Art

Michael Bell-Smith, lo-fi environments exhibit, Maine College of Art (Institute of Contemporary Art), Portland. 699-5029. Through March 14.

Juried student exhibition, University of Southern Maine (Woodbury Campus Center), Portland. usm.maine.edu/gallery. Through Feb. 19.

“Are You Really My Friend?” Tanja Alexia Hollander’s photographs of her Facebook friends, Portland Museum of Art. 775-6148; portlandmuseum.org. Through June 17.

Winter show, paintings, sculptures, prints, photographs and mixed-media works, presented by Ogunquit Art Association and the library, York Public Library. 363-2818. Through March 3.

“Charles Gatewood’s Wall Street,” rare vintage and contemporary photographs, River Tree Arts, Kennebunk. 967-9120. Through March 16.

“L’Avventura: Chronicling Amy’s (mis) Adventures in Italia and Elsewhere,” text and images by Amy Miller, North Yarmouth Academy (Curtis Gallery), Yarmouth. 847-5423. Through Friday.

“Rugs All Marked Out” and “The Maine Tin Pedlar,” works by hooked-rug innovator Edward S. Frost, Saco Museum. sacomuseum. org. Through March 24.

“Making Faces: Photographic Portraits of Actors and Artists,” portfolios by Berenice Abbott and Robert Doisneau, Portland Museum of Art. 775-6148; portlandmuseum.org. Through April 8.

Heather Denkmire, oil pastels and paint on paper, canvas and wood, Dyer Library, Saco. sacomuseum.org. Through Feb. 28.

“The Moment,” paintings by contemporary realist Michael De Brito, University of Maine Museum of Art, Bangor. umma.umaine.edu. Through March 24.

“The City,” photographs by Lori Nix of deteriorating urban locations, University of Maine Museum of Art, Bangor. umma.umaine.edu. Through March 24.

“I Put a Spell on You,” works by sculptor and installation artist Brett Day Windham, University of Maine Museum of Art, Bangor. umma.umaine.edu. Through March 24.

“Because You’re Mine,” sculpture, video and performance by George Terry, University of Maine Museum of Art, Bangor. umma.umaine.edu. Through March 24.

“Favorite Places,” oil paintings by Anne Lively, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth. 846-0697. Through Saturday.

“The Art of the Book,” an exploration of the museum’s collection of primarily 19th- and 20th-century rare books, Farnsworth Art Museum, Rock- land. farnsworthmuseum.org. Through April 1.

Patti Bradley, oils and pastels of Belize and Maine, 317 Main Street Community Music Center, Yarmouth. 846-6264. Through March 9.

“Midwinter Night’s Dream,” group show, Chocolate Church Art Gallery, Bath. chocolatechurcharts.org. Through March 3.

“Communique,” paintings by Belfast artist and gallery co-founder Freddy LaFage, Perimeter Gallery, Belfast. 338-0555. Through Feb. 26.

Fourth annual juried art exhibit, Topsham Public Library. 725-1727. Through Friday.

Deborah Randall and Henry Kallem, Elizabeth Moss Gallery, Falmouth. Through March 3.

Jazz Series exhibition, black-and-white paintings by Richard Payette, University of New England (Campus Center), Biddeford. une.edu. Through March 2.

“Maine Art to Touch Your Heart,” featuring pieces in wood, clay, fiber, metals, glass and more, Markings Gallery, Bath. markingsgallery.com. Through Feb. 29.

“Biology Through the Lens” and “The Faces of Migration: Illustrations of Birds on Great Duck Island,” photography by students and artwork by Jordan Chalfant and Anna Stunkel, College of the Atlantic (George B. Dorr Museum of Natural History), Bar Harbor. 288-5395. Through March 10.

James Ensor: “Scenes de la Vie du Christ and Other Works,” lithographs, and Xiaoze Xie: “Amplified Moments,” paintings, Bates College Museum of Art, Lewiston. 786-6158. Through March 17.

“Out of the Blue,” group show by YES Art Works, Coffee by Design, India Street store, Portland. yesartworks.org. Through April 1.

“The Circus Comes to Town,” Bex Bros. Circus miniature circus figures and more, Penobscot Marine Museum, Searsport, free. penobscotmarinemuseum.org. Through Feb. 26.

