THURSDAY, Jan. 7

THURSDAY, Feb. 18

Junco at Blue | Junco, comprised of Dave Matthews Band-inspired folk-rockers, are set to unleash their improvisational approach, feel-good themes and passionate performances off their latest EP Waking the Sleeping Giant, on the audience seated at cozy ol’ Blue. “I grew up surrounded by folk music,” said Bobby Sheehan from Junco. “Family parties would and still almost always end with a guitar being passed around with everyone singing tunes by Neil Young, Bob Dylan and so on. That's definitely influenced my songwriting.” | FREE | 7:00pm | Blue, 650 Congress St., Portland |www.portcityblue.com

Jim Norton’s Mouthful of Shame Tour | He’s had a number of hilarious cameos in big films and several “late night” television appearances. But you probably know foul-mouthed Jim Norton from his Sirius Radio talk show or his recent, truthfully-perverted Hulu special, “Contextually Inadequate.” Norton’s taking his unfiltered opinions, boisterous attitude and strange sexual preferences with him on the road during a comedy tour that will likely offend somebody out there. Norton’s comedy material certainly isn’t for everybody, but there’s one aspect of it everyone must agree with: it’s unabashedly honest. | $35 | 7:00pm | State Theatre, 609 Congress St., Portland |http://www.statetheatreportland.com/

THURSDAY, Feb. 25

A reading and signing of the highly acclaimed memoir, Poor Your Soul | Longfellow Books is hosting a reading and book signing with Mira Ptacin, a Maine based creative nonfiction and children’s book author. This former instructor at the Salt Institute for Documentary Studies will be promoting her most recent work, Poor Your Soul, the highly acclaimed memoir about the uterus and the American Dream. | FREE | 7:00pm | Longfellow Books, 1 Monument Sq, Portland |http://www.miramptacin.com/

FRIDAY, Feb. 26

A concert of Portland’s most distinguished musical imposters | Local ethereal alt-rockers,SeepeopleS have cooked up a very silly show for you. After a fateful twist of fate and a late night meeting at an adult superstore, Seepeoples decided to throw a concert featuring Portland’s most “distinguished coterie of imposters,” featuring America’s greatest bands: Sheep SteepleS,Forgot Forgot andJeff Beam’s Looping Pedal. Rumor has it that part of Beam’s brain will come out of hiding and make an appearance alongside his foot. If you can’t figure out the real-life counterparts to these alter-egos, then come get introduced to some of the most passionate musicians in town (and move your body to some synthy wonders). | $5 | 9:00pm | Geno’s Rock Club, 625 Congress St., Portland |www.seepeoples.com

Sample some Oscar worthy animated shorts | Do you like short films? How about brilliant animation? SPACE Gallery is offering up both during a screening of 10 animated shorts that will stimulate your imagination. In the 91 minutes you’ll be sitting, you’ll witness a Hindu boy become obsessed with Western culture in Sanjay’s Super Team, a melancholic old bear in Bear Story, two best friends that dream to be cosmonauts in We Can’t Live Without Cosmos, and Greek hoplite warriors fighting to the death in Prologue, amongst many other interesting animated characters. Note to the parents out there: The film Prologue does have some violence and male nudity, so it may not be appropriate for young children. | $8 | 7:30pm | SPACE Gallery, 538 Congress St., Portland |http://www.space538.org/

A no bullsh*t brass band takes over PHOME | I wasn’t trying to be funny, that’s literally the band’s name: theNO BS Brass Band. They’re coming from Richmond, Va., to take New Orleans-styled brass awesomeness to uncharted territories. Expect some trumpets, sweet sax sounds and screeching jazz-solos. Local salsa-core masters,El Malo plan to bring some fire too, with their gritty approach to Latin dance music infused with jazz, hip-hop, funk, soul and progressive rock. This night will be a wondrous display of first-rate instrumentation. “There's so many flavors and inspirations to play with, it's amazing to let the scene and the dancers influence where we go,” Rion Hergenhan, El Malo’s band leader. “That's why we can play all night, week after week and always keep it fresh. The people that come through to our shows are really the fire for us.” | $15 | 9:00pm | Portland House of Music and Events, 25 Temple St., Portland |http://www.portlandhouseofmusic.com/event/no-bs-brass-band/

Quality acoustic courtesy of the Matt Flinner trio and Joe Walsh | Mandolinist Matt Flinner, guitarist Ross Martin, and bassist Eric Thorin cover a lot of musical ground. From them, you might hear bluegrass, jazz and even some Celtic music. They’re a bit of Americana, mixed with a bit of new acoustic and chamber grass. Some call them traditional, while others mark the trio as avant-garde. No matter how you label them, they’re guaranteed to whip up sounds that are fresh, original and deeply rooted in our musical heritage. Joining the trio is Portland’s ownJoe K. Walsh, who also knows how to make sweet, tasteful sounds pour out of his trusty ol’ mandolin. | $20 | 8:00pm | One Longfellow Square, 181 State St., Portland |https://onelongfellowsquare.com/ |

SATURDAY, Feb. 27

Help Portland Outright fight oppression with tenderness | Show some love to Portland Outright, a queer and trans youth movement that provides a safe space for LGBTQ folks to make friends, find support and get engaged in the community. This year, the group is losing their funding, so in order to stay afloat they’re offering up stories in exchange for donations. Hear and tell stories around the theme “tenderness, oh oh oh tenderness: stories of love and vulnerability,” and support an integral community group at the same time. These won’t be sappy tales of simple romantic love either, because there are lots of ways to love a person! | DONATION BASED | 7:00pm | Tandem Coffee, 742 Congress St., Portland |http://equalitymaine.org/events/portland-outright |

A Romanian Gypsy concert from Mierlita | Mayo Street Art’s cozy space will be buzzing with the rich, swingy, highly ornamented Romanian music of the Roma gypsies thanks to the intricate melodies and harmonies ofMierlita. It’s going to be a light-hearted show, yet full of energy. Made up of fiddlers Jon Cannon and Abigale Reisman, guitarist Sasha Kern and upright bassist Kirsten Lamb, Mierlita is a band that honors the musical tradition of the Lautar people (modern Moldova). “Our sound is based in the fiery-yet-delicate sound of the Lautar violinist, which we continue to study constantly,” said Cannon. “Our tunes range from slow and meditative to dizzyingly fast and driving. The music is dance music and brings people to their feet, but our arrangements are full of surprises to keep a listening audience on their toes.” | $12 | 7:30pm | Mayo Street Arts, 10 Mayo St., Portland |http://mierlita.com/

It’s been too long since there was a Primate Fiasco in Portland |The Primate Fiascois a quartet specializing in the tuba, accordion, banjo and drums; but they don’t sound at all how you’d expect. With eyes closed, listeners might think it's a Hammond organ with an electric guitar and bass. Some might think it's an EDM DJ during the jams. To a deaf person, they might look like a New Orleans-based street band. While the music bounces around from Americana to funk and high energy psychedelic trance, the one thing that stays consistent is the songwriting. Having played major music festivals all over the East Coast, receiving a Grammy nomination, and increasing plays on the radio, they've collected fans from multiple genres and walks of life. Now, as the industry is reaching yet another moment of flux, The Primate Fiasco continues to evolve and adapt for the upcoming season. Expect some new material and even a new band member to be given a test run in Portland. | $10 | 9:30pm | Portland House of Music and Events, 25 Temple St., Portland |http://www.portlandhouseofmusic.com/

A brutal assault of the senses at Geno’s | Last Mercy Emissions are proud to serve up a strong dose of local monster metal, withSylvia,Fuming Mouth,Leash andApollyon. Headliners Sylvia recently won the best unsigned band in the U.S. by the respected metal blog, Toiletovhell. Catch Portland’s designated metal gods alongside others that are equipped to make you a newfound appreciator of hardcore, punk and death-thrash. Their low growls and distorted guitars will shatter windows and bleed out ears, all for the sake of a good rockin’ time. | $8 | 9:30pm | Empire, 575 Congress St., Portland |www.portlandempire.com

SUNDAY, Feb. 28

Ever wanted to 3D print something? | They say that 3D printing is one of the hallmarks of our impressive technological age. Yet it will probably still be a long time before they’re as common to us in the household as cell phones and laptops are. But for now, you can try one out with fellow creators at the Open Bench Project. They’ve got one and they’re willing to teach you how it can be used for prototyping, tinkering and toy making. Bring a laptop, learn the ins and outs of this incredibly technology and walk out with a 3D printed object of your choice! | $69 | 10:00am | Open Bench Project, 10 Thompson Point Rd, Portland |http://obportland.org/

The Great Play Reading Series at MECA | Hosted by Continuing Studies at MECA, comes a play-reading series meant to highlight great stories that haven’t been produced fully on local stages. Students who study primarily visual arts will get the chance to hear/see great pieces of literature and expose themselves to Portland’s vibrant theatre scene. But tentative art degrees are not required! This event is open to the public! Readings will include: "Desire Under the Elms" by Eugene O'Neill, "Arcadia" by Tom Stoppard, "Curse of the Starving Class" by Sam Shepard, "The Seagull" by Anton Chekhov and Rhinoceros" by Eugene Ionesco. | FREE | 4:00pm | Maine College of Art, 522 Congress St., Portland |https://www.meca.edu/

Explore the dimensions of jazz | This ear-seducing evening will be performed by Wendy Eisenberg, a guitarist, vocalist, improviser, composer and poet, from Boston. She’ll be there to tease you and make you question what is and isn’t a song. Joining her, are the Twins of El Dorado, a voice-trumpet duo that explores the intersection of text and music. Their style is bare-bones, but it creates a singular, unconventional sound with a surprisingly jazzy approach. Expect the unexpected. “In spite of our boundary-pushing nature, listeners will find that there is much that their ears can grasp onto — strong and interesting melodies, clear song forms, lots of aural space,” said Kristin Slipp, the vocalist. “This is music that works best in quiet spaces with an attentive and open-minded audience. Ultimately, we would like the music to speak for itself.” | $10 | 8:00pm | Woodfords Church, 202 Woodford St., Portland |https://www.facebook.com/events/1563861577263329/

Try a brand new beer in a brand new bar | Pretend it’s summer already at Portland’s newest bar, the Rhum Tiki Bar. Step into the subterranean hideout and feast on the impressive selections at the raw food bar. Typically this would be the faux-island-getaway experience where you’d order a rum drink that’s ridiculously sweet and mighty fruity. But on this night, sample a brand new beer! The new brew is the collaboration between Banded Horn and Owl and Whale: a strong red ale called Nordri, that features a phenomenal bitter tincture. | FREE | 6:00pm | Rhum Bar, 4 Free St., Portland |www.rhumportland.com

MONDAY, Feb. 29

Snap your fingers alongside friends | Soak up positive vibes and emotional tales from a handful of Portland’s poets. They’ll be reading their recent work, nay their heart and souls transformed into words, put on paper and recited, so that our delicate ears may be graced with something imaginative, whimsical and resonant. Wow, I’m really not a poet, but I’m sure the lineup Grace Tyler has in mind is much better at making words sound pretty. Join the storytelling fun and snap your fingers along in support!

| FREE | 7:00pm | A Space for Grace, 1 Marginal Way, Portland |http://www.aspaceforgrace.org/

TUESDAY, March 1

Week 3 of Under the Influence | This time around, PHOME’s monthly concert series features the post-everything, heavy-punk-rock band Mouth Washington andBaroses, a project fronted by Wesley Allen Hartley (backed by members of Mouth Washington to fill out the sound). Influences may include Converge, Ohia, Bruce Springsteen, Pixies and more. It’s going to be night filled with power and passion. | $8 | 9:00 pm | Portland House of Music and Events, 25 Temple St., Portland |https://www.facebook.com/events/906565652784333/

Neko Case at the State Theatre |Neko Case has been performing and recording music from punk and country to avant pop-rock for over 20 years now. "Music was, and is, my obsession, but I guess I couldn’t see the forest through the trees," Case wrote from her farmhouse in Vermont, reflecting on early periods of touring with several bands so regularly that she had to quit every other job she had. "I also didn’t feel worthy of calling myself a 'musician.' It was just too sacred." This fierce, evocative, creative and darkly-tinged songstress recently released Truckdriver, Gladiator, Mule, a stunning vinyl box set of her complete discography (so far). This experimental punk artist will share the stage with the melodically gorgeous Jennifer O’Connor, a indie-pop-rock singer/songwriter from New York. | $35 | 8:00pm | State Theatre, 609 Congress St., Portland |http://www.statetheatreportland.com/event/1036269-neko-case-portland/

WEDNESDAY, March 2

Entertain each other at Dogfish with Happy Folk | This rock-jazz melodica musical project from southern Maine has a simple goal: spread good vibes and induce smiles. Comprised of a rotating bandwagon of happy people, Happy Folk is still trying to find its musical identity, but one things for sure, their music makes listeners feel satisfied, hopeful and closer to one another. You might have heard them jam out before during local festivals or at the B.Good sandwich shop. Happy Folk performs the kind of music that helps you shed anxiety, forget about societal problems and make you realize that it’s a blessing to be alive! | FREE | 7:00pm | Dogfish Bar and Grille, 128 Free St., Portland |http://thedogfishcompany.com/ |

A booze-fueled hip-hop musical | Thanks to Cast Aside Productions, Portland’s newest variety show continues with March’s theme: Sondheim vs. Lin-Manuel. Your hot, Broadway-esque ticket includes a hip-hop musical about Alexander Hamilton competing with the reigning champion, Stephen Sondheim. For years the reigning genius on Broadway was “Into the Woods” and “Sweeney Todd” composer, Stephen Sondheim. Now Lin-Manuel Miranda with his masterwork “Hamilton” and Tony Award winning “In the Heights” seems poised to take over the throne. In between the raucous contests, enjoy performances by special guests, musical themed cocktails, trivia with prizes and a open mic and piano bar. | FREE | 8:00pm | Flask Lounge, 117 Spring St., Portland |http://flasklounge.com/

THURSDAY, March 3

Amber Hawk Swanson delivers a lecture on performance art | Art enthusiasts and appreciators will gather at MECA to hear a lecture from NYC’s video and performance artist Amber Hawk Swanson. Have you seen her work? I think you’d remember if you did. In one of her more intriguing performances, she dismantled two sex dolls and combined their bodies to build Lolita, the oldest killer whale in captivity and live streamed the bizarre 6-day affair on the Internet. Her words describe her work and its impact on feminism certainly better than I can. "As an artist, I explore the interplay between repulsion, desire, and surrender,” said Swanson. “I rely on spatial and temporal relationships inherent in ritualized settings such as weddings, roller skating rinks, and American-football tailgating parties. Each of my selected scenarios evokes nostalgia and camaraderie in spaces where the human impulses of curiosity, longing, hostility,and self-assessment are magnified." | FREE | 12:00pm | Maine College of Art, 522 Congress St., Portland |https://www.facebook.com/events/452329514942251/

THURSDAY, March 3

Infectious grooves from a Gang of Thieves | Expect high-energy performances out of the funky rock n’ roll outfit, Gang of Thieves and Lewiston’s reggae rock group A Mighty Lion. The lead singer and electric violinist for Gang of Thieves, Michael Reit told me that after welcoming a new drummer and spending three weeks on a Southern road tour, their sound has tightened up since the days of their release of the EP Mantra. Their blend of rock, blues and funk (with hints of pop) evokes memories of musical legends and will get stuck in your head. Creating a positive message and atmosphere is very important to us,” said Reit. “What people can expect from our show is lots of great energy, and universally fun music that makes audiences of all ages want to shake everything they got.” | $10 | 8:00pm | Portland House of Music and Events, 25 Temple St., Portland | http://www.portlandhouseofmusic.com

FRIDAY, March 4

A rare, five-hour art and sound experience | Because of the efforts of a collection of local artists, an immersive, soul-stirring, interactive sound experience arrives at SPACE Gallery. The show, titled Rare Birds of Pleasure, will feature Viva (Viva & The Reinforcements), Jackie Jones, Anomali (Psychic Pictionary), Nicole Chioma Mokeme (Freedom of The Art of Divine Living), Amandaconda and James Paul Cooper (Hi Tiger). “Come witness and take part in a forest bustling with human whims and habitual practices, find tender moments, and remember that we're all sensitive critters in this rapidly changing world,” writes SPACE Gallery on their webpage. This cryptic show sounds enticing. | FREE | 5:00pm | SPACE Gallery, 538 Congress St., Portland | http://www.space538.org

Shakespeare’s first folio visits Maine | For the entire month of March, the Portland Public Library is going Shakespeare crazy. On this day, the First Folio exhibition arrives, and kicks off a celebration honoring one of history’s most influential poets and playwrights. This is a rare opportunity to gaze onto an immensely important original text: the First Folio. Without the First Folio (published in 1623), 18 of Shakespeare’s most beloved plays (including Macbeth and The Tempest) would be lost. Now it’s visiting in Maine, in all of its poetic glory! Join this bardic party and enjoy scenes from Hamlet performed by PortFringe actors, and a fencing demonstration by the Society for Creative Anachronism. | FREE | 5:00pm | Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Sq, Portland | https://www.portlandlibrary.com/events/first-friday-art-walk-first-folio-the-book-that-gave-us-shakespeare/

MAMM’s annual “Girl’s Rock” concert | Every year, Maine’s Academy of Modern Music hosts its annual Girls Rock concert, giving musicians and listeners a chance to appreciate the involvement of women in outstanding live musical performances. This concert will feature not only appearances of the Maine Youth Rock Orchestra and solos by over 50 MAMM students, but Amy & the Engine will rock out alongside Yard Sail there, too. Amy Allen, from Amy & the Engine, originally hails from Portland, but now lives in Boston and has spent much of last year garnering praise for her “groovy girl-group melodies, catchy hooks, peppy pop, classic rock muscle and meaningful lyrics." Her latest album, TandeMania, is the epitome of “happy music,” with sounds so warm, lush and vibrant, you’ll feel optimistic for the future, no matter how bleak it is. | $15 | 5:30pm | Port City Music Hall, 504 Congress St., Portland | http://www.portcitymusichall.com

The Maine Dead Project returns to PHOME | Even though the music of the legendary group, The Grateful Dead, has been around for over half a century, for many, it never fails to captivate. The Maine Dead Project is a group of seasoned musicians that pay tribute to America’s favorite group of hippie rockers. They’ve got some tricks up their sleeve for this upcoming show, but I won’t spoil the fun. The psychedelic music of The Grateful Dead will always have a place in music lover’s hearts, and The Maine Dead Project knows that. “I would say from a musical perspective, they were always changing and evolving,” said band member Tim Sullivan. “Like them, we never play the same show twice because we have such a huge catalog of wonderful songs that are always growing. Quite simply there is no substitute for a great song.” | $12 | 8:00pm | Portland House of Music and Events, 25 Temple St., Portland | http://www.portlandhouseofmusic.com

Love-filled techno waves at Flask | This month’s guests, Alonzo and Carl Fisher are planning to drop some heavy techno beats, and deep house grooves, all in the name of LOVE. Resident DJ, Jamie O’Sullivan said to expect some straight 4 X 4 beats. “The name of the party is love,” said O’Sullivan. “I chose the name in hopes that the vibe on the dancefloor would reflect that.” | FREE | 9:00pm | Flask Lounge, 117 Spring St., Portland | https://www.facebook.com/events/1660914487508022/ |

SATURDAY, March 5

Cats Under the Stars in Portland | If you missed the Maine Dead Project, this show will fill the void. But this band isn’t channeling just The Grateful Dead, but also its frontman’s side project: The Jerry Garcia Band. They’re called Cats Under the Stars and they’re nurturing an obsession that includes devoting most of their life to mastering the playing style of Jerry Garcia. If you’ve ever wanted to experience the vibe of a late ’80s psychedelic concert, Cats Under the Stars is going to provide that authentic atmosphere. “We all started at this place of true appreciation for what Jerry, the Dead, and what the JGB were all about,” said Zach Nugent, the lead vocalist. “That's one of the things that brought us all together in the first place. We do play Dead tunes locally in our hometown of Burlington, Vt., but there are so many Dead cover bands out there already and really not many people keeping the JGB vibe going.” | $15 | 8:00pm | One Longfellow Square, 181 State St., Portland | https://onelongfellowsquare.com

Sly Chi’s last show after 16 years of performing | Sly Chi has been defying musical genre standards in Maine for 16 years and have developed a huge following as a result. Scores of Mainers have summoned the nerve to dance to their funk, soul and Latin-rock fusion. They’ve even won our Best of Music Poll once upon a time. But now, as band members face aging, and different responsibilities like wives, daughters and mortgages, it’s time for them to throw one last big show before a necessary breakup. But don’t fret, they’ll still be playing music individually in some capacity. “It was a hard choice to decide to actually call it quits,” said band member Tyler Stanley. “But we kind of had to do it now because a couple of us were looking to have some more family time this summer, and gig offers for summer were starting to roll in. It’s been nostalgic prepping for it. We practiced the other night with our old guitar player and it brought back a lot of memories for me.”

| $10 | 8:00pm | Portland House of Music, 25 Temple St., Portland | http://www.portlandhouseofmusic.com

Boston’s best invade the Bayside Bowl | March madness at Portland’s favorite bowling alley, restaurant, venue, club hybrid includes the cryptic sounds and pop punk confections of The Hopelessly Obscure, the harmonica-laced soul and R&B from Boston’s The Black Souls and the sassy pop harmonies of Tiger Bomb. Cam Ackland, the frontman for well-known Boston garage bands The Prime Movers and the Voodoo Dolls, said this about his newest project, The Black Souls: "The music we play is meant to connect with people immediately: three chords and a lot of attitude. Adding Kim Ackland on vocals lets me step back and play more harp which I've really been wanting to do. Comparisons have ranged from Ike and Tina to X. Our band probably represents a couple of centuries of rock and roll experience, from the Rat's heyday to now. I've played Portland since the early ’80s with the Prime Movers, and I've always found real people who like real rock and roll. Looking forward to playing with our good friends The Hopelessly Obscure and Chris Horne in Tiger Bomb." | FREE | 8:30pm | Bayside Bowl, 58 Alder St., Portland | http://www.baysidebowl.com

