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
September 10, 2017

Cribbage players break through state’s red tape

The Great State of Maine Cribbage Tournament kicks off Sunday in Biddeford and will continue at more than 16 sites statewide throughout the month.
Published
August 20, 2017

What you need to know about today’s solar eclipse

Tips for where, when and how to view Monday’s unique event.
Published
August 15, 2017

Maine Public to screen highlights of Burns series ‘The Vietnam War’ before it airs

A screening in Portland next week will include a panel discussion about the effects of the war.
Published
August 13, 2017

Want to be ‘green’ even after you’re gone? Here’s how

From biodegradable shrouds to plain pine coffins and wooded cemetery grounds, here’s what it takes to have an earth-friendly burial.
Published
August 8, 2017

Maine Public will add a classical music radio station in the midcoast

Based in Boothbay Harbor and heard on 96.7 FM, the network’s sixth classical station will reach an area of 350,000 people, starting in the fall.
Published
August 6, 2017

How a vineyard in rural Maine is booking big-name concerts

Savage Oakes Vineyard and Winery, a family-run business in Union, is evolving into an outdoor venue hosting such major acts as Graham Nash, Indigo Girls and Lyle Lovett, who will perform Aug. 13.
Published
July 27, 2017

Patrick Dempsey is getting boxing lessons from a Portland firefighter

Dempsey has been spotted around Maine more frequently in recent months and is rumored to have bought a house in Kennebunkport.
Published
July 25, 2017

Mainers reserved about Trump’s politicized speech to Scouts

But some say the president’s remarks were inappropriate because they violated the Boy Scouts’ nonpartisan tradition and values.
Published
July 11, 2017

South Portland book review editor will be on ‘Jeopardy!’ Friday

Vicky Smith, 51, is not allowed to say how she did on the episode, which was taped in March and airs at 7:30 p.m. Friday on WMTW, Channel 8.
Published
July 9, 2017

Thompson’s Point burgeoning into city’s newest neighborhood

Already known its concerts, brewery and event space, the Fore River destination has a hotel and housing coming soon.