Evening of Wonder 2026

Yard Sauce: An acoustic string trio featuring Chris Moore, Jeff Christmas, and Callie Brennan, Yard Sauce brings foot-stomping energy and tight three-part harmonies to every stage. Drawing from old-time, bluegrass, country, and folk traditions, they move seamlessly between spirited instrumentals and heartfelt originals. Virtuosic musicianship meets down-to-earth charm in a set that feels both timeless and alive in the moment.

The trio had a sold-out audience on their feet during their January “Tiny Circulation Desk” debut performance at Mechanics’ Hall.

Angelikah Fahray: Blending alternative R&B with soft rock and electric, jazz-tinged textures, Angelikah Fahray crafts immersive sonic worlds that move from intimate to expansive. Her soulful melodies and reflective lyrics explore self-discovery, love, and transformation—inviting audiences into a soundscape that is both vulnerable and powerful.

Angelikah captivated audiences during her concert at Mechanics’ Hall last fall.

Steph Davis (they/them): Marimbist, gyil player, Africana studies scholar, and cultural activist, Steph Davis creates performances that resonate far beyond the stage. Rooted in the sounds of the African diaspora, their work is a sonic honoring of Black lineage, resilience, love, and truth. Hailed by The Washington Post as a performer of “crisp, controlled” brilliance and “bright humanity,” Davis brings depth, intention, and radiant artistry to every note.

Jenny Oliver (she/her): Educator, choreographer, and arts advocate, Jenny Oliver creates dance experiences that pulse with connection and purpose. Through kinetic storytelling and collaborative performance, she invites audiences into work that is physically dynamic and emotionally resonant. Her practice bridges stage and community, weaving movement into a shared, transformative experience.

SNEAK PEAK! The performance by Steph & Jenny is an exciting preview of what’s to come. With funding from the New England Foundation for the Arts and generous support of donors like you (!), Steph and Jenny will bring their exuberant music and dance to Mechanics’ Hall in fall 2026!

Lucky Platt: Author, illustrator, and multimedia storyteller Lucky Platt creates luminous worlds filled with resilience, imagination, and heart. Her debut picture book Imagine a Wolf was a finalist for the Maine Literary Awards and the Ezra Jack Keats Award. Working across paint, paper sculpture, printmaking, and animation, Lucky brings stories to life with warmth, texture, and wonder.

John Sundling (Plant Office): is as surprised as anyone to end up a florist, though it is just the latest medium in a life full of art and design. His professional life began in set design for theatre, working in Chicago, New York, Santa Fe, New Haven, Maine, and beyond. In an attempt to realign himself and his practice, he moved to Maine in 2010. Soon after, he was washing buckets at a flower shop, and about the same time, in the woods, creating art installations. John began building Plant Office in 2016, and the Munjoy Hill studio opened in 2019. In addition to Plant Office, John is a proud founding member of Maine Flower Collection, a cooperatively modeled organization connecting Maine-grown flowers to local professionals.

What is Evening of Wonder?

Evening of Wonder, our premier fundraising gala, is an immersive and evocative celebration of literary arts, music and performance at Mechanics’ Hall, one of Portland’s oldest and most creative-centered buildings. This special night brings together our vast creative community for an evening of surprise, discovery, and delight to benefit Mechanics’ Hall. In just one evening, and with your help, we hope to reveal everything that’s possible within our walls.

Questions? Email us at eveningofwonder@mainemechanics.org.

Corporate Sponsorships are currently available for Evening of Wonder. Visit here to become a sponsor!

Click Here to learn about sponsorship levels and benefits!

Thank you to the 2026 Committee of Wonder!

Enchanting Hosts

Meg & Rob Adams
Diane Garthwaite & Dr. Matt Liang
Darcy & Matt Poor
Yemaya & Lucas St. Clair
Bill & Anne Stauffer

Special Thanks To:

Andrew DeGraff

Nash Tasker

Thank you to our generous sponsors!