An Overnight Low CD release show | Celebrity DJ and host at WCYY, Mark Curdo said that An Overnight Low “delivers vintage, old-school college rock, from back when college radio was at its finest.” After listening to their latest CD, Piccadilly, I can’t help but agree. It’s the energetic, yet thoughtful and well-paced road-trip folk soundtrack that you’ve been looking for. And when you learn that the band was inspired by a formative trip to Europe by frontman Chad Wall, it starts to make sense. An Overnight Low was formed based on a journey filled with “loneliness tinged with excitement,” that’s being told in a trilogy of albums. The second iteration of this travel tale, Piccadilly, was produced by Portland's legendary producer, John Wyman. For this album release show, An Overnight Low are joined by local indie rock favorites the Builder of the House, who have just been nominated for "Best Maine Artist" by the New England Music Awards, & Ryan Halliburton. | $6 | 10:00pm | Empire, 575 Congress St., Portland | http://www.portlandempire.com

SUNDAY, March 6

Watch Mustang, a powerful portrait of female empowerment | This Academy Award nominee for Best Foreign Language film will leave you stunned and educated. It’s a excellent examination of an oppressive patriarchal culture. Set in the early summer in a village in Northern Turkey, Mustang follows five free-spirited teenagers during their beach adventures. But when their purely innocent games with their male classmates gets blown out of proportion, the repercussions they face from their family are fierce. Thanks to the impressive acting of its stellar ensemble cast, and smart, observant narrative, Mustang is able to criticize a society that sexualizes everything women do, while simultaneously celebrating female sexuality. | FREE | 4:00pm | Portland Museum of Art, 7 Congress Sq, Portland | http://www.portlandmuseum.org

Deranged rockers and The Snails arrive at SPACE | Originally The Snails just wanted to wear weird, bug-eyed costumes and perform covers of an Art Lord & the Self Portraits. Now they’re making their own music, to the delight of many party punks in Baltimore. These enthusiastic noise-makers are coming with sounds off their debut EP, Worth the Wait and their first full-length album Songs from the Shoebox (look out for that one later this month). They’ll be joined by the far-out sounds of deranged rockers, The Texas Governor & The Experiments, led by Goolkasian of The Elevator Drops. | $12 | 8:30pm | SPACE Gallery, 538 Congress St., Portland | http://www.space538.org

MONDAY, March 7

A sketch comedy show about our cozy town: Peninsulandia | This sketch comedy show is a slight departure from the regular comedy-fare of Worst Day of the Week, but you won’t be complaining about the change. Some of the best comics in the local scene have planned a guided walking tour, of the real, original Portland. “This won't just be about old buildings like most walking tours in town. Instead, it will focus on regular people, just doing their thing. Portland landmarks like coffee shops, musical open mics (with actual original music), Planned Parenthood protests, the relentless petition guys with clipboards, and an overabundance of yoga studios will all be the subject of scrutiny on this walk through our fair city.” Self deprecating hilarity will surely ensue. | $5 | 7:00pm | Blue, 650 Congress St., Portland | www.portcityblue.com

A free massage for a cause | Are you like some of the people I know, and complain about needing a massage, but never end up dishing out the 30-50 dollars to get one? Well, now you don’t have an excuse, because thanks to the Massage Therapy Students at the Spa Tech Institute, you can indulge in one for free and stop annoying the people at Brookstone. If you attend their fundraiser for Camp Sunshine at Sebago Lake, you’ll be able to get a chair massage, a foot soak, refreshments, door prizes and learn about yoga and self-care techniques; your aching muscles will thank you! | FREE | 2:00pm | SpaTech, 100 Larrabee Rd, Portland | https://www.facebook.com/events/677099819097529/

TUESDAY, March 8

Brazilian dance music from Choro Louco | Brazilian Choro has been around for over a hundred years, but in this country itʼs virtually unknown. David Grisman, Mike Marshall and a handful of talented others have helped introduce the music and the musicians to a larger audience, but itʼs still largely under the radar of most music listeners. Its beautiful melodies, complex harmonies and syncopated rhythms combine elements of European folk and classical, ragtime, jazz, Latin and African music while creating a style that is uniquely Brazilian. Experience a new genre, soaked in history, during Choro Louco’s monthly showcase at Blue. | FREE | 8:30pm | Blue, 650 Congress St., Portland | http://portcityblue.com/

Bitters make everything better | If your cocktails don’t have bitters in them, you’re not ordering the right drinks at the right places. Bitters, or more literally speaking, a liquid extraction of seeds, herbs, roots, flowers, fruits and leaves, have been used to flavor cocktails for decades. Where have you been? Indulge in the aromas and strong flavors of these Earth-bound concentrations. Taste, concoct, discuss and have fun revisiting new and old cocktail bitters, while your dollar supports Pride Portland. This is mixology 101, and you’re invited. | $15 | 6:30pm | Vena’s Fizz House, 345 Fore St., Portland | http://www.venasfizzhouse.com/

WEDNESDAY, March 9

The Great Bear Sea Film Premiere | It’s Wednesday night! You must be thinking of attending an exclusive film screening of a documentary about building a sustainably marine ecosystem off the coast of British Columbia, right? Although, the Great Bear Sea is thousands of miles away off the coast of a different country, it’s an ecosystem threatened by the same variables, as our own waters. These rich coastal ecosystems are a place where not just animals and marine life thrive, but also where we do. The documentary will go over emerging struggles over ocean resources, and future, internationally led solutions. After the film, join an interactive panel discussion with Rick Getchell, from All Nations Global Solutions, Richard Nelson, a commercial fisherman, Aimee Bushman, an ocean planning outreach manager and William Needelman, the waterfront coordinator for the city of Portland, as they explore ways we can sustain our marine environment. | FREE | 5:45pm | One Longfellow Square, 181 State St., Portland | https://onelongfellowsquare.com

THURSDAY, March 10

Drive by Truckers at the Port City Music Hall | The alternative country-Southern rock band, Drive By Truckers believe they’ve crafted their best album yet. And with 12 albums under their belt since 1998, and a dedicated following across the country, it’s easy to believe. The latest is called English Oceans, and it’s been described as “elegantly balanced and deeply engaged new effort that finds the group refreshed and firing on all cylinders.” This is partially due to the strong songwriting on the album. "I had time to write," guitarist and vocalist Mike Cooley said. "After we came off the road last time, we decided we were going to let it rest for a while. So I had time to really focus. I kind of had to re-learn how to write, because I didn't write as many songs as I'd wanted on the last couple of records. I was happy with these songs, and thrilled to go in and record so many that I felt real strongly about." The Thayer Sarrano band will open, offering up a “thick twang of country with the airy, echoing spacious feeling of an empty church.” | $30 | 8:00pm | Port City Music Hall, 504 Congress St., Portland | http://www.portcitymusichall.com

The end of the road for SPACE’s “Trail Off” series | SPACE Gallery’s eight-week long showcase of spirited, passion-fueled, nature-inclined and highly unique musicians comes to an end this week. But not before one last show, featuring the “cultural gadfly” that is Tim Fite. Get ready for a culturally relevant, supremely original and hyper-aware multimedia performance. After Fite blows your mind to pieces, the outsider artist BJ Snowden, sound poet id m theft able and the digitally minded vocalist Andrea Pensado will help pick up the pieces. | $8 | 8:00pm | SPACE Gallery, 538 Congress St., Portland | http://www.space538.org

Pump up the jams at Portland’s video game bar | While you’re spending your spare change at the arcade and pinball games at Arcadia, Crunk Witch will stop by for silly yet sincere, bass heavy show. Yeah, that’s right, live music at Portland’s video game bar is a reality. Hailing from Presque Isle, Maine, this husband and wife power pop duo, will unleash infectious, 8-bit infused synth sounds, while you energetically button mash to Galaga or Street Fighter. If they play tracks from their booty-kickin’ album Heartbeats in Hyperspace, you might loosen up the grip on your joystick/controller and start shufflin’ your feet. | FREE | 10:00pm | Arcadia National Bar, 24 Preble St., Portland | https://www.facebook.com/events/543619545803761/

THURSDAY, March 10

Leveret with Triode, Perfect Hair and Thirty Silver | You’re going to get a lot of bang for your buck with this show. First you’ve got the phenomenal guitar dynamics of the four gentlemen that make up Portland’s slow-core rock group, Perfect Hair. Then there’s Thirty Silver, from Boston, who’ll amp up the intensity and perform their grunge heavy as a freight train and twice as loud. Two more local bands round out this bill. Leveret will be there, probably playing the rock-tronica off their most recent album, Action at a Distance. Lastly, there’s Triode, a group of three dudes who can make a lot of monochromatic noise, with their drums, cymbals, guitars and effect pedals. They’re getting ready to unleash some new tracks. Won’t you come rock? | $5 | 9:30pm | Empire, 575 Congress St., Portland | http://portlandempire.com/

FRIDAY, March 11

Saison Day with Allagash Brewmaster Jason Perkins | If you venture into the Bier Cellar, you’ll get a chance to sample some exceptional brews. The Allagash brewmaster, Jason Perkins, will be your tasting guide, and trust me, he knows his stuff. What will you choose? The citrus and pepper bite of the Saison? Or how about the Century Saison, basically the same flavor, but with a toasted cracker finish? There’s also the bright, complex flavors of the Astrid and the fruity, tannic nature of the Interlude to consider. Get your buzz on, and elevate your beer palate at the same time. | FREE | 4:00pm | Bier Cellar, 299 Forest Ave., Portland | https://www.facebook.com/events/478059949050239/

Armies opens for Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds | It’s been almost two months since Armies (Dave Gutter and Anna Lombard) graced Portland with a live showcase of their phenomenal vocal chops. But the wait is over. This charismatic duo will perform their darkly tinged indie pop, while opening the stage for their friends, Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds. Then the place will explode into the soul-pleasing and funk-filled sounds of their fiery horns, soaring guitar riffs and droning harmonica notes. Plus, the lead singer Arleigh Kincheloe, the Sister Sparrow herself, also has an impressive set of pipes that’s not to be trifled with. Oh, the things she can do with her voice! | $15 | 8:00pm | Port City Music Hall, 504 Congress St., Portland | http://www.portcitymusichall.com

Four bands for the price of nothing | Cathartic indie rockers from Biddeford, Old Etc. will be there. Harmonious Indie pop rockers from New Jersey, dollys will be there. Portland’s rock trio, Vaughn will be there. And good ol’fashioned rockers, Weakened Friends will be there, high off the energy of finishing up a new album. The only person missing is you. Will you be there? Sonia Sturion, from Weakened Friends, encourages you to come out and party hard. “We're really pumped about the line up,” said Sturino. “Every band has their own thing going for them that I know will make the night super fun and high energy for those who attend.” | FREE | 8:30pm | Bayside Bowl, 58 Alder St., Portland | http://www.baysidebowl.com/

Shut Down Brown plays the ultimate HOME game | With a simple motto, “Big Time, Good Time,” the horn heavy, seven-piece band, Shut Down Brown will surely provide the raunchy grooves to make you move. Funk is contagious isn’t it? After four years of playing gigs in and around Portland, Shut Down Brown has refined their sound, to a tight mashup of funk and soul. They take liberties with covers, some ubiquitous, some obscure, and add in rhythms and leads where they see fit. If they are feelin’ a particular jam, they’ll ride it out for a while, pass around solos and expand the energy before moving on. Jonah Bruce, who plays the tenor sax and sings backup vocals, said they play funk music, because it’s the “common denominator in terms of the pop music of their peers.” | $7 | 9:00pm | Portland House of Music and Events, 25 Temple St., Portland | www.portlandhouseofmusic.com

SATURDAY, March 12

The Green Party’s annual caucus | Do you want a new president that’s from a political party that’s completely free of corporate funding? Do you want an economy that’s completely green? I’m talking 100 percent wind, water and solar energy by the year 2030. If you like the sound of a Green New Deal, then look into voting for Dr. Jill Stein from the Green Party. Unlike the Democrats and the Republicans, the Green Pary doesn’t hold their caucuses on a single day. But if you’re from Portland and want to register and vote Green, do so on this day! | FREE | 11:00am | Portland City Hall, 389 Congress St., Portland | http://www.mainegreens.org/

SUNDAY, March 13

A satisfying pairing of chocolate and dessert at CBD | Sadly, Maine Restaurant Week is over. So what do you do after the big five-course meal? Enjoy some coffee and dessert, of course! Celebrate in style by heading over to the CBD roastery headquarters and pair some delicious robust brews with a tasty pastry. You’ll have a lot to choose from. Sweets will be provided by: Scratch Baking, Two Fat Cats, Dean’s Sweets, Little Bigs, The Frisky Whisk, Portland Patisseries, TIQA, Love Kupcakes, Sur Lie and C Salt Gourmet Market. You’ll get bite-sized samples of every dessert while you sip on tiny cups of every coffee flavor! Organizers promise an amazing sensory experience. | $35 | 2:00pm | Coffee By Design, 1 Diamond St., Portland | http://www.coffeebydesign.com/

The PSO performs Rachmaninoff’s Third | The opening keeps concert goers on the edge of their seat. Then, a big bang follows. I’m talking about Rachmaninoff’s 3rd Symphony, and it’s being performed in all its classical glory, by the Portland Symphony Orchestra. You don’t consider such a show stuffy, do you? Good. Experience the famous cadenza, the lingering suspense and the transcendent piano notes of this famous classical piece. The concerto is being moved to after the intermission, because it’s so grand and powerful that it needs to be the last thing you hear before you leave the venue. | $25-55 | 2:30pm | Merrill Auditorium, 20 Myrtle St., Portland | http://www.portlandsymphony.org/

The Great Play Reading Collective | From small pop-ups to professional theatre companies, Portland has a thriving theater scene. Continuing Studies at MECA wants to build on that, by hosting a big vision/low cost show. Five local theatre companies will come together, to highlight actors and actresses, and offer a professional reading of a great play that they otherwise wouldn’t be able to produce fully. Literature has so much artistic crossover! This week, the Lorem Ipsum Theater Collective will perform “The Heidi Chronicles,” by Wendy Wasserstein. | FREE | 4:00pm | MECA, Osher Hall, 522 Congress St., Portland | http://www.loremipsumtheater.com/

Food Fight at PHOME | This show’s going to get interesting. Here’s the premise: 15 local restaurants will assemble an employee band, and perform three songs on stage, while competing with everyone else. There will be judges. There will be an audience. And there will be a vicious fight for musical bragging rights (and a cash prize). So far, The Frog and Turtle, Whole Foods, Rhum, Ruskis, the State Theatre, OTTO Pizza and LFK have signed up. They can cook and serve, but can they sing? I guess we’ll find out at Food Fight 2016. | $8 | 9:00pm | Portland House of Music and Events, 25 Temple St., Portland | www.portlandhouseofmusic.com

MONDAY, March 14

Deer Tick’s acoustic show | Are you in the mood for a fervor-filled blend of rock, folk and blues? Then check out Deer Tick! They’ve got some country influences as well, but don’t worry, they don’t sound, you know, twangy. It’s been about three years since their last album, Negativity, so don’t expect too many new tricks. But they’ve been playing live basically 200 nights out of the year, for half a decade, so rest assured, their performance game is strong. Their live show has been described by some as “heartbreaking, fist-pumping and ultimately life affirming.” | $20 | 9:00pm | Port City Music Hall, 504 Congress St., Portland | http://www.portcitymusichall.com

TUESDAY, March 15

A trio of jazz and electronic groups at Blue | What do you get when electronic music meets post-bop jazz? The glorious, “warm chaotic” combination of Kneebody and Daedelus! One is an avant garde jazz quartet that blends hip-hop beats and swagger. And the latter is an audio mischief maker, specializing in “post apocalyptic dub vibes.” When they play together on stage and form “Kneedelus,” a wild mixture of strange sounds and textures emerges. They’re truly unlike anything you’ve heard before. Did I mention that Portland’s own, psych/soul outfit Jaw Gems will be joining them? Now it’s really going to be a night of far-out sounds and dreamy rhythms. | FREE | 5:00pm | Blue, 650 Congress St., Portland | http://portcityblue.com/

Show and Tell: a SPACE outreach, match-making service | Listen and learn; SPACE gallery has cooked up a very intriguing event, all in the name of identifying challenges, finding resources and connecting with other organizations. In the spirit of getting to know our neighbors better, SPACE has planned a matchmaking service. But it won’t be for individuals, but rather, businesses. This grand experiment in outreach will put representatives from unlikely businesses under the same roof to share about their work, their dreams and their challenges. Who’s coming? You’ll be able to hear from Etain Boutique, Maine Medical Center, Portland Outright, Ameera Bread, The Studio, The Portland Needle Exchange, Maine Muslim Community Center, Oxbow Brewing and Stones and Stuff. | FREE | 6:00pm | SPACE Gallery, 538 Congress St., Portland | www.space538.org

WEDNESDAY, March 16

Lend your ears to the Shakespeare Slam | Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears! That’s what Shakespeare would say if he were still around, right? You may have heard that the Portland Public Library is dedicating the entire month to the prolific poet and playwright. They even have the original First Folio on display! On this evening, teens and adults will stand in front of a crowd and recite their favorite Shakespeare lines, from memory. It can be a sonnet, a monologue, or a short scene or act, as long as it’s from Shakespeare! The performances will be judged on accuracy, diction and creativity. Let’s see how proficient Portland’s literary types are at oration! | FREE | 5:30pm | Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Sq, Portland | https://www.portlandlibrary.com/events/first-folio-shakespeare-slam/

Big rock sound at the Port City Music Hall | Hundreds of Portlanders are already super stoked for this rock-n-roll concert, featuring five bands hell bent on vanquishing your inner demons. Nothing can help heal emotional scars, or make you forget every-day stresses like a brutal guitar solo, or a thunderous drum beat. Here’s the lineup that will aid you in this pure noise therapy. Four Years Strong, from Worcester, Mass., will perform lightning-fast tracks from their latest, self-titled album. Light Years is also on the bill, to prove the pop-punk-rock doesn’t have to be angsty and immature. They rock about real world problems, with pounding rhythms and full-bodied guitars. Then there’s Can’t Swim from New Jersey, who just released a new EP, titled Death Deserves a Name. Representing Maine are the passionate alternative rockers Acadia, and the emotional hardcore artists, Glass Canyon. Brace yourself for this melting pot of authentic rock. | $15 | 6:30pm | Port City Music Hall, 504 Congress St., Portland | http://www.portcitymusichall.com/

THURSDAY, March 17

Irish breakfast, beer and music at Ri Ra’s | There is an old motto that says “eat breakfast like a King, lunch like a prince and dine like a pauper,” meaning it’s wise to start the day with a large cooked breakfast. There’s no better place to fill up on beans, eggs, toast, sausage, rashers and black pudding on St. Patrick’s Day then in Ri Ra’s Irish Pub. All holiday long, the pub will be filled with traditional music courtesy of a Pipe Band, Irish Step Dancers, the Keenans Irish Duo and Kilcollins. Purchasing a ticket for the Irish breakfast also gets you VIP access to the pub and a Guinness glass, filled with the dark chocolatey brew. If you want to have a classically authentic St. Patrick’s Day experience, rest assured, it can be found here. | ALL DAY/NIGHT | Ri Ra, 72 Commercial St., Portland | https://www.rira.com/

St. Patrick’s Day with the Squid Jiggers | Because it’s the day when everyone’s suddenly Irish, I advise that you celebrate to some authentic tunes, courtesy of the Squid Jiggers. Made up of longtime locals, Dave Rowe (bass), and Troy R. Bennett (guitar), the Squid Jiggers play an acoustic show “steeped in folk traditions of sea chanteys, songs from across the ocean and sing-alongs.” With the bass and guitar in front, their sound is rounded out by the harmonica, bodhran and a little tin whistle. | $15 | 7:00pm | Mayo Street Arts, 10 Mayo St., Portland | https://www.facebook.com/events/219357318399097/

THURSDAY, March 17

Portland’s psych songstress and Cuddle Magic at Blue | This will be an intimate show filled with musical magic, courtesy of Pretty Purgatory. First up, is the Brooklyn chamber-folk-pop sextet, Cuddle Magic. They’ve been described as playful, lush, grandiose and oddly danceable. These whimsical sonic storytellers have collaborated with Beyonce and Lady Lamb before, but now they’re ready to make some new fans in Maine. “We have gotten to know each other so well over these many years of touring and making records together, that it sometimes scares the shit out of us,” writes frontman Ben Davis on his website. “It’s crazy and beautiful, too. It’s also addictive. Come join us in our addiction.” Joining them is the psych-folk songstress, Lisa/Liza, who performs a dreamy, meditative, melt-in-your-seat kind of acoustic show. She was born in Chile and raised in the farms of Missouri, but now she calls Portland home.

| FREE | 9:00 pm | Blue, 650 Congress St, Portland | http://portcityblue.com

It’s not St. Paddy’s Day without Enter the Haggis | The Toronto-based folk-rock band Enter the Haggis is probably the loudest band playing on St. Patrick’s day in Portland. But that’s what the day is for right? Being loud and rowdy? This band will deliver that Celtic sound you’re craving on this day. When listening to their blazing bagpipes, lighting fast fiddles and a powerhouse of a hard-rock rhythm, you’ll feel like a sloppy badass. You’ll feel like a Boondock Saint. The Pubcrawlers will be there too, to keep the Celtic party going, so wear some green, raise your glass and rock out with these triumphant acts.

| $25 | 9:00pm | Port City Music Hall, 504 Congress St., Portland | http://www.portcitymusichall.com

FRIDAY, March 18

A lineup for hop fanatics | This Friday night is all about the lupulin-laced libations. At Nosh’s kitchen bar, the staff is pouring a bunch of IPAs for you to try, so bring on the hops! You might have seen the Stone IPA Madness display at Whole Foods. Those are the beers you’ll be trying. And if you haven’t, here’s the lineup: the massively dry-hopped crimson IPA, Pataskala Red, the crispy citrus bite of the IPA that launched generations of fanatics, the Stone IPA and a liquid poem to the glory of the hop, the Stone Ruination, Double IPA. Those won’t be all the beers offered, either, so you’ve got some thinking to do!

| FREE | 5:00 pm | Nosh Kitchen Bar, 551 Congress St, Portland | http://www.noshkitchenbar.com/

March Forward: A Circus Cabaret | These dazzling acts will cast out your seasonal depression and send your imagination running wild across the developing spit of land on Thompson’s Point. That’s because on that spit of land, is a circus school and they’re gearing up for their March show: The Circus Cabaret. If you’d like, you can bring children, too! In the contemporary circus world, the term “cabaret” does not refer to a show of suggestive nature, or nudity — but rather to the style of the venue and the format of the show. Besides delicious cocktails and a dimly lit, cozy seating area to enjoy, there will be over 10 featured acts that might also kindle a newfound appreciation for the circus arts. The gymnast, Stephen Brine will be there! Other acts include: a beautiful contortionist, a juggling duo, Joyka from the Picolini Clown duo, the globetrotter Cory Tabino performing a “slinky number,” and a daring young man on aerial straps. | $12 | 6:00pm | Circus Maine, 4 Thompson’s Point, Portland | http://circusmaine.org/

