Lyle Divinsky, who moved from Portland to New York, is lead singer for the band The Motet, performing here at Portland House of Music.

Dave Gutter of South Portland, right, performs with Aaron Neville, left. Gutter co-wrote the songs on Neville's new album.

Ryan Zoidis of South Portland plays saxophone with the funk band Lettuce, shown performing in June at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado. Zoidis played with Rustic Overtones for a time.

Lyle Divinsky reaches to slap hands with Emanuel Washington of the band Sophistafunk, as Divinsky's band, The Motet, performs sound checks at Portland House of Music. “I’ve never met anyone in (the Portland scene) who is competitive in a negative way," said Divinsky. "We’re not playing just because it’s fun and we’re looking for a party. We all care deeply and want to share that feeling. I think there’s a special energy in Portland.”