WEEKLY ENTERTAINMENT PLANNER

E2 GO | The Portland Press Herald/ Thursday, February 23, 2012

by Tennessee Williamsdirected by Jeri Pitcher

Box Office (207) 865-5505 Online reservations www.freeportfactory.com5 Depot Street, Freeport, MaineOne block East of L.L.Bean. Ample free parking nearby

February - 25, 2012Thursday – Saturday 7:30 p.m., Sundays 2:00 p.m.

Tickets $19 general/$15 Student/Senior

All Thursday performances are Pay-What-You-CanProduced in cooperation with Actors’ Equity Association

Order today for best value! PortlandSymphony.org or call (207) 842-0800

A Benny Goodman TributeSaturday, February 25 | 7:30 PMSunday, February 26 | 2:30 PM

Teresa Cheung, guest conductor

Dave Bennett, clarinet

This jaw-dropping musical prodigy brings to life

the classic sound and music of “The King of Swing”

with incredible technique and style.

Sponsored by Bath Savings Trust Company

This concert is part of Orchestras Feeding

America, a national effort involving 250 orchestras

in all 50 states. Visit our web site for details!

Brahms, Poulenc & ScheherazadeTuesday, March 13 | 7:30 PM

Robert Moody, Robert Russell, conductors

Jessica Cates, soprano

Choral Art Society

BRAHMS Schicksalslied (“Song of Destiny”)

POULENC Gloria

RIMSKY-KORSAKOV Scheherazade

Sponsored by Dead River Company & Verrill Dana

421502

Cash Bar & Dinner availableBrought to you by the Jack McPhillips Memorial Fund d

THE 34th ANNUAL Friends of

Schooner Fare /Devon2

Reunion ConcertWITH SPECIAL GUESTS TOM DYHRBERG,

ALANA MCDONALD, THE DON CAMPBELL BAND & THE DAVE ROWE TRIO

Tickets: $20 and $25 Get your tickets and reserve your seat online at

http://thelandingatpinepoint.com

or call 799-5870

Saturday, March 10, 20125pm Doors Open - Concert at 7pm

The Landing at Pine PointNewLocation!

The Portland Press Herald/ Thursday, February 23, 2012 | GO E3

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• Doors @ 6pm • FREE Rockabilly Music f/ Pete Witham & The Cozmik Zombies

E4 GO The Portland Press Herald/ Thursday, February 23, 2012

www.pressherald.com/life/go

SOCIETY SNAPSHOTS: Avery Yale Kamilaprovides photos and dispatches from

Maine's social scene.

DINING GUIDE: Decidewhere you want to eat,what you want to eat- and for how much.

FACE THE MUSIC: Live, localand beyond, Aimsel Ponti brings youmusic with a Maine backbeat.

musicandnightlifeCOVER STORY: Blues legend John Mayall atJonathan's/E5 • Making Noise: Builderof the House/E6 • Tix/E7 • Listings/E8• A Severe Joy CD review/E9

the moviesReal SEALs in 'Act of Valor'/EII • Dennis Perkinson the story of Strongpaw Productions/E13• New on DVD: DiCaprio in "J. Edgar"/E14

calendar10 DAYS OF EVENTS/E16-17

artandtheaterPSO pays swinging tribute to BennyGoodman/E19 • Listings/E20

dininganddrinkEat and Run: Elevation Burger/E23 • Atwell onbeer/E24 • Bar Guide: White's Cue Connection/E25

etceteraOff Beat: For the love of Monty Python/E27• "TV SHOW Episode 4"/E28 • Listings/E29

From the top: "Act of Valor," Ell; "The FourthAnnual Fifth Monty Python Night," E27;

Rascal Flatts in Bangor, E30; and thebank on Oscar noms, E15.

is a publication of MaineToday Media Inc., which publishes the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram, Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel daily newspapers,the weekly Coastal Journal in Bath and their respective websites.

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Cliff Schechtman

TO LIST EVENTSSend materials two weeksin advance of publicationto Go Calendar, One City

Center, Portland, ME

04101-5009 or e-mail togo@pressherald.com

TO ADVERTISE:Call 791-6200

GO EDITORRod Harmon, 791-6450

rharmon@pressherald.com

COVER DESIGNMichael Fisher

LIKE USWe're a/soonline at:

www.Facebook.com/pphgo

Rod HarmonFrom the Editor

And the Oscargoes to... craft

On Sunday, the Oscars will return to its roots.Not in the terms of the ceremony itself - which

was originally a private affair held in a ballroomand consisted of a paltry 15 awards; admission was$5 - but in paying tribute to thebirth of the film industry morethan 100 years ago.

For the first time since thevery first Academy Awardspresentation in 1928, a black-and-white silent movie, "TheArtist," is a strong contenderto take home multiple Oscars,including best picture.

And its biggest competitionis "Hugo," a state-of-the-art 3Dmovie that focuses on a filmpioneer, complete with actual footage from the late19th and early 20th centuries.

The critical and commercial success of "TheArtist" is nothing short of a cultural phenomenon.While there have been successful silent mov-ies since "The Jazz Singer" ushered in the era of"talkies" in 1927 - Charlie Chaplin's "City Lights"and Mel Brooks' "Silent Movie" immediately cometo mind - none so defiantly flew in the face of anindustry dominated by computerized special ef-fects, exotic location shoots and a "bigger is better"mentality.

And while the plot - a silent movie star is threat-ened by the growing popularity of talkies - is famil-iar (think "Singin' in the Rain"), it emulates the lookand feel of 1920s-era cinema to do so, complete withdialogue cards and a hand-cranked camera effect.

"Hugo," on the other hand, takes an oppositeapproach in terms of film style. Director MartinScorsese merged live action with digital technologyto produce one of the best 3D movies to date.

But it's no less an homage to early filmmaking- Scorsese gives viewers a crash course in silentmovie history, from the late 19th-century documen-tary shorts of the Lumiere Brothers and the firstmovie to utilize parallel editing ("The Great TrainRobbery") to the first film to spark public cries ofindecency. ("The Rice-Irwin Kiss" is just a few sec-onds of a couple kissing. Yes, I know - scandalous).

And, of course, we get to see both original footageand re-creations of movies created by the film's co-subject, Georges Melies (played by Ben Kingsley), amagician-turned-director who practically inventedthe term "special effects" for film.

Both "The Artist" and "Hugo" brilliantly mergemodern-day technology and filmmaking techniqueswith the primitive, scratchy (yet still beautiful) bitsof celluloid that spawned not just a new entertain-ment medium, but changed the definition of "celeb-rity" and the world in which we live.

So even if neither wins an Oscar on Sunday (ahighly unlikely scenario, given that they're nomi-nated for a combined 21 awards), just the fact thatthey were nominated shows there's still a desire formovies that place good writing, acting and directingbefore a bunch of in-your-face explosions and car-toony special effects that distract from, rather thanadd to, the moviegoing experience.

And that's got to count for something.

Deputy Managing Editor Rod Harmon may be contacted at791-6450 or at:

rharmon@pressherald. com

FOLLOW GO Editor Rod Harmon on Twitter as he tweetsduring the Oscars on Sunday at: RHarmonPPH

The Portland Press Herald/ Thursday, February 23, 2012 GO E5

HE'S A GIANT IN MUSIC, ANDON SUNDAY JOHN MAYALL IS

AT JONATHAN'S IN OGUNQUIT.By RAY ROUTHIER

StaffWriter

ohn Mayall has helped launch thecareers of some of rock's most legend-ary musicians, including Eric Clapton,The Rolling Stones' Mick Taylor, JackBruce of Cream, and Peter Green,John McVie and Mick Fleetwood of

Fleetwood Mac.While those musicians have become

mega-stars, Mayall has continued his musi-cal career for some 50 years with a fairlylow profile.

So low, in fact, that this year, at the age of78, he's handling all his own tour publicity.He arranges the interviews himself, then hegives the interviews.

"Right now, I don't have anybody to dothat, so I'll do it myself," said Mayall, fromhis home in Los Angeles. "I just feel blessedto have the freedom musicianship has givenme. I take care of what I have to take careof.

"I love what I do, and I'll do whatever Ihave to do to share it."

Mayall will bring his blues-rock band toMaine on Sunday, when he plays a show atJonathan's in Ogunquit. He calls his currentband - Rocky Athas on guitar, Jay Daven-

Please see MAYALL, PageE26

Joan Osborne lightsat One LongfellowJOAN OSBORNE is bestknown for her 1995 solohit "One of Us," but there'smuch more to her thanthat whimsical tune aboutGod. Considered oneof the best soul singersaround, she's toured andrecorded with a bunchof groups, most recentlyTrigger Happy featuringmembers of The BlackCrowes. This year, she'sback touring on her ownin preparation for a newalbum.WHEN: 8 p.m. FridayWHERE: One LongfellowSquare, 181 State St.PortlandHOW MUCH: $38INFO: 761-1757;onelongfellowsquare.com

Mayalr,n a Photo fromleft, and in an image -

Shades of post-punktonight at EmpireTHE RESTLESS SHADES arebilled as "post-punk forthe 21st century." If you'renot sure what that means,find out for yourselftonight when they playthe Empire.WHEN: 9 p.m. (doors) todayWHERE: Empire Dine andDance, 575 Congress St.,PortlandHOW MUCH: FreeINFO: portlandempire.com

Making Noise: Builder of the House. E6 Tix, E7 Listings. E8 A Severe Joy CD review. E9

Closed Mondays • (207) 625-2009

E6 GO | The Portland Press Herald/ Thursday, February 23, 2012

Ocean Gardens Restaurant Celebrating 15 Years

Lobsters

Mussels Sauteed with

390 Main St • Gorham, ME Closed Mondays • (207) 839-7651

STONE RIDGE

Prime Rib 16oz . USDA Slow Roast

wth Free Sa ad Bar & Bread

Contributed photo

Singer-songwriter Rob Cimitile has a new EP, "I Am a Tidal Wave," and has awakened to creating music "that came directly from me."

Builder of the House inspired by spiritual construction

Recently transplanted to Maine, singer-songwriter Rob Cimitile, aka Builder of the House, has

spent the last year or so putting down roots in the Portland music scene.

GO caught up with Cimitile to ask about what inspires him, his new EP and how we first got interested in mu­

sic - as well as that construction-work-er-type moniker.

You're from Nor-walk, Conn. When did you move to Portland?

I first moved to Harpswell in Oc­tober 2010, then to Portland in February 2011. So I've been here for a year. Be­

fore Maine, I bounced around a bit - New York, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, California, then Philadelphia. I moved to Maine from Philly.

Tell us about the name Builder of the House? What does it mean?

Builder of the House is the name of this current project of mine. A couple years ago, I went to a Vipassana meditation retreat. While there, I heard a story told by S.N. Goenka.

The moment the Buddha became en-

Aimsel Ponti Making Noise

What's on ROBCIMITlLE'SlPod

"jejune Stars," Bright Eyes

"Spaceman," Phil Ochs "Around the World," Daft Punk "Doing the Wrong Thing," Kaki King

"Grass," Animal Collective

"Werewoif," Cat Power "ACowbov'sWorkisNeverDone, Gosh

"Ciap Hands," Tom Waits «6hostRidersintheSkv," Johnny ash "High on a Mountain Top," Loretta Lynn

lightened, every memory from his current and past lives flashed before his eyes. He saw a memory from a past life of himself as a young man. He approached a wise sage and asked, "How can I end human suffering?" The sage answered, "You must find the builder of the house. Only then will you know the answer to your question."

Please see PONTI, Page E10

got tix?CONCERTS AND SHOWS

The Portland Press Herald/ Thursday, February 23, 2012 | GO E7

Ad space donated by Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram

Big BrothersBig Sistersof Southern Maine

Starring acappella singing groups:

And featuring "Rally"

(Discount for advance groups of 6 or more!)

Courtesy photo

The Beach Boys' 50th Anniversary Tour is conning to the Bangor WaterfrontPavilion on June 22. Tickets go on sale Friday.

(FREE parking in the adjacent garage)

Concerts and shows currently on sale:

The latestOn sale 10 a.m. Friday - Kathleen Edwards,8 p.m. May 1, Port City Music Hall, Portland.$18 to $30. statetheatreportland.com;(888) 512-SHOWOn sale noon Friday - The Beach Boys50th Anniversary Tour, 5:30 p.m. June22, Bangor Waterfront Pavilion. $47.75 to$91.75. waterfrontconcerts.com;(800) 745-3000On sale 10 a.m. Friday - Blink-182,7:30 p.m. May 17, Verizon Wireless Arena,Manchester, N.H. $39.50 and $59.50.livenation.com; (800) 745-3000On sale 10 a.m. Friday - Counting Crows,8 p.m. April 25, House of Blues, Boston.$55 to $75. houseofblues.com/boston;(800) 745-3000On sale 10 a.m. Saturday - The Beach Boys50th Anniversary Tour, 7:30 p.m. June 26,Bank of America Pavilion, Boston. $30 to$95. Ticketmaster.com; (800) 745-3000On sale 10 a.m. Saturday - Ringo Starr &His All Starr Band, 7:30 p.m. June 19, Bankof America Pavilion, Boston. $30 to $95.livenation.com; (800) 745-3000On sale 10 a.m. Monday - Bonnie Raitt withMavis Staples, 7:30 p.m. June 23, Bank ofAmerica Pavilion, Boston. $25.50 to $65.50.livenation.com; (800) 745-3000

The localsMarch 1 - Farren Butcher Inc., 8 p.m., OneLongfellow Square, Portland. $20/$23. 761-1757; onelongfellowsquare.comMarch 1 - Eric Church with Brantley Gilbertand Drake White, 7:30 p.m., CumberlandCounty Civic Center, Portland. $34.75 to$42.50. ticketmaster.com; (800) 745-3000;775-3458March 1 - Zach Deputy Band, 8 p.m.,Port City Music Hall, Portland. $12 to $25.portcitymusichall.com; (888) 512-SHOWMarch 2 - Guy Davis with Amy Black, 8p.m., One Longfellow Square, Portland. $17/$20. 761-1757; onelongfellowsquare.comMarch 2 - Tret Pure, 8 p.m.,Jonathan's, Ogunquit. $21 to $58.jonathansrestaurant.com; 646-4526March 3 - Lori McKenna, 8 p.m., StoneMountain Arts Center, Brownfield. $23.stonemountainartscenter.com; 935-7292

March 8 - Carolina Chocolate Drops,8 p.m., Strand Theatre, Rockland. $24.rocklandStrand.com; 594-0070March 9 - Enter the Haggis, 8 p.m., PortCity Music Hall, Portland. $15 to $30.portcitymusichall.com; (888) 512-SHOWMarch 9 - Jonathan Sarty with TheWhite Mountain Boys, 8 p.m., Jonathan's,Ogunquit. $20. jonathansrestaurant.com;646-4526March 9-10 - Carolina Chocolate Drops,8 p.m., Stone Mountain Arts Center,Brownfield. $35. stonemountainartscenter.com; 935-7292March 10 - The Polish Ambassador, 8 p.m.,Port City Music Hall, Portland. $15 to $30.portcitymusichall.com; (888) 512-SHOWMarch 15 - Kung Fu with Flat Nose DieselBus, 8 p.m., Port City Music Hall, Portland.$10 to $20. portcitymusichall.com; (888)512-SHOWMarch 15 - Bob Marley, 8 p.m., StoneMountain Arts Center, Brownfield. $27.50.stonemountainartscenter.com; 935-7292March 16 - Bob Marley, 8 p.m., Jonathan's,Ogunquit. $25. jonathansrestaurant.com;646-4526March 16 - "Stars on Ice," 7:30 p.m.,Cumberland County Civic Center, Portland.$25 to $125. ticketmaster.com;(800) 745-3000March 16 - The Head & The Heart, 8 p.m.,State Theatre, Portland. $18/$20. statetheatreportland.com; (800) 745-3000;Cumberland County Civic Center box officeMarch 16 - Maura O'Connell, 8 p.m., OneLongfellow Square, Portland. $22/$25. 761-1757; onelongfellowsquare.comMarch 17 - Stephen Kellogg and TheSixers, 8 p.m., Jonathan's, Ogunquit. $30.jonathansrestaurant.com; 646-4526March 17 - RJD2, 8 p.m., Port CityMusic Hall, Portland. $20 to $40.portcitymusichall.com; (888) 512-SHOWMarch 18 - Harlem Globetrotters, 2 p.m.,Cumberland County Civic Center, Portland.$32 to $87.80. ticketmaster.com;(800) 745-3000March 19 - Harlem Globetrotters, 7 p.m.,Bangor Auditorium. $32.40 to $60.20.ticketmaster.com; (800) 745-3000March 21 - Toots & The Maytals, 7:30

Please see TIX, PageE9

LEONREDBONE

FEB. 24th

JOHNMAYALLFEB. 26th

TRETPURE

MAR. 2nd

BOBMARLEYMAR. 16th

E8 GO | The Portland Press Herald/ Thursday, February 23, 2012

listings MUSIC AND NIGHTLIFE

Courtesy photo

The rock tr io Chevelle is at the State Theatre in Portland on Tuesday.

CONCERTS TODAY The Cottars, music from Cape Breton and beyond, Unity Centre for the Performing Arts. $15. unityme.org/theater. 7:30 p.m. Jimmy Dority, pianist, Local Sprouts Cooperative, Portland. Free/donation, localsprouts.coop. 7 p.m. There is No Sin, indie rock, CD-release show with Old Soul, One Longfellow Square, Portland. $10. onelongfellowsquare.com. 8 p.m.

FRIDAY Joan Osborne, rock/blues, One Longfellow Square, Portland. $38. onelongfellowsquare.com. 8 p.m. Leon Redbone, ragtime, Jonathan's Restaurant, Ogunquit. $41.50 in advance; $45.50 day of show, jonathansrestaurant.com. 8 p.m. The Cottars, music from Cape Breton and beyond, Stone Mountain Arts Center, Browntield. $17.50. stonemountainartscenter.com. 8 p.m. Norway Open M ic Night, hosted by Davy Sturtevant, Norway Unitarian Universalist Church. $3; bring non-perishable food item. (603) 733-6350. Sign-up at 6:30 p.m., music at 7 p.m. Kenny and The Bunkers, acoustic country, reggae and folk, with Joey Aaskov, The Hive, Kennebunk. $8. thehivekennebunk.com. 8 p.m. Tricky Britches, bluegrass, Local Sprouts Cooperative, Portland. Free/donation, localsprouts.coop. 7 p.m.

SATURDAY Dada Life, Swedish power duo, with Doorly and Bamboora, 16-plus; State Theatre, Portland. $31.50 in advance; $36.50 day of show, general admission, statetheatreportland.com. 8 p.m. Marc ia Ball, blues, Time Out Pub, Rockland. $35. 596-6055. 7 p.m. Nit Grit, dub step, with Too Fresh, 18-plus; Port City Music Hall, Portland. $15 to $30. portcitymusichall.com. 11 p.m. Scott Girouard and The Five Finger Discount, '80s music, with Scratch, The Hive, Kennebunk. $8. thehivekennebunk.com. 8 p.m. BeauSoleil, contemporary and traditional Cajun music, One Longfellow Square, Portland. Sold out. onelongfellowsquare.com. 8 p.m. Steve Grover, jazz, 56th birthday CD-release party, Woodfords Congregational Church, Portland. $10 in advance and for seniors; $15 day of show; $5 students. 828-1310. 8 p.m. Robin Jellis, classical, Celtic and modern cello music, Local Sprouts Cooperative, Portland. Free/ donation, localsprouts.coop. 11 a.m. Dan Knudsen, folk and gospel, Local Sprouts Cooperative, Portland. Free/donation. localsprouts.coop. 7 p.m. Master's Blend Coffeehouse, bluegrass, Unity Community Center. Free. 491-5080. 7 p.m. Whiffletree, violin and cello duo, Aarhus Gallery, Belfast. $10/donation. aarhusgallery.com. 7:30 p.m.

SUNDAY Suzanne Vega, folk/rock, Stone Mountain Arts Center, Browntield $55. stonemountainartscenter .com. 8 p.m. John Mayall, blues/rock, Jonathan's Restaurant, Ogunquit. $49.50 in advance; $54 day of show. jonathansrestaurant.com. 8 p.m. John Linscott and The Mainestream Jazzmasters, jazz jam. singers and players welcome to sit in, Freeport Factory Stage. $5. 865-5505. 2:30 p.m. Jazz Brunch, with Sean Mencher and Bob Hamilton, Local Sprouts Cooperative, Portland. Free/donation, localsprouts.coop. 11 a.m.

MONDAY Verbalized Medicine, hip hop dance party, One

Longfellow Square, Portland. $5 at door only. onelongfellowsquare.com. 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.

TUESDAY Chevelle, rock, with Middle Class Rut and Janus, State Theatre, Portland. $25 in advance; $30 day of show, statetheatreportland.com. 7:30 p.m. Jeff Beam and Theodore Treehouse, psych-rock, 18-plus; Port City Music Hall, Portland. $2. portcitymusichall.com. 9 p.m.