Stache Pag 2016 | Let’s face it. We have some kind of unhealthy relationship with facial hair in this town. We might as well embrace it. But, as opposed to the Bearded Brewfest later this week, this event is all about the strip of hair between your nose and your upper lip and the gentlemen that are proud to have one. Men with mustaches will cause mayhem on the stage and be judged by a panel for a chance to go down in facial hair glory. What category is your mustache in? The Uncle Rick (aka the pornstache), The Magnum P.I., The 1899 Maine Legislature or the impressive Thigh Tickler? Come find out what this strange event is all about. | $15 | 7:00pm | Portland House of Music, 25 Temple St., Portland | http://stachepag.com/

Roots in the Attic present a night of electrified honky tonk | If you like real, authentic country, with deep roots and emotional storytelling then put this show on your radar, because for the Americana genre, this is the best live show deal you’re going to get. The sometimes angsty, sometimes romantic and all times captivating, folk-rock group, Starcrossed Losers (http://starcrossedlosers.com/) will be there. So will the Nashville native and nabber of the New England Music Award for “Country Music Act of the Year,” Jay Bragg. His stage name is an amalgamation of his two biggest heroes and influences: Bruce Springsteen and Merle Haggard. Jay Bragg is roots country, but with some pop thrown in for good measure. Straying from the country vibe a bit, is the wacky surf duo from Brooklyn, Crushed Out, who perform with custom-built guitar effect pedals, '60s tube amps, tube reverb units and tape echo machines. Rounding out this moody bill is Portland’s humble country guitarist, Joel Thetford, who’ll add some real Southern flavor to the performance. | $7 | 8:00pm | Empire, 575 Congress St., Portland | http://portlandempire.com/

SATURDAY, March 19

The facial hair festivities continue at USM | We’ve already covered Portland’s best staches. Now it’s time to show some love to all the beards in town. In the Sullivan Gym, long, thick beards will gather, with the men attached to them. It’s the annual Bearded Brewfest! But don’t assume that you need a beard; anybody can come and enjoy endless craft beer samples (in your own takeaway glass) while gazing upon the epic beards of others. There’s over 30 breweries participating, so you probably don’t even have the tolerance to sample them all. But of course you’re going to try anyway right? In between beard contests, head over to a facial hair table and pick up some beard oil. I’ll admit, I didn’t even know that was a thing that existed before I wrote this. There’s also going to be tables with cigars, meatballs, whiskey, woodworked items and utility multi-tools, so you can really feel “manly.” | $5 | 1:00pm | Sullivan Gym, USM Campus, Portland | http://beardedbrewfest.com/

Can you pronounce that again? | Maine’s top fifth-eighth grade spellers are competing for a chance to represent Maine at the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Will you be there in support? It’s not your kid, so probably not, right? You should anyway. Personally, I love spelling bees. There’s more drama in them, then some shows on T.V. nowadays (Fuller House, really Netflix?). Almost every time a participant reaches the mic, the stress is palpable. You can see beads of nervous sweat forming on their forehead. You can feel the gears turning inside their heads. You can hear them ask incessantly, “What’s the country of origin?” It’s deciphering our very own language at its finest. To put the level of difficulty and competition in perspective, last year the Maine Spelling Bee lasted 90 rounds and the winning word was “estanciero.” Yeah, it’s pretty difficult. | FREE | 2:00pm | Hannaford Hall, USM Campus, Portland | https://www.facebook.com/events/536716953168907/

A Midwinter Night’s Dream | You’ve seen the big banner hanging outside the Portland Public Library by now; the organizers inside have been preparing fun twists on Shakespeare all month long, in honor of the First Folio’s rare visit to the library. On this day, Kate Ghiloni, a well known local comedian, will riff on yoga, Whole Foods, babies, hot moms, poetic love and, of course, Shakespeare. Then Cast Aside Productions will perform a cabaret-style musical offering, in honor of the bard. Lastly, Bunker Brewery is whipping up a special Shakespeare inspired cocktail for you to sip on during the show! | $35 | 7:00pm | Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Square, Portland | https://www.portlandlibrary.com/

Straight from Havana Cuba, comes Habana Sax | Mambomania. Manteca. Rap Cubano. These are all words representing fiery sounds that you need in your life. These sounds are coming at us live thanks to the superb musicianship of Habana Sax, who are travelling straight from Havana, Cuba. Don’t worry you won’t need to know Spanish to get infected by their energetic blends of Afro Cuban, salsa, Latin jazz and Brazilian rhythms. Mauricio Gutierrez Upman, the lone drummer, and four saxophone players, Jorge Almeida, Eduardo Fernandez, Angel Ballester and Evaristo Denis, create music for island dwellers and city hipsters alike. | $30 | 7:00pm | One Longfellow Square, 181 State St., Portland | https://onelongfellowsquare.com

Rock n roll, drinks and other things at Flask | Boston’s No Hugs revolves around a bluesy, hard-rock sound, emotive lyrics and well arranged orchestrations. Combining soaring vocals and intricate jams, No Hugs might even perform in Japanese. Joining them are local filmmakers and rock musicians Drivetrain and the Southern-rock freaks, Fifth Freedom, who play passionate songs, for the everyday person. “We are all so sincerely excited to play with local awesomeness such as DriveTrain and Fifth Freedom,” said No Hugs band members on their Facebook page. “Armor up Maine. You’re gonna need it.” | FREE | 9:00pm | Flask Lounge, 117 Spring St., Portland | https://www.facebook.com/events/452951884896332/

SUNDAY, March 20

Mayday Parade and the Maine | Do you remember this American pop punk, emo-rock band? Admittedly, I was a fan of Mayday Parade’s first EP, Tales Told by Dead Friends and blasted it on bus rides to my high school, thinking I was edgy and original for liking them. That’s not the case so much now. Over a decade later, their sound has evolved and the bandmates say they’re more creatively charged than ever before. “We noticed some of the songs were heavier than we’ve ever done, that there were a lot of guitar riffs we had never really had before,” said drummer Jake Bundrick. “We tried to make those parts more distinct.” They’re grungier, heavier, more energetic and their heart’s on their sleeve. Check out these dynamic, highly enthusiastic rockers for another time and embrace your former self. If we’re lucky, for nostalgia’s sake, they’ll play “Terrible Things,” or something. Globetrotting rockers and Arizona natives, The Maine, will open. | $30 | 7:00pm | State Theatre, 609 Congress St., Portland | http://www.statetheatreportland.com

Kyle Kinane visits, just for laughs | To be honest, I’ve never heard of this comedian and writer before, but ironically enough, I’m pretty sure I’ve laughed at his work before. In this case, I’ll let Kyle Kinane’s work speak for itself. He’s appeared on some of my favorite shows like: @Midnight, Conan, Workaholics, Those Who Can't, Comedy Bang! Bang!, the Regular Show, Aqua Teen Hunger Force, Bob’s Burgers, TripTank, Adventure Time and Lucas Bros. Moving Co. I think Kinane’s resume checks out; this man can deliver some laughs. | $18 | 7:00pm | One Longfellow Square, 181 State St., Portland | https://onelongfellowsquare.com/event-registration/?ee=453

MONDAY, March 21

Radio That Changed Lives, plus a Skype Q&A | As part of the Winter Music Film Series, co-presented by WMPG radio, you’ll get a chance to learn about two radio hosts/producers that have a very keen eye for talent. Back in the '90s Stretch and Bobbito would rule the airwaves every Thursday night and entertain with raw underground vibes, fresh tracks, guest freestyle MCs and hilarious banter on the Columbia University radio station, WKCR. In those pre-Internet days, it was the only real place to experience that culture live. These hip hop heralds sat down with some of the biggest stars (Nas, Biggie, Eminem, Wu Tang, Jay Z) long before they were famous. Now their humble, talent-sniffing efforts have been immortalized in this off-beat documentary. After the screening, you can direct your burning questions to Mr. Robert Garcia (Bobbito); he’ll be on Skype for a Q&A. | $8 | 7:30pm | SPACE Gallery, 538 Congress St., Portland | http://www.space538.org/

TUESDAY, March 22

A journey through addiction and recovery | Everyone in Portland should see this film. Like other cities around the world, Portland has a big heroin problem (over 200 people died of overdoses last year). Joining the state premiere of The Golden Thread, will shed some insight into how desperate, yet human these addicts and abusers are. By centralizing the film on the heroin epidemic in Portland, Maine and focusing on the story of one man, Michael Smith, hopefully some of the viewers that like to spew hateful bile on the street and Internet comment boards, will realize that heroin addicts are mostly good people in the vice of a terrible disease. | FREE | 4:00pm | Portland House of Music, 25 Temple St., Portland | www.portlandhouseofmusic.com/

The Greenhorn’s Maine Sail Freight Project | It’s not an historical re-enactment. Call it, future enactment instead. This Sail Freight Project was spearheaded to serve young farmers by taking them on a sea voyage to Boston. For what purpose? To hand-deliver 11 tons of Maine-produced cargo and product to Boston’s farmer’s markets! Learn all about their mission, sustainability and how you could be on the next voyage at this insightful discussion on food security. Kate Rich will also be there to introduce her open framework trade network, Feral and Natalie Jeremijenko, an environmental artists will educate visitors on the human infrastructure needed to keep up this momentum. Or how she says it: “putting the sport back in transport.” Are you ready to call yourself a Greenhorn? | FREE | 6:00pm | SPACE Gallery, 538 Congress St., Portland | http://www.space538.org/

Last chance to drum circle at the Space for Grace | Hippies, stoners, hipsters and otherwise like-minded citizens of the Earth will gather for a final time to laugh, bang on drums and simply co-exist. It’s drum circle time, a timeless form of entertainment. So dust off your djembe and find your tattered tye-dye shirt, and join the mild-mannered fun. Didgeridoos and rain sticks are also encouraged! | $3 | 8:00pm | A Space for Grace, 1 Marginal Way, Portland | http://www.aspaceforgrace.org/

Under the Influence, Bee Gees style | Three of Portland’s most heartwarming musicians/vocalists will be featured on the next Under the Influence show, and things are likely to get weird. The songsters are Jeff Beam, Sarah Hallie Richardson and Dave Gutter (from Armies). These three are highly versatile musicians, ones that seldom perform the same exact set twice. They’ve all been known to play a little funk, psychedelic rock, experimental ambient, and slow dripping acoustic shows before. This time the night is going to be tinged with some Bee Gees flavor. Gutter and Beam will be performing together, playing a mix of originals and covers from influential musicians like: (the early) Bee Gees, Serge Gainsbourg, Spoon, Grizzly Bear and Of Montreal. | $5 | 9:00pm | Portland House of Music, 25 Temple St., Portland | https://www.portlandhouseofmusic.com/

WEDNESDAY, March 23

Screen the film Catching the Sun | Here’s another film that aims to empower with education Catching the Sun. This screening is your chance to see the benefits of solar power around the world before it drops on Netflix later this year. Here’s what Julie Anderson from the LA Film Festival had to say after watching: “Award-winning filmmaker and eco-activist Shalini Kantayya’s documentary broadens the often faceless climate change debate to include people of color and explore the possibilities of social and economic justice in a soon-to-be solar-powered world.” Money hungry energy titans degrade the Earth to look for new energy sources, but perhaps they should just look no further than up, at the bright burning ball in the sky. | FREE | 6:00pm | Maine College of Art, 522 Congress St., Portland | https://www.meca.edu/

Jonathan Zack at Flask | Keyboarder Jesse Taylor, guitarist Dave Lyden and acoustic rocker Jonathan Zack are set to perform at Flask! Zack is influenced by Amos Lee, Third Eye Blind and the Beatles. He wishes he was in a band, but he hasn’t found the right people. Because he’s somewhat of a recluse, he can be viewed as the shy kid in the corner, who grabs a guitar and plays a mellow show, but that’s not always the case. He encourages Portlanders to check him out because he’s got something interesting to offer up. Zack’s biggest strengths are in his lyrics; he writes everyday. “ I just write, and sing, and write, and sing,” said Zack. “If you give my set a chance, hopefully you will come out with a new favorite song.  They're very different, and I try my hardest to have an original style.” | FREE | 9:00pm | Flask Lounge, 117 Spring St., Portland |

https://www.facebook.com/events/1679895938953915/

THURSDAY, March 24

Ideas and Inspiration from Zimbabwe to Maine | Food insecurity is a serious and tragic problem here in Maine. One out of every four children in the state don’t know where they’re going to get their next meal. The Justice for Women lecture series continues by bringing Dr. Lindiwe Sibanda from Zimbabwe Africa, here to Maine to talk about overcoming food insecurity. She asks the questions (and provides the answers), “What can agriculture do for nutrition?” | FREE | 7:00pm | USM, 88 Bedford St., Portland | http://www.justiceforwomenme.org/

The Nth Power with Jaw Gems | This show is either going to make you dance, groove or just stand there with goosebumps. Soul music, courtesy of New Orleans’ bred, The Nth Power can do that to you. They aim to make listeners understand the “healing power of love,” through music and understanding. “Just know that when you hear this music, you’re going to feel something — you’re going to connect with something higher than yourself,” explained West African, master-percussionist Weedie Braimah. Also deeply invested in the mission of spreading the universal message of love and good vibes is Portland’s Jaw Gems, who’ll open with their bright, funk-filled, electronic-esque, homemade boom-bap. | $15 | 8:00pm | Port City Music Hall, 504 Congress St., Portland | http://www.portcitymusichall.com

THURSDAY, March 24

Drink and paint, for a cause | Muse Paintbar’s a great place to go, if you’re tired of the same old outings in downtown Portland. When the movies, the hookah lounge, the galleries and the bar scene get old, head over to this hidden gem. You’ll still find your favorite things there: alcohol and art. Except this time, the art part’s up to you. Learn the basics of acrylic/oil painting, create a pseudo-masterpiece and get a little slizzered along the way. The proceeds for this night are going toward the Community Doula Birth Program. And don’t forget! You must buy tickets in advance. | $35 | 6:00pm | Muse Paintbar, 245 Commercial St., Portland | http://www.musepaintbar.com/locations/portland/

See Will Bradford and his friends before they leave on tour | The well-loved fixture of Portland’s music scene, Will Bradford is teaming up with his buddies from SeepeopleS for an acoustic show that gives a sneak peak into their latest alt-rock-electronica pursuits. They’re getting ready to release their new EP, a five-track compilation titled Love, that will be more focused in its songwriting scope. This time all the bandmembers contributed to the writing process. “The band has been very focused on songwriting as a craft,” said Bradford. “ It's the first time I've fleshed out song ideas in any sort of collaborative manner, and I couldn't be happier about this.” See our veteran “anti-genre” artists before they take off on a big East Coast tour! | FREE | 7:00pm | Blue, 650 Congress St., Portland | www.portcityblue.com

A Space Program at SPACE | What happened when a New York-based artist who’s obsessed with space exploration finally realized his dream? Well, he journeyed to Mars. Ok, maybe not the real red planet, but Tom Sach’s sensory experience is meticulously detailed, one might feel like they're Matt Damon in The Martian. He’s created an entire four-week mission to Mars with nothing but household objects. This is your ticket to finally understanding “laser emulsion,” as well as just getting a first-person look inside the artist's “NASA studio,” and creative methods, through a captivating film by Van Neistat. It’s the kind of film and project that asks humankind’s ultimate question: Are we alone in the universe? | $8 | 7:30 pm | SPACE Gallery, 538 Congress St., Portland | http://www.space538.org/

FRIDAY, March 25

A masquerade ball | It’s time to dust off your tux, because there’s finally a reason to wear it. Get fancy, don a mask and grab a cocktail because it’s Portland’s second annual Masquerade Ball. Anything can happen at this mysteriously steamy black-tie affair. But besides the unexpected, you can be sure there will be great wine, pleasant company, live music from Laurence Kelly and the A-Train Express, eye-pleasing outfits and memories in the making. Also tattoos! Mary Kearns from the Eye of Henna will be there, creating temporary body art for those interested. | $15 | 7:00pm | MJ’s Wine Bar, 1 City Ctr, Portland | http://www.onecitywines.com/

There’s been a Sassquatch sighting | From our state’s capital comes a folk, pop, rock fusion band that measures up to some of the quality bands we’re used to here in Portland. We’re spoiled with home-grown talent here, aren’t we? Sassquatch members have studied music in school, practiced for collective decades, and have shared the stage with world-class musicians like Wycliffe Gordon, Thomas Gansch and Trent Austin. They don’t come to Portland often, so make sure you welcome these funky people when they debut some new tracks off of Cryptomusicology. Portland’s own, musical historians, The Ghosts of Johnson City will be there too, providing sonic snippets of tragedies lost to time. | FREE | 8:00pm | Blue, 650 Congress St., Portland | http://portcityblue.com/

Come together at PHOME | Some of the most celebrated local acts are coming together under one roof, so if you ever wanted to dip your toe and check the temperature of the local music scene, this is the show you’ll want to go see (especially if you’re tired of cover shows). This is a chance to see/hear truly original, never-before-heard local music! You’ve got the psychedelic sounds of Jeff Beam and his looping pedal, the infectious rockin’ pop of KGFREEZE, the Pretty Sad duo of Dustin Saucier and Renee Coolbrith, the solid rhymes of Lady Essence and a new group called The Up and Ups. Indie-folk (or are they post-punk?) rockers, Tall Horse will also be there, performing for the first time since October. They’re also ready to unleash some new tracks, after spending some time at Penumbra Recordings, cultivating a new sound. “I'd say we pull from every genre we appreciate,” said Nick Poulin, from Tall Horse. “Punk, Indie, Slowcore, Americana and Country.  We're not interested in fitting in any one box, and I'm cool with it staying that way.” | $10 | 9:00pm | Portland House of Music, 25 Temple St., Portland | http://www.portlandhouseofmusic.com/event/come-together-at-h-o-m-e-2/

SATURDAY, March 26

Jay-ZEaster pays tribute to the Hova | Time to wipe that dirt off your shoulders. Jayzeaster is the brainchild of John Paul and Tom Madden, who just opened their new brewery, Lone Pine, in Portland. On top of the Jay-Z inspired tunes, there will also be a Jay-Z themed beer on tap on night long. Dustin Saucier, Jargon Party and Old Etc, will each perform two Jay-Z covers each, as well as a slew of original music. Cool Tara will close out the night with some loud, sweaty rock, ranging from indie funk, to retro punk. Who doesn't want to see some of the top local bands in Portland covering some Jay-Z? | $10 | 8:00pm | Empire, 575 Congress St., Portland | http://portlandempire.com/

The Elephant in the room | Ready for a night of bowling, beers and bodacious jams? It can be arranged at the Bayside Bowl. Elephant’s driving up from Plymouth, N.H., to blow people away with their powerhouse blend of funk, electronica, jazz and everything else in between. But don’t get too distracted by these high-energy, impossible engineers, or you might gutter ball. | FREE | 8:00pm | Bayside Bowl, 58 Alder St., Portland | www.baysidebowl.com/

Powerfunk from Turkuaz | If bowling isn't your thing, but funk and electronica still are, then head over to the Port City Music Hall and see Turkuaz and lespecial. The nine-piece band Turkuaz is on the forefront of this new funk revolution, because they’re making the genre incredibly cool again and giving it a modern edge. Their universal appeal stems from the fact that they exhibit superb musicianship, without sacrificing danceability. They’re guaranteed to raise the roof with their thick grooves, synthy keyboard riffs and dizzying guitar lines. Lespecial, from the woods of Connecticut will help, by dropping their concoction of death-funk and afro-Latin rhythms. | $15 | 8:00pm | Port City Music Hall, 504 Congress St., Portland | http://www.portcitymusichall.com/

SUNDAY, March 27

Maine Maple Sunday | You know what, I think we’re in the clear: Spring is here. And in this corner of the country, that means it’s time to harvest some maple syrup! Indulge in this decadent, supremely sweet local goodness the right way: at a farmhouse! As part of Maine Maple Weekend at the Nezinscot Farm, a Sunday brunch is being held that pays tribute to our favorite tree sap. Food include: maple baked beans, maple donuts, maple steamed milk and maple sausage. Does Maine get any yummier? | $20 | 9:00am | Nezinscot Farm Store, 284 Turner Ctr Rd, Turner | https://www.facebook.com/events/429993020544729/

Underground electronic from SunDaze | Treat yourself to the only live, weekend, electronic music offering in Portland that continuously keeps it underground. First up is Caelis, an artist on a “musical question to transcend our world experience from the mundane to the divine, through creativity and community.” But mostly he wants you to get sweaty dancing to his insanely unique version of glitch-funk. The aptly named electronic producer, Dot.wav will be there, helping dancers experience the wub wub wub, through his popular psychedelic bass. Get glazed at SunDaze! | FREE | 8:30pm | Flask, 117 Spring St., Portland | http://flasklounge.com/

MONDAY, March 28

Prelude: A new spoken-word opera | In May a provocative new opera by Hinge/Works, Persephone in the Late Anthropocene will premiere at SPACE. It’s a re-imagining of the ancient Greek myth in our modern age of climate change. But before then, we’ve got some questions. What’s the Anthropocene? Who’s Persephone, and why does this ancient goddess matter today? How can art and story respond to an environmental crisis? We’ll get our questions answered during this insightful Prelude, that features performances from Ian Bannon, Paul Haley, Bridgette Kelly, Deborah Paley and Marjolaine Whittlesey. Art and action against climate change; what more do you want Portland? | FREE | 7:00pm | SPACE Gallery, 538 Congress St., Portland | http://www.space538.org

TUESDAY, March 29

Under the Influence with Amulus and Skosh | This revolving door of local musical offerings continues to spin; this week, with the jamband from Dover New Hampshire, Amulus and the Phish-inspired, rock-country-folk quartet from Buckfield, Skosh. These guys take their music seriously, but they don’t take themselves too seriously. Meaning, they’re always smiling and having fun on stage, exhibiting real passion, that translates to a better time for the audience. For Amulus’ guitarist Max Chase, that means a lot of ferocity and improvisation. “Folks new to the Amulus audience can expect intricate original compositions complemented by melodic guitar and keyboard fueled improvisations contrasted with sections of atmospheric beauty,” said Chase. “There’s a new song list every night making each performance a unique, high energy experience for the listeners.” Skosh meanwhile literally means, “a little bit,” so expect a little bit of everything from these genre-defiers. “The feeling of playing rock and roll music to a crowd is unmatched,” said Jed R. Allen, the drummer and vocalist for Skosh. “In short we play rock and roll music because it feels good. Integrate some funk into that rock and it feels REAL good. We play this kind of music because it makes people (including ourselves) want to move and have a release. In terms of live improvisation we enjoy jamming because it gives us an outlet to keep our show fresh for ourselves and our audience.” On top of original sets, expect some covers of Frank Zappa, the Grateful Dead, Pink Floyd and Parliament. | $5 | 9:00pm | Portland House of Music, 25 Temple St., Portland | http://www.portlandhouseofmusic.com/ |

