Watch: Popper Rocks to Feed Maine Kids

Last Friday was a truly fantastic kick-off for a new organization aimed at feeding Maine children. It all started with a packed house at Gritty's in Auburn for John Popper live on WBLM. The good-hearted harmonica king and leader of Blues Traveler was full of hugs for his fans from Maine signing copies of his new book, Suck and Blow and telling stories on-air. For the stories he's not supposed to tell, you'll have to read the book. We were also blown away by a couple of live numbers from John joined by Portland musical treasures, Dave Gutter and Anna Lombard. Gritty's in Auburn became an even more magical place after a powerful performance of The Mountains Win Again.

Then the sold-out big show at Portland House of Music and Events that night with John Popper, local bands and local musicians. It was a benefit concert and launch party for Go Big for Hunger under the leadership of  Portland’s pied piper of live music parties, Greg Martens. With great local acts like the Jason Spooner Band, Raging Brass Reggae, Pardon Me Doug and The Maine Dead Project taking turns backing Popper, it was a very special and successful night for an incredible cause.

Watch this killer performance of Zeppelin's When The Levee Breaks featuring Bar Harbor's Jya Marie and Popper suckin' and blowin' that harp like no one else!

The man behind all this, Greg Martens has been helping hungry kids in Maine for many years now. His benefits have raised over $100,000 worth of food. Go Big for Hunger is a newly formed restaurant and live music fueled anti-childhood hunger organization. 100% of the money raised by Go Big is being donated through Preble Street to agencies across Maine feeding hungry Maine kids. Sadly, Maine’s number of kids living with food insecurity is staggering, among the highest in the nation, 1 in 4 kids is living with hunger. The Go Big For Hunger concept is restaurants adding a line to guest checks for customers to add a small donation. So far Gritty’s is committed, as is Great Lost Bear and Jimmy The Greeks. This is all brand new! The next Go Big for Hunger event is on Thursday May 26th at Gritty's in Old Port.