This summer’s altered concert schedule at the Opera House of  Boothbay Harbor has been met with enthusiasm from both audience members and performers. Upcoming performances include rockabilly, guitar master Sean Mencher on Aug.  8;  followed by music from the great operas of the world with Opera on Tap on Aug. 12 and ragtime and boogie woogie with pianist Bob Milne on Aug. 19.

Opera on Tap is the largest network of performing artists in the country, taking a local, grassroots, accessible and fun approach to community outreach and engagement in the name of opera. The troupe will arrive in Boothbay Harbor with a roster of rising Maine-based singers making their mark at home and abroad. The concert will feature James M. Brown (Social Distance Opera, Oratorio Society of Richmond), Shaunna Lucas (Biddeford City Theater, Greater Worcester Opera), Aaren Rivard (Pensacola Opera, Opera Colorado), Sable Strout (Opera Idaho, Central City Opera), and Lauren Yokabaskas (Portland Opera, Chautauqua Opera), accompanied by local favorite, Scott Wheatley (Artist Faculty at University of Southern Maine).

The group says the night will include “approachable, often hilarious evening of operatic favorites from the Classical Top 40, including “Die Fledermaus,” “Carmen” and “La Bohème.” If you think you don’t like opera they can’t wait to prove you wrong!” The concert starts at 7 p.m. Advance tickets are $20.

Renowned pianist Milne returns to Boothbay Harbor again this summer.  “He always gives the Opera House piano a work-out while stunning audiences with his talent, energy, and depth of knowledge regarding the emergence of ragtime music in America,” noted opera house executive director Cathy Sherrill.  Milne has served as a musical ambassador for the State Department and is considered a “National Treasure” by the Library of Congress.  The night begins at 7:30 p.m. Advance tickets are $30.

For all performances this summer the Opera House offers limited, all reserved seating.  Advance ticket reservations are currently available for all performances. Tickets are available directly through the Opera House box office at 86 Townsend Avenue or by calling 633-5159.

For the safety of the staff and performers, as well as fellow patrons, masks are required while seated or moving about the Opera House. The Opera House bar has cold drinks available.

The upcoming schedule includes Cattle Call on Aug. 21;  Don Campbell on Aug. 29;  Livingston Taylor on Sept. 11;  and Dave Rowe on Sept. 18.