WEDNESDAY LEAP for Longfellow: A Leap Day Benefit Concert, One Longfellow Square, Portland. $25. onelongfellowsquare.com. 8 p.m. O ld Time Music Jam, open jam of old-time Appalachian music, Local Sprouts Cooperative, Portland. Free/donation, localsprouts.coop. 7 p.m. Of the Trees, heavy bass music, with ?uestionmark and The Pandemic, 18-plus; Port City Music Hall, Portland. $5. portcitymusichall.com. 9 p.m.

MARCH 1 Eric Church, country, with Brantley Gilbert and Drake White, Cumblerland County Civic Center, Portland. $34.75 to $42.50. 775-3458. 7:30 p.m. Zach Deputy Band, roots rock, with Lost Between Sound, 18-plus; Port City Music Hall, Portland. $12 to $25. portcitymusichall.com. 8 p.m. Erica Brown, fiddle music, Unity Centre for the Performing Arts. $15. unityme.org/theater. 7:30 p.m. Farren Butcher Inc., rock/soul, One Longfellow Square, Portland. $20 in advance; $23 day of show, onelongfellowsquare.com. 8 p.m. Gordon Bok, concert to accompany wood carvings, Camden Public Library. $15. 236-3440. 7 p.m.

COMEDY Jim Lauletta, Comedy Connection, Portland. $15. mainecomedy.com. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Rich Ceisler, Comedy Connection, Portland. $7.50, $15. mainecomedy.com. 8 p.m. March 1-3.

BARS/CLUBS TODAY Monty Python Night, 21-plus; Slainte, Portland. slaintewinebar.com. 8 p.m. Ben Kilcollins, singer-songwriter, Andy's Old Port Pub, Portland, andysoldportpub.com. 6:30 p.m.

PeteWitham, rockabilly/Americana, Run of the Mi l l Brewpub, Saco. 571-9648. 8 to 11 p.m. Mike James' Blue Lions, Chicago blues, Gingko Blue Jazz Club, Portland, gingkoblue.com. 8 p.m. James Day Leavitt, folk, Blue, Portland. portcityblue.com. Donation. 6 p.m. Ian Fitzgerald, folk, Blue, Portland. portcityblue.com. Donation. 8 p.m. Samuel James & Dana Gross, roots and blues, Blue, Portland. Donation, portcityblue.com. 10 p.m. Restless Shades and Friends, pop-punk, Empire Dine and Dance, Portland, portlandempire.com. 9 p.m. Band Beyond Description, jam-band covers, 2 1 -plus; Big Easy, Portland, bigeasyportland.com. 9 p.m. Beer Pong, Line Dancing, Karaoke and DJ B-set, 21-plus; Club Texas, Auburn. $2. 784-7785. Doors at 6 p.m. Open M ic Night, Deer Run Tavern, Yarmouth. 846-9555. 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Jerks of Grass, bluegrass, Bayside Bowl, Portland. baysidebowl.com. 8 p.m. Ronda Dale and Friends, folk, The Local Buzz, Cape Elizabeth. Donation, capelocalbuzz.com. 8 p.m. Brzowski, rock, with DJ Halo, Pemrock, Wil l ie Green, Ghost and A-Frame, Geno's, Portland. 221-2382. 9 p.m.

FRIDAY Hello Newman, '90s alt-rock cover band, RiRa, Portland, rira.com. 10 p.m. Caroline Cotter, singer-songwriter, Andy's Old Port Pub, Portland, andysoldportpub.com. 8:30 p.m. Milkman's Union, The Toughcats and Nat Baldwin, bluegrass, jazz and avant garde, Space, Portland. $8 in advance; $10 day of show. space538.org. 8:30 p.m. Bob Rasero, acoustic blues/rock, Blue, Portland. portcityblue.com. Donation. 8 p.m. Ben Laufer, jazz, Blue, Portland. portcityblue.com. Donation. 10 p.m. Mallett Brothers Band, blues/rock/country, with Eastbound Jesus and Lit on the Flash, Big Easy, Portland. $8. bigeasyportland.com. 9 p.m. Darrell Foster and Marion Grace, indie folk, 21-plus; Slainte, Portland. $3, $5. slaintewinebar.com. 8 p.m. Poke Chop &The Other White Meat, blues,

Gingko Blue Jazz Club, Portland, gingkoblue.com. 9 p.m. Murcilago, acid rock, Empire Dine and Dance, Portland. $5. portlandempire.com. 9 p.m. Pallaso & Kage, R&B/soul-hop-hop, 21-plus; Club Texas, Auburn. $5. 784-7785. 9 p.m. Rhad Davis, rock and pop covers, The Local Buzz, Cape Elizabeth. Donation, capelocalbuzz.com. 7 p.m. Plague, industrial night, Asylum (basement), Portland. $5; $2 before 9:30 p.m. portlandasylum.com. 9:30 p.m.

SATURDAY RSO, rock, with The Straight Line, Paige Turner and The Outfits, 131 Washington Ave, Portland. facebook.com/131washington. 6 p.m. Kilcollins Band, pop and rock covers, RiRa, Portland, rira.com. 10 p.m. Wyerdfux and Animal Colors, electronica, 2 1 -plus; Slainte, Portland, slaintewinebar.com. 9 p.m.

This Way, pop-folk, with Kingsley Flood and Tricky Britches, 21-plus; Empire Dine and Dance, Portland. $7. portlandempire.com. 9 p.m. Justin Walton, singer-songwriter, Andy's Old Port Pub, Portland, andysoldportpub.com. 8:30 p.m. David Gagne, reggae/indie rock, Run of the Mil l Brewpub, Saco. 571-9648. 8 to 11 p.m. Hoboe, tribute to George Harrison, 21-plus; Spring Point Tavern, South Portland. 799-2245. In the Round wi th Shanna, jazz, Blue, Portland. portcityblue.com. Donation. 6 p.m. Jamie Kent &The Options, folk and jazz, Blue, Portland. Donation, portcityblue.com. 8 p.m. Kyle Hardy, jazz, Blue, Portland. Donation. portcityblue.com. 10 p.m. Kenya Hall Band, jazz/soul/blues, Big Easy, Portland, bigeasyportland.com. 7 p.m. The Awesome, '80s covers, Bubba's Sulky Lounge, Portland, bubbassulkylounge.com. 9 p.m. Nuclear Boots, punk, with The Motor Creeps, 2 1 -plus or with adult; Racks Sports Bar and Grille, Portland. $5. 773-3466. 8 p.m. to midnight. Tickle, '80s covers, 21-plus; Club Texas, Auburn. $5. clubtexas.info. Doors at 8 p.m. Poke Chop and The Other White Meat, blues, Shipyard Brewhaus at Sunday River, Bethel. 824-5138. 3 to 6 p.m. and 8 to 10 p.m. W i ld Turkey, rockabilly country, Jumpin' Jakes Seafood Cafe, Old Orchard Beach. 937-3250. 7 p.m. Poor Howard and The Bullfrog, old-time blues, Gingko Blue Jazz Club, Portland, gingkoblue.com. 5 to 8 p.m.

Tommy O'Connell &The Juke Joint Devils, blues, Gingko Blue Jazz Club, Portland, gingkoblue.com. 9 p.m. Elshupacabra, techno, with Gene Grogan &The Accepted Eclectics and Restless Groove, Geno's, Portland. 221-2382.9 p.m.

SUNDAY Rhythmic Cypher, open mic of spoken-word poetry with live music, 21-plus; Slainte, Portland. 828-0900. 8 p.m. TanTonini, Americana/blues, Andy's Old Port Pub, Portland, andysoldportpub.com. 5 p.m. The Couch, open mic with host John Nels and guest artist Stephanie Davis, Empire Dine and Dance, Portland, portlandempire.com. 7 p.m.

MONDAY Open M ic wi th Alec Wall, acoustic singers and performers, Andy's Old Port Pub, Portland. andysoldportpub.com. 7 p.m. Trivia Night, Run of the Mil l Brewpub, Saco. 571-9648. 7 to 9 p.m. Stowaways Bluegrass Night, Empire Dine and Dance, Portland, portlandempire.com. 6 p.m.

The Portland Press Herald/ Thursday, February 23, 2012 | GO E9

REVIEW

A Severe Joy's lyrics revealtenderness, pain behind mask

By KRISTINDiCARA-McCLELLAN

I am riding a train, chugging throughlife's sweet and savory journey. After Itake in the orange glow of the setting sun,I glance down as we roll over a ricketybridge.

Gazing at the subtle waves on riverrocks below, I notice a single bird. He isbleakly alone, until we are ultimately con-nected by the chugging train's hypnoticmechanical output.

This is the image I have conjured up inmy mind as I listen to A Severe Joy's 10-song eponymous CD.

A Severe Joy is Jose Ayerve (cleveranagram), former frontman of the localband Spouse. His new solo project is a de-parture from his past guitar-driven rocktunes. He has gone underground throughmasked image and musical variety - yetis exposing himself so brutally in lyrics.

The linkage among these songs - otherthan the automated music stemmingfrom the driving dance beats, guitars andkeys - is Ayerve's subdued, layered voiceechoing and warbling the fallible humancondition. The juxtaposition of machineand man is stunning.

In the second track, "Falling Apart inReverse," Ayerve displays all the machine-driven music mixed with tender truths oflove, mortality and a yearning for unifica-tion. "All we want to do is hang on tight toour bodies/ Is my body still your body?"

I have to admit, I became still when Iheard "Here Lies Our Pulse." Lulled in byits evocative lyrics, I sensed profound griefthrough a loved one's death: "I only meantto capture you, and what was left of whoyou were was absorbed into the ones youloved."

Continued from Page E7

p.m., State Theatre, Portland. $23/$25.statetheatreportland.com; (800) 745-3000;Cumberland County Civic Center box officeMarch 21 - Freddy Todd with Black Mic,9 p.m., Port City Music Hall, Portland. $15 to$25. portcitymusichall.com;(888) 512-SHOWMarch 22 - Keller Williams, 8 p.m., PortCity Music Hall, Portland. $25 to $40.portcitymusichall.com; (888) 512-SHOWMarch 22 - Shelby Lynne, 8 p.m., OneLongfellow Square, Portland. $35. 761-1757;onelongfellowsquare.comMarch 22 - Leo Kottke, 7:30 p.m.,Strand Theatre, Rockland. $28/$33.rocklandStrand.com; 594-0070March 23 - Leo Kottke, 8 p.m., StoneMountain Arts Center, Brownfield. $50.stonemountainartscenter.com; 935-7292March 24 - Magnolia Sisters, 8 p.m., StoneMountain Arts Center, Brownfield. $20.stonemountainartscenter.com; 935-7292March 24- The Gibson Brothers, 8 p.m.,One Longfellow Square, Portland. $22/$25.761-1757; onelongfellowsquare.com

TheWayCider

ShouldBe.

Courtesy photo

HOW IT RATESA SEVERE JOY, "A SEVERE JOY"LABEL: Self-produced

1/2

Based on a four-star scale

The only complaint I have about this CDis the incessant high hat clinking withinthe drum loops in the foreground of therecordings. After a short time it became abit menacing to my ears, but I was able toovercome and hunker down to listen to thecrux of it - the experimentation, the rawintention to release anguish, and the will-power of an artist's instincts to entertainand enlighten.

Kristin DiCara-McLellan is a local freelance writer. She

can be reached at:

kjoydmac@yahoo.com

March 25 - James Hunter, 8 p.m., StoneMountain Arts Center, Brownfield. $25.stonemountainartscenter.com; 935-7292March 25 - The Slackers, 7 p.m., PortCity Music Hall, Portland. $15 to $30.portcitymusichall.com; (888) 512-SHOWMarch 26 - Yellow Dubmarine, 8 p.m.,Port City Music Hall, Portland. $10 to $20.portcitymusichall.com; (888) 512-SHOWMarch 29 - GZA of Wu Tang Clan, 8 p.m.,Port City Music Hall, Portland. $15 to $30.portcitymusichall.com; (888) 512-SHOWMarch 29 - Los Lobos, 8 p.m., StoneMountain Arts Center, Brownfield. $95.stonemountainartscenter.com; 935-7292March 29 - Excision, Liquid Stranger andLucky Date, 8 p.m., State Theatre, Portland.$25/$30. statetheatreportland.com; (800)745-3000; Cumberland County CivicCenter box officeMarch 30 - George Winston,8 p.m., Jonathan's, Ogunquit. $37.50.jonathansrestaurant.com; 646-4526March 30 - Sweetback Sisters, 8 p.m.,Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield.$10. stonemountainartscenter.com;935-7292

Please see TIX, PageE24

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E1O GO The Portland Press Herald/ Thursday, February 23, 2012

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Continued from Page E6

He saw at that time he didn't knowwhat the sage meant. But now, fullyenlightened, he opened his eyes and said,"Ahh, builder of the house, I have seenyou. You can no longer build a house forme, because I have taken away all yourbricks." So the "builder of the house" canbe considered a metaphor for God, or theway to reach an end to human suffering.That story really stuck with me.

When did you first start an instru-ment? Ditto for singing and writingsongs?

I switched from viola to guitar whenI was 11.1 started singing and writingsongs at about 14.

On your website, builderofthehouse.com, it says, "My goal with all my musicis to create positive energy that willspread to the listener and beyond." Canyou talk more about that?

Since I was a kid, I've always felt creat-ing and performing music was somethingI was supposed to do. But until recently,most of what I created was adulterated bywhat I thought I should be creating ratherthan what I wanted to create. It wasn'treally coming from me.

It got to the point where I gave up musiccompletely and didn't touch my guitar forthree years. I started working in biology,convinced this was a more noble profes-sion. I had an awakening of sorts, andrealized you can do anything selfishly or

selflessly. It's not what you do, but howyou do it.

After this, I was able to create musicthat came directly from me. I also realizedthe music I made in the past did havesome positive effects on people. I hope themusic I write continues to do so.

Along with Facebook, isbuilderofthehouse.com the best placefor people to learn more about you,hear songs, upcoming gigs, etc?

I like to direct people to my Facebookpage (facebook.com/builderofthehouse)first, since I seem to be on that more thananything else. I try to keep everythingconnected, and the same information canbe found on all my sites. People can followme on Twitter at "buildermusic."

When was (the EP) "I Am a TidalWave" released? Where did you recordit?

Jan. 29, my dad's birthday, is the officialrelease date. I recorded the album in myapartment with one vocal mic and oneinstrument mic. It can be purchased on-line at iTunes, bandcamp and Bull MooseMusic.

Staff Writer Aimsel Ponti can be contacted at 791-6455 or at:

aponti@pressherald.com

TURN YOUR RADIO DIAL to 102.9 WBLMevery Friday at 8:30 a.m. to hearAimsel Ponti wax poetic about her topthree live music picks for the weekwith the Captain and Celeste.

Continued from Page E8

open jam; 8 p.m. concert.Monday Night Funk, with Frank Hopkins andFriends, Big Easy, Portland, bigeasyportland.com.9 p.m.Open Mic with Ev Guy, RiRa, Portland, rira.com.8 p.m.

TUESDAYChas Lester Trio, jazz, soul and funk, all ages-Empire Dine and Dance (downstairs), Portland.portlandempire.com. 8 p.m.Karaoke Night with DJ Ponyfarm, 21-pi us;Slainte, Portland. $3, $5. slaintewinebar.com.9 p.m.Jesse Ludwig, singer-songwriter, Andy's Old PortPub, Portland, anclysoldportpub.com. 6 p.m.Open Mic Night with Slack Master, Run of theMill Brewpub, Saco. 571-9648. 8 to 11 p.m.Cover to Cover, local artists play favorite classicalbum and originals, 21-plus; Big Easy, Portland.$5. bigeasyportland.com. Amanda Gervasiperforms "Tidal" by Fiona Apple, 9 p.m.

WEDNESDAYClayton Plunk, R&B and Motown acoustic set,RiRa, Portland, rira.com. 8:30 p.m.Open Mic Night, Slainte, Portland. 553-2350.8 p.m.David Beam and The Custom House Gang, bluesand Americana, Andy's Old Port Pub, Portland.andysoldportpub.com. 7:30 p.m.Jesse Smith & Ryan McGiver, folk, rock and Irishmusic, Blue, Portland. $20 seats; $10 standing.portcityblue.com. 7:30 p.m.Traditional Irish Session, Irish music, Blue,

Portland. Donation, portcityblue.com. 9:30 p.m.Rap Night, local DJs and musicians, 21-plus; BigEasy, Portland. $3. bigeasyportland.com. 9 p.m.Mickey Felder Quartet, jazz, Gingko Blue JazzClub, Portland, gingkoblue.com. 6 to 9 p.m.Adela and Jude, folk/Americana, Empire Dineand Dance, Portland, portlandempire.com.8 p.m.Tonstartssbandht, garage rock, with Jason Harveyand 13 Crystal Skulls, 18-plus; Space, Portland.$7. space538.org. 8:30 p.m.Karaoke with DJ Johnny Red, Asylum, Portland.portlandasylum.com. 9 p.m.

MARCH 1Greg Martens Annual BDay Party Benefit forGood Shepherd Food Bank, with former GratefulDead member Tom Constanten, Broken Men,Lazy Lightning and Band Beyond Description,jam-band, 21-plus; Big Easy, Portland. $5.bigeasyportland.com. 9 p.m.N.E.Town, covers and originals, Andy's Old PortPub, Portland, andysoldportpub.com. 6 p.m.Tony Boffa Quartet, jazz, Gingko Blue Jazz Club,Portland, gingkoblue.com. 8 p.m.Jo Henley, roots rock, Blue, Portland. Donation.portcityblue.com. 8 p.m.Blue Lips Concert Series, alt-rock, with GeoffZimmerman and Builder of the House, Blue,Portland. Donation, portcityblue.com. 10 p.m.Band Beyond Description, jam-band covers,21-plus; Big Easy, Portland, bigeasyportland.com.9 p.m.Beer Pong, Line Dancing, Karaoke and DJ B-set, 21-plus; Club Texas, Auburn. $2. 784-7785.Doors at 6 p.m.Open Mic Night, Deer Run Tavern, Yarmouth.846-9555. 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.Jerks of Grass, bluegrass, Bayside Bowl, Portland.baysidebowl.com. 8 p.m.

The Portland Press Herald/ Thursday, February 23, 2012 | GO Ell

Navy SEALs in scenes from "Act of Valor." The SEALs' names do not appear in the film's credits.

High-speed chase In the relentlessly paced Act of Valor/ a team of Navy SEALs (played by real-live SEALs), pursues terrorists and smugglers around the globe.

By ROGER MOORE McClatchy Newspapers

"Act of Valor" is an amped-up, action-packed adventure about the exploits of the Navy's "Sea, Air and Land" commando teams - the SEALs. It's a furiously macho saga scripted by the screenwriter of "300" and starring those always-get-their-man men of mystery - real Navy SEALs.

What the filmmaking duo who bill themselves as "The Bandito Broth­ers" have concocted is an episodic, reverent round-the-world sprint that follows a team of SEALs as they hunt Islamo -terrorists, narco terrorists, arms smugglers and their fellow travelers from Africa to Central America. They're trying to stop a team of suicide bombers from making their way across the U.S. border.

In bracing, first-person-shooter video game-style photography, we follow a platoon of "operators," as they're called - Rorke, Mikey Dave, et. al - as they rescue a C.I.A. agent (Roselyn Sanchez) before she is tortured to death, hound a smuggler (Alex Veadov, not the most arresting villain) who is aiding terrorists, and pursue the Chechnyan mastermind

REVIEW "ACT OF VALOR," starring Roselyn Sanchez, Alex Veadov and Jason Cottle. Directed by Scott Waugh and Mike "Mouse" McCoy. Rated R for strong violence including some torture, and for language. Running time: 1:51

Relativity Media photos

(Jason Cottle) who wants to strike America and cause a global eco­nomic collapse.

The SEALs themselves are only sketched in - the veteran chief, the expectant dad, assorted strong, ele­mental men. Their names are left off of the credits. They're all about mis-

Please see'VALOR,' Page E31

Relativity Media

Roselyn Sanchez plays a CIA agent who falls into harm's way in "Act of Valor."

For actor, playing opposite SEALs was an eye-opener

By J O S E P H V. AMODIO McClatchy Newspapers

"Act of Valor," a new film about the lives and sacrifices of Navy SEALs, was originally to star all actors. But co-di­rectors Mike "Mouse" McCoy and Scott Waugh soon real­ized if they wanted to accurately portray this elite special force, and be true to who these soldiers are, they'd need the real deal - real SEALs.

They'd been hanging with SEALs for months, research­ing that world. So they asked.

Every SEAL said no. After much convincing, nine finally agreed to appear in

the film, alongside a handful of actors cast in non-SEAL roles, like "Without a Trace" star Roselyn Sanchez, who plays a CIA agent.

"Valor" is the first of its kind - a fictional feature film, starring active-duty military personnel, depicting actual tactics and assets (including a real nuclear submarine),

Please see SANCHEZ , Page E31

Opening this week, E12 • Indie Film, E13 • Mew on DVD: 'J. Edgar/ E14 • Oscar beat, E15

Kennebunkport, Maine • Junction of Routes 9 and 351-800-286-5767 • www.kingsportinn.com

Based on availability, a pantry breakfast at King’s Port Inn andlodging gratuities and tax are not included.

Excludes Holiday periods. Cannot be combined with any other offer.

dbl. occp.