WEDNESDAY, March 30

Colin Woodard presents his new book: American Character | You should read this fascinating new take on our history. It’s by Portland’s own Colin Woodard, who continuously writes about State and National Affairs for the Press Herald. The book meticulously examines the history of and solutions to the key American question: How do we best reconcile individual liberty with the maintenance of a free society? The author himself will talk about and sign this new book, that takes readers on a 400-year old journey of struggle, success and experimentation, when trying to find the balance between individual rights and the good of the community. It’s an educational non-fiction read, that engages, questions and flows like a gripping narrative. | FREE | 5:30pm | Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Square, Portland | https://www.portlandlibrary.com/

THURSDAY, March 31

Rising Appalachia with Max Garcia Conover | Rising Appalachia are two sisters: Leah and Chloe, who “tear into sound with sensual prowess as stages ignite.” They both have beautiful, charismatic and distinctly different voices. Their Southern-styled harmonies might make you melt. Their strong poetic vocals are backed up fully by, banjos, fiddles, drum beats and kalimbas. They’ll pair well with local modern folk artist Max Garcia Conover who has been writing, recording and sharing a new song every week, so you’re probably familiar with this one-man band. His finger-style guitar picking skills aren’t to be trifled with and his captivating voice tells wonderful stories. This night’s shaping up to be one filled with emotions, poignancy and voices as sweet as sugar. Don’t catch feelings. | $18 | 8:00pm | Port City Music Hall, 504 Congress St., Portland | http://www.portcitymusichall.com

The Subdudes with the Tone Kings | They’re old, but they’re good. Over the course of 25 years and 10 albums, the Subdudes have quietly become one of America’s national music treasures. And it’s because they embody the American music values so well. Many classic genres bubble to the surface in their vibrant cauldron of sounds. From meaty grooves, and jazzy dynamics, to R&B swagger, a folky attitude and a roots rock guitar lines, the Subdudes are a slice of musical Americana. Is it a surprise that they’re coming from New Orleans? You haven’t heard swamp pop like this. Or you might have never heard swamp pop at all. The special guests for this show are Portland’s soulful six, the Tone Kings, who perform with a little funk and a lot of balls. | $35 | 7:00pm | Portland House of Music, 25 Temple St., Portland | http://www.portlandhouseofmusic.com

THURSDAY, March 31

Portland Trails just got their own beer | It seems like a true badge of honor in this town is when a local brewer decides to craft a beer in your honor. East Bayside brewers did just that, to Portland Trails, a conservation group that maintains over 80 miles of forested walking/hiking trails in the greater Portland area. Now there’s a special English Pale Ale you can take with you on walks (but use common sense on public trails or tote along a discreetly hidden flask)! But first come try and see if you like the taste. Celebrate the 25th anniversary of Portland Trails, and sample the new Portland Trails Ale. Collaboration never tasted so good. | FREE | 5:00pm | Oxbow Blending and Bottling, 49 Washington Ave., Portland | http://trails.org/event/east-bayside-birthday-brew-release/

Muddy Ruckus and friends at Blue | Portland’s darkly inventive Americana band, Muddy Ruckus will play an intimate set with Jonathan Blakeslee of The Look Backs and Dan Blakeslee of Dan Blakeslee and the Calabash Club. Expect some haunting harmonies, toe stomping, rootsy guitar sounds and edgy percussion out of these suitcase rockers. The fun starts at 7:00 pm, but you’ll have to stick around until 10:00 pm to hear Muddy Ruckus perform. | FREE | 7:00pm | Blue, 650 Congress St., Portland | http://portcityblue.com/

FRIDAY, April 1

Darlingside followed by David Wax Museum | Made up of the charismatic Missourian David Wax and the Southern Belle, Suz Slezak, David Wax Museum has been combining cross-cultural influences and heartfelt poetry into their music for many years now. You might be familiar with their original vision of blending Mexican and American folk. However things have changed a bit with their new album, Guesthouse. The Mexican influences are still there, but David Wax Museum is drifting into indie rock territory, which certainly isn’t a bad thing. “I have felt frustrated by the limitations of the folk genre and audience and we have found that our hearts feel most shaken and the band fires on all cylinders when we’re putting on a rock show,” said Wax. “We’ve colored the record and our live shows with synthesizers and electric guitars.” The four distinct and retro-pop tinged voices of Darlingside members, will headline this show. | $15 | 8:00pm | Port City Music Hall, 504 Congress St., Portland | http://www.portcitymusichall.com |

Leveret, Jeff Beam and Madaila | My skills in Clairvoyance are telling me this show is going to be one you’ll want to drink to, think to and dance to. It’s easy to daydream when the one-man-odyssey Jeff Beam gets on the stage and unleashes his colorful textures and observations on humanity. His soundscapes are always a welcome escape. Joining him is the shoegaze quartet Leveret, who perform loud-n-sweaty rock, with a complex electronic twist. You’ll want to get Unclothed. In a similar vein, stands the pop juggernaut Madaila, a five-piece prepared to expose the audience to a dark and ornate side to pop music. You won’t want to rest. | $5 | 9:00pm | Empire, 575 Congress St., Portland | http://portlandempire.com/

A very heavy April Fool’s party | This headbanger’s ball is hardly a joke. Your neck will hurt. Your eyes will water. Your throat will ache, and you’ll likely piss beer. It sounds like just another night at Geno’s, but this one’s extra special. Seven heavy rock bands from around the area are set to explode. Here’s the lineup: the '90s MTV cult metal band Green Jello, the primate thrashers Cryptid Slaughter, Lewiston’s death metal group Ripfence, Poland’s Ascent to Power, the surf punks Tsunamibots, the midcoast sleaze-punks Crack-Head Mikes and the alt rock band Torn in Two. “Live, we like to keep it no bullshit,” said Matt Desrosiers from Ripfence. “The bottom line is, we love to play music and we put 100 percent into it.” Well, what more can be said. | FREE | 6:00pm | Geno’s Rock Club, 625 Congress St., Portland | https://www.facebook.com/Genos-Rock-Club-106415422773796/

SATURDAY, April 2

Strange bands at Strange Maine | People have been cramming in Strange Maine’s limited floor space to appreciate fringe bands, since the old school, record/book/video game shop opened almost 20 years ago. This week they’re hosting the angsty, spacey improv trio of Portland’s grumps, 3D Jet Scooter. Preggy Peggy is coming up for Boson to perform as well and do some weird stuff with her voice. The alluring dissonance of the Asthmatic rounds out this off-beat bill, by providing the attitude of a 1920s flapper with her signature high-pitched vocals backed with blaring strings. | FREE | 7:00pm | Strange Maine, 578 Congress St., Portland | http://www.kraag.org/strange/

Five of the Eyes, with Long Time and the Jon King Band | It’s hard not to go to a Five of the Eyes show and not get their pleasingly predictable single, “Nacreous Cloud,” stuck in your head. Darrell Foster really delivers in that memorable hook, “Is the universe against my thoughts.” Yet bandmates are still searching for their signature sound and agree that they could overall improve with the flow of their arrangements. “We could really spend some time making the disk its own entity as a whole and not just a compilation of individual songs,” said Foster, reflecting on the release of their album Hierophantasm. “Our next EP will still be self recorded/self produced, but instead of individual tracking like we did with the last two disks, we'll be looking at capturing live takes to give them album more of that "loose feel.” Joining these progressive rockers will be the laid back sultry vibes of the Jon King Band and the straight blues rock of Massachusetts outfit, Long Time. | $12 | 8:00pm | Portland House of Music, 25 Temple St., Portland | http://www.portlandhouseofmusic.com

Pro wrestling themed local laughs | Comedians are calling this night, the biggest night in local laughs. It’s the third annual, Laugh O’Mania, with sets by the whimsical Katie Ferreira, the one line maestro Josh Day, the musical comedy prowess Aimee Poulin and the ridiculously self-deprecating Connor McGrath. “I think what makes it so popular is it has a vibe unlike any other show in Portland,” said McGrath. “We offer something that nobody really else does. It's a unique atmosphere.” | FREE | 8:00pm | Asylum, 121 Center St., Portland | https://www.facebook.com/events/498985643624581/

Robert Stillman with Glass Ghost | Robert Stillman is a true Maine-bred virtuoso. Take a preview of his newest album, Rainbow and you’ll be inundated with a rich variety of styles and influences. His music describes life and personal experiences with birth, death, love and learning through a changing musical landscape. Some sounds on the album can be as varied as “Brazilian psychedelia, the uninhibited poetics of Ornette Coleman, the Social Music of Harry Smiths Folkways anthology with the early electronic Klangstudie of Herbert Eimert.” The “weird and mournful, yet highly rhythmic,” Glass Ghost will be backing Robert Stillman, in addition to performing a set of their own. | $12 | 8:00pm | SPACE Gallery, 538 Congress St., Portland | http://www.space538.org

SUNDAY, April 3

River of Fundament at the PMA | This film is definitely “out there,” but in a good way. Set across the American landscape, River of Fundament is an epic story about regeneration and rebirth. It follows an Ancient Egyptian who sought reincarnation three times and whose soul is underwent a journey toward a new life. The film’s also part opera, with scenes from 3 live shows in Los Angeles peppered throughout. If you can sit through it’s exhaustive runtime and elaborate metaphors, you’ll be rewarded by this ambitious piece of uncompromising art.

| $8 | 11:30am | Portland Museum of Art, 7 Congress Square, Portland | http://www.portlandmuseum.org

Barnstormers Festival — Portland Edition | This might just be the biggest art event of the week. On top of a bunch of homemade goods and creative wares from Portland’s artisans, The Barnstormer’s Festival also features an impressive lineup of local musicians. Let’s gloss over all the talent: the electro-pop-rock jams of Leveret, the sultry jazz sounds of Lisa/Liza, the euphoric, high energy trio, Yellotuth, the acoustic artist Tsula, the poetic folk musician Slow Coyote, Portland’s new genre-benders the Noonday Crawlers, the heavy rock trio, Rigor Samsa, the unique blend of punk, rock and folk from ‘M OK, the avant garde, indie folk rhythms of Family Planning, the hard-hitting rock riffs of the Port City Saints and finally the soul-melting, body rocking funk from The Trichomes. It’s clearly going to be a plethora of interesting sounds. | $12 | 2:00pm | Portland House of Music and Events, 25 Temple St., Portland | http://www.portlandhouseofmusic.com/

A showcase from the Theatre Ensemble of Color | Once a week for the past nine weeks, twelve artists of varying professional and ethnic backgrounds, have been workshopping their ideas, impulses, gestures, written works, insecurities, socioeconomic histories, cultural differences, physical aptitudes, educational fortitudes, intrinsic needs and individual appetites. This showcase from the Theatre Ensemble of Color, will introduce audiences to fresh faces in our artistic community. “We are honored to host the Theatre Ensemble of Color,” said Blaine McGough from Mayo Street Arts. “Rene Johnson, the theatre’s founder and director, is a visionary artist whose energy fuels an innovative approach to empowering people and actors of color, at a truly critical time in our city and culture.” | FREE | 2:00pm | Mayo Street Arts, 10 Mayo St., Portland | http://mayostreetarts.org/

MONDAY, April 4

Maine Inside Out presents: Myles Robert Bullen | Local Sprouts is hosting exactly the type of show you’d expect in their cozy, homely space: an intimate acoustic show with a local storyteller. Myles Bullen, a professional musician, yoga teacher and performance poet will be there hosting an open mic and, naturally, telling his own stories through song. You’ll be able to get an idea of what the tracks off his upcoming album, Every Flower in the Meadow Belongs are like, and learn of his experience at Maine Inside Out, a group that collaborates with incarcerated youth to create and share original theatre and music. Bullen’s music carries with it threads from his past, and poignant messages about the future. “After several sessions with these kids from Maine Inside Out, I shared with them about how I used to be addicted to pills, lived in a homeless shelter, had a violent childhood,” said Bullen. “My eyes opened to how I can dig deeper into where I came from, and relate that to where I am now to hopefully encourage those who are struggling to keep moving forward, and that things will get better.” | FREE | 7:00pm | Local Sprouts, 649 Congress St., Portland | http://www.localsproutscooperative.com/

Good wine for a great cause | Almost 700 people expressed interest in this Cancer Community Center fundraiser online, and it’s easy to tell why. It’s a pretty good deal considering one gets the chance to sample over 25 different wines from all over the world, provided by the South Portland Wine Company. People love that ancient and iconic libation. Also, people love the feeling of having done something good or meaningful. You’ll get that desire granted, right after you pay the door fee. Drink up! | $35 | 5:00pm | Grace, 15 Chestnut St., Portland | https://www.facebook.com/events/555874331227673/

TUESDAY, April 5

Lucy Daucus, Lisa/Liza and Butcher Boy | If you’re looking for a laid-back, chill night, with just a tinge of emotional turmoil and melancholy, than this is the concert for you. Lucy Daucus, from Richmond, will “talk-sing” heartfelt stories in the indie-folk-rock style. She’s got a soft, sturdy, hardly-stressed kind of a voice, that makes for a peaceful set. Lisa/Liza will be there performing a similar kind of sound, though I’d say her voice is more dynamic and interesting. The experimental soundscape masters, Butcher Boy will be there, too, perhaps offering snippets of what they recorded last November in Montreal. However, this may be the last time I refer to them as “Butcher Boy,” because the bandmates are going to ditch the name soon and debut as something new. According to them, the sour name brought with it too many negative connotations, which isn’t what their band is all about. | $10 | 7:00pm | One Longfellow Square, 181 State St., Portland | http://www.onelongfellowsquare.com/

Under the Influence with Akela Moon and Monarck Lisa | You’re damn right Under the Influence is keeping the party going through the changing season. April’s first show includes the 10-piece, female-fronted indie-pop group Monarck Lisa and the funk, hip-hop, afro beat fusion group, Akela Moon. Maine’s crowds are tough to get dancing, but I think these two groups won’t have trouble. It’s hard not to feel welcome, happy and comfortable in your own skin when Akela Moon’s on the stage. “We have nurtured an atmosphere of positivity and inclusion, which extends to our live show,” said Justin Brown a friend of the bandmates. “People attending can expect an eclectic mix of sounds, humor, and an emphasis on audience participation — in other words, be prepared to stand up and clap your hands to a 2-3 Cuban clave pattern with us!” The organic grooves of Monarck Lisa can easily get the party started too. “We are all about bringing the fun at our live shows,” said DD Sweet, from Monarck Lisa. “The band is a 10-piece with horns and a percussionist, so there's plenty going on on stage at any given moment.” | $5 | 9:00pm | Portland House of Music, 25 Temple St., Portland | http://www.portlandhouseofmusic.com/

WEDNESDAY, April 6

Boozical Theatre Night: The Women of Broadway | It’s nominated in our very own Best Of poll for best open mic night portion, and there’s a reason: It’s highly entertaining. Every event is different at the Boozical Theatre Night, but here are the commonalities: trivia with prizes, musical themed cocktails and an open mic/piano bar. This month’s theme for the featured performances is: The Women of Broadway and only includes songs composed or sung by women. Bring out your inner performer, or just sit back and enjoy others, while they attempt to channel the sizzle and spice of Broadway, right here in Portland. | FREE | 8:00pm | Flask Lounge, 117 Spring St., Portland | https://www.facebook.com/events/1115267571826675/

Booker’s Point Book Launch | Not to toot our own horn here, but our very own theatre reviewer, Megan Grumbling flexes a lot of creative/writing muscles. She also serves as a mentor at The Telling Room and teaches at Southern Maine Community College and the University of New England. It’s very safe to say that she’s gifted with a pen, or I guess, computer keys. Gather with Grumbling, as she launches her new poetry collection, Booker’s Point, which recently won the Vasser Miller Prize in Poetry. Evoking mediations of home, work, nature and elders, Grumbling weaves a compelling story, while also teaching reader the importance of one’s place and roots. An immersive video installation of the book’s setting around Ell Pond, will accompany Grumbling’s reading. | FREE | 7:00pm | SPACE Gallery, 538 Congress St., Portland | http://www.space538.org

THURSDAY, April 7

Gina Alibrio with the Nat Osborn Band | Portland’s sucked in another musician from away, inside its creative force field. A New Hampshire native and former Seattle resident, Gina Alibrio, a talented vocalist and songwriter, is now a local and gives voice lessons at the Midcoast School of Music. She’ll be performing alongside the old-school soul, funk and indie-rock tunes of the seven-piece, Nat Osborn Band. These rockers from Brooklyn, just got back from a European tour but aren’t letting up the onslaught of their intelligent verses and undeniable funkiness. | $6 | 8:00pm | Portland House of Music, 25 Temple St., Portland | http://www.portlandhouseofmusic.com

A Poland Street Party | You’re not really a true connoisseur of Portland’s music scene unless you’ve been to a Poland Street show. It’s like a rite of passage. It’s perhaps the most appropriate place in town to listen to hip hop and basement rock. Nestled underneath the apartment of a group of chill dudes is a basement where underground music thrives. This week, here’s who’ll be growling under there: the experimental harsh noise maker, Peter J. Woods, the abstract storyteller Gerritt Wittmer, the incredible verse spitter, IDM Theft Able and the modular somber-drone outlet of a Rare Storms. In one way or another, this night will make you assess your place in the universe. | $3-12 | 7:00pm | Poland Street House, 26 Poland St., Portland | https://www.facebook.com/events/2319894408207574/ |

THURSDAY, April 7

Kith and Kin opening at the Mayo Street Arts | A new exhibit is opening that aims to explore the themes of family, home, loss and connection; hence the name, Kith and Kin. All three of the featured artists — whose names are, Alicia Ethridge, Maggie Muth and Manasse Shingiro — have created multimedia pieces that harken back to our roots; when our entire world was family. Through art, you’ll witness their personal experiences. Here’s what the program associate Erika Clark-Jensen had to say about the exhibition: “Manasse’s fine drawings and paintings reflect growth as a self taught artist who survived the Rwandan genocide. Maggie’s stitched letters and story textiles are a unique means of expression illustrating thoughts about the past and family. Alicia Ethridge's beautiful abstract paintings express deep personal meaning around feelings of family and survival.” | FREE | 6:00pm | Mayo Street Arts, 10 Mayo St., Portland | http://mayostreetarts.org/

Glitterati 2016 | This glittery, black tie affair is all about honoring Portland’s writers. This annual sparking literary ball will be your chance to polish your party shoes, mingle with some serious creatives, snack on some fancy apps and learn about the Young Writers and Leaders Program. At the end of the night, attendees will see who gets to take home the “Red Buoy Award,” that is given each year to “Telling Room Champions.” You’re cordially invited, to support young writers in Maine. And the tickets aren’t cheap, but then again, neither is good art. | $100 | 6:00pm | The Westin Hotel, 157 High St., Portland | www.glitterati2016.com |

FRIDAY, April 8

Puscifer returns to the ring | They’re weird and crude, but that’s why people love them. I’m talking about the brainchild of Maynard James Keenan, Puscifer, who’ll be coming to town for round two of their Money $hot tour. You might know the frontman as the lead vocalist for Tool. Well, Puscifer is basically Keenan’s creative subconscious, as he’s the only permanent member. He’s described the alternative rock, post industrial, trip hop experimental band as a “playground for the voices inside my head.” Watch this electro-groove artist wrestle with his demons on stage and usher us into the “Idiocracy” age. | $49 | 8:00pm | Merrill Auditorium, 20 Myrtle St., Portland | https://puscifer.com/

The Awesome brings the '80s back | If you’re the type of music consumer that craves familiarity and nostalgia, then The Awesome will be immensely satisfying. They’ll basically transport you back to the '80s through impressive covers of Michael Jackson, Cyndi Lauper, Duran Duran, INXS, Mr. Mister and Nu Shooz, just to name a few. Despite playing songs we’ve heard plenty of times before, these seasoned musicians will still deliver an authentic live-show experience, because they play with an extreme amount of passion and enthusiasm. “We certainly go for as much 'radio hit' recreation as possible, though once in awhile we add some of our own flare to spice up a solo or a song ending here and there,” said Jennywren Walker, who sings vocals. “We really feed off the crowd's energy, and as a band we absolutely love it when we finish the night sweaty and smiling.” | $8 | 8:00pm | Portland House of Music, 25 Temple St., Portland | http://www.portlandhouseofmusic.com/event/the-awesome-5/

A lineup of folk-laden black metal | SPACE Gallery is primed to see Maine’s sonic wanderers Falls of Rauros and Ada (formerly Butcher Boy) meet the Texan heavy experimentalists Krigsgrav and Giant of the Mountain. With such a bill, here’s what to expect from the show: resplendent melodicism, spanning black metal, shoe-gaze, shredding solos, eclectic influences, technical complexity and atmospheric waves of doom and death. For Elliot McInnis, the guitarist at Ada, live shows aren’t about the money made, it’s about the connections forged. “I rather value the reactions I get from specific people and the things people say our music brings them, or places it takes them,” said McInnis. “We all work very hard to create something new.” | $8 | 8:30pm | SPACE Gallery, 538 Congress St., Portland | http://www.space538.org/events/falls-rauros-krigsgrav-giant-mountain-and-butcher-boy

Back to Boru with Gorilla Finger | Portland’s Gorilla Finger Dub Band love Brian Boru and they’re set to fill the bar with positive waves and reggae-soaked vibes. If you like Sublime’s “Badfish,” then you’ll definitely enjoy this blend of reggae-influenced rock. “We like playing this genre because the music is a medium for spreading good vibes and a righteous message,” said Chris, the guitarist and vocalist. “We started the band because the bassist heard the vocalist busking and performing in Portland and knew he should have a group.” | FREE | 9:00pm | Brian Boru, 57 Center St., Portland | https://www.facebook.com/events/1676558762606660/

