December
Art
Oh, The Humanity
Add a little depth to your social calendar with a viewing of Francisco Goya: Los Caprichos. The exhibit features a series of eighty black-and-white prints published in 1799 that satirize the foibles of late eighteenth-century Spanish society and humanity in general. Described by the Portland Museum of Art as "enigmatic and controversial," Los Caprichos addresses the Spanish Inquisition, the abuses of the church and the nobility, and avarice, among other weighty topics. Dec. 16 - Feb. 25. $4-$10, and free Fridays 5 - 9 p.m. 7 Congress Square, Portland. 207-775-6148. www.portlandmuseum.org
Music
Country Christmas
This time of year, warm and cozy is what you want. And warm and cozy is what you'll get at Kenny Rogers' Christmas & Greatest Hits Show. While Kenny's got a new album to promote, chances are good that along with the carols he'll treat his audience at the Bangor Civic Center Auditorium to renditions of "The Gambler," "Lady," and, of course, "Islands in the Stream." Dec. 17 at 4 p.m. $39.50-$49.50. 100 Dutton St., Bangor. 207-990-4444. www.basspark.com
Holiday Cheer
Into The Woods
It's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you. Failing that, hop on a restored electric streetcar -- yes, it's heated -- and ride through the scenic Maine woods with a complimentary cup of cocoa or cider and a snack, courtesy of the Seashore Trolley Museum, which reopens for Kennebunkport's Prelude weekends. And just in case you've got a rail buff on your shopping list, the museum's store will be open for your browsing pleasure. Dec. 2 & 3, 9 &10 from 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (store hours 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.) $4. 195 Log Cabin Rd., Kennebunkport. 207-967-2712. www.trolleymuseum.org
Before making plans to attend any of these events, call ahead to confirm, since dates and times may be subject to change. To submit event listings to Down East, send an e-mail to editorial@downeast.com
MUSIC AND DANCE
Bangor Symphony Orchestra
The symphony teams up with the Robinson Ballet for Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker. Dec. 2 at 2 and 7:30 p.m., & Dec. 3 at 3 p.m. Maine Center for the Arts, Hutchins Concert Hall, UMaine campus, Orono. $11-$32. 207-942-5555. www.bangorsymphony.com
Cherish The Ladies -- Celtic Christmas
Taking their name from a traditional Irish jig, Cherish the Ladies have been named Top North American Celtic Act by NPR's Thistle and Shamrock. This powerhouse group offers instrumental talent, beautiful vocals, and stunning step-dancing. Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m. $8-$29. Rockport Opera House, 6 Central St. 207-236-2823 or 888-707-2770. www.baychamberconcerts.org
Christmas at the Cathedral
Don't miss this popular Portland holiday tradition featuring the Choral Art Society singers, the Portland Brass Quintet, and organist Dan Moore. From the majestic opening processional to the poignant candle-lit finale, this concert is filled with seasonal music. Dec. 2 at 8 p.m. & Dec. 3 at 2:30 & 7 p.m. $15- $25. Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress St., Portland. 207-828-0043. www.choralart.org
Eileen Ivers An Nollaig - An Irish Christmas
The Irish lass brings her fancy fiddling to traditional Irish songs, original tunes, and holiday favorites. Dec. 17 at 3 p.m. $45-$52. Maine Center for the Arts, UMaine campus, Orono. 207-581-1755. www.ume.maine.edu/~mca
Joy to the World: Music for Christmas
The Androscoggin Chorale will perform the familiar and celebrated composition of Ceremony of Carols by Benjamin Britten, as well as traditional seasonal music. Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m., First Congregational Church, South Paris. Dec. 10 at 3 p.m., Franco-American Heritage Center, Lewiston. $7.50-$15. 207-782-1403. www.mainemusicsociety.org
Maine Gay Men's Chorus
Classic holiday tunes along with the occasional saucy double entendre -- who could ask for more? Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m. $12-$17. The Chocolate Church, 798 Washington St., Bath. 207-442-8455. www.chocolatechurch.com
Martina McBride
This country singer is so popular there's a Barbie doll named after her. Her Joy of Christmas show comes sans doll but with lots of twang. Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m. $59.50. Cumberland County Civic Center, Spring St., Portland. 207-775-3458. www.theciviccenter.com