Expires 3/31/12

E12 GO The Portland Press Herald/ Thursday, February 23, 2012

WINTER SPECIAL

*99All RoomsAny Day

Jacuzzi room, Jacuzzi with fireplace,or Presidential suite.

Kennebunkport. Maine • Junction of Routes 9 and 35

1 800 286 5767 • www.kingsportinn.com

**** OPENING *

* THIS WEEK *"ACT OF VALOR" (R) (1:41) Stars Emilio Rivera, Rose-

lyn Sanchez, Alex Veadov, Nestor Serrano and JasonCottle. Directed by Scott Waugh. A group of active-duty U.S. Navy SEALs offers a fictionalized account ofreal-life SEAL operations that will take the audience onan adrenaline-fueled, edge-of-its-seat ride.

Opening at: Nickelodeon Fri-Wed 2,4:45, 7:20,9:45;Cinemagic Grand (South Portland) Fri 2:40, 5,7:30,9:50 Sat-Sun 12:10, 2:40, 5, 7:30, 9:50 Mon-Wed 2:40,5, 7:30, 9:50; Cinemagic Westbrook Fri-Wed 11:30,1:50,4:20, 7, 9:30; Cinemagic Saco 12, 2:20,4:45, 7:10, 9:30;

Paul Ruddand JenniferAniston in"Wanderlust.1

Saturday, Feb. 25"

Brunswick 10 Fri 1:20,1:40, 3:45, 6:50, 7:20, 9:50 Sat1:20, 3:45, 6:50, 7:20, 9:50 Sun-Wed 1:20, 3:45, 7:20,9:50; Falmouth 10 Fri-Sat 2:20, 4:50, 7:40,10 Sun 2:20,4:50, 7:40 Mon-Wed 4:50, 7:40

"GONE" (R) (1:41) Stars Amanda Seyfried, JenniferCarpenter, Wes Bentley and Daniel Sunjata. Directedby Heitor Dhalia. When her sister disappears, Jill isconvinced the serial killer who kidnapped her twoyears ago has returned and she sets out to face herabductor, again.

Opening at: Cinemagic Grand (South Portland) Fri2:30, 4:45, 7:20, 9:40 Sat-Sun 12:15, 2:30,4:45,7:20, 9:40 Mon-Wed 2:30,4:45, 7:20, 9:40; CinemagicWestbrook Fri-Wed 12,2:10,4:30, 7:30,9:50; CinemagicSaco Fri-Wed 12:05, 2:15, 4:30, 7:15, 9:20; Brunswick 10Fri-Wed 1:25, 3:50, 7:30, 9:55; Falmouth 10 Fri-Sat 2,4:30, 7:20, 9:40 Sun 2, 4:30, 7:20 Mon-Wed 4:30, 7:20

"GOOD DEEDS" (PG-13) (1:41) Stars Tyler Perry,Gabrielle Union, Thandie Newton and Eddie Cibrian.Directed by Tyler Perry. Businessman Wesley Deeds isjolted out of his scripted life when he meets Lindsey, asingle mother who works on the cleaning crew in hisoffice building.

Opening at: Cinemagic Westbrook Fri-Wed 11:30,1:50,4:30,7:10,9:40

"WANDERLUST" (R) (1:41) Stars Jennifer Aniston,Paul Rudd, Malin Akerman and Justin Theroux. Directedby David Wain. Rattled by sudden unemployment, aManhattan couple surveys alternative living options,ultimately deciding to experiment with living on a ruralcommune where free love rules.

Opening at: Cinemagic Westbrook Fri-Wed 11:50,2:10, 4:30, 7:20, 9:50; Cinemagic Saco Fri-Wed 12:20,2:30, 4:50, 7:20, 9:40; Brunswick 10 Fri-Wed 1:45,4:30,7:40,10; Falmouth 10 Fri-Sat 2:10,4:40, 7:30, 9:50 Sun2:10, 4:40, 7:30 Mon-Wed 4:40, 7:30

NOW SHOWING

*******"ALBERT NOBBS" (R) (2:01) Stars Glenn Close, MiaWasikowska, Aaron Johnson and Antonia Campbell-Hughes. Directed by Rodrigo Garcia. Set in 19th-cen-tury Ireland, a woman pretends to be a man in order toland a job as a butler. After 30 years of wearing men'sclothing she finds herself trapped in a prison of herown making.

Showing at: Nickelodeon (Portland) Today 1:10,6:30Fri-Wed 4, 8:45

"ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: CHIP-WRECKED"(G) (1:27) Stars Justin Long, Matthew Gray Gubler,Jesse McCartney. Directed by Mike Mitchell. Playingaround while aboard a cruise ship, the Chipmunksand Chipettes accidentally go overboard and end upmarooned in a tropical paradise. As they try to finda way home, Alvin and friends discover they are notalone on the island.

Showing at: Cinemagic Westbrook Today 11:50, 2:10,4:30 Fri-Wed 11:35,1:50

Universal Pictures

"THE ARTIST" (PG-13) (1:40) Stars Jean Dujardin,

Berenice Bejo and John Goodman. Directed by Michel

Hazanavicius. In 1929, as silent movie star George

wonders if the arrival of talking pictures will cause him

to fade into oblivion, he sparks with a young dancer

who is hoping for a big break.

Showing at: Eveningstar (Brunswick) Today 1:30,

3:45, 6, 8:15 Fri-Sun 1:30, 3:45, 6, 8:15 Mon-Wed 1:30,

3:45, 6; Nickelodeon Today-Wed 1:30, 4:10, 6:40, 9:10;

Cinemagic Saco Today 12:05, 2:20, 4:35, 7:15, 9:30 Fri-

Wed 12,2:20,4:35; Brunswick 10 Today 2,4:50,7:20, 9:50

"BIG MIRACLE" (PG) (1:47) Stars Drew Barrymore,

John Krasinski, John Pingayak and Ahmaogak Swee-

ney. Directed by Ken Kwapis. In small town Alaska a

family of gray whales is trapped by rapidly forming

ice in the Arctic Circle. With time running out, a news

reporter and his ex-girlfriend - a Greenpeace volunteer

- must rally an unlikely coalition of Inuit natives, oil

companies and Russian and American military to set

aside their differences and free the whales.

Showing at: Windham 5 Star 1:20,4:25; Cinemagic

Westbrook Today 11:30, 2, 4:30, 7:20 Fri-Wed 11:50,

2:20, 4:50, 7:30; Cinemagic Saco Today 12, 2:20, 4:40,

7:10 Fri-Wed 2:25,4:50; Brunswick 10 Today 1:25

"CHRONICLE" (PG-13) (1:23) Stars Michael B. Jordan,

Michael Kelly and Alex Russell. Directed by Josh Trank.

Three high school friends find a mysterious substance

that leaves them with superpowers. They find their

lives spinning out of control and their bond tested as

they embrace their darker sides.

Showing at: Windham 5 Star Today 7:25; Cinemagic

Grand (South Portland) Today 2:15,4:20, 7,9:30; Cin-

emagic Westbrook Today-Wed 12:20, 2:30,4:50, 7, 9:10;

Cinemagic Saco Today 12:20, 2:25,4:10, 7:05, 9 Fri-Wed

7:05, 9; Brunswick 10 Today 1:45, 4:30, 7:20, 9:30 Fri

4:05, 9:30 Sat 9:30 Sun-Mon 1:40,4:05, 6:50, 9:30

Tues-Wed 1:40,4:05; Falmouth 10 Today 4:05, 9:25

"CONTRABAND" (R) (1:50) Stars Mark Wahlberg,

Giovanni Ribisi, Kate Beckinsale and Robert Wahlberg.

Directed by Baltasar Kormakur. To protect his brother-

in-law from a drug lord, a former smuggler heads to

Panama to score millions of dollars in counterfeit bills.

Showing at: Cinemagic Westbrook Today 6:50,9:40

Fri-Wed 10; Cinemagic Saco Today 7:05, 9:30

"THE DESCENDANTS" (R) (1:55) Stars George

Clooney, Shailene Woodley and Amara Miller. Directed

by Alexander Payne. A Hawaiian land baron tries to

reconnect with his two daughters after his wife's boat-

ing accident leaves her on life support.

Showing at: Nordica (Freeport) Today 3:15,9:10;

Nickelodeon (Portland) Today-Wed 1:45,4:20, 7, 9:35;

Cinemagic Westbrook Today 12:30, 3:30, 6:45, 9:20 Fri-

Wed 11:50, 9:40; Cinemagic Saco Today 12, 2:25, 4:50,

7:15, 9:40 Fri-Wed 12, 7:15, 9:40; Falmouth 10 Today

Please see MOVIES, PageE18

Creative advertising gives filmmakers new opportunities

The Portland Press Herald/ Thursday, February 23, 2012 GO E13

Dennis Perkins Indie Film

When your "day job" just becomes "your job," what does an aspiring Maine filmmaker do?

Well, if you're Allen Baldwin, you roll the dice.

A mainstay of the local film scene for years, Baldwin left a reliable, semi-lucra­tive career shooting industrial films and

the like four months ago.

Alongside fellow local moviemaker David Meiklejohn, he then set up a studio for his film company, Strongpaw Produc­tions (strongpaw productions.com) above a market on Brackett Street in Portland's West End

- even though he and his wife had a new baby at home.

"Everyone asked, 'How can you afford this with a new baby?'" says Baldwin, "but I figure that Nora's as cheap now as she's ever going to be. I mean, no braces - those teeth are going to come out on their own."

After four months with, as Baldwin concedes, "no money coming in at all," Strongpaw Productions scored its first commercial success recently with, well, a commercial.

Strongpaw won an Internet short-film contest with its ad for Hasbro's line of Littlest Pet Shop Toys. (See the video at youtube.com/watch?v=mNe3Q7Vanuw).

The contest, which netted the Portland duo $7,500, was sponsored by the crowd-sourcing site Poptent (poptent.net), whose Internet approach to viral marketing Baldwin sees as the next frontier in adver­tising and a great opportunity for indepen­dent studios like Strongpaw.

"When I quit to set up my own shop, it was: a) I was pretty burned out, and b) I was tired of making things 200 people were going to see," says Baldwin. "Our commercial has over 60,000 views on YouTube.

"People have become resistant to traditional advertising, but it's like the Wild West out there on the Internet, and there's room for creative approaches. Companies are realizing that, for very little risk, they can get back a lot of cre­ative work."

The prize money may not mean much to a company like Hasbro, but for Baldwin and Meiklejohn, it was just what they needed.

"It came at a good time," Baldwin said. "Sure, it's not a lot, but for a two-person shop, it works out OK. The important thing is to keep you working."

Plus, Baldwin's thrilled that he was able to use local actors (Daniel Noel and Tavia Gilbert) and to pay them.

"In local films, the actors usually get short shrift," he said.

Baldwin and Meiklejohn have bigger plans creatively - Baldwin is running this

Route 1 North, Wells 646-8467

www.bullnclaw.com

Courtesy photo

Strongpaw Productions won an Internet short-film contest with its ad for Hasbro's line of Littlest Pet Shop Toys.

year's 48 Hour Film Project and the ongo­ing "Damnationland" horror film series, as well as working on various film ideas, while Meiklejohn directed the acclaimed documentary, "My Heart Is an Idiot" and his own "Damnationland" film.

But they definitely plan to continue fishing the lucrative waters of Internet marketing to keep the lights on and fund their other projects.

"We've entered several more of these contests," said Baldwin. "Self-determi­nation is always the goal. Maybe it's a fault, but I've always approached things optimistically."

Dennis Perkins is a local freelance writer.

COMING TO LOCAL SCREENS GUILD HALL OF THE CATHEDRAL OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION (301 Congress St., Portland) Saturday: Buddhist Movie Night presents "10 Questions for the Dalai Lama," a screening of director Rick Ray's documentary about his quest for enlightenment and the titular Tibetan holy man. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and donated desserts are always welcome.

CINEMAGIC - SOUTH PORTLAND (cinemagicmovies.com/loc_ ClarksPond.asp) Wednesday: "Welcome to Lee Maine." Portland's Salt Institute for Documentary Studies is sponsoring a showing of this acclaimed documentary about Lee, the smallest community in America to lose two of its sons in the Iraq war. Press Herald columnist Bill Nemitz and photographer Gregory Rec will be on hand after the film to discuss their experiences in Iraq.

MOVIE TIMES Act of Valor (R) Fri & Sat: 1:30, 4:25, 7:25, 9:55 Sun: 1:30, 4:25, 7:25 Mon&Tue: 4:25, 7:25 Wed: 1:30, 4:25, 7:25 Thu: 4:25, 7:25

Gone(PG-13) Fri &Sat: 1:10, 4:00, 7:15,9:35 Sun: 1:10, 4:00, 7:15 Mon&Tue:4:00, 7:15 Wed: 1:10, 4:00, 7:15 Thu: 4:00, 7:15

Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance (PG-13) Fri & Sat: 1:25, 4:30, 7:30,10:00 Sun: 1:25, 4:30, 7:30 Mon&Tue:4:30, 7:30 Wed: 1:25, 4:30, 7:30 Thu: 4:30, 7:30

This Means War (PG-13) Fri & Sat: 1:05, 4:05, 7:00, 9:30 Sun: 1:05, 4:05, 7:00 Mon&Tue:4:05, 7:00 Wed: 1:05, 4:05, 7:00 Thu: 4:05, 7:00

Journey 2: The Mysterious Island 3D (PG) 'THERE IS AN UP-CHARGE FOR ALL 3D FILMS Fri & Sat: 1:10, 4:10, 6:45,9:00 Sun: 1:10, 4:10, 6:45 Mon&Tue:4:10, 6:45 Wed: 1:10, 4:10, 6:45 Thu: 4:10, 6:45

Safe House (R) Fri & Sat: 1:35, 4:35, 7:20,9:50 Sun: 1:35, 4:35, 7:20 Mon & Tue: 4:35, 7:20

Wed: 1:35, 4:35, 7:20 Thu: 4:35, 7:20

The Vow (PG-13) Fri & Sat: 1:00,4:15, 7:10,9:40 Sun: 1:00, 4:15, 7:10 Mon&Tue:4:15, 7:10 Wed: 1:00, 4:15, 7:10 Thu: 4:15, 7:10

Showtimes Effective 2/24-3/1

Go to the movies!

What movie theater gives away FREE POPCORN? This one!

Bring in this coupon for

ONE FREE 46oz POPCORN!

One coupon per customer, per day, with purchase of any drink. Expires 3/8/12

E14 GO | The Portland Press Herald/ Thursday, February 23, 2012

TIME PILOTS FREE "LIVE" PERFORMANCE AT THE CINEMAGIC & IMAX IN SACO ON THURSDAY FEBRUARY 23rd AT 9:30PM!

VISIT PREVIEWS GRILL & BAR BEFORE AND DURING!

IMAX 3D: JOLRNEY 2: THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND (PG) NO PASSES 12:05-2:20-4:35-7:00-9:15

* GHOST RIDER 2 (PG13) NO PASSES 12:10-2:25-4:35-7:00-9:15 * THIS MEANS WAR (PG13) 12:15-2:30-4:45-7:10-9:25

THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY (G) 12:20-2:35-4:50-7:05-9:15 * 3D STAR WARS: EPISODE 1 (PG) NO PASSES 12:15-3:10-7:00-9:50

SAFE HOUSE (R) 12:10-2:35-5:00-7:25-9:50 THE VOW (PG13) NO PASSES 12:10-2:30-4:45-7:05-9:20 CHRONICLE (PG13) 12:20-2:25-4:10-7:05-9:00 THE WOMAN IN BLACK (PG13) 12:05-2:15-4:30-7:10-9:20 BIG MIRACLE (PG) 12:00-2:20-4:40-7:10 THE ARTIST (PG13) 12:05-2:20-4:35-7:15-9:30

* THE GREY (R) 12:00-2:30-5:00-7:30-10:00 * THE DESCENDANTS (R) 12:00-2:25-4:50-7:15-9:40

CONTRABAND (R) 9:30

* 3D GHOST RIDER 2 (PG13) NO PASSES 2:20-7:10-9:40 * GHOST RIDER 2 (PG13) NO PASSES 440 * THIS MEANS WAR (PG13) 2:30-4:50-7:20-9:50 * 3D JOLRNEY 2 (PG) NO PASSES 4:30 * JOLRNEY 2 (PG) 2:15-7:15-9:30 * 3D STAR WARS: EPISODE 1 (PG) NO PASSES 1:00-4:00-7:00-10:00

SAFE HOLSE (R) 2:30-5:00-7:30-10:00 THE VOW (PG13) NO PASSES 2:30-5:00-7:30-10:00 CHRONICLE (PG13) 2:15-4:20-7:00-9:30 THE WOMAN IN BLACK (PG13) 2:15-7:10 THE GREY (R) 4:40-9:40

* 3D GHOST RIDER 2 (PG13) NO PASSES 7:00-9:20 GHOST RIDER 2 (PG13) NO PASSES 12:00-2:20-4:40 THIS MEANS WAR (PG13) 11:40-2:00-4:20-7:10-9:50 THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY (G) 11:40-2:00-4:20-6:45-9:10

* 3D JOLRNEY 2 (PG) NO PASSES 11:50-2:10-4:30 JOLRNEY 2 (PG) 7:10-9:30

* 3D STAR WARS: EPISODE 1 (PG) NO PASSES 12:30-3:30-6:50-9:50 SAFE HOLSE (R) 11:30-2:00-4:40-7:20-10:00 THE VOW (PG13) NO PASSES 11:40-2:10-4:40-7:20-10:00 CHRONICLE (PG13) 12:20-2:30-4:50-7:00-9:10 THE WOMAN IN BLACK (PG13) 11:30-1:50-4:20-6:50-9:30 BIG MIRACLE (PG) 11:30-2:00-4:30-7:20

*THE GREY (R) 12:20-3:20-7:00-9:40 ONE FOR THE MONEY (PG13) 2:30-4:50-7:00 RED TAILS (PG13) 11:40-9:20 LNDERWORLD: AWAKENING (R) 10:00

* EXTREMELY LOLD & INCREDIBLY CLOSE (PG13) 12:20-3:20-6:45-9:40 CONTRABAND (R) 6:50-9:40

* IRON LADY (PG13) 12:00-2:20-4:40-7:10-9:50 ALVIN & THE CHIPMLNKS 3 (G) 11:50-2:10-4:30

*THE DESCENDANTS (R) 12:30-3:30-6:45-9:20

RELEASES

Leonardo DiCaprio in the title role in "J. Edgar."

NEW ON DVD A N D BLU-RAY "J. EDGAR," starring Leonardo DiCaprio and

Naomi Watts. Accomplished, respectful yet unflinching biopic attempts to reveal the whole truth and nothing but the truth regarding one J. Edgar Hoover (DiCaprio), head of the FBI from 1924 until his death in 1972. By turns revered and reviled, Hoover was a complex man to say the least, and both DiCaprio and director Clint Eastwood lay bare the man's public victories and carefully guarded private life. Spanning several decades without missing a beat, few can match Eastwood in terms of sheer professionalism, a quality Hoover himself would no doubt have admired. Rated R. Running time: 2:17

Suggested retail price: $28.98; Blu-ray $35.99

"PUSS IN BOOTS," animated with the voices of Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayek. Inevitable "Shrek" spinoff features the popular swash­buckling feline in a prequel that seems more interested in delivering thrills than chuckles, with several genuinely exciting action setpieces and effective use of 3-D technology. Not as consistently humorous as the beloved films that preceded it, but every bit as entertaining. Rated PG. Running time: 1:30

Suggested retail price: $29.99; Blu-ray $39.99

"TOWER HEIST," starring Ben Stiller and Eddie Murphy. Building manager Stiller puts together a ragtag group of disgruntled employees to execute an ill-advised but understandable plan to break into the safe of the crooked tycoon (a deliriously slimy Alan Alda) whose embezzling depleted all of their retirement accounts. Direc­tor Brett Ratner ("Rush Hour") and screenwriter Ted Griffin ("Ocean's Eleven") strike just the right tone of comedy and wish-fulfillment revenge, and a terrific cast works overtime to keep things moving. Rated PG-13. Running time: 1:44

Suggested retail price: $29.98; Blu-ray $34.98

"THE WAY," starring Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez. Comeback of sorts for veteran actor Sheen finds him ably embodying mild-manner optometrist Tom, whose comfortable routine is interrupted by news of his son's death while walking the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage through Spain. Initially traveling to Spain to claim the body, Tom decides to finish the trail himself to honor his son's quest, encountering a number of colorful characters along the way while seeking an uncertain catharsis. Rated PG-13. Running time: 2:23

Suggested retail price: $26.99; Blu-ray $32.99

"WEEDS: SEASON SEVEN," starring Mary-Louise Parker and Elizabeth Perkins. Long-in-

Warner Bros.

the-tooth Showtime series relocates soccer mom-turned-pot dealer Parker to New York City, a change that succeeds in reinvigorating matters considerably. Special features include cast and crew commentaries on select episodes and a gag reel. Not rated; contains language, sexual content and drug content. Running time: 5:53

Suggested retail price: $39.98; Blu-ray $39.97

NEW TO BLU-RAY "ANATOMY OF A MURDER," starring James

Stewart and Ben Gazzara. Terrific courtroom drama from 1959 is quite gritty for its time, unfolding the unpleasant tale of an Army officer (Gazzara, in one of his finest performances) accused of murdering the bartender who raped his wife (Lee Remick) and the small-town lawyer (Stewart, of course) working to defend him in spite of his misgivings. Special features on this Criterion release include newsreel footage from the set and a new interview with the director, among much else. Not rated; contains mild lan­guage, violence and thematic content. Running time: 2:40

Suggested retail price: $39.95

"WAR OF ARROWS," starring Hae-il Park and Seung-yong Ryoo. Period piece meets action flick in this hit from Korea, which focuses on the bloody mayhem that ensued during the Manchu invasion of the 17th century. The bow and ar­row isn't typically one of the more showcased weapons in moviedom, but director Han-min Kim brings it back in style, ratcheting up the ten­sion inherent in such skillful and long-distance combat. Rated R for bloody violence. Running time: 2:02

Suggested retail price: $29.98

V IDEOPORT PICK "TINY FURNITURE," starring Lena Dunham

and Laurie Simmons. Not for all viewers, and proud of it, this acclaimed comedy of sorts from 24-year-old writer-director-star Lena Dunham manages to absolutely nail the overall feeling of dumbfounded aimlessness that accompanies the months following one's graduation from college. The fact that she casts her actual sister and mother as themselves adds immeasurably to the believability factor, both of whom must endure her whiny listlessness when she inevitably comes back home to roost while trying not to think about whatever her next move might be. Not rated; contains language, sexual content and nudity. Running time: 1:39

Suggested retail price: $29.95; Blu-ray $39.95

— Courtesy of Videoport

The Weinstein Company

"The Artist," with best actor nominee Jean Dujardin, is considered the favorite to win the Oscar for best picture, but has earned only $23 million in 13 weeks of release, less than "Safe House" with Denzel Washington earned last weekend alone.

