The Freeport Cabaret
Owners Gar and Betsy connected with the emerging folk music scene when they were teens back in the 60's.
Both learned to play guitar and sang all the Peter Paul and Mary, Bob Dylan and Ian & Sylvia hits of
the day. Then, their grown up life took over with jobs and kids. The guitars were put aside. Somewhere
deep in their souls, however, the love of live music stayed strong. With the miracle of their children
came the second wonder... Kids with terrific musical talent. All of this music kept breaking out in many
forms. The Roper's home became the "Arts Hotel" as visiting musicians stayed with them while performing
in the area. Then, son Kevin decided to make music his full time work and he shaped a career of song
writing and performing.
The dream of having a live music club remained a glowing fire in Gar's heart, and after short lived
efforts with clubs first in Aspen, CO (The Grottos) and then in Poland Spring, Maine (The Flying Lobster),
the muses came together to create the idea of The Freeport Cabaret. Kevin joined in as talent and
operations manager and his wife Emily joined in to manage a new concept kitchen. Long term friend,
actor, singer and comedian, Michael Hale, joined as MC and entertainer.
With an eye to combining big city elegance and informal Maine accessibility, The Cabaret was created out
of former retail space on Depot Street right in the heart of Freeport Village. It boasts an ample stage
and dance floor, exquisite full house sound system and lighting, large curving black and white full
service bar, as well as the grand piano-sized piano bar. The Freeport Cabaret is licensed for 140 people
who can join the party with dancing, dining, and enjoying their favorite wine, beer or mixed drink.
Gourmet light fare, delicious desserts, coffees, teas and espresso or cappuccino round out the offerings
in this dream come true venue.
Now music fills the house every evening, mixed with laughter, conversation, dancing and holding hands.
The Freeport Cabaret is for lovers, lovers of life and great music of every genre.
As the song says... "What good is staying alone in your room, come hear the music play. Life is a
Cabaret, old chum. Come to the Cabaret!"
Kevin Roper
Kevin Roper is a singer/songwriter from all over New England, currently based near Portland, Maine,
who plays keyboards and guitar, mixing elements of Jam Rock, Funk and Folk Rock. Having just completed his
second full length album,"Set Yourself Free". Kevin now splits his time between performing solo and with
his band, Kevin Roper Project.
Along the way, Kevin has played in a variety of bands in a variety of places from Maine to Colorado to
Massachusetts to Nashville, TN. He has also lent his playing to the albums of various touring musicians.
Kevin has shared the stage with such artists as: Ray Lamontagne, Col. Bruce Hampton, Derek Trucks Band,
Robert Randolf, Reid Geneaur and The Assembly of Dust, Jay Giles, Jazz Mandolin Project, Max Creek, Ellis
Paul, Deep Banana Blackout, Raq, Tishamingo, Gordon Stone, Tom Constanten and more...
To learn more about Kevin and hear samples of his original music, go to
www.kevinroper.com or www.myspace.com/kevinroper
