UPCOMING EVENTS

Click here for a listing of regular events.

Thursday, March 11

Unity Cara. Unity Centre for Performing Arts, 42 Depot Street. Presented by New England Celtic Arts. 7 p.m. $10.00. Info 800-894-4300 or www.necelticarts.com.

Friday, March 12

Gardiner Big Moose in concert. Big Moose Contradance Band (house band for the College of the Atlantic series) performs at Johnson Hall in Gardiner, as part of their "Sounds Good" series. Chrissy Fowler will be the emcee. 7:30 pm. Two sets, with great desserts for sale at intermission. Info: http://www.johnsonhall.org

Lewiston Contradance with the Montville Project, calling by Maggie Robinson. Contradancing at Chase Hall, 56 Campus Avenue on the Bates College campus. Everyone is welcome. Most dances taught. 8-11:30 p.m. $5 admission. FMI: freewillfolk@gmail.com.

Rockland Le Vent Du Nord. Strand Theatre, 345 Main Street. A direct predecessor of Cajun music, this lush genre blends fiddle, accordion and step dancing. Singing in their native French, the band's dynamic stage presence has delighted audiences across the world. $20/General Admission. 8 pm. (207) 594-0070x4, www.RocklandStrand.com.

Saturday, March 13

Bangor Downeast Irish Review, a benefit concert for the Maine Folklife Center. This St. Patrick Union Street Brick Church, 126 Union St. in Bangor, ME. 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the Downeast Irish Revew may be purchased in advance from the Maine Folklife Center by calling (207) 581-1891. You can also purchase tickets at Bookmarcs or the Grasshopper Shop in downtown Bangor.

Bowdoinham Violin/fiddle lessons with Hope Hoffman. Second Saturdays: free mini-lessons for beginners and specific coaching questions on drop-in basis (12:30-1:30), jam session for experienced students (3:30-4:30), teachers Free Grange Music Studio in Bowdoinham (on Center St., at corner of Main St./Route 125, parking behind Fox Real Estate). Free. More info at (207) 332-3459 and www.hopehoffman.org.

Farmington Contradance with Hope Hoffman & Friends, calling by Richard Green. WINTER LOCATION: Fairbanks Union School Community Center, Route 4, Farmington. All dances taught. Family dance with sit-in band 6:30-7:30, contra 8-11:00 PM. $6 adults, $5 students or $15 family max; Family Dance only, $2/$1. Info: 491-9928 or dance@starleft.org or www.starleft.org.

North Yarmouth Contradance with Whiffletree. Contras and more at Wescustogo Hall, Route 115. Most dances taught. Bring clean shoes for dancing! Family Dance 6pm, Potluck 7:30, beginner session 8pm dance 8:30-12. $10/$7.Students & Srs. Info: 233-4325, fiddle103@yahoo.com or 318-8746, maywicca@gmail.com

Orono Contradance with the Marsh Island Band. Orono Community House. All dances taught. Beginners coached at 7:30 p.m. Everybody welcome to participate! Dancing at 8 p.m. $7. Info: 942-5471.

Portland Free Ceilidh Dance. Portland New Church, 302 Stevens Ave. Participatory dancing, live music, stepdance and highland demonstrations, music session. 6-9pm. Info 767-6396.

Vassalboro Benefit Concert with the Pineland Fiddlers and folk singer Dick Kelly. Come join Dick Kelly and the Pineland Fiddlers for an evening of stories and tunes about their recent trip to Ireland. Vassalboro Meeting House, 6:30, with yummy refreshments at intermission. All proceeds to benefit the Vassalboro Food Pantry. Directions from Waterville/Winslow: take Rt 32 south to E. Vassalboro. Turn left onto Stanley Rd. at intersection w/country store. Meeting House less than1/4 mi. up on left. Adults $10, 12 and under $5. Donations of food accepted. Sponsored by the Vassalboro Friends Meeting Community. Info: 362-3366.

Wayne Storyteller and musician Stan Davis. Storyteller and musician Stan Davis will present a one man concert of storytelling and music at the Ladd Center on Saturday, March 13th at 7:30pm. Focusing on the theme of Love and Justice, Davis will use his voice, finger style acoustic guitar and a few magical illusions to entertain and inspire his audience. The show is open to everyone believing in the healing power of music and community. There will be a suggested donation of $8 requested at the door. All proceeds will benefit the Cary Memorial Library. Desserts and beverages will be available for sale. The Ladd Center is located at 26 Gott Rd. in Wayne. For more information please call 685-3484.

