What's happening in Portland, Maine:

Movies at the Museum

Gerhard Richter Painting

Monday, August 20, 2 p.m.
Tuesday, August 21, 2 p.m.
Wednesday, August 22, 2 p.m.

One of the world’s greatest living painters, the German artist Gerhard Richter, has spent over half a century experimenting with a tremendous range of techniques and ideas, addressing historical crises and mass media representation alongside explorations of chance procedures. Infamously media-shy, he agreed to appear on camera for the first time in 15 years for a 2007 short by filmmaker Corinna Belz called Gerhard Richter’s Window.

Her follow-up, Gerhard Richter Painting, is exactly that—a thrilling document of Richter’s creative process, juxtaposed with intimate conversations, (with his critics, his collaborators, and his American gallerist Marian Goodman) and rare archive material. From our fly-on-the-wall perspective, we watch the 79-year-old create a series of large-scale abstract canvasses, using fat brushes and a massive squeegee to apply (and then scrape off) layer after layer of brightly colored paint. This mesmerizing footage of a highly charged process of creation and destruction, turns Belz’s portrait of an artist into a work of art itself.

“Magnificent and evocative…as close as cinema gets to tracking the impulses and paradoxes of a gifted imagination.” -Village Voice

In English and German with English subtitles.

Directed by Corinna Belz, 2011
97 minutes

No-Sew Tutu Workshop

Gain simple knot knowledge while you create a colorful tutu flowy enough for any fairy, ballerina or someone just looking for a silly outfit! Using tulle fabric, ribbon and one-size-will-fit-all elastic band we will guide you through the process of making a perfect tutu. Ages 3+ with adult assistance.
$8 per tutu for members/$9 for visitors. To register call 828-1234 x231, visit kitetails.org or stop by our front desk.

No-Sew Tutu Workshop

Gain simple knot knowledge while you create a colorful tutu flowy enough for any fairy, ballerina or someone just looking for a silly outfit! Using tulle fabric, ribbon and one-size-will-fit-all elastic band we will guide you through the process of making a perfect tutu. Ages 3+ with adult assistance.
$8 per tutu for members/$9 for visitors. To register call 828-1234 x231, visit kitetails.org or stop by our front desk.

Movies at the Museum

Gerhard Richter Painting

Monday, August 20, 2 p.m.
Tuesday, August 21, 2 p.m.
Wednesday, August 22, 2 p.m.

One of the world’s greatest living painters, the German artist Gerhard Richter, has spent over half a century experimenting with a tremendous range of techniques and ideas, addressing historical crises and mass media representation alongside explorations of chance procedures. Infamously media-shy, he agreed to appear on camera for the first time in 15 years for a 2007 short by filmmaker Corinna Belz called Gerhard Richter’s Window.

Her follow-up, Gerhard Richter Painting, is exactly that—a thrilling document of Richter’s creative process, juxtaposed with intimate conversations, (with his critics, his collaborators, and his American gallerist Marian Goodman) and rare archive material. From our fly-on-the-wall perspective, we watch the 79-year-old create a series of large-scale abstract canvasses, using fat brushes and a massive squeegee to apply (and then scrape off) layer after layer of brightly colored paint. This mesmerizing footage of a highly charged process of creation and destruction, turns Belz’s portrait of an artist into a work of art itself.

“Magnificent and evocative…as close as cinema gets to tracking the impulses and paradoxes of a gifted imagination.” -Village Voice

In English and German with English subtitles.

Directed by Corinna Belz, 2011
97 minutes

PPL Summer Documentary Series

Sun Kissed.  August 22, 5:30-7:00pm in the Rines Auditorium.