SATURDAY, April 9

A sultry and dynamic show at PHOME | This concert’s main draw is the irresistibly smooth and enchanting style of the vocalists leading it. The Vermont octet, Kat Wright and the Indomitable Soul Band, is led by, you guessed it, Kat. You’re probably aware she’s got an amazing voice; an emotive one that’s been described as “a young Bonnie Raitt meets Amy Winehouse.” And when those nuanced pipes are backed by generous portions of keys, saxophone, trumpets and a soulful drum n bass? It becomes retro-soul at its finest. The special guests for this show are Portland’s own, Armies, a duet comprised of Dave Gutter and Anna Lombard. But again, I don’t even need to tell you, how charismatic and engaging their collective voices are, do I? | $10 | 8:00pm | Portland House of Music and Events, 25 Temple St., Portland | http://www.portlandhouseofmusic.com/

DANCE/OR/PERFORMANCE | This unique dance work examines what comes first in creative and life partnerships. It tackles life's big questions; you know like “chicken or the egg,” kind of questions. What are the internal processes of artists and how do they battle their own identities? The work is by Hadar Ahuvia and it’s called Joy Vey, a spiritual and ideological examination of identity and the concept of nationality. It’s hard to judge what this show’s going to be like from some Youtube clips and blurby write-ups, so we’ll have to all experience it for ourselves and report back. | $10 | 8:00pm | SPACE Gallery, 538 Congress St., Portland | http://www.space538.org/

Kris Rodgers performs with his Dirty Gems | This show is a steal when you consider the trifecta of British invasion rock, garage rock and '70s-styled rock, that will fill your ears once you climb the stairs at Empire. Inspired by the rock legends of the past decades, Kris Rodger’s and the Dirty Gems play an engaging rock set, with phenomenal keyboarding parts and catchy choruses. So do Philadelphia’s band Soraia. They’re bursting with raw, frenetic energy. The Connection, hailing from Portsmouth, will also be there with an unrelenting amount of swagger filled, British-pop tinged, rock-n-roll to unleash. | $7 | 9:30pm | Empire, 575 Congress St., Portland | http://portlandempire.com/ |

SUNDAY, April 10

WMPG’S 12th annual fashion show | From formal wear and traditional garbs, to hipster wear and upcycled clothes, you’ll never know what type of fashion will appear on WMPG’s runway. According to the artistic director, Cindy Flanders, this years show features everything from formal attire to streetwear and everything in between. Accessory pieces and jewelry will also be featured. This night’s clearly dedicated to wearable art. Like Astrea Charlett’s work; a line of clothing that combines spring and steampunk with a tribal-belly dancing kind of look. On top of the well dressed models, the show will feature entertainment by Alexis Powers and flow art performers that will use hoops, fans and wands for dazzling visual effects. Join the fun and support art and community radio! | $12 | 7:00pm | Port City Music Hall, 504 Congress St., Portland | http://www.portcitymusichall.com/

Peek into the South African jazz scene | Uhadi, comprised of McCoy Mrubata on the saxophone, Feya Faku on the trumpet, Paul Hanmer on the piano, Herbie Tsoaeli on bass and Justin Badenhorst on the drums, is an all-star group of South African jazz musicians. After an extensive stint touring on three continents, it’s safe to say that these musicians know how to channel some Johannesburg Jazz vibes, with their incredible vocal dexterity, and authentic nods to the genre's history. | $15 | 7:00pm | Corthell Concert Hall, 37 College Ave., Gorham | https://usm.maine.edu/music

MONDAY, April 11

It wouldn’t be Monday without original hip-hop | Things are heating up at Maine’s weekly showcase of original hip hop. This time, national act Cody Pope is stopping by the Monday of the Minds showcase, to continue his search for love and human decency in all the wrong places. He takes the gut-wrenching aspects of his life and turns them into captivating sonic material. He constantly works to understand musical integrity, while simultaneously drawing from influences like The Beatles, Outkast, J Dilla, The Roots and The Pixies. “I feel my music has a raw, unapologetic, and yet deeply meaningful and sincere tact to what is being said,” said Pope. “I try to respect the art of lyricism and realize that being an artist is an incredible opportunity. The end intention is always to connect with people who don't know how or don't see the possibility of using life's darkness to become better and more knowledgeable than the day before.” But Pope isn’t the only one spittin’ stories on this night. New Hampshire’s Stevie Cash and Jamal Cooley are set to debut some new material, as well as Portland’s own GVTTER. Come see what Vatican Life is all about. | FREE | 9:00pm | Flask Lounge, 117 Spring St., Portland | http://flasklounge.com/

TUESDAY, April 12

Heavy rock from the American South and Norway | This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime show opportunity. I mean when was the last time you say a heavy rock band from Scandinavia? After over 500 shows on four continents, Kvelertak is ready for Maine. Are we ready for them? They’ve been labeled as one of the best Norwegian bands of all time. You’ll love their commanding stage presence and mastery over intense grooves, but you won’t understand them! They’ll still be rocking out in Norwegian. For those that prefer their rockers screaming in English, Miami’s Torche will be there, slaying a set of stoner pop and thunder rock. Also on the bill is psychedelic rock band Wild Throne, who defy stereotypes. They’re not the sludgy, angsty, heavy cloud of doom and gloom you’d expect from a metal band hailing from the wet forests of the Pacific Northwest. They’re much more complex. Expect the unexpected and say goodbye to eardrum integrity. | $18 | 7:30pm | Port City Music Hall, 504 Congress St., Portland | http://www.portcitymusichall.com/

The next Americana celebrity, right here in Portland | Are you a fan of folk-tinged pop that’s filled with as much sweetness as there is sadness? Sounds that evoke old memories through warm waves of feathery guitar licks, wisps of a fiddle and the hauntingly beautiful voice of the lead singer, await you at this Aoife O’Donovan show. She’ll ease you into a moody state with a showcase of her second album, In the Magic Hour. Written in the wake of O’Donovan’s grandfather’s death, that 10-song collection has been described as full of the singer’s honeyed vocals mixed with gauzy, frictionless sounds: splashing cymbals, airy harmonies and the leisurely baritone musings of an electric guitar.” Joining O’Donovan is the elegantly celestial, breath-stealing voice of songwriter Cassandra Jenkins. It’s time to be swooned. | $25 | 8:00pm | One Longfellow Square, 181 State St., Portland | https://onelongfellowsquare.com

WEDNESDAY, April 13

Between the Buried & Me light up the State Theatre | The avant-garde metal group Between the Buried and Me has been described as beautiful, amazing and complicated. One thing’s for sure about them, they’re technical wizards. When they’re not evoking auditory memories of the Smashing Pumpkins and Pantera, they’re simply knocking you off your feet with a chaotic, ever-changing blend of death metal growls and thick guitar riffs. Sharing the stage on this night is the ferociously empowering metalcore band August Burns Red and inventive jam makers Good Tiger. | $30 | 6:30pm | State Theatre, 609 Congress St., Portland | http://www.statetheatreportland.com

Think and drink about unequal citizenry | Using art, activism and a thoughtful lens aimed at gender and sex, the Telling Room is aiming to explore issues surrounding the idea of “citizenship.” First things first: a discussion! Brittany Lewis, a specialist in Black feminist theory, and professor of Women and Gender studies at Bowdoin college, will pair up with a Sarah Schindler, a professor of Law at the University of Maine to lead an insightful discussion on what it means to be an “unequal citizen.” From the first designs, American citizenry was profoundly unequal. Despite the Emancipation and Reconstruction, inequality continues to persist, deep within our institutions. Most of us carry thickly rooted misconceptions about this topic. It’s time to banish them away with truth and educational conversation. | FREE | 6:30pm | SPACE Gallery, 538 Congress St., Portland | https://mainehumanities.org/think-drink-portland-2016/

Myles Bullen at Dogfish | Described as “colorful auras walking into dark places,” Myles Bullen is one of Portland’s premier performance poets. He’s more than just a rapper. He’s a guiding light through foggy waters, a breath of fresh air in a toxic storm. Drawing from his experiences working with imprisoned youth, homeless and drug addled souls, Myles Bullen is a beatbox poet well versed in the art of impactful storytelling. His verses won’t be all gloomy though. Combining humor, a warm smile and an undeniable sense of charisma, Bullen and his rhymes carry a sense of hopefulness and illumination. Don’t miss this introspective hip-hop show, in a very laid back environment. | FREE | 8:00pm | The Dogfish Bar and Grille, 128 Free St., Portland | http://thedogfishcompany.com/

THURSDAY, April 14

A thumpin’ benefit concert for Maine Inside Out | Have you heard of Maine Inside Out? The incredibly important organization gathers artistic imprisoned youth together to engage the community in dialogue about incarceration-related issues. Using the tool of theatre, they break down barriers. But they constantly need help with funding. This concert, featuring Greg Jamie (from O’Death), GREEF (from Butcher Boy) and The Veazies, will help drum up some interest and cash. “The program is crucial for a consciousness change to happen within the society we live in today,” said Noah Brock, one of the organizers. “Incarceration is a huge problem in this country and is rarely dealt with through positive means when America's youth are the offenders. This program I feel is a filter system to stop recidivism and give these kids a chance to have a voice.” So bring your own beer and hear them out. | $5 | 7:00pm | The Art Department, 611 Congress St., Portland | http://www.theartdepartment.me/

WCLZ presents Ryan Montbleau | Folk, blues and Americana master, Ryan Montbleau has learned a lot since he first picked up a guitar and a songwriting pen at the age of 9. It took him a while to find a sonic identity and even longer to write anything of worth, but since 2013, Montbleau has become a poignant, versatile and skilled musician. Experience the passionate energy this Boston act can bring to the stage and bask in the wondrous feelings that music can evoke, when its creators never give up. “As you continue your life as a songwriter and performer, you learn your limitations and grow into them,” Montbleau explained. “You learn how to push yourself to write lyrics that get as close to what you want to say as possible, or to find the right music to say it with, or to sing in a way that really carries the message in your heart. That’s where I feel like I’ve arrived today, and I’m excited to find out where I’m going next.” | $18 | 8:00pm | Port City Music Hall, 504 Congress St., Portland | http://www.portcitymusichall.com

Thursday, April 14

From This Day Forward: A Trans Love Story | Picture this. You’re a heterosexual woman, who’s happily married. You share a daughter with your husband. Then one day, your husband decides to change his gender and become a woman. What happens to your own sexual identity? If you’ve fallen in love with a man, do you stay in love with that person when he becomes a she? As a straight woman, do you walk down the street holding hands with another woman? “From This Day Forward,” is a fascinating look at transitioning into transgenderism. The film evolves into an exploration of love and acceptance in the modern American family. How do families stay together, when external forces are pulling them apart? Find out. | $8 | 7:30pm | SPACE Gallery, 538 Congress St., Portland | http://www.space538.org/

Consider the Source with Micromasse | After touring relentlessly, the progressive rock, jazz fusion band Consider the Source, has amassed a small army of fans. From jam-band hippies and rock geeks, to jazz cats and corpse-painted headbangers, their following stretches from California to Israel and features a variety of characters. This NYC trio are a hard act to describe because of their eclectic sound arsenal: African swirls, bone shaking riffs, hypnotic jazz, free-wheeling polyrhythms and booty-clappin beats. They’ve even been dubbed as “sci-fi middle eastern fusion” before. Check out this strikingly worldly musical force. Local musicians making up the traditional-organ-meets-afrobeat group, Micromasse will also be there providing some slick grooves. | $10 | 8:00pm | Portland House of Music and Events, 25 Temple St., Portland | http://www.portlandhouseofmusic.com

Friday, April 15

Exciting times before Record Store Day | If you’re one of those people who doesn’t Torrent their music and actually collects physical bits of media, then go out and meet some like-minded people! If you’ve got a passion for record or CD collecting join Shipyard, Bull Moose and Mark Curdo for their Record Store Day. I’m sure music is an incredibly important part of your life, so go out and share stories about the albums that have really impacted you. Is there a record that really helped shape your life and/or identity? Let it be known!| FREE | 8:00pm | Asylum, 121 Center St., Portland | http://www.portlandasylum.com

Pardon Me Doug returns to Portland | Happiness. Joy. Exhilaration. Victory. Defeat. Sadness. Sorrow. Struggle. Tension. Release. Ecstasy. These are the kind of feelings that the Phish tribute band, Pardon Me Doug, has channeled on stage over the years with their funky rock, folky waves and improvisational grooves. After more than 90 shows together, the members of Pardon Me Doug are more in sync than ever before. They’ve evolved into a self-conscious musical group, with a deep amount of respect for each other, their fans and the music they’re covering. This tight relationship results in incredible growth, trust and confidence, which further translates to a thoroughly wholesome live experience for the audience. “We have magical powers,” said Benny St. Clair, the lead guitarist and vocalist. “We’ve learned how to ebb and flow within the confines of time so that makes us mind sorcerers of sorts.” Come forget about the world, truly chill and get your “phix,” when Pardon Me Doug returns to Portland for their first show since the New Year. | $10 | 9:00pm | Portland House of Music and Events, 25 Temple St., Portland | http://www.portlandhouseofmusic.com

Three quality acts to move your feet | Here’s the lineup that’s going to kick off your weekend the right way. First up is the Boston-based ensemble, The Ghosts of Jupiter, who’ve been impressing audiences with their ability to create music that “is alive in a way that echoes the vibrancy of their ancestors, yet manages to deliver a decidedly modern, smart and sexy sound.” Or so they say. Their psychedelic rock riffs are slowly making them into gritty, cosmic legends. These Wild Plains will bring you back down to Earth, with their country rock charisma. When you hear their ‘70s Nashville-esque harmonies, you’ll be surprised to learn they hail from Boston. Rounding out the bill is Boston’s edgy “sundress rocker,” Sarah Blacker. Her catchphrase? Songs save lives. With her guitar, ukulele, piano and powerhouse set of pipes, Blacker will take you on a bright, groove-oriented, danceable journey. “You’d find yourself drenched in sunshine and hopefully enthralled by a deep groove, soulful lyrics, and a compelling sound that transports you somewhere magical,” said Blacker. “I write songs to make sense of life, and always include lyrics that have helped me to process difficult times.”| $7 | 10:00pm | Empire, 575 Congress St., Portland | http://portlandempire.com/

Melissa Ferrick offers up a new album | Melissa Ferrick is a shining example of a relentlessly hard-working musician. From songwriter, acoustic guitarist, to producer and engineer, Ferrick has worn many hats over the years. Note some highlights from her bio. She knows how to play the violin. She got accepted into the New England Conservatory Youth Orchestra. She’s opened and went on tour with Morrissey. She’s got several well-received albums under her belt, and has been offered deals by three major labels. She’s also an eight-time  Boston Music award winner. Sometime’s one’s experience speaks for itself, and I think it’s safe to say that you’ll be getting your money’s worth, when this prolific, eloquent and unabashedly honest musician takes the stage. | $22 | 8:00pm | One Longfellow Square, 181 State St., Portland | https://onelongfellowsquare.com

Saturday, April 16

Future Classic from Daze Inn | Tired of the same ol’ club bangers and passionless remixes of pop songs? Well, Flask has a dance night planned that’s centered around the freshest batches of future bass, psy dub, neuro-hop and all around electronic madness. From New York City, comes TYGRIS, who’s bound to make the walls shake. Then there’s Orchestrobe, a completely different animal, fed from producing “futuristic tones, fantastical dreamscapes, and synapse tickling, global melodies.” In a world full of electronic artists vying for control of our eardrums and dance craves, Orchestrobe specializes in weird music that confuses your senses. For this electronic artist, originality is key. “I find a balance by constantly recording and finding new sounds to listen to with effects that you get by combining effects, said Taylor Bosse, the brains behind Orchestrobe. “You can’t be original without breaking some rules.” Get swept away by squishy beats and an evocative, ethereal atmosphere. | FREE | 9:00pm | Flask Lounge, 117 Spring St., Portland | http://flasklounge.com/

An all-too rare live appearance at SPACE | The outsider folk legend, Michael Hurley hasn’t stopped transporting audiences into his musical dream world. At 74 years old, he’s as active as ever and is well versed in music theory and atmospheric storytelling. The enigmatic, Brattleboro songsmith, Chris Weisman, will also make an all-too-rare live appearance, on this stream of consciousness folk night, steeped in acoustic, melancholic melodies.  | $15 | 8:30pm | SPACE Gallery, 538 Congress St., Portland | http://www.space538.org

Hootenanny: A shindig at the Fermentory | Here’s what to expect from this party benefiting Bare Portland: a live auction, fermented delights, a bizzaria volunteer performance, and visits from the Good Karmacist. Come mingle, sip on cocktails and support Bare Portland’s continued growth and outdoor production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” | $15 | 5:00pm | Urban Farm Fermentory, 200 Anderson St., Portland | https://www.facebook.com/vents/1665938777004693/

Rock n Roll at a Brewery | Hosting concerts at breweries have really become popular over the past couple years haven’t they? I guess it’s easier to convince audiences into trying a new brew, instead of a new band. If you take the drive down to Biddeford this night, you’ll get a chance to sample both. On the bill are the soon to be extinct, cathartic rock group Old Etc., the loud-n-proud, garage rock group Cool Tara and the indie rock quartet, the Fellow Celebrants. “This is actually our first time playing in a brewery, said Chris Gervais, the lead vocalist. “The brewery shows we’ve attended as guests have been great because they bring in a new audience for the bands that otherwise wouldn’t be venturing into the local music scene.”| $7 | 8:00pm | Banded Horn Brewing, 32 Main St., Biddeford | http://www.bandedhorn.com/ |

Sunday, April 17

Autism awareness with the Portland Sea Dogs | Join the community for the 5th autism awareness game with the Portland Sea Dogs. It’s going to be a normal game of baseball just with accommodations for special needs children, like a team of UNE OT students helping out, a sensory room and a drawing for your autistic child to throw the first pitch. Spring is here; it’s baseball time! | $5 | 1:00pm | Sea Dogs Stadium, Portland | http://www.milb.com/index.jsp?sid=t546

Creative champions at the Stars on Ice show | Headlined by Olympic Ice Dance Gold Medalists, Meryl Davis and Charlie White, and featuring an ensemble of America’s best figure skaters, this show is equipped to dazzle. Stars on Ice is a high-quality, family experience, that really showcases what extreme dedication, practice and control over one’s body can accomplish. Musical performance combines graceful with figure skating in this impressively choreographed showcase of champions. | $25-$75 | 4:00pm | Cross Insurance Arena, 1 Civic Center Sq., Portland | http://www.starsonice.com/

Monday, April 18

A gross pop-up dessert tasting | Alright, obviously I’m not recommending a truly “gross” sampling of food. Maybe I mean it in the sense that you’ll be so full of gluten, sugar and nuts, that you’ll feel gross. Or maybe it’s because Brant Dadaleares is taking over Chef Cara Stadler’s dessert menu at the Dumpling House. Whenever Brant posts a photo of his mouth-watering creations (like espresso-honey ice cream, chocolate boxes or grape slab pie) on Facebook, his friends ironically reply with “gross.” So you can be assured, that this three-course dessert and wine tasting, will be quite literally, the opposite of gross. | $40 | 6:00 pm | Bao Bao Dumpling House, 133 Spring St, Portland | http://www.baobaodumplinghouse.com/

Dance to Cure vs. Smiths at Primary | Portland based disk-flickers DoomsdayJ, Oldnight and Zimbra will be spinning your post-punk favorite hits all nights long. You’ll be moving your feet to one of the longest-running rivalries in UK’s post punk history: The Cure vs. The Smiths. Some attribute the accolade of best indie band of the 80’s to both of these acts. Which one do you like better? Side note: since the lead singer of the Cure is named Robert Smith, this night really should be called “The Battle of the Smiths.” | FREE | 8:00pm | Flask Lounge, 117 Spring St., Portland | https://www.facebook.com/events/202777200066578/

Tuesday, April 19

How To Change The World | The history of Greenpeace is very interesting. Without revealing too much of the organization’s history or the visionary mind of environmental activist Robert Hunter, I’ll just say this: It revolves around a team on a small fishing boat attempting to stop an Alaskan atomic bomb test. You’re aware those tests wreak havoc on our environment right? Through dramatic archival footage, the documentary How to Change the World, will offering compelling insight into the world of early pioneers fighting for Mother Nature’s rights. Some have called this film “thrilling, yet terrifying.” Find out why during a screening of this once untold origin story. | $8 | 7:30pm | SPACE Gallery, 538 Congress St., Portland | http://www.space538.org/

Sounds from the neglected era of country music | Mike Compton and Joe Newberry are unique artists. They perform sounds for an often forgotten musical time period: the formative days of bluegrass, in the ’30s and ’40s. Witness a master on the mandolin and a prize winning banjo player combine forces for a outstandingly sharp interpretation of old timey, fraternal duet music. “With only two voices and two instruments they can break your heart with one song and make you want to shout with joy on the next,” said Leigh Gibson from the bluegrass band, The Gibson Brothers. “Newly written songs sound ancient and their choice of covers seem somehow new.”| $25 | 8:00pm | One Longfellow Square, 181 State St., Portland |  https://onelongfellowsquare.com

They promise a show to remember | Under the Influence, a weekly showcase of acts from in town and away, continues with a night that’s shaping up to be “something that no one has seen before.” Or at least, that’s what hip hop experimenter Max Felker thinks. He’ll be there presenting his new project (co-written with Freddy Dynamite) The World is Wide, which will bring a unique, experimental hip hop sound, paired with a balance of high energy trap and down-tempo vibe beats. Along with striking visuals and cinematic scenes, he’ll explore the pain and struggles we’ve all experience in life. “In Maine, the hip hop scene is somewhat stale and I feel that there are a lot of similar artist making similar music,” Felker wrote to me in an email. “My approach is different — it is modern, edgy and experimental. I am always trying to break barriers and do something new.” Joining him is Sparxsea, a dynamic artist from many different musical worlds. She produces a deep, powerful sound through intricate rock and power-filled pop. “I would describe it as an ever-evolving mix of acoustic warmth, bass beats, indie rock, and the ambience of a classic orchestra. I enjoy an entire spectrum of dynamics,” said Chelsea from Sparxsea. “I love the freedom of being an independent musician and creating without boundaries.”| $5 | 9:00pm | Portland House of Music and Events, 25 Temple St., Portland | http://www.portlandhouseofmusic.com/

The New Mastersounds with Moon Hooch | Funk and soul fans rejoice, because this night’s all about the deliciously greasy jams, cleverly catchy guitar riffs and feel-good grooves of the UK based group, the New Mastersounds. Watch these instrumentalists “perform underwater,” in their wonderfully creative music video “You Mess Me Up.” This concert will also host the unique sound of Moon Hooch, purveyors of sounds described as “like house music but more primitive, jagged and raw.” They’ve earned this description by playing with saxophones and drums sure, but also utilizing cardboard, PVC tubes, traffic cones and whatever seems handy in the moment. They blend old world influences, with drum n bass, house, and classical rhythms for a core sound that transforms into something fresh and new. | $18 | 9:00pm | Port City Music Hall, 504 Congress St, Portland | http://www.portcitymusichall.com