Sunday, March 14

Carthage The Boys of the Lough. Skye Theatre, 2 Highland Drive, South Carthage. Presented by New England Celtic Arts. 7 p.m. Pre-show jam at 6:15. $10.00. Info 800-894-4300 or www.necelticarts.com.

Rockland Contradance with Tamara Goltz, David Stimson, and Maggie Ericson, calling by Eileen Dugal. Sunday March 14 at 3:00 PM at the Arts Center, 24 Lincoln St. This month we feature an Irish dance workshop at 3:00 PM, free. Eileen Dugal will teach easy Irish dances, and call the contra at 3:30. Donation $10 adults, $15 for families with kids . Find us on Facebook, or Information at 207-372-8657 (Jim) or jdbirch@juno.com, or www.deffa.org or www.hopehoffman.org.

Monday, March 15

Unity The Boys of the Lough. Unity Centre for Performing Arts, 42 Depot Street. Presented by New England Celtic Arts. 7 p.m. $20.00. Info 800-894-4300 or www.necelticarts.com.

Tuesday, March 16

Lewiston The Boys of the Lough. Franco American Heritage Center , 46 Cedar St. Presented by New England Celtic Arts. 7 p.m. Pre-show jam at 6:15. $20.00. Info 800-894-4300 or www.necelticarts.com or www.francoamericanheritage.org.

Thursday, March 18

Carthage Emma Kate Tobia. Skye Theatre, 2 Highland Drive, South Carthage. Presented by New England Celtic Arts. 7 p.m. Pre-show jam at 6:15. $10. Info 800-894-4300 or www.necelticarts.com.

Friday, March 19

Bangor Contradance with Matching Orange, calling by Richard Green. Unitarian Universalist Church, 120 Park Street, downtown Bangor. Beginners' session at 7:30 PM; dance at 8. All ages welcome; all dances taught. Admission $7/ $18 families. For more information: bangorcontra@gmail.com; 941-9727 or 525-4538.

Bath Contradance with Frigate with Chrissy Fowler calling. Bath Dance Works, 72 Front Street, Third Floor, Bath ME. Family Dance 6:30-8 p.m. Contradance 8-11 p.m. $3/$12 family max for Family Dance. $9/$22 for Contradance. FMI: Call Matt at 729-4718.

Unity Emma Kate Tobia. Unity Centre for Performing Arts, 42 Depot Street. Presented by New England Celtic Arts. 7 p.m. $10.00. Info 800-894-4300 or www.necelticarts.com.

Saturday, March 20

Bath Authentic Movement. Bath Dance Works, 72 Front St. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $10 Info: 725-9997 or dancingfewl@pobox.com.

Bowdoinham Come thaw out with a contradance with Scrod Pudding and caller Bill Olson. Contras at Bowdoinham Town Hall, School Street, at the top of the hill. All dances taught, beginners welcome.No partner necessary. Beginners workshop 7:30. Dance 8:00 - 11 pm. $8/equal barter. Use your Scrod Bucks!! Limit one Scrod Buck per person per dance. Info: Greg, 666- 3090 or Pam, 666-3709.

Brewer Spirited Folk cd release concert. Spirited Folk is excited to announce the release of their new CD at a concert Saturday March 20 to benefit the Bangor Area Homeless Shelter. Please bring donations of non-perishable food for the shelter. And please tell your friends: we want to fill the theater with song! Sat. March 20, 7:30 p.m. The Next Generation Theatre, 39 Center St., Brewer. Admission: $5 adults, $3 children, students, seniors. Contact info@spiritedfolk.com or 207-884-6278.

Rangeley Pogey. Saddleback Ski Resort Base Lodge. Info: (207) 864-5671.

Saco First Annual Fiddle Festival. Sponsored by Maine String Teachers and Players Association (formerly Maine ASTA), at Thornton Academy. Pre-registration available-Adults $30, Students $15, at the door-adults $35, Students $20. Teacher will include Ed Pearlman, Pam Weeks, Greg Boardman, Lauren Rioux and Melissa Bragdon. Classes will include learning by ear, constructing medleys, jamming and many more! FMI and registration flyer please contact Mary Eckstein at belgraphica@fairpoint.net or call 642-4368 and leave message.

