Chocolate news--Dean’sSweets Celebrates First Anniversary/Champagne Truffle

Dean'sSweets, maker of elegant chocolate truffles and Maine sea salt caramels, is celebrating its one-year anniversary in its location at 82 Middles Street. To mark this occasion, Dean'sSweets is launching a new and fitting item - a Champagne truffle. To say thank you to local customers for their support during the first year, Dean'sSweets is offering a free Champagne truffle to anyone who comes to their store between now and December 12, 2009. No purchase is necessary; just mention the Champagne truffle offer.

For our customers anywhere, we will include a free two-piece box of Champagne truffles with any phone or website order between now and New Year's Day, 2010.

Dean'sSweets chocolates are made in small batches in Portland, without any preservatives. Those with nut allergies can also rest assured that there are no nuts or nut products in any of Dean'sSweets truffles or caramels.

Dean'sSweets is on 82 Middle Street in Portland, and is open every day from 11-6, and 11-7 on Fridays and Saturdays. You can reach them at www.deanssweets.com or 207.899.3664.

"The Artist’s Checkbook" with Maine VLA and Center for Law and Innovation and PROPEL

PROPEL is proud to support the Maine VLA and the Center for Law and Innovation as they present "The Artist's Checkbook". This educational seminar will focus on financial issues that artists confront on a regular basis, and will be followed by a networking event. The program will start at 5:30 on December 3, 2009 at the Wishcamper Center, 34 Bedford Street, Portland. Please pre-register at www.maineVLA.org.

Pre-registration cost is $10 for the general public and $5 for collaborator members. The program is free for VLA members. Tickets on the day of the event will be $13.

Who: Maine VLA and Center for Law and Innovation

What: The Artist's Checkbook (educational seminar)

When: Thursday, December 3rd at 5:30 p.m.

Where: USM Wishcamper Center, 34 Beford Street, Portland

Sign up here: www.maineVLA.org

Biddeford to host Holiday Festival

Biddeford - On Friday, December 4th from 5-7p Heart of Biddeford will host the annual Holiday Festival in downtown Biddeford. A great way to kick off the holiday season, this event brings hundreds of kids and families downtown to celebrate our city and the holiday season. This is a fun and completely free event with cookie decorating at Reilly's Bakery, horse rides, caroling in Shevenel Park with New Beginnings Chapel and photos with Santa at Photo Doctor/McKenney Photo. The Mayor will light the Christmas tree at 7:00p sharp and the City Theater will screen a very popular holiday movie.

Starbucks has kindly donated hot chocolate and Key Bank has helped sponsor programming for the event.

The East End Holiday Stroll Dec 5

Portland's East End Shops are buzzing with preparations for the annual Holiday Stroll, which takes place Sat. Dec. 5th from 11 - 6 pm. Neighborhood businesses, aglow with lights and music, will offer strolling shoppers delicious treats, special deals, and a festive atmosphere in which to kick off the holiday season. There will be warming stations at various locations for strollers to toast cold hands and sip warm beverages, and like last year, there will be a special raffle: shoppers who visit five or more locations on the Stroll and get their raffle card punched will be entered to win a prize from their favorite spot. The raffle cards will be available at each location where a prize will be offered.

In the East End, new businesses have joined long-established ones to form a wildly eclectic mix that is alluring to those looking for unusual or locally-made holiday gifts. Original artwork, hand-printed cards, fabrics and fibers, ceramics and jewelry, antique books and hand-dipped truffles are just a few of the good things one can find in this part of town. And there are many excellent places to fortify oneself with fabulous food, drink and sweets, many of which are on the Holiday Stroll. All of this could add up to the perfect December shopping day: stroll, discover wonderful things, nibble, check off list, support local economy....and everyone goes home happy!

For more information on the East End Holiday Stroll, visit eastendshops.com.

