June 22, 2009

Follow up your pilates with a little Allagash

For Monday I've got a smooth and mellow way to get you rolling into another week. How about checking out the Portland Conservatory of Music's International Piano Festival, which will feature student performances at the Eastland Park Hotel. It's a tough time of day, 2:30 pm, but maybe you can do a late lunch and then let the music help your through the rest of the afternoon.

Or wait until the work day ends and then go pick yourself some strawberries for a great Monday dessert. There are tons of places where the pickin's going on and you can find 'em at www.themaineswitch.com.

It may be tough to drag yourself out of bed for the free flash mob pilates on Tuesday, but one thing you can be happy about is that at least it's not Monday. Springboard Pilates is on the move again and today's flash mob will meet at 6:42 am. For the location you've got to send an email to meredith@springboardpilates.com.

You may not be able to stay up late after your morning workout, so it's fortunate that it's once again Economic Recovery Stimulus Tuesday at the Nick. Choices for the eve include popular "The Hangover" at 5:20, 7:40 and 9:55 pm; "Star Trek" (seriously, you haven't seen it yet?) at 6:30 pm; and "The Taking of Pelham 123" (a little Denzel anyone?) at 5:10, 7:30 and 9:50 pm. All shows are $5.

Wednesday's a good night for some improv entertainment. Check out The Escapists at North Star Music Cafe at 7:30 pm. It's just $5 for a fun time.

Everybody loves an Allagash White, yes? But sometimes you're just not quite flush enough to grab a four-pack. So why not get smart and take a tour of the brewery. You'll see how the Belgiums make their beer and you'll get to sample several flavors at the end. Tours go on at Allagash on Monday through Friday at 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm so make this a Grand Cru kind of Wednesday.

There's no reason to say no to free music. Go check it out and if you don't like it just down your drink and get out. If you head over to Port City Music Hall tonight you'll want to stay for sure. Prince Dubplate plays reggae tunes tonight in the Front Lounge for the 21+ crowd from 8 pm-1 am. And in case you didn't figure it out, it's free.

If you'd rather get out of town you can head for the Kennebunk Free Library and Earth Jams with Matt Loosigan at 6:30 pm. It may cost you a little gas money but the show's free.

A lot of guys may only end up at the garden center because their wife drags them there. But Thursday, if you're a guy you'll want to be at O'Donal's Nursery. It's Men's Night from 4:30-6:30 pm and there will be BBQ snacks, music from guitarist Jim Gallant, chair massages from Jen Valentine, lawn equipment from Wescott & Sons, door prizes and - best of all - beer sampling from Sebago Brewing. Guys will get 10% off on purchases (except gift cards) and can bring their ailing plants or plant questions to get help.

If thrillers are more up your alley than plants, head over to Longfellow Books for the 7 pm book reader and signing by James Hayman, "The Cutting." The murder mystery is set in Portland and will be released on Tuesday. It's already gotten a rave review from another Maine favorite, Tess Gerritsen.

Also tonight, if you're planning to go out and get back in early, wander over to Browne Trading Company for the wine tasting from 5-7 pm. The staff's knows its wine and you can sip some and learn a little and still get home for the start of the Sox game.