The Maine Jazz Festival Series is the brainchild of Freeport-based producer and record company president, Tom Levin.

Tom belongs to the First Universalist Church in Yarmouth, and when the minister, Erik Wikstrom, came to Tom asking if he would be interested in running some kind of regular, ongoing music program at the church, Tom didn't hesitate to say yes.

Tom says:

"Erik said that I could make the music series whatever I wanted and he gave me complete control. The reason for the request was that the church board wanted the greater southern Maine community to find out what a great space was available to hear music in Yarmouth. It would offer an opportunity for others in the community to make new friends. An added benefit would be that any profits from the concerts would support the First Universalist Church.

"My other, more personal reason for doing this is that I have been passionate about jazz since I was 16 years old. It was then that I first became friends with Thelonious Monk Jr., the son of the great jazz pianist. I wanted to start a jazz program that would become a regular feature in Yarmouth, with concerts offered every 4-6 weeks throughout the year. My hope is that music lovers around southern Maine will learn that they can come, on a regular basis, to the UU church in Yarmouth to hear performances of some of the top jazz musicians in New England.

"The UU Church is all about community and friendship. On our website http://www.uuyarmouth.org is the following statement:

'An inclusive, caring and spiritual community united to create and sustain a world of increased love and justice.'

"I can't think of a better place to bring people together, to meet new friends and to get to listen to some absolutely amazing musicians.

"I hope you will give us a try and come to Yarmouth for our concerts.

"Thank you."

Tom Levin