The East End Shops include the following businesses:

Angela Adams
Arm Factory Screen Printing
Arthur Fink Photography
Bar Lola
Blue Spoon
Carlson Turner Books
Coffee by Design
Davanti Hair Salon
Dean's Sweets
Duckfat
Earth and Soul
Eli Phant
Ember Grove
Emilie Inc. Photography
Ferdinand
Ferricchia Hair Salon
Field
Figa
Fraser Art Studio
Homegrown Herb & Tea
Hugo's
Katie Made Bakery
KnitWit Yarn Shop
Laura Fuller Design Studio
Maine Mead Works
Micucci's
North Star Music Cafe
Old Port Specialty Tile Co.
Pepperclub/Good Egg Cafe
Portland Fiber Gallery
Portland Observatory
Rabelais
Rosemont Market on the Hill
Running With Scissors Studios
Silly's Restaurant
St. Lawrence Arts Center
The Body Architect
Two Fats Cats Bakery
Willa Wirth Silver Design
Z Fabrics
Zero Station

"Your fur had a face" protest rally Fri, Nov 27

Activists ask shoppers to choose compassion over cruelty:

WHEN: Friday November 27, 2009, 11:30 A.M. - 1 P.M. # Rain or Shine.

WHERE: 343 Gorham Road, in front of Dino International Furs, South Portland, Maine (Corner of Foden Road & Gorham Road at the Cornerbrook Shopping Center). Activists will gather on the public sidewalk.

WHAT: Holding signs that read, "Your Fur Had a Face" next to pictures of skinned animals, animal advocates from Maine Friends of Animals and Maine Animal Coalition will expose the cruelty of the fur industry at this international protest event the day after Thanksgiving. Activists all around the world are calling upon shoppers to cross animal skins off their lists for good this Fur Free Friday.

"We are asking everyone to choose compassion over cruelty," says Maine Friends of Animals Board Member, Melissa Gates. "With all the luxurious alternatives available, there is absolutely no excuse to contribute to the extreme cruelty of the fur industry by purchasing or wearing furs."

What is wrong with fur? Frightened animals trapped for fur suffer excruciating pain, often for days, before having their chests crushed or their necks snapped by trappers, who often kill snared animals by jumping up and down on them. Beavers caught in underwater traps struggle frantically for up to 20 minutes before drowning. On factory fur farms, animals spend their lives in tiny, filthy cages, where they suffer physical and psychological distress before being killed by poisoning, gassing, anal electrocution, or neck breaking. This is unacceptable.

Fur Free Friday, an annual event that takes place the Friday after Thanksgiving, aims to educate people about the horrors suffered by fur-bearing animals. Organized originally in 1986 by grassroots activists to abolish the fur trade, Fur Free Friday has grown to be one of the most widely attended annual demonstrations of the animal rights movement. Through protests, education, and the promotion of cruelty-free fashion, Fur Free Friday gives a voice to the millions of animals who suffer and die at the hands of this cruel industry each year.

For more information, please visit FurisDead.com

SMCC Holds Alternative Gift Market & Fair Trade Crafts Sale

South Portland-Has the commercialism of the season got you down? The Alternative Gift Market and Fair Trade Crafts Sale at Southern Maine Community College is a perfect way to get into the real spirit of the season and help others all over the world. The event will be held in the Campus Center at 2 Fort Road on Friday, December 4, from 11 am to 3 pm, and Saturday, December 5, from 10 am to 2 pm. Admission is free.

Give a gift to the world by purchasing life-sustaining gifts in honor of your friends, family, and associates, such as uniforms and books for children in DR Congo, a sewing machine for female entrepreneurs in India, or tools, seeds, and training for farmers in Honduras. A card will be provided to give as an alternative gift, reading, "A gift has been given in your name to the following organization."

All donations through the purchase of alternative gifts are tax-deductible.

New Year's Eve with Rustic Overtones at PCMH

WCYY welcomes RUSTIC OVERTONES with special guests tba on Thursday, December 31, 2009 at Port City Music Hall
8:00 pm - 2:00 am / 21+
$20 Advance / $25 Door / $50 VIP
Tickets available at www.portcitymusichall.com and at all Bull Moose Records locations.

Tickets on-sale 11/13 at 3 pm
ONLINE TICKET SALES LINK:
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/89750

Port City Music Hall, 504 Congress Street, in Portland, ME is pleased to announce a very special New Year's Eve with Rustic Overtones and special guests on Thursday, December 31, 2009 from 8 pm - 2 am. The party is open to 21+ only. Tickets go on-sale at 3 pm on Friday, November 13. Tickets are available online at www.PortCityMusicHall.com and in person at all Bull Moose Music stores.

