The Mt. Desert Festival of Chamber Music is proud to announce its historic 50th anniversary season of summer concerts at the Neighborhood House in Northeast Harbor, Maine. Among the performers will be four award-winning string quartets, all familiar to festival audiences. The following are some highlights of the season:

Enjoy the pristine night skies of Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park by star gazing on Cadillac Mountain, a picnic with the planets or a boat cruise under the stars. Other activities include ranger led talks, kids’ activities and photographic workshops at venues both indoors and outdoors.

More than 35 painters and photographers will display and sell their original works on the Village Green, rain or shine.

Enjoy a celebration of Bar Harbor’s authentic and creative local cuisine. A variety of world-class dining experiences sure to please the palate. Featuring the Chef’s Table, Pub Tour, Dessert Night, Maine May Beer Fest, cooking classes, wine tastings and more.

~CELEBRATION WEEKEND JUNE 28, 29 & 30~

FRIDAY, JUNE 28- 7 P.M. – UNION HALL – CHARLES PLUMBER IMPERSONATING CIVIL WAR GENERAL JOSHUA CHAMBERLAIN & TALKING ABOUT THE CIVIL WAR VOLUNTEERS FROM COLUMBIA AND COLUMBIA FALLS

SATURDAY, JUNE 29- 7-10 A.M. - BREAKFAST AT FAITH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH - RT. #1 – COLUMBIA
8 A.M. – 5K FOOT RACE
10 A.M. – FESTIVAL PARADE
12 NOON – SALMON FEDERATION FISH FRY
11 A.M. – 1 P.M. CAR SHOW
1 – 4 P.M. – HOUSE TOURS
9– 5 P.M. – PAINT COLUMBIA FALLS ART SHOW & Auction

The town of Columbia Falls separated from the town of Columbia in 1863 and is now celebrating 150 years as an independent town. The first event of the celebration is the Columbia Falls Grand Civil War Ball to be held in the Historic Union Hall. Period dress is suggested but not required. It is a contra dance with a Grand March and waltzes. Music is by Lynn Brubaker. The Caller is Alba Briggs. Singles, couples and groups are welcome. Only 200 tickets will be sold.

The Blue Hill Public Library’s new “Art Adventures” series kicks off the exploration of visual and performing arts on Thursday, February 28th at 7pm (Howard Room) with “How Jazz Works: From Song to Improv.” Jazz typically works by taking a particular song, such as “Autumn Leaves,” as a vehicle and uses the chord structure of the song as a basis for improvising new melodies.

Curated for the 13th year by national jazz critic Larry Blumenfeld, this year's fest will include sensational Cuban reed player Yosvany Terry, with opening acts by local Maine talent and an amazing headliner yet to be named! Keep checking our website, www.operahousearts.org.

An evocative evening of dance and video created by Bridgman|Packer Dance including the Hopper inspired piece "Voyeur" and "Under the Skin." Art Bridgman and Myrna Packer, Guggenheim Fellows in Choreography, are acclaimed for their innovative integration of choreography and video technology that explodes the partnering form into a magically populated stage where image and reality collide.

Shakespeare in Stonington co-founder, director Julia Whitworth (The Tempest, Taming of the Shrew, A Midsummer Night's Dream), returns with Cymbeline--one of the Bard's most elegiac romances. Based on early Celtic legends and following OHA's Shakespeare in Stonington tradition, this will be a production steeped in original music while exploring the common Shakespearean themes of innocence and jealousy