November
Dance
Culture Shock
Start with Stravinsky's seminal composition The Firebird. Then add original hip-hop beats and a troupe of eight dancers from the United States, Colombia, and Japan who've worked with Jurassic 5 and Diddy. The result? Not your typical ballet. DecaDanceTheatre vs. The Firebird comes to Orono Nov. 4 at 8 p.m. $45-$52. Maine Center for the Arts, UMaine campus. 207-581-1755. www.ume.maine.edu/~mca
Art
Take a Seat
Northern New England is a hotbed of contemporary furniture design. So it's no wonder that curators at the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship's Messler Gallery dreamed up Chairs North by Northeast, an exhibition of chairs designed and made in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Nov. 30 - March 1. Free. 25 Mill St., Rockport. 207-594-5611. www.woodschool.org
Music
Mr. Tambourine Man
When Bob Dylan performs, you're not likely to hear a lot of between-song banter. In fact, he may not say so much as hello. But you don't worry about such social niceties when you're in the presence of genius. This time around, Dylan is joined by the Raconteurs, the new band led by Jack White of the White Stripes. Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m. $45. Cumberland County Civic Center, Spring St., Portland. 207-775-3458. www.theciviccenter.com
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
Aztec Two-Step
Venerable folk duo celebrates the thirty-fifth anniversary of their debut album. Nov. 24 at 7:30 p.m. $17. The Grand, 165 Main St., Ellsworth. 207-667-9500. www.grandonline.org
Bangor Symphony Orchestra
The symphony's Classical Series presents Gioacchino Rossini's Guillaume Tell (William Tell): Overture; Richard Strauss's Concerto, horn, no. 1, op. 11, E-flat major; Ernest Chausson's Poème, op. 25; and Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake: Suite, op. 20a. Nov. 19 at 3 p.m. $11-$38. Maine Center for the Arts, UMaine, Orono. 207-942-5555. www.bangorsymphony.com
B.B. King
Eighty and still strumming "Lucille." There's just no stoppin' this Grammy winner and blues legend. Nov. 18 at 7:30 p.m. $47-$57. Bangor Civic Center Auditorium, 100 Dutton St. 207-990-4444. www.basspark.com
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
How do the worst kids in the history of the world end up in this year's Christmas pageant? That's what the church ladies, the townspeople, and the Bradleys want to know. Nov. 24 - Dec. 3. $16-$18. Waterville Opera House, 93 Main St. 207-873-7000. www.operahouse.com
The Capitol Steps
Comedic, satirical, and political commentary in song from a troupe of former congressional staffers who travel the country satirizing the very people and places who once employed them. Nov. 11 at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. $33-$40. The Chocolate Church, 798 Washington St., Bath. 207-442-8455. www.chocolatechurch.com . See the congressional satirists again at Ellsworth's Grand on Nov. 12 at 2 & 7 p.m. $32.
The Castlebay Duo: Robert Burns -- The Man, the Myth, and the Music
"There sat auld Nick, in shape o' beast;/ A towzie tyke, black, grim and large,/ To gie them music was his charge:/ He screw'd the pipes and gart them skirl,/ Till roof and rafters a' did dirl." Julia Lane (Celtic harp) and Fred Gosbee (guitar, winds, and fiddle) present the music and poetry of Scotland's favorite son. Nov. 17 at 7:30 p.m. $5-$10. University of Maine at Augusta, Jewett Hall Auditorium. 207-621-3551.
Chanticleer
Here's a quick quiz. What's America's favorite choral ensemble named after? Is it a brand of window cleaner; the rooster from Chaucer's Canterbury Tales; or a fragrant edible mushroom? Nov. 27 at 7:30 p.m. $34-$38. Merrill Auditorium, 20 Myrtle St., Portland. 207-842-0800. www.pcagreatperformances.org . Also at the Maine Center for the Arts, University of Maine, on Nov. 26 at 3 p.m.