The party is brings one of Portland's most beloved - and nationally successful - bands to the crown jewel of the Portland club scene. The Port City Music Hall, which opened in January 2009, has been lauded at the city's most elegant music venue with an extraordinary state-of-the-art sound system. The past year has seen countless sold-out shows from nationally touring bands on the cutting edge. This will be Rustic Overtone's first public performance at the venue and first Maine appearance since the Nov. 11 release of their new disc, "New Way Out."

Tickets to the New Year's Eve Party with Rustic Overtones are $20 in advance; $25 at the door; and $50 for the VIP area. VIP ticket holders enjoy table-seating with waitress service, unobstructed sightlines of the stage, a VIP-only bar, and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. A limited number of VIP tickets are available and customarily sell out well in advance of performances. WCYY 94.3 fm Portland, will host an "Unluckiest Thing That Ever Happened to You" contest on Friday, Nov. 13 and give away a VIP table for 4 to the unluckiest winner prior to tickets going on sale.

Rustic Overtones was originally formed in Portland, Maine in 1995. The band split in 2002, but kicked off their official reunion in July 2007 with a free outdoor performance in Portland's Monument Square for 6,000 fans. In their own words, the band's sound is a rock/soul/funk mix of "fiery rhythm section," "blazing horn riffs" and "soulful vocals."

The new disc, "New Way Out," was two years in the making and their first album of all new material since "Viva Nueva" in 2001. Long-awaited by fans, the self-described "bold and grandiose" new album features arrangements for strings, woodwinds, timpani, and even steel drums. In the words of frontman Dave Gutter, "the underlying messages of the lyrics are imagination, courage, friendship, and love."

A longtime Rustic fan like so many Mainers, Portland Phoenix music critic Sam Pfeifle says of Rustic: "The chorus of "Combustible" is one of my top-10 all-time favorite live-show moments. Every time I see it." He praises the new disc as "a textured and dense amalgam of the collected band's many tastes and endeavors." A splendid time is guaranteed for all....

ONLINE TICKET SALES LINK:
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/89750

Matterhorn Ski Bar re-opens for winter Nov 25

The Matterhorn at Sunday River has an all-new look with more comfortable seating, a new stage location for entertainment, faster bar service and new memorabilia. There's also a brand new menu with all your old favorites with some new surprises. This is the Matterhorn's 15th Year and SKIING Magazine recently voted it "BEST SKI BAR" among some pretty illustrious company both East and West.

The entertainment line up is set with several new bands in addition to house favorites "Last Kid Picked" who will play 7 shows this season. Check out the new website at www.matterhornskibar.com for a complete entertainment calendar.

If you're a frequent SundayRiver Skier and haven't already joined the MUG CLUB, at 700 strong members, you can do it online on the Mug Club page.

Finally, the Matterhorn will re-open Wednesday, November 25th - the limited schedule is Tuesday, Friday and Saturday through early December until the first day of winter on December 21st when they open every day until April.

Award-winning Blunt Youth Radio Project is recruiting new members

Program seeks high school-aged teens to receive FREE training in radio
journalism and broadcasting.

Portland, October 28, 2009 # Nationally award-winning Blunt Youth
Radio is holding an Open House to recruit new high school aged
volunteers. The event takes place on Monday, November 16th from
7:00-8:30 p.m. at WMPG, Greater Portland Community Radio, 92 Bedford
Street, on the USM Portland Campus. The Open House happens during
Blunt's regular live Monday night broadcast. The show topic for the
night is "The World's Remote Places - Afghanistan." Visitors will
have the chance to see the live show and enjoy some free pizza and root
beer!

Since 1994, Blunt Youth Radio Project has brought together up to 50
teenagers from a variety of schools to produce a weekly, call-in, public
affairs radio show on WMPG-FM, 90.9 and 104.1, the non-profit, community
radio station of the University of Southern Maine. The hour-long show
features two teen hosts who interview guests on topical issues,
interspersed with public radio-style feature reports, produced by the
team's reporters.

