Kahil El’Zabar’s Ethnic Heritage Ensemble

Sir Kahil El’Zabar is set to take the stage at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Waldo Theatre, 16 Main St., Waldoboro.

The band celebrates 50 years of