Messiah Sing-Along
There is a rumor that King George II rose to his feet during the Hallelujah Chorus and thereby started a tradition. In fact, he didn't. He just crossed his legs. The annual Handel sing-along is conducted by Marion P. Gray. Dec 11 at 7 p.m. Saint Peter's Episcopal Church, 11 White St., Rockland. 207-596-9980. u Want to sing it in Portland? Then join the Choral Art Society singers and the Southern Maine Symphony Orchestra. Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m. $5. St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 1342 Congress St., Portland. 207-828-0043. www.choralart.org
The Nutcracker
Tchaikovsky's seasonal favorite performed by the Maine State Ballet. Nov. 25 - Dec. 3. $15-$40. Merrill Auditorium, 20 Myrtle St., Portland. 207-842-0080. www.mainestateballet.org . u And the Bossov Ballet Theatre presents Andrei Bossov's The Nutcracker on Dec. 15 at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 16 at 2 & 7:30 p.m., and Dec. 17 at 2 p.m. $15-$17. Waterville Opera House, 93 Main St. 207-873-7000. www.operahouse.com
A Pan Celtic Winter Sojourn
An all-star cast of Celtic musicians including Aine Minogue perform the traditional seasonal and holiday tunes of Ireland, Wales, Brittany, Scotland, and the Canadian Maritimes. Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m. $15. Waterville Opera House, 93 Main St. 207-873-7000. www.operahouse.com
Portland String Quartet
The PSQ plays George Gershwin's Lullaby, Johannes Brahms' String Quartet in B-flat Major, and Franz Schubert's Cello Quintet in C Major, Op. 163. Dec. 3 at 3 p.m. $18-$20. Woodfords Congregational Church, Woodford St., Portland. www.portlandstringquartet.org
Portland Symphony Orchestra
The PSO's Magic of Christmas transforms Merrill Auditorium into a winter wonderland. The music list includes Dragon's The Twelve Days of Christmas, Tchaikovsky's excerpts from The Nutcracker, Silvestri's Suite from The Polar Express, Anderson's Sleigh Ride, Handel's Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah, and lots more. Dec. 8 - 18. $19.50-$59.50. 20 Myrtle St., Portland. 207-842-0800. www.portlandsymphony.com
Radio III
Back by popular demand, Freeport Community Players brings you its third annual tribute to the Golden Age of Radio, featuring original comedies and dramas with lots of great music from the '40s, '50s, and '60s. Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m., & Dec. 3 at 2 p.m. $10-$12. Freeport Performing Arts Center, Holbrook St. 207-865-2220. www.fcponline.org
Robin Spielberg: In the Heart of Winter
No relation to Steven, Robin Spielberg is the Steinway artist and composer who plays what she once described as "pop music in a classic structure." Dec 1 at 7:30 p.m. $19-$23. Franco-American Heritage Center, 46 Oxford St., Lewiston. 207-782-7228. www.laarts.org
Sing! It's Christmas
Missed the auditions for American Idol? Not to worry, this community sing-along should exercise your vocal chords. Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. The Chocolate Church, 798 Washington St., Bath. Free. 207-442-8455. www.chocolatechurch.com
THEATER
Babes in Toyland
No, not the defunct post-punk band from Minneapolis, this is the tale of two lovely orphans and the wicked uncle who wants to steal their fortune. Dec. 10 - 22. $7-$12. The Waldo Theatre, Main St., Waldoboro. 207-832-6060. www.waldotheatre.org
Broadway at the St. Lawrence IV
Join Good Theater, one Broadway star, and some of Maine's best vocalists as they come together for an intimate concert of Broadway hits and holiday favorites. Dec. 14 - 17. $20-$28. St. Lawrence Arts Center, 76 Congress St., Portland. 207-885-5883. www.goodtheater.com
A Christmas Carol
Revisit the spirits of past, present, and yet-to-come at four shows, and be prepared to get unScrooged. Charles Blaisdell returns with his always sold out one-man rendition of Dickens' holiday favorite. Dec. 15, 16, and 18 at 7:30 p.m., & Dec. 17 at 2 p.m. $10-$12. Waterville Opera House, 93 Main St. 207-873-7000. www.operahouse.com . u Watch six actors and a fiddler grab a handful of props and bring Boz's language and characters to life in a way you've never imagined. Dec. 8 & 9 at 7 p.m., and Dec. 10 at 1 & 4 p.m. $10-$16. The Public Theater, 31 Maple St., Lewiston. 207-782-3200. www.thepublictheatre.org . u The Portland Stage Company's adaptation of A Christmas Carol claims it is remarkably true to Dickens' original book -- Tiny Tim will be pleased. Nov. 30 - Dec. 24. $15-$37. 25A Forest Ave., Portland. 207-774-0465. www.portlandstage.com . u And the Penobscot Theatre presents its traditional re-telling of the classic tale. Dec. 13 - 23. $50-$125. 31 Main St., Bangor. 207-942-3333. www.penobscottheatre.org
