Go here. Do this. See that.
November 2014
Suds Summit / November 1
Whether or not Bill Murray shows (organizers have been trying to entice him with a social media campaign), the Maine Brewers Festival promises a rollicking start to Portland Beer Week (of which Down East is a sponsor). Grab a tasting glass for one of two sessions and sample dozens of brews from Maine’s exploding beer scene. (Consider a Groundhog Day IPA or a Scrooged holiday saison, two of many beers brewed to woo Mr. Murray.) $35. Portland Expo, 239 Park Ave., Portland. 603-821-9699. mainebrewersfestival.com
Ghost Bros. / November 8–9
Stephen King and John “the Coug” Mellencamp team up to make a musical. Nope, it’s not a weird dream you had: It’s Ghost Brothers of Darkland County, a spooky, southern gothic tale with music direction by the incomparable T Bone Burnett. $39–$79. Collins Center for the Arts, University of Maine campus. Orono. 207-581-1755. collinscenterforthearts.com
“. . . A distinctive literary imagination, an eccentric
intelligence, and a sympathetic heart.” — The New York Times
An Evening with Ira Glass / November 8
Ira Glass knows how to hook an audience. During two decades spent hosting public radio’s This American Life, he’s displayed serious interviewing chops, woven together countless complex plotlines, and unearthed some genuinely amazing tales. Join one of the more captivating storytellers of our time for Reinventing Radio: An Evening with Ira Glass, a glimpse behind the scenes at his award-winning radio show and a conversation about the future of journalism. November 8. 8 p.m. $30–$50. Merrill Auditorium, 20 Myrtle St., Portland. 207-842-0800. portlandovations.org
Early Bird Pajama Sale & Bed Races / November 8
The last thing November needs is another shopping holiday on top of Black Friday, but Bar Harbor’s Early Bird Pajama Sale & Bed Races are something more. Stores open early (and shoppers in PJs get extra discounts), but commerce ends by midmorning, when teams of pajama-clad racers take to Cottage Street, pushing wheeled and crazily decorated beds for a boisterous crowd. 6–11 a.m. Bar Harbor. 207-288-5103. barharbor.info
Lighting of the Nubble / November 29
Watching the Lighting of the Nubble Light is a Maine tradition that kicks off the holiday season. Probably the earliest opportunity for your kids to put in a good word with Santa too. 5 p.m. 11 Sohier Park Rd., York. 207-363-1040. nubblelight.org
4 Can’t-Miss Musical Events
Nov. 1 Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons
“Big Girls Don’t Cry”? “Walk Like a Man”? “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You”? This is pop gold, people. The original Jersey Boy puts on a nostalgia-heavy show. 7:30 p.m. $44–$74. 515 Main St., Bangor. 207-561-8300. crossinsurancecenter.com
Nov. 2 Fiddle-icious
It’s an army of strings. Maine’s massive ensemble of fiddles, cellos, violas, mandolins, harps — can you bow it or pluck it? then they’ve got it — draws from a repertoire of Celtic, Quebecois, and Acadian tunes. 2 p.m. $15. Franco Center, 46 Cedar St., Lewiston. 207-783-1585. francocenter.org
Nov. 7 Blues Prophets
Formed in Maine in 1976, the Blues Prophets have shared the stage with greats like Muddy Waters and Professor Longhair. This is foot-stomping, Chicago-style blues: loud and danceable — not just some weepy guy and his guitar. 8 p.m. $15–$20. One Longfellow Square, 181 State St., Portland. 207-761-1757. onelongfellowsquare.com
Nov. 10 & 11 Ani DiFranco
The prolific, quirky, genre-defying singer-songwriter has a new album to support. It’s her 24th (!), so even with two shows, it’s a safe bet she’s not going to run out of songs. 8 p.m. $72. Stone Mountain Arts Center. 695 Dug Way Rd., Brownfield. 207-935-7292. stonemountainartscenter.com
Bed Races Photo: Jennifer Booher