August 13, 2009

We'll always have our art

Get on your walking shoes for the 2nd Friday ArtWalk on Friday, during which some 30 studios, galleries and businesses will open their doors and let you in on the views. The evening, as always, is sponsored by Five Rivers Arts Alliance, and the organizations yellow brochures will help you plan your path. The walking goes from 5-8 pm and you can see the sights in downtown Brunswick as well as just across the bridge in Topsham.

If you're thinking of something more relaxing tonight - and if you happen to have kids in tow - you may want to get yourself to the Freeport YMCA for the second installment of Family Movie Night. The show rolls at 7 pm and it's just $5 per family. "Finding Nemo" is the show - yeah, it's animated but that doesn't mean you're too old to enjoy it - and check this: You can watch while floating on an inner tube in the pool. Make sure you pre-register by calling 865-9600.

If you'd rather spend your Friday eve with people who are old enough to enjoy a good microbrew, make the drive down to Old Orchard Beach to hear Andrea Delan unplugged at Jimmy The Greeks. She'll be singing her heart out from 5-9 pm and since you'll be in a 21-plus crowd, feel free to enjoy a few of the many, many beers on tap.

Saturday is supposed to be gorgeous. Translated, that means get yourself outside cause summer won't be here forever. Your first option is a freebie and it's the MS Harborfest extravaganza. If you don't already know what it is, think boats, lots of them, bobbing along in the beautiful waters of Casco Bay. Get yourself a comfy seat and watch the Parade of Sail (10:45 am), which kicks off the main event, the MS Regatta (12:30 pm start). The regatta works its way through Portland Harbor and the Fore River and you can watch while enjoying a picnic and/or a tasty beverage.

Also on Saturday, it's the Brunswick Outdoor Arts Festival. If you chose to skip this week's Friday art walk, you can still get a healthy dose of culture from 9 am-5 pm today. Admission's free all along Maine Street and you can check out the work of 50-plus artists, watch mimes and jugglers and listen to local music. Sounds like lots to keep you busy.

If you're looking for some evening action, head on over to Empire Dine and Dance for the album release party for Jaye Drew. The disc is named "A Moving Train" and Drew will be joined at the party by The Soul Movement and Lady Zen. The music goes from 9 pm-1 am and it's said to be "One hella show." Admission's just $5.

Sunday's always a day to take it easy. Or it should be. Course there's always the lawn to be mowed and the house to be cleaned and the garden to be weeded ... If you can get those things done in the morn maybe you can make time to check out Abram Taylor at North Star Music Cafe at 1 pm. The event is by donation, so give a little and also get yourself a a little - beer.

Or maybe instead of indulging in yet another brew you're more interested in ways to change your diet - for the better. You can get some great ideas on the cheap at Summer in the Raw, an event at Rippling Waters Organic Farm in Standish. Lisa Marie Lindenschmidt is the presenter and she'll be giving pointers on a raw vegan food diet. She'll also be making green smoothies to be tasted prior to the community potluck that attendees will be expected to contribute to. You'll need to let 'em know you're coming so call 642-5161 to save a smoothie and get directions. You can check out Lisa Marie's website here for more info. It's just $5 for the gathering that goes from 4-7 pm. What you'll learn (and taste) will be worth much more than that.

And then, of course, it's back to the drinking. Because it's Sunday, you know there will be music at Run of the Mill Public House & Brewery in Saco. Tonight it's the Steve Bailey Band playing from 5-8 pm. Don't know what kind of music they play, but I do know Run of the Mill serves a Cassk-Kickin' IPA.