as large as 12,000 people from youth to elderly populations for 22 years. Imari is the founder of Belly dancing for Breast Cancer and One Hip Night of Belly dancing. She has been instrumental in utilizing her gift of dancing as a vehicle for fund raising benefiting multiple charities over the years. She truly enjoys giving to communities throughout New England. This unique form of cardiovascular exercise is therapeutic for the mind, body and soul. Belly dancing is HIP

4:45pm: Right Amount of Wrong
Rock RAW with Maine's HOTTEST 4-piece band Right Amount of Wrong!
Established in 2014, RAW has played all over New England sharing their energy and the music they love. Rockin' out songs from Jimi Hendrix to Godsmack, Pat Benatar to Halestorm, Original Music and so much more!
ROCK RAW with Jessi King on Lead Vocals and Keys, Bobby King on Drums, Mike Duplessis on Guitar and Tarn Petty on Bass. We play it the way we feel it, we ARE the Right Amount of Wrong!
6:00pm: Balloon Launch
6:30pm: Jumpin' Willys
Jumpin' Willys is a four-piece rock, reggae, and dance cover band fronted by Jeff Kilton.
They do covers by Dave Matthew's Band, Bob Marley, Grateful Dead, Sublime, Eric Clapton, Phish, Santana and others.
Jeff Kilton: Lead Guitar, Vocals,
Kevin Roy: Bass, Vocals,
Chris Martel: Guitar, Vocals,
Justin Dube: Drums
8:30pm: Jessi and the Cruisers
Introducing a band like no other, taking you back to the origins of Sock Hops, a nostalgic time where rock and roll music was new, exciting, and fun... this is, the “JESSI AND THE CRUISERS” band... A Tribute to the Sock Hops of the 50’s and 60’s...
They are a band of veteran musicians, capturing the feel, the sound, and the look of a true Sock Hop experience... the poodle skirts, the costumes, the lights, and of course, some of the greatest music to dance and swing to, the 50’s and 60’s..!
Members are, starting with the very talented lead female vocalist, Jessie Phelps.. backed by the Cruisers..
guitar, Gerry Thibault
drums, Kerry Dubruiel
bass, Ron Dyer
keyboard, guitar, Dennis Kelnhofer and
saxophone, Mark Perry
Bringing Sock Hops back to life since 2016, Jessi and the Cruisers has played events from nostalgic car shows, weddings, festivals, resorts, campgrounds, and private functions, but like everyone, they experienced a setback during Covid and did not play for two years.
Now, for 2022, the band is making a huge comeback, and now being a six piece band, our sound is better than ever..
Be sure to experience the Sock Hop sensation in 2022.. Jessi and the Cruisers..!
9:00pm: Fireworks

Location:Simard-Payne Park-  46 Beech Street Lewiston, ME

11:00am: Food Booths Open
11:00am: Parade
We will be holding our annual GFBF Parade Saturday August 20, 2022 starting in Auburn and coming over the bridge into the Lewiston Festival area. Line up will begin at 10:00 am and 11:00 am start. If you have a group or business that is part of our community, please send in an application and join our parade.
This year Thayer Corporation has become our Parade Sponsor and is promoting the Celebration of 130 years for the Kora Shrine Temple. We are excited that Potentate Robert Mckinely has invited all the parade units to lead the parade in celebration!
Please join us as a spectator or as a parade participate. Please visit our website at www.greatfallsballoonfestival.org for a parade application or message [email protected]
12:30pm: Justin Carver
Justin Carver is an acoustic Singer/Song Writer and multi instrumentalist from Auburn, Maine. He learned to play guitar and sing at an early age, have been performing for live audiences in many different projects including originally bands and cover bands, and now mainly play solo acoustic shows in local pubs and restaurants as well as private and corporate events throughout central and Southern Maine
2:15pm: POSH
POSH! is Robin Lewis &Paula Kaiser. The two have played together since 2010 and formed the duo in 2021. They bring beautiful harmonies to a unique repertoire including pop, bluegrass, gospel, originals, rock and country. Both live in Jay, ME. Robin plays guitar, spoons and kazoo. She has published ten books and is a portrait artist. Paula loves to sing and dance. She has won several awards for her music including the Ken MacKenzie award for entertaining.
4:00pm: Ricki George
Ricki George has been preforming in a genre he calls "Music with a message" both nationally and internationally since 2015. His music is performed with a myriad of players from all walks of life and can be found online at all major carriers for everyone to enjoy.
5:30pm: Imari & Sahara Desert Dancers
Imari – Belly Dancer , Performer, Instructor, Artistic Director of Imari & the Sahara Desert Dancers Imari has been Belly dancing for over 30 years. For over 20 years she has instructed belly dancing, sharing her passion with thousands of women throughout New England.
Her classes are often brought to students by Health & Wellness Programs at various Hospitals and Dance Studios. "Every woman is beautiful when she is belly dancing", Imari insists. This art form is intended for women of all walks of life, all ages, and body sizes. No previous dance experience is necessary. She offers a friendly and positive atmosphere with absolutely no intimidation, allowing anyone to learn how to Belly dance. Her style is traditional, elegant, and graceful, holding belly dancing true to its mysterious reputation. With endless charisma, she delivers her dance to her audience with a warm smile and classy demeanor.
They have dazzled crowds as large as 12,000 people from youth to elderly populations for 22 years. Imari is the founder of Belly dancing for Breast Cancer and One Hip Night of Belly dancing. She has been instrumental in utilizing her gift of dancing as a vehicle for fund raising benefiting multiple charities over the years. She truly enjoys giving to communities throughout New England. This unique form of cardiovascular exercise is therapeutic for the mind, body and soul. Belly dancing is HIP!

