Visiting artist Fabiola Méndez will lead a free community jam session– open to all ages and abilities in our 19th-century membership library.

The idea is an informal, hands-on, and (most importantly) fun environment to learn about Puerto Rican folk rhythms and melodies from Fabiola and her band.

Bring your own instrument, or follow along with your hands.

Free to the public, registration is required.

Saturday, May 3 at 11:00 AM (doors 10:45 AM), approximately 60-minutes

Don't miss the concert in our ballroom with Fabiola Méndez and her band on Friday, May 2 at 7:30 PM (doors 7:00 PM).

Funded in part by the New England States Touring program of the New England Foundation for the Arts, made possible with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts Regional Touring Program and the six New England state arts agencies.

Special thanks to Black Elephant Hostel for providing housing for the artists.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Fabiola Méndez is known for her unique blend of genres, including folk, jazz, and Afro-Caribbean influences. Her music takes listeners on a journey through various identities, cultures, and roots.

Fabiola's mission has always been to share and celebrate the cuatro, folk music, and collective storytelling. In doing so, she's had the honor of performing at venues such as the NPR Tiny Desk, Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC, Celebrity Series of Boston, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña, among many others.

She has also collaborated with many local and international artists, including the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra, Pedro Capó, Andy Montañez, Danny Rivera, the Chicago Philharmonic, and the Boston Landmarks Orchestra.

In recent years, she’s had the honor of receiving recognitions such as the Quincy Jones Award, ambassador for the Puerto Rican Day Parade in NYC, the Brother Thomas Fellowship, the Whippoorwill Arts Fellowship, and the ASCAP Foundation Lucille and Jack Yellen Award 2022.

She was also nominated for a Children’s and Family Emmy in the category of Outstanding Interactive Media and won the “Latin Artist of the Year 2023” by the Boston Music Awards. Her music is featured on the film Beautiful, FL (Disney+), on the TV shows Alma’s Way, Work It Out Wombats (PBS Kids), and Mecha Builders (HBO Max), as well as indie films, jingles, and TV commercials.

PARKING & TRANSPORTATION

Mechanics’ Hall is located at 519 Congress Street. Our main entrance is between Loquat Shop and the Art Mart. The Greater Portland Metro’s Congress & Casco Street Stop is directly in front of our building, served by routes 1, 7, 8, and 9B.

Parking is available at the Arts District Garage, which has entrances on Casco and Brown Street, with a rate of $5 per hour. Metered street parking is available on Congress, Casco, Cumberland, Free Street, and other nearby streets. Free hourly street parking is available between Parris and Alder Street.

ACCESSIBILITY

To enter our building, patrons will need to navigate a single step. There is a wheelchair-accessible elevator and a ramp available upon request.

If you have a wheelchair or need accessibility accommodations/questions please contact us at programming@mainemechanics.org or 207-773-8396.

Library Jam Session with Fabiola Méndez Trio