When a Navajo couple discovers their children have a disorder that makes exposure to sunlight fatal, they also learn their reservation is a hotbed for this rare genetic disease. Why? Sun Kissed follows Dorey and Yolanda Nez as they confront cultural taboos, tribal history and their own unconventional choices to learn the shocking truth: The consequences of the Navajos’ Long Walk — their forced relocation by the U.S. military in 1864 — are far from over.When a Navajo couple discovers their children have a disorder that makes exposure to sunlight fatal, they also learn their reservation is a hotbed for this rare genetic disease. Why? Sun Kissed follows Dorey and Yolanda Nez as they confront cultural taboos, tribal history and their own unconventional choices to learn the shocking truth: The consequences of the Navajos’ Long Walk — their forced relocation by the U.S. military in 1864 — are far from over.

The Portland Public Library 2012 Summer Documentary Film Series is held Wednesdays throughout the Summer from 5:30pm to 7:00pm in the Rines Auditorium at the Main Library. This series is made possible by a partnership between the Portland Public Library and POV (Point of View), Public Television’s premier documentary series. Films are offered free to the public before their actual air date on PBS and facilitated group discussions will be offered after select showings.

The award-winning POV series is the longest-running showcase on American television to feature the work of today’s best independent documentary filmmakers. POV has brought more than 300 acclaimed documentaries to millions nationwide and has a Webby Award-winning online series, POV’s Borders. Since 1988, POV has pioneered the art of presentation and outreach using independent nonfiction media to build new communities in conversation about today’s most pressing social issues. For more information visit www.pbs.org/pov.

Portland Farmers Market

The Portland Farmers' Market is a year-round market featuring fresh, delicious, locally grown foods including vegetables, fruits, herbs, beef, pork, chicken, duck, goat, lamb, milk, cider, cheese, yogurt, eggs, kefir, honey, grains, jams, and fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi, and tempeh. You'll also find beautiful plants, flowers, and fiber, and so much more! We offer farm products exclusively and you can trust that EVERYTHING at our market was grown and produced in the great state of Maine! Our market has been in existence since 1768 and we are proud to continue to offer the Portland Community a place to come together and enjoy the bounty of Maine's harvest!

 You can enjoy the market and support local farmers year-round at the Portland Farmers' Market!

Brown Bag Lecture Series

David Rosenfelt - Leader of the Pack

August 22
Noon-1:00pm in the Rines Auditorium
Over the course of his legal career, Andy Carpenter, the star of David Rosenfelt’s wildly popular series of novels, has lost a few cases. Andy has always been convinced that Joey Desimone, a man convicted of murder nine years ago, was innocent, and he believes that Joey’s family’s connections to organized crime played a key role in his conviction. As a favor to Joey, Andy agrees to check up on Joey’s elderly uncle for him and takes his dog, Tara, on a few visits. The old man’s memory is going, but when he’s there it jogs something in the man’s mind, and his comments leave Andy wondering if Uncle Nick just might hold the key to Joey’s freedom after all this time.

Movies at the Museum

Gerhard Richter Painting

Monday, August 20, 2 p.m.
Tuesday, August 21, 2 p.m.
Wednesday, August 22, 2 p.m.

One of the world’s greatest living painters, the German artist Gerhard Richter, has spent over half a century experimenting with a tremendous range of techniques and ideas, addressing historical crises and mass media representation alongside explorations of chance procedures. Infamously media-shy, he agreed to appear on camera for the first time in 15 years for a 2007 short by filmmaker Corinna Belz called Gerhard Richter’s Window.

Her follow-up, Gerhard Richter Painting, is exactly that—a thrilling document of Richter’s creative process, juxtaposed with intimate conversations, (with his critics, his collaborators, and his American gallerist Marian Goodman) and rare archive material. From our fly-on-the-wall perspective, we watch the 79-year-old create a series of large-scale abstract canvasses, using fat brushes and a massive squeegee to apply (and then scrape off) layer after layer of brightly colored paint. This mesmerizing footage of a highly charged process of creation and destruction, turns Belz’s portrait of an artist into a work of art itself.

“Magnificent and evocative…as close as cinema gets to tracking the impulses and paradoxes of a gifted imagination.” -Village Voice

In English and German with English subtitles.

