First published in Landings, September 2023
A lively crowd attended Music, Masts & Lobster Traps at the Maine Maritime Museum on a beautiful Sunday afternoon in Bath. The August 27 event featured a concert by The Mallett Brothers Band to benefit the Maine Lobstermen’s Community Alliance (MLCA), in partnership with the Maine Lobstermen’s Association (MLA), and was organized by Jesse Roche, a local commercial fisherman, and Kevin Kelley, MLA director of advancement.
“The MLCA’s mission is to build better understanding of Maine’s lobster fishery and to support the families and communities who depend on it by supporting education, research and charity,” Kelley said. “The MLA and the MLCA work closely together in our efforts to keep this sustainable and historic fishery strong for the next generation.”
Lobster Institute interim director Chris Cash. MLCA photo.
Relaxing on the dock. MLCA photo.
Dave Mallett. MLCA photo.
Andrew Martelle on the fiddle. MLCA photo.
Burton Rankie (F/V Acorn) and son Thompson are all smiles. MLCA photo.
The clothes say it all for this concert attendee! MLCA photo.
Hundreds turned out for the benefit concert. MLCA photo.
Ticket holders also enjoyed a riverside beer garden hosted by Mast Landing Brewery, XTRATUF, and Rugged Seas where Mere Point Oyster Company offered freshly shucked oysters and Long Reach Kitchen and Catering provided lobster rolls, lobster stew and other lobster favorites.
The concert kicked off with acoustic tunes by Maine troubadour Paddy Mills. Then the Mallet Brothers Band took the stage. Led by Luke and Will Mallett, the band energized the crowd with a roster of country-style and rock tunes, touched by the distinctive sounds of fiddle and mandolin played by Andrew Martelle. As the day ended and the air became cooler, concert goers kept the temperature turned up dancing and singing along with the band.
Surprise! Dave Mallett joins his sons Will & Luke and Mallett Brothers bandmates on stage. MLCA photo.
As a special surprise, Will and Luke Mallett's father David joined the stage! A highly regarded Maine singer/songwriter himself, he is well known for composing "Garden Song," recorded by John Denver and other artists. Dave Mallett started his own label, North Road Records, and continues to live in the state.
Event sponsors included Rugged Seas, First National Bank, First Federal Savings, Bell Power Systems, XTRATUF, Mere Point Oyster Company, Mast Landing Brewing Co., Guy Cotten, Brooks Trap Mill, and Pine State Trading.