TODAY

MAY 27

Portland’s Funniest

The Comedy Connection’s Portland’s Funniest Professionals contest wraps up tonight. Six contestants will vie for the $1,000 prize. Comedian Jimmy Dunn hosts and special guest judges include Portland Police Chief James Craig, “Survivor” winner Bob Crowley, radio show hosts Tim and Eva from Coast (93.1 FM) and Maine humorist Tim Sample. Go to www.mainecomedy.com for information.

When: 8 p.m.

Where: Comedy Connection, 16 Custom House Wharf, Portland

How much: $10

FRIDAY

MAY 28

Spelling Bee

The award-winning musical, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” takes the awkwardness of growing up and puts it under the intense spotlight of a spelling bee. The Studio Theatre of Bath presents the comedy Friday through Sunday and June 4 to 6. Call 442-8455 for tickets.

When: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays

Where: Chocolate Church Arts Center, 804 Washington St., Bath

How much: $20, $17 for seniors

Spring Birding Festival

The annual Down East Spring Birding Festival in the communities around Cobscook Bay takes place Friday through Monday. Besides bird watching opportunities, the weekend’s schedule includes live bird programs, hikes, a birdathon, boat trips, presentations and workshops, activities for children and more. Registration is required. Go to www.downeastbirdfest.org to register and for information.

When: Events begin at noon on Friday

Where: Various locations around Cobscook Bay

How much: Base registration is $60; some events have additional fees.

Sarah Borges

Boston-based Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles’ first albums were often categorized as Americana, but the new album, 2009’s “The Stars Are Out,” rocks out. Borges was named Local Female Vocalist of the Year at the 2008 Boston Music Awards. Go to www.sarahborges.com and click on “music” to listen to audio. Go to venuemusicbar.com for tickets.

When: 8 p.m.

Where: Venue Music Bar and Bistro, 5 Depot St., Freeport

How much: $15

Evening with Rumi

Celebrate and honor the Sufi poet, Rumi, on Friday night at Mayo Street Arts in Portland. There will be readings and Middle Eastern music and a whirling workshop. Attendees are welcome to share their favorite Rumi verses as images are projected onto the ceiling of the venue. Go to mayostreetarts.org for information.

When: 8 p.m.

Where: Mayo Street Arts, 10 Mayo St., Portland

How much: $5 to $10 suggested donation

Rustic Overtones

Local rock band Rustic Overtones is joined by reggae performer Mighty Mystic on Friday night. Mighty Mystic, born Kevin Holness in Jamaica, is now based in Massachusetts and has been gaining popularity. He recently released a new album and played Sugarloaf’s Reggae Festival. Go to www.myspace.com/mightymystic to hear audio. This is a 21-plus show. Go to www.portcitymusichall.com for tickets.

When: 8 p.m.

Where: Port City Music Hall, 504 Congress St., Portland

How much: $18 in advance, $20 at the door; $40 VIP seating

SATURDAY

MAY 29

John Funkhouser Trio

The Boston-based John Funkhouser Trio is set up like a traditional jazz trio with piano, bass and drums, but the trio blends in funk, blues, folk traditions and more to its brand of jazz. The trio performs in Portland in support of its new album, “Time,” released last year and selected as one of the year’s 10 best jazz CDs by the Boston Herald. Go to www.johnfunkhouser.com and click on “media” then “listen” to launch the audio player. Go to www.portcityblue.com for information.

When: 8 p.m.

Where: Blue, 650A Congress St., Portland

How much: By donation

Pipes and Drums

The Friends of Colonial Pemaquid open a season of events on Saturday with the Maine St. Andrews Pipes and Drums. The concert will be outside on the parade grounds of Fort William Henry. Go to www.msapd.org and click on “videos” to watch video of the band. Go to
friendsofcolonialpemaquid.org for information.

When: 2 p.m.

Where: Colonial Pemaquid State Historic Site, off Snowball Hill Road, New Harbor

How much: Free. Park admission is $2 for Maine residents; $3 for non-residents

Out of the Barn

Owls Head Transportation Museum’s antique car, truck and aeroplane show on Saturday and Sunday showcases vehicles older than 1990. Attendees may vote for their favorite car, truck or motorcycle. Kids can show off their wheels – bicycles, tricycles, scooters – too. The antique aeroplane shows are weather permitting. Go to www.ohtm.org for information.

When: 9:30 a.m. gates open Saturday and Sunday

Where: Owls Head Transportation Museum, Route 73

How much: $12, free for youth under age 18

Ethiopian Art and Culture

The Museum of African Culture in Portland celebrates Ethiopian art and culture on Saturday. There will be a film screening, dancing lessons for children, a coffee ceremony and music. Go to www.museumafricanculture.org for info.