Oscar nom doesn't always translate to Oscar bump

By PATRICK GOLDSTEIN McClatchy Newspapers

This year's box office is booming, except, gulp, for Oscar movies. The 2012 grosses have been surprisingly strong, up nearly 18 percent year to date com­pared with 2011. But if you think any of that is thanks to people rushing out to see the best picture contenders ahead of Sunday's Academy Awards show, think again.

Just look at last weekend's box office, which featured five films taking in more than $20 million in U.S. ticket sales over the four-day Presidents Day period. None were Oscar films. In fact, the best performer of this year's nine best picture nominees, the George Clooney-starring "The Descendants," finished in 11th place, with an estimated $3.5 million take.

"The Artist," the prohibitive favorite to win the Oscar for best picture, finished 13th. It took in about $3 million - up 8 percent from the previous weekend, but it still hasn't made deep inroads outside of the country's most cosmopolitan urban markets. In 13 weeks of release, "The Artist" has made only $28 million, not bad for a black-and-white silent film but less than what "Safe House" made this past weekend alone.

In years past, Hollywood insiders have cited a post-nomination "Oscar bounce" at the box office as justification for the millions of dollars it spends on Oscar ads. And Hollywood is still in full-on Oscar campaign mode. Clooney has not only showed up for screenings and film­maker Q&As, but God help him, taken "CBS This Morning's" Charlie Rose and Lara Logan on a tour of his home, patiently answering every eye-rolling question, including one from Logan, who actually asked, "What's inside your frig, George?"

But when you look at the cold, hard

numbers, the bounce looks more and more like myth than reality.

With the help of Hollywood.com box office swami Paul Dergarabedian, I charted the combined weekend box office grosses for this year's nine best picture candidates. Although their total box office did indeed rise slightly the weekend after the nominations were announced, it was hardly the highest-grossing weekend for the combined candidates. In fact, if you wanted to win a trivia contest, just ask someone to name the biggest box office weekend for the best picture nominees.

The unlikely answer? The weekend of Aug. 12, when three future best picture nominees, largely propelled by the opening weekend grosses from "The Help," made a combined $26.7 million. The second biggest weekend was in late September, when the grosses from "Moneyball," "The Help," "Midnight in Paris" and "Tree of Life" totaled $23.8 million. The weekend after the Oscar nominations were announced Jan. 24 was only the fourth-largest weekend for best picture nominees, also trailing New Year's Eve weekend, when the combined best picture nominees made $21.9 mil­lion.

Last year, the best week for best picture nominees was also New Year's weekend, when the best picture nomi­nated films did roughly 70 percent more business than they did the weekend after the Oscar nominations.

In fact, it's hard to make a strong case that many of the nominated films were helped in any significant way by the Oscar nominations. Even "The Descen­dants," which has continued to have a strong showing at the box office, had its biggest grossing weekend at Thanksgiv­ing, not after the nominations were an-

Please see OSCAR, Page E31

The Por t land Press He ra ld / Thursday, February 23, 2012 | GO E15

1 Freepor t V i l lage S t a t i o n • 228 -1868

GHOST RIDER 3D: SPIRIT OF VENGEANCE goal:30,4:00,7:10,9:50 THIS MEANS WAR mjs\ 1:00,3:45,7:00,9:20 JOURNEY 2: THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND K. 12:45,6:50 JOURNEY 2: THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND 3D mi 3:30,9:30 SAFE HOUSE m 1:45,4:15,7:30,10:00 STAR WARS: EPISODE I -THE PHANTOM MENACE 3D mi 12:30,6:40 THE VOW mm 1:15,4:30,7:20,9:40 THE DESCENDANTS m 3:15,9:10

PORTLAND'S BEST COMEDY CLUB 7 Years in a row! EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT

8:30-10:30 3 COMEDIANS Including a National Headliner!

February 24th

Tom Clark Evening at the Improv

Check out all the Oscar Nominated Films!

Daily Bargain Matinees- All Seats $6.00

PINA (PG) 2:00 4:45 7:20 9:45

SAFE HOUSE (H) 1:20 4:30 7:10 9:40

EXTREMELY LOUD & INCREDIBLY CLOSER 13)3:50 8:50

ALBERT N0BBS P 1:10 6:30

THE ARTIST (PG ^3) 1:30 4:10 6:40 9:10

HUG0(PG) 1:00 6:20

TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY(R) 3:45 9:00

THE DESCENDANTS'(R) 1:45 4:20 7:00 9:35

SUPER TUESDAYS!!! ALL SEATS $5.00

Starts Friday - ACT OF VALOR

Rent your own Sports Bar!

We've Helped Raise

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The Gold Room & Turf's Sports Grill is Availability! available for Private Parties, Weddings, Dances and much more! Our prices are the LOWEST IN TOWN!

Adv. Tix on Sale DR SUESS1 THE LORAX Adv- Tix °n Sale DR S U E S S ' T H E L 0 R A X

GHOST RIDER IN REAL D 3Dj(PG-13J • (130 410)710 940

THIS MEANS WAR. (PG-13) 120 340)700 935

SAFE HOUSE (R ) - ID REQ'D (140 420)7251005

STAR WARS: EP. 1 IN REALD 3D - EVENT PRICING (PG) • (100 400) 655 925

JOURNEY 2: THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND IN REAL D 3D (PG) * ( 1 1 0 PM) 650 PM 955 PM

JOURNEY 2: THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND (PG) (345 PM)

THE VOW (PG-13) (135 415)715 945

THE WOMAN IN BLACK (PG-13) (405 PM) 730 PM 1000 PM

BIG MIRACLE (PG) (125 PM)

THE GREY (R) - ID REQ'D (115 355) 640 920

HUGO IN REAL D 3D - EVENT PRICING (PG) * (105 350) 645 930

CHRONICLE (PG-13) (145 430)720 930

GHOST RIDER IN REAL D 3D (PG-13) * (130 430)7301015

THIS MEANS WAR (PG-13) (150 440)710 930

THE VOW (PG-13) (210 PM) 740 PM

THE VOW [OC] (PG-13) (455 PM) 1005 PM

STAR WARS: EP. 1 IN REALD 3D - EVENT PRICING (PG) * (125 420) 715 1010

JOURNEY 2: THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND IN REAL D 3D (PG) •

(140 PM) 645 PM 920 PM JOURNEY 2: THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND (PG) (400 PM) SAFE HOUSE (R) - ID REQ'D

(205 445)725 1000 THE WOMAN IN BLACK (PG-13)

(145 PM) 650 PM CHRONICLE (PG-13) (405 PM) 925 PM

THE GREY (R) - ID REQ'D 945 PM

THE ARTIST (PG-13) (200 450) 720 950

HUGO IN REAL D 3D - EVENT PRICING ( P G ) * (120 PM 410 PM) 655 PM THE DESCENDANTS (R) - ID REQ'D

(135 425)700 940

E16 GO The Portland Press Herald/ Thursday, February 23, 2012 The Portland Press Herald/ Thursday, February 23, 2012 GO El 7

Get up and GOwith these events

u<CQ

PhyzgigRound up the kids and head to

estbrook for an action-packedght of sights and sounds)m Phyzgig. The cast includesjdioBody, Randy Judkins and)rman Ng, with lobby magic byin Link.

HEN: 7 p.m.HERE: Westbrook Rer-unning Arts Center, 471:roudwater St.DWMUCH: $16; $10 for

\2. years old and under;a corn -productions, org

Canadian Celtic musical groupThe Cottars take center stage to-night with plenty of Cape Bretonstyle. Expect finely tuned vocals,fiddle, guitar, bouzouki, tinwhistle, flute, bodhran, Irish harpand shoes - for step dancing.

WHEN: 7:30 p.m.WHERE: Unity Centre forthe Performing Arts,42 Depot St.HOW MUCH: $15;unityme.org/theater

Suzanne VegaSinger-songwriter Vega, perhapsbest known for '80s tunes "Luka,""Tom's Diner" and "Marlena on theWall," has been steadily releasingmusic since those early days. Herlatest endeavor is the reinterpret-ing and recording of her catalogacoustically.

WHEN: 8 p.m.WHERE: Stone MountainArts Center, 695 DugwayRoad, BrownfieldHOW MUCH: $55; stonemountainartscenter.com

Port VeritasSpoken Word

Marcia BallOne of the blues' finest ambassa-dors is Marcia Ball. With equallysensational vocal and pianochips, this Grammy-nominatedperformer is guaranteed to setthe night on fire.

WHEN: 7 p.m.WHERE: Time Out Pub,275 Main St., RocklandHOW MUCH: $35; 596-6055

CharlesGatewood's'Wall Street'

Charles Gatewood shot a historicphotographic essay of the darkerside of Manhattan's Wall Streetbetween 1972 and 1976. See howthe area's concrete jungle haschanged with the rare opportu-nity to view the artist's proofs."Wall Street" hangs throughMarch 17.

WHEN: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.WHERE: River Tree ArtsIrvine Art Gallery,35 Western Ave.,KennebunkHOW MUCH: Freerivertreearts. org

Longtime writers and buddingwordsmiths alike are invitedto share poetic works at Spo-ken Word Night. Port Veritas isPortland's longest running poetryreading series, and open micnights are its cornerstone.

WHEN: 7 p.m.WHERE: Local Sprouts, 649Congress St., PortlandHOW MUCH: Free;localsprouts. coop

La MorraLa Morra, a Swiss music ensem-ble, specializes in "early music,"which is music spanning the latemedieval and early Renaissanceeras.

WHEN: 7:30 p.m.WHERE: Olin Arts Center,Bates College, LewistonHOW MUCH: $6;batestickets. com

'The Prep SchoolNegro'

Friends School of Portland, incollaboration with the NAACPPortland Branch and others, presents the film "The Prep SchoolNegro." The film's director, AndreRobert Lee, will host a work-shop after the film addressingissues of race, class, educationand identity. The film provides acandid look at the challenges andopportunities that arise when aperson of color leaves the ghet-tos of Philadelphia to attend aprestigious private school.

WHEN: 6 p.m.WHERE: LudckeAuditorium, University ofNew England,Stevens Avenue, PortlandHOW MUCH: Free; friendsschoolofportland.org

John Eddie CDRelease Show

It has been nearly eight yearssince John Eddie released newmaterial, but the good newsis that he's back with "SameOld Brand New Me." You'll hearplenty of new - with some old- material from a guy who gothis start in the New Jersey clubscene. And yep, he's played withSpringsteen.

WHEN: 8:30 p.m.WHERE: Empire Dine &Dance, 575 Congress St.,PortlandHOW MUCH: $14.50 inadvance; $17 day ofshow; 21 years and older;portlandempire. com

ShoestringTheater's

'The Odyssey'ive Homer's classic novel inompletely unique way with3estring Theater's productionThe Odyssey." See Sicilianrionettes battle with gods,ddesses and mythical crea-

tures. "Part I: Ciconians, LotusEaters, Cyclops" is March 3, andthe subsequent three parts hap-pen throughout the month.

WHEN: 7:30 p.m.WHERE: Mayo Street Arts,10 Mayo St., PortlandHOW MUCH: $4 to $10;mayostreetarts. org

ULJO

ro~C3uo

/\

~^tV• •Oldre

E18 GO | The Portland Press Herald/ Thursday, February 23, 2012

RAIN, SNOW or SHINE

is the PLACE TO BE on SCHOOL VACATION!

With purchase of $20worth of tokens

(Must be purchased atfront counter.)

Good Feb. 21, 22,23&24

www.jokersfunandgarnes.corn512 Warren Avenue • Portland, ME

f207J 878-5800

HIDDEN TENNESSEE

FEB28MAR 18

MOVIESContinued from Page E12

1:35, 4:25, 7, 9:40 Fri-Sat 1:35,4:15, 6:50, 9:25 Sun 1:35,4:15, 6:50 Mon-Wed 4:15, 6:50

"EXTREMELY LOUD AND INCREDIBLY CLOSE" (PG-13) (2:09) Stars Thomas Horn, Tom Hanks and SandraBullock. Directed by Stephen Daldry. A 9-year-old wholost his father in the 9/11 attack on the World TradeCenter is convinced that his dad left a final messagefor him somewhere in New York City, and he sets outto find it.

Showing at: Cinemagic Westbrook Today 12:20,3:20, 6:45, 9:40 Fri-Wed 3:30, 6:45; Nickelodeon Today3:50,8:50

"GHOST RIDER: SPIRIT OF VENGEANCE" (PG-13)(1:35) Stars Nicolas Cage, Ciaran Hinds, Idris Elba andViolante Placido. Directed by Mark Neveldine and BrianTaylor. As Johnny Blaze hides out in Eastern Europe, heis called upon to stop the devil, who is trying to takehuman form.

Showing at: Windham 5 Star Today 1:25,4:30,7:30;Nordica (Freeport) Today (all 3D) 1:30,4, 7:10, 9:50;Cinemagic Grand (South Portland) Today 2:20 (3D),4:40, 7:10 (3D), 9:40 (3D); Cinemagic Westbrook Today12, 2:20, 4:40, 7 (3D), 9:20 (3D) Fri-Wed 12, 2:20,4:50, 7(3D), 9:20 (3D); Cinemagic Saco Today-Wed 12:10, 2:25,4:35, 7, 9:15; Brunswick 10 Today (all 3D) 1:30,4:10, 7:10,9:40 Fri-Wed (all 3D) 1:30,4:10, 7:25, 9:55; Falmouth 10Today (all 3D) 1:30,4:30, 7:30,10:15 Fri-Sat (all 3D) 1:45,4:35, 7:10,10:05 Sun (all 3D) 1:45,4:35, 7:10 Mon-Wed(all 3D) 4:35, 7:10

"THE GREY" (R) (1:57) Stars Liam Neeson, DermotMulroney, Frank Grille and Dallas Roberts. Directed byJoe Carnahan. An oil-drilling team struggles to surviveafter a plane crash strands them in the Alaskan wild.The survivors have only a few days to escape the icyelements - and a vicious pack of rogue wolves - be-fore their time runs out.

Showing at: Cinemagic Grand (South Portland)Today 4:40,9:40; Cinemagic Westbrook Today 12:20,3:20, 7, 9:40 Fri-Wed 4:10, 6:50, 9:30; Cinemagic SacoToday 12, 2:30, 5, 7:30,10; Brunswick 10 Today 1:15, 3:55,6:40, 9:20; Falmouth 10 Today-Sat 9:45

"HUGO" (PG) (2:06) Stars Ben Kingsley, Asa Butter-field, Christopher Lee and Chloe Grace Moretz. Directedby Martin Scorsese. A mystery involving a dead fatherand an automaton sends an orphan, who lives withinthe walls of a 1930s Paris train station, on an extraordi-nary adventure.

Showing at: Nickelodeon (Portland) Today-Wed 1,6:20; Brunswick 10 Today (all 3D) 1:05, 3:50, 6:45, 9:30;Falmouth 10 Today-Sun (all 3D) 1:20,4:10, 6:55 Mon-Wed (all 3D) 4:10, 6:55

"THE IRON LADY" (PG-13) (1:45) Stars Meryl Streep,Jim Broadbent and Richard E. Grant. Directed by Phyl-lida Lloyd. A look at the life of Margaret Thatcher, theformer prime minister of the United Kingdom, with afocus on the price she paid for power.

Showing at: Cinemagic Westbrook Today 12, 2:20,4:40, 7:10, 9:50 Fri-Wed 2:20,4:40, 7:10

"JOURNEY 2: THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND" (PG) (1:34)Stars Josh Hutcherson, Dwayne Johnson, Michael Caineand Luis Guzman. Directed by Brad Peyton. Sean An-

Summit EntertainmentAmanda Seyfried, left, and EmilyWickersham in "Gone."

derson partners with his mom's boyfriend on a missionto find his grandfather, who is thought to be missingon a mythical island.

Showing at: Windham 5 Star Today 1:10,4:10,6:45; Nordica (Freeport) Today 12:45, 3:30, 6:50,9:30; Brunswick 10 Today 1:10 (3D), 3:45, 6:50 (3D),9:55 (3D) Fri-Wed 1:10 (3D), 3:40, 7:05 (3D), 9:25;Cinemagic Grand (South Portland) Today 2:15,4:30(3D), 7:15, 9:30 Sat-Sun 12 (3D), 2:15, 4:30 (3D), 7:15,9:30 Mon-Wed 2:15, 4:30 (3D), 7:15, 9:30; CinemagicWestbrook Today-Wed 11:50 (3D), 2:10 (3D), 4:30 (3D),7:10, 9:30; Cinemagic Saco Today-Wed (all 3D IMAX)12:05, 2:20,4:35, 7, 9:15; Falmouth 10 Today-Sat 1:40,4,6:45, 9:20 Sun-Wed 4, 6:45

"THE MUPPETS" (PG) (1:30) Stars Amy Adams, JasonSegel and Chris Cooper. Directed by James Bobin.An oil tycoon discovers oil underneath the Muppets'theater, and he wants it. Three fans must reunite theMuppets for a show to raise enough money to stop thetycoon from taking over the theater.

Showing at: Windham 5 Star Today 1:15,4

"ONE FOR THE MONEY" (PG-13) (1:46) Stars Kath-erine Heigl, Jason O'Mara, Daniel Sunjata and JohnLeguizamo. Directed by Julie Anne Robinson. Unem-ployed and in need of a job, Stephanie Plum lands ajob at her cousin's bail-bond business, where her firstassignment puts her on the trail of a guy she used todate who is now a wanted local cop.

Showing at: Cinemagic Westbrook Today 2:30,4:50, 7

"PINA" (PG) (1:43) Stars Pina Bausch, Regina Ad-vento and Malou Airaudo. Directed by Wim Wenders.The film takes the audience into choreographer PinaBausch's work through her imaginative sets andperformances.

Showing at: Nickelodeon Today 2,4:45, 7:20, 9:45Fri-Wed 1:10, 6:30

"RED TAILS" (PG-13) (2:00) Stars Nate Parker, DavidOyelowo, Ne-Yo and Bryan Cranston. Directed byAnthony Hemingway. During World War II, the U.S.military forms the first all-black aerial-combat unitknown as the Tuskegee Airmen.

Showing at: Cinemagic Westbrook Today 11:40,9:20

"SAFE HOUSE" (R) (1:55) Stars Denzel Washington,Ryan Reynolds and Robert Patrick. Directed by DanielEspinosa. A young CIA agent is tasked with looking af-ter a fugitive in a safe house. But when the safe houseis attacked, he finds himself on the run with his charge.

Please see MOVIES, PageE25

Sponsored by: L.L.Bean Maine Home + Design maine PORTLAND MagazineUniversity of Maine Farmington The Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram

PROFESSIONAL THEATER MADE IN MAINE

Tickets: 774.0465www.portlandstage.org

movies at THE MUSEUM"CHICO AND RITA," directed by Fernando Trueba, Javier Mariscal, and TonoErrando, 2011, NR, 1:34. In 1948 Cuba, a gifted songwriter and beautiful singerchase their dreams. Chico is a young piano player and Rita is a singer with anextraordinary voice. Music and romantic desire unites them, but their journey- in the tradition of the Latin ballad, the bolero - brings heartache and torment.From Havana to New York, Paris, Hollywood and Las Vegas, two passionateindividuals battle imposing odds to unite in music and love.Showing at: Portland Museum of Art, 6:30 p.m. Friday; 2 p.m. Saturday andSunday.