Chicago
The electrifying tale of greed, murder, and showbiz that has won six Tony Awards. Through Nov. 5. $16-$18. Waterville Opera House, 93 Main St. 207-873-7000. www.operahouse.com
Dave Rowe Trio
A continuation of a legacy in Maine music with guitarist Dave Rowe -- son of the late Tom Rowe of Schooner Fare -- fiddler Edward Howe, and bassist Kevin O'Reilly, who together play what Rowe describes as "neo-Celtic newgrass." Nov. 4 at 7:30 p.m. $10-$15. The Chocolate Church, 798 Washington St., Bath. 207-442- 8455. www.chocolatechurch.com
Jeremy Denk
If you like your pianists well educated, then Denk is your man, sporting not only an undergraduate degree and a master's, but a PhD, too. And he even finds time to have his own blog. Nov. 16 at 7:30 p.m. $34-$38. Merrill Auditorium, 20 Myrtle St., Portland. 207-842-0800. www.pcagreatperformances.org
Jonathan Edwards
Best known for his hit "Sunshine," Edwards has performed backup for B. B. King and the Allman Brothers and has shared the stage with Emmylou Harris, Don McLean, and Jesse-Colin Young. With special guest Sara Hickman. Nov. 18 at 7:30 p.m. $18-$22. The Chocolate Church, 798 Washington St., Bath. 207-442- 8455. www.chocolatechurch.com
Jonathan Biss & Benjamin Hochman
Two extraordinary young pianists join together to play some of their favorite repertoire: Mozart's Sonata in F Major, K497; Schubert's Fantasy in F Minor, D. 940; Schumann-Debussy's Six Canonic Etudes for Pedal Piano; and Bart?k's Sonata for 2 Pianos and Percussion. Nov. 5 at 3 p.m. $45-$52. Maine Center for the Arts, UMaine campus, Orono. 207-581-1755. www.ume.maine.edu/~mca
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
Portland Symphony Orchestra
The symphony's Classical Tuesdays continue with Marquez's Danzon no. 2; Mozart's Piano Concerto no. 19; and Tchaikovsky's Symphony no. 2, "Little Russian." Nov. 14 at 7:30 p.m. $12-$57. Merrill Auditorium, 20 Myrtle St., Portland. 207-842-0800. www.portlandsymphony.com
Rigoletto
A hunchback jester, a duke, the seducing of a daughter, an assassin, and a curse: Verdi's opera has all the makings of a blockbuster. Nov. 2 at 7:30 p.m. $34-$53. Merrill Auditorium, 20 Myrtle St., Portland. 207-842-0800. www.pcagreatperformances.org
Seán Curran Company
Curran's dances blend a myriad of influences into a purely original style full of wit, ingenuity, and uncanny physical humor. Nov. 19 at 2:30 p.m. $8-$32. Strom Auditorium, Camden Hills Regional High School, Rte. 90, Rockport. 207-236-2823 or 888-707-2770. www.baychamberconcerts.org
THEATER
The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial
L.A.Theatre Works, America's premiere radio theater company, embarks on a North American tour starring Eric Stoltz and David Selby. Nov. 10 at 8 p.m. $45-$52. Maine Center for the Arts, UMaine campus, Orono. 207-581-1755. www.ume.maine.edu/~mca
The Firebird
A fantasy based on Russian folk tales. Music, magic, puppetry, and comedy infuse this delightful story. Nov. 30 - Dec. 17. $7-$15. The Belfast Maskers, 43 Front St. 207-338-9668. www.belfastmaskerstheater.com
Ida's Having a Yard Sale
The creators of Ida, Woman who runs with the Moose bring the endearing character of Ida LeClair back to life in a humdinger of a sequel. From a crocheted toilet paper cover to a broken snowmobile, there's something for everyone at Ida and Charlie LeClair's yard sale. Nov. 3 - 12, Fridays & Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. $10-$16. The Public Theater, 31 Maple St., Lewiston. 207-782-3200. www.thepublictheatre.org
Into the Woods
Into the Woods weaves together several fairy tales including Jack and the Beanstalk, Cinderella, Rapunzel, and Little Red Ridinghood. Joining them on their journey is the baker and his wife, who are trying to lift a spell cast by the witch. Through Nov. 12. $15-$23. Good Theater, St. Lawrence Arts Center, 76 Congress St., Portland. 207-885-5883. www.goodtheater.com
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Everybody wants to get rid of Joseph the dreamer. Why is that? Nov. 17 - Dec. 3. $52-$66. Lyric Music Theater, 176 Sawyer St., South Portland. 207-799-1421. www.lyricmusictheater.com
The Maine Hysterical Society
The Maine Hysterical Society is known for its down Maine humor, sketch comedy, song parodies, and wicked good jugglin'. Nov. 24 at 2 & 7 p.m., Nov. 25 at 2 & 7 p.m., and Nov. 26 at 12:30 & 3 p.m. $15-$19. Good Theater, St. Lawrence Arts Center, 76 Congress St., Portland. 207-885-5883. www.goodtheater.com
The Mousetrap
