• HOT TICKETS

Music and Nightlife: Get out: Trans-Siberian Orchestra

OUTDOOR CONCERT season is short in Maine, so take advantage of the shows when you can. The Trans-Siberian Orchestra takes to the open air on Wednesday in Bangor with its theatrical mix of progressive and orchestral rock.

WHEN: 6 p.m. Wednesday

WHERE: Bangor Waterfront Pavilion, 1 Railroad St.

HOW MUCH: $32.75 to $62.75

INFO: (800) 745-3000; waterfrontconcerts.com

Art and Theater: Pure ‘Golden’ at The Public Theatre

WE KNOW the story by heart, but it’s still hard to resist a good retelling of “On Golden Pond.” The Public Theatre in Lewiston ends its 2011-12 season with a fresh production of the classic story by Ernest Thompson and starring the real-life couple Ellen Crawford and Mike Genovese.

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday; 8 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday; 7:30 p.m. May 10. Through May 13.

WHERE: The Public Theatre, 31 Maple St., Lewiston

HOW MUCH: $18; $5 for ages 18 and under

INFO: 782-3200; thepublictheatre.org

Dining and Drink: Dinner is served  on a Derby theme

CHOW DOWN on a Derby dinner of burgoo stew, bourbon-glazed brisket and chocolate pecan pie while the ponies run for the roses at Churchill Downs. Big hats and bow ties are encouraged, and won’t be too embarrassing after a few Triple Crown cocktails.

WHEN: 5:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: The Salt Exchange, 245 Commercial St., Portland

HOW MUCH: Entrees $17; starters and desserts $8 each

INFO: 347-5687

Et Cetera: It’s mud season in Gorham

CONQUER THE MUCK at this year’s Into the Mud Challenge, and you could win a year’s worth of Shipyard beer. The runincludes mud pits and other obstacles.

WHEN: 9:30 a.m. Saturday

WHERE: Gorham Middle School, 106 Weeks Road

HOW MUCH: $35; $10 for children under age 12; $120 for a team of four

INFO: intothemudchallenge.com

 

• CHEAP THRILLS

Music and Nightlife: Get a lot for a little at Blue

TWO FOR THE price of none? Blue doesn’t usually have a cover charge, though it does accept donations. On Saturday, it’s got two performers on the slate: New York-based pianist and singer Julia Barry at 8 p.m., followed by the violin-driven Gypsy Moth Quartet at 10.

WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: Blue, 650A Congress St., Portland

HOW MUCH: No cover. One purchase required; donations accepted.

INFO: 774-4111; portcityblue.com

Art and Theater: Deals to be had at spring craft sale

IF YOU LOVE a bargain, consider the “Too Much of a Good Thing” spring sale of the Maine Crafts Association. The sale is designed to thin the inventory in advance of summer. Among the items available will be blankets, clothing, cups, bowls, books, food items and jewelry.

WHEN: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

WHERE: Aucocisco Galleries, 89 Exchange St., Portland

HOW MUCH: Free admission

Dining and Drink: Sample bourbons during Art Walk

GET READY for the Kentucky Derby by sampling bourbons you might want to use in your mint juleps at a bourbon tasting during the First Friday Art Walk. Pourings will include Knob Creek Reserve, Woodford’s Reserve and Buffalo Trace.

WHEN: 5 to 8 p.m. Friday

WHERE: The Salt Exchange, 245 Commercial St., Portland

HOW MUCH: $12 for three bourbons

INFO: 347-5687

Et Cetera: WMPG models walk the walk

FROM ALTERED ROCKABILLY menswear jackets to upcycled women’s clothing, Portland’s diverse fashion design scene takes a turn on the catwalk during WMPG’s Eighth Annual Fashion Show.

WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: Asylum, 121 Center St., Portland

HOW MUCH: $10; $5 for students

INFO: portlandasylum.com