July 06, 2009

It's an outdoor music extravaganza this week

But first we have to get through another Monday. As long as the rain isn't falling we'll be spending it outside. After a busy holiday weekend your Monday eve after work will be a great time for a relaxing walk around Baxter Boulevard. The scenery's nice and you might see a few people you know. Take your time, but try to work up a sweat to make it worth your while.

You second start-of-the-work-week day option is a picnic up on the East End of Portland overlooking East End Beach. The views are no better anywhere in the city and a sandwich and a book (or maybe an iPod) will be great companions for the sunset. Bring a special someone and hang around after dusk for a little romance on the picnic blanket.

Tuesday's filled with options including music and socializing. If you want to get a jump on the outdoor music that will be happening all week head over to Deering Oaks Park in Portland for the first bandstand concert of the summer. Don Campbell and his band will be on stag starting at 7:30 pm. Bring a chair and settle in for the free show.

If you'd rather listen with a roof over your head make your way over to One Longfellow Square for Imperial Hot Club. The show's just $5 and it should be a good one.

You can also hear some tunes at Deer Run Tavern in Yarmouth, though they may not be as refined as your first two options. It's open mic night from 7-9 pm so you may hear some up-and-coming stars or some singers that are going in the other direction. Whatever the case, the night of entertainment is free.

One more option, for those who want to make some connections. Social Network of Maine holds it's L/A monthly event at Schemengees Bar and Grill in Lewiston from 5:30-7:30 pm. It's socializing and drinking for people who want to get ahead.

The outside sounds continue on Wednesday on the other side of the city. The Sunset Folk Series kicks off at Western Prom Park at 8 pm with Tree By Leaf in the first show. As always this series is F-R-E-E.

If you want to get out of the city you can head over to SoPo to do your listening. Mill Creek's concerts in the park are starting tonight at 6:30 pm with Primo Cubano taking the stage. Bring a sandwich and a beverage and enjoy.

If it rains, find yourself a Redbox and settle in front of the tube with a bowl of popcorn and a Diet Coke.

Thursday already? On the verge of another weekend and more great options for summer music. The must-be-at concerts for the season start tonight in Monument Square. It's Alive at Five and Spencer and School Spirit Mafia will be playing starting at - you guessed it - 5 pm. Word is there will be a beer garden and there's plenty of great eats just steps away from the stage. Make a night of it. The music will go on until 8 pm and the drinks will be flowing at local pubs much longer than that.

Brian Boru would be a wise choice as a concert follow-up because the Butter Bros. will be continuing their Summer Sounds show. They start playing at 9pm and there's no cover.

Sounds like a pretty packed week. Hope you're not too exhausted before the weekend gets here.