A group of strangers are stranded in a boarding house during a snowstorm. And one of them is a murderer. Is it the newly married couple who run the house, the spinster with a curious background, an architect who seems better equipped to be a chef, a retired army major, a strange little man who claims his car has overturned in a drift, or a jurist who makes life miserable for everyone? Nov. 2 - 11. $8-$10. Gaslight Theater, 1 Winthrop St. Hallowell. 207-626-3698. www.gaslighttheater.org
The Producers
Based on the Academy Award-winning 1968 film of the same name, Mel Brooks' The Producers is the story of down-on-his-luck theatrical producer Max Bialystock and Leo Bloom, a mousy accountant. Together they hatch the ultimate scam: raise more money than you need for a sure-fire Broadway fiasco and pocket the difference. Nov. 10 at 8 p.m., Nov. 11 at 2 & 8 p.m., and Nov. 12 at 2 & 7:30 p.m. $41-$60. Merrill Auditorium, 20 Myrtle St., Portland. 207-842-0800. www.pcagreatperformances.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. Oct. 27 - 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. Oct. 22 - 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 200 works, including editioned intaglio, relief, and planographic prints created over the past twenty-five years. Oct. 22 - 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 Maine landscape, along with Katz's figural subjects, have been a prominent feature of his work for the last half century. Among the various print media in which the artist has worked, 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. Oct. 12 - Jan. 28. Free. 5600 Mayflower Hill Dr., Waterville. 207-872-3228. www.colby.edu/museum
Farnsworth Art Museum & Wyeth Center
James Wyeth: Portrait of an Artist. Considered one of the most significant and accomplished representational artists of the twentieth century, James Browning Wyeth puts his own unique spin on realism. This mid-career assessment of his work will provide an unparalleled opportunity to examine his work in the larger context of American art. Through Nov. 6 u N.C. Wyeth: Artist and Illustrator. Illustrations and paintings by Newell Convers Wyeth dating from 1911 to the early 1940s. Through Nov. 13. u 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. $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. Robert Indiana is widely regarded as one of the most important painters, sculptors, and printmakers working today. Perhaps most famous for his LOVE image, which has appeared in prints, monumental sculpture, and postage stamps, 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. Nov. 22 - Feb. 4. Free. 522 Congress St., Portland. 207-879-5742, ext. 229. www.meca.edu/GalleriesExhibitions/ICA/Overview.aspx#2
Portland Museum of Art
Maine: The Way Life Is, Contemporary Photographs from the Collection. The tourist sign at the beginning of the Maine Turnpike reads: "Maine. The Way Life Should Be." This exhibition of thirty-four contemporary photographs, drawn from the permanent collection and works on loan, takes a hard look at the way Maine really is. The work ranges from Melonie Bennett's humorous look at her family to the more serious examination of social issues that we face in the work of Paul D'Amato, David Stess, and Olive Pierce. Through Nov. 26. u 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. Nov. 2 - Jan. 7. $4-$10, and free Fridays 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. 7 Congress Square, Portland. 207-775-6148. www.portlandmuseum.org
OTHER MUSEUMS
Abbe Museum
Made of Thunder, Made of Glass: Native American Beadwork. In the early 1800s, Native women of northeastern North America created a new art form: delicate, intricately beaded hats and purses. In this exhibition the museum explores the principal symbols and images present in the beadwork. Through Nov. 18. $2-$6. 26 Mount Desert St., Bar Harbor. 207-288-3519. www.abbemuseum.org
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. Nov. 25 - Dec. 10. Free. 371 Main St. 207-283-3861. www.dyerlibrarysacomuseum.org
Maine Discovery Museum
Hold Everything! The museum's fourth annual benefit dinner-auction will sell more than seventy-five handmade wooden benches, which have been painted and decorated by many of Maine's finest artists. Nov. 4 from 5 - 10 p.m. $40. 74 Main St., Bangor. 207. 262-7200. www.mainediscoverymuseum.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/
Portland Harbor Museum
Harbor Forts: A Look Behind the Walls. Exploring life within the forts in and around Portland Harbor, the exhibit demonstrates that as the military establishment focused on protecting the harbor, soldiers and other individuals who lived and worked within the forts succeeded in creating communities. Through Nov. 26. $4. Fort Rd., South Portland. 207-799-6337. www.portlandharbormuseum.org
