Ray Routhier

Press Herald

Ray Routhier writes about pop culture, entertainment, music, TV and lifestyle issues. In more than 23 years at the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram, he has been continually fascinated with stories that show the unique character of Maine’s people and places. The word he uses most for stories he’s drawn to is “quirky.” He’s written about the changing cable TV and Internet landscapes, and what those changes mean for the future of information and entertainment. He’s dug clams, raked blueberries and rode on the back of a garbage truck, all in pursuit of stories about real Mainers. He’s had a ball interviewing a range of celebrities from Anna Kendrick and Patrick Dempsey to Billy Joel and Tony Bennett. His passions, besides writing, include baseball history, old movies and “Jeopardy!” A native of Manchester, N.H., he graduated with a degree in political science from the University of New Hampshire. He lives in South Portland with his wife and two daughters.

Latest

Published
June 25, 2020

After helping other artists top the charts, Maine native Amy Allen to release first single

The singer-songwriter’s ‘Queen of Silver Linings’ will be released Wednesday on Warner Records.
Published
June 22, 2020

After a brief intermission, these venues are ready to entertain again

Arts and entertainment spaces around Maine, including museums, music venues and brewery tasting rooms, are beginning to resume programming after a three-month shutdown.
Published
June 16, 2020

Portland Museum of Art to reopen Wednesday, free of charge

Closed since mid-March, the museum will require visitors to use timed-entry tickets, wear masks and keep their distance.
Published
June 15, 2020

Feeling claustrophobic at home? This year, a Maine staycation can be a real getaway

Pandemic restrictions and a light tourism season make it the perfect time to vacation in some of those places you normally can’t get near in June, July and August.
Published
June 14, 2020

Popularity of Maine reality shows proves it’s the way TV should be

Maine has been the setting for a half-dozen reality shows in the past decade, including the currently airing ‘Tirdy Works’ and ‘Maine Cabin Masters.’
Published
June 14, 2020

Popularity of Maine reality shows proves it’s the way TV should be

Maine has been the setting for a half-dozen reality shows in the past decade, including the currently airing ‘Tirdy Works’ and ‘Maine Cabin Masters.’
Published
June 9, 2020

Portland Radio Group president is stations’ latest departure

Bob Adams and the company severed ties Monday, after several months of changes and firings at the stations that have upset listeners.
Published
June 5, 2020

Shain’s of Maine loses business over accusation of racism

The Portland Sea Dogs and other businesses say they will no longer sell ice cream from the Sanford company, whose owner was accused of racial bias.
Published
June 1, 2020

Miss seeing a good show? Drag queens, musicians and comedians will come to you

With so many entertainment venues closed, some local performers will bring their show to your home.
Published
May 31, 2020

How this chain saw sculptor came to make a carving fit for the Kings

Josh Landry of North Anson has been carving with a chain saw for years, but he’s never created anything quite like the 15-foot bookshelf animal sanctuary in the Bangor yard of Tabitha and Stephen King.