The Portland Press Herald/ Thursday, February 23, 2012 GO E19

HOT

Benny Goodman fan Dave Bennett brings the music of theKing of Swing to Portland for a Pops! tribute concert.

By BOB KEYESStaffWriter

ave Bennett grew up in a fairly typicalAmerican household. Like a lot ofother kids, he dutifully enrolled inband and played music throughouthis high school years.

But unlike most of hismusic-playing peers, Bennett tookwhat began as a casual inter-est in music and turned itinto something completelydifferent.

Bennett, 27, brings hisband to Merrill Auditoriumthis weekend to sit in withthe Portland Symphony Or-chestra for a Pops! tribute to thesmooth, swinging rhythms of Benny

Goodman (1909-86).A clarinet player,

Bennett fell in love withGoodman's music assoon as he heard it.He has made a careerinterpreting the King ofSwing's music.

"I just couldn't believeit the first time I heardit," he said by phonefrom his home in Michi-gan. "It just grabbed me.It made an impression - ahuge impression. There wassomething very intense, pas-

sionate and emotional that I heard in Benny's music."Although Bennett took music lessons growing up, he

considers himself to be a self-taught musician. "I learned themusic that I play now by ear," he said. "I started doing that rightoff the bat, but it was a very slow process in the beginning.

"My grandpa bought me a clarinet, basically to give me a hobby.Around the same time, he bought me a cassette tape of Benny Good-man, because he thought it would be cool for me to hear what theinstrument really sounds like."

Smitten with swing, Bennett sought out Goodman's music on CD sohe could better stop and start the music. When he found a refrain heliked, he paused the CD and tried to recreate the sound on his ownhorn. "After you do that every day, you train your ear. That's how Itaught myself," he said.

Please see POPS!, PageE22

PSO POPS! "A BENNY GOODMAN TRIBUTE"WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 2:30 p.m. SundayWHERE: Merrill Auditorium, 20 Myrtle St., PortlandTICKETS: $20 to $65.INFO: 842-0800; porttix.com;portlandsymphony.org

Courtesy photo/"Benny GoodmanFeaturing Jess Stacy, 1944-47"

BENNETT

Darren Setlow photo

Sarah Lord and JustinAdams rehearse one ofthe short plays featured in"Hidden Tennessee."

'Hidden Tennessee'previews this weekPORTLAND STAGE COMPANYbegins previews for "Hid-den Tennessee" this week.The show is a collectionof short pieces by Tennes-see Williams, showing hisstylistic writing and humanfragility.WHEN: Previews at 7:30 p.m.Tuesday to March 1. OpensMarch 2.WHERE: Portland StageCompany, 25A Forest Ave.HOW MUCH: $15 to $39INFO: portlandstage.org;774-0465

Rose gallery showscontemporary workTIME IS running short on aterrific group show of con-temporary artists workingin and around Portland to-day. The show at Rose Con-temporary includes workby Lydia Badger, GabriellaD'ltalia, Rebecca FitzPat-rick, Shoshannah White andmany more.WHEN: 1 to 6 p.m. today,Friday and Saturday. ClosesSaturday.WHERE: Rose Contemporary,492 Congress St., PortlandHOW MUCH: FreeINFO: 780-0700;rosecontemporary.com

E20 GO | The Portland Press Herald/ Thursday, February 23, 2012

listings ART AND THEATER

Courtesy Portland Museum of Art

The Portland Museum of Art opens "Edgar Degas: The Private Impressionist" today, continuing though May 28.

CLASSICAL MUSIC TODAY Portland Conservatory of Music Noonday Concert, "Three Curiosities" by Nathan Kolosko, First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church, Portland. Free. 775-3356. 12:15 p.m.

FRIDAY Clavichordist Henry Lebedinsky, music from the court and salons of 18th-century St. Petersburg, Russia; pre-concert lecture on the clavichord and its repertory at 6:30 p.m.; Bowdoin College (Studzinski Recital Hall), Brunswick. Free. 798-4141. 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY The Met Opera: Live In HD, Verdi's "Ernani," Lincoln Theater, Damariscotta. $23; $21 for seniors, atthelincoln.org. 12:55 p.m. The Met Opera: Live In HD, Verdi's 'Ernani,'' Strand Theatre, Rockland. $23, $27. rocklandstrand.com. 12:55 p.m. The Met Opera: Live In HD, Verdi's "Ernani,'' Leura Hil l Performing Arts Center, Fryeburg. $26; $23 seniors; $18 students, fryeburgacademy.org. 1 p.m. Portland Symphony Orchestra Pops, Benny Goodman tribute with guest musician Dave Bennett, Merrill Auditorium, Portland. $20 to $65. porttix.com. 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 2:30 p.m. Sunday.

SUNDAY "Curtis on Tour: Celebration of the Classical Guitar," Roberto Diaz and Jason Vieaux play Paganini and Piazzolla, Rockport Opera House. $30 to $40; $8 for ages 18 and under. 236-2823. 2:30 p.m. "The Singer's Ar t , " bass-baritone John David Adams and pianist Sean Fleming perform selected works from baroque to Broadway, Opera House at Boothbay Harbor. $15 in advance; $18 day of show, boothbayoperahouse.com. 3 p.m. Moscow String Quartet, First Congregational Church, Blue Hi l l . $30; free for high school-age students and younger, bluehillconcerts.org. 3 p.m. The Rossini Club, with tenor Norman Whiteside, cellist Barbara Graustein and pianists Leah Neuschiller and Eric Peppe; Cathedral Church of St. Luke, Portland. $5 to $10; free for students. 797-8318. 3 p.m.

MONDAY Decompression Chamber Music Season Four, Prokofiev's Second String Quartet, One Longfellow Square, Portland. $12 in advance; $15 day of show, onelongfellowsquare.com. 6 p.m.

WEDNESDAY La Morra, late medieval and early Renaissance music, Bates College (Olin Arts Center), Lewiston. $6. batestickets.com. 7:30 p.m. Taping of NPR Show "From the Top" wi th Christopher O'Riley, featuring Bowdoin student pianist Allen Wong Fu and violinist Nash Ryder from Arundel, Bowdoin College (Studzinski Recital Hall), Brunswick. $15. 725-3375. 7:30 p.m.

MARCH 1 Portland Conservatory of Music Noonday Concert, with bassoon player Wren Saunders and flutist Nicole Rabata, First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church, Portland. Free. 775-3356. 12:15 p.m.

THEATER "The Glass Menagerie," classic play by Tennessee Williams, Freeport Factory Stage. $19; $15 for seniors and students; pay what you want Thursdays, freeportfactory.com. 7:30 p.m. today to Saturday. "Beyond Therapy," comedy by Studio Theatre of Bath, Chocolate Church Arts Center, Bath. $13, $15. 442-8455. 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. "W iley and the Hairy Man," play for children based on an old Creole folktale about a little boy and his mother who face down a villain, Children's Museum and Theatre of Maine, Portland. $8, $9. 828-1234. 1 p.m. today; 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Friday; 2 and 4:30 p.m. Saturday; 4:30 p.m. Sunday. "The Great American Trailer Park Musical," comedy set in a Florida trailer park, City Theater, Biddeford. $20. 282-0849. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. Shakespeare's "The Tempest," epic play, Lucid Stage, Portland. $15; $10 for seniors and students. Iucidstage.com. 7:30 p.m. today; 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday; 7:30 p.m. March 1. Through March 4. "The History Boys," dramedy, Bowdoin College

(PickardTheater), Brunswick. $3. 725-3375. 8 p.m. today to Saturday. "D i r t y Rotten Scoundrels," musical comedy based on 1988 Steve Martin fi lm, Lyric Music Theater, South Portland. $19.99. Iyricmusictheater.org. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Through March 11. Thornton Wilder's "Our Town," benefit for Evening Song Farm in Vermont, a farm working to rebuild after being washed away in last spring's floods; College of the Atlantic (Gates Center), Bar Harbor. Donation. 288-5105. 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. Harold Pinter's "The Birthday Party," musical, Acorn Studios, Westbrook. $15; $12 for students and seniors, acorn-productions.org. 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Wednesday. Through March 11.

"Honk!" musical, North Yarmouth Academy (Safford Center), Yarmouth. $6 in advance; $7 day of show. 846-9051. 7 p.m. Friday; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. "Valentines wi th the Rat Pack," five-course dinner theater show, Anthony's Dinner Theater, Portland. $39.95. anthonysdinnertheater.com. 7 p.m. Saturday.

"Politics Can Be Murder," interactive murder-mystery show by Murder for Hire, Captain Daniel

Stone Inn, Brunswick. $50 (includes show, meal, tax and tip). 373-1824. Doors at 6:15 p.m., show at 7 p.m. Saturday. T.S. Eliot's "Four Quartets," staged recitation, Stonington Opera House. $15; free for island students, operahousearts.org. 7 p.m. Wednesday and March 1. Caryl Churchill's "Top Girls," presented by Bowdoin College Department of Theater and Dance, Bowdoin College (Wish Theater), Brunswick. Free; tickets required. 725-3375. 7 p.m. March 1. National Theatre in London: Live in HD, "The Comedy of Errors" starring Lenny Henry, Strand Theatre, Rockland. $23; $15 for students. rocklandstrand.com. Live at 2 p.m.; rebroadcast at 7 p.m. March 1. National Theatre in London: Live in HD, "The Comedy of Errors" starring Lenny Henry, Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center, Fryeburg. $18; $15 for seniors; $10 for students. fryeburgacademy.org/pac. Live at 2 p.m.; rebroadcast at 7 p.m. March 1. "Cut," South Portland High School Drama Club one-act comedy, South Portland High School Auditorium. Free/donation. 939-2220. 7:30 p.m. March 1.

AUDITIONS Vaudeville and Variety Show, singing, dancing, poetry, skits, vaudeville and more; shows are March 24-25; Nasson Community Center (Little Theatre), Springvale. sanfordmainestage.com. 3 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday; 6:30 to 8 p.m. March 1.

ART MUSEUMS OPENINGS/RECEPTIONS "Edgar Degas: The Private Impressionist," more than 70 drawings, prints, pastels and photographs as well as several sculptures, Portland Museum of Art. portlandmuseum.org. Opens today. Through May 28. Free Family Day, Abbe Museum, Bar Harbor. abbemuseum.org. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today. Arctic Museum Family Day: "All About Amazing Arctic Birds," Bowdoin College (Peary-MacMillan Arctic Museum), Brunswick. Free. 725-3416. 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday. Youth Art Month Exhibition, Portland Museum of Art. portlandmuseum.org. Opens Tuesday. Through March 31 . Wall Sculptures by University of New England Students, made from repurposed materials and with a marine theme, Dyer Library, Saco. dyerli brarysacomuseum.org. Opens March 1. Through March 30.

CONTINUING Portland Museum of Art: "Making Faces: Photographic Portraits of Actors and Artists," photos of famous actors and artists plus works by the artists profiled, through March 12;Tanja Alexia Hollander: "Are You Really My Friend?" photographs of Facebook friends, through June 17. portlandmuseum.org Maine Historical Society Museum/Longfellow House, Portland: "Take to the Streets!" photography exhibit examining American protest movements, through March 31 ; "Dressing Up, Standing Out, Fitting In: Adornment & Identity in Maine," artifacts reveal the way Mainers dressed from the 18th to 20th centuries, through May 27.

Please see ART, Page E21

The Portland Press Herald/ Thursday, February 23, 2012 | GO E21

Continued from Page E20

mainehistory.org Bowdoin College Museum of Art, Brunswick: "Insight Out: Exploring Gifts of Art from Private Collectors," contributions from private collectors since 1811; "Intimations of Independence: The First 100 Years of American Portraiture," portraits of Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and more; and "Motion and Emotion," Contemporary Art from Gerhard Richter to Chakaia Booker," all through April 15; "Building a College Collection: Select Recent Acquisitions," more than 20,000 objects; and "Telephones," seven-minute compilation of Hollywood Film Clips, both through June 24. bowdoin.edu Bowdoin College (Peary-MacMillan Arctic Museum), Brunswick: "In a State of Becoming," Inuit art from the collection of Rabbi Harry Sky, ongoing, bowdoin.edu/arcticmuseum Maine Marit ime Museum, Bath: "Port of Portland: A Ship-Shaped History," a look at Portland's past via the ships that sailed through the harbors, the city's shipping and ship­building industries, and more, through May 13. mainemaritimemuseum.org Bates College (Olin Arts Center), Lewiston: "James Ensor: 'Scenes de la vie du Christ' and Other Works," lithographs, and "Xiaoze Xie: Amplified Moments," paintings, through March 1 7. bates.edu/museum

Dyer Library/Saco Museum: Heather Denkmire, oil pastels and paint on paper, canvas and wood, through Tuesday; "Rugs All Marked Out: Biddeford's Edward S. Frost," celebration of 19th-century rug entrepreneur, and "Hooked Rugs of Artists from the Maine Tin Pedlar," both through March 24. 283-3861. Farnsworth Art Museum, Rockland: "Beyond Rugs!" rug-hooking textile art, through Friday;

Courtesy of Bay Chamber Concerts

Jason Vieaux is a m o n g the fea tu red art is ts in t he Bay Chamber Concer ts p resen t ion of "Curt is on Tour," a ce lebra t ion of classical gu i ta r at the Ph i lade lph ia-based Curt is Inst i tu te o f Music, on Sunday at t he Rockpo r t Opera House.

"The Art of the Book," focuses on the museum's collection of rare 19th- and 20th-century books, through April 1. 596-6457. Penobscot Marine Museum, Searsport: "The Circus Comes to Town," Bex Bros. Circus (miniature circus figures) and more, through Sunday, penobscotmarinemuseum.org

UMa ine Museum of Art, Bangor: "The Moment: Paintings by Michael De Brito," Lori Nix: "The City," Brett Day Windham: "I Put a Spell on You' and George Terry: "Because You're Mine," all through March 24. umma.umaine.edu Abbe Museum, Bar Harbor: "Twisted Path II: Contemporary American Art Informed by

Tradition," contemporary art show featuring native artists from the Northeast, through May; "Indians and Rusticators," through Dec 29. abbemuseum.org

ART GALLERIES OPENINGS/RECEPTIONS "MERC: Mainers Recycling Cardboard," Engine, Biddeford Arts, feedtheengine.org. Opening reception, 5 to 8 p.m. Friday. Through March 30. Art Walk, downtown Biddeford. Free. www.biddefordartwalk.com. 5 to 8 p.m. Friday. "Assembly Line," work by Barbara Bean, Maureen Block, Terry Grasse and Ann Slocum, Topsham Public Library (Crooker Gallery). topshamlibrary.org. Opening reception and artist talk, 11 a.m. Saturday. Through March 27. Sixth Annual Biennial Invitational, Greenhut Galleries, Portland. 772-2693. Opening reception, 5 to 7 p.m. March 1. Through April 27. "Portraits," photographs by Sally Dennison and MatThorne, Addison Woolley Gallery, Portland. addisonwoolley.com. Opening reception, 5 to 8 p.m. March 1. Through March 3 1 . "As High as Heaven," paintings and drawings by Kenny Cole, Perimeter Gallery, Belfast. 338-0555. Opening reception, 6 to 8 p.m. March 1. Through April 2 1 .

"44N 69W: Radius Belfast," fourth annual show, Aarhus Gallery, Belfast, aarhusgallery.com. Opens March 1. Through April 1. Debra Arter: "Layers of Meaning," mixed-media work, Gallery Framing, Brunswick. 729-9108. Opens March 1. Through March 29.

CONT INUING Maine College of Art (MECA), Portland: Michael Bell-Smith, lo-fi environments exhibit, through March 14. 699-5029. June Fitzpatrick Gallery at MECA, Portland: "Marking Time," drawings by Avy Claire, through

Please see A R T , Page E22

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E22 GO | The Portland Press Herald/ Thursday, February 23, 2012

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Continued from Page E21

March 3. 699-5083. The Salt Exchange, Portland: "Reflections," sea-inspired oil paintings and metallic driftwood sculptures by Ellen Thayer, through April 30. thesaltexchange.net.

Harmon's & Barton's Gallery, Portland: "Side by Side: Higgison and Higgison," paintings, through Wednesday. 774-5948. Constellation Gallery, Portland: "Symbols of Love," pieces that convey love in its many forms and meanings, through Wednesday. 409-661 7. Addison Woolley Gallery, Portland: "Artifacts and Particles," photography by Caleb Charland and Peter Gainer Shellenberger, through Sunday. 450-8499.

Coffee By Design (India Street), Portland: "Out of the Blue," group show by YES Art Works, through April 1. yesartworks.org Greenhut Galleries, Portland: "Color," new works by several artists, through Saturday. 772-2693. Art House Picture Frames, Portland: "Blood, Phelgm and Tears," new paintings by Abbeth Russell, through Monday. 221-3443. Gleason Fine Art, Portland: Kevin Beers, "Trucks and Landscapes," new paintings, through March 30. 699-5599.

Green Hand Bookshop, Portland: "LostTrail and Beyond," illustrations by Ben Bishop, through Wednesday. 253-6808. University of New England (Art Gallery), Portland: Arts Faculty Biennial Exhibition 2012, through March 4. une.edu/artgallery Daunis Fine Jewelry, Portland: "The Exquisite Bird," photographs of birds by nature photographer Michael Mil icia, through Wednesday, daunis.com South Portland Public Library: Portland Camera Club exhibit, work by Paul Schreiber and Mike Cullivan, through March 19. portlandcameraclub.org Townsend Real Estate & Art Gallery, South Portland: Dennis Fournier, "Places We Know," new works, through March 11. Somerset Sports and Fitness Center, Scarborough: "The Good Ole Days: Men and Their Tools," 19th-century tools used by surveyor Levi Weston, Skowhegan History House traveling display, through April 10. skowheganhistoryhouse.org Falmouth Memorial Library: Four Seasons quilters, through Wednesday. 781-2351. Elizabeth Moss Gallery, Falmouth: Deborah

Continued from Page E19

The PSO Pops! program will include such big-band classics as "I Got Rhythm," "Sing, Sing, Sing" and "Let's Dance." The guest conductor for the program is Te­resa Cheung, music director and conduc­tor of the Altoona Symphony Orchestra in Pennsylvania, as well as resident conduc­tor of the American Symphony Orches­tra in New York City and Bard College Orchestra in New York.

Bennett is traveling as part of a six-piece band, which will accompany the orchestra.

"We do quite a few shows as a stand­alone band, but these orchestra concerts have become quite popular. We've done quite a few of them, especially lately. It's been a prosperous year for us so far," he said.

Bennett's interest in the music of the

Randall and Henry Kallem, drawings, through March 3.781-2620. 317 Ma in Street Community Music Center, Yarmouth: Oils and pastels of Belize and Maine by Patti Bradley, through March 9. 846-6264. Royal Bean, Yarmouth: Artisans collective mixed-media show, through March 30. 846-7967. Yarmouth Frame Shop and Gallery: "Painting in Normandy and Beyond," six-woman show, through March 30. 846-7777. Thos. Moser Showroom, Freeport: "Viewpoints," new work by painters Eric Hopkins, James Mullen and Colin Page, through May 1. 865-4519. Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick: "Explorations," work by Alan Mast, through Wednesday. 725-5242.

Chocolate Church Art Gallery, Bath: "Midwinter Night's Dream," group show, through March 3. chocolatechurcharts.org Markings Gallery, Bath: "Maine Art to Touch Your Heart," pieces in wood, clay, fiber, metals, glass and more, through Wednesday. markingsgallery.com

University of Southern Maine (Atrium Art Gallery), Lewiston: "The Inspired Hand 5," juried artwork by Maine Crafts Association, through March 16. usm.maine.edu/atriumgallery University of New England (Campus Center), Biddeford: "Jazz Series," black-and-white paintings by Richard Payette, through March 2. une.edu York Public Library: "Winter Show," paintings, sculptures, prints, photographs and mixed media presented by Ogunquit Art Association and York Library, through March 3. 363-2818. York Art Association, York Harbor: "The Image and the Word," artwork based on writing, prose or poetry, through March 4. 363-4049. Fryeburg Academy (Palmina F. and Stephen S. Pace Galleries of Art): "Singular: Ten Artists' Portraits of Objects," through March 18. 935-9232.

River Tree Arts, Kennebunk: "Charles Gatewood's Wall Street," rare vintage and contemporary photographs of the 1970s, through March 17. 967-9120. Red Door Pottery Studio, Kittery: "Focus on India," photos by New Hampshire craftsman Lawrence Elbroch, through March 3 1 . 439-5671. Savory Ma ine, Damariscotta: Round Pond artist Jill Tarkleson, through March 3. 563-2111. Perimeter Gallery, Belfast: "Communique," paintings by Belfast artist and gallery co-founder

Please see ART, Page E24

swing era may seem odd, given that he's such a young man himself. But for what­ever reason, he's always been interested in music from earlier eras. In addition to Goodman, he cites Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis as among his favorite musicians. He likes some current music too.

"Oh, there are a lot of good things going on today but you don't often hear them on the radio," he said. "But if there was any decade of time that would be my favorite, it would be the '50s. There was just some­thing about it.