“The Inspired Hand 5,” juried artwork by members of the Maine Crafts Association, University of Southern Maine (Atrium Art Gallery), Lewiston. usm.maine.edu/atriumgallery. Through March 16.

“Artifacts and Particles,” photography by Caleb Charland and Peter Gruner Shellenberger, Addison Woolley Gallery, Portland. addisonwoolley.com. Through Feb. 26. Talk with the photographers, 2 p.m. today.

“Side by Side: Higgison and Higgison,” paintings, Harmon’s & Barton’s Gallery, Portland. harmonsbartons.com. Through Feb. 29.

“Blue,” multiple artists, Aarhus Gallery, Belfast. aarhusgallery.com. Through Feb. 26.

USM Art Faculty Exhibition, University of Southern Maine (Art Gallery), Gorham. usm.maine.edu/gallery. Through Friday.

Pottery by Barbara Michelena, Hanako Kanazato and George Pearlman, Craft, Camden. craftonelm.com. Through May 1.

“Decor,” featuring artists Clint Fulkerson, Ian Henderson, Katrazyna Randall and Kate Russo, UMF Art Gallery, Fort Kent. Ongoing.

“The Image and the Word,” artwork based on writing, prose or poetry, York Art Association, York Harbor. 363-4049. Through March 4.

“Color,” new works by several artists, Greenhut Galleries, Portland. 772-2693; greenhutgalleries.com. Through Feb. 25.

“Symbols of Love,” pieces that convey love in its many forms and meanings, Constellation Gallery, Portland. 409-6617. Through Feb. 29.

Round Pond artist Jill Tarkleson, paintings, Savory Maine, Damariscotta. 563-2111. Through March 3.

“Singular,” 10 artists’ portraits of objects, Fryeburg Academy (Palmina F. and Stephen S. Pace Galleries of Art). 935-9232. Through March 18.

“Marking Time,” drawings by Avy Claire, June Fitzpatrick Gallery at MECA, Portland. 699-5083. Through March 3.

“Places We Know,” new works by Dennis Fournier, Townsend Real Estate & Art Gallery, Willard Square, South Portland. 842-9200. Through March 11.

“Lost Trail and Beyond,” illustrations by Ben Bishop, The Green Hand Bookshop, Portland. 253-6808. Through Feb. 29.

“The Good Ole Days — Men and Their Tools,” 19th-century tools used by surveyor Levi Weston, Skowhegan History House traveling display, Somerset Sports and Fitness Center, Scarborough. skowheganhistoryhouse.org. Through April 10.

Minako McKenzie, pencil and monochromatic portraits, Bangor Public Library. bpl.lib.me.us. Through Feb. 29.

“Faces of War,” photographic essay exhibition by Jerry Robinov, University of New England (Art Gallery), Portland. une.edu/artgallery. Ends today.

“Trucks and Landscapes,” new paintings by Kevin Beers, Gleason Fine Art, Portland. 699-5599. Through March 30.

Selections from the Elmer Montgomery Collection and selections from “The Atlantic Fisherman,” two exhibits with boats and the sea as their subjects, University of Maine (Hutchinson Center), Belfast. penobscotmarinemuseum.org. Through April 30.

“Maine Agriculture: Views from the Past,” historic farm photography from the Eastern Illustrating Collection, Belfast Co-op Cafe Gallery, Belfast. penobscotmarinemuseum.org. Through Feb. 29.

“Explorations,” work by Alan Mast, Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick. 725-5242. Through Feb. 29.

Artisans Collective, mixed-media show, watercolors, acrylics, pastels, photographs, floor cloths, pottery, collage cards, jewelry and scarfs, The Royal Bean, Yarmouth. 846-7967. Through March 30.

“Blood, Phelgm and Tears,” new paintings by Abbeth Russell, Art House Picture Frames, Portland. 221-3443. Through Feb. 27.

Portland Camera Club Exhibit, Paul Schreiber and Mike Cullivan, South Portland Public Library. portlandcameraclub.org. Through March 19.

Valentine’s Day weekend figurative nude art exhibition, Sharpe Gallery, Kennebunk. TheSharpeGallery.com. Through Feb. 20.

“The Exquisite Bird,” photographs of birds by Michael Milicia, Daunis Fine Jewelry, Portland. daunis.com. Through Feb. 29.