The Escapists
A group of performers, writers, and comedians who make smart, rambunctious entertainment that ranges from guerrilla theater on the streets of Portland to shows at ImprovBoston Theater. Dec. 29 & 30 at 7 p.m., and Dec 31 at 2 p.m. $12. Lawrence Arts Center, 76 Congress St., Portland. 207-885-5883. www.goodtheater.com
The Firebird
Music, magic, puppetry, and comedy infuse this delightful story about the adventures of the young prince Ivan and his search for the most beautiful bird in the world. Through Dec. 17. All shows at 7:30 p.m. except Sundays at 2 p.m. $7-$15. The Belfast Maskers, 43 Front St. 207-338-9668. www.belfastmaskerstheater.com
The Nutcracker Burlesque
Something naughty for Christmas? The Nutcracker Burlesque returns to the St. Lawrence Arts & Community Center with a sexy reinterpretation of the classic ballet, using local dancers and musicians. This show is not for children. Dec. 20, 21, and 23 at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 22 at 6 & 8:30 p.m. $15-$12. St. Lawrence Arts Center, 76 Congress St., Portland. 207-885-5883. www.goodtheater.com
The Phyzgig Festival
Phyzgig's vaudeville shows are a nonstop thrill ride featuring expert juggling, incredible illusions, mystifying magic, captivating storytelling, and more physical comedy. For the younger aficionados, Acorn offers the popular Phyzkidz series at SPACE Gallery with afternoon performances that contain all the excitement of the mainstage shows on a smaller scale. Dec. 26 - 31. $12-$16 for vaudeville and $6-$10 for Phyzkidz. Downtown Portland. 207-854-0065. www.acorn-productions.org
The Santaland Diaries
A slacker decides to become a Macy's elf during the holiday crunch. The New York Times says, "Priceless observations, both outrageous and subtle. Destined to hold a place in the annals of American humor writing." Dec. 15 at 10 p.m., 16 at 4 & 10 p.m., 17 at 8 p.m., 21 at 9:30 p.m. and 22 & 23 at 4 p.m. $15-$20. Penobscot Theatre, Main St., Bangor. 207-942-3333. www.penobscottheatre.org
ART MUSEUMS
Bates Museum of Art
Scrape, Cut, Gouge, Bite, Print. . . The Graphic Work of Charlie Hewitt 1976-2006. Born in Lewiston in 1946, Hewitt grew up in Auburn and Brunswick. A student of Philip Guston, David Hare, and Elaine DeKooning at the New York Studio School, Hewitt has played a significant role in printmaking in Maine since 1984, when he returned to the state to work at the Vinalhaven Press. As the repository for Hewitt's graphic work, the Bates College Museum of Art has an extensive collection that will provide the material for this retrospective exhibition, including woodcuts, drypoints, etchings, and digital prints. Through March 18. Free. 75 Russell St., Lewiston. 207-786-6158. www.bates.edu/museum.xml
Center for Maine Contemporary Art
Vinalhaven Press Prints from the Bowdoin College Museum of Art Collection. The Vinalhaven Press, founded and directed by Patricia Nick, attracted a renowned group of Maine, American, Cuban, and other international printmakers to the Vinalhaven studio, located in a former island schoolhouse. Through Dec. 16. u Maine Printmaking: 1980-2005. This exhibition will include works selected by invitation and from a statewide call to artists. Approximately 175 artists will be represented by an estimated two hundred works, including editioned intaglio, relief, and planographic prints created over the past twenty-five years. Through Dec. 16. $5. 162 Russell Ave., Rockport. 207-236-2875. www.artsmaine.org
Colby College Museum of Art
Alex Katz: Woodcuts and Linocuts. Alex Katz has been a regular summer resident in Maine since he first attended the Skowhegan School in the early 1950s, and the landscapes of Maine, along with his figural subjects, have been a prominent feature of his work. Linoleum cuts and woodcuts have constituted an important feature of his artistic activity, noteworthy because of Katz's direct hand in the carving of the blocks, as well as the complex interrelationship played out between these prints and his painting. Through Jan. 28. Free. 5600 Mayflower Hill Dr., Waterville. 207-872-3228. www.colby.edu/museum
Farnsworth Art Museum & Wyeth Center
