Two very different groups took the stage at the Bangor Auditorium Monday night, with the main similarity being that both bands have their roots in Maine.

Devonsquare, made up of Portland’s Herb Ludwig and New Hampshire natives Tom Dean and Alana McDonald, returns to Bangor in the midst of some recent national success.

Ludwig reminisced fondly about a visit to Bangor during leaner times.

“How many of you saw us play at the Ground Round?,” he asked.

The trio started with two songs about death, “Under the Freeze” and “Days at Donner Pass,” that showcased the exquisite three-part harmony they have developed through 20 years together.

They then brought on guitarist Rob Coffin, bassist Ted Glendon and drummer Jeff Reynolds, and displayed the more full-bodied rock from their Atlantic album “Bye Bye Route 66.”

McDonald handled most of the lead vocals, including on the hit single “If You Could See Me Now,” the new single “Bye Bye Route 66,” “Raining Down on Bleeker Street” and “The Far Side of Love.”

Dean took the lead on “Straightaway,” “Walking on Ice,” “Driving With St. Christopher” and the finale, “The Clowns Lead the Band.” Ludwig took center stage on the new song “The Tin Man.”

Guitarist Coffin and McDonald on violin provided the bulk of the evening’s solo instrumentals.

The set’s only problem was some feedback squeal that was soon eliminated.

Devonsquare presented a lively cross-section of their career in the one-hour, 10-minute set. The trio offered something for young and not-so-young alike, and as a result, they received a standing ovation from the crowd which remained at show’s end.

Opening act Sister Blue, an Orono-based band, displayed solid musicianship, especially bassist Tom Lander, guitarist Bill Reagan and drummer Doug Hoyt. They were also entertaining visually.

But throughout the young group’s 12-song, 50-minute set, Scott Veysey’s vocals were often lost in the sound mix, rendering the lyrics unintelligible. That resulted in the band’s funky alternative rock taking on a sameness song to song.