Four Seasons Quilters, works on display, Falmouth Memorial Library. 781-2351. Through Feb. 29.

“Painting in Normandy and Beyond,” six-woman show, paintings and photographs from local artists’ painting holiday in Normandy, Yarmouth Frame Shop and Gallery. 846-7777. Through March 30.

Photographer Dawoud Bey discusses his photographic projects and how they build community, Bates College (Benjamin Mays Center), Lewiston. 786-8303. 5:30 p.m. Wednesday.

“Viewpoints,” new work by painters Eric Hopkins, James Mullen and Colin Page, Thos. Moser Showroom, Freeport. 865-4519. Through May 1.

Portrait photography demonstration, interactive demonstration by Robin Farrin, Constellation Gallery, Portland, free. 409-6617. 7 p.m. Friday.

“Take to the Streets!” photography exhibit about protesting in Maine from 1966-1988, Maine Historical Society, Portland. mainehistory.org. Through March 19. 

Art Openings

“The Image and the Word,” art based on writing, prose or poetry, York Art Association, York Harbor. 363-4049. Opening reception, 2 to 4 p.m. today.

Arts Faculty Biennial Exhibition 2012, University of New England (Art Gallery), Portland. une.edu/artgallery. Through March 4. Opening reception, 5 to 7 p.m. Friday.

“Undressed 4,” figure drawing and painting group show, F-8 Fine Art Gallery, Kennebunkport. 967-3227. Through Feb. 20. Artist reception, 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday. 

Auditions

“Pinocchio,” auditions open to anyone 7 years old and up, show runs in mid-April, Freeport Performing Arts Center. 415-6251. Noon to 4 p.m. today; 6:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesday.

Boothbay Playhouse 2012 summer season, “Urinetown” and “Once Upon a Mattress,” shows are in June, July and August, Boothbay Region YMCA, Boothbay Harbor. 633-6309. Please bring sheet music for the song you will sing. 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday. 

Benefits

Great Chili and Chowder Challenge, sample and vote for recipes by area chefs, benefits Altrusa International, entertainment by Dick Clark & Curtis (Motown) Haines, Holiday Inn by the Bay, Portland, $17.50, under 10 $10. 772-2701; altrusadistrict1.com/portland. 12:30 to 3 p.m. today.

Eastport’s Hearts Warming Hearts: Annual Bikini and Speedo Run, benefits fuel assistance for the elderly, run starts at the Eastport Post Office. 853-9400. 3:30 p.m. Feb. 14.

“The Vagina Monologues,” presented by student performing artists at University of Southern Maine, benefits Family Crisis Services, Hannaford Hall, USM, Portland, $8, $5 students. 251-2084. 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Runs with Wolves Sanctuary Snowshoe, Sled, Cross-County Skiing and Walk-A-Thon, McDougal Orchards, Springvale, $15. rwws.org. 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday. 

Books and Authors

Kate Shaffer, author of “Desserted: Recipes and Tales from an Island Chocolatier,” Falmouth Memorial Library. 781-2351. Noon Monday.

Jane Honeck, author of “The Problem with Money? It’s Not About the Money!” Falmouth Memorial Library. 781-2351. Noon Tuesday.

Anne Brennan Belden, discussion of Martha Beck’s book “Finding Your Way in a Wild New World,” Books-A-Million, South Portland. 253-5587. 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Maine poets Ted Bookey and Helene McGlauflin read from their work, part of Bowdoin College’s Longfellow Days, The Highlands, Holden Frost House, Topsham. 725-2650. 10:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Carl Little, author of “Eric Hopkins: Above and Beyond,” reservations suggested, Thos. Moser Showroom, Freeport. 865-4519. 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday.

Onscreen Author Lecture Series: David Brooks, author of “The Social Animal,” Fryeburg Academy (Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center), $10, $7 seniors, $5 students. fryeburgacademy.org/pac. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Michael Kimmel, author of “Guyland: The Perilous World Where Boys Become Men,” Bowdoin College (Kresge Auditorium), Brunswick. 725-3375. 7 p.m. Thursday.

Kristin Lindquist, poet and author of “Transportation,” Owl & Turtle Bookstore, Camden. owlandturtle.com. 6 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday.