Wednesday, April 20

Earth Day Beer Bash | I’m aware that this day is basically the unofficial marijuana holiday. But instead of sparking one up, why don’t you chug one down? Venture out to the Thirsty Pig and celebrate Earth Day with a bunch of tasty pours. Here are my quick-hit recommendations: the Apostrophe IPA from the Southern Maine Brewing Company, the Maine Malt Blonde from Marsh Island Brewing, the Pilot 2 Rye from Fore River Brewing and the Johnnie Mac Porter from the Orono Brewing Company. Trust me, there’s plenty more where that came from. Portland’s newest soul and blues trio, Bread and Circus, will also be there providing some tunes! | FREE | 4:20pm | The Thirsty Pig, 37 Exchange St., Portland | http://www.thirstypigportland.com/

Thursday, April 21

Potentially a new contra-dance spot | With Sassafras Stomp on the fiddle and Adam Nordell on guitar, feet and mouth, you’ll have no choice but to dance with their concoction of new and old sound waves. It’s kind of the point, during an event that’s meant to gather people of all ages to beta test a new dance location. Bring a partner, because this is contra dancing! It’s a style of dance similar to square dancing, but you form two long lines, instead of a square. It’s quite fun, but not many people know about this gypsy-esque form of folk dance. Try it out? | $10 | 7:00 pm | United Church of Christ, 159 State St, Portland | https://www.facebook.com/events/803570296442318/

Embrace hilarity and nostalgia with this cult classic | You know, going to the movie theatre doesn’t have to be reserved for the latest and greatest blockbusters. You can use the experience to soak in some memories of movies past. Like the cult classic, comedy film Dogma, for instance. Remember that hilarious parody of Christianity? I bet you want to see it again. When that movie came out, we got to see Jay and Silent Bob at their funniest, the height of Ben Affleck and Matt Damon’s bromance and Alan Rickman while he was still alive. Time to relive it and lose our religion all over again. | $8 | 8:00pm | Cinemagic, 183 County Rd, Westbrook | https://www.cinemagicmovies.com |

THURSDAY, April 21

Art with the environment in mind | This is the last day you’ll be able to view the exhibition, “Collective Actions,” which features dramatic and “ugly” aerial images of tar sand pollution and the effects of dirty energy. The interactive project space will be opened up to the public where they can join a screen printing, poster making workshop. It looks like you missed the opportunity to be make your own zine, join a climate change research group, or hear from a panel of environmental artists, but hey, there’s still plenty to learn here. | FREE | 12:00pm | MECA, 522 Congress St., Portland | https://www.meca.edu |

Three bands for three dollars | What a deal, am I right? You’ll likely appease whatever genre craving you’ve got, when these bands perform songs spanning from psychedelic, folk, funk and latin jazz. Who’s on the bill? Just Portland’s own salsa core group El Malo and freakbeat rockers S.S. Cretins. “We rise from the underworld to deliver a low-tech high-energy freaked-out sound that will leave you open minded and sore legged,” said Sam Anderson Patnode from S.S. Cretins. “Bring your dancing shoes and anti-government paranoia and watch as they become one with the universe.” The mystic folk rock band Bong Wish will be there after a journey from Massachusetts; wait until you hear those four, wild, wild women. | $3 | 9:30pm | Empire, 575 Congress St., Portland | http://portlandempire.com/ |

FRIDAY, April 22

Good ol’ SPOSE comes HOME | Maine’s most famous hip-hop artist is returning home after tearing it up in Utah, Colorado, Illinois and Ohio. You’ve probably heard Spose’s fifth and most recent album, Why Am I So Happy? It’s more of the slapstick party rap that you’re used to, but its biggest strength is its impressive amount of local collabos: KgFreeze, Renee Coolbrith, Shane Reis, Lyle Divinsky and Dave Gutter are scattered throughout the album. Is Spose still awesome? You decide at this widely hyped homecoming show. | $13 | 8:00pm | Portland House of Music and Events, 25 Temple St., Portland | http://www.portlandhouseofmusic.com/event/spose-2/ |

The Paris Agreement: What does it mean for Maine? | OK, we’re finally done discussing whether or not climate change is real. We know it’s happening, so what do we do about it? Community leaders will discuss the impact of last year’s climate conference in Paris at the University of Southern Maine. Celebrate Earth Day, by pondering and exploring what environmental sustainability means for Maine, with experts and community leaders like: U.S. Senator Angus King, Dr. Andrew Deutz, the director of international government relations for the Nature Conservancy and Michael Stoddard, the executive director of Efficiency Maine. | FREE | 3:30pm | Hannaford Lecture Hall, 96 Falmouth St., Portland | http://usm.maine.edu |

Tim Shannon, Zak Trojano and Canned Bread at Blue | If you’re looking for a low-key place to have a meal, a drink and simultaneously enjoy live music, it’s time you finally checked out Blue. They routinely host local acts without a cover charge and this week’s no different. The music starts at 6, and lasts all night long. The first act is Tim Shannon, an acoustic singer/songwriter from Windham. Second to the stage is Zak Trojano who navigates a tricky balance between Americana, folk and indie-rock, without sounding like everybody else. Strumming his old Martin guitar, singing naturally, and tapping his foot on a pedal connected to the wooden box he sits on, he’s a one man band. Don’t consider him just a folk artist though, because he said that’s akin to “painting himself in a corner before he’s even built the room.” Canned Bread, a funk quintet from Portland will close out the night with a high energy finish courtesy of their “raging horns, smooth guitar lines and an in the pocket drum and bass connection.” | FREE | 6:00pm | Blue, 650 Congress St., Portland | http://portcityblue.com/ |

SATURDAY, April 23

SeepeopleS come home after their LOVE tour | After over 8,000 miles of road behind them from their “LOVE” tour, SeepeopleS are coming home with a new single, “Shangri La La.” It’s colorful, catchy and fun, but has that subtly dark, tear-your-heart-out underbelly you’d expect from this indie-psych-rock-tronica group. Or as front man Will Bradford puts it: “it’s a little earworm a thing about crushing on someone hard that sounds like a bright sunbeam falling on a colorful bowl of candy.” Hear these eclectic sound-smith veterans play their interesting definition of “LOVE” before they take off again for a string of festivals. “It's always a blast and a challenge to play to new ears, or old ears,” said Will Bradford. “ As far as the "love” part of it goes, I take it as a challenge to tackle the subject.” | $10 | 9:00pm | Empire, 575 Congress St., Portland | http://portlandempire.com/ |

Learn something new at a makers market | Humans have been inventing and experimenting for centuries, so why aren’t you? We are tinkerers; it’s in our DNA. And it’s time that you honored that by learning a new skill from the STEAM fields (science, technology, engineering, arts and math). This all day event will feature activities, workshops and presentations divided into these sections: arts and letters, DIY, food and nature, makerKids, makerTeens and technology and science. The pros from the Open Bench Project will be there. They’ve got an impressive makerspace on Thompson’s Point where they invite the community to build anything from bicycles and computers to drones and robots. For this event, they’re bringing their 3D printer, so you’ll be able to scan yourself and “print” a 3D model of yourself. I always wanted to be an action figure (of sorts)!  | FREE | 10:00am to 5:00pm | Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Sq, Portland | https://www.portlandlibrary.com |

The best shorts from the Bar Harbor Film Festival | The Bar Harbor Film Festival has come and gone; it wrapped up last year. But the Space Gallery is re-screening some of their cutting-edge short films. These innovative works might inspire you to seek out more international cinematic voices when looking for media to consume. Most of these short films, like the life-changing Red Thunder, the surreal Girl and Ghost, the Tokyo love story Oh Lucy and the macabre the House is Innocent, have all won some kind of award. All nine films have a collective running time of only 107 minutes, so I’m sure you’ve got the space in your schedule for these intellectual treats.| $10 | 7:30pm | SPACE Gallery, 538 Congress St., Portland | http://www.barharborfilmfestival.com/ |

SUNDAY, April 24

Your last chance to see this Hamlet reimagining | Compelling. Intense. Delightly ferocious. Visceral. A milestone. Those are some of the words that critics have attached to Maxine Peak’s Hamlet, that’s screening at the PMA all weekend. Ignore the fact that Hamlet is played by a woman in this rendition and you’ve still got a uniquely stylized version of Shakespeare’s most iconic work. I’m confident that you haven’t seen the ultimate story of loyalty, love and betrayal quite like this! It “explodes with big ideas,” and is powerfully acted.| $8 | 11:30am | Portland Museum of Art, 7 Congress Sq, Portland | http://www.portlandmuseum.org |

Urban Earth Day promotes a better tomorrow | If you can’t enjoy nature on Earth Day and you find yourself downtown instead, Congress Square Park is where you’ll get your green holiday fix. The annual Urban Earth Day will be in full swing, all day, with live music, guest speakers, workshops and artisans. The day is meant to be a celebration and an educational opportunity; just because we’re city dwellers doesn’t mean we can’t have a healthy relationship with our natural surroundings. Hear from Mihku Paul, a Wabanaki elder as he opens the celebration with a blessing of the Earth. Dance to the Happy Folk band or the intelligent verses of Myles Bullen. Build a bird feeder. Make a hat out of trash. Plant some seeds. Paint your face. Buy some all natural bug spray. Hoop some hula. Reconnect with your spiritual side. Strike a yoga pose. Respecting the environment sounds like a lot of fun! | FREE | 12:00pm | Congress Square Park, 599 Congress St., Portland | http://www.urbanearthday.info/ |

The Cassandra Effect II, a listening party | Listening parties go down like this: you hang out, order drinks and think about dancing while an album drones on through professional sound equipment. This party’s centered around the most recent work of local David Blais, called The Cassandra Effect II. Now I know next to nothing about this album, but I’ve got to say, the artist’s statement has colored me intrigued. Here’s a snippet: “Throwing away all the rules of traditional music composition and audio engineering, I revisited this fascination [of the world around us] and crafted four recordings that capture and express experience in the slums of Rio de Janeiro, the Central Nervous System of infected insects, a leap of faith off the world’s tallest waterfall, and the practice of divine spiritual healing through the stimulation of a gland located in the center of the human brain,” wrote Blais. “I have never been to South America, but I have dreamt of it; and I welcome you to come transcend to a fantasized version of the continent through art and sound.” | $5 | 7:30pm | Portland House of Music, 25 Temple St., Portland | http://www.portlandhouseofmusic.com/event/david-blais-listening-party/ |

Organic rock-n-roll from The Wild Feathers | Nashville’s The Wild Feathers like to think of themselves as rock-n-roll purists. Before rock got broken up into a million sub-genres, rock-n-roll was just about true emotions, six strings, booming harmonies and the call of the open road. This rock quartet sounds like that: the good ol’ days, but with modern sensibilities. The Wild Feathers are a band “that feels impossibly fresh with the air of having been here all along.” Their sound constantly evolves and draws from country, blues and folk for a “roaring web of warm cosmic melodies.” Their folky love songs are written well. "We make songs that I could never write on my own," wrote Ricky Young, the lead guitarist, "even if I worked from now until I die.” These guys may be laced in '60s and '70s nostalgia, but they’re built for the new millennium.| $18 | 7:00pm | Port City Music Hall, 504 Congress St., Portland | http://www.portcitymusichall.com |

MONDAY, April 25

Light themes and punk vibes at Empire | Three local bands and one from away are set to keep this upstairs space rockin’ all night long. The lineup includes the porch rocker Nesey Gallons, who’s taking a break from his homework to play some ambient tunes and dust off his ol’ costume. Then there’s Buddusky, the two piece punk band from the millscapes of Mexico, Maine, who’ll be debuting a new single called “The Light.” The acoustic, alternative punks Kouros will be there, most likely playing songs from their melancholic third album, Metis. The new guys in town are Gold Light, a rock n roll band from North Carolina, formed around the work of musician and filmmaker Joe Chang. Musically they’re like “Chang hopped into Doc’s Delorean with Marty and 1.21 gigawatted from the New Sound of Chuck Berry’s 1955 to the New Wave/Post Punk of 1985’s The Cure, New Order, or Jesus and Mary Chain. | $5 | 9:00pm | Empire, 575 Congress St., Portland | http://portlandempire.com/ |

TUESDAY, April 26

The mysterious black metal band Absu travels to Maine | The legendary extreme metal trio Absu is making their Maine debut, so get ready for their “magical, majestic and progressive versions of death metal, black metal, thrash, Celtic, folk, jazz fusion, prog-rock, ambient, and psychedelic music.” Yeah, you can already tell what kind of night this is going to be: a supernaturally loud one with esoteric themes and bone-shaking grooves. Joining Absu is the black metal trio Shabti, Portland’s occult outfit Hessian and Maine’s quintet of warped blackened death and blood metal, Feral. | $12 | 7:30pm | SPACE Gallery, 538 Congress St., Portland | http://portlandempire.com/ |

WEDNESDAY, April 27

The outdoor farmer’s market is back! | A surefire sign that we’ve finally loosened ourselves from winter’s cold grasp is the return of Portland’s Farmer’s Market. It’s going to be back and in full swing right in the heart of Portland. Come see what Maine’s farmers have been working on for months and learn about the benefits of organic eating. Here’s what is in season right now: broccoli, artichokes, arugula and asparagus. But, of course, you can expect many more delicious vegetables, fruits and local honey there as well. | FREE | 7:00am to 1:00pm | Monument Square, 1 Monument Way, Portland | http://www.mainefarmersmarkets.org/ |

The Ghosts of Johnson City and friends | You’ll be transported to different times and places when these three talented acts debut some new material. First up are Maine’s musical archeologists, The Ghosts of Johnson City, who create sonic stories that are truly rare, original and important. They take old mountain music, classical melodies, and once forgotten tales from America’s history and turn them into historically haunting original songs. Take their newest tune for instance, “A Drowning At The Stillwater." Frontman Amos Libby, wrote it after hearing how his bandmembers great-grandmother died over 105 years ago: in a cold river snaking through Old Town, Maine. Joining these past channelers, are the bluegrass-Americana players of Dark Hollow Bottling Company and the Texas bred singer/guitarist, Joel Thetford. | $5 | 8:00pm | Empire, 575 Congress St., Portland | http://portlandempire.com/ |

THURSDAY, April 28

A lingerie and underthings fashion show | You’re never too old to party in your underwear. An impressive amount of local business have come together to put on a sexy fashion show that’s meant to explore our collective perspectrum of body, gender and expression. Models will strut their stuff showcasing underthings from M.E.S.H., Etain Boutique, Rocket Erotic, Cat Bates Jewelry and CS Boutique. From sensual to sexual, to playful and confident, this voyeuristic feast will stir up many feelings. | $5 | 7:00pm | Mechanics Hall, 519 Congress St., Portland | http://etainboutique.com/ |

A throwback to simpler times | It’s going to be a party, but leave your suit jacket and dancing shoes at home. Because when GORP throws a get-together, they do it the Maine way. It’s going to be laidback and outdoorsy with a camp-fire, trail snacks, PB&J’s and delicious beverages. Everything Portlanders love will be there: local brews, local food, live music, vintage charm and the great outdoors. Celebrate Portland Trails and the onset of the warmer seasons! | $45 | 5:30pm | Arabica Coffee, 9 Commercial St., Portland | http://trails.org/events/gorp/ |

A Gang of Thieves at HOME | Ready to dance your ass off? Because Burlington’s Gang of Thieves are high-energy funk masters. They cook up a stew of a blood-pumping sounds, thanks to their wide spectrum of influences and workable genres. Drawing from Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sublime, Rage Against the Machine and Led Zeppelin, a Gang of Thieves have the musicianship, the showmanship and the experience to conjure up a very good time. Lewiston’s A Mighty Lion, are the special guests, and they’ll also deliver an onslaught of sonic emotions, tasty tones, skunky rhythms and booty shakin’ beats. | $10 | 8:00pm | Portland House of Music and Events, 25 Temple St., Portland | http://www.portlandhouseofmusic.com/event/gang-of-thieves-2/ |

THURSDAY, April 28

Drink a pint for autism awareness | From the sweet and nutty Scottish Ale, to the snappy, full-bodied Vacationland Ale, you’ve got plenty of seasonal brew options at Gritty’s. And you’ll get a different warm feeling inside from buying a couple pints, because 50 cents of every pint sold is going to benefit Spurwink’s autism services. They help thousands of people in our community, across the autism spectrum disorder, and now you can too, in a small, beer-soaked way. | VARIED | 5:30pm | Gritty McDuff’s, 396 Fore St., Portland | http://grittys.com/ |

Learn about the “banality of evil” | It’s worth your time to learn about the early 20th century philosopher Hannah Arendt. She escaped the Holocaust in Europe and became an American citizen with radical ideas about power politics, direct democracy and totalitarianism. In our crazy world, an understanding of these ideologies can help us sift through the madness. Learn about this fascinating thinker through a spirited documentary that’s more relevant now, than ever. The film will be followed with a discussion between USM philosophy professor Burt Louden and USM political science professor Ron Schmidt. | $8 | 7:30pm | SPACE Gallery, 538 Congress St., Portland | http://www.space538.org/ |

FRIDAY, April 29

MECAmorphosis 2016 | Ready to see some local models strut their stuff, wearing fashions designed by MECA students? This annual spring gala is set to introduce over 100 emerging Maine artists while simultaneously generating the funds needed to educate a new generations of artists. The Runway Fashion Show and pre-party has a hefty price-tag, but take solace in the fact that if you do attend, you’re really helping stimulate Portland’s creative economy. | $75 | 7:00pm | Maine College of Art, 522 Congress St., Portland | https://www.meca.edu/ |

A musical melting pot | Prepare your ears for a style of music you’ve likely never heard before. As part of the International Musical Heritage series, the seven-piece band, Newpoli will transport you to the South of Italy, where a modern love for dance collides with ancient tradition. On their latest album, Nun te Vuta, Newpoli members pound on the tamburello, explode into a contagious rhythm, and display a mastery of a wide variety of classic folk instruments. You’ll find it hard to stay in your seat during this cultural showcase. | $12 | 7:30pm | Mayo Street Arts, 10 Mayo St., Portland | http://mayostreetarts.org/ |

Julianna Barwick joins local Nat Baldwin | Louisiana-bred and Brooklyn-based vocalist Julianna Barwick is returning to SPACE Gallery, to expose audiences to her “other-worldly soundscapes made out of loops and layers of her ethereal voice.” Most of the tracks off her latest Nepenthe begin with a simple church-choir-esque refrain before building up into a “swirling mass of lush ambient folk.” I wonder what looping daydreams she’s cooked up for her latest project Will that’s due to be released next month. Joining Julianna is Portland’s idiosyncratic upright-bass wielding songsmith Nat Baldwin, who’ll perform a set of songs from his two-year-old album In the Hollows. “My sound has always had a driving pulse with the bowed bass, allowing the vocals to float and waver, elasticizing the melodies atop a steady beat,” said Baldwin. “The use of harmonics with the bass creates a wide intervallic and timbral range, a rich contrast against the standard deep bottom. I love the challenge of playing solo, the pressure to present material that feels at once full and complete, while at the same time sparse and stripped of flashy adornments.” | $12 | 8:00pm | SPACE Gallery, 538 Congress St., Portland | http://www.space538.org |

Sidecar radio returns | Is the Portland-based reggae-tinged, garage rock band Sidecar Radio making a comeback? While they may not have plans for a full-fledged reformation, they definitely have some creative irons in the fire. Witness this eight-legged rock juggernaut rise again and call out their ghosts. The moons have aligned and these work-hungry musicians are set for a sonic explosion, back in their hometown. | $12 | 8:00pm | Portland House of Music and Events, 25 Temple St., Portland | http://www.portlandhouseofmusic.com |

SATURDAY, April 30

A plethora of cute animals to play with | Goats! Bunnies! Piglets! Oh my! At the Smiling Hill Farm, you can get your cuddle fix with some adorable barnyard animals. Organizers will unleash over 100 of their animals for you and/or your children to play with. You can also buy some toys, books and games, along with standard farm fare like milk, cheese, yogurt and ice cream. If you’re looking to get out of the city for a bit, here’s the place to unwind. | $6 | 9:00am to 5:00pm | Smiling Hill Farm, 781 County Rd, Westbrook | http://www.smilinghill.com/ |

Spring Harvest with Tribal Seeds | Easy-flowing roots reggae meets thunderous rock-n-roll when California-based Tribal Seeds performs. These award-winning, hard-touring musicians create refreshing, spiritually driven music that’s hard to ignore. Piano and drum master E.N. Young, and the half Jamaican Fear Nuttin Band, will help them spread their collective message of peace and love. With a musical mission of “unify the music, unify the people,” these bands are honest heavy hitters. | $15 | 7:00pm | Port City Music Hall, 504 Congress St., Portland | http://www.portcitymusichall.com/ |

An evening with Purse and Record High | Empire’s had an epic month of hosting local acts, and they’re ending April with Purse’s double album release party. Joining the bash is one of Portland’s hottest up and coming acts, An Evening With and Record High (formerly Brenda); bands that are adept in combining pop melodies with an alternative rock edge. The melodic rock songs these artists can conjure up will move your body and mind. | $6 | 9:30pm | Empire, 575 Congress St., Portland | http://portlandempire.com/ |

Edgy pop songs from Sparks the Rescue | Ready to take a sonic journey back to 2007? Because, although pop-punk band Sparks the Rescue has run out of national steam, they still perform here in Maine and occasionally along the East Coast, reminding audiences that sassy power pop rock can still be fun. Embrace your inner demons and your past musical palette during this melodic rock show at Portland’s favorite Irish Pub. | FREE | 10:00pm | Ri Ra, 72 Commercial St., Portland | https://www.rira.com/portland/ |

SUNDAY, May 1

Swap your bike out, or buy a new one | Spring is often the time where people randomly decide they’re going to get hardcore into cycling. Maybe it’s the warm weather. Maybe it’s the allure of a practical way to get in shape. Maybe cars are just an unecessary money-eating sinkhole. Either way, I’m sucked into the bike craze, too, and will likely attend the Great Maine Bike swap, to trade in my hybrid for a gently used road bike. Go green and buy or trade from a selection of hundreds of bikes: mountain, hybrid, road, cruiser, children’s and recumbents. See you on the side of the road, cyclists! | $3 | 10:00am to 1:00pm | USM Sullivan Gym, 66 Falmouth St., Portland | http://maineswap.com/ |