Directed by Corinna Belz, 2011
97 minutes

WEDNESDAY GAME NIGHT

Our Wednesday Game Night rolls onto into the summer. On those hot Wednesday summer afternoons, why not stop in the library between 3:15-4:30pm and cool down with some XBox 360. We’ve got quite a few games for you to enjoy.
WHERE: Portland Public Library, Teen Lounge
WHEN: Every Wednesday from 3:15pm-4:30pm

Sea Dogs Home Game

Noonday Concert Series at First Parish Church

Noonday Concert at First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church

Movies at the Museum

Pianomania

Thursday, August 23, 2 p.m.
Friday, August 24, 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, August 25, 2 p.m.
Sunday, August 26, 2 p.m.
Monday, August 27, 2 p.m.
Tuesday, August 28, 2 p.m.
Wednesday, August 29, 2 p.m.

Pianomania takes you into the secret world of sounds—a place where passion and the pursuit of perfection collide with artistic obsession and a little bit of madness.

As Steinway & Sons’ chief technician and Master Tuner in Vienna, Stefan Knüpfer is dedicated to the unusual task of pairing world-class instruments with world-famous pianists. Juggling the demands of the pianist, the piano, and the piece to find the perfect match requires boundless enthusiasm, but also endless patience and nerves of steel. No detail is too small or too inconsequential for Knüpfer, not even the tiniest speck of dust on a piano string. Pianomania is a humorous and surprisingly suspenseful peek into the heated clash of wills between a genius craftsman and the renowned pianists who rely on his talent—including Lang Lang, Alfred Brendel, Rudolf Buchbinder, and Pierre-Laurent Aimand—as they search together for that elusive perfect tone.

“Surprisingly compelling! Too intriguing and entertaining to be left to the specialists…A captivating film not just for pianomaniacs.”--Time Out London

In English and German with English subtitles.

Directed by Robert Cibis and Lilian Franck, 2010
93 minutes

Promotional Party!

Promotional Party! 

Portland Maine Film Festival will host a promotional party at ThinkTank in Portland, Maine on August 23rd, 5:30 - 8:30 pm. The party is sponsored by MENSK, a local non-profit dedicated to promoting the arts. Please join us to learn more about Portland Maine Film Festival and mingle with the local filmmaking community. This free event will feature refreshments, as well as light snacks and special door prizes.

When - August 23rd, 5:30 - 8:30 pm

Where - ThinkTank, 533 Congress St, Portland, ME

What - Fun, food, drinks and people who like movies

Friends of Eastern Promenade Concert Series

Thursday, August 30 – 7:00 PM Royal Hammer (Roots Reggae) sponsored by Portland Maine Rentals

Beyond Words

Critically acclaimed New York mime Bill Bowers returns with “Beyond Words”, an incredible journey through sound and silence, as he shares humorous and poignant stories of small town America.

Sea Dogs Home Game

Jazz Brunch with Sean Mencher

EVERY SUNDAY, enjoy Local Sprouts delicious brunch menu with some jazz on the side.

Friday Local Author Series

David McCann - Urban Temple: sijo, Twisted & Straight

August 24
Noon-1:00pm in Meeting Room #5
Master translator, scholar and above all poet, David McCann wrote his first sijo in Korean in

 1966 while he lived in Andong as a Peace Corps volunteer. Now, after 40 years of living with the sijo tradition, studying Korean literature, and translating illustrious poets like Kim Ji-ha, Kim Sowol, Ko Un, and Cho Oh-hyun into English, McCann, a worthy inheritor of a distinguished Korean tradition, presents us with an ambitious, wide-ranging, and pioneering collection of his own work.

Movies at the Museum

Pianomania

Thursday, August 23, 2 p.m.
Friday, August 24, 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, August 25, 2 p.m.
Sunday, August 26, 2 p.m.
Monday, August 27, 2 p.m.
Tuesday, August 28, 2 p.m.
Wednesday, August 29, 2 p.m.

Pianomania takes you into the secret world of sounds—a place where passion and the pursuit of perfection collide with artistic obsession and a little bit of madness.