Carla Maria Verdino-Sullwold, author of “Raising Rufus: A Maine Love Story,” York Public Library. 363-2818. Noon Friday.

Chris Van Dusen, children’s writer and illustrator, author of “Randy Riley’s Really Big Hit,” Owl & Turtle Bookstore, Camden. owlandturtle.com. 10 a.m. to noon Saturday. 

Classical Music

A Valentine to French Romanticism, with violinist Ronald Lantz and pianist Laura Kargul, University of Southern Maine (Corthell Concert Hall), Gorham, $15, $10 seniors, $5 students and children. usm.maine.edu/music/boxoffice. 3 p.m. today.

George Lopez, classical pianist, Jewett Auditorium, Augusta, $10, $5 students, 12 and under free. concertsatjewett.com. Pre-concert talk at 1 p.m., performance at 2 p.m. today. Snow date Feb. 26.

Paul Cienniwa, harpsichordist, performs French masters, Cathedral Church of St. Luke, Portland, $15, $10 seniors and students. 772-5434. 3 p.m. today.

Tuesday Classical, Portland Symphony Orchestra, featuring works from “Romeo and Juliet” with Portland Stage Company members, Merrill Auditorium, Portland, $18-$63. 842-0800. porttix.com. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Portland Conservatory of Music Noonday Concerts, organist Harold Stover, First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church, Portland, free. 775-3356. 12:15 p.m. Thursday.

An Evening of Romantic Music performed by violin/violist Anatole Wieck and pianist Carmen Rodriguez, Nordica Auditorium, UMF, Farmington, $12, students and under 16 free. artsinstitute.org. 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

Portland String Quartet Concert Series, featuring the Boston Public Quartet, works from Mozart, Brahms and BPQ member Daniel Sedgwick, Woodfords Congregational Church, Portland, $22, $20 for seniors, students free. larksociety.org. Pre-concert lecture at 1 p.m., performance at 2 p.m. Feb. 19. 

Comedy

Paula Poundstone, Jonathan’s Restaurant, Ogunquit, $37.50-$42.50, all ages. 646-4777. jonathansrestaurant.com. 8 p.m. today.

Open Mic Comedy Night, Slainte, Portland, 21-plus. slaintewinebar.com. 8 p.m. Thursday.

Bob Marley, The Landing at Pine Point, Scarborough, $25. thelandingatpinepoint.com. 8 p.m. Friday. 

Dance

Country Valentine Show and Dance, music from Down East Country Music Association award winners, Silver Spur, Mechanic Falls, $5-$6, $2 for under 12. 793-8884. Noon today.

22nd Annual Father Daughter Valentine’s Dance, music by Northeast DJs, Harrison Middle School, Yarmouth, $30 per family, includes 5-by-7 portrait photo. 846-2407. 4 to 6 p.m. today.

Swing dance, live music by Maine Swingin’ DJs, Wescustogo Hall, North Yarmouth, $8. 653-5012. Lesson at 7 p.m., dance at 8 p.m. Friday.

Bath family dance, live fiddle music, dances taught, Bath Dance Works, Bath, $3. 522-3900. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday.

International folk dance, traditional music and dance from the Balkans, Israel, France and Greece, Mallett Hall, Pownal, $5. 688-2293. Instruction then dance, family dance at 5:30 p.m., folk dance at 7 p.m. today. 

Fairs/Festivals

South Portland Rotary Club Winter Festival, family skating party, snowman-making contest, scavenger hunt, band concerts and more, Mill Creek Park, South Portland. sp-ce-rotary.org. Friday and Saturday. 

Films

Winter and Spring Film Series, “Midnight in Paris” (2011), rated PG-13, York Public Library, free. 363-2818. 3 p.m. today.

Banff Mountain Film Festival, presented by National Geographic, TNF and Parks Canada, State Theatre, Portland, $17 advance, $20 door, all ages. statetheatreportland.com. 7 p.m. Monday.

“Fake It So Real,” documentary about independent pro wrestling, Space, Portland, $7. space538.org. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Local Love Muscle Valentine’s Day Film Festival, collection of local films followed by performance by local bands Huak and Thee Ice Picks, Geno’s Rock Club, Portland, free. 221-2382. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

“Oliver,” musical, in celebration of the 200th anniversary of Dickens’ birth, Camden Public Library, free. 236-3440. Family potluck at 5 p.m. Tuesday, please call for meal details.