Location: Festival Plaza: 112 Main st, Auburn, ME

Sunday, August 21, 2022

5:30am: Pancake Breakfast
6:00am: Balloon Launch
9:00am: Family Fun Day Activities in the Field
9:30am: Phoenix No Limits Karate
Phoenix No Limits Karate, Inc. is a Non- Profit karate school. They previously operated as a for profit school from 2009-2021 under the name Phoenix Academy of Martial Arts, however realized that they would be better able to help the community as a Non-Profit. PNLK has classes for ages two and up and also has the K.I.C.K.S. Kids In Control Keep Safe anti- bully program as well as Women's Self Defense.
What makes PNLK unique from other karate schools is not something that can be described but rather experienced. PNLK is far more than a dojo, it is a community, a family and so much more. They build self-confident, respectful, future leaders. Donations are always welcome and much appreciated. Since they are a 501(c)3 charity, your donation is deductible.
10:00am: Camp of Rock
Camp of Rock is a 2-week rock music camp for kids ages 7-17 that began in 2007. Every year is a new year and brings a new group of kids, and although many kids come back for more than one year, there are always new kids that get up on the Camp of Rock stage for the first time.
Kids meet on Day 1 and get to work, learning as many rock songs as they can in less than two weeks in preparation for their big end-of-camp show. Last year's group was able to pull of an amazing 12 song setlist, and it included such classics as "Getting in Tune&" (The Who), "Sweet Emotion" (Aerosmith), "Wish You Were Here" (Pink Floyd), "Band on the Run" (Paul McCartney & Wings), "Panama" (Van Halen), "Over the Hills and Far Away" (Led Zeppelin), and others by such bands as Heart, Def Leppard, Queen, Bruce Springsteen, and others.
Camp of Rock kids have played the Great Falls Balloon Festival every year since 2008 and they're very happy to be back again this year!
11:00am: Food Booths Open
11:15am: The Root Notes
The Root Notes are a 6 piece band from central Maine who play tribute to the lost but not forgotten hits. With having 3 main vocalists, it allows the Root Notes to play a wide variety of Genres ranging from classic rock to pop and everything in between.
12:45pm: Country Roads
Enjoy the spectacle of the Great Falls Balloon Festival while Country Roads performs many of your favorite modern country music hits.
2:45pm: Continental Shakedown
Continental Shakedown began in 2016 as a spinoff of a local rock/pop cover band when Ken Goodman (guitars and vocals) and Charlie Bradbury (bass and vocals) decided to pursue a more roots oriented project steeped in blues, classic rock and improvisational jams. A happy accident happened when a fourth member couldn’t make it to a gig and it was clear from the first song that the power trio format would fit perfectly. Recently drummer Lane Kaplan joined and his intricate and aggressive style is a perfect fit.
Continental is a rare unit than can play an authentic blues gig (Maine Blues Festival, OOB Blues Fest, Riverwalk Blues & Brews), then do a full fledged rock club gig in the power trio tradition of Jimi Hendrix Experience, Cream and ZZ Top. Expect a mix of these styles along with Grateful Dead style improv, perhaps a little reggae and even some traditional country!
4:30pm: Bonnie Edwards & The Practical Cats
Formed in the late 1970's , Bonnie and the Cats have toured Nationally and across Europe playing numerous large venues and small clubs. They've opened shows for many National Acts including Dr John, Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, Eddie Kirkland, Jimmy Rogers, Savoy Brown, and many more. In 2003 They won the Maine Blues Society "Road To Memphis" competition and participated in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis.
Bonnie's dedication to the art of performing and her love of singing are the driving forces of her career. With her gutsy blues vocal style and dynamic stage presence, She puts her heart and soul into each of her performances.
Today The Practical Cats continue the tradition of providing their style of Blues, Jump Swing, Jazz,
Vintage R & B, and Original music for "Maine's Number One Lady of the Blues" Bonnie Edwards!
Bonnie Edwards-- vocals
Mike Vaughan--keys
Marty Lynch--bass
Nelson Nadeau--guitar
Bruce Couillard--sax
Lane Kaplan—Drums

Location:Simard-Payne Park-  46 Beech Street Lewiston, ME

10:30am: Dragon of Wortley
Dragon of Wortley (CA Wortley) is a long-time festival performer who disappeared from the scene after the events of September 11 2001.
The Dragon has recently come out of retirement and is back performing a variety of English folk songs, Irish pub music, Americana, a few jigs & reels thrown in for good measure and of course, Scottish music hall classics.
The Dragon is currently performing solo on guitar, Irish bouzouki, tin whistle and occasionally tenor banjo or bagpipes.
11:00am: Food Booths Open
12:00pm: Jadie Cat
Jadie cat is a music duo covering a wide array of genres throughout NH and ME. Since 2014 they have been playing all kinds of music from classic rock to country to folk and some originals.
Members Include:
Cara Malone - Lead Vocals,
Joseph Sirois - Guitarist
1:30pm: Mike Stackhouse
A native Mainer, Mike is a natural born troubadour who has been entertaining audiences most of his life. He blends originals from his new CD, Big Ol’ Maine Heart, uncommon covers, and old favorites together with a few stories thrown in between.
You’ll also hear new songs from his upcoming CD Pushin’ on the Pull Door.
3:15pm: Drunk in Public
Drunk in Public is touching down at the Balloon Festival this year to rock out Lewiston/Auburn! 80's, 90's classic rock, country and more.

Location: Festival Plaza: 112 Main st, Auburn, ME

Date: August 19, 2022- August 21, 2022

Location:

Festival Plaza: 112 Main st, Auburn, ME

Simard Payne Park - 46 Beech St, Lewiston, ME

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