Over the course of 25 years and ten albums, the Subdudes have quietly become one of America’s national music treasures. The New Orleans-formed group is a living encapsulation of American music, a vibrant cauldron of sounds that stirs together meaty grooves and jazzy dynamics, soulful R&B swagger, easy vocal harmonies, cheeky rock ‘n’ roll attitude and folky social consciousness — not to mention some of the sharpest musicianship and ensemble playing from any five musicians touring today.

This summer The Subdudes return to Maine and will wrap up the July 4th holiday week by playing at the historic Opera House in Boothbay Harbor on Saturday, July 7 at 7:30 p.m.

Led by singer/guitarist Tommy Malone and accordionist, John Magnie, The Subdudes draw most of their inspiration from the sounds of their native New Orleans, blending blues, gospel, funk, and R&B with their own harmony vocals; their sound is also notable for the band’s substitution of a tambourine player, Steve Amedée,  for a drummer. Tim Cook rounds out the band on bass.

Their music features an intoxicating blend of passionate, joyous roots music, not to mention some of the sharpest musicianship and ensemble playing you’ll ever hear from any musicians. More than a just a concert, the “dudes” leave audiences feeling like they’re having a party and you were lucky enough to be invited. Opera House Director Cathy Sherrill notes, “The Subdudes have always brought in a capacity crowd, kept them on their feet and left everyone smiling at the end of the night. A summer night with The Subdudes is about as good as it gets!”

The Subdudes concert is sponsored by The Lafayette Group and the Bowditch Family. Advance discounted tickets are $30 and on sale through the Opera House box office at 86 Townsend Avenue or by calling 633-5159. The box office is open Tuesday-Friday from 9 am – 3 pm. Regular tickets are $35 and available online at boothbayoperahouse.com and at the door, if available, on the night of the performance. The bar will open at 6:30 p.m. for ticket holders, doors for seating open at 7 p.m. and the music begins at 7:3o.