“Mother: Caring for the 7 Billion,” screening followed by audience discussion, presented by Citizens Offering New Alternatives, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta. conamaine.com. 3 p.m. Wednesday.

Foreign Films in February, “Alamar,” Mexican film in Spanish and Italian with English subtitles, Rockland Library, free. 594-0310. 6:30 p.m. Thursday.

“Windfall,” award-winning documentary about wind power, Colby College (Diamond Building, Ostrove Auditorium), Waterville, free. 628-2070. 7 p.m. Thursday.

“Sounds Like a Revolution,” 55-minute documentary about modern day protest music, followed by an open mic coffeehouse, New School, Kennebunk, donation. 985-3745. 6:30 p.m. Thursday. 

Food and Drink

Kitchen Garden Dinner Series, chefs Tim and Marc of Trattoria Athena, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Boothbay, $90, $75 for members. 633-4333, ext. 101. 6 p.m. today.

“Wine and Chocolate Pairings, The Right Match Can be Heaven,” sommelier Erica Archer leads guided tasting of local chocolates and desserts with paired wines, The Wine Bar & Restaurant, Portland, $35 advance, $40 door, 21-plus. winewiseevents.com. 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday. 

For Children

“Kids, Kartoons and Kotzschmar,” family concert with live illustrations to music, with Rob Richards and Christina Siravo, includes a special 100th-anniversary tribute to Girl Scouts, Merrill Auditorium, Portland, $10, $12 and under free. porttix.com. 2 p.m. today.

Storytime in the Garden, hour-long stories read by Pat Jeremiah, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Boothbay, free. 633-4333. 10 a.m. Monday.

“Wiley and the Hairy Man,” based on a Creole folktale about a little boy and his mother who face down a villain, Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine, Portland, $8-$9. 828-1234. 4:30 p.m. Friday; 2 and 4:30 p.m. Saturday.

Kids ice fishing derby, free ice fishing equipment for the first 500 youngsters who register, compliments of Kittery Trading Post, Range Pond State Park, Poland, free. icefishingderby.com. 8 a.m. to noon Saturday. 

Home & Garden

Bath Antiques Show, 50 dealers, Bath Middle School, $4. 443-8983. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today.

Maine Home, Remodeling and Garden Show, with celebrity chefs, Cumberland County Civic Center, Portland, $5-$8, free under age 6. homegardenflowershow.com. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Feb. 19. 

Music

Bluegrass Jam Session, unplugged string instruments only, Roost Function Hall, Buxton, $5, free for kids with adult. 799-1232. 1 to 6 p.m. today.

Joe Louis Walker, blues, Big Easy, Portland, $20, 21-plus. bigeasyportland.com. 7 p.m. today.

John Linscott and The Mainestream Jazzmasters, jazz jam, The Local Buzz, Cape Elizabeth. capelocalbuzz.com. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. today.

John Waite, rock, Raquel Aurilia opens, Jonathan’s Restaurant, Ogunquit, $35.50. jonathansrestaurant.com. 8 p.m. Tuesday.

Old-time music jam, open jam of Appalachian music, Local Sprouts Cooperative, Portland, free/donation. localsprouts.coop. 7 p.m. Wednesday.

“Soulful, Joyful and Spiritual Voices,” by Lorraine Bohland with pianist Terry Foster, concert to celebrate Black History Month, University of Southern Maine (Wishcamper Center), Portland, free. usm.maine.edu. Reception at 5 p.m., performance at 6 p.m. Wednesday.

Soul Rebels Brass Band Mardi Gras Party, funk, soft rock, reggae, New Orleans jazz, Port City Music Hall, Portland, $15 advance, $20 door, $30 VIP, 18-plus. portcitymusichall.com. 8 p.m. Thursday.

Goitse, traditional Irish band, Unity Centre for the Performing Arts, Unity, $15. unityme.org/theater. 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

Sierra Hull, bluegrass and newgrass, Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield, $17.50. stonemountainartscenter.com. 8 p.m. Thursday.