The May Day Celebration | Join the community for a casual, atmospheric celebration of Spring in Congress Square Park. Grab a bite to eat, soak up some sun and take part in the festivities which include: a bake sale, New England folk dancing, face painting, yoga instruction and live fiddle music from The Violin Movers. Handmade tissue and crepe paper flowers, baskets and May crowns will be given away to the people with the widest smiles. | FREE | 1:00pm to 4:00pm | Congress Square Park, 599 Congress St., Portland | http://congresssquarepark.org/ |

Bass in your face? | Your ears will thank you and your body will wiggle, when they're exposed to the auditory delights of New Hampshire bass maestro Yung Abner and the psychedelic vibes of future bass producer Cabana Deed. These electronic visionaries might induce some lucid dreaming during their trip here to Portland. But at the very least, they’ll get you dancing on a Sunday. | FREE | 8:00pm | Flask Lounge, 117 Spring St., Portland | http://flasklounge.com/ |

MONDAY, May 2

Save the India Street Health Center | If you’re concerned with the city of Portland’s decision to cut funding to India Street’s free health clinic, then here’s the chance to have your voice heard. Do you feel like vital services are being axed left and right? In what areas should Portland’s money movers focus their efforts? Join the Homeless Solidarity Project if you believe that Portland needs to expand their life-saving services to uninsured, low-income adults. “India Street Public Health center has been where it is in one form or another for 17 years now, because of our community's commitment to public health,” wrote organizers of the public forum. “Some of its clients have been accessing its services for this long and have gone on the record saying they will not be able to access services anywhere else.” | FREE | 5:00pm | Portland City Hall, 389 Congress St., Portland | http://www.portlandmaine.gov/ |

TUESDAY, May 3

Care for some classical music? | You’ve definitely heard it before. From pop culture references in television, to disco versions and rock covers, Beethoven’s 5th Symphony is one of the most widely recognized compositions of classical music. But you haven’t done the piece justice, if you haven’t experienced it live, through the talents of 82 musicians. Let the epic sounds surround you, while Robert Moody conducts a full orchestra. Here’s a fun, side fact: you can literally type “dan dan dan daaaaan,” into YouTube and the symphony will pop up. | $35 | 7:30pm | Merrill Auditorium, 20 Myrtle St., Portland | http://www.portlandsymphony.org/ |

Under the Influence with Waco Sparkler and OC & The Offbeats | Rock your Tuesday socks off with a pleasing array of classic jazz, motown, a sprinkle of indie-rock. OC and the Offbeats will kick things off with their high-octane horns, spontaneous improvisations and energized classic soul. This group of USM jazz majors will also perform some covers from artists that influence them. “When we play covers, we try to put that song in a different decade,” said Owen Conforte, the guitarist. “Think Marvin Gaye meets John Mayer, or Coldplay meets Sam Cooke. Playing our personalized covers really gave our sound a makeover.” Soul is back in style! Joining them is Waco Sparkler from New Hampshire, a group cut from a different cloth. Waco Sparkler is a electro-pop group who play “ethereal synths in conjunction with catchy bass, guitar and lyrical melodies.” Throw yourself in the middle of this clash of two different musical worlds. | $5 | 9:00pm | Portland House of Music, 25 Temple St., Portland | http://www.portlandhouseofmusic.com/ |

WEDNESDAY, May 4

Congress Square Park is getting a redesign! | Congress Square Park will soon get a makeover that will: create a new urban identity, integrate art, reflect the spirit of the city, enrich the square with interesting visual elements, appeal to a wide range of users, prioritize the pedestrian experience and strike a balance between green space and hardscape. But first, we need a team of designers. Come meet the final four design teams during a public forum, ask some questions and provide some input. The arts district is going to look even prettier! | FREE | 5:30pm | Portland Museum of Art, 7 Congress Sq, Portland | http://portlandmaine.gov/1113/Congress-Square-Redesign |

A screening of The Fear of 13 | If you’re a fan of Serial or HBO’s The Jinx, then this psychological thriller is right up your alley. The Fear of 13 follows Nick, a death row inmate with a harrowing true story to share. It’s a bit of a slow-burning, real-life drama, but the ending is completely shocking and unexpected. In the end, all that remains of us are the stories we leave behind. | $8 | 7:30pm | SPACE Gallery, 538 Congress St., Portland | http://www.space538.org/ |

The Up a Creek Comedy Show | Beer and laughter are two of life’s great simple pleasures. And when the Banded Horn Brewery on the banks of the Saco River gets turned into a comedy club, you’ll be able to satisfy that desire for alcohol-supported hilarity. Portland’s favorite stand-up acts will be there, alongside Boston’s seven-year comedy veteran Mike Bain, who’ll close out the night. | $5 | 7:30pm | Banded Horn Brewing, 32 Main St., Biddeford | http://www.bandedhorn.com/ |

THURSDAY, May 5

All you can eat tacos on Cinco De Mayo | Is this event too good to be true? Nope, you’ll actually have the opportunity to throw back some margarita’s, while stuffing your face at an all-you-can-buffet filled with tacos, BBQ’d meats, queso, wings and Frito pies. Celebrate Mexico’s 1862 victory in battle over France, the way we non-natives always do: with an unnecessarily huge amount of drunken debauchery. And with the crazy drink specials that Terlingua is offering, I’m not even exaggerating. | $20 | 12:00pm to 12:00am | Terlingua, 52 Washington Ave., Portland | http://www.terlingua.me/ |

Time for a political revolution? | When 64.3 percent of the Maine Democratic votes went to Bernie Sanders in March, it became clear that most of Maine is “feeling the Bern.” Join hundreds of locals as they march down Congress Street with their powerful political messages of love, equality and basic human rights for all. “Let’s seize the moment and make it a march to remember," urged organizers on Facebook. “Bring your homemade signs, bring your friends and family, but most importantly bring the love and positive energy for change that Bernie has been inspiring in us all.” | FREE | 6:00pm | Congress Square Park, 599 Congress St., Portland | https://www.facebook.com/events/208814812823743/ |

THURSDAY, May 5

Spiritual Rez unleashes their apocalypse | From Boston comes Spiritual Rez, a band that promises to deliver the craziest reggae dance party you’ll ever be a part of. These seven musicians unabashedly display their musical virtuosity with heartfelt vocals, sonic bass grooves, catchy ocean-bathed keyboard melodies, crisp soaring horns and bone-shaking drum beats. Come see why these reggae-rock funkateers are known for creating an “intoxicating, psychedelic dance earthquake.” Lewiston’s own A Mighty Lion is set to open.

| $10 | 8:00pm | Portland House of Music and Events, 25 Temple St., Portland | http://www.portlandhouseofmusic.com |

Eleanor Friedberger with Icewater and Jeff Beam | With indie-rocker Eleanor Friedberger’s new album New View, the goal was to come across as an adult woman who’s simply OK. She didn’t want to sound boring, or angry, or hurt, like some of her contemporaries or even, her past self. Instead she’s created an album that’s offbeat, quirky, energetic and mostly positive. It’s a little rough around the edges, but the simple instrumentation combined with Friedberger’s strong vocal and guitar skills, makes for a warm and beautiful record. Critics online use the word “lush” a lot. Welcome her, her backup band Icewater and the local day-dream inducing multi-instrumentalist Jeff Beam to One Longfellow Square. | $12 | 8:00pm | One Longfellow Square, 181 State St., Portland | https://onelongfellowsquare.com |

FRIDAY, May 6

A candlelit evening with Lisa/Liza and Nesey Gallons | Order some delicious, guilt-free seasonal sandwiches, wraps and burgers, sip on a kombucha and settle in for an intimate show featuring psych-folk songstress Lisa/Liza and the porch-folk-guitarist Nesey Gallons. They’ll both be playing some new material and will celebrate the opening art exhibition of Alexa James Clavette’s new work. “Psych-folk to me means something more along the lines of self-reflective folk,” said Lisa/Liza. “It’s more about inward self-consciousness than political reflection; although that is really cool, too, if I could write those songs maybe I would.” | FREE | 6:30pm | Local Sprouts, 649 Congress St., Portland | http://www.localsproutscooperative.com/ |

The King of Dad jokes, Jerry Seinfeld arrives in Portland | The ticket comes with a hefty price, but I guess it pays to be famous. The master of observational comedy and mega pop culture icon Jerry Seinfeld is making his seventh stand-up appearance in Portland in the past decade. Many of us still love Seinfeld and snicker at the “muffin top,” and “no soup for you” jokes the show spawned. Come see the man that started it all, as he brings out the ridiculousness within the tiny overlooked details of life. Here’s one of my favorite jokes he’s said on stage before: “According to most studies, people’s number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. Death is number two. Does that sound right? This means to the average person, if you go to a funeral, you’re better off in the casket than doing the eulogy.” | $74 | 7:00pm | Merrill Auditorium, 20 Myrtle St., Portland | https://tickets.porttix.com/public/ |

A biomedical engineering graduate turned comic | Brooks Wheelan is described online as “a chill dude from Iowa.” Well, he’s also a very successful, gut-busting comic: the real reason you should go see him. After getting a biomedical engineering degree from the University of Iowa, he decided to pursue comedy instead. And it’s paid off. His jokes have taken him on Conan, the Late Night with Seth Meyers show, Saturday Night Live, @Midnight and Comedy Central’s South Beach Comedy Festival. He’s got the cred. You can get a feel for his standup routine from his debut album This is Cool, Right? which is equal parts absurd, honest and unique. | $15 | 7:00pm | One Longfellow Square, 181 State St., Portland | https://onelongfellowsquare.com |

New England rock, all night long | Two local bands and three from away will provide the necessary shenanigans to make this a memorable night. We’re spoiled here in Portland, where we can listen to five creatively dedicated rock acts for a measly price. The bill includes the label-defying, pop-centric punks Cool Tara, the classically influenced, yet eclectic garage rock band Jargon Party, New Hampshire’s Black Hatch and Pleasure Gap, and the Massachusetts jam-band Bunny Boy. Are you not entertained? | $8 | 9:00pm to 1:00am | Geno’s Rock Club, 625 Congress St., Portland | https://www.facebook.com/events/1702721939987027/ |

SATURDAY, May 7

Join the Portland Planting Corridor | Did you know that planting appropriate pollinator and insect-friendly vegetation yields massive benefits to Portland’s ecology? We should maintain our bee and insect population, and simultaneously discourage pesticide use. There’s a local group, called the Portland Pollinator Partnership that’s dedicated to this humble, yet important mission. They’re looking for some green thumbs to add some native plants, like highbush blueberries to Congress Square Park. That place could look a little greener anyways. It’s spring, so go get your hands dirty on planting day! | FREE | 9:00am to 2:00pm | Congress Square Park, 599 Congress St., Portland | https://portlandpollinators.org/ |

Pig and Beer on the Pier | If there was one event I’d recommend you check out this week, it would be this one. The Portland Rugby Club is throwing their annual ocean-side party with the three essentials: food, beer and live music. Swamp Yankee BBQ pitmaster Myron Spaulding will be roasting an entire pig, and other meats for you to sink your teeth into. Gritty McDuff’s are bringing several kegs of their delicious beer. And Portland’s “good time” musicians, the Dapper Gents, will convince you to dance on a pork-n-beer-filled stomach. | $20 | 1:00pm to 5:00pm | Maine State Pier, Portland | http://portlandrfc.com/ |

The Fogcutters with Katherine Matzell Frederick | The last time the 19-piece, modern big band, The Fogcutters played at PHOME, the show sold out quick. So I suggest you get your tickets in advance to this Kentucky Derby Party, so you’ll be there when the Fogcutters bring the house down with their unique blend of funk, rock, jazz and afro-cuban styles. They’ll be sporting funny hats in honor of the derby and will kick off the night with some “fanfare music.” They’ve also got drink cozies to give out for your mint-julips and copies of their critically lauded album Floatsam. Joining them is the local vocalist Katherine Matzell Frederick, who’ll debut some original tunes. | $15 | 8:00pm | Portland House of Music and Events, 25 Temple St., Portland | http://www.portlandhouseofmusic.com |

SUNDAY, May 8

The Quantum Strange Tour with Soley, Sexy Black Female and Tygris | Yet again, Sundaze has the fix for your electronic music addiction. This week’s showcase includes fellow time travelers like the cosmic jellyfish Nick Soley, the face-tearing sound designer Sexy Black Female and the progressive electronic jazz artist, TYGRIS. These bass-centric, fun dub slayers have cooked up an extra special sensory experience for the people of Portland. Join them as they make a stop on their long and strange tour of the East Coast. | FREE | 8:00pm | Flask Lounge, 117 Spring St., Portland | http://flasklounge.com/ |

Julian Lage trio at OLS | At age 27, the American jazz guitarist and composer Julian Lage already boasts a resumé that would make most artists envious. This former child prodigy was the subject of the 1997 documentary “Jules at Eight” and had his debut album Sounding Point nominated for a Grammy. He’s got three albums under his belt, the most recent, Arclight, landing with favorable reviews. It’s been described as “a collection of originals and pre-bebop-era songs.” Lage is based in New York and based on the following quote, I’m sure he’ll be right at home here in Portland. “There’s a camaraderie here and it takes the pressure off of you,” Lage said about New York. “People here are open-minded, very forward- thinking. So even if you say, ‘Hey, I’m a jazz guitar player but I like to play country music, too,’ they say, ‘Cool, go for it!’ I’ve always felt privileged to be able to do this, and I still feel that way.” | $15 | 8:00pm | One Longfellow Square, 181 State St., Portland | https://onelongfellowsquare.com |

MONDAY, May 9

Heavy metal on a Monday night | Modern metal heads need commanding forces to guide them into the next era of the cranium-shattering genre. Look no further than these three savage acts that are set to make the walls of the State Theatre crumble to dust from their insane riffs, thundering drums and agonizing vocals. First up is the easily the best American metal band out there, Lamb of God. Next up is the exhilaratingly cinematic band Clutch, with their latest science fiction influenced album Psychic Warfare. Closing this downright evil setlist is the experimental metalcore band Corrosion Of Conformity, who bridge the gap between hardcore, sludge and punk rock. See you in the mosh pit! | $45 | 7:00pm | State Theatre, 609 Congress St., Portland | http://www.statetheatreportland.com |

Collaborative performance with Mirah and Jherek | Gear up for a collaborative performance of indie legends: Brooklyn songwriter Mirah Yom Tov Zeitlyn and Los Angeles based musical polymath Jherek Bischoff. They’ll be performing some new material and old favorites, while being backed by a euphonious string quartet. You’ll likely fall in love with Mirah’s voice; Pitchfork described it as a “versatile coo that can flit from low sultry tones to high airy falsetto in one breath.” And look out for Jherek’s highly anticipated, Kickstarter-funded collection of ambient works, Cistern, later this year. He’s happy to have teamed up with Mirah for an East Coast tour, packed with emotion and thrilling compositions. “We will both be performing our own sets, and I will also be doing special arrangements for Mirah’s music,” wrote Jherek on his website. “It is going to be a super intimate evening of music, and both Mirah and I will be debuting some new music, as well as some tried and true numbers, all arranged specifically for this tour.” | $15 | 7:30pm | SPACE Gallery, 538 Congress St., Portland | http://www.space538.org |

TUESDAY, May 10

The X Ambassadors on their VHS Tour 2.0 | You might know these guys from their alternative rock hit, “Renegades” a while back. It was a catchy, folk-tinged tribute to the misfits and adventurers out there. Maybe the lyrics will jog your memory: “Running wild and running free/ two kids, you and me.” The X Ambassadors create stylish, soulful music with often times simple and poignant messages. Through their elegant melodies and smooth vocals, they capture essences of the working class struggle as well as the journey all musicians must take on the road to stardom. For the X Ambassadors and their latest album VHS, it meant honoring their humble roots. Come ponder what these guitar-driven songwriters have witnessed on their journey and enjoy the performances of their special guests, Robert DeLong and Sara Hartman. Then we can all live like Renegades. | $25 | 7:00pm | State Theatre, 609 Congress St., Portland | http://www.statetheatreportland.com |

WEDNESDAY, May 11

Meet the Maker: Green Thumb Farms | During this Happy Hour event, you’ll enjoy the cheesy deliciousness of homemade poutine. But you’ll also consider where the potatoes in the dish came from. You’ll learn about a key player in the farming industry (since 1965), the Green Thumb Farms of Western Maine. They grow many vegetables, but quality potatoes are their speciality. They’ve even collaborated with Maine Distilleries to create the blueberry flavored “Cold River Vodka.” But today, you’ll learn about potatoes, the technology used to grow and harvest them, and how you can trace their journey from the soil, to your cheese drenched plate. | VARIED | 5:00pm to 7:00pm | Ri Ra, 72 Commercial St., Portland | https://www.rira.com/portland/ |

Peter Wolf is an American giant | Peter Wolf originally wanted to be a painter and won a grant to study at the Boston Museum School of Fine Arts. But during the course of his studies, he couldn’t ignore his growing, vibrant passion for music. One day, at a party, he jumped on stage to sing with a blues band and had a life-changing epiphany: Music should be his creative focus. "I didn't join a band to meet girls," Wolf recalled. "I joined my first band to meet musicians. Painting was a fascination for me, but I was a music fanatic, and sitting in with that band was a born-again type of experience for me. I was transfixed, and myself and some of the guys in the band would check out performances by the musicians we admired so much, like Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker and John Coltrane and Bill Monroe and the Stanley Brothers. Those roots stayed with me." He’s been sticking with that vision since 1983, and has quenched his thirst for learning and performing blues, soul, country and jazz passionately ever since. If you come out to see this man with a real love for his craft, you’ll receive a free download link to his latest album, A Cure For Loneliness.” | $40 | 7:00pm | Port City Music Hall, 504 Congress St., Portland | http://www.portcitymusichall.com |  

THURSDAY, May 12

A workshop meant for you to reconnect with nature | Discover the gifts of the Earth. The nonprofit group Gypsy Seeds wants you to know something: the same nutrients that course the veins of a leaf, or the roots of a tree, course through our own veins. They want you to reconnect with nature, and learn from them about the philosophies of essential oils and permaculture. The natural world around us, isn’t just something pretty to look at: it’s a source of spiritual and physical nourishment. Learn about medicinal plants, oil tinctures and sample some kombucha during this informative, Earth-focused workshop. | $10 | 5:00pm | Urban Farm Fermentory, 200 Anderson St., Portland | www.urbanfarmfermentory.com |

The Maine Mayhem 2016 premiere | The Communications and New Media students at SMCC are pretty amazing. They’ve wrote, shot and edited five short films that are mature in their themes, well acted and feature a high-quality of production. I should know. I watched all the trailers. But seriously, I’m impressed and particularly excited to see the woodsy thriller “According to No Plan,” and the heart-stirring, coming of age tale, “Waters.” Support Portland’s creative minds and attend a film festival that’s 100 percent locally sourced. | $8 | 6:30pm | Nickelodeon Cinemas, 1 Temple St., Portland | http://patriotcinemas.com/theater.aspx?house_id=3845 |

THURSDAY, May 12

Bourbon County Stout: Deconstructed | Crafters from Goose Island, a prolific brewery from Chicago, are coming to Portland’s Bier Cellar, so we all can taste their world-famous, bourbon county stout. It pours like thick, black motor oil, with little carbonation. It features a pungent aroma of molasses, chocolate and vanilla. For a beer with 14.4 percent ABV, it hides the alcohol well and delivers big roasted taste, in a very smooth and easy-drinking form. Come try this amazing beer, along with its variants and vintages, while the makers tell you all about it. | FREE | 5:00pm to 7:00pm | Bier Cellar, 299 Forest Ave., Portland | http://biercellar.com/ |

The Big Night: A celebration of student writing | The Telling Room’s annual celebration of student writing and official anthology releases is shaping up to be the biggest one ever! Over 300 people are expected to show up for a “literary carnival,” that includes readings from community storytellers, student multimedia, live music, kids activities, crafts and snacks. The new anthology explores the concept of time, in a really provocative way. | FREE | 5:30pm to 7:30pm | Hannaford Hall, USM, Portland | http://www.tellingroom.org/ |

Jesse Dee at PHOME | Boston-based Jesse Dee is ready to set the world on fire. That is, with the infernal power of neo-soul and classic R&B sounds from the ‘60s and '70s. “With a compellingly rough-edge tenor, Dee delivers authenticity with every note.” Dee’s explosively raspy voice, and funky grooves will turn new audiences on, to old-school styles.  "Soul music is capable of touching the greatest and most diverse group of people," said Dee. "All the best soul music is based on shared experience. Songs have the ability to affect people, shine a light, lift them up, and push them forward. | $12 | 8:00pm | Portland House of Music, 25 Temple St., Portland | http://www.portlandhouseofmusic.com |

FRIDAY, May 13

The Maine Craft Spirits Splashed Bash | Fellow members of the local press scene, the crew at Dispatch Magazine, will be throwing a party that celebrates Maine-made craft spirits and the creative people that make them. Drink stations will be set up throughout the club, so you can try an array of inspired cocktails, and chat with the distillers and bartenders. Festive sounds will fill the air. New Orleans vibes will be channeled by the local band, the Soggy Po’Boys, who perform a repertoire of jazz standards, spirituals, contemporary music and swing tunes. They’ll bring a little bit of Bourbon Street to Portland. Joining them is the Dark Hollow Bottling Company, a locally loved band that plays “lyrically intensive originals and back woods traditional tunes.” | $10 | 7:00pm to 11:00pm | Portland House of Music and Events, 25 Temple St., Portland |

http://www.portlandhouseofmusic.com |

The Pride Portland Launch Party | For a very affordable door charge, the LGBTQ community and its allies will have a plethora of dancing, live music, drag performers and all around sparkly wonderfulness for you to enjoy. While you party, make sure you take time to learn about Pride Portland’s mission and their lineup of June events. Here are the creative spirits that will surely become the life of the party:  DJ Red Tide, DJ Jay-C, singer Samuel Jame, singer/dancer Ciel Roi, burlesque by Atomic Trash, Gay Jay and Twisted Cookies, drag performances by the Kings of the Hill, Madame Sheena, Soul Sisters, Lichen Puzzi and Simon Seys. | $5 | 7:30pm | Port City Music Hall, 504 Congress St., Portland | http://www.portcitymusichall.com |

