South Berwick, Maine native Dan Blakeslee has long been recognized for his signature pick guard, an octopus with tentacles wrapped around his acoustic guitar. But, until recently, Blakeslee’s backup guitar remained naked and unprotected.
That has changed. Continuing the nautical theme, Blakeslee has added a handmade mermaid pick guard to his second guitar. He’ll play his first public show with the newly adorned instrument at The Blue Mermaid in Portsmouth on Thursday, June 25. The “Release the Mermaid” show will have an aquatic, undersea theme, featuring original and traditional songs inspired by the ocean.
Blakeslee, who now lives in Somerville, Mass., has been gigging around New England and the nation for 20 years. He was recently named 2014 Folk Artist of the Year at the Boston Music Awards, as well as Male Performer of the Year at the New England Music Awards.
The show begins at 8:30 p.m. at The Blue Mermaid, 11 High St., Portsmouth. There is a $7 cover charge, but those who come dressed as a mermaid (or merman) get in free.
— Matt Kanner