TODAY
APRIL 29
Additional Photos
‘Catitude’
Ever wonder why your loving cat suddenly attacks your ankles when you walk by? Or is refusing to use its litter box? Three feline behavior experts answer all your questions and more tonight in Brunswick during the presentation “Catitude: Unraveling the Mysteries of Cat Behavior.” The program is part of the Coastal Humane Society’s pet health and wellness series. Call 725-5051, Ext. 12.
When: 6 to 7:45 p.m.
Where: Morrell Room, Curtis Memorial Library, 23 Pleasant St., Brunswick
How much: Free
The Bee Eaters
The string quartet the Bee Eaters is a group of musicians with quite a musical pedigree. Two members of the group are Grand National Fiddle champs. One of those champions tours with Crooked Still. The quartet’s self-titled album was produced by Portland resident and musician Darol Anger. Go to www.beeeaters.com and click on “music” for audio. Mike Block opens. Call 761-1757 or go to www.onelongfellowsquare.com.
When: 8 p.m.
Where: One Longfellow Square, State and Congress streets, Portland
How much: $15 in advance, $18 at the door
FRIDAY
APRIL 30
Art Blakey’s Music
The University of Southern Maine’s Jazz Faculty, led by drummer Les Harris Jr., will pay tribute to legendary jazz drummer Art Blakey and his Jazz Messengers in Gorham. The program will feature music performed by the group from the 1950s to the 1980s. A reception with the musicians follows the concert. Call 780-5555 for tickets.
When: 8 p.m.
Where: Corthell Concert Hall, University of Southern Maine, Gorham
How much: $15; $10 for seniors, $5 for students
Buskin and Batteau
You may not recognize the names David Buskin and Robin Batteau, but you will recognize some of their TV commercial jingles, such as “Heartbeat of America,” for Chevrolet. Batteau and Buskin perform and record their own songs. Some of their songs have been recorded by Anne Murray, Bette Midler, Aretha Franklin, Elton John and Mel Torme. Go to www.buskinandbatteau.com to hear audio. Rod Picott opens. Call 761-1757 or go to www.onelongfellowsquare.com.
When: 8 p.m.
Where: One Longfellow Square, State and Congress streets, Portland
How much: $18 in advance, $20 at the door
SATURDAY
MAY 1
Sugar Ray Nocia
Blues singer and harmonica player Sugar Ray Nocia has been performing for more than 30 years. He’s led his own bands, including one with guitarist Ronnie Earl, and been a part of bands such as Roomful of Blues. Myron Samuels and Kevin Midgley open. Go to venuemusicbar.com for tickets.
When: 8 p.m.
Where: Venue Music Bar and Bistro, 5 Depot St., Freeport
How much: $20
Celestial Poetry Evening
With poetry, song and prose, local authors and poets celebrate the ancient Irish festival of Beltane under the star dome of Southworth Planetarium at the University of Southern Maine. Beltane honors the return of spring. Call 780-4249 for information.
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Southworth Planetarium, University of Southern Maine, Falmouth Street, Portland
How much: donation
May Day
Kennebunk’s annual May Day Festival takes place on Saturday. The day’s events include a parade at 1:30 p.m., an open house at the Brick Store Museum, arts and crafts booths, faerie garden planting, May pole dancing and more. Go to www.kennebunkdowntown.com for details.
When: Events begin at 8 a.m.
Where: Various locations, Kennebunk
How much: Free
Seize the Mic
The finals of the statewide karaoke contest Seize the Mic take place in Waterville on Saturday. Three winners will be selected from five finalists. A prize of $500 goes to the first place winner. Go to www.watervillemainstreet.org for information.
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Waterville Opera House, 1 Common St.
How much: $8; $6 for youths and seniors
Mayfair
Bath celebrates spring with its annual Mayfair. There’s a citywide yard sale, May pole dancing, face painting, a downtown scavenger hunt, live music, food and more. Go to www.visitbath.com for information.
When: Events begin at 8:30 a.m.
Where: Various locations, Bath
How much: Free
Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
Falmouth Rotary’s Cinco de Mayo Fiesta features a Mexican food cook-off, live music, food tasting, dancing and more. The event benefits Safe Passage. Go to www.falmouthcincodemayo.com for information.
When: 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Where: Gold Room, 512 Warren Ave., Portland
How much: $8; $5 for children; $25 for a family
LEGO Youth Build
Two LEGO-based building competitions taking place in the Portland-area benefit Habitat for Humanity Greater Portland. The first building competition for youth (ages 5 to 16) and families takes place at the Maine Mall’s center court. Advance registration is recommended. An adult build takes place from 3 to 8 p.m. May 22 at Empire Dine and Dance in Portland. Advance registration is not required. Competition is by donation. Go to www.habitatportlandme.org to register and for information.