Just a thought: A Rock Ballet | I guess it’s part of art and culture these days to mash genres and styles together for something wholly original and seemingly unheard of. In this case, Celeste Green has conceived and choreographed a strange and enticing multimedia rock ballet set to the chart-topping album St. Elsewhere. Or the way she puts it, in Downeast Magazine: “It’s a rock ballet about depression set to Gnarls Barkley’s best album. None of those words belong next to each other, so that’s usually enough to hook them [potential ticket buyers].” I guarantee you haven’t seen a show quite like this; one that blends pop, rap, soul, rock and hip hop sounds, with jazz, ballet and tap choreography for a 35-minute narrative about depression and friendship. Sounds edgy enough for me. | $18 | 8:00pm | Portland Ballet Theatre, 517 Forest Ave., Portland | http://www.portlandballet.org/ |

A superstitious rock-n-roll party | The ghouls of the night, and mask wearing night-crawlers will come out to Geno’s for a thunderous, Friday the 13th concert. The walls will shake and new metal head will be born when Bangor’s badass brutes Alter the Tides, the face-kicking Skrye, the extremes rockers Break the Skin and the melodic metalcore musicians Devil’s Night Out, take the stage. Organizers have been planning this unholy show for over a month, so even if it’s not your scene, you’re encouraged to come get your heavy metal cherry popped! | $7 | 9:00pm to 1:00am | Geno’s Rock Club, 625 Congress St., Portland | https://www.facebook.com/events/553621974815859/ |

SATURDAY, May 14

Baby Goat Day | Do I even need to write anything more? A bunch of baby, Nigerian dwarfs goats are going to be unleashed, during a beautiful day on the farm. You’ll be able to witness their clumsiness, pet their softness and hear their hilarious vocalizations. What more could you possibly want in an afternoon? | FREE | 10:00am to 2:00pm | Blue Seal Feeds, 43 Main St., Windham | http://www.bluesealstores.com/ |

Run a 5K, Drink some Hard Cider | You must hurry! You’ve got until May 13 to register for this event, otherwise you’ll just be stuck watching the hundreds of runners who have already signed up. They’ll be dashing around the Eastern Promenade for their health (and just to say they did it), but also for a glass of tangy, refreshing hard cider, that will wait for them at the finish line. On top of that, runners will receive a commemorative glass, a t-shirt and a custom event medal. Will you join the others in the pursuit of this strange accolade? | $45 | 10:00am | Urban Farm Fermentory, 200 Anderson St., Portland | https://runsignup.com/Race/ME/Portland/TheHardCiderRunPortland |

The Mallet Brothers Band with Mild Things | You need to experience the intense, genuine energy the alternative country band The Mallet Brothers exudes during their live show. These Maine-bred musicians have taken their American melting pot of musical traditions all over the country. People, (even non-country fans) love the eclectic music from these genre rebels; come see why! Joining them is the indie-Americana band Mild Things, who mix in dark ballads with some fun rock-n-roll riffs. | $15 | 8:00pm | Portland House of Music, 25 Temple St., Portland | http://www.portlandhouseofmusic.com |

Dub Apocalypse makes their Portland premiere | They’re shipping up from Boston to deliver high-flying, dub reggae sounds and some spirited improvisations. Join them on their experimental, instrumental road to oblivion and see why Boston recently named them one of the “top 10 local acts that you have to hear right now.” The club hoppin’, horn-blaring Eight Feet Tall will be there, too, performing music in a similar funky vein, but more focused in rap, hip-hop and computer manipulated sounds. | $10 | 9:00pm | Empire, 575 Congress St., Portland | http://portlandempire.com/ |

SUNDAY, May 15

An All Creatures Spring Parade | This event sounds very interesting to me. Mostly because I’ve never heard of the group Music and Magic Maine and am pleasantly surprised to hear of their existence. They provide musical instruments and creative opportunities to children in Maine. However, their third annual “Tahntay” is open to everybody. The puppets, crafts, music, kaleidoscopic yoga and potluck picnic are open to “all peoples and all creatures.” Aren’t you cute, Portland? | FREE | 11:00am to 2:00pm | The Eastern Promenade, Portland | http://www.musicandmagicmaine.com/ |

A multi-cultural music fest | Experience a side to Portland’s music scene that’s often overlooked during Furniture Friend’s MultiCultural Music Festival. Have your soul stirred, by the Pihcintu choir, a group of inspiring young vocalists who escaped tragedies and devastating realities from places like: Cambodia, China, Congo, El Salvador, Egypt, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Uganda, Viet Nam, British West Indies and Zambia. They’re a true testament to the healing power of music, and even though most of us can’t fathom a life in a war-torn village, or refugee camp, we can all appreciate the beauty of their tales of survival and perseverance. The children will be joined by the band Happiness to Burn and the pianist from Burundi, Fiston Bujambi. | $15 | 2:00pm to 6:00pm | Portland House of Music, 25 Temple St., Portland | http://furniturefriendsportland.org/ |

Beethoven loves nature | Sure, this event seems a bit more geared to the children out there, but I think it’s “out-there” enough to attract the curious adult. An anthropomorphic Leopard and his friend Tree (yeah, he’s just a tree) will journey through nature, set to the music of Beethoven’s Pastorale. Classical masterpieces, meet silly puppets; color me intrigued! | $10 | 2:30pm to 3:30pm | Merrill Auditorium, 20 Myrtle St., Portland | http://www.portlandsymphony.org |

MONDAY, May 16

A “Strange and Familiar” film screening | This is going to be one of those slow-moving, creative nonfiction type of documentaries. But that shouldn’t deter you. Strange and Familiar is visually gorgeous, and takes you to Fogo Island, Newfoundland, where architect Todd Saunders builds massive, futuristic looking structures within the rugged, coastal landscape. The dichotomy between sophisticated design and natural, ancient landscapes, is oddly intriguing and makes for an ambitious, flowing visual narrative. This film won’t blow you away with a dazzling spectacle, but it’ll provide some intellectual and artistic nuggets of wisdom to ponder over. And if there are any architects out there reading this; Strange and Familiar is a must-see. | $8 | 7:30pm | SPACE Gallery, 538 Congress St., Portland | http://www.space538.org/ |

TUESDAY, May 17

Will Mason ensemble with Kafari | Complete isolation can serve as a critical component of a good, creative idea. Or, if you’re like Will Mason, a 70-minute debut album called Beams of the Huge Night. This composer, drummer and music scholar, spent eight weeks alone in a cabin in Maine. No running water. No electricity. No WiFi. Just the vast expanses of forest and water. What was inspired out of that experience was a baroquely detailed, meditative, otherworldly kind of music project. Tune your ear to Mason’s changing sonic textures and sinuous grooves, when he comes back to civilization and performs with Portland’s own future-jazz beat maker, Kafari. | $10 | 7:30pm | SPACE Gallery, 538 Congress St., Portland | http://www.space538.org |

Under the Influence, with Talons of Spring | The local indie-rock band Talons of Spring will be swinging by for their third ever show in Portland. Welcome these newbies as they hope to gain some momentum before their summer shows and the release of their new album These Little Quakes. You’ll get to hear some new songs from that project, that’s currently in the mixing stage. They’ll play some covers from artists that inspired them, before the funk/jazz quintet Canned Bread takes over the stage. | $5 | 9:00pm | Portland House of Music, 25 Temple St., Portland | http://www.portlandhouseofmusic.com/ |

WEDNESDAY, May 18

Brand new Beartooth jams | Just a disclaimer: these hardcore punks from Columbus Ohio sound nothing like bears. They do however, show their teeth, growl a lot and get pretty wild on stage. These brooding poets mix metal and punk influences for an intense live show that’s not for people with sensitive ears or delicate sensibilities. But then again, frontman and lead vocalist, Caleb Shomo doesn’t really care if you don’t like his work. He loves what he performs and that’s all that matters. Shomo isn’t paying attention to mass appeal, or crafting songs to pay the bills; he’s simply writing to capture the truth of his experiences and complex emotions. “I didn’t write these songs for anyone,” said Shomo. “I wrote just to write. All of the songs came about because I love writing Beartooth songs. That’s it. I won’t record a song unless I love it, unless I believe in it. I won’t do it any other way.” Also on this aggressive bill are the pissed off, alternative rockers that make up Stray From the Path, the pure rock merchants My Ticket Home, and the dirt noise punks of Former. | $18 | 8:00pm | Port City Music Hall, 504 Congress St., Portland |http://www.portcitymusichall.com/ |

THURSDAY, May 19

An evening with flamenco masters, oud players and Snaex | Here’s another chance this week to break free from your hum-drum musical samplings and experience something older, more traditional, worldly and authentically beautiful. Have you heard Gregoire Pearce on the guitar yet? He plays classically influenced flamenco flawlessly (which is a great feat if you know anything about the style), while his friend and collaborator, the lovely Lindsey Bourassa, dances gracefully to original choreography. And as if that wasn’t already enough beauty for one show, Tom Kovacevic will be there singing evocative words and playing on the most popular instrument in the Arab world: the oud. The tranquil musical project of Christopher Teret, Snaex, will close out this unique and intimate concert. | $15 | 7:00pm | St. Lawrence Arts, 76 Congress St., Portland | http://www.stlawrencearts.org/ |

The last Old Etc. show EVER | Hugs will be shared, beers will be pounded and tears will stream, during cathartic indie-rock band Old Etc.’s last show ever. Their lead singer, Elizabeth Taillon, is moving away and breaking up the band. Old Etc. is simultaneously releasing their new and final record Forever, on this bitter-sweet night. “Recording can be a long and grueling process, but with this record, I haven't taken any of it for granted,” said Taillon. “Forever has allowed us to shed all expectation and take a lot of chances knowing that we have nothing to lose. Making Forever has been this completely cathartic process that defines our mid-twenties, where we have accepted our fleeting youth and we're fearless in trying to clear our own path. We are all forever-musicians and will always be writing music and involved in one project or another, but Old Etc. is different — everyone in the room can feel it. This last show is going to be like a really fun funeral. Forever is what we're leaving behind.” If you’ve been a fan of these local legends, make sure you come out and give these hard-hitting musicians the send off they deserve. A dynamite group of acts will also be there to celebrate (and lament) Elizabeth’s move to Montana, including: Badfellows, The Dead Elect, Mirth and Wait. | FREE | 8:00pm | Empire, 575 Congress St., Portland | http://portlandempire.com/  |

THURSDAY, May 19

Joel Thetford at Blue | This poetic, Texas bred acoustic singer/songwriter has had a humbling learning experience since he moved to Maine and released his debut album last September at the Portland House of Music. Local purveyors and musicians alike have been diggin’ his unpretentious songs of tough times and heartbreak influenced by Southern classical country. Since his debut EP, Here I Go, Joel Thetford has been working with local talent, playing multiple venues, spinning his record on local radio-shows and, more recently, working with a label company down in Nashville for a potential collaboration. Thetford’s a great example of what raw, honest, hard work and talent can bring to your life if you keep honing your craft. “Not holding back and not being afraid to put yourself out there is something you learn as you go,” said Thetford. “I’ve learned it’s not always about just strumming and singing. You have to let your songs breath and you have to deliver the emotion that comes with the story you're telling.” | FREE | 7:00pm | Blue, 650 Congress St., Portland | http://portcityblue.com/ |

The Barr Brothers with Arc Iris | Simple, yet beautiful. Wooly. Like a warm blanket. Hushed Americana. Rich. Calm. Dreamlike. Welcoming. Melodic. Pure. Melancholic. These are the words others have used to describe the work of this foursome of sci-folk, mysterious roots artists from Montreal. The Barr Brothers will be inducing pleasant visions with the gritty, yet ethereal rock band Arc Iris. You’re not going to want to miss Arc Iris’s rare visit to Portland. According to these four rockers from Providence, their band is a “mix of everything you love and hate, culminating in something breathtaking and indescribable.” | $20 | 8:00pm | Port City Music Hall, 504 Congress St., Portland | http://www.portcitymusichall.com |

FRIDAY, May 20

Ballroom dancing, outside in the square | Even if you’ve made an awkward fool out of yourself, on every dance floor you’ve stepped on, this event’s still for you! The instructors at Ballroom Dance Portland will make it easy for you to learn classic styles like Rumba, Cha Cha, Waltz, Foxtrot and Tango. Come shuffle your feet in the aesthetic urban space of Congress Square Park, for the first outdoor dance of the season! “It's a romantic, fun and sociable event,” said Polina Kirillova, one of the instructors and organizers. “It’s easy to start dancing and enjoying it right away. You can meet new people, get some exercise and dance to popular tunes. Ballroom could be done to any music and we certainly would use new popular tunes you hear on the radio as well as oldies.” | FREE | 6:00pm | 699 Congress St., Portland | http://congresssquarepark.org/ |

Pardon Me, Dead | You got me. The title's a pun. Or rather a play off the names of two of Maine’s premier tribute bands: Pardon Me, Doug and The Maine Dead Project (they channel the energy and sound of Phish, and the Grateful Dead, respectively). Both of these powerhouse acts have an outstanding catalog of iconic songs to choose from, and they perform them masterfully, learning something new with each play-through. “Our music evolves with each phrase and the moment we’re in; it breathes within all of us, including those not on stage,” said Benny St. Clair from Pardon Me Doug. “After more than 90 shows together we’ve evolved as musicians and more importantly, friends.” Speaking of friends, there are other big acts booked for this show too, including: the Jason Spooner band, The Raging Brass Reggae, and John Popper from Blues Traveler. If you’re willing to dish out $100, you get access to a VIP lobster dinner with Popper. | $30 | 8:00pm | Portland House of Music, 25 Temple St., Portland | http://www.portlandhouseofmusic.com |

New Hampshire’s Scissorfight comes to town | Back in the day, Scissorfight was making waves in New England’s heavy rock scene, with a lot of screaming, droning, unrelentless drumming, havoc wreaking riffs and all around eardrum rupturing. Then the band went dark, disappearing for six years or so. But yeah, you guessed it: They’re back with a vengeance, a new line up, a re-tooled version of the band and a fresh, yet still murderous attitude. They’ll be laying down “mudhole stomping” versions of their past hits, along with some fully jacked up new stuff. Experience these pure rockers, as they start a new chapter and perform stories of the demons they left in the White Mountains, alongside Murcielago from Portland and White Dynomite from Massachusetts. | $12 | 9:00pm | Port City Music Hall, 504 Congress St., Portland | http://www.portcitymusichall.com/ |

SATURDAY, May 21

Asylum’s Spring Collection 2016 | If you’re like me, you’re surprised: Asylum sells stuff? Apparently you can buy all the things that you love in an unconventional spot during Asylum’s Spring Collection. That is, if all the things that you love in life are comics, records, toys and collectibles. If you’re not in the mood for shopping for old oddities, or collecting records with Mark Curdo, then walk up to Congress Street and people watch a typical Portland experience: a peaceful protest. This week, the topic of the rally is Monsanto and all their nefarious GMO projects. | $2 | 10:00am to 6:00pm | Asylum, 121 Center St., Portland | http://www.portlandasylum.com/ |

MECA Open House | Are you tempted to ignore the advice of some of your peers, trust your heart, and become an art student? If so, you might as well choose the best art school in the state: the Maine College of Art. Or rather, they have to choose you, but you know what I mean. This daylong open house, will satisfy your curiosity and answer some questions you may have about an art degree in general, during extensive tours, art workshops, and a portfolio review session. You know what they say, right? Do what you love and the money will follow. | FREE | 10:30am to 4:00pm | 522 Congress St., Portland | https://www.meca.edu/ |

MJ’s spring patio opens up | If you somehow haven’t experienced this place yet, take the short walk from Monument Square and slip into this home away from home. I don’t know about you, but a home isn’t a home unless it’s got a bottle of Vinho Verde in it. There’s a reason the people of Portland have voted MJ’s as having the best wine list, during our Best Of Contest. Their international list of red, white, and sparkling wines is exhaustive and now you can finally sample some of their best, outside on their atmospheric spring patio. There will also be some live music and fresh strawberries for party-goers to enjoy. | $15 | 12:00pm to 4:00pm | 1 City Center, Portland | http://www.onecitywines.com/ |

SUNDAY, May 22

An abundance of rock offerings at Geno’s | Chase away the doldrums, the lazy vibes and the impending stress that a Sunday evening can create with some unabashedly wholesome, and wildly creative rock-n-roll. Here’s the crazy lineup that will keep the club booming all night long: the darkwave metal trio from Austin, Texas, Troller, the prog rock, horror influenced, Dust Witch, the experimental stylist, Teal Child, the apocalyptically surreal, Tom Hamill, and the downright strange Korovyov.  

| FREE | 9:00pm | 625 Congress St., Portland | https://www.facebook.com/Genos-Rock-Club-106415422773796/ |

MONDAY, May 23

Represent: Networking for people of color | We live in Maine. It’s a state known for being the oldest and whitest in the nation. But it’s important we recognize, highlight and celebrate the growing amounts of diversity we have in our community. This networking event does just that, and introduces to the outside community many non-white professional players in Maine’s working landscape. Organizers at the Treehouse Institute, Chanel Lewis and Pious Ali, have carved out a space that focuses on people of color, but invites everyone to enjoy. “With Maine being majority white, we thought it necessary to create an intentional space for professionals of color to meet and network with other POC,” said Lewis. “Furthermore, we encourage people to attend to promote inclusion in this dynamic and diverse community and economy.” | FREE | 5:00pm to 7:00pm | Rising Tide Brewing Company, 103 Fox St., Portland | http://www.risingtidebrewing.com/ |

TUESDAY, May 24

Memphis May Fire with some hard-rockin’ locals | This group of five, Dallas based, intensely driven rockers are ready to get inside the heads of the audience members. I say that, because for metalcore musicians, these guys write pretty damn relatable lyrics. As they should, Memphis May Fire rocks on about life's struggles, dealing with loss, loneliness, tarnished relationships and the confusion brought on by a degrading identity. The hairs on your arms will stand up, and you may even tear up when these aggressive, yet melodic musicians take the stage. Local acts are joining them to round out the night: thrash masters The Great North, the hungry youngins of The Restless Atlantic and the heartfelt five-piece Too Late the Hero. “At our shows you can expect a wild time,” said bass player Jack Stolz from Too Late the Hero. “People flying everywhere. Collisions on and off stage, bad jokes, good riffs and some massive loud rock and roll. We're going to play songs from every release, so old fans, and new fans alike can bang their heads with us.” | $20 | 7:30pm | Port City Music Hall, 504 Congress St., Portland | http://www.portcitymusichall.com |

Tsula and the Sad Boys with Rigor Samsa | The Under the Influence showcase continues to dedicate showtime to some talented local acts, this time with the newly formed Tsula, and the Sad Boys and Rigor Samsa. Self described as the “lovechild of melody and chaos,” Tsula and the Sad Boys, combines Tsula’s impressive vocal and songwriting abilities, with Jimmy Dority’s guitar skills, Cormac Brown on bass and Jesse Gertz’s drumming for an energetic and classically influenced performance. All of these musicians have years of experience in other bands, so they’re right at home on stage. The heavy rock, post rock, stoner riff, shoegaze, psychedelic, whatever-you-want-to-label-them outfit, Rigor Samsa will play next and are incredibly excited to be there. “The whole Under the Influence series let's a lot of original bands show their fans and fans-to-be where their influences come from,” said John Nels Blanchette of Rigor Samsa. “Having been to quite a few of these shows in the Tuesday night series I can honestly say it's one of the best series in town that Portland has been sleeping on.  We at Rigor Samsa have never been shy about playing covers.” | $5 | 9:00pm | Portland House of Music, 25 Temple St., Portland | https://www.portlandhouseofmusic.com/ |

WEDNESDAY, May 25

Maine’s Harm Reduction Conference | It’s sad fact, but we live in a state that’s tightly wound in the deadly grip of heroin and other opiates and drugs. There’s never been a more pivotal time where education needs to increase and the stigma needs to decrease, surrounding drug abuse issues and recovery. This conference (4 years in the running), strives to enhance our understanding of the connection between social structure, stigma and drug use, provide practical knowledge, skills and attitudes around the provision of drug related health care services and educate on new and controversial harm reduction strategies. Become a civil servant, and join this learning-focused conference so that you may help others and possibly yourself. | FREE | 8:30am to 3:00pm | 51 Westminster St., Lewiston | https://www.mainehealthequity.org/ |

Class warfare during the film “High Rise” | Wouldn’t it be interesting if the impoverished, the middle class, the wealthy and the aristocracy were all placed on a literal battlefield to fight through their dissenting opinions and social issues? Imagine if all the socio-economic classes were placed in an ultra-modern high-rise apartment building? Fans of the classic J.G. Ballard novel, already know what I’m talking about. Now you get to see that harrowing, all-too-relevant, dystopian tale of class warfare on a film, that’s being praised for arresting imagery, disturbing violence, chaotic energy and an entrancing pace. You’ll follow Tom Hiddleston (aka Loki from the Avengers) as the social strata begins to crumble around him. | $8 | 7:30pm | SPACE Gallery, 538 Congress St., Portland | http://www.space538.org/ |

THURSDAY, May 26

Viva’s Summer Fun Ball | Viva and her neo-jazz group, the Reinforcements know how to throw a party. By bridging the gaps between hip-hop, pop, jazz, funk, big band sound and orchestral elegances, Viva can heal souls through music. Fall in love with her sweet voice, contagious laughter and undeniable sense of rhythm and groove, when she ushers in the moment we’ve been waiting months for: the start of the summer season. Like the forecast next month, the air in here is bound to heat up! | $12 | 8:00pm | Portland House of Music, 25 Temple St., Portland | http://www.portlandhouseofmusic.com |

The Road to Wild Woods | Want to win two free tickets to the sustainable, art and music extravaganza, The Wild Woods Festival? Of course, you do, the tickets are $125. Well if you come crawl out of your living room, and up the stair at Empire, you’ll get a taste of the music that’s going to be offered at the hippy camp-out concert, and a chance to win tickets there. The gypsy dubtronica sensation Govinda will be there alongside, electronic funk artists Gater, the rule-breaking Orchestrobe, and the cosmic bass riders, Zoo Logic. "Zoo Logic is not a 'what' but a 'where,’” said one half of Zoo Logic Austin Rogers. “... a place that we can go and let go of everything happening in our outside lives, where we can do literally whatever we want, and however we want" The other half of Zoo Logic, Jeff Blair, offered this description of their act’s complex sound: “We are an amalgamation of our backgrounds, my melodic, ambient, and hip hop style sounds and his colder, metallic, and traditional electronic dance music can come together in interesting ways for sure.” | $10 | 10:00pm | Empire, 575 Congress St., Portland | http://portlandempire.com/ |