search
Home » Blogs » POORtland Picks
Thursday September 02, 2010 | 09:00 AM

If you haven't spent any time in Naples this summer, you've been missing out. First off, there's water there. Second, there's beer, food and music everywhere you look. On Thursday you should look at Bray's Brew Pub where you can join in on the karaoke hosted by Pete Powers starting at 9 p.m.

In keeping with that theme for the tail end of the work week, how about two more spots where you can show off your skills with the mike. Sing your heart out with Bob Wilson's karaoke at Federal Jacks or stay closer to the city with a visit to Sea Dog Brewing in South Portland for karaoke with Stormin' Norman. Both spots start their events at 10 p.m.

September made its debut earlier this week so that means when Friday rolls around its another First Friday in Portland from 5-8 p.m. With any luck Earl won't ruin your walking and you'll get a chance to check out some of the great shows up around town. Here are a few to think about:

"Mind-bending with the Mundane," works by several artists examining marriage equality at the ICA at Maine College of Art on Congress Street.

"Intersections," photography and mixed media by Karen Bushold and Jim Kelly at Addison Woolley Gallery in the Bakery Building on Pleasant Street.

Water, land, Sheetrock, real girlfriends, fake boyfriends," photos by Tanya Alexia Hollander at Whitney Artworks on Congress Street.

"Exposed: Rare Photographs of Life in Maine," at Maine Historical Society on Congress Street.

Anyone who isn't into art (or those who want to hunker down in one place and stay out of the expected rain) can check out the Hoedown Throwdown at 7 p.m. tonight at Geno's. Sean Mencher and His Rhythm Kings will be providing the music, Whistlebait Burlesque will do what it does and lovely ladies in the crowd can compete in a pinup girl contest that could fetch them $300. All this, and no cover.

Another great option is the popular Lovewhip playing at Venue in Portland. It's a 21-plus show at 9 p.m. that costs just $5.

The storm should have moved out by Saturday evening so plan on being at L.L. Bean's Discovery Park for the final freebie concert of the summer. Joshua Radin, he of TV theme-song fame, takes the stage at 7:30 p.m.

Just 30 minutes later at Blue tonight you can listen to Garage Jazz King Abram Taylor. Listen to his combination of surf, jazz and cowboy music and pay just a donation.

If you can't get out of the house until 8:30, there's music to be heard at Andy's Old Port Pub tonight. Justin Walton will be lightly rocking the house round about that time.

I'll give a bit of variety for your final Sunday before Labor Day. First, for all you artsy-craftsy folks, check out the Cape Elizabeth Fire Department Engine One Labor Day Art Show at Fort Williams. The show runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Even if you don't see anything you want to bring home, the views of the natural surroundings will be well worth the visit.

If you're in the Saco area between 2 and 5 p.m. today swing in to Run of the Mill and check out their reggae Sunday. Grab a house-brewed beer or a snack and enjoy.

Finally today, a 3 p.m., if you like wine or you're interested in its history, wander in to Mayo Street Arts for First Church of Wine. Its a free talk by a local win aficionado which includes some tasting.

Whoot! Whoot! It's a holiday weekend. That means you get your Monday options early so you can plan ahead. Looks like the weather should have settled by Labor Day so I'm suggesting you get a little exercise in the great outdoors. Head down to Ogunquit and trek along the Cliff Walk. You'll get great views of the ocean and you'll get yourself off the couch.

If you dare to join the stream of traffic up around the midcoast today it would be worth your while to skip in to the Maine Art Gallery in Wiscasset between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to check out "Postcards from Maine," currently on exhibit.

And lastly for this final weekend of the tourist season, how about staying off the highway, steering clear of the turnpike and not stepping foot into any restaurants. Enjoy your day with a burger on the grill and few cold ones and some good friends in the backyard. And get to bed early cause you know you'll have plenty of catching up to do at work on Tuesday.

About this Blog

Karen Beaudoin finds things for you to do in Portland that are FREE (or so darn cheap they're almost free).

Archives

February 2012

January 2012

December 2011

November 2011

October 2011

September 2011

August 2011

July 2011

June 2011

May 2011

April 2011

March 2011

February 2011

January 2011

December 2010

November 2010

October 2010

September 2010

August 2010

July 2010

June 2010

May 2010

April 2010

March 2010

February 2010

Further Discussion

Here at PressHerald.com we value our readers and are committed to growing our community by encouraging you to add to the discussion. To ensure conscientious dialogue we have implemented a strict no-bullying policy. To participate, you must follow our Terms of Use.

Questions about the article? Add them below and we’ll try to answer them or do a follow-up post as soon as we can. Technical problems? Email them to us with an exact description of the problem. Make sure to include:
  • type of computer or mobile device your are using
  • exact operating system and browser you are viewing the site on (TIP: You can easily determine your operating system here.)
Prefer to respond privately? Email us here.

Storm Closings

Most...