READFIELD -- Musician and concert organizer Ed DesJardins has routinely packed the house when hosting performances in his own home in Readfield.

Now, DesJardins is moving the live music affairs to Readfield's St. Andrews Episcopal Church.

On Sept. 22, the new concert series at the church kicks off with a performance by Los Angeles guitarist Shane Alexander.

In November, guitarist Jeff Pevar, who has previously performed in DesJardins' home, will entertain the crowd.

"The underlying thing for all of this is just to bring the art to town, put something in place that just wasn't there before and see if people embrace it and support it," DesJardins said. "If they do, we'll have more and if they don't, we won't."

For now, the plan is to hold a new concert every two months, according to Nancy McGinnis, a music enthusiast and friend of DesJardins. Future concerts will also feature local musicians, she said.

The church can seat approximately 80, making the performances intimate, DesJardins said. And hosting a concert at the church, rather than in a bar or restaurant, makes the affair exclusively focused on the music, he said.

"People can just completely focus and be quiet and show all the energy they want in between songs," DesJardins said. "Performers can really do their thing."

Concert-goers can purchase tickets directly from DesJardins by calling him at 377-3955. The $10 price covers the show's basic costs.

The concerts are not affiliated with any religion.

Matthew Stone -- 623-3811, Ext. 435

mstone@centralmaine.com