June 08, 2009

Recover this week with a breather, and then some music

So relax today. Take a breather. Prop a chair up in the backyard and pop the top off a beer. You'll probably be asleep before The Closer comes on. But if you're absolutely itching for something to do, I do have a soothing suggestion. It's called Willard Beach and despite all the hoopla over the dogs there it's still a great place to walk, whether on sand or on grass. Get to it by heading to SMCC in SoPo, then trotting down the stairs. A book and a sandwich might be a good idea.

There will be no time to catch your breath when Tuesday arrives because there are absolutely tons of things to do this week. And I'll warn you - most of them have to do with music.

And so ...

Lets start with Portland greendrinks at 5:30 at Gorham Bike & Ski. It'll be the usual crowd but with Portland Trails co-sponsoring you're bound to get plenty of outdoor rec info that'll hopefully get you motivated to say so long to the couch for the summer. You'll be praised endlessly if you ride your bike to the event. Don't forget to bring your fav drinking vessel. The free greenery goes on until 8 pm.

And then it's on to the music. If you're an early to bed kind of person get to One Longfellow for the continuing Jazz Series at 8 pm. This week it's the Steve Grover Quintet and, as always, it's just $5 to listen.

If you can handle staying up a little later, wait until 9:30 for Marcus Caine at Una's back lounge. The music's free and it's happy hour all night every Tuesday.

We'll be picking up the pace on Wednesday as we start the freefall into another weekend. First: Wine. RSVP's monthly tasting starts early (4 pm) so work through lunch and get over to the Forest Ave location before they run out of the good shiraz. The free tasting goes until 7.

Next stop, Blue. Hope Hoffman and Jim Tolles are teaming up for a bluegrass/roots show at 7:30 pm. Your $5 donation will have you moving to the beats before the 8 o'clock hour strikes.

Rather hear some rock? WCYY Dj Mark Curdo is the evening's free act at Port City Music Hall. His arena rock show starts at 8 and it's free.

In the mood for something a little more mellow? There's also free music to be heard at Dogfish Bar & Grille, where Boston's Sarah Blacker is in the house for an 8:30 pm show. She was classically trained on vocals and plays piano and guitar. Should be the perfect combo for a Wednesday.

If you need to break from the music mode for one night, how about a roller girl sighting. The ladies of Maine Roller Derby will be out at Gritty's in Portland Thursday from 5:30-8. Meet 'em, get your pic taken with 'em, buy some raffle tix from 'em. C'mon, payday was yesterday (for those with jobs) - you can afford it.

Next you can pick from music shows at 8 pm, 9 pm or 9:30, depending on what your Friday morn looks like. DJ Graymatter's spinning his soul and hip-hop tunes at Port City at 8 and the show's free. Over at Empire D&D, local fav This Way is playing an acoustic show along with Roosevelt Dime at 9. This Thursday Night Live series is going on all summer with different local acts and it's just a fiver to get in. And just down the street at The White Heart, you can listen to DJ Todd the Rocket spin house, nujazz and "the music of today" at 9:30. No cover.

That should get you groovin' into another awesome weekend.