It's not technically fall, but this city is giving off some early signs. At least two home grown festivals in Portland this weekend and a Homecoming dance. On top of that you could probably throw in the anticipation over Matt "Who Me?" Cassel taking command of the Patriots this weekend against Brett "Yes Me" Favre and the Jets.
Festivals, homecoming and football? Sounds like fall to me.
FRIDAY
Adam and The Waxmen CD release at Empire Dine and Dance starting at 9 p.m. The local funk and soul group is just the latest in what seems to be a weekly parade of bands with new albums on the block. "Just Play" is the first album for the group, who have made their name playing around Portland and collaborating with other musicians. Soul Movement is also on the bill.
As expected you can get a rock fix down at Geno's starting at 9 p.m.Conifer, is playing with Ghosthunter and Seattle-based band Sean. Tickets are $5
SATURDAY
So maybe you read my column on today's PICNIC music festival and craft fair in Monday's paper. Then you know today's the first of what some hope is an annual mash-up of art, music and crafts. Starting at 11 a.m. in Lincoln Park in Portland, you can catch live music from bands like The Rattlesnakes, Confusatron and Honey Clouds, along with art and indie crafts from at least 70 local artists. It's a free gig - well, unless you want to buy stuff, in which case bring the wallet. How many shopping days till Thanksgiving?
Seems like an eternity, but would you believe it's time for another season of Maine Roller Derby? The Port Authorities are kicking off another season down at the Portland Expo, starting with a bout against Montreal's New Skidz on the Block. That's right, roller derby made it to Canada. It's time to show our much hated rivals to the North how America gets it done on skates. Usually with a flag I'm thinking. Doors open at 5 p.m., bout starts at 6 p.m. It's $10 in advance, $12 at the door and $5 for kids.
Do you yearn for the days of agonizing over whether you were going to go to a high school dance? Miss the anxiety of working up the courage to ask someone out? Reminisce about the days of trying to find something to wear that distracts from the ravages of hormones on your teenage body? GOOD NEWS! Tonight's the Homecoming Dance down at Space Gallery. Yes, that's right, it's time to dust off that old suit or spaghetti strap dress and snip a corsage from your neighbor's garden. You may remember a few years back SPACE also hosted a prom, and I can tell you first-hand, it was a blast. The make shift gymnasium will feature the music of Spencer Albee of As Fast As, and Joshua Loring of Brenda, along with DJ action from DJ Jon, Nicka P and H++L. Tickets are only $10 and the fun starts at 9 p.m.
Finally, I hate to rub things in to the hurting Patriot Nation right now, but I came across this video early in the week. If I had to make a guess, I'm guessing this is before the Patriots took on the Bears in the 1986 Super Bowl. The Bears had the Super Bowl Shuffle, and the Pats, well, they had this. Find some inspiration in these dark times nation.
Justin is a former newspaper intern and has the scar tissue to prove
it. Justin has been a staff writer for the Portland Press Herald/Maine
Sunday Telegram since 2003, and in 2004 began writing a weekly column in the
Monday Magazine.
If he had to pick a label, the column would fall under "youth culture,"
covering everything from high school dance etiquette, dealing with college
debt, the resurgence of Roller Derby and Portland's one-of-a-kind music
scene. This of course has not stopped him from answering letters to Santa
Claus or writing about his experience riding shotgun in a drift car.
Justin is an export from the Midwest. He is a graduate of the University of
Missouri and is originally from Minnesota. He enjoys bacon, cheap beer,
redheads, Burt Reynolds jokes and wondering what the soundtrack to his life
would sound like.
When he grows up he wants to be an international art thief. Or Captain
America.
Until then he'll be bringing you dispatches about "the young people" and
what they do.
ITUNES
other podcast
client
Subscribe