As Steinway & Sons’ chief technician and Master Tuner in Vienna, Stefan Knüpfer is dedicated to the unusual task of pairing world-class instruments with world-famous pianists. Juggling the demands of the pianist, the piano, and the piece to find the perfect match requires boundless enthusiasm, but also endless patience and nerves of steel. No detail is too small or too inconsequential for Knüpfer, not even the tiniest speck of dust on a piano string. Pianomania is a humorous and surprisingly suspenseful peek into the heated clash of wills between a genius craftsman and the renowned pianists who rely on his talent—including Lang Lang, Alfred Brendel, Rudolf Buchbinder, and Pierre-Laurent Aimand—as they search together for that elusive perfect tone.

“Surprisingly compelling! Too intriguing and entertaining to be left to the specialists…A captivating film not just for pianomaniacs.”--Time Out London

In English and German with English subtitles.

Directed by Robert Cibis and Lilian Franck, 2010
93 minutes

Frugal Friday’s Eco-tainment Happy Hour at Empire Dine and Dance

The Portland Pirates are building community beyond the ice rink. The Pirates have partnered with Empire Dine & Dance and local rockers, The Substitutes, to create “Frugal Fridays”, which is slated as an “eco-tainment happier hour” and kicks off Friday, August 3 at 5:00pm. The goal of the weekly event series is to raise awareness of local environmental, sustainability, and community initiatives. Empire will offer local beer and locally raised menu specials while organizations present their initiatives and The Substitutes serve up a set of “vintage Woodstock-era” rock. Frugal Fridays - Get local and get happy.

Portland’s Edible, Medicinal, and Otherwise – An Herbal Tour

Join local herbalist Kevin Pennell, LMT, AHG, CHt, as he guides us along the Fore River Sanctuary in a lively and informative search for common plants that are also herbs that might be applied for medicinal and edible uses. Many can be used in teas, tinctures, decoctions, and other methods of formulation.

Meet at the parking lot of Maine Orthopedics (1601 Congress Street, corner of Frost Street), just inside the lot entrance off Frost Street.

The Coloradas and Girls, Guns and Glory

The Coloradas and Girls, Guns and Glory

Friday, August 24, 2012   8:00 PM

Roy Davis and Bernie Nye, the songwriting team that brought us the critically acclaimed Deadweight (2009) and We Are A Lightning Bolt (2010), have teamed up with Maine-based and nationally renowned bluegrass musicians Joe Walsh (The Gibson Brothers), Amanda Kowalski (Della Mae) and Steve Roy (Laurie Lewis, Hit & Run Bluegrass) to bring us a collection of songs that combine traditional bluegrass and blues with modern-day stories of life's many concerns. Singer/guitarist Roy Davis has been a touring and recording artist since he was 20 years old. Six years and four full length albums later, he has evolved into a cutting lyricist and a compelling performer. He has traveled the US and Europe performing at festivals, clubs, and performing arts venues. For The Coloradas he has worn the hat of singer, band leader, record producer/engineer, manager, graphic designer, and documentarian. He currently splits his time between Maine and Bregenz (Austria). And he loves his job.

Girls Guns and Glory is the brainchild of Lonesome Day recording artist Ward Hayden. Hayden formed GGG in the Winter of 2005 and within 2 weeks of the groups formation they entered Noise in the Attic Studios to begin a prolific period of recording. Releasing 3 critically acclaimed full-length albums in as many years (Fireworks & Alcohol – 2006; Pretty Little Wrecking Ball – 2007; Inverted Valentine – 2008). Hayden’s original compositions conjure the palpable ache of a crushed heart; they touch on themes of love lost and hope found, and their words alone could be published in anthologies of poetry. Hayden recalls that once he got on stage with GGG, he found he had never felt more comfortable doing anything else. Performing quickly became an addiction, and it is due in part to his efforts on and off stage that GGG is now an internationally touring band, named Independent Artist of the Year at the French Country Music Awards, and two-time winner of both the Roots Act of Year (Boston Phoenix Awards) and Americana Act of the Year (Boston Music Awards). GGG is also the only band of its genre to ever take home the top honors of Act of the Year (Boston Music Awards) and to win the legendary WBCN Rock ‘n’ Roll Rumble.