When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Museum of African Culture, 13 Brown St., Portland

How much: $10

AIDS Memorial Quilt

Fourteen panels of the AIDS Memorial Quilt will be on display Memorial Day weekend in Ogunquit. Founded in 1987, the AIDS Memorial Quilt is an ongoing community arts project memorializing those who have been lost to the disease. Each block is about 12 feet square. An opening ceremony takes place at noon Saturday. Go to www.newenglandaidsquilt.org for information.

When: Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday

Where: Dunaway Center, 23 School St., Ogunquit

How much: Free

SUNDAY

MAY 30

Rob Scott

Local musician Rob Scott transforms a gelato parlor to a music club Sunday evening (gelato is still available, though). Based in Portland, Scott performs a mix of folk, jazz, blues and rock. Go to www.myspace.com/blackpowderrob to listen to audio. Go to www.gelatofiasco.com for information.

When: 7:30 p.m.

Where: The Gelato Fiasco, 74 Maine St., Brunswick

How much: Free

MONDAY

MAY 31

Memorial Day Parade

Windham’s Memorial Day parade proceeds down Gray Road to the high school, where there will be a memorial service and flag retirement ceremony at 10 a.m. The parade is followed by an open house at the Veterans Center at 795 Roosevelt Trail. Call 892-1159 for information. Check Saturday’s paper for a list of Memorial Day parades.

When: 9:15 a.m.; 10 a.m. memorial ceremony; noon to 2 p.m. open house

Where: Windham

How much: Free

Memorial Day Parade

Falmouth’s Memorial Day parade begins at the American Legion Post on Depot Road and continues along Foreside Road to Pine Grove Park, where there will be a memorial ceremony, including performances by Falmouth school bands. Following the parade and memorial ceremony, refreshments will be available on the lawn at St. Mary the Virgin Episcopal Church. Call 699-5350 for information.

When: 10 a.m. parade begins

Where: Falmouth

How much: Free

Memorial Day Parade

Brunswick and Topsham join forces on Memorial Day with a parade that begins in Topsham, crosses the Androscoggin, and ends in Brunswick. Patriotically decorated bicycles (and their riders) are welcome to join the parade (and win a prize). Meet at the old Topsham Fire Station at 8:30 a.m. Those driving in the area should be aware that the Coastal Connector (Route 196) will be closed from 8:45 to 10 a.m. Route 201 (Main Street) in Topsham will be closed between 7:45 and 10:30 a.m. and Maine Street in Brunswick will be closed between 9:30 and 11 a.m. Go to www.memorialdaycommittee.com for information.

When: 8:30 a.m.

Where: Along Main Street/Route 201, Topsham to Maine Street, Brunswick

How much: Free

TUESDAY

JUNE 1

Ann Hood

Ann Hood, author of the best-selling book, “The Knitting Circle,” will read from and sign copies of her new book, “The Red Thread,” at the University of Southern Maine in Portland. “The Red Thread” tells the story of six couples adopting children from China, the women giving up those children and the woman who connects them all. Join Hood for a knitting circle at 4:30 p.m. Call 780-4070 for information.

When: 6 to 8 p.m.

Where: University of Southern Maine Bookstore, Woodbury Campus Center, Bedford Street, Portland

How much: Free

Tom Russell

Singer/songwriter Tom Russell got his master’s degree in criminology and taught school in Nigeria before pursuing his music career. He has recorded more than 25 albums. He’s on tour in support of “Blood and Candle Smoke.” Go to www.tomrussell.com and click on “videos” to see and hear him. 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: $25

WEDNESDAY

JUNE 2

Enburi Dancers

A delegation from the United States Nippon International Friendship Group, which fosters relationships between the U.S. and Japan, is visiting Maine this week. As part of their stay, members of the group will perform Enburi – traditional Japanese folk dances and music. Go to www.llbean.com for information.

When: 4 to 5 p.m.

Where: Discovery Park, L.L. Bean, Route 1, Freeport

How much: Free

Tommy Castro

Blues guitarist and vocalist Tommy Castro and his band won four awards at this year’s Blues Music Awards, including B.B. King Entertainer of the Year, Band of the Year and Contemporary Blues Album of the Year for the group’s latest album, “Hard Believer.” Go to tommycastro.com and click on “Sights and Sounds” to watch video. Call 594-0070 for tickets.

When: 7 p.m. Wednesday

Where: The Strand Theatre, 345 Main St., Rockland

How much: $23