Trenton Contradance with TBA. Contras at Trenton Grange Hall, junction of Rtes. 230 and 3 just south of Hancock County Airport in Trenton. All dances taught, beginners welcome. No partner necessary. 8:00 p.m. $7/$5 students. Info: Gary, 460-1463 or Malcolm, 667-0040.

Sunday, March 21

Ellsworth POGEY. House Concert at 430 Bayside Road, Ellsworth, Maine. Contact: Steve Peer 207-667-4298, speer(at)schoolunion93.org

Mercer Gawler Family (all five!) Folk Concert. Mercer Community Center. This concert is made possible by a grant from the Maine Community Foundation and admission is free. Refreshments will be served. 3 pm. The concert will be followed by a public "potluck" supper, $5/adults, $3/children 5 to 12. Donations at the door welcome. Contact: Dorothy at 587-2361.

Portland International Folk Dance. 7 - 9ish pm. Portland New Church (formerly Swedenborgian), 302 Stevens Ave. (between Brighton Ave and Woodford St.) Learn dances from the Balkans, Israel, France, Greece, and around the world. Dances will be taught 7 - 8 pm, followed by requests. $5, (children $3). Beginners welcome. Info: 856-6415, kcarroll2@gmail.com.

Waterville Sacred Harp Singing. First Baptist Church, 1 Park St. The shapenote singing is primarily from the The Sacred Harp which consists of hymns, fuging tunes, anthems, and other songs in a style rooted in Colonial New England. Books are available for loan or purchase. 2-5 p.m. The singing is a free, participatory event, not a performance. Info: 873-4134 or email Watervillesingings(at)mainesacredharp.org.

Tuesday, March 23

Lewiston Troy MacGillivray & Kimberley Fraser. Franco American Heritage Center , 46 Cedar St. Presented by New England Celtic Arts. 7 p.m. Pre-show jam at 6:15. $12.00. Info 800-894-4300 or www.necelticarts.com or www.francoamericanheritage.org.

Wednesday, March 24

Carthage Troy MacGillivray and Kimberley Fraser. Skye Theatre, 2 Highland Drive, South Carthage. Presented by New England Celtic Arts. 7 p.m. Pre-show jam at 6:15. $10. Info 800-894-4300 or www.necelticarts.com.

Thursday, March 25

Unity Troy MacGillivray & Kimberley Fraser. Unity Centre for Performing Arts, 42 Depot Street. Presented by New England Celtic Arts. 7 p.m. $10.00. Info 800-894-4300 or www.necelticarts.com.

Friday, March 26

North Whitefield NO DANCE THIS MONTH! DECDF FESTIVAL. Info: 549-3820.

Rockland Monthly Dance Party. Swing & Sway Dancing, 143 Maverick Street, Rockland, Me. 04841. Group Classes begin the week of March 1 (check calendar for info). Intermediate Tango, Intermediate Cha Cha, Beginner Night Club Two-Step, Beginner Waltz, Beginner Salsa. $10 per class/$60 for 6-week series. 6:30-7:00 Waltz Warm Up. 7:00-9:30 Monthly Dance. $10 per person for both class and dance. Light refreshments provided. Info: 207-594-0940 www.swingandsway.com.

Topsham 20th Annual Down East Country Dance Festival. Mt. Ararat Middle School. Friday Night: The Usual Suspects (John Pranio, Hank Washburn, Mark Murray, Doreen Convoy) with Bill Olson calling, and Scrod Puddling(Pam Weeks, Jim Joseph, Eric Johnson, Greg Anderson, & Bill Olson) with Steve Zakon Anderson calling, will perform contradances from 7:30 pm to midnight. Just $12 or a full Festival pass(Friday & Saturday) for $30 advance/$35 door. Volunteer 3 hours and get the whole Festival FREE! Info: 563-8953 or www.deffa.org/festival.

Winter Harbor Jennifer Armstrong. Last Friday Coffee House in Hammond Hall. No reservations and great desserts! Presented by Schoodic Arts for All. Songs, Tunes and Tales from the Folk Tradition. 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:30. Suggested donation for this event will be fifteen dollars /under 12, free. Info: 963-7670, 963-2569 or www.schoodicartsforall.org.

