You know it wasn’t that long ago that Katalyst founder Kyle Poissonnier was in the crowd in 1999 watching his first show ever at the State Theatre on Congress Street in Portland, Maine.  The Rustic Overtones, a legendary Portland based band, happened to be performing that night in 1999 and ironically will be headlining Poissonnier’s new brand launch on July 12, 2013 at the State of the State – which promises to be a memorable night of great music.

ILovePortlandMaine.com first wrote about Poissonnier back in 2011 when his brand (elykssor) at the time was attracting great local attention.  Two years later, the 28 year old has been inducted into Husson University’s Hall of Fame (as the youngest ever inductee), given a nationally televised Ted Talk and garnered national media attention through MSNBC’s web series “Rediscover”.   In the spring of 2013, he launched Katalyst:  A hybrid brand of fashion, athletics, fundraising efforts, music and events.  “I just felt like I had cultivated so many connections and I was taking myself in this direction anyway.  It was time to do something else and I was lucky enough to get all these amazing bands signed on to do the show at Portland’s most historic venue” said Poissonnier.  “To me this means the most and it’s hard to put into words how much seeing shows and bands at the State (Theatre) inspired me to be where I’m at now.  Now 14 years later to be hosting a show of this magnitude for my new brand, is something hard to describe” he added.

The show is sponsored by Baxter Brewing, a craft brew company, calling Lewiston, Maine home, and becoming wildly popular in only its second year.  The show also will be in remembrance for Raina Jensen.  Raina grew up loving the Rustic Overtones and spent much of her time overseas in Fiji and her hope was to help the indigenous people preserve their culture, build a library and to get an education.  She was tragically lost in 2010 in a car accident.  This concert will allow her message to spread to a bigger audience and to celebrate her beautiful life.  Poissonnier said, “As soon as this story was presented to me, I immediately insisted we do this for her, and all the bands agreed.”

Playing the show is emerging electronic based soul trio – The Other Bones.  Andrew Mead, the bands synth and production man said, “Growing up I saw so many shows at The State that defined what a great performance was for me. It’s really amazing to be playing that same stage, especially knowing that we’re sharing it with some of our favorite (local or non-local) acts.”  The band is widely regarded as one of the top emerging acts locally and on the east coast.  People will most definitely be in for a treat when the Other Bones open the show on July 12.

Following them is The Wrecking.  When I told Kyle they were the only band that I wasn’t familiar with, he was quick to bring me up to speed.  The band doesn’t play locally very much which makes it very special for their audience.  The Windham natives can usually be found on tour opening for the likes of powerhouses like Switchfoot and NEEDTOBREATHE.  The band just released their second full length album in 2012 called, “So Much For Love” with much success.  Darren Elder, the bands drummer told us that the band is “extremely honored to share the stage with such amazing artists.  We wouldn’t want to be anywhere else, this is going to be brilliant.”

Next up is Spose.  Spose for all of his accomplishments, including a gold single, signing with Universal Records in his mid twenties, and three albums under his belt, has NEVER played at the State Theatre.  To say he is excited is an understatement.  “This show is a dream come true for me, I grew up going to shows there.  I saw the Foo Fighters when I was in 6th grade, and Dilated Peoples in 8th grade.  I never in my wildest dreams thought I could play the same stage as some of my heroes.  This show will be a big night for me,” said the rapper, a Wells, Maine native.

The Mallett Brothers Band is just as hot as any band on the east coast currently after recently releasing their third studio album “Land.”  Their blend of country, rock, and folk really have hit a chord with many fans around the United States as the band has spent the last six months touring the United States including Austin, New Orleans, and Nashville to name a few.  Vocalist Will Mallett said, “We couldn’t be more psyched to be a part of this show. We’re all big fans of every act on the bill and the fact that we were asked to participate is beyond humbling.  There have also been some murmurings of collaborations so we’ll see what happens there.  This is set to be one of the more memorable nights of the summer for me and for the rest of the band members!”

Finally, The Rustic Overtones make their long awaited return to the State Theatre after a ten year absence at the venue.  The band has played many memorable shows here including their CD release of “Viva Nueva!” and their final show that lasted for an amazing 5 plus hours. The Rustic Overtones are easily one of the best to ever come out of Maine.  “Playing the State again after almost 10 years, it’s really exciting…like coming home after you’ve been away for a really long time.  We can’t wait” said front man Dave Gutter.

This concert surely promises to be the event of the summer and one of the biggest local shows in recent memory.  With all of this happening as well as the launch of his new brand Katalyst, one would think the 28 year old would slow down.  Just recently Poissonnier signed his first professional athlete to his new brand; Marquice Cole of the New England Patriots.  “What we are going to do with uplifting people through events, athletics and charity will change the way people look at brands,” Poissonnier said.  It all starts on July 12th at the State Theatre with this event.  Poissonnier finished with,”I cannot express in words what this night will mean to me with the people involved.  I remember exactly where I was standing the night I saw the Rustic Overtones there in 1999.”

Get your State of the State show tickets here, as this all ages event is sure to sell out with General Admission tickets only $15.00. Doors open at 6pm. Show 7pm.

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Tags: Baxter Brewing, Dave Gutter, Husson University, Katalyst, Kyle Poissonnier, Mallett Brothers, Marquice Cole, New England Patriots, Portland Maine, Rustic Overtones, spose, State Theatre, The Rustic Overtones