Jonathan Fisher: Pioneer Painter and Printmaker. While serving as a pastor of the First Congregational Church in Blue Hill, Fisher also carved woodblocks to print a series of more than a hundred insects, reptiles, birds, and mammals, all published in the 1834 book Scripture Animals. Through March 11. u Imprints of Maine: 1900-1950. Selected from the museum's permanent collection, the pieces include modernist works by Rockwell Kent, Carroll Thayer Berry, and Leo Meissner, as well as more traditional artists. Through March 24. u Elizabeth B. Noyce Bequest Anniversary. Art collector and Maine philanthropist Elizabeth B. Noyce's bequeathed works of American art. Through June 17. $8-$10. 16 Museum St., Rockland. 207-596-6457. www.farnsworthmuseum.org
Institute of Contemporary Art at Maine College of Art
Robert Indiana: The Hartley Elegies/MECA Prints. Perhaps most famous for his LOVE image, which has appeared in prints, monumental sculpture, and postage stamps, Robert Indiana profoundly influenced Pop and Minimal art as well as reductive abstraction in the United States. Driven by a strong pacifist sensibility, Indiana makes spare, powerful text-images that combine contemporary social commentary with a keen awareness of the legacy of avant-garde art. Through Feb. 4. Free. 522 Congress St., Portland. 207-879-5742, ext. 229. www.meca.edu/GalleriesExhibitions/ICA/Overview.aspx#2
Portland Museum of Art
American ABC: Childhood in Nineteenth-Century America. Presenting works by Winslow Homer, Thomas Eakins, Eastman Johnson, and other major American artists, the exhibition will investigate the connection between American ideas about children and the ideals and issues that defined the nation as it matured. Through Jan. 7. u New Acquisitions 2006. Every winter, the museum highlights significant art acquisitions of the previous year in a special exhibition. Contemporary art was a major highlight of collecting activity in 2006, with prints by Francesco Clemente, Jim Dine, Anish Kapoor, Robert Stackhouse, and Pat Steir, and two paintings by John Walker entering the collection. Nineteenth-century art was also represented, with the purchase of an important work by Charles Codman and the bequest of a painting by Thomas Moran. Opening on the museum's fourth floor, New Acquisitions 2006 will spotlight a selection of these artworks and others that entered the collection in the last twelve months. Dec. 2 - Feb. 28. $4-$10, and free Fridays 5 - 9 p.m. 7 Congress Square, Portland. 207-775-6148. www.portlandmuseum.org
USM Lewiston-Auburn College
Signs of the Times: Natasha Mayers. Since 1975 Mayers has supervised the painting of more than five hundred murals as a touring artist with the Maine Commission for the Arts. Mayers often explores themes of peace and social justice, and by placing images of war on Maine's landscape in her State of War series, she effectively asks, how would we feel if it happened here? "An empathetic response," says Mayers, "requires imagination." Through Dec. 16. Free. Atrium Gallery, Lewiston-Auburn. 207-753-6500. www.usm.maine.edu/lac/art
OTHER MUSEUMS
The Dyer Library/Saco Museum
Festival of Trees. The theme this year is "Home for the Holidays." Both the Dyer Library and Saco Museum will be adorned for the holiday season with trees, wreaths, and garlands. Additional displays at the museum include a train through the gingerbread house village, a teddy bear collection, vintage ornaments, and dolls. Through Dec. 10. Free. 371 Main St. 207-283-3861. www.dyerlibrarysacomuseum.org
Maine State Museum
Rugs All Marked Out. The exhibit features some of the metal stencil plates created by Edward Sands Frost of Biddeford around 1870 and used for the next thirty years by E. S. Frost and Company to produce printed patterns on burlap, ready to be worked into hooked rugs. The exhibit traces the 135-year history of the plates, which were used to produce the first commercially manufactured hooked rug patterns. Through Dec. 31. $1-$2. 230 State St., Augusta. 207-287-2301. www.state.me.us/museum/
SPECIAL EVENTS
Bradbury Mountain Arts Show & Sale
Work on sale by local artists includes sculpture, ceramics, paintings, etchings, photography, turned wood, jewelry, textiles, totes, duffles, wintergreens, raffles, and door prizes. Dec. 8 at 4 - 8 p.m., and Dec. 9 &10 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Mallett Hall, 429 Hallowell Rd. (Rte. 9), Pownal. 207-688-4153.
