Grammy-winning musician Dom Flemons’ repertoire covers over 100 years of American roots music. He is not only a folk musician and black country artist, but also a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, music scholar, historian, actor, slam poet, record collector, curator, podcaster, cultural commentator, influencer, and the creator, host, and producer of the American Songster Radio Show on WSM in Nashville, TN. On Saturday, June 21, Dom Flemons arrives in Maine to perform at the historic Opera House in Boothbay Harbor.

He is the co-founder and original member of the groundbreaking Carolina Chocolate Drops, the first black string band to win a Grammy Award. In 2025 the band, comprised of fellow members Rhiannon Giddens and Justin Robinson, is celebrating its 20th anniversary. In 2005, the original trio founded the group after attending the Black Banjo Gathering in Boone, NC. In 2016, The Carolina Chocolate Drops were inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame and their legacy continues through their successful solo careers while extending to the next generation and their peers.

Over the past 25 years, Dom Flemons has received major awards, received multiple Grammy nominations, gained world-wide media recognition and has become one of the most influential and highly decorated voices in American roots music. “Dom Flemons is one of the most accomplished American Folk Artists… few have pumped as much lifeblood into tradition as he has,” says MOJO Magazine. WBEZ in Chicago notes that “Dr. Dom Flemons is on a mission to uncover, preserve and push forward America’s musical past— particularly Black musical traditions.” He is considered an expert player on the banjo, guitar, harmonica, jug, percussion, quills, fife and rhythm bones.

With thanks to sponsorship support from Betty and Ted Repa, the Opera House is able to bring this world class musician and musical scholar to Boothbay Harbor this season. Special advance discounted tickets are $30 and available only directly from the box office at 86 Townsend Ave., Boothbay Harbor, or by calling 207-633-5159. The box office is open Wednesday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Regular tickets are available online at boothbayoperahouse.com and are $35. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m., doors for seating open at 7.