Maine News Updates

This week Thursday's an evening to step out of the holiday trappings and listen to some good old original rock music thanks to Now is Now. The local band will be playing at Run of the Mill in Saco from 8 to 11 p.m. And there's two other great things to take advantage of there: no cover and great beer.

At 10 p.m. tonight Sorcha plays Blue. It may be cold outside at show time but she'll heat things up indoors with her acoustic guitar and banjo accompanied by sultry vocals. Get there early for opener Laura Dover at 8 p.m. No cover, but donations welcome.

If you haven't heard before now, Club Texas in Auburn has been holding a weekly Baked Beans Recording Rock Off competition on Friday nights. This week is the last of the prelim part of the competition with the finale to follow on Dec. 16. Four bands will be performing tonight, including Sinfest and Ripfence, and one will be chosen as the final band to move into next week's five-band battle. Music starts at 8 p.m. and the cover is $5 for those 21 and older.

If you're out wandering the street of Portland this evening, be sure to take in all the holiday lights and decorations provided by the city and local merchants. And when the chill gets a bit too much for you, swing into Dobra Tea for its weekly Friday tasting between 4 and 6 p.m. You may find the perfect stocking stuffer there - or a great new way to perk you up in the morning.

Saturday's best musical option on a budget is the A Severe Joy CD release party happening at Slainte at 9 p.m. The night belongs to Jose Ayerve, who mixed up the letters in his name to come up with his latest performing name and the title of his record. He'll also welcome Henry Jamison to the stage. See and hear them both for just $5. (Read more about Jose Ayerve in Aimsel Ponti's "Making Noise" column in GO.)

Those who can't get enough of the holiday spirit can head to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church at 4 p.m. today to hear a concert from the University of Southern Maine Chamber Choir. The performance is free but donations are welcome.

Your other holiday-related option for today is to head back to the Opera House at Boothbay Harbor this weekend where you'll find the Gingerbread Spectacular from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Browse the sweet creations for free. And if today doesn't work, you can always make the trip on Sunday.

"Let Heaven and Nature Sing" is the theme of the seventh annual Festival of Trees at Saco Museum. See the beautifully decorated trees Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. free of charge. For those who'd like to make an ornament with stained-glass artist and jewelry maker Judy Wallace, the cost is just $5 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

And since you're in the southern part of the state anyway, why not continue on down to Wells for the town's 27th annual Christmas Parade at 2 p.m. The parade will travel along Route 1 to Wells Junior High School with a theme of "A Country Christmas."