Beyond Words

Critically acclaimed New York mime Bill Bowers returns with “Beyond Words”, an incredible journey through sound and silence, as he shares humorous and poignant stories of small town America.

Sea Dogs Home Game

Contradance at Mayo Street Arts

FOURTH SATURDAY Contradance with music by Soupbone and Guest Callers, 8-11pm.

All dances taught. No experience or partner necessary! Bring clean shoes for dancing. $7/$5 kids/free under 5

Spirits Alive: Cemetery Tour

Saturdays: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Sundays: 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
$7 per person, seniors and students $4, children under 12 free

It's summer, and that means guided tours through the cemetery! Learn about the types of stones, some of the stories of those who are interred, and some fun facts about burial grounds and funerary customs. The terrain is uneven, the sun can be warm, and the wind can be cool, so wear layers and appropriate footwear. You can pre-register by emailing sa@spiritsalive.org but it's not required. Check the Twitter feed on our website for cancellations due to weather.

PICNIC music+arts festival

Hi everyone! The 5th Annual Picnic Music+Arts Festival will take place on Saturday, August 25, 2012! This juried indie craft fair will be held outdoors at Lincoln Park on Congress and Franklin Streets, in Portland ME. Th

e festival will run from 11am to 6pm, rain or shine.

The Picnic Music+Arts Festival will feature over 100 vendors selling clothing, jewelry, prints, accessories, bags, plush, stationery, photography, housewares, fine art, vintage goods, and more. Admission is free. This year we’re thrilled to welcome Kari Chapin, author of Grow Your Handmade Business, and Nicole Blum and Debra Immergut, authors of Improv Sewing. The three authors will be on hand booksigning and doing some creative sewing demos throughout the day. There will also be live music plus tasty food and beverage by the Bite Into Maine food truck and Coffee By Design.

Hope to see you there!

Dry Ice Cream

We won't need a freezer to make this tasty treat. Instead we will drop the temperature using frozen blocks of carbon dioxide, also called "dry ice." Get ready for some fun and wacky dry ice experiments while we wait for the ice cream to freeze!
$3/person for members, $4/person for visitors. Sign-up the day of at the front desk.

Sidewalk Art Festival

The WCSH 6 Sidewalk Art Festival is set for August 25.  From 9:00am to 4:00pm, Downtown Portland will be a sea of artists and art lovers.

Although many participating artists are from Maine and New Hampshire, a significant number are from states up and down the Eastern Seaboard.  And it's exciting to welcome back both our new artists, artists who've participate for just a year or two, as well as artists who've made this Festival a part of their summer for more than 30 years!

The Festival is professionally-judged show with cash prizes.  Artists have the option to participate in the judging.

Merchants and restaurants along Congress Street anticipate brisk business that Saturday.  And pedestrians will once again enjoy the safety of streets closed to traffic (Congress Street between Congress Square and Monument Square, or High Street to Preble Street).

For more information, contact Debbie Sample, director of Community Relations at WCSH 6.

Port Quest

Port Quest is the most exciting and fun scavenger hunt to hit Portland in years!
Teams of 2 to 4 people will use their brains and bodies to solve clues, complete challenges and discover Portland in an exciting way! Teams can participate in Port Quest competitively, leisurely or in the family fun division!

Movies at the Museum

Pianomania

Thursday, August 23, 2 p.m.
Friday, August 24, 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, August 25, 2 p.m.
Sunday, August 26, 2 p.m.
Monday, August 27, 2 p.m.
Tuesday, August 28, 2 p.m.
Wednesday, August 29, 2 p.m.

Pianomania takes you into the secret world of sounds—a place where passion and the pursuit of perfection collide with artistic obsession and a little bit of madness.

