NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:

Jessica Shively, Communications & Development Associate
207-367-2788
jessica@operahousearts.org

DATE: August 19, 2025
TITLE: The Season of Music, Movies, and Fun Continues at the Stonington Opera House

Stonington, ME – The feeling of fall is in the air but events aren’t slowing down at the Stonington Opera House.  During the month of September there will be plenty of programs to be enjoyed by all!

We look forward to welcoming back local artists for an Open Mic on Wednesday, Sept. 3 at 6pm in the Opera House lobby.  Anyone interested in performing for a 10-minute or 3-song slot can sign up ahead of time at operahousearts.org.  Walk-ins are also welcome subject to availability.     

The Live! for $5 series will wrap up its season with a musical performance by Bee Parks and the Hornets on Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 6pm. This indie pop-rock group is suitable for “insects” of all ages and is offered at just $5 a ticket.  

The music doesn’t end there because Deer Isle’s very own hometown band, Along for the Ride led by Rene Sewall, will be helping wrap up the summer on Friday, Sept. 12 at 7pm. Tickets are $25 per person.

A documentary film by Richard Kane and Melody Lewis-Kane, Building Hope: Ending Homelessness is about one of the worst societal traumas of this century.  Screening on Tuesday, September 16 at 7pm, this film puts a face to those experiencing homelessness and tells us it can happen to anyone. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion moderated by Melody Lewis-Kane and includes: Linda Nelson, Economic and Community Development Director, Stongington; Anne Schroth, Executive Director of Healthy Peninsula; and Jim Bastien, former senior leader of Vermont and Massachusetts’ Veterans Homeless Services. This event is sponsored by Joan Sorensen allowing admission to be free for all.  

Trivia Night will return on Thursday, Sept. 18 at 6pm. Join us for this community favorite–bring a team or join one when you arrive!

You get to be the judge with the Manhattan Short Film Festival screening on Friday, Sept. 26 at 7pm. Join over 100,000 film lovers in over 500 cities across six continents to view and vote on the Finalists’ Films in the 28th Annual Manhattan Short Film Festival!  View all the shorts and then vote for your favorites! Adult tickets are $9 and $5 for ages 17 and under. 

Sludge: A PFAS Uprising, screening on Sunday, Sept. 28 at 2pm, tells the stories of Maine farmers who are speaking up about “forever chemicals” poisoning their land, water, and livestock…only to lose everything in the process. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion with the filmmakers and PFAS experts. This film is shown for free in partnership with the Shaw Institute and is sponsored by Amy and Terry Britton.

For more information or to purchase tickets call 207-367-2788 or visit operahousearts.org.

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Photos attached:

1. Open Mic Night at the Stonington Opera House

2. Bee Parks and the Hornets courtesy of Bee Parks and the Hornets, photo credit John Shelley

3. Trivia Night in the Opera House Lobby

4. Manhattan Short Film Festival