Great Western Plain, with Mango Floss and Computer at Sea, The Oak and the Ax, Biddeford, $7. theoakandtheax.blogspot.com. 8 p.m. Thursday.

Swedish folk group Vasen, with special guests Darol Anger and Friends, Hannaford Hall, USM, Portland, $34, limited $10 student tickets. portlandovations.org. 7:30 p.m. Thursday. Also, free concert at 12:30 p.m. Thursday at Bull Moose Portland, bullmoose.com.

Jonny Lang, blues singer and guitarist, State Theatre, Portland, $25-$35, reserved seating, all ages. statetheatreportland.com. 8 p.m. Friday.

The Skatalites, Jamaican ska band, Port City Music Hall, Portland, $15-$30, 18-plus. portcitymusichall.com. 8 p.m. Friday.

Hattie Simon and Nick Thompson-Brown, jazz vocals and piano with stand-up bass, Dobra Tea, Portland. 210-6566. 8 to 9:30 p.m. Friday.

When Particles Collide, with Sea Level and Temperature of the Sun, The Oak and the Ax, Biddeford, $7. theoakandtheax.blogspot.com. 8 p.m. Friday.

Bluegrass series, The Coloradas, The Hive, Kennebunk, $8. thehivekennebunk.com. 8 p.m. Friday.

Monique Barrett, singer-songwriter, Local Sprouts Cooperative, Portland, free/donation. localsprouts.coop. 7 p.m. Friday.

SORCHA, Blue, Portland. portcityblue.com. 6 p.m. Friday.

“With Love: The Songs of Barbra Streisand,” performed by Mary Bastoni-Rebmann, Fryeburg Academy (Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center), $30, includes dessert and beverage. 935-9232. 7 p.m. cocktail reception, 8 p.m. show Friday.

Holy Mackerels Trio, with Mark Stover and “Fiddlin” Paul D’Alessio, Tugs Pub, Southport Island. 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday.

48 Hour Music Festival, 30 local musicians shuffled into six supergroups with 48 hours to rehearse, Space, Portland, $10, 18-plus. space538.org. 9 p.m. Saturday.

Brown Bird, with Tallahassee and Ben Lear, The Oak and the Ax, Biddeford, $8 advance, $10 door. theoakandtheax.blogspot.com. 8 p.m. Saturday.

Paris Bacon, acoustic country, Jumpin’ Jakes Seafood Cafe, Old Orchard Beach. 937-3250. 7 p.m. Saturday.

Carbon Leaf, indie rock, Fryeburg Academy (Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center), $20, $15 seniors, $10 students. fryeburgacademy.org/pac. 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

Robin Jellis, classical, Celtic and modern cello music, Local Sprouts Cooperative, Portland, free/donation. localsprouts.coop. 11 a.m. Saturday.

Arthur Webster and the Holy Mackerels, McSeagull’s, Boothbay Harbor. 633-5900. 9 p.m. Saturday.

Hattie Simon and Nick Thompson-Brown, jazz vocals and piano with stand-up bass, Bard Coffee, Portland. 899-4788. Noon to 2 p.m. Feb. 19.

Fiddlers’ Jamboree, fiddlers, guitarists other acoustic musicians and singers invited to take part in impromptu performances, University of Maine (Fox Auditorium), Fort Kent, free. 1 to 4 p.m. Feb. 19.

Live at the Library Winter Concert Series, Carri Coltrane and Scott Sutherland, York Public Library, free. 363-2818. 3 p.m. Feb. 19.

Josef van Wissem and Robbie Lee with Arborea, baroque lute and contemporary, The Oak and the Ax, Biddeford, $7. theoakandtheax.blogspot.com. 8 p.m. Feb. 19.

The Blue Lobster Troupe, community chorus winter concert, Lucid Stage, Portland, $10, $5 students and seniors. lucidstage.com. 7:30 p.m.  Feb. 19.

Benefit Country Sunday, music by Country Drifters Band, Linda Libby, Barry Wood and Wildwoods Band, Silver Spur, Mechanic Falls, $6. 966-2771. Noon to 5 p.m. Feb. 19. 

Special Events

U.S. National Toboggan Championships, 400 teams, music, food, tailgating, costume contest and more, Camden Snow Bowl. camdensnowbowl.com. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today.