When: Noon to 5 p.m.
Where: Center court, Maine Mall, Maine Mall Road, South Portland
How much: Advance registration is $10 ($5 for seniors). Day of registration is $15 ($10 for seniors).
SUNDAY
MAY 2
Mighty Mahler
The Portland Symphony Orchestra wraps up its season with two concerts featuring Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 (“Resurrection”). The piece will be performed without intermission. Guests include vocalists Lisa Saffer and Mary Phillips and the Masterworks Chorus of the Choral Art Society. A preconcert conversation begins 75 minutes before each performance. Each concert concludes with a Q&A with the artists. Students in grades fifth through college are invited to attend the dress rehearsal at 4 p.m. for free. Space is limited. Call 773-6128, Ext. 308, for reservations. For tickets to the performances, call PortTix at 842-0800 or go to www.porttix.com.
When: 2:30 p.m. Sunday; 7:30 p.m. Tuesday
Where: Merrill Auditorium, 20 Myrtle St., Portland
How much: $17 to $70
Sayat Nova
In honor of the 95th anniversary of the start of the Armenian genocide, Sayat Nova will perform in Portland. The Massachusetts-based company is a dance troupe performing the stories and music of Armenia through traditional folk dances. Go to www.armeniansofmaine.com for tickets.
When: 2 p.m.
Where: Portland High School, 284 Cumberland Ave.
How much: $15; $10 for ages 10 and younger
MONDAY
MAY 3
Drinking Water Week
The Portland Water District is offering a number of free events in conjunction with National Drinking Water Week. Activities begin with a workshop on vernal pools. Other events include a tour of the East End Wastewater Treatment Facility, programs on birds of prey, loons and rain barrels and gardens. Reservations are required for all events. Go to www.pwd.org for a schedule.
When: 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Where: Sebago Lake Ecology Center, routes 237 and 35, Standish
How much: Free
Rolling Roots Revue
A traveling group of recording artists with Massachusetts-based Wepecket Island Records makes a stop in Portland to perform old-time music, blues, ragtime and more. Audience members are invited to bring their instruments (and voices) to jam with the band at the end of the evening. Call 761-1757 or go to www.onelongfellowsquare.com for tickets.
When: 8 p.m.
Where: One Longfellow Square, State and Congress streets, Portland
How much: $12 in advance; $15 at the door
TUESDAY
MAY 4
Jazz Ensembles
The University of Southern Maine’s Jazz Ensemble and Vocal Jazz Ensemble will join forces for a concert before the university term ends. The two groups will highlight the music of Grammy Award-winning vocal ensemble New York Voices. Call 761-1757 or go to www.onelongfellowsquare.com for tickets.
When: 8 p.m.
Where: One Longfellow Square, State and Congress streets, Portland
How much: $5 in advance; $9 at the door; $5 for students and seniors
WEDNESDAY
MAY 5
Aspen Santa Fe Ballet
Portland Ovations ends its season with a performance by Aspen Santa Fe Ballet. The contemporary ballet company will perform a reconstruction of Twyla Tharp’s “Sue’s Leg” and other pieces. A pre-performance lecture with Portland Ballet’s Eugenia O’Brien about the program begins at 6 p.m. Call PortTix at 842-0800 or go to www.porttix.com for tickets.
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Merrill Auditorium, 20 Myrtle St., Portland
How much: $30 to $38; $10 for students
Evan Thomas
At the turn of the last century, the U.S. declared war on Spain after the USS Maine exploded in Havana Harbor. Journalist Evan Thomas’ new book, “The War Lovers: Roosevelt, Lodge, Hearst and the Rush to Empire, 1898,” released earlier this week, examines what happened, the principal players at the time and what repercussions we still feel today. The award-winning author will read from and talk about his new book in Kennebunk. Reservations are recommended. Call 967-6136.
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Kennebooks, 149 Port Road, Kennebunk
How much: Free
Marco Benevento Trio
The Los Angeles Times calls pianist Marco Benevento a “sound sculptor.” He and his trio are on tour in support of Benevento’s new album, “Between the Needles and Nightfall.” The new album, set for release on May 11, is Benevento’s third studio album. Go to www.marcobenevento.com to stream audio. This is an 18-and-older show. Tickets at Bull Moose Music stores and at www.space538.org.
When: 8 p.m.
Where: Space, 538 Congress St., Portland
How much: $10 in advance; $12 day of show
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