"By that point, swing was still there and still pretty big. But then you had the birth of rock 'n' roll and doo-wop music. It was a very exciting time, with a lot happening musically."

Staff Writer Bob Keyes can be contacted at 791-6457 or:

bkeyes@pressherald. com Twitter: pphbkeyes

The Portland Press Herald/ Thursday, February 23, 2012 GO E23

A cheeseburger, fries and a Coke at Elevation Burger in South Portland.John Patriquin/Staff Photographer

It's not exactly love at first bite, but Elevation Burger is still a welcome newcomer.ELEVATION BURGERWHERE: 85 Western Ave.,South Portland. 899-0406;elevationburger.comHOURS: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.,seven days a weekCHEAPEST GRUB: Kidshamburger, $3.99WAIT: 5 minutesPARKING: YesHANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE: YesRATING: ***

Based on a five-star scale

an alive, nothing beats a goodburger. Except maybe a goodburger with equally sensationalfrench fries.

So I had high hopes when Iheard that an organic burgerjoint was opening in SouthPortland. One that grinds theirgrass-fed, free-range beef onsite. One that cooks their hand-

cut shoestring fries in olive oil. One that offershand-scooped shakes made with hormone-freemilk.

I'll cut right to the chase, then, and tell you twothings right out of the gate: I didn't love Elevation

Burger, but I liked it a lot, and you can bet I'll beback for more.

Starting with aesthetics, I have no love of any-thing strip-mall related, which is exactly whereElevation Burger resides. That said, the place wascomfortable, with lots of natural lighting and a goodamount of seating. Although I didn't use it dur-ing this visit, their high-tech a la "Star Trek" sodadispenser was also impressive.

You better believe I wanted a vanilla shake ($4.29),but the conventional wisdom of "are you reallygonna have a burger AND fries AND a shake" gotthe best of me, so I grabbed a bottle of water before

Please see EAT, PageE25

Double enticement: drinks, dessertsINDULGE in creative cocktails made by some of thecity's best bartenders and sample delicious des-serts at the Signature Event, the kick-off to Maine

Restaurant Week. You'll even be able to vote for your favorites.WHEN: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. WednesdayWHERE: Portland Harbor Hotel, 468 Fore St., PortlandHOW MUCH: $35 in advance; $40 at the door; $120 for a pack offour ticketsINFO: mainerestaurantweek.com

Sign up for a share of the bountyMEET your local farmers and fishermen and signup for a share of this year's crop during the annualcommunity supported-agriculture and fisheries festi-val. Local produce and other farm products will be for sale.WHEN: 1 to 4 p.m. SundayWHERE: Woodfords Congregational Church, 202 WoodfordSt., PortlandHOW MUCH: Free admission. Cost of individual shares varies.INFO: 568-4142; melissa@mofga.org

Atwell: Sebago test-drives new brews. E24 • Bar Guide: White's Cue Connection. E25

E24 GO | The Por t land Press H e r a l d / Thursday, February 23, 2012

Sebago boosts single-batch testing to 30 gallons Beer drinkers can give their

opinion on some potential new beers from Sebago

Brewing Co. beginning at 5 p.m. Wednesday at the company's Portland restaurant, 211 Fore St.

The company has recently installed a new 30-gallon pilot brewing system to test beers TOIll that could become part of its popular single-batch series of Wfldt beers in the future.

"This gives us a chance to work out different beers and try some different things, and instead of doing it on a 5-gallon batch, we can do it with 30 gallons," said Kai Adams, co-owner and brewmaster at Sebago.

Adams said Sebago has a lot of talent on staff, and they all want to try out different beers. In the future, he would like to have staff at the company's different restau­rants create beers and hold competitions.

"We just want to get people fired up about beer," he said. "Our single-batch beers are popular because they are so limited."

Pilot-beer night at the Portland Sebago will include a milk stout, an extra pale ale, an old ale, Good Man Charles Brown Ale, Barrel Aged Slick Nick Ale and a pre-re­lease of Sebago's next single-batch ale, the Double-Throttle IPA.

The beers will cost $3 for a 12-ounce pour, and the event will last until the beers are gone.

From now until Wednesday - and maybe beyond - people can enjoy Sebago's current single-batch offering: Elegans Saison, a Belgian-style red ale, which will be available on draft at Sebago's restaurants and in 22-ounce bottles at beer stores.

AtW6ll After we had talked about the beer event, Adams said

AlGS YOU Sebago's business is growing at a steady clip. It has had to expand into the building next

door at the Gorham Industrial Park where the brewery is located, and has just ex­panded its sales into Vermont. Its January sales were up 25 percent over last year, and Adams conservatively projects a 25 percent growth this year.

"We will probably be building a new brewery in 18 to 24 months," he said.

Adams said that after the Pilot Beer event at Sebago's Portland restaurant, the brewery staff will be heading down to RiRa, 72 Commercial St., to take part in an IPA Challenge that will be going on from 6 to 9 p.m.

MAGIC HAT recently sent me three beers that will be part of the Burlington, Vt, company's Spring Fever variety 12-pack.

The Vinyl amber lager and Demo black IPA were part of last year's spring variety pack. Demo, at 6 percent alcohol, was as I remembered it, a good and rich IPA

Courtesy photo

Sebago's business is g row ing , and the company p robab ly wi l l be bu i ld ing a new brewery w i th in t w o years.

with pleasant bitterness to go along with some charcoal roastiness and a good malt background. Both Nancy and I enjoyed this beer quite a bit.

Last year, we really disliked the Vinyl (5.1 percent alcohol), finding an off aroma and flavor of swamp vegetation. When it came back this year, we tried it first to get it out of the way and see if last year was an off bottle.

Fortunately, this beer was better -just

Courtesy photo

Mag ic Hat 's V inyl was be t te r this year than last, bu t mi ld and sort of b land.

mild and sort if bland. But it was still a beer I could sit back and enjoy with a good meal.

The one I liked best was +/- (pro­nounced plus/minus), a perfect rendition of a low-alcohol (4.2 percent) brown ale. It has a good medium, silky body and a sweet, malty flavor from start to finish, with just a light flavor of hops. It was a good beer to finish our dinner, serving as a light dessert as well as a beverage.

Tom Atwell is a Cape Elizabeth freelance writer. He can be contacted at 767-2297 or at:

tomatwell@me.com

Continued from Page E22

Freddy LaFage, through Sunday. 338-0555. University of Maine (Hutchinson Center), Belfast: Selections from the Elmer Montgomery collection and "The Atlantic Fisherman," Penobscot Marine Museum traveling exhibition, through April 30. penobscotmarinemuseum.org Aarhus Gallery, Belfast: "Blue," multiple artist show, through Sunday. aarhusgallery.com Belfast Co-op Cafe Gallery: "Maine Agriculture: Views from the Past," Penobscot Marine Museum traveling exhibition, through Wednesday, penobscotmarine museum.org Craft, Camden: Pottery by Barbara Michelena, Hanako Kanazato and George Pearlman, through May 1. craftonelm.com Bangor Public Library: Minako McKenzie, pencil and monochromatic portraits, through Wednesday. 947-8336. College of the Atlantic, Bar Harbor: "Biology Through the Lens" and "The Faces of Migration: Illustrations of Birds on Great Duck Island," photography by students and artwork by Jordan Chalfant and Anna Stunkel, both through March 10. 288-5015. Archipelago, Rockland: "All Things Bright and Beautiful," diverse works of four Maine artists, through March 16. 596-0701. University of Maine (Blake Library), Fort Kent: "18 Months," Andrew Birden's collection of photographs, through March 3. 834-7527.

Continued from Page E9

March 30 - Stache Pag 2012, 8 p.m., Port City Music Hall, Portland. $10 to $20. Portcitymusichall.com; (888) 512-SHOW March 31 - Strangefolk, 8 p.m., State Theatre, Portland. $30/$35. statetheatreportland. com; (800) 745-3000; Cumberland County Civic Center box office March 31 - Peter Yarrow, 8 p.m., One Longfellow Square, Portland. $35. onelongfellowsquare.com; 761-1757 March 31 - Ellis Paul Family Show, 2 p.m., Strand Theatre, Rockland. $8 to $12. rocklandStrand.com; 594-0070 Apri l 4 - Bombino, 7:30 p.m., Hannaford Hall, Portland. $34. porttix.com; 842-0800 Apri l 4 - Heritage Hunter Tour: Mastodon and Opeth with Ghost, 7:30 p.m., State Theatre, Portland. $30/$35. statetheatre Portland.com; (800) 745-3000; Cumberland County Civic Center box office Apri l 6 - "Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance," 8 p.m., Merrill Auditorium, Portland. $41 to $57 porttix.com; 842-0800 Apri l 6 - Heather Masse and Jed Wilson, 8 p.m., Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield. $20. stonemountainartscenter .com; 935-7292 Apri l 6 - Jonathan Edwards, 8 p.m., One Longfellow Square, Portland. $35/$38. onelongfellowsquare.com; 761-1757 Apri l 6 - Johnny Winter, 8 p.m., Jonathan's, Ogunquit. $44.50. jonathansrestaurant.com; 646-4526 Apri l 7 - Bamboora, 9 p.m., Port City Music Hall, Portland. $15 to $30. portcitymusichall.com; (888) 512-SHOW Apri l 9 - We Came as Romans, Emmure,

Bless the Fall, Woe is Me and The Color Morale, 7 p.m., Port City Music Hall, Portland. $20 to $35. portcitymusichall.com; (888) 512-SHOW Apri l 12 - Girlyman, 8 p.m., Jonathan's, Ogunquit. $22.50. jonathansrestaurant.com; 646-4526 Apri l 13 - Cheryl Wheeler, 8 p.m., Jonathan's, Ogunquit. $35.50 to $72.50. jonathansrestaurant.com; 646-4526 Apri l 13 - Don McLean, 7:30 p.m., Franco-American Heritage Center, Lewiston. $50 to $60. Iafilmfestival.org Apri l 14 - Shawn Colvin, 8 p.m., Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield. $65. Stonemountainartscenter.com; 935-7292 Apri l 15 - Dan Hicks & The Hot Licks, 8 p.m., Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield. $28. Stonemountainartscenter.com; 935-7292 Apri l 16 - Needtobreathe, 7 p.m., State Theatre, Portland. $22/$25. Statetheatre Portland.com; (800) 745-3000; Cumberland County Civic Center box office Apri l 17 - Passion Pit, 8 p.m., State Theatre, Portland. $25/$30. Statetheatreportland .com; (800) 745-3000; Cumberland County Civic Center box office Apri l 18 - Dan Hicks & The Hot Licks, 8 p.m., Jonathan's, Ogunquit. $32.50. Jonathansrestaurant.com; 646-4526 Apri l 18 - Minnesota, 9 p.m., Port City Music Hall, Portland. $15 to $30. Portcitymusichall.com; (888) 512-SHOW Apri l 20 - Seether, 8 p.m., State Theatre, Portland. $27/$30. Statetheatreportland .com; (800) 745-3000; Cumberland County Civic Center box office Apri l 20 - Mayer Hawthorne & The County, 8 p.m., Port City Music Hall, Portland. $18 to $30. Portcitymusichall.com; (888) 512-SHOW Apri l 20 - Ronnie Earl & The Broadcasters, 8 p.m., Jonathan's, Ogunquit. $39 to $76.

Jonathansrestaurant.com; 646-4526 Apri l 21 - Antje Duvekot, 8 p.m., One Longfellow Square, Portland. $15/$18. Onelongfellowsquare.com; 761-1757 Apri l 21 - Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, 8 p.m., State Theatre, Portland. $36 to $66. Statetheatreportland.com; (800) 745-3000; Cumberland County Civic Center box office Apri l 24 - Theory of a Deadman, Pop Evil and Stellar, 7:30 p.m., State Theatre, Portland. $22.50/$25. Statetheatreportland .com; (800) 745-3000; Cumberland County Civic Center box office Apri l 26 - Greg Brown, 8 p.m., One Longfellow Square, Portland. $35/$40. Onelongfellowsquare.com; 761-1757 Apri l 27 - April Verch Band, 8 p.m., One Longfellow Square, Portland. $18/$20. Onelongfellowsquare.com; 761-1757 May 1 - Bob Weir, 8 p.m., State Theatre, Portland. $40/$45. Statetheatreportland .com; (800) 745-3000; Cumberland County Civic Center box office May 2 - Ottmar Liebert and Luna Negra, 8 p.m., Jonathan's, Ogunquit. $37.50. Jonathansrestaurant.com; 646-4526 May 4 - Trailer Park Boys, 8 p.m., State Theatre, Portland. $29.50/$35. Statetheatre Portland.com; (800) 745-3000; Cumberland County Civic Center box office May 4 - Cheryl Wheeler, 8 p.m., Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield. $23. Stonemountainartscenter.com; 935-7292 May 5 - M. Ward, 8 p.m., State Theatre, Portland. $23/$25. Statetheatreportland .com; (800) 745-3000; Cumberland County Civic Center box office

May 5 - Judy Collins, 8 p.m., Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield. $85. Stonemountain artscenter.com; 935-7292

Please see TIX, PageE'O

The Por t land Press He ra ld / Thursday, February 23, 2012 | GO E25

GUIDE

White's Cue Connection definitely a Gray place By EMMA BOUTHILLETTE

U sually it's my mom who's ready to belly up for a Bar Guide, but my dad came with

me for this one. We took a road trip to Gray

on a recent Saturday afternoon and found our way to White's Cue Connection. The bar is located in the Gray Shopping Plaza upstairs from some empty storefronts.

Its Facebook page calls it "a Gray place to gather," and it lived up to that slogan. We arrived midway through happy hour. A few locals gathered at the bar, but the place was otherwise empty. Dad and I grabbed a couple of Red Stripes for $3.25 each and took advantage of some free pool.

Cue sticks lined a wall at the end of the bar set back in the cor­ner. Dad picked out the two best, and started to rack the balls. There was a ball missing, and I figured out it was the purple stripe. I found a 12-ball from a nearby table and borrowed it for our game.

"Go," Dad said. "Do you really want me to

break?" I asked. I've learned that breaking takes

skill. My success at pool is usu­ally by sheer luck, not skill.

Music from a jukebox was play­ing Tom Petty's "American Girl" while a couple of people tried to

Bar tender Jake W r i g h t pours a draf t at Whi te 's Cue Connec t ion in Gray. John Patriquin/Staff Photographer

set up audio equipment near the dance floor for live music later Saturday night. One woman at the bar was trying to convince another guy to dance on the pole at the center of the dance floor.

In addition to the three pool tables, there are three lit dart-boards and a table with red Solo

cups lined up at each end ready for a round of Beruit (also known as beer pong).

On each side of the pool tables, a few small lounge chairs were arranged around side tables. There are also stools placed around the bar for patrons to sit and watch television. A full array

of liquor is displayed on a center island behind the bar, and a rain­bow of Jell-0 shots for $1 apiece are displayed behind the window of a refrigerator.

A couple of people took a smoking break on a deck outside overlooking the plaza's parking area. Despite windows along that

WHITE'S CUE CONNECTION WHERE: 19 Por t land Road, Gray PHONE: 657-2266 WEBSITE: Search for "Whi te 's Cue Connec t i on " on Facebook HOURS: 1 p.m. to 1 a.m. seven days a week PARKING: Lot r igh t ou t f ron t SCENE: Locals enjoy a bar where pool hall meets n igh tc lub . HAPPY HOUR: Every day f r o m 3 to 6 p.m. w i t h $2 Coors L ight SPECIALS: Live music every Fr iday and Saturday; $3 pints of Geary's HAS; ladies ge t $1 of f dr inks and shots f r o m 9 p.m. to close; a s tock of Jel l -O shots fo r $1 AMENITIES: Three pool tables, th ree dar tboards , a jukebox, one bee r -pong tab le - and a po le in the center of the dance floor.

wall, the bar was still pretty dark and, well, gray

Dad took a lead on the pool table quickly. Then I started catching up. In the end, he won. I challenged him to a rematch, but not being locals, we kind of felt out of place at this particular bar. We finished our beers and headed home.

Emma Bouthillette is a freelance writer who lives in Biddeford.

EAT Continued from Page E23

giving in to that temptation. The fries, however, were all mine. My

lunch date and I could have shared one order ($2.79), but we both indulged in our own, and truth be told, there wasn't much left by the time we were done. The fries were my favorite part, as they were superbly fresh, crispy and absolutely delicious.

For the main event - the burger -1 opted for the standard Elevation Burger, which is two patties with no cheese ($5.79). A very respectable array of complimentary toppings were avail­able, with the only exception being blue cheese dressing that will set you back an additional 50 cents. There was one much-loved burger topping that was absent from Elevation's offerings - bacon - but no one's perfect.

The bun, however, came pretty close. Elevation Burger uses potato buns, and although any given bun is going to play a supporting role (literally and figura­tively), this one gets high marks.

The moment of truth came with the

first bite of my burger. And it was quite the bite, given that it was a two-patty affair.

Sure, it was flavorful, and sure, I enjoyed it. But here's the problem with burger places that take the flat-patty route: Juiciness is nowhere to be found, and that is my favorite part of a burger.

Granted, thicker burgers take longer to cook and wouldn't lend themselves to the at least semi-fast-food sensibility of Elevation Burger.

I would be remiss if I didn't point out some of Elevation's healthier options. First off, should you want to save on calories and carbs, any of their burgers can be wrapped in lettuce rather than sandwiched inside a bun. Also, they serve a nice-looking veggie burger made with a blend of veggies and cheese.

In terms of sides, along with the fries and cookies, you can also order a cup of mandarin oranges for $1.79. Nice touch.

Given the perfect fries, the decent en­vironment and the certainly respectable burger, I'm happy to welcome Elevation Burger into the carnivorous fold of south­ern Maine.

The staff of GO anonymously samples meals for about $7.

MOVIES Continued from Page E18

Showing at: Nickelodeon Today-Wed 1:20, 4:30, 7:10, 9:40; Windham 5 Star Today 1:35, 4:35, 7:20; Nordica (Freeport) Today 1:45, 4:15, 7:30,10; Brunswick 10 Today 1:40, 4:20, 7:25,10:05 Fri-Wed 1, 4:20, 7:10, 9:50; Fal­mouth 10 Today 2:05, 4:45, 7:25,10; Cinemagic Grand (South Portland) Today-Fri 2:30, 5, 7:30,10 Sat-Sun 12, 2:30, 5, 7:30,10 Mon-Wed 2:30, 5, 7:30,10; Cinemagic Westbrook Today-Wed 11:30, 2, 4:40, 7:20,10; Cinemagic Saco Today-Wed 12:10, 2:35, 5, 7:25, 9:50

"THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY" (G) (1:34) Stars Bridgit Mendler, Amy Poehler and Will Arnett. Directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi and Gary Rydstrom. The Clock family are 4-inch-tall people who live anonymously in another family's residence, borrowing simple items to make their home. Life changes for the Clocks when their daughter, Arrietty, is discovered.

Showing at: Cinemagic Westbrook Today-Wed 11:40, 2, 4:20, 6:45, 9:10; Cinemagic Saco Today-Wed 12:20, 2:35, 4:50, 7:05, 9:15

"STAR WARS: EPISODE I - THE PHANTOM MENACE 3D" (PG) (1:36) Stars Ewan McGregor, Liam Neeson and Natalie Portman. Directed by George Lucas. Two Jedi Knights uncover a wider conflict when they are sent as emissaries to the blockaded planet Naboo. Originally released in 1999, but not in 3D.

Showing at: Nordica (Freeport) Today (all 3D) 12:30, 6:40; Brunswick 10 Today (all 3D) 1, 4, 6:55, 9:25 Fri (all

3D) 1, 4, 6:40, 9:40 Sat (all 3D) 6:40, 9:40 Sun-Wed (all 3D) 1, 4, 6:40, 9:40; Cinemagic Grand (South Portland) Today (all 3D) 1, 4, 7,10 Fri (all 3D) 2:20, 4:40, 7:10, 9:40 Sat-Sun 12, 2:20, 4:40, 7:10, 9:40 Mon-Wed 2:20, 4:40, 7:10, 9:40; Cinemagic Westbrook Today (all 3D) 12:30, 3:30, 6:50, 9:50 Fri-Wed (all 3D) 12:20, 3:30, 6:50, 9:50; Cinemagic Saco Today-Wed (all 3D) 12:15, 3:10, 7, 9:50; Falmouth 10 Today-Sat (all 3D) 1:25, 4:20, 7:15,10:10 Sun (all 3D) 1:25, 4:20, 7:15 Mon-Wed (all 3D) 4:20, 7:15

"TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY" (R) (2:07) Stars Gary Oldman, Colin Firth and Tom Hardy. Directed by Tomas Alfredson. In 1970s England, the head of MI6 dispatches a spy to meet with a Hungarian general, but something goes wrong and the general dies before he can reveal the information. Veteran agent George Smiley is called back from forced retirement to find a mole and stop the flow of British secrets to the Russians.

Showing at: Nickelodeon (Portland) Today-Wed 3:45, 9

"THIS MEANS WAR" (PG-13) (1:38) Stars Reese With-erspoon, Chris Pine and Tom Hardy. Directed by McG. Two top CIA operatives wage an epic battle against one another after they discover they are dating the same woman.