“Longfellow and Bull: The Virtuoso and the Poet,” Charles Kaufman explores the friendship of violin virtuoso Ole Bull and the poet Longfellow, Ocean View at Falmouth, free. 781-4727. 2 p.m. Tuesday.

Port Veritas Spoken Word Night, weekly poetry reading, Local Sprouts Cooperative, Portland, free/donation. localsprouts.coop. com. 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Valentine’s Day Canine Cocktail Party and Dog Kissing Contest, Planet Dog Company Store, Portland, $5. 347-8606. 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.

“Leonardo Live — Leonardo da Vinci: Painter at the Court of Milan” at the U.K. National Gallery, satellite-delivered HD presentation of the once-in-a-lifetime exhibition, Fryeburg Academy (Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center), $18, $15 seniors, $10 students. fryeburgacademy.org/pac. 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

Screening of the 1935 film “The Movie Queen of Sanford,” with commentary from historians Harland Eastman, Gilles Auger and Charles Nickerson, Sanford-Springvale Historical Society, Springvale, free. 324-2797. 7 p.m. Thursday.

Longfellow Days with Maine Poet Laureate Wesley McNair, lunch buffet with readings, Bowdoin College (Moulton Union), Brunswick, $25, reservations required. 729-4439. 1 p.m. Thursday.

Pecha Kucha Night, engaging, fast-paced presentations from a diverse array of creative talents, Center for Maine Contemporary Art, Rockport, $5. 596-6457. 7 p.m. Friday.

Screening of “Placing the Mark | Marking the Place,” pilot of show on Maine artists, College of the Atlantic (McCormick Lecture Hall), Bar Harbor, free. 288-5015. Showing with Q&A following each screening, 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. Friday.

“IBEX: Search for the Solar System’s Edge,” University of Southern Maine (Southworth Planetarium), Portland, $4-$6. usm.maine.edu/planet. 7 p.m. Friday.

Miss Roxanne’s Drag and Talent Show Extravaganza, local performers singing songs about love and romance, benefits the church, home of UU Theater. First Universalist Church of Auburn, $5, for Outright L/A teens, 783-0461. 7 p.m. Friday.

Presentation by “Survivor: Gabon” winner Bob Crowley, Woodfords Club, Portland, $10, $5 children. 773-4046. Dinner at 6:30, presentation at 7 p.m. Friday.

Laser Fest, vacation week schedule includes several shows, call for schedule or more information, University of Southern Maine (Southworth Planetarium), Portland, $5, $1 for 3-D glasses. 780-4249. 1, 3, 7 and 8 p.m. Saturday; 1 and 3 p.m. Feb. 19.

“Leonardo Live — Leonardo da Vinci: Painter at the Court of Milan” at the U.K. National Gallery, satellite-delivered HD presentation of the once-in-a-lifetime exhibition, Lincoln Theater, Damariscotta, $9, $7 seniors, children. 563-3424. 2 p.m. Saturday; 7 p.m. Feb. 19.

Mardi Gras Party, authentic New Orleans experience with dinner, drinks and music by The Blues Buzzards, Franco-American Heritage Center, Lewiston, $20 advance, $22 door, $5 students. francocenter.org. 6 p.m. Saturday.

Abenaki Draft Horse Club Annual Winterfest, family fun including horse-drawn sleigh rides ($5, $4 children ages 3 to 9, free under age 3), Abenaki Draft Horse Club, Lyman. 499-7436. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 19.

Longfellow Days Coursen Readings, Maine poets Carolyn Gelland Frost, Bob MacLaughlin and Kevin Sweeney read from their work, Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, free. 721-0141. 1 p.m. Feb. 19. 

Sports

Maine Red Claws, NBA Development League affiliate of the Celtics, Bobcats and 76ers, Portland Exposition Building, Portland, $6-$30. 210-6655. nba.com/dleague. Vs. Texas, 5 p.m. today; vs. Dakota, with Maine State Ballet performance, 7 p.m. Thursday; vs. Bakersfield, 1 p.m. Feb. 19.

Portland Pirates, AHL affiliate of the Phoenix Coyotes, Cumberland County Civic Center, Portland, $12-$20. 828-4665. portlandpirates.com. Vs. Worcester, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Theater

“Beyond Therapy,” comedy, Studio Theatre of Bath presentation, Chocolate Church Arts Center, Bath, $13-$15. studiotheatreofbath.com. 2 p.m. today; 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Feb. 19. Through Feb. 26.

