Posthumous CD release event for Old Orchard Beach native Blake Hall set for Sunday

The community is invited on Sunday, Sept. 28 to join together with family and friends for a celebration of the life of Blake Hall — a talented local musician whose light was just beginning to turn into something bigger but was sadly dimmed too soon. The event will be held from 4-6 p.m. in the Old Orchard Beach High School parking lot, where CDs of the debut album, “Just Warm Up,” from his band “Bradford” will be handed out free of charge to all those who attend.

Hall was 23-years-old and in the midst of releasing his music on streaming platforms just two weeks before he was killed in a car accident in January 2025. He had poured his heart into this 14-track album for years, working with Acadia Recording in Portland. The album was recorded and mixed by Jason Phelps and printed by Charlie Gaylord.

Devastated but determined, Hall’s family made it their mission to ensure his music was shared with the world.

“Making him happy and making him proud is why I needed to make sure I followed through with putting his album out. He spent so much time and dedication, and this music he created meant the world to him,” said Hall’s mother, Bobbi-Jo Senter.

Music was her son’s creative outlet and passion, said Senter, and he dedicated hours each day to making music.

“When you’re grieving something this horrific—the loss of my son, the beats of my heart—the only place you find sense and meaning is to make sure to constantly do things that will bring honor and tribute to them,” said Senter.

Senter described Hall as “a gentle soul” who brought positive energy to every room he entered.

“For those unlucky enough not to know him, I’m truly sorry. He would have made you smile and feel seen in the first two minutes of meeting him,” she said.

In a final act of selflessness that defined his kind-hearted character, Blake chose to be an organ donor, saving the lives of three young people, said Senter. She said the album release is a way to continue his legacy of giving back to the world.

“It’s about spreading Blake’s music for all to enjoy just as Blake would have wanted,” she said.

Influenced by bands such as Green Day and Blink-182, Bradford’s sound brings a pop-punk energy that is infused with heartfelt lyrics.

One hope his mother has for the turnout on Sunday is that people will “leave the event feeling that Blake was not only an incredibly talented young man but also how devoted his family and friends are to make sure his music is enjoyed by many—just by the way Blake would have wanted.”

The community is encouraged to come together to support one another, share memories, fulfill a dream of the local artist who was just getting started, and ensure Blake “Bradford” Hall’s creative spirit lives on.

For more information about Hall and his music, check out the tribute page on Facebook.

Angelina Keizer is a student at University of New England and a UNE Community News Fellow.