Maine has garnered an international reputation as a revered exporter of goods. Although oil, minerals, and machinery are the state’s most dominant goods, Maine’s budding arts scene can not be overlooked.
Thanks to GoodWorks Entertainment, the state’s talent will have the nation’s undivided attention at Portland’s inaugural Back Cove Music & Arts Festival. Across two days, music lovers are set to take over Payson Park to watch headliners Lord Huron (August 2), The Roots (August 2), Jack White (August 3), Turnpike Troubadours (August 3), and Lucy Dacus (August 3).
But the Back Cove Music & Arts Festival 2025’s lineup features several noteworthy independent artists worth checking out, including Weakened Friends, Cimafunk, Oshima Brothers, Thee Sacred Souls, Griffin William Sherry, Eliza McLamb, Ripe, Madi Diaz, and Turnpike Troubadours.
Ahead of their appearance, I had the chance to chat with Weakened Friends, Cimafunk, and the Oshima Brothers about their upcoming sets at Back Cove Music & Arts Festival 2025. Read our chat below.
Back Cove Music & Arts Festival 2025 is scheduled to take place from August 2 and 3, 2025, at Payson Park in Portland, Maine. Limited general admission tickets for Back Cove Music & Arts Festival 2025 are available for purchase. To secure your entry, click here.
Weakened Friends (Don Giovanni Records)
Every year, Back Cove imports an array of entertainers. But for the 2025 installment, hometown heroes Weakened Friends is prepare to amplify Portland’s rich indie rock sound. With the band’s forthcoming album, Feels Like Hell, set to hit streaming platforms this fall attendees could get a preview of what’s to come.
“[It] means a lot to be included [on the Back Cove Music & Arts Festival 2025 lineup],” said the band during our chat. “We tour a ton, and so we don’t actually play our hometown that much anymore. So to get to play a Portland show on such a huge stage and festival means a lot.”
Although Weakened Friends remained tight-lipped about debuting any unreleased music, they promised their set will be one to remember.
“It’s gonna be loud and high energy,” they declared. “We’re not a folk band; we fully intend to blow the roof off of the place.”
Weakened Friends is scheduled to perform on Saturday, August 2, on the Baxter Stage beginning at 1:30 pm. Stay connected with cdisiac on TikTok, Instagram, or Twitter.
Source: Image Credit Justin Labadie
Cimafunk (Mala Cabeza Records/Thirty Tigers)
One of Back Cove’s entertainment imports traveling the furthest is Libera Award nominee Cimafunk. The Cuba native has made a name in the performance world for his dynamic shows and Cimafunk guarantees his Back Cove debut will be more of the same.
“I'm stoked,” Cimafunk told me. “It's my first time performing in Maine and I love the beautiful location and a really dope lineup.”
He continued: “It means a lot to me that my first Maine performance is at such a great festival, and I'm ready to bring the funk.
When asked what attendees should expect he quickly chimed: “Lots of energy and lots of funk.”
Cimafunk closed our chat with a disclaimer for those ready for the funk.
“I recommend bringing comfortable clothes, good shows and your best dance moves,” he boldly said. “The vibe is about to take over.”
Cimafunk is scheduled to perform on Saturday, August 2, on the Longfellow Stage beginning at 3:45 pm. Stay connected with cdisiac on TikTok, Instagram, or Twitter.
Source: Image Credit Larisa López
Oshima Brothers (self-signed)
Another act native to Maine is none other than folk-pop duo the Oshima Brothers (Sean and Jamie). Hailing from nearby Whitefield, their appearance at Back Cove 2025 will serve as a homecoming show for the Oshima Brothers to play the duo latest project, Can You Feel The Sun Returning? for friends and family.
“We’re pumped to come back home to play a big festival on our doorstep,” said the Oshima Brothers. “After playing these songs across the country, it will be a deep breath to see our friends in Portland.”
They continued: “We’re brothers, and have been making music together our whole lives because we feel its power, we see music changing the world, and it gives us hope.”
The Oshima Brothers are dedicating their set to their home state’s signature sound and musicians that epitomize it.
“Expect the smooth indie sounds of Maine,” said the Oshima Brothers. “A love letter to the Beatles, Leon Bridges, and The Lumineers. [So,] come early for an afternoon moment to dance to some sibling harmonies, electric guitar, drums, keys, bass, and DIY live looping.”
Oshima Brothers is scheduled to perform on Sunday, August 3, on the Longfellow Stage beginning at 1 pm. Stay connected with cdisiac on TikTok, Instagram, or Twitter.
Source: Image Credit Matt Gaillet