BANGOR, ME – Hollywood Casino Hotel & Raceway is bringing live music back to the Sound Stage Lounge for the first time since it was restricted due to the pandemic in 2020. Friday night, Maine native and Nashville performer Kayla Wass returns to Hollywood Casino, where she had performed a number of times prior to 2020.

The return of live music to the Sound Stage Lounge is the latest step taken by Hollywood Casino to round out its entertainment offerings. Last month, it was announced by Waterfront Concerts that the summer concert series will be the Hollywood Casino Concert Series at the Maine Savings Amphitheater, with acts already announced including Goo Goo Dolls, Avril Lavigne, and most recently Shania Twain. Across the street, the Cross Insurance Center hosts the Hollywood Casino Ballroom Series, with acts in January set to include a Led Zepplin tribute show, a Michael Jackson “History” show, and A Conversation with Jordan Klepper, a correspondent and rotating host of The Daily Show. On top of that, Hollywood Casino has hosted its own comedy shows, with the next one coming Saturday night featuring Frank Santorelli who might be best known from his role as Georgie in The Sopranos.

“I’ve said it before, but it’s worth repeating: Bangor is the entertainment hub of Maine,” said Hollywood Casino vice president and general manager, Marc Guastella. “Hollywood Casino is proud to be a part of that and we are excited to continue adding to it. The Sound Stage Lounge is a great place for people to relax and have a drink, but the live music can be heard throughout the casino floor. Kayla is the perfect person to help us bring the Sound Stage Lounge back to life at Hollywood Casino.”

Kayla Wass has achieved considerable success since moving to Nashville. Earlier this year, she performed with Ashley McBryde backstage at the Grand Ole Opry. She also performed at a benefit and met Patty Loveless who sought her out to introduce herself, and complimented her on her talent. Kayla performed throughout Maine as early as her teenage years, and has been in Nashville for some time. 

In addition to bringing back live music at the Sound Stage Lounge, Hollywood Casino will be expanding its hours as of January 1, 2025. In preparation for the new hours, Hollywood Casino is adding new jobs, and is actively recruiting to fill new slots. 

“This is an exciting time to be in Downtown Bangor and it’s exciting for Hollywood Casino,” said Guastella. 

Kayla Wass will be performing Friday night from 8-10 p.m. There is no cover to get in, although nobody is allowed on the gaming floor under the age of 21, and without proper ID. The Sound Stage Lounge is located in the middle of the gaming floor.

About Hollywood Casino Hotel & Raceway

Hollywood Casino Hotel & Raceway is a PENN Entertainment property located on Main Street in Bangor, Maine. Hollywood features a state-of-the-art gaming floor including nearly 800 slot machines and table games; 152 hotel rooms and suites; and dining at Hops House 99 and the Take 2 Snack Bar. Live harness racing takes place May-November. For more information, visit www.hollywoodcasinobangor.com.