New Shades of Blue formed in 2008, but Julie, Chris, and Ezra have been playing together ever since they met in a Jazz and Contemporary Performance program years prior and continue to perform together up and down the coast of Maine.

Singer Juliane Gardner, raised on Theolonius Monk, has also performed in the folk world, writing two original albums and sharing the stage with Chris Smither, Noel Paul Stookey, and most recently jazz clarinetist Brad Terry. Her voice is pure jazz—perfectly suited to the old-time sound of New Shades of Blue, smooth and peppy, with a playful innocence. Gardner’s husband Christopher Poulin offers up masterful guitar licks and crisp rhythmic punctuation to the proceedings, drawing on influences which include, Lenny Breau, Wes Montgomery, BB King, and classical training. Bassist Ezra Rugg is an in-demand multi-instrumentalist who has played with numerous Midcoast bands including Shirt Tail Kin, the Sauternes, and most recently Fully Funktional with his son.

Together, New Shades of Blue evokes a sunny nostalgia, warm and charming whether performing their own or other’s compositions. Bring your picnic blankets and lawn chairs from home and join us on the lawn outside the library for what’s sure to be a fun evening!

FMI, email elewis@rocklandmaine.gov.