4 min read
“Footloose The Musical” poster. (Courtesy of Lakewood Theater)

Be sure to get some fresh air this weekend and check out the Gardiner Waterfront Concerts or the Gardens of Lincoln County Tour. Other offerings include theatrical plays at Lakewood Theater and at The Playhouse at Waterville Station, concerts in Bath and Waldo and a comedy show in Gardiner.

Check out a play in Madison

MADISON — Lakewood Theater will stage “Footloose” on various days through June 28.

Performances are set for 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday, Saturday; 4 p.m. Sunday;  2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. June 25; and 7:30 p.m. June 27 and 28.

Tickets cost $32-$50; lakewoodtheater.org.

When Ren and his mother move from Chicago to a small farming town, he is prepared for the inevitable adjustment period at his new high school. But he’s not prepared for the rigorous local edicts, including a ban on dancing instituted by the local preacher, who is determined to exercise control over the town’s youth.

When the reverend’s rebellious daughter sets her sights on Ren, her roughneck boyfriend tries to sabotage Ren’s reputation, with many of the locals eager to believe the worst about the new kid. The heartfelt story that emerges pins a father longing for the son he lost against a young man aching for the father who walked out on him.

The Boneheads. (Photo courtesy of the artist)

Spend some time on the Gardiner waterfront

GARDINER — The Johnson Hall Free Waterfront Concerts will kick off for the season at 6 p.m. Friday with Pat Pepin & The Boneheads at the Gardiner Landing, 33 Maine Ave.

The bands perform blues, folk and rock music. Don’t miss the high energy performances packed with soul, groove, and great vibes. The series will feature weekly performances every Friday evening through Aug. 29 (excluding Fourth of July week).

For more information visit JohnsonHall.org.

Get out and see a play

WATERVILLE — “A Bench in the Shade” opens Friday at The Playhouse At Waterville Station, 17 Railroad Square.

Performances are set for 7:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday, June 27 and 28; and at 2 p.m. Sunday and June 29. The play is directed by Doree Austin.

Tickets cost $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and students; theplayhouse.me.

A garden view from a previous Gardens of Lincoln County Tour. (Photo courtesy of Lincoln County Historical Association)

Discover the gardens in Lincoln County

The Gardens of Lincoln County Tour will return Saturday offering a full day of exploring beautiful private gardens. The 2025 tour features a fresh lineup of gardens in one of the most scenic spots in the county.

Tickets cost $30-$45; lincolncountyhistory.org.

This self-guided tour will showcase a diverse range of gardens, including flower beds, woodland paths, creative landscaping, and water views. These private gardens, typically not open to the public, offer an opportunity to experience the beauty and creativity of the region. Whether visitors are avid gardeners, casual plant enthusiasts, or simply enjoy spending time outdoors, this event promises a memorable experience.

In addition to the gardens, several nearby historic sites will be open for visitors during the tour, thanks to a collaboration with the South Bristol Historical Society. These optional stops provide a chance to learn about the area’s history while exploring the local gardens.

Take in a comedy show

Johnny Ater (Contributed photo)

GARDINER — Stand-up comedians Johnny Ater and Brendan Eyre plan to take the Reehl Stage at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Johnson Hall Opera House, 280 Water St. with Hard Tellin’ Not Knowin” with Johnny Ater & Brendan Eyre

Tickets cost $27.24; JohnsonHall.org

Ater and Eyre put on a show that is a guaranteed hit with audiences everywhere. They deliver 90 minutes of nonstop laughter together.

Ater offers up hilarious and honest stories about life, family, work and his colorful local friends. He’s your goofy brother, your dorky dad, your silly grandpa. However, after a show with him, he’ll just feel like “Johnny, your funny best friend.”

Eyre’s laid back, observational style has proven a hit with audiences across the country. He playfully points out the absurdities of everyday life in a way that is instantly relatable.

The band Genticorum. (Contributed photo)

Cultural Crossroads event set for Chocolate Church

BATH — A one-day Cultural Crossroad performance will bring together the toe-tapping rhythms, heartfelt stories, and vibrant traditions of Canadian, Franco American, and Cajun cultures for a day filled with music, movement, and memory-making starting at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Chocolate Church Arts Center, 804 Washington St.

Tickets are available at chocolatechurcharts.org.

The festival will kick off with Rob Sylvain: Mémère’s Notebook, a soulful storytelling and music that honors the voices of the past.

Marie Dance Lesson is set for 2:30 p.m. followed by the band Acadian Aces.

Marie & Bayou Juju will perform at 4:30 p.m.

The evening concert, set for 7:30 p.m., will feature Side by Each and Genticorum, who will bring a foot-stomping fusion of folk traditions and modern flair.

Take a drive to The Waldo Theatre

WALDO — VoXX: Voice of Twenty plans to perform at 4 p.m. Sunday at The Waldo Theatre, 916 Main St.

Tickets cost $23; thewaldotheatre.org.

The a cappella vocal ensemble based in midcoast Maine performs varied programs featuring early music. Repertoire covers a wide range of time periods (from medieval through 20th century) and styles (from chant to polyphony and far beyond).

VoXX likes to bring unusual works to Maine audiences, along with more familiar music by such renowned composers as Byrd, Dufay, Monteverdi, Palestrina and Josquin. The band performs in many languages and styles, from English to Italian to Latin to Spanish, and from sacred to secular to humorous. 

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