“Almost, Maine,” comedy by Maine playwright John Cariani, Lake Region Community Theatre presention, Magic Lantern Theatre, Bridgton, $10. lrctme.org. 2 p.m. today.

“Next Fall,” charming, funny and touching play about life and love, Good Theater presention, St. Lawrence Arts Center, Portland, $15-$25. goodtheater.com. 2 p.m. today; 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Feb. 19.

“Puss ‘n Boots,” satirical version of the classic Charles Perrault story, Fairy Tale Players presention, Acorn Studios, Westbrook, $8, $6 for 12 and under. acorn-productions.org. 2 p.m. today.

“Becky Shaw,” Obie Award-winning comedy, Mad Horse Theatre Company presentation, Lucid Stage, Portland, $22, $20 seniors and students. lucidstage.com. 2 p.m. today.

“Almost, Maine,” comedy by Maine playwright John Cariani, Community Little Theatre, Auburn, $18. laclt.com. 2 p.m. today; 7:30 p.m. Thursday; 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Feb. 19.

“Trouble Is My Business,” jazz-age thriller, Portland Stage Company, Portland, $30-$39, $27 seniors, $15 students. portlandstage.org. 2 p.m. today; 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Thursday; 7:30 p.m. Friday; 4 and 8 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Feb. 19.

“Fiddler on the Roof,” school production, South Portland High School Auditorium, $15, $10 students and seniors. myticketportal.com. 2 p.m. today.

“The Glass Menagerie,” the Tennessee Williams classic, Freeport Factory Stage, $19, $15 seniors and students. freeportfactory.com. 2 p.m. today; 7:30 p.m. Thursday to Saturday; 2 p.m. Feb. 19. Through Feb. 25.

“The Aliens,” Obie Award-winning drama by Annie Baker about three young men finding community in a coffee shop back alley, Stonington Opera House, $20. operahousearts.org. 2 p.m. today.

“The Laramie Project,” Moises Kaufman’s play presents local reactions to the notorious 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard, presented by the Robinson Players, Bates College (Gannett Theater), Lewiston, $5. 786-6161. 2 p.m. today.

“Weaving Conversations with the Sky,” an original work celebrating women in poetry, with Sarah Herklots, Annie Finch, Keita A. Whitten and Heidi Therrien, presented by Port Veritas in collaboration with Mama’s CrowBar, Rhythmic Cypher and the center, St. Lawrence Arts Center, Portland, $12-$15, $10 seniors, students. stlawrencearts.org. 1 and 7 p.m. Feb. 13.

“Our Funny Valentine,” staged readings of new short pieces for Valentine’s Day by local playwrights, Stonington Opera House, $7. 367-2788. 7 p.m. Tuesday.

“Freud’s Last Session,” staged reading by Heartwood Theater Company, written by Mark Germain and read by John D. Adams and Steven Shema, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, $8, $5 students. 563-1373. 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday.

“Circle Mirror Transformation,” by Annie Baker, Theater Project, Brunswick, pay what you want. theaterproject.com. 8 p.m. Friday; 2 p.m. Feb. 19.

Winter Cabaret, raucous, adults-only night of sketch comedy, music and desserts, Theater Project, Brunswick, pay what you want. theaterproject.com. 2 p.m. today; 7:30 p.m. Thursday; 8 p.m. Saturday.

“The Great American Trailer Park Musical,” funny and tart-tongued musical, City Theater, Biddeford, $20. citytheater.org. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Feb. 19. Through Feb. 26.

Shakespeare’s “The Tempest,” Lucid Stage, Portland, $15-$10. lucidstage.com. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Feb. 19. Through March 4.

“Critical Review,” audience-participation murder mystery, Nasson Community Center (Little Theatre), Springvale, $22.50, $40 couple, $13 for show only. sanfordmainestage.com. Full-price tickets include apps, dinner and dessert, 5:30 p.m. Saturday.

“Valentine’s with the Rat Pack,” five-course dinner show, Anthony’s Dinner Theater, Portland, $39.95. anthonysdinner theater.com. 7 p.m. Saturday.

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