Live Music at TunkJoy

Laura Bagley

Hugh Bowden taught himself to play the guitar after becoming captivated by the music of legendary guitarist Chet Atkins. Bowden, who now lives in Ellsworth, has performed widely throughout Maine and beyond for several decades, both as a solo fingerstyle guitarist and singer and as a member of several small musical groups, in various styles of music. In performance, Bowden draws from a musical library that includes American standards, folk and country songs and more than 100 of his own compositions. “I play music primarily for the joy and comfort it always brings to me,” he says. “And I feel doubly blessed in those occasional moments when my music can evoke those same feelings of joy and comfort in the hearts of others.”

Bea Alsop-Cheney plays guitar and drums and dabbles in piano. She loves being outdoors, drawing, and making music when she’s not busy surviving her freshman year of high school.

Lizzie Cunningham is a local musician based in Cherryfield. She is a vocalist, ukulele player, and whistler who has been performing for 15 years all over New England. You can see her performing solo, with various friends, or with her band Mulled Cider (a jazz trio featuring Brian Dyer Stewart and Tony Kertis) at different venues across Downeast Maine. You can also see her at the Cherryfield Open Mic!

Travis Cyr is a creative force uniquely his own. His music is a rootsy mix of spacey folk and Americana balladry. Warmly gentle, vastly strong and intensely vivid. Flowing between delicately precise and aggressively percussive acoustic guitar work, washed in splashes of cosmic space and ancient delay and laced with honest and poetic lyrics. The resulting mix is highly original and can effortlessly take the listener on a sonic and emotional journey. He has played over 2,000 shows and released 15 albums of all original songs. He is the founder of the Arootsakoostik music festival, a visual artist and is currently editing a book of short stories. Website

Pete Davis is a local musician and songwriter.

Maren Doughty, originally from Northern Michigan, is a Boston based folk inspired singer songwriter. Influenced by luminaries such as Adrienne Lenker, Adam Melchor, and Gregory Alan Isakov, her music delves into themes of evolving identity, navigating heartache, and forging genuine connections with her audience. Through her heartfelt lyrics and melodies, Maren crafts an intimate musical experience that speaks to the universal human experience of growth, love, and vulnerability. Website Facebook Instagram YouTube Music

Brian Dyer Stewart

Nina Emery is an 18-year-old jazz vocalist from Bucksport, Maine at the start of a professional career. Nina earned top honors across Maine's jazz scene, including the highest All-State score in 2024 and 2025, multiple gold medals at the Maine State Jazz Festival, and three consecutive top 5 musician awards. Since 2023, Nina has performed over 50 gigs across Maine, including features at iconic Boston venues such as The Lilypad and The Mad Monkfish. Now in her first year at Berklee College of Music on a full-tuition scholarship, she has continued her passion through four years of independent jazz study and consistent live performance.

Tom Fowler considers himself one lucky guy to be living in Belfast with Annadeene, Eliot, Leila, and Selkie, playing in The Hot Suppers, and joining in the feast of music, food, and community exuberance at Tunk Joy!

Molly Gawler is a dancer, musician and mom. She founded her own company in 2012 called Droplet Dance, a collection of solo dance works with elements of acrobatics and story told by movement created with live music from the folk traditions of Maine. As a youngster, Molly studied ballet with Andrei Bossov in Pittsfield, Maine and furthered her dance training in college with contemporary and modern at SUNY Purchase in NY. She danced with various choreographers in New York City such as Corbin Dances and Nøa Dance. After that, she toured the world with Pilobolus Dance Theater and starred in the lead role of the ‘dog-girl’ in the show Shadowland. While a part of Pilobolus she appeared on Oprah, the Golden Globes, the Royal Variety Show and the Academy Awards. Her life led her to study circus at New England Center for Circus Arts in Brattleboro, VT where she learned Cyr Wheel, Aerial Arts and acrobatics. Molly came full circle, back home to Maine where she performs, plays fiddle, sings and teaches movement of all types. One of her greatest joys is being a mother to four year old, Caspian, and baby Mica.

Michael Hayden

Mathias Kamin is a powerful vocalist and talented multi-instrumentalist with a love of old-time music. He is known for his work in the state’s traditional and contra dance music scene. A versatile accompanist, he performs alongside regional fiddlers and callers, bringing rhythmic drive and melodic sensitivity to live dance settings across New England. Kamin’s playing draws from folk traditions while supporting the energy and flow of community dances, making him a valued collaborator in Maine’s vibrant acoustic music community.

Phil Kell lives in Bernard where he teaches guitar and bass lessons. He holds a bachelor’s degree in music performance from the University of Maine. Phil has played in the Bangor Symphony Orchestra and in pit orchestras for many local theater companies. He has also played in more country, rock, blues, and jazz groups than he can remember.

Gus LaCasse is a classically trained violinist and inspired fiddler with a passion for Acadian and Cape Breton.

George Loring, is an Artist, Actor, & Musician of The Penobscot Nation, pаnawáhpskewi àhči pəpónihlehso. George is a dynamic vocalist who enjoys singing songs that tell a story. Loring especially relishes in introducing new music to listeners whether it be from the occasional original piece or from obscure cover songs ranging from an eclectic collection of genres falling anywhere between Folk, Singer/Songwriter to Blues & Soul to Outlaw Country and many more.

Amy Love is a heart-stopping singer-songwriter. With honest lyrics and a mesmerizing voice, she carries audiences to their most nostalgic memories. Passionate about community organizing, Love frequently teaches singing classes, songwriting workshops, and has even founded an artist-in-residency program. Her latest album, “Coming Home,” is available on most major streaming platforms. Website Instagram