Back to work inspiration

So maybe this week Tuesday night should be all about you. Ladies, get yourself inspired and prettied up at the free Prosperity Party at Coldwater Creek at the Maine Mall. There will be makeovers, shopping, networking and an InspirACTional Message from Rita Losee, Woman of Adventure, Doctor of Success (and yes, that really is what she calls herself). This could be just the event to get you ready for your best summer yet.

If that's too much excitement after your draining weekend, maybe you just need to lounge and relax while listening to the tunes coming from the One Longfellow Square Jazz Series. As usual, the music starts at 8 pm, and this week Gary Wittner will be earning your applause. Admission's just $5.

If you're feeling like the do-gooder in you needs to come out a little, head over to St. Lawrence Arts and Community Center for the 6:15 pm dramatic readings by students from King Middle School. Billed as "Pieces of Me," the event is by donation. So give a little (or a lot) and support the kids who may one day be running this state.

Finally ready to get in on the green? Then Wednesday's Green Jobs for Maine event should be right up your alley, provided you can take a long lunch. The free noon event is hosted by Portland's MoveOn.org and it's being held at Revision Energy at 142 Presumpscot St. Speakers and clean energy biz leaders will show how a move to clean energy can stimulate the economy and help Maine become energy independent. You'll learn something without even trying.

After you've stayed a little late to make up for that extended lunch hour, trot on over to Slainte 'cause it's open mic acoustic night with Don Dumont. Participate or listen. Either one is free.

Or if you'd rather be entertained by professionals, get up the hill to North Star Music Cafe for the 7:30 pm improv comedy show by The Escapists. Laughs for just five bucks. Imagine.

Memorial Day is all about remembering heroes and those who sacrificed for the generations to come. You'll get another taste of history and bravery if you attend Thursday's author signing and reading at Longfellow Books at 7 pm. Hear Steve Mumford read from and discuss his book, "Trek: An American Woman, Two Small Children, and Survival in WW2 Germany." It's a mouthful to be sure, but listening to all those Nazi terms is totally free.

Annie Clark claims Joni Mitchell, Bonnie Raitt and Rickie Lee Jones as influences. But when was the last time you got to listen to them sign their hearts out for free? Clark will let you tonight at Fairwinds Restaurant at Dunegrass Country Club in OOB. Make sure you do the dressy casual thing and at least order a drink. The acoustic show goes on from 5-8 pm.

If you'd rather wear your grunge, head north instead of south and hit up the Thursday Night Concert Series at The Gelato Fiasco in Brunswick. The music is free and tonight it comes from folk, rock blues guy Rob Scott. And don't forget the gelato's made from scratch.