FAIRS & FESTIVALS
Maine Brewers' Festival
Yeats wrote, "So stay at home and drink your beer and let the neighbors vote." Seems reasonable. And the Maine Brewers' Fest is one way to enjoy all that the state has to offer when it comes to growlers. Must be twenty-one and have a valid I.D. to attend. Nov. 4. $23-$28. Portland Expo, 239 Park Ave. www.mainebrew.com
Rockland Festival of Lights Celebration
The home of the lobster goes yuletide. Festivities include Santa arriving by Coast Guard boat at the public landing, historic inns open houses, tree lighting ceremony, downtown Parade of Lights, family pancake breakfast with Santa, children's activities, Santa's workshop, gallery night, horse-drawn carriage rides, Santa's mailbox, carolers, special events, and extended shopping hours. Nov. 24 - 26. Free. 207-596-0376 or 800-562-2529. www.therealmaine.com
SPECIAL EVENTS
Augusta Arts & Crafts Show
More than 120 exhibitors selling hand-crafted products. Nov. 11 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. & Nov. 12 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. $2. Augusta Civic Center, 1 Civic Center Dr. 207-621-2818. www.unitedmainecraftsmen.com
Bangor Arts & Crafts Show
Get a head start on your Christmas shopping at the United Maine Craftsmen's annual show. Nov. 4 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Nov. 5 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. $1. Bangor Civic Center, 100 Dutton St. 207-621-2818. www.unitedmainecraftsmen.com
Christmas at the Boathouse
The Passy River Artisans presents this sale of fine arts and crafts. Nov. 25 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Belfast Boathouse, Front St. Free. 207-338-5697.
Down East Ski Sale
A nirvana for skiers. About ten thousand pieces of ski gear -- from skis to boots, poles, bindings, cross-country equipment, parkas, ski pants, goggles, and accessories -- will be on sale. Nov. 25 from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Free. Portland Expo Building, 239 Park Ave. 207-839-4284. www.downeastskiclub.com
Holiday Craft Market
More than seventy exhibitors offer Maine-made, handcrafted items for sale at this all-day craft event. And if that's not enough, the man from the North Pole plans to attend, too. Nov. 25 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. $2. Samoset Resort, 220 Warrenton St., Rockport. 207-596-0376 or 800-562-2529. www.therealmaine.com
L.L. Bean Winter Sports Expo
L.L. Bean experts will give clinics and demonstrations, and representatives from top ski manufacturers will guide you to the right gear. Get winter camping tips, discover activities just for kids, and much more. L.L. Bean Flagship Store, Main St., Freeport. Nov. 11 & 12 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Free. 800-559-0747, ext. 37222. www.llbean.com/shop/retailStores/calendar.html
Maine Antique Paper Show
From throughout the Northeast, dealers of old maps, antiquarian books, trading cards, letters, and photographs bring their collectibles and treasures to Maine. Nov. 25 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. $4. Holiday Inn West, 81 Riverside St., Portland. 207-828-8065.
Maine Author Series & Literary Festival
A literary festival that brings together people with a passion for reading and twenty acclaimed authors, poets, and speakers for a lively weekend that features a rich mix of presentations, readings, panel discussions, and literary surprises. Keynote speaker is Pulitzer Prize-winner Richard Russo. Nov. 3 - 5. $50-$65. Camden Opera House, 29 Elm St. 207-236-7963. www.camdenoperahouse.com
Maine College of Art Auction
More than two hundred works of art will be for sale at the thirty-second MECA auction to support student scholarships. Nov. 10 from 5:30 - 9:30 p.m. The general public can preview artwork on Nov. 8, 9, and 10 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. $25-$35. MECA's Porteous Building, 522 Congress St., Portland. 207-775-5098. www.meca.edu/auction
Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts Show
The United Maine Craftsmen's weekend bonanza gives you a chance to pick up a keepsake Christmas gift. Nov. 24 from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., Nov. 25 from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., and Nov. 26 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. $1. Brewer Auditorium, 203 State St. 207-621-2818. www.unitedmainecraftsmen.com