As Steinway & Sons’ chief technician and Master Tuner in Vienna, Stefan Knüpfer is dedicated to the unusual task of pairing world-class instruments with world-famous pianists. Juggling the demands of the pianist, the piano, and the piece to find the perfect match requires boundless enthusiasm, but also endless patience and nerves of steel. No detail is too small or too inconsequential for Knüpfer, not even the tiniest speck of dust on a piano string. Pianomania is a humorous and surprisingly suspenseful peek into the heated clash of wills between a genius craftsman and the renowned pianists who rely on his talent—including Lang Lang, Alfred Brendel, Rudolf Buchbinder, and Pierre-Laurent Aimand—as they search together for that elusive perfect tone.

“Surprisingly compelling! Too intriguing and entertaining to be left to the specialists…A captivating film not just for pianomaniacs.”--Time Out London

In English and German with English subtitles.

Directed by Robert Cibis and Lilian Franck, 2010
93 minutes

A Day in the Park with Rustic Overtones

The Cumberland County Sheriff's Office TRIAD Program and ECMG Events are proud to bring Maine's favorite sons, Rustic Overtones to the bandstand at Deering Oaks Park in Portland on Saturday, August 25th, at 4PM. Rustic Overtones has just released a brand new CD entitled Let’s Start a Cult and will be performing tracks from their latest album, along with all the fan favorites. This special event starts at 2:00 PM with original singer/songwriter Eric Bettencourt, followed by Eric's party band Velourosaurus at 3 PM. All proceeds benefit the various charities supported by the CCSO TRIAD throughout the year. Tickets will be available at the show for a suggested 10-dollar donation.

Sea Dogs Home Game

Spirits Alive: Cemetery Tour

Saturdays: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Sundays: 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
$7 per person, seniors and students $4, children under 12 free

It's summer, and that means guided tours through the cemetery! Learn about the types of stones, some of the stories of those who are interred, and some fun facts about burial grounds and funerary customs. The terrain is uneven, the sun can be warm, and the wind can be cool, so wear layers and appropriate footwear. You can pre-register by emailing sa@spiritsalive.org but it's not required. Check the Twitter feed on our website for cancellations due to weather.

Movies at the Museum

Pianomania

Thursday, August 23, 2 p.m.
Friday, August 24, 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, August 25, 2 p.m.
Sunday, August 26, 2 p.m.
Monday, August 27, 2 p.m.
Tuesday, August 28, 2 p.m.
Wednesday, August 29, 2 p.m.

Pianomania takes you into the secret world of sounds—a place where passion and the pursuit of perfection collide with artistic obsession and a little bit of madness.

As Steinway & Sons’ chief technician and Master Tuner in Vienna, Stefan Knüpfer is dedicated to the unusual task of pairing world-class instruments with world-famous pianists. Juggling the demands of the pianist, the piano, and the piece to find the perfect match requires boundless enthusiasm, but also endless patience and nerves of steel. No detail is too small or too inconsequential for Knüpfer, not even the tiniest speck of dust on a piano string. Pianomania is a humorous and surprisingly suspenseful peek into the heated clash of wills between a genius craftsman and the renowned pianists who rely on his talent—including Lang Lang, Alfred Brendel, Rudolf Buchbinder, and Pierre-Laurent Aimand—as they search together for that elusive perfect tone.

“Surprisingly compelling! Too intriguing and entertaining to be left to the specialists…A captivating film not just for pianomaniacs.”--Time Out London

In English and German with English subtitles.

Directed by Robert Cibis and Lilian Franck, 2010
93 minutes

Deeper

This is our Third Signs and Wonders Event in the Portland Area. Come and experience the stuff of the Bible; The sick are healed the captive set free, the hungry discover a deeper relationship with Jesus and the prodigals are welcomed home!

Rhythmic Cypher

Avant garde poetry with a beat open mic with musical accompaniment featuring local, regional and national performance poets. EVERY SUNDAY at Slainte!!