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For an evening of fine food, music and good company, put on some decent duds and head to Ballyhoo. The fundraiser benefits Youth Alternatives Ingraham and boasts food samples from local restaurants that will tantalize the tastebuds. And don't forget the live and silent auction. More info or to purchase tix: www.yimaine.org/ballyhoo.
5:30 pm Friday | $60 | Holiday Inn by the Bay, Portland

Doctors Without Borders Gala Fundraiser
6:30 pm Saturday | $30 | Portland Museum of Art

Nonprofit Night at The Front Room
5:00-10:00 pm Monday | The Front Room, Portland

Get a behind the scenes look behind the labels of your favorite beers during Beer Wars Live. The evening begins with the film "Beer Wars," the story of small brewers who shun the status quo. A live panel discussion follows (simulcast from LA) with independent brewers and beer industry experts hosted by Ben Stein. More info: www.fathomevents.com.
8:00 pm Thursday | $8 | Brunswick 10

It may be spring in Maine, but the mountain at Sugarloaf is covered in snow. And during Reggae Festival there's plenty of prime skiing and rhythmic grooves to dance to. The festival runs through Sunday and includes multiple reggae bands from the U.S. and beyond. More info: www.sugarloaf.com.
Thursday-Sunday | $10 in advance/$12 at the door | Sugarloaf

Feminist icon Ani DiFranco brings her rapid fingerpicking and spoken-word-like tunes to town for two shows: a free in-store performance at Bull Moose and an evening concert at Merrill.
1:00 pm Friday | Free! |Bull Moose, Scarborough
8:00 pm Friday | $35 | Merrill Auditorium, Portland

The good news is it seems the snow is gone for the season. The bad news is, there's a winter's-worth of garbage in our parks and streets. Help clean up during the Great Earth Day Clean Up celebration in South Portland.
8:30 am Saturday | Free | Meet at Mill Creek Park, SoPo

MENSK Earth Day 2009: All That Litter is Gold
10:00 am-3:00 pm Wednesday | One piece of litter | Congress Square, Portland

Earth Day Open House at the Community Supported Kitchen
4:00-6:00 pm Wednesday | Free| Public Market House, Portland

Great mugs, free coffee
All day Wednesday | Free with a mug | O'Naturals, Portland

Get up close and personal with NPR's Ira Glass. And by "up close" we mean "in the same large room." You are not allowed to sit on stage with him and touch his hair. Most noted for "This American Life," Glass brings a bit of storytelling to Merrill. Tix: www.porttix.com
8:00 pm Saturday | $32-$43 | Merrill Auditorium, Portland

Record Store Day is blossoming. Catch free in-store performances at each of the 10 Bull Moose stores in Maine and NH. Por ejemplo: This Way performs at 5 pm in Portland, Sidecar Radio at 5 pm in Lewiston and Highway Jackson at 2 pm in No. Windham. And don't forget the limited-edition albums and merchandise. More info: www.bullmoose.com.
All day Saturday | Free performances | All Bull Moose locations

Join Mink Dimondz and Becky Bottoms of Atomic Trash! during Reefer Madness Burlesque Night. Catch performances from Natalie Anatomy, Frenchy Distemper, Goldie Peacock, Skeletora, belly dancer Michelle Estelle and more. To avoid any confusion, it should be noted that this event is for adults only.
9:00 pm Sunday | $8 | Geno's, Portland

The half-inspiring, half-insane journey of EpicMan launches from Peaks Island. Tri-Mainer Will Thomas and Boston everyman Seth Bradbury will travel 163 miles in 24 hours, from Peaks Island to the finish line at the Boston Marathon. They're stopping at Ri-Ra before the bike ride down to NH and the Switch/MaineToday.com/WCYY Street Team will be there. More info: http://theepicmancometh.blogspot.com.
3:00 pm Sunday | Free | Ri Ra, Portland

The 420 Medical Marijuana Benefit is gathering support for the November 2009 medical marijuana ballot measure. But it won't be all politics at Empire Dine & Dance. Portland-based rock artists Station 85 and reggae band Mystic Vibes perform along with eight other acts. Event begins at 4:20 pm and is open to the public.
4:20 pm Monday | Empire Dine & Dance, Portland

Music this week

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