Saturday, March 27

Bar Harbor Contradance with Big Moose and calling by Chrissy Fowler. Contra dances at the Gates Auditorium on the COA campus. Everyone is welcome and the dances will be taught. Beginners lessons at 7:30 p.m. Dancing 8-11 p.m. $6, COA students free. Info: 288-5620.

Dexter The Abbott Hill Ramblers in concert. Bluegrass and American Roots. Church Street Coffee House (UU Church), Dexter, Maine. Admission: $5, $12 Family. Open Mic at 7:00. Concert to follow at 8:00. Info: 924-3925 or 277-3961.

Rockport NO DANCE THIS MONTH. GO TO THE DOWNEAST FESTIVAL INSTEAD. Info: 832-5584, writer@midcoast.com.

Topsham 20th Annual Down East Country Dance Festival. Mt. Ararat Middle School. Dancing, singing, workshops, performances, food, and a wonderful time from 10 am to midnight. Saturday Night: Muisette (Steve Muise & John Cote) with Richard Green calling, and Crowfoot (Jaige Trudel, Adam Broome, & Nicholas Williams) with Adina Gordon calling, will perform contradances from 7:00 pm to midnight. Just $12 or a full Festival pass(Friday & Saturday) for $30 advance/$35 door. Volunteer 3 hours and get the whole Festival FREE! Info: 563-8953 or www.deffa.org/festival.

Sunday, March 28

North Yarmouth DECDF Festival Survivor's Dance. Wescustogo Grange, Route 115, North Yarmouth. Music by Crowfoot (Jaige Trudel, Adam Broome, & Nicholas Williams) with calling by Steve Zakon-Anderson and Adina Gordon Brunch and Spirited Singing followed by a contradance. 11 am - 3:30 pm. Brunch & singing - $6.00, Dance $10($8 with festival admission). Info: 563-8953 or www.deffa.org/festival.

Oakland Sunday Pineland Suzuki School Benefit Concert. This years feature: PSS Alumni. Pineland Fiddlers will perform as well as 130 string players from advanced high schoolers to three year old twinklers. Molly Gawler will dance "the Bloomin' Conductor" a character she created for a previous Childsplay concert, and more. Fancy refreshments following. Come support music education in Central Maine! Fancy refreshments following. Come support music education in Central Maine! Tickets at door or in advance call: 495-2928.

Rockland Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba. Strand Theatre, 345 Main Street. Malian sensation Bassekou Kouyate and his band Ngoni Ba will be touring North America (their first time as headliners!) to promote the release of their second album, I Speak Fula. $18/Adults, $8/Students/ General Admission. 8 pm. (207) 594-0070x4, www.RocklandStrand.com.

Tuesday, March 30

Ellsworth David Myles. House Concert at 430 Bayside Road, Ellsworth, Maine. Contact: Steve Peer 207-667-4298, speer(at)schoolunion93.org

Wednesday, March 31

Carthage David Myles. Skye Theatre, 2 Highland Drive, South Carthage. Presented by New England Celtic Arts. 7 p.m. Pre-show jam at 6:15. $10.00. Info 800-894-4300 or www.necelticarts.com.

Falmouth Acoustic dinner music by Hope Hoffman and Jeff Trippe. O'Naturals restaurant from 5-6:30 p.m. Last Wednesday of each month, as part of O'Naturals Family Night. FMI: 207.781.8889 www.freegrange.org.

Thursday, April 1

Dover, NH Contradance with Lamprey River Band (Peter Yarensky, Sarah Mason, Burt Feintuch, Steve Panish, Sarah Hydorn, Bill Zecker), calling by Peter Yarensky and Sarah Mason. Contras at City Hall. Guest callers and musicians welcome. 8-10:40 p.m. $7/5 students Info 603-664-2513 or peter.yarensky@unh.edu or http://nhcountrydance.com.

Unity David Myles. Unity Centre for Performing Arts, 42 Depot Street. Presented by New England Celtic Arts. 7 p.m. $10.00. Info 800-894-4300 or www.necelticarts.com.

