A Celtic thread runs through music and song during the Wiscasset Art Walk on Thursday, July 31, 4-7 p.m. and later, in Wiscasset Village. The evening’s featured musician, Alex Bigney, plays Celtic harp on the sidewalk at the corner of Main and Middle streets, near Garden Club of Wiscasset’s flower stall. Bigney lives in the Midcoast and plays regionally, his music reflecting his Nova Scotia and Ukraine heritage. His music has been described as emotional; universal and personal at the same time. He has recorded five albums as a member of Kirkmount, a group made up of him and his two brothers and named for a deserted village in Nova Scotia where his ancestors once made music.

Across the street in Aekeir Tap Room, 111 Main St., a dedicated group of accomplished local musicians, referring to themselves as the Main St. Music Makers, play traditional Celtic songs with harmony and English country dances from the Baroque period. The group meets weekly to make music and to enjoy the company of other musicians. They meet “for the joy of music,” said Laurie Rousseau, who hosts the practice sessions in her home.

During the weekly sessions, Rousseau explained, everyone brings a song they like, and the musicians work on it together until it’s ready to play in public. “It’s not like high school band. There's no pressure.” The Music Makers have performed in several local venues. The musicians who make up the Music Makers are Rousseau playing penny whistle and recorder; Nancy Cook playing violin; Liz von Huene playing violin; and Kat Logan on accordion, all from Wiscasset; John Schiesser on electric bass from Westport Island; and Alna’s Dave Figa on guitar.

During the WAW on July 31, they’ll be playing on the upper floor of Aekeir from about 4 to 7 p.m. Slightly overlapping with them in Aekeir, from about 6:30 to 9 p.m., will be a group of neighbors, friends and the simply curious, in the lower level of the pub, who join voices for an evening filled with joy. “I love to sing, lead songs, and I like getting people together,” said Wiscasset’s Jamie Beaton, co-host with wife Deb Small, of the "community sings" that have been happening monthly in Wiscasset Village since December. The format is simple: no rehearsals, little if any sheet music, no amps, and no musical accompaniment. Just voices.

“People prepare what they want to sing,” explained Beaton. “They have songs in mind. They start singing and lead the chorus when others join in.” While it’s not a requirement, songs with choruses are encouraged. Beaton said many people who enjoy singing are accustomed to the song circle format and are comfortable to join in. Most of the songs in this song circle are traditional tunes from the British Isles, the U.S. and Canada, a few chanteys, and a bit of traditional folk. 

According to Beaton, the sings are open to anyone who wants to come, once or regularly, and usually about 20 singers show up, although his email list now runs to 60. And, of course, some people come just to listen. When Rousseau was asked how she thought Aekeir owner Jeremy Meyers felt about all the musical sessions in the pub, she said "He's an enthusiastic host and has become a community resource for musicians.” When Meyers was asked, he beamed and said he always imagined his tap room would become a place for the community to gather!

In 2025, the businesses-to-date that support Wiscasset Art Walk are Lead Sponsor Ames True Value; and Major Sponsors, Carriage House Gardens, Cheney Insurance, Sherri Dunbar/Dunham Realty, Newcastle Realty, Rock Paper Scissors, and Water St. Kitchen & Bar; with additional support from Aekeir Tap Room and Bradbury Art & Antiques.

For more information about Wiscasset Art Walk, visit www.wiscassetartwalk.org or email wiscassetartwalk@gmail.com. Wiscasset Art Walk is a program of Wiscasset Creative Alliance.