March 19, 2009
A weekend of sweet music and sugar shacks
When you're looking for cheap ways to be entertained on a Friday, you can always count on North Star Music Cafe (225 Congress St., Portland). The spring tunes on March 20 come from Rupert Wates and Bob Lamson, a couple guys who weave strong melodies with fresh guitar playing. You won't need to pay a cover, but you should bring a bit of cash to tip the musicians.
If you'd rather do your listening out of Portland, head over to Westbrook for a visit to the Frog & Turtle Gastro Pub (3 Bridge St.). Pam Baker and The SGs take the stage from 9-11 pm and if you get there early enough you may be able to score a seat on the couch for a free listen.
Since it's still a couple weeks 'til the next First Friday Art Walk in Portland, you may be itchin' to get your art fix. How about a road trip? If you can get yourself down to the York Art Association (394 York St., York Harbor), you can be part of the opening reception of "Bloomingsilk" from 5-7 pm. The show features the works of silk and watercolor artist Sue Wierzba and it's perfectly timed with the first day of spring.
What's your pleasure for Saturday? Sports or music?
If you're the outdoorsy type, you don't want to miss the Spring Fishing Expo that runs all day long at L.L. Bean (Main St., Freeport). The free event offers demos, lessons and clinics. If you're really feeling it you can get in on the wild turkey calling contest.
If that's not enough sport for you, make the drive to Lewiston tonight for The Battle of the Badges at Androscoggin Bank Colisee. You can cheer for either the Lewiston fire crew or the police department and the 7 pm hockey game's a benefit for Special Olympics Maine. Admission is just a $5 donation.
If you'd rather get your groove on, you can't miss the grand opening of the Pulse Dance Studio in Westbrook (865 Spring St.). It's a free event that starts at 6 pm. Hang around until 7 and move to the tunes of Tango Mucha Labia. Hang around until 8 and take part in the full-fledged dance party.
Back in Portland, check out some acoustic tunes from Andrea Delan at Andy's Old Port Pub (Commercial St., Portland) from 8:30-11:30. The listening's free.
Your two keys words for Sunday are "maple" and "sugar." Throw in some pancakes and the excitement level is nearly as high as it is on Christmas morn. You can get your maple fix for free at sugar shacks all over Maine, but here's three that are within a reasonable drive for someone on a budget.
Merrifield Farm, 195 North Gorham Rd., Gorham: Get your free ice cream with maple syrup from 9 am-5 pm or pay a small free for a pancake breakfast. You can also check out the barn and the antiques display.
Brookridge Boilers, Rte. 111, Lyman: Try the free syrup samples from 9 am-4 pm or grab some French-Canadian maple taffy. Sounds sweet, eh?
Coopers Maple Products, 81 Chute Rd., Windham: There's a pancake breakfast from 9 am-2 pm for a fee and free maple sundae samples until 5 pm. Check out a maple making demo or just stand around and stare at the mini horses, peacocks and ostrich.
After you've had your fill of sugar from the trees, get yourself home as fast as you can. March Madness is on and sugar shacks don't have TVs.
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