Showing at: Windham 5 Star Today 1:05, 4:05, 7; Nor­dica (Freeport) Today 1, 3:45, 7, 9:20; Cinemagic Grand (South Portland) Today-Fri 2:30, 4:50, 7:20, 9:50 Sat-Sun 12:10, 2:30, 4:50, 7:20, 9:50 Mon-Wed 2:30, 4:50, 7:20, 9:50; Cinemagic Westbrook Today

Please see MOVIES, Page E28

E26 GO The Portland Press Herald/ Thursday, February 23, 2012

MAYALLContinued from Page E5

port on drums and Greg Rzab on bass- the best he's ever had.

That's high praise indeed from a manwho has had Clapton and three foundingmembers of Fleetwood Mac in his band,not to mention Coco Montoya, AynsleyDunbar, Walter Trout and a dozen or soother top-notch musicians.

"I think this band is the best I've had,especially at exploring the possibilities ofthe music," said Mayall. "It doesn't mat-ter what we play; the tunes are just thehangers we put the music on."

So if you go to Sunday's show, be readyfor a heavy dose of improvisation. Andwith 57 albums' worth of material to workfrom, Mayall has a very deep musicalpond from which to fish.

Mayall found his current band throughmutual friends, and by watching otherpeople's bands. He knew of Rzab becauseof his time playing with Buddy Guy, forinstance, and he found Athas througha previous member of his band, BuddyWhittington.

"I need to find people I have a greatrapport with," he said. "That's importantto me."

Mayall was born in the English coun-tryside not far from the industrial cityof Manchester. His father was a fan ofAmerican blues, and his record collectionincluded 78s by early blues guitar legendssuch as Leadbelly, Lonnie Johnson andBrownie McGhee.

Mayall's family were also fans of theboogie-woogie style, so he began playingpiano at 14 while attending an arts school.Thus began a career of musical dexter-ity. .. Mayall is proficient on guitar, piano,keyboards, harmonica and a host of otherinstruments.

As a young man, he worked as an artistfor a department store, then served inthe British Army's Royal Engineers asan office clerk in England and Korea. Heplayed music the entire time, but says hecouldn't find many places who wanted hisstyle of amplified-guitar blues. It wasn'tuntil the early 1960s, when Mayall was30, that he started playing regularly inLondon and started gaining audiences forhis music.

It was around this time that he formedthe first version of his signature band,The Bluesbreakers. When Eric Claptonleft The Yardbirds in 1965 due to theirincreasing pop mentality, he turned to

JOHN MAYALLWHEN: 8 p.m. SundayWHERE: Jonathan's, 92 Bourne Lane,OgunquitHOW MUCH: $49.50 in advance;$54 day of showINFO: 646-4526;jonathansrestaurant.com

Mayall for a more blues-based approach.Their one and only album together,"Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton"(1966), is considered one of the greatestalbums of all time.

But Clapton soon left to form Cream,taking bass player Jack Bruce with him.It was the first in a long line of musiciansnurtured by Mayall who would leave forwildly successful careers elsewhere.

Instead of being resentful, Mayall findsit "gratifying" that Clapton and manyother great musicians played in his band."I guess it's a testament to my good tastein music," he said.

Mayall doesn't keep in touch very muchwith his former bandmates. He did playa gig with Clapton and Taylor in 2003, onthe occasion of Mayall's 70th birthday, butthat was arranged by record labels.

"Eric showed up on the afternoon of theshow, so there were no rehearsals. It wasgreat fun," said Mayall. "But as far asgetting in touch with him again, I wouldn'tknow where to find Eric. I don't think hisnumber is listed."

In 2001, on the anniversary of his 40thyear in music, Mayall put out an al-bum called "Along for the Ride," whichincluded appearances by Gary Moore,Jonny Lang, Steve Cropper, Steve Miller,Otis Rush, Billy Gibbons, Chris Rea andothers. It was a testament to Mayall'sreputation that, while not as commer-cially successful as his proteges, hisinfluence on rock and post-war blues isincalculable.

Mayall says he has no plans to retire orslow down, and will play music as long ashe can. When he's not playing music - orarranging for his own tour publicity - helikes to work with his hands.

"We just moved, and we built a newhouse, so I just finished building a rockfireplace," he said. "I like to keep mov-

Staff Writer Ray Routhier can be contacted at 791-6454 or at:

rrouthier@pressherald. com

Top 1O for Portland store Feb. 13-19:1. Adele, "21"2. "The Twilight Saga: Breaking DawnPart 1" (DVD)3. Leonard Cohen, "Old Ideas"4. Vasen, "Vasen Street"5. "The Rum Diary" (DVD)6. Vasen, "Live in Japan"7. Adele, "Live at the Royal Albert Hall"8. Vasen, "Keyed Up"9. Gotye, "Making Mirrors"10. Paul McCartney, "Kisses on theBottom"

- Courtesy of Bull Moose

The Portland Press Herald/ Thursday, February 23, 2012 GO E27

Ray RouthierOff Beat

FOURTH ANNUAL FIFTHMONTY PYTHON NIGHTWHEN: 8 p.m. todayWHERE: Slainte, 24Preble St., PortlandHOW MUCH: FreeINFO: 828-0900;slaintewinebar.com

Tonight, the supremely silly takes center stageas Slainte celebrates all things Monty Python.

rian Brinegar grew up practicing his silly walks, honing his British accent andreciting pithy phrases like "my brain hurts."

"Monty Python is my geek-out. Other people have 'Star Wars' or 'Star Trek,'but I have Python," said Brinegar, 38, a stand-up comedian from Gorham. "It'sprobably why I didn't date until I was 20. Most girls don't want to hear the deadparrot sketch on their first date."

But other stand-up comics - and millions of regular folks - are fairlyfluent in the language of Python. Thusthe annual Monty Python Night at SlainteWine Bar & Lounge in Portland, hosted byBrinegar.

Comedians want to do Python, and Pythongeeks can't get enough.

The next one is tonight, and it's officiallybilled as "The Fourth Annual Fifth MontyPython Night." It's got an appropriately sillyname, which also happens to make sense.

"The first time we did one, everybodywanted to be a part of it. People even showed up in costume. So the nextone we did was not a year later," said Brinegar. "This is the fifth one, butonly the fourth annual."

Tonight's Monty Python Night will feature comedians whoperform at Slainte's open-mic comedy nightsthroughout the year.

The comics do skits from the Britishcomedy troupe's legendary TV show,"Monty Python's Flying Circus," aswell as from movies such as"Monty Python and the HolyGrail" and "Life of Brian."

So you might see aninterpretation of the cheeseshop or the ministry of silly

Please see MONTY, PageE28

Monty Python great JohnCleese, above. At right are

images from "Monty Python'sLife of Brian," "Monty Python

and the Holy Grail" and"Monty Python's The

Meaning of Life."

HOT The jokes? They kilt Jem againHAVE A LAUGH and help the Claddagh MhorPipe Band raise funds for new uniforms andequipment during the second annual Comics

for Kilts show featuring Kevin Neales, Johnny Aterand Tuck.WHEN: 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday (show starts at 8 p.m.)WHERE: Maine Irish Heritage Center, 34 Gray St., PortlandHOW MUCH: $20 each; $30 for a pair; available at the doorINFO: claddaghmhor.com

Trance dance at the AsylumGET YOUR GROOVE ON this weekend at theTrance Dance, featuring the electronicrhythms of Beatmo, Kohaku, The Psychologistand Dudeman.WHEN: 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. SaturdayWHERE: Asylum, basement level, 121 Center St.,PortlandHOW MUCH: FreeINFO: portlandasylum.com

'TV Show Episode 4' at Space, E28 • Listings, E29

E28 GO The Portland Press Herald/ Thursday, February 23, 2012

Desire to make fi ms leads to fun TV Show'By AVERY YALE KAMILA

StaffWriter

Get ready for vampire bats, a cookie-baking Santa and a high-speed policechase to descend upon Portland when"TV Show Episode 4" screens at SpaceGallery on Tuesday night.

The latest installment in an ongoing col-laboration between Creative Trails' ShootMedia Project and Bomb Diggity Arts,the show gives developmentally disabledadults the opportunity to produce andstar in short films.

The first episode screened in October2010, with the next two episodes screen-ing together the following year at a sold-out show. This time around, audiencemembers will experience a 40-minuteshow, with each piece running about twoto three minutes.

The subject matter ranges from fantasyto documentary. Some pieces are shotas live action; others feature animation.Highlights include parodies, done withpuppets, of the '80s TV hit "The CosbyShow" and music videos of Maroon 5 andChristina Aguilera's hit song "MovesLike Jagger."

Natalie Conn, a team leader with ShootMedia Project, conceived of the under-taking with fellow Salt Institute for Docu-mentary Studies alumna Anna Schechter.

"I have a background in multimedia,and I saw a desire among the partici-pants to make movies," Conn said.

Paulina Klimek-Cornett has partici-pated in "TV Show Episode 4." One of thepieces she worked on is an explorationof how her Polish heritage influences herart.

"For me, it's been really cool," Klimek-Cornett said. "I get to learn how to be abetter actor and stuff."

Shoot Media Project was born as anoutgrowth of Creative Trails, a nonprofitorganization working with adults "withintellectual uniqueness" on artistic,farming, culinary and outdoor adventureprojects.

Because Bomb Diggity Arts - known forits bakery at Local Sprouts Cafe - has asimilar mission, the nonprofit was quicklybrought into the fold.

"A lot of folks are learning how to usethe video camera," said Mandy Morrish,media coordinator for Bomb Diggity Arts."Overall, 'TV Show' is a project that is allabout inclusive collaboration."

Morrish predicts that audiences will geta kick out of the show.

"I think overall, we're really going forentertainment and laughs," Morrish said.

Staff Writer Avery Yale Kamila can be contacted at

791-6297 or at:

akamila@pressherald.comTwitter: AveryYaleKamila

Shoot Media Project artist MarcMeyer acts in his short movie,

"Skydiving," to be in "TV ShowEpisode 4."

Contributed photos

"TV SHOW EPISODE 4"WHEN: 7:30 p.m. TuesdayWHERE: Space Gallery, 538 CongressSt., PortlandHOW MUCH: $5INFO: space538.orgWHAT ELSE: After the screening atSpace, the show will begin airingon Portland's Community TelevisionNetwork.

Shoot Media Projectartist Jason Taylor,acting as a talk showhost, interviewscolleague PaulinaKlimek-Cornettabout her Polishheritage for "TVShow Episode 4."

MOVIESContinued from Page E25

11:40, 2, 4:20, 7:10, 9:50 Fri-Wed 11:40, 2, 4:20, 6:50,9:20; Cinemagic Saco Today-Wed 12:15, 2:30, 4:45,7:10, 9:25; Brunswick 10 Today 1:20, 3:40, 7, 9:35 Fri-Wed1:05, 3:35, 7, 9:35; Falmouth 10 Today 1:50, 4:40,7:10, 9:30 Fri-Sat 1:50, 4:45, 7:05, 9:35 Sun 1:50, 4:45,7:05, Mon-Wed 4:45, 7:05

"UNDERWORLD: AWAKENING" (R) (1:28) Stars KateBeckinsale, Michael Ealy, India Eisley and Stephen Rea.Directed by Mans Marlind and Bjorn Stein. When humanforces discover the existence of the Vampire and Lycanclans, a war to eradicate both species commences.The vampire warrioress Selene leads the battle againsthumankind. This is the fourth film in the series and thefirst in 3-D.

Showing at: Cinemagic Westbrook Today 10

"THE VOW" (PG-13) (1:48) Stars Rachel McAdams,Channing Tatum, Sam Neill and Jessica Lange. Directedby Michael Sucsy. A car accident puts Paige (McAdams)in a coma, and when she wakes up with severe memory

loss, her husband Leo (Tatum) works to win her heartagain.

Showing at: Windham 5 Star Today 1, 4:15, 7:10; Nordica(Freeport) Today 1:15, 4:30, 7:20, 9:40; Brunswick 10Today-Wed 1:35, 4:15, 7:15, 9:45; Cinemagic Grand (SouthPortland) Today-Fri 2:30, 5, 7:30,10 Sat-Sun 12, 2:30, 5,7:30,10 Mon-Wed 2:30, 5, 7:30,10; Cinemagic WestbrookToday-Wed 11:40, 2:10, 4:40, 7:20,10; Cinemagic SacoToday-Wed 12:10, 2:30, 4:45, 7:05, 9:20; Falmouth 10Today 2:10, 4:55, 7:40,10:05 Fri-Sun 1:30, 4:25, 7, 9:30Mon-Wed 4:25, 7

"THE WOMAN IN BLACK" (PG-13) (1:35) Stars DanielRadcliffe, Janet McTeer, Ciaran Hinds and Emma Shorey.Directed by James Watkins. A young lawyer travels to aremote village to put his deceased client's affairs in orderand discovers the area residents are hiding a deadlysecret - a vengeful ghost of a scorned woman who is try-ing to find something she lost and terrorizing the localsin the process.

Showing at: Windham 5 Star Today Today 7:15;Cinemagic Grand (South Portland) Today 2:15, 7:10;Cinemagic Westbrook Today 11:30,1:50, 4:20, 6:50, 9:30Fri-Wed 12:20, 9:40; Cinemagic Saco Today-Wed 12:05,2:15, 4:30, 7:10, 9:20; Brunswick 10 Today 4:05, 7:30,10;Falmouth 10 Today 1:45, 6:50

MONTYContinued from Page E27

walks, hear someone break out in "TheLumberjack Song," or overhear iconiclines like "Nobody expects the SpanishInquisition!"

Or there might be a character mutteringsomething like "Why don't you have theSpam, bacon, Spam, Spam, eggs andSpam, that doesn't have much Spam init."

Audience members in the past haveshown up wearing armor like charactersfrom "Holy Grail." Last year, Brinegargave out free cans of Spam.

So what exactly does Brinegar think isthe appeal of Monty Python?

"They did silly in a very smart way,"he said. "There are times when I knowsomething, and I realize the only reason Iknow it is from Python."

Like the fact that the Romans developedpublic sanitation and a system of roads,for example.

Although Monty Python's heyday onTV and in film was the 1970s and '80s,thanks to re-runs and cable, their uniquehumor is still gaining new fans - likeBrinegar's 10-year-old son, Westley, whomay perform one of the Gumby sketchestonight with his dad.

The Gumbys were characters ina recurring Python skit who worehandkerchiefs on their heads and rolled-up pants, and shouted things like "mybrain hurts."

"I can't really explain some of theappeal," said Brinegar, "you just have tosee it."

And tonight would be a good time to dothat.

Staff Writer Ray Routhier can be contacted at 791-

6454 or at:

rrouthier@pressherald. com

The Portland Press Herald/ Thursday, February 23, 2012 | GO E29

BENEFITS Claddagh Mhor Pipe Band Presents "Comics for Kilts," proceeds wil l go towards the purchase of equipment and uniforms for the band, Maine Irish Heritage Center, Portland. $20; two for $30. claddaghmhor.com. Cash bar opens at 7 p.m.; show at 8 p.m. Saturday. Southern Maine Pickin' Society Headlining Dinner and Fundraiser, music and dinner, benefits American Liver Foundation, Falmouth Congregational Church. $12; $20 per couple; $30 per family, runningfortigerlily.com. 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday.

"Pastabilities 4.0," Waterfall Arts fourth annual family "fun(d)raiser" with a pasta dinner, music by Noah Fishman and a silent auction, Waterfall Arts, Belfast. $15; $5 for children underage 12. waterfallarts.org. 5 and 6:30 p.m. seatings Monday. Rippleffect Gala, dancing, food, raffle and live auction; benefits Rippleffect Scholarship Program; Ocean Gateway Terminal, Portland. $50. rippleeffect.net. 6 to 10 p.m. March 1.

FAIRS/FESTIVALS Longfellow Days, month long celebration of readings, tours, dinners, films and more honoring Henry W. Longfellow, various locations, Brunswick. Various prices. brunswickdowntown.com/longfellowdays. Through Sunday. Laser Fest, laser-light shows including "Laser U2," "Laser Spirit," "Laser Mania," "Hypnotica" and more; University of Southern Maine (Southworth Planetarium), Portland. $5, plus $1 for 3-D glasses. Call for show schedule: 780-4249. Noon, 2, 3, 7 and 8 p.m. today and Friday; 1, 3, 7 and 8 p.m. Saturday; 1 and 3 p.m. Sunday. 24th Annual Family Fest, outdoor winter family fun, poker run, snow volleyball tournament, pie-eating contest and ugliest ski sweater contest, Shawnee Peak, Bridgton. Free. 647-8444. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today. Longfellow Days: Cabaret Valentine Buffet, buffet of desserts, cheeses and beverages, plus music, love letters and poetry from Maine State Music Theatre; The Inn at Brunswick Station. $25; reservations required. 729-4439. 7 p.m. Friday. Bethel Winterfest, Nordic and Alpine skiing events, snowboarding, snowmobiling, rail jams, sledding, scenic airplane rides, demonstrations and more; various locations, Bethel. bethelwinterfest.com. 5:15 to 9 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to about 7 p.m. Saturday. Signature Event, fine cocktails and confectionary creations, kickoff to Maine Restaurant Week, Portland Harbor Hotel. $35; four for $120. mainerestaurantweek.com. 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday. Wines Around the World, Maine Restaurant Week event; culinary journey to Argentina, Italy, Spain, France and the U.S.; The Inn at Brunswick Station. $45; includes wine, food, tax and tip. 837-6565. 6 p.m. March 1.

SPECIAL EVENTS FRIDAY "Search for the Solar System's Edge," planetarium show, University of Southern Maine (Southworth Planetarium), Portland. $4, $6. usm.maine.edu/ planet. 1 p.m. Phyzgig, with AudioBody, Randy Judkins and Norman Ng, plus lobby magic by Dan Link, Westbrook Performing Arts Center. $16; $10 for ages 12 and younger, acorn-productions.org. 7 p.m.

SATURDAY Annual Longfellow Birthday Party, readings of Longfellow poems by MPBN's Irwin Gratz and state Rep. Herb Adams, Maine Historical Society, Portland, mainehistory.org. 10 a.m.

listings ET CETERA

"Longfellow and Bull: The Poet and the Virtuoso," illustrated talk by Charles Kaufmann, Maine Historical Society, Portland, mainehistory.org. 1 p.m. Maine Roller Derby: Calamity Janes vs. Montreal Sexpos, Happy Wheels Skate Center, Portland. $5. mainerollerderby.com. 5 to 7:30 p.m. Winter Family Fun Day, dog-sled rides, ice harvesting, ice-sculpting demonstrations, nature hikes and more, Aroostook State Park, Presque Isle. $1.50; free for children and seniors. parksandlands.com. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Simply Southern Italian Cooking and Wine Series, cooking and wine class presented by the Chadwick, Newfangled Eats and Wine Wine, 2 1 -plus; Chadwick Bed and Breakfast, Portland. $75; $125 per couple. 774-5141. 6 to 9 p.m.

SUNDAY Fort Andross Winter Antique Show, dealers from all over New England, Fort Andross, Brunswick. Free admission. 522-1977. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

MONDAY Storytime in the Garden, hourlong stories read by Pat Jeremiah, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Boothbay. Free. 633-4333. 10 a.m.

WEDNESDAY "The Iraq War from a Maine Perspective," Salt Institute hosts an evening dedicated to soldiers fighting in Iraq and their families featuring the Portland premiere of the Maine-

Matt and Jason Tardy create "comedic electronica" as AudioBody, and they're part of the Phyzgig lineup Friday at the Westbrook Performing Arts Center.

made documentary "Welcome to Lee Maine," discussion with Portland Press Herald columnist Bill Nemitz and photojournalist Gregory Rec, Cinemagic Grand, South Portland. $6. salt.edu. 7 p.m.

MARCH 1 Maine Beer Co. Beer Dinner, four-course dinner paired with beers from Maine Beer Co., 50 Local, Kennebunk. $55, includes tax and tip. localkennebunk.com. 6 p.m.

FILMS TODAY 2012 Oscar Nominated Animated Short Films, Space Gallery, Portland. $8. space538.org. 7:30 p.m. "W indfa l l" (2012), award-winning documentary about wind power, Carrabassett Community Library, Carrabassett Valley. Free. 628-2070. 7 p.m. "The Wind Journeys" (2009), Maine premiere of award-winning fi lm, in Spanish with English subtitles, post-screening discussion, Rockland Public Library. Free. 594-0310. 6:30 p.m.

FRIDAY "W indfa l l" (2012), award-winning documentary about wind power, New Portland Community Room. Free. 628-2070. 6 p.m.

SATURDAY 2012 Oscar Nominated Live Action Short Films,

Space, Portland. $8. space538.org. 7:30 p.m. "The Princess Bride" (1987, rated PG), Long Branch School & General Store, Bowdoinham. Free. 699-8900. 6 p.m.

SUNDAY Annual Oscar Party, watch the Oscars live in HD on the big screen, plus red carpet and prizes, Strand Theatre, Rockland. Free. rocklandstrand.com. 6:30 p.m. "The Debt" (2011, rated R), York Public Library. Free. 363-2818. 3 p.m.

