Excitement is building for the celebration of the Lincoln Arts Festival's 32nd birthday. Maine Pro Musica shines at Boothbay Harbor's historic Opera House on Thursday, July 12 at 8 p.m.

Prepare for a wonderful surprise. This is an extraordinary orchestra comprised of professional musicians whose members live and work in Maine and perform year-round all over the state. Founder Janna Hymes, conductor of the Williamsburg Symphonia in Virginia, led the group's inaugural concert in 2008 at Camden Harbor Park, followed by a Holiday Pops Concert at the Camden Opera House, which is now an annual event. The 55-member orchestra functions with the help of a small volunteer board of directors.

Artistic Director Janna Hymes handles just about everything from an upstairs room in her restored 1850s home overlooking Rockport Harbor. The group is modeled on the turn-of-the-century bands, traveling the countryside bringing music to communities that rarely get to hear live orchestra music.

Their mission is to enrich Maine communities with first class musical performances. The repertoire is diverse and designed to inspire people of all ages. It has a strong commitment to education and hopes to present curriculum-based programs which will introduce the instruments of the orchestra while exploring the mysteries of music. For more information, please visit their website: www.mainepromusica.org.

Tickets are available now at the Boothbay Harbor Region's Chamber of Commerce, the Boothbay Informaton Center, Sherman's, and A Silver Lining. To use Visa or MasterCard, call the LAF office, 633-3913. Tickets may also be purchased on the Lincoln Arts website, lincolnartsfestival.net, or at the door on the evening of this glorious performance, if any are left.

Maine Pro Musica is followed on July 20, 21 and 22 at the Opera House by the beloved LAF Jazz Weekend, this year featuring the truly amazing Mark Tipton Quintet and the Royal River Jazz Band, followed by the Jazz Church Service at the Congregational Church on July 23. After the Jazz Service, look for the Moose Mountain Jazz Band at St Andrews Village from 2 to 5 p.m.