The Breeders revisit Portland, bringing fresh songs and classics

The Breeders Head to Portland for a Return to Maine

The alternative‑rock quartet The Breeders will reopen Maine’s music scene on Thursday night with a performance at the State Theatre in Portland. The 8‑p.m. show is part of a string of East Coast dates that the band has scheduled after accepting an invitation to play Wilco’s “Solid Sound” festival in North Adams, Massachusetts, on June 28.

The Breeders – fronted by the Deal sisters, Kim (vocals, guitar) and Kelley (guitar), bassist Josephine Wiggs and drummer Jim MacPherson – made their breakthrough in 1993 with the album Last Splash, which includes the hard‑rock anthem “Cannonball.” The song remains a staple of 1990s alternative rock and a highlight of the group’s set‑lists. In 1998 the band performed a concert at the same State Theatre as part of the “Suffragette Sessions,” a tour of female musicians organized by Indigo Girls members Amy Ray and Emily Saliers.

The Portland appearance marks the band’s first show in the state since 2018, when they toured to support All Nerve, the group’s fifth and most recent studio album. In 2024 the band opened six shows for pop singer Olivia Rodrigo, but it has been more than a year since fans in Maine heard the Deal sisters and their backing band in person.

A New Album on the Horizon

During an interview with a reporter in Dayton, Ohio, where the group is based, Wiggs said the band is actively recording a new record that could be released by the end of the year. “That’s really ambitious, especially bearing in mind The Breeders’ track record for how long it takes to make a record,” she noted. “But we’re willing to give it a try. I think it would be really exciting.” The members have been careful to keep the project’s timeline vague, but the prospect of new material is a welcome development for longtime fans.

A Classic Set‑List Revisited

While the group has performed a wide range of tracks over the decades, Wiggs highlighted “Cannonball” as a song that “is still a fun song to play, albeit a difficult one.” She explained that the track’s high energy and tight groove make it a memorable moment for the crowd. “It’s maybe because back in the day everybody was just off their faces with alcohol and the audience was kind of out of control in a really exciting way that doesn’t happen now,” she said, reflecting on how audiences have changed since the group’s early days.

Other songs Wiggs mentioned include “Lime House” and “Opened,” both from the debut album Pod (1990), and the Beatles cover “Happiness Is a Warm Gun.” She described the emotional impact of the song “Hag” from Last Splash, noting that when the tempo, tone and sound come together “I still get chills.” The track “Iris” from Pod was also singled out as a “transcendent” moment when everything gels.

The Portland Experience

The State Theatre, a 1,100‑seat historic venue on Congress Street, has a long history of hosting high‑profile acts. Ticket prices for the Breeders show are $49.50 in advance and $55 on the day of the performance. Fans who wish to attend can purchase tickets through the theatre’s website.

Wiggs recalled her own visits to Maine in the 1990s, when the band performed alongside the Indigo Girls and other musicians. She described the scenery of Portland’s historic buildings and the “glass‑like” water of a kayaking trip around the state’s islands. Her memories of Thai food on Congress Street and the “spectacular” natural beauty of the area paint a vivid picture of the backdrop against which the Breeders will perform this weekend.

Looking Forward

The Breeders’ tour will continue across the East Coast, culminating in the Solid Sound festival in North Adams on June 28. Their appearance in Portland offers a rare opportunity for Maine residents to experience the Deal sisters’ blend of melodic rock and raw energy in a venue steeped in musical history.

Whether the band will deliver a new album or simply revisit beloved classics, the show promises an evening of powerful guitar work, driving bass lines, and dynamic drumming. For fans of 1990s alternative rock and those looking for a memorable night of live music, the State Theatre’s Thursday opening will be a highlight of the summer’s touring calendar.