TUESDAY "W indfa l l" (2012), award-winning documentary about wind power, Unity Centre for the Performing Arts. Free. 948-7469. 7 p.m.

MARCH 1 "W indfa l l" (2012), award-winning documentary about wind power, Skowhegan Free Library. Free. 628-2070. 6 p.m. "The Prep School Negro" (2011), documentary screening with outreach workshop featuring film director Andre Robert Lee, University of New England (Ludcke Auditorium), Portland. Free. friendsschoolofportland.org. 6 p.m.

BOOKS/AUTHORS TODAY Luann Yetter, author of "Portland's Past: Stories from the City by the Sea," Maine Maritime Museum, Bath. $7; $5 for members. mainemaritimemuseum.org. 7 p.m. Poet Carolyn Gelland, author of "Four Alarm House," Farmington Public Library. Free. 778-4312. 7 p.m.

FRIDAY June O'Donal, author of "The Fryeburg Chronicles: Book I The Amazing Grace 1765-1784," Portland Public Library. Free. portlandlibrary.com. Noon.

SATURDAY Chris Van Dusen, author of "Randy Riley's Really Big Hit," and MattTavares, author of "There Goes Ted Will iams," Kennebooks, Kennebunk. 967-6136. 10:30 a.m. Kristen Lindquist and Morgan Callan Rogers, birthday party for the store, Gulf of Maine Books, Brunswick, gulfofmainebooks.com. 3 p.m. February Blues Book Bash, several independent authors read and sign their books, Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick. Free. 594-0091. 12:30 to 4 p.m.

Rebekah Raye, art workshop and book reading by children's book author and illustrator, Maine State Museum, Augusta. Free, mainestatemuseum.org. 11 a.m.

TUESDAY Maine Historical Society Book Group, Jane Brox's "Brilliant: The Evolution of Artificial Light" and other selected readings, Maine Historical Society, Portland. $10 to $20 for four sessions. mainehistory.org. 7 p.m. Port Veritas Spoken Word Night, weekly poetry reading, Local Sprouts Cooperative, Portland. Free/donation, localsprouts.coop. 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY Morgan Callan Rogers, author of "Red Ruby Heart in a Cold Blue Sea," Patten Free Library, Bath. Free. 443-5141. 6:30 p.m.

PRO SPORTS Portland Pirates, AHL affiliate of the Phoenix Coyotes, Cumberland County Civic Center, Portland. $12 to $20. portlandpirates.com. Vs. Springfield, 4 p.m. Sunday.

E30 GO The Por t land Press H e r a l d / Thursday, February 23, 2012

Continued from Page E24

May 6 - Judy Collins, 8 p.m., Jonathan's, Ogunquit. $65 to $102. Jonathansrestaurant.com; 646-4526 May 9 - Trans-Siberian Orchestra: Beethoven's Last Night, 5:30 p.m., Bangor Waterfront Pavilion. $41.75 to $61.75. Waterfrontconcerts.com; (800) 745-3000. May 10 - Beats Antique, 8 p.m., Port City Music Hall, Portland. $18 to $40. Portcitymusichall.com; (888) 512-SHOW May 11 - Southside Johnny & The Poor Fools, 8 p.m., Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield. $40. Stonemountainartscenter .com; 935-7292 May 11 - Aztec Two Step, 8 p.m., One Longfellow Square, Portland. $25/$28. Onelongfellowsquare.com; 761-1757 May 17 - Whitechapel, Miss May I and After the Burial, 6:30 p.m., State Theatre, Portland. $17.50/$20. Statetheatreportland. com; (800) 745-3000; Cumberland County Civic Center box office May 18 - Godsmack and Staind, 5 p.m., Bangor Waterfront Pavilion. $47.50. Waterfrontconcerts.com; (800) 745-3000 May 18 - Enter the Haggis, 8 p.m., Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield. $25. Stonemountainartscenter.com; 935-7292 May 19 - Tom Rush, 8 p.m., Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield. $37.50. Stonemountainartscenter.com; 935-7292 May 20 - Chris Smither, 8 p.m., One Longfellow Square, Portland. $22/$25. Onelongfellowsquare.com; 761-1757 May 23 - Joe Bonamassa, 8 p.m., Merrill Auditorium, Portland. $49 to $79. Porttix.com; 842-0800 May 27 - Country Throwdown with Gary Allan, Justin Moore, Josh Thompson, Sunny Sweeney and several others on multiple stages, 3 p.m., Bangor Waterfront Pavilion. $22.25 to $52.25. Waterfrontconcerts.com; (800) 745-3000

May 31 - Bonnie Raitt with Marc Cohn, 8 p.m., Merrill Auditorium, Portland. $52.50 to $62.50. Porttix.com; 842-0800 May 31 - Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, 8 p.m., Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield. $75. Stonemountainartscenter.com; 935-7292 June 2 - Dar Williams, 6:30 and 9:30 p.m., One Longfellow Square, Portland. $35. 761-1757; Onelongfellowsquare.com June 15 - Enter the Haggis, 8 p.m., Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield. $25. Stonemountainartscenter.com; 935-7292 June 24 - James Taylor and His Band, 8 p.m., Cumberland County Civic Center, Portland. $59.50 to $79.50. Ticketmaster.com; (800) 745-3000; 775-3458 July 6 - J. Geils, Jeff Pitchell, and Gerry Beaudoin & Texas Flood, 8 p.m., Jonathan's, Ogunquit. $42.50. Jonathansrestaurant.com July 6 - Rascal Flatts, Little Big Town, Eli Young and Edens Edge, 5:30 p.m., Bangor Waterfront Pavilion. $139.50 to $260. Waterfrontconcerts.com; (800) 745-3000 July 15 - Paula Poundstone, 8 p.m., Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield. $45. Stonemountainartscenter.com; 935-7292 July 26 - Janis Ian, 8 p.m., Jonathan's, Ogunquit. $32.50. Jonathansrestaurant.com; 646-4526 July 26 - Greg Brown, 8 p.m., Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield. $35. Stonemountainartscenter.com; 935-7292 July 28 - Jonathan Edwards' Birthday Bash, 7 p.m., Jonathan's, Ogunquit. $40. Jonathansrestaurant.com; 646-4526 Aug. 4 - Slaid Cleaves and Bill Kirchen, 7:30 p.m., Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield. $79. Stonemountainartscenter .com; 935-7292 Sept. 1 - Keith Urban and David Nail, 5:30

Courtesy photo

Rascal F la t ts headl ines a coun t r y show at the Bangor Wate r f ron t Pavil ion on July 6.

p.m., Bangor Waterfront Pavilion, $139.50 to $260. Waterfrontconcerts.com; (800) 745-3000 Sept. 2 - Jason Aldean & Luke Bryan, 5:30 p.m., Bangor Waterfront Pavilion, $139.50 to $260. Waterfrontconcerts.com; (800) 745-3000 Sept. 16 - Connie Smith, 8 p.m., Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield. $45. Stonemountainartscenter.com; 935-7292

Get outta town Today - Lauryn Hill, 8 p.m., House of Blues, Boston. $57.50 to $75. Livenation.com; (800) 745-3000 Today - Blake Shelton, 7:30 p.m., DCU Center, Worcester, Mass. $38.40 to $63.85. Ticketmaster.com; (800) 745-3000 Friday - The Temptations, 8 p.m., The Music Hall, Portsmouth, N.H. $44 to $52. Themusichall.org; (603) 436-2400 Sunday - Steel Pulse, Galactic and The Soul Rebels, 8 p.m., House of Blues, Boston. $27.50 to $35. Livenation.com; (800) 745-3000 Sunday - Harlem Globetrotters, 2 p.m., DCU Center, Worcester, Mass. $30 to $143.20. Ticketmaster.com; (800) 745-3000 Tuesday - No Antidote Tour with Two Fresh and Nit Grit, 8 p.m., Paradise Rock Club, Boston. $20. Ticketmaster.com; (800) 745-3000 Wednesday - August Burns Red with Silverstein, Texas in July and The Breather, 7:15 p.m., House of Blues, Boston. $20.

Livenation.com; (800) 745-3000 March 1 - Pat Green, 8 p.m., House of Blues, Boston. $25. Livenation.com; (800) 745-3000 March 1 - Tyga, 8 p.m., Wilbur Theatre, Boston. $31. Ticketmaster.com; (800) 745-3000 March 2 - moe, 8 p.m., House of Blues, Boston. $30 to $45. Livenation.com; (800) 745-3000 March 3 - Big Time Rush, 7 p.m., Agganis Arena, Boston. $34 to $54.40. Ticketmaster.com; (800) 745-3000 March 5 - Fanfarlo, 8 p.m., Paradise Rock Club, Boston. $20. Ticketmaster.com; (800) 745-3000 March 6 - Kaiser Chiefs, 8 p.m., House of Blues, Boston. $25. Livenation.com; (800) 745-3000 March 9 - The Saw Doctors, 8 p.m., House of Blues, Boston. $29.50/$45. Livenation.com; (800) 745-3000 March 9 - Celtic Woman, 8 p.m., Citi Performing Arts Center Wang Theatre, Boston. $39.50 to $79.50. Citicenter.org; (866) 348-9738 March 10 - Dropkick Murphys, 7 p.m., Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, Conn. $34.10. Ticketmaster.com; (800) 745-3000 March 10 - Sandra Bernhard, 8 p.m., The Music Hall, Portsmouth, N.H. $52 to $58. Themusichall.org; (603) 436-2400 March 11 - Van Halen with Kool & The Gang, 7:30 p.m., TD Garden, Boston. $62.75 to $164.90. Ticketmaster.com; (800) 745-3000

March 13 - Van Halen with Kool & The Gang, 7:30 p.m., Verizon Wireless Arena, Manchester, N.H. $60 to $162.10. Ticketmaster.com; (800) 745-3000 March 14-16 - Dropkick Murphys, 7 p.m., House of Blues, Boston. $32.50 to $60. Livenation.com; (800) 745-3000 March 16 - Celtic Woman, 7:30 p.m., Verizon Wireless Arena, Manchester, N.H. $43.50 to $59. Ticketmaster.com; (800) 745-3000 March 17 - Harlem Globetrotters, 7 p.m., Verizon Wireless Arena, Manchester, N.H. $27 to $138.35. Ticketmaster.com; (800) 745-3000 March 20 - GWAR, 7:30 p.m., Wilbur Theatre, Boston. $28.50. Ticketmaster.com; (800) 745-3000 March 22 - Dr. Dog, 8 p.m., House of Blues, Boston. $22.50 to $35. Livenation.com; (800) 745-3000 March 23 - Kathy Griffin, 10 p.m., Wilbur Theatre, Boston. $59.25 to $81.75. Ticketmaster.com; (800) 745-3000 March 24 - Martin Sexton, 8 p.m., House of Blues, Boston. $25 to $35. Livenation.com; (800) 745-3000 March 26 - Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, TD Garden, Boston. $67.50 to $100.50. Livenation.com; (800) 745-3000 March 27 - Kasabian, 8 p.m., House of Blues, Boston. $23 to $25. Livenation.com; (800) 745-3000 March 27 - Delta Spirit, 8 p.m., Paradise Rock Club, Boston. $24.50. Livenation.com; (800) 745-3000 March 30 - The Joy Formidable, 8 p.m., Paradise Rock Club, Boston. $20. Livenation.com; (800) 745-3000 March 30 - Levon Helm Band with Los Lobos, 8 p.m., Casino Ballroom, Hampton Beach, N.H. $36 to $70. Ticketmaster.com; (800) 745-3000 March 30 - DJ Shadow, 9 p.m. March 30, House of Blues, Boston. $27. Livenation.com; (800) 745-3000 March 31 - Harlem Globetrotters, 2 p.m., TD Garden, Boston. $35.25 to $178.45. Ticketmaster.com; (800) 745-3000 Apri l 5-6 - Furthur, 7:30 p.m., Citi Performing Arts Center Wang Theatre, Boston. $49.50 to $59.50. Citicenter.org; (866) 348-9738 Apri l 5, 7 - Kevin Hart, 7 p.m. and 9:45 p.m., Wilbur Theatre, Boston. $81.50. Ticketmaster.com; (800) 745-3000 Apri l 11 - Rain, 8 p.m., Wilbur Theatre, Boston. $82. Livenation.com; (800) 745-3000 Apri l 12 - Snow Patrol, 7:30 p.m., Orpheum Theatre, Boston. $43.20 to $47.80. Livenation.com; (800) 745-3000 Apri l 12 - Daryl Hall with Sharon Jones and Allen Stone, 8 p.m., House of Blues, Boston. $49.50 to $75. Livenation.com; (800) 745-3000 Apri l 14 - White Rabbits, 9 p.m., Paradise Rock Club, Boston. $20. Livenation.com; (800) 745-3000 Apri l 14 - RAIN: A Tribute to The Beatles, 2 p.m., Wilbur Theatre, Boston. $82.Ticketmaster.com; (800) 745-3000 Apri l 16 - Bad Brains, 8 p.m., Paradise Rock Club, Boston. $33. Ticketmaster.com; (800) 745-3000 Apri l 17 - The Avett Brothers, 8 p.m., Whittemore Center Arena, Durham, N.H. $44.75. Ticketmaster.com; (800) 745-3000 Apri l 21 - Death Cab for Cutie, 7:30 p.m., Citi Performing Arts Center Wang Theatre, Boston. $39.50 to $59.50. Livenation.com; (866) 348-9738 Apri l 22 - Nanci Griffith, 8 p.m., Wilbur Theatre, Boston. $36 to $44.20. Ticketmaster.com; (800) 745-3000 Apri l 23 - Rodrigo y Gabriela, 7:30 p.m., Orpheum Theatre, Boston. $35 to $45. Livenation.com; (800) 745-3000

The Portland Press Herald/ Thursday, February 23, 2012 GO E31

OSCARContinued from Page E15

'VALOR'Continued from Page Ell

sion and "code" and "ethos." Writer KurtJohnstad's testosterone-laced script isbuilt around a SEAEs narration, a lettersuggesting the generations of toughmilitary men who spawned this currentoutfit, the love of staying "dangerous"into their golden years, the lack of fear.He has this narrator quote the ShawneeChief Tecumseh: "Sing your death songand die like a hero going home."

Corny, yes. Like the title - "Act ofValor." But effective.

I appreciated the movie's limitedchest-thumping, its lack of zingy one-liners and politics. These guys are allbusiness.

The narration may be portentous inthe extreme - "Put your pain in a box.

SANCHEZContinued from Page Ell

using live ammo (standard procedurefor SEALs, but not done in film since the1920s) and vetted by the U.S. Navy.

The government and filmmakers havetaken pains not to reveal SEALs' identities,or tactics or technology that could threatennational security.

Sanchez, who lives in Los Angeles andrecently gave birth to a baby girl, SabellaRose, chatted by phone:

Q. What did you think when you first•heard about a film... starring real

Navy SEALs?

A.It sounded... weird. I was like, "Whad-. dya mean - I'm not gonna do a movie

without actors." But once I read it, and metthe directors, I thought it was fantastic.

. The SEALs may be outside their.comfort zone... but I guess they've

seen a lot worse.

A.Exactly. In the film, I get beat up, and.have to wear all these prosthetics on

my face. I was extremely uncomfortable.I had a bit of a situation one day - it washot, my face was melting, it was takingforever and I was in a bad mood. They saw

Lock it down." But the dialogue amongthe SEALs is simple and unadorned,if littered with military acronyms andjargon. The characters don't talk aboutsacrifice, they just do it. They may besentimental, but they hide it. There's notime for grief or panic in the middle of agun battle. "Be advised, Mikey is down.Repeat, Mikey is down."

The fellows who rescue kidnap vic-tims, free hijacked ships and took downOsama bin Laden are serious soldiers,close-knit and guarded. In the film'sbrilliantly shot and cut combat scenes,their elite (unseen) training pays off,the necessity of their hi-tech hardwareis illuminated. And yet when bullets areflying, they are going to take casualties.They bleed. They aren't supermen, orHollywood action heroes. They're (deal-ing with deadly foes who can hurt them.

"Remember, they do this for a livingtoo," one chief warns the team about the

me... acting up a bit. (She laughs.) They'relooking at me, going, "What are you com-plaining about?" I felt bad. I'm like, "Ohhh,I'm an actress, guys, sorry." (She laughsagain.) I'd be called at five in the morning,and at eight at night I'd still have that stuffall over my face. In Mississippi, where weshot. In the summer. I decided to just usemy bad mood. Because my character goesthrough hell.

Did you get a sense of what theseguys are like?Q:

A.They're normal. But serious. I have.incredible respect for them. They

know they can die at any moment. Theyrisk their lives every day, and don't telltheir families about missions. It's anincredible world. Some of them came fromAfghanistan - shot the movie - and wentback.

Q./t must be brutal for family members.• A .1 can't imagine. There's that£\» scene where the guys leave

home - and you see all the wives and kids?Those are real wives and kids. I rememberthe girls asking the director, "What are wesupposed to do?" And he said, "Well, whatdo you do when you have to say goodbye?"And they were like, "We just try to keep ittogether because we don't want to showthat we're dying inside." So that's what

The actionsequences in"Act of Valor,"directed byMike "Mouse"McCoy andScott Waugh,are intenseand realistic.

Relativity Media

terrorists.The scenes in between the action

blocks are generic "soldiers on leave"stuff, sentimental and stiff. And there'sno time to show mission preparation inbetween the Swift boat "extractions" andsuper-secret submarine deployments.

The cinematography - a mix of ner-vous hand-held, shooter's point-of-viewshots, night-vision footage and extremeclose-ups - was masterfully handled byShane ("We Are Marshall") Hurlbut, andassembled by a crack team of editorsinto a breathless rush.

The Bandito Brothers - Mike "Mouse"McCoy and Scott Waugh - have madewhat amounts to a recruiting film. Butit's a visceral and entertaining recruit-ing film, and if it gets more people tosign up and try and get into the SEALs,so be it. We'd all sleep a little easier ifthere were a few more of the "damnfew" in this elite corps.

they do. Then they go home and they're...hysterical. It was intense.

, .You think kids may watch the action> sequences and just get off on the

adrenaline?

A.It could happen. But I think the idea. is for kids to see this movie and go,

"I would love to be a Navy SEAL." Theysave lives. Hopefully there'll be somethingpositive and kids won't just concentrate onall the toys.

.So what about that live ammo flying, overhead? Were you freaked out?.Can I tell you something? I didn't.know it was live ammo.A

Q.. A .No! Maybe they told me andI\.l didn't pay attention. I don't

remember. I heard about it afterward and Iwas like, "Whaaaa?" I'm glad I didn't know.

I guess it'll be a letdown to go back towork on... a regular show.Q:

A.I took some time off for the baby. I.just wanted to enjoy the pregnancy

and this time. We're blessed. I'm so lucky.Now it's pilot season. So I'm looking for-ward to see what's next. But as of now...I'm mom. (She laughs.) And that's good.

nounced. The only films you can arguethat have really benefited from Oscar-related box office are "The Artist"and "Extremely Loud & IncrediblyClose," though both films have spent ahealthy chunk of their box office gainsin nonstop Oscar advertising.

Sure, some folks are taking in thesemovies at home, via video-on-demandor Netflix. Four of the best picturenominees - "The Help," "Midnight inParis" "Moneyball" and "The Tree ofLife" - are available to watch at home.But studios say they're not seeingmuch revenue even on that end.

Studio marketers are rarely in syncon many issues, but they are in unani-mous agreement that they are gettingless and less bang for their Oscarbuck with each passing year.

"We don't even see a big bump any-more when a best picture winner hitshome video," said one leading studiomarketer. "The Oscars are about egoand recognition. The spending justdoesn't stand up to any rational analy-sis. The culture has changed. Theera when an elite institutional awardcould have a lot of sway with the pub-lic is pretty much at an end."

It's no secret that the academy hasbeen considering the idea of movingOscars up into late January, as earlyas the weekend before the SuperBowl. It's an idea whose time hascome, especially since it would pushthe nominations closer to Christmasand New Year's weekend, tradition-ally the biggest times for most Oscarfilms.

That would concentrate public atten-tion on the top films but condense theendless campaign season, which nowstretches from the early Septemberfilm festivals to the end of February.

The Oscar nominations have alsolost much of their clout because thepublic decides what it thinks about amovie much earlier than it ever did inthe past. Most of this year's films gotlittle in the way of a bump becausemoviegoers had access to so much Os-car hype so early in the process thatby the time the nominations arrived,they'd either seen the film or checkedit off their to-do list.

Older audiences may not be tweet-ing their friends on Friday night afterseeing "Hugo" or "War Horse," butthere is so much chattering-classbuzz about the Oscars these days thatanyone who wants to feel in the knowabout the top movies is almost obli-gated to have an opinion by the timetheir friends show up for holiday get-togethers. When I had friends overfor New Year's Eve, the kitchen wasfull of moviegoers who had alreadydecided - three weeks before it landed10 Oscar nominations - that "The Art-ist" was hugely overrated.

It's great to have buzz, but with theOscars, it looks like all that anticipa-tion can be a real buzz kill.

E32 GO | The Portland Press Herald/ Thursday, February 23, 2012

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