Ray Routhier

Press Herald

Ray Routhier writes about pop culture, entertainment, music, TV and lifestyle issues. In more than 23 years at the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram, he has been continually fascinated with stories that show the unique character of Maine’s people and places. The word he uses most for stories he’s drawn to is “quirky.” He’s written about the changing cable TV and Internet landscapes, and what those changes mean for the future of information and entertainment. He’s dug clams, raked blueberries and rode on the back of a garbage truck, all in pursuit of stories about real Mainers. He’s had a ball interviewing a range of celebrities from Anna Kendrick and Patrick Dempsey to Billy Joel and Tony Bennett. His passions, besides writing, include baseball history, old movies and “Jeopardy!” A native of Manchester, N.H., he graduated with a degree in political science from the University of New Hampshire. He lives in South Portland with his wife and two daughters.

Latest

Published
August 22, 2021

Wilco bassist has embraced his midcoast community, and vice-versa

John Stirratt, who has lived near Damariscotta for the past few years, won’t have to travel far from home for his band’s show Wednesday at Thompson’s Point.
Published
August 20, 2021

Brandi Carlile concert at Thompson’s Point postponed until Aug. 27

Friday night’s show was rescheduled because the singer was sick.
Published
August 18, 2021

Major Portland music venues adopt vaccine requirements

The State Theatre and Thompson’s Point in Portland will require vaccination proof or a negative test starting this weekend, while the Portland House of Music will do the same starting Aug. 26.
Published
August 17, 2021

Maine concert venues consider requiring proof of vaccination

The Opera House at Boothbay Harbor and Stone Mountain Arts Center in Brownfield have policies, while others are following the lead of concert giant Live Nation, which says it will start similar requirements in October.
Published
August 16, 2021

Spectrum launches local news app for Maine customers

The Spectrum News App will feature Maine news gathered by local journalists, as well as content from the Portland Press Herald and Bangor Daily News.
Published
August 15, 2021

Over 25 years, Umbrella Cover Museum showered with love

The quirky Peaks Island attraction marks the anniversary with a fashion show. Guess the material.
Published
August 10, 2021

Fairs and festivals go on with few restrictions, but organizers are ready to change on the fly

Organizers of Maine’s seasonal fairs and festivals are watching COVID cases and guidance closely.
Published
August 2, 2021

Go wild for Maine blueberries this weekend

The first Maine Wild Blueberry Weekend – to promote one of the state’s most iconic foods – will be held at farms, restaurants and other spots around the state Saturday and Sunday.
Published
July 27, 2021

Apple Cinemas to reopen former Cinemagic locations in Westbrook, Saco

The company, which runs theaters in Connecticut and Massachusetts, is leasing the buildings and plans to reopen the theaters by the end of September.
Published
July 25, 2021

Movies are making a comeback at Maine theaters

Audiences are showing up for the summer’s blockbusters, and the shuttered Cinemagic locations are drawing interest from movie theater operators, but streaming options and health concerns still pose a threat.