At Blunt (think: "straightforward," "to the point,"
"frank," or "no holds barred"), our young members handle
all aspects of show production: reporting, on-air hosting, choosing
topics and locating guests, studio production, and broadcast
engineering. Work by members of Blunt has aired on Morning Edition, All
Things Considered, Maine Public Radio, This American Life, the BBC and
other shows. Find out more about Blunt at our website:
http://www.bluntradio.org.

Blunt Youth Radio equips teens with the tools and training that will
give them a voice in electronic media. Members develop critical thinking
skills and a civic-minded outlook. Our members cover important issues in
their communities ranging from elections to college costs. Blunt combats
Maine's "brain drain" problem by helping young people take an
active role in community life right here and right now!

Who should join Blunt Youth Radio Project? We are open to any
high-school aged student. Our program is low-barrier, and the only
qualification is an open mind and a commitment to show up. We encourage
young people to join as early in high school as possible. Most of our
members remain in the program for two years or more. Current and alumni
members are available for interviews this week.

Training begins soon, so we are eager to find teens to join our
program. Again, we are holding an Open House at WMPG on Monday, November
16th from 7:00 to 8:30 pm.

Maine Festival of the Book 2010 to Be Held in April

PORTLAND, Maine - The fourth annual Maine Festival of the Book will be held in Portland April 9-11, 2010. Most events are free and open to the public. For more information go to www.mainereads.org.

The Maine Festival of the Book is presented by the literacy nonprofit Maine Reads and is chaired by First Lady of Maine Karen M. Baldacci.

The festival's goal is to encourage a dialogue between authors and readers through programs that feature readings, performances, parties and panel discussions. With the exception of Opening Night on April 9, events are free and designed to appeal to a broad range of ages and interests.

Dedicated to the fight for a more literate Maine, Maine Reads provides meaningful programs that teach reading, encourage literacy, and celebrate Maine's rich literary heritage.

Santa visits kids and dogs at Planet Dog Company Store to raise funds for Planet Dog Foundation

What: Planet Dog Company Store is hosting the fifth annual "Sit With Santa", the Planet Dog Foundation's popular annual fundraising event to help them support canine service organizations.

Kids and dogs are invited to have their photos taken with Santa. The cost is $10.00 for a sitting with Santa. One image will be provided at the event and the others will be available to download later.

100% of the proceeds will be donated to the Planet Dog Foundation which supports canine service programs nationwide.

A photographer will be taking the photos and a box of "costumes" will be provided for interested dogs (antlers, etc.). Free refreshments for the kids and dogs will also be provided (cider, animal crackers, dog treats and water).

When: Saturday, December 5th from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm.

Where: Planet Dog Company Store, 211 Marginal Way, Portland

Cost: $10.00 per dog

Who: Planet Dog is a Portland-based designer, developer and retailer of award-winning and socially responsible products for dogs. Planet Dog is proud to donate a portion of every sale to the Planet Dog Foundation (PDF) to support canine service programs.

Maine Academy of Modern Music celebrates tax exemption with two events

The Maine Academy of Modern Music has announced that they have been granted full 501(c)(3) tax exempt status by the lovely folks at the IRS!

They'll be celebrating their new nonprofit status with two upcoming events in Portland:

For the 21+ crowd, MAMM is throwing a party at the Dogfish Bar & Grille this Sunday, November 15th from 4-8pm. The Dogfish will donate $1 from every beer and $1 from every appetizer to MAMM.

For MAMM students, they'll be hosting an all-ages Rock 'n Bowl show at Yankee Lanes on Saturday, November 21st from 6-9pm which will feature performances by a number of our MAMM Rock Ensembles.

WMPG Record & CD Sale Saturday, Nov 21

WMPG, the community radio station at the University of Southern Maine, announces its 14th Annual Record and CD Sale, November 21, 2009 in USM's Sullivan Gym beginning at 10am. This is a fundraising event for the station. There is a two dollar admission charge.

The Record Sale features records, compact discs, tapes and other music related items plus books and magazines made available by nearly 2 dozen vendors from around New England. WMPG also sells recordings donated by listeners. All genres of music will be available.

On the air for over 35 years, WMPG offers a wide variety of cultural and arts information programming including jazz, folk, rock, reggae, blues and community affairs as well as specialty programs from Greater Portland's Cambodian, African, Jewish, Latino, African-American, Vietnamese, Somali and Native American communities. Over 200 student and community volunteers create WMPG's diverse program schedule.

"Nearly five hundred people attended last year's sale," said Jim Rand, coordinator for the event. "Our sale has more of a party or communal atmosphere than other record conventions, it's just a lot of fun!" For information about the record sale or donating records to WMPG, please call (207)780-4424 or send an e-mail to "Stationmanager@wmpg.org"

Date: Saturday, November 21, 2009 10am-4pm

Where: USM's Portland Sullivan Gym

Free Coffee Day at the Udder Place

The Udder Place celebrates Rippleffect going year round!

In recognition of Rippleffect's new year round programming, The Udder Place
will be giving away free coffee all day. Join in the adventure: Tuesday, November 10th from 6am to 5pm.

The Udder Place
428 Brighton/Stevens Avenue
Intersection of Rt 9/Rt 25

*All contributions made to Rippleffect will go to the 2010 youth scholarship
fund.

Support Habitat for Humanity and recycle your unwanted electronic gadgets Nov 14

Support Habitat for Humanity by recycling your unwanted electronic gadgets. Do you have an old television, microwave, printer, computer, or VCR that you would like to get rid of but don't want to pay the high disposal fees? We have a solution for you. By making a small donation to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Portland, eWaste Recycling Solutions will dispose of these unwanted items for you. Typically this service would cost up to $25 per item at the local dump. For a complete list of items that are accepted by eWaste Recycling Solutions, please visit their website at www.ewastemaine.com.

When: Saturday, November 14, 2009; 10:00am-3:00pm
Where: The Maine Mall parking lot between Pizza Hut and Hannaford. Look for the ReStore truck!
Who: This event is for Maine households only. Businesses wishing to dispose of their e-waste should contact Rick Clark @ ewastemaine.com or 1-207-449-1709

Maine Mall Address:
364 Maine Mall Road
South Portland, Maine 04106

About Habitat for Humanity of Greater Portland:
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Portland, an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, is a nonprofit Christian organization dedicated to eliminating poverty housing. Habitat for Humanity brings together people with resources and people in need to build simple, decent, affordable houses. The houses are sold to those in need at no profit. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Portland was founded in 1985 and has built 50 houses in the Greater Portland community.

2009 Turkey Challenge at Wayside Soup Kitchen

WHAT: Wayside is asking for your help this Thanksgiving to provide resources of nutritious food to families who are struggling this holiday.

WHY: With generous help from the community,

Wayside Food Rescue collected and distributed 1000 turkeys in 2008.

In Cumberland County this year alone, the number of households needing help in providing food for their families is up 30% from 2008.

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

From now until November 16th, work with your friends and co-workers to buy frozen turkeys or gift cards valued at $25, $35, $40, or $50 that Wayside Food Rescue can use to buy turkeys.

Please call ahead to arrange a time on Monday, November 16 to drop-off turkeys and/or gift cards at Wayside.

To drop at the Soup Kitchen at 252 Oxford Street, please call Steve: 712.7747.

To drop at the Food Rescue Warehouse at 135 Walton Street, please call Jake: 317.6561.

Please call Wayside Food Rescue for a pick-up if you have a large quantity of turkeys!

Please help us to help those in need of a little help in providing a bountiful and joyous Thanksgiving Dinner!

Crafters Wanted for York Art Association Holiday Fine Carft Fair

York Art Association, York, Maine, is holding their annual Holiday Fine Craft Fair on Friday December 11th & Saturday December 12th.

For More Information call Louise Gurstenblat at 361-4288 or e-mail lgoriginal@aol.com

Rustic Overtones to Perform In Six Bull Moose Stores to Celebrate the Release of Their New CD, New Way Out, November 11-20

PORTLAND, Maine # To celebrate their first album of completely new material since 2001, Portland's beloved Rustic Overtones will perform six live shows at six Bull Moose stores November 11-20. Their new album, New Way Out, will be available at Bull Moose beginning November 7 (November 11 elsewhere). All six of the Rustic Overtones appearances begin at 5:30 p.m. and are free and open to the public. Show dates and locations are:

* November 11th # Bull Moose Scarborough (456 Payne Road)
* November 13th # Bull Moose Brunswick (151 Maine Street)
* November 17th # Bull Moose Windham (771 Roosevelt Trail)
* November 18th # Bull Moose Portsmouth, NH (82-86 Congress Street)
* November 19th # Bull Moose Bangor (683 Hogan Road)
* November 20th # Bull Moose Waterville (Elm Plaza - 13 Elm Court)

Rustic Overtones was originally formed in Portland, Maine in 1995. The band split in 2002, but kicked off their official reunion in July 2007 with a free outdoor performance in Portland's Monument Square for 6,000 fans.

In their own words, the band's sound is a rock/soul/funk mix of "fiery rhythm section," "blazing horn riffs" and "soulful vocals." New Way Out is Rustic Overtones' first album of all new material since their release of Viva Nueva in 2001. Long-awaited by fans, the self-described "bold and grandiose" new album features arrangements for strings, woodwinds, timpani, and even steel drums and, in the words of frontman Dave Gutter, "the underlying messages of the lyrics are imagination, courage, friendship, and love." New Way Out will be released at all Bull Moose stores and www.bullmoose.com beginning November 7. The national release date is November 11.

Bull Moose has been hosting in-store appearances and performances since its inception. Always free and open to the public, the events are a popular, intimate outlet for local and national acts and their fans. For more information about the Rustic Overtones performances, visit www.BullMoose.com or call your local Bull Moose store.

Gluten-free Italian Cooking School, Jan 15-17

The Institute for Italian Studies is pleased to host its first
Gluten Free Italian Culinary program at the beautiful
Granite Ridge Estate, in Western Maine, scheduled for
January 15-17, 2010. Granite Ridge is the perfect home
for enjoying splendid lakes and mountains. The program
combines the opportunity to enjoy the spectacular beauty
of the Maine fall foliage with the culinary experience of
renowned chef Rebecca Reilly.

Perched atop a mountain and surrounded by 128
secluded acres, Granite Ridge provides the perfect
setting for our culinary school. Chef Reilly will guide
you through the preparation of a variety of authentic
Italian dishes.

Chef Rebecca Reilly is the author of the beautiful
book Gluten-Free Baking: More Than 125 Recipes
for Delectable Sweet and Savory Baked Goods,
Including Cakes, Pies, Quick Breads, Muffins, Cookies,
and Other Delights (NY: Simon and Schuster, 2002).
She has devoted all her passion and knowledge to
Gluten Free cooking. Chef Reilly's ability to transform
traditional and original recipes into unique gluten free
creations have made her cuisine renowned and
distinguished for taste, presentation, and cooking
techniques. A gluten-free diet is not only of fundamental
importance in the treatment of celiac disease and wheat
allergy, but it has become a conscientious choice for
many people longing for a healthy and balanced living
style.

Michelle Fratianne, RD, LD, will share tips on various
topics, such as healthy food choices and evaluating
nutritional information in the media. Micki is a Registered
Dietitian and has worked in all types of settings and with
different age groups. She is a teacher to the public of all
ages and to fellow health care professionals. She has
held a seminar for the American Culinary Federation,
has written for newspapers and has conducted radio
interviews. Micki will be available for questions
throughout the weekend.

*********

On Friday January 15, around 5:00 p.m., meet your hosts Luisa De Luca, Michelle Fratianne and Chef Rebecca Reilly at Granite Ridge. After a short presentation of the program, we will invite you to enjoy a simple, yet exquisite, dinner. Wine will be served during each dinner.

The following day, after breakfast, you will be guided through your first Italian gluten free cooking class. After lunch, spend the afternoon enjoying yourself and engaging in your favorite activities. Go for a hike or relax, reading a book in front of the fireplace or enjoying the hot tub. Of course, you can also go shopping. Freeport is only 35 miles away and Portland is 42 miles away. In the late afternoon, get ready for another great Italian cooking class.

On Sunday January 17, we will meet around 10:00 for the preparation of a gluten free brunch. Departure time is early afternoon.

**************

To receive more information and to register
for the Gluten-Free Italian
Culinary Program,
please contact Luisa De Luca,
IIS Director and Program
Coordinator.

E-mail: info@iismaine.com

www.iismaine.com

Portland Crowns Drum Champion: Tonto Taranto

Last week, Tonto Taranto came one step closer to becoming famous when he was crowned the local winner of Guitar Center's Drum-Off '09, the nationwide search for the "Best Undiscovered Drummer in the Nation."

On November 5, Tonto will move on to compete in the Drum-Off District Finals, taking place at the Guitar Center store in Boston, where he will continue to battle it out for a chance to win over $40,000 in cash and prizes. GC's Drum-Off champion will have career-altering opportunities, including national media attention and recognition from the professional drumming community. Last year's Drum Off Champion, 22-year-old Jerome Flood II, performed in front of drumming legends that included Adrian Young (No Doubt), Taylor Hawkins (Foo Fighters), The Rev (Avenged Sevenfold) and Danny Carey (Tool). Flood made his television debut when he was invited to perform on Last Call with Carson Daly.

Peter Wolf Replaces Judd Nelson as Guest Narrator for Portland Symphony Orchestra’s Great Stories to Tell at Merrill Auditorium, November 8

PORTLAND, Maine # For the first Sunday Classical concert of the 85th anniversary season, the Portland Symphony Orchestra (PSO) announces the replacement of the originally scheduled guest narrator. The PSO is proud to welcome Peter Wolf, best known as the former lead vocalist for the J. Geils Band, to narrate the "Great Stories to Tell!" matinee concert on Sunday, November 8. Wolf replaces actor Judd Nelson who was originally scheduled to narrate but had to withdraw due to an injury. Led by Music Director Robert Moody and featuring members of Portland Ballet Company, the concert takes place at 2:30 PM in Merrill Auditorium, 20 Myrtle Street in Portland.

Wolf, known as one of the most charismatic frontmen in rock, led the J. Geils Band from 1967 to 1983. The band had several hits including "Centerfold," "Love Stinks," and "Freeze Frame." Wolf began his solo career in 1984 and has performed alongside such diverse musicians as Aretha Franklin, John Lee Hooker, Mick Jagger, Bruce Springsteen, and Kid Rock. He has also produced numerous film soundtracks and run art exhibits of his original paintings.

"Great Stories to Tell!" blends music, story-telling, dance and colorful costumes to appeal to all the senses. The concert begins with music from Mendelssohn's delightful A Midsummer Night's Dream, followed by Respghi's Ancient Airs and Dances (Suite No. 1), composed in 1917 and based on themes of Renaissance-era lute music.

The centerpiece of the program is Stravinsky's L'histoire du Soldat ("A Soldier's Tale") # a 1918 theatrical work "to be read, played, and danced" ("lue, jouée et dansée"). L'histoire du Soldat is a parable based on a Russian folk tale about a soldier who trades his fiddle to the devil for a book that predicts the future of the economy. The music is witty and acerbic, and includes elements of ragtime, early jazz, and tango. Dancers from Portland Ballet Company portray the Soldier, the Devil, and the Princess while Wolf narrates; all accompanied by a virtuoso ensemble of select PSO players.

Sponsored by Cardiovascular Consultants of Maine, "Great Stories to Tell!"will take place at Merrill Auditorium, 20 Myrtle Street, at 2:30 PM on November 8. Tickets range from $20-$70 and are available through PortTix at (207) 842-0800 or www.porttix.com. Phone and internet orders are subject to $6-per-ticket handling fees. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the box office at 20 Myrtle St., Monday through Saturday, noon to 6 PM.

A Concert Conversation with Dr. Scott Harris, Director of the USM School of Music, takes place at 1:15 PM in the Rehearsal Hall, and a PostConcert Q&A will be held onstage with the artists immediately following the performance. Cardiovascular Consultants of Maine will be providing free health screenings in the auditorium lobby. A live recorded broadcast of the concert can be heard on Maine Public Broadcasting Network on Wednesday, December 9, 2009.

The PSO's 2009-10 season is sponsored by IDEXX Laboratories. For complete season information, including artist biographies; program notes; and Online Insights, provided with support from season Enrichment Sponsor Fairpoint Communications; visit www.portlandsymphony.com.