Candy Cane Train
Round-trip rides between Bath and Wiscasset with Santa and his elves, plus music, singing, storytelling, and refreshments. Dec. 9 at 9 a.m., noon, 3 p.m., and 6 p.m., & Dec. 16 at 9 a.m., noon, and 3 p.m. $12. A special fundraising train for adults only will run Dec. 16 at 6 p.m. for $25. All proceeds for this event to benefit Tri-County Literacy. 207-443-6384. www.virtous.com
Christmas at Moosehead
Start the day with the annual inn walk, then shop 'till you drop -- or at least until the tree lighting ceremony and concert at the end of the day. Dec. 9. Free. Greenville. 207-695-2702.
Christmas at Victoria Mansion
Victoria Mansion is lavishly decorated for the holidays by professional designers, decorators, and florists, making this a festive time of year for a visit. Go through the house at your own pace, on self-guided tours using a printed program. Room stewards are available to answer questions. Through Dec. 31, Tuesday - Sunday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. $5-$25. 109 Danforth St., Portland. 207-772-4841. www.victoriamansion.org
Christmas Prelude
Craft fairs, walking tours, pancake breakfasts, chowder dinners, and the arrival of Santa by lobster boat -- Kennebunkport's holiday festival and shopping season has it all. Dec. 1 - 10. Most events free. www.christmasprelude.com
Holiday Bazaar at Merryspring
Throughout the year Merryspring volunteers have been busy making beautiful gifts and decorations to sell at the annual Holiday Bazaar, featuring fresh table arrangements, balsam swags and wreaths, paperwhites, amaryllis, rosemary, tree ornaments, candies and jellies, herbs and spices, books and cards, gift baskets, potpourri, and gift certificates to Merryspring's Plant Sale. All proceeds will benefit the park. Dec. 2 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. & Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Ross Center, Merryspring Park, Camden. 207-236-2239.
Holiday Walking Tour
A peek inside eight homes and two churches in Orono's beautiful historical district. Buildings include the Widow Hamlin House; the Daniel McRuer/Edward Southard House built in 1829; and St. Mary's Catholic Church. Dec. 16 from noon - 4 p.m. $15-$25. 207-866-2456.
A Longfellow Family Christmas
At the Wadsworth-Longfellow House, enjoy the holiday season as it might have been celebrated in the 1850s with house tours, children's activities, and a holiday book and gift fair. Dec. 1 - 30. $3-$7. 489 Congress St., Portland. 207-774-1822. www.mainehistory.org
Maine Audubon
The Audubon has a slew of events scheduled for December. Here are a few to get you started. Winter Bird Feeding. Learn from Audubon naturalist Judy Walker what you can do to attract cardinals, jays, chickadees, nuthatches, winter finches, and other birds to your yard in winter. Dec. 2 at 11 a.m. $6-$8. u Owls of the World. Join naturalist Marcia Wilson and photographer Mark Wilson as they share their passion for owls. Get a hooting lesson, tips on how to identify and find owls without disturbing them, and an opportunity to see six live owls, including a northern saw-whet, eastern screech, great horned, snowy, and a spectacled owl. Dec. 9 from 11a.m. - 12:15 p.m. or 1:30 - 2:45 p.m. $3-$10. u Nature Walk: Preparing for Winter. Join Audubon naturalist Karen Hoydick and explore the wonders of winter survival. Designed for both families and adults. Dec. 16 from 10 - 11 a.m. $3-$8. u Winter Solstice Celebration. Winter may just be beginning, but Dec. 21 marks the return of lengthening daylight hours, which people have observed since prehistoric times. Celebrate the return of the sun by honoring the four directions, lighting candles, listening to a storyteller weave a tale about wildlife and the season, and creating a seasonal craft. Dec. 21 from 7 - 8:30 p.m. $3-$10. Advance registration necessary for all events. Gilsland Farm, 20 Gilsland Farm Rd., Falmouth. 207-781-2330, ext. 215. www.maineaudubon.org
Shaker Christmas Fair
Shaker homemade baked goods, holiday foods, and wreaths in nine rooms of the trustee's office. Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village, Rte. 26, New Gloucester. 207-926-4597. www.shaker.lib.me.us