Friday, April 2

Belfast Contradance with the Henry Road Bandits; calling by Chrissy Fowler. Contra and community dances at the American Legion Hall, 143 High St.(entrance on Church St.) in Belfast with a community dance, potluck snack break, and contra dance; the Belfast Flying Shoes dance series. Everybody is welcome, come with or without partner. Community dance at 6:30 p.m. $2/1children. Contras at 8 p.m. $8, $6 teens and those at community dance. Info 338-0979 or belfastflyingshoes@gmail.com, www.belfastflyingshoes.org/.

Saturday, April 3

Bath Authentic Movement. Bath Dance Works, 72 Front St. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $10 Info: 725-9997 or dancingfewl@pobox.com.

Blue Hill Contradance with The Oakum Bay String Band (George Fowler, Heidi Daub, Fiona Schubeck, Bill Schubeck, Mesa Schubeck), calling by Chrissy Fowler. Contras and more in the Town Hall, 18 Union St. Beginners invited, all dances taught. Couples and singles welcome. Family dance with open band at 6:30pm. Regular dance 8:00 - 11:00 p.m. Beginners invited, all dances taught. Couples and singles welcome. $7 Info: 374-5417, 359-2070.

Monday, April 5

Ellsworth Cynthia MacLeod. House Concert at 430 Bayside Road, Ellsworth, Maine. Contact: Steve Peer 207-667-4298, speer(at)schoolunion93.org

Thursday, April 8

Dexter The Abbott Hill Ramblers and Pineland Fiddlers in concert. Dexter Middle School, Dexter. Free Admission and Refeshments. 6:30 p.m. Info: 924-3925 or 277-3961.

Friday, April 9

Brunswick Hope Hoffman & Jim Tolles. Concert of fiddling and songs from bluegrass, country duet, Carter family and Appalachian folk heritage, plus roots-based originals. TICKETS: $8 in advance at (207) 725-5222; at the door $10; doors open 7 p.m. Concert at 7:30 p.m. at the Frontier Caf FMI: (207) 725-5222, www.hopehoffman.org.

Saturday, April 10

Portland Violin/fiddle lessons with Hope Hoffman. A series of Saturday morning fiddle lessons, on the second Saturday of each month January through April. St. Lawrence Arts & Community Center. Located at 76 Congress St. (on Munjoy Hill), Portland, ME 04101 (directions and parking info at www.stlawrencearts.org). More info at (207) 332-3459 and www.hopehoffman.org.

Friday, April 16

Bath Contradance with Frank Ferrell and Friends with Richard Green calling. Bath Dance Works, 72 Front Street, Third Floor, Bath ME. Family Dance 6:30-8 p.m. Contradance 8-11 p.m. $3/$12 family max for Family Dance. $9/$22 for Contradance. FMI: Call Matt at 729-4718.

Saturday, April 17

Bath Authentic Movement. Bath Dance Works, 72 Front St. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $10 Info: 725-9997 or dancingfewl@pobox.com.

Bowdoinham Tax-free zonal contradancing with Scrod Pudding and caller Bill Olson. Contras at Bowdoinham Town Hall, School Street, at the top of the hill. All dances taught, beginners welcome.No partner necessary. Beginners workshop 7:30. Dance 8:00 - 11 pm. $8/equal barter. Use your Scrod Bucks!! Limit one Scrod Buck per person per dance. Info: Greg, 666- 3090 or Pam, 666-3709.

Rockland Cowboy Junkies. Strand Theatre, 345 Main Street. The Cowboy Junkies $35/General Admission. 8 pm. (207) 594-0070x4, www.RocklandStrand.com.

Monday, April 19

Ellsworth Jim Payne and Fergus O. House Concert at 430 Bayside Road, Ellsworth, Maine. Contact: Steve Peer 207-667-4298, speer(at)schoolunion93.org

Thursday, April 22

Rockland NT Live Presents: A Habit of Art. Strand Theatre, 345 Main Street. Alan Bennett's new play is as much about the theatre as it is about poetry or music. It reflects on growing old, on creativity and inspiration, and on persisting when all passion's spent: ultimately, on the habit of art. $23/Adults, $10/Students/ General Admission. 2pm and re-broadcast at 7pm. (207) 594-0070x4, www.RocklandStrand.com.

Friday, April 23

Rockland Cherish the Ladies. Strand Theatre, 345 Main Street. Cherish the Ladies has become one of the most engaging ensembles in the history of Irish music. $30/General Admission. 8 pm. (207) 594-0070x4, www.RocklandStrand.com.