Maine News Updates

On Thursday, you may feel the need to sip something of the red or white variety. Perfect timing since Aurora Provisions has a wine tasting scheduled from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. There's no charge for the event so go on in and taste what Aurora has to offer.

After you've had your fill of wine, take a walk down to Blue for the 8 p.m. show from After the Rodeo. Not that the name's not cool enough to get you over there, but the Vermont band will make it even more worth while with its innovative Americana tunes. No cover, ever, at Blue.

Friday could also be a night for wine if you're willing to head down to The Hive in Kennebunk. Tonight it's the bluegrass and Wine Series with Tricky Britches performing at 7 p.m. Cover charge is cheap - just five bucks.

For those ready to get into the holiday season, L.L. Bean offers up its tree lighting event. There are several activities included over the course of the weekend but Friday night will be highlighted by a pair of a capella groups from Bowdoin College. The tree is scheduled to be lit at 6:45 p.m. and it's free to attend.

There are craft fairs galore to choose from on Saturday and you can check MaineToday.com for a lengthy list. Or you can show up in Brunswick where there will be special sales, cooking demos, cocoa, a craft fair and more. The sales start at 6 a.m. along Maine Street for all those early birds, then the Rolling Slumber Bed Races kick in at 11 a.m. at Park Row. Really, can you think of better entertainment than that?

Looking to dance this weekend? Head to Bubba's Sulky Lounge for the '90s Homecoming Dance Party starting at 9 p.m. Compete for the king and queen titles as a couple and possibly win $50. Cover is just $5.

On Sunday it will definitely be worth it to take a drive out to Brownfield. Sure it's a long trek, and gas still isn't exactly cheap, but you'll be able to take in a free show at one of the sweetest music venues Maine has to offer. Today's "Waltzing for Dreamers" series show at Stone Mountain Arts Center features roots duo Fred Carpenter and Tim May at 8 p.m. You want pay a thing to listen in but you will need to make reservations beforehand (935-7292).

If you can't seem to get yourself out of Portland, spend the evening at Slainte, where the weekly Rhythmic Cypher takes place. If you're not familiar, it's open mic with spoken-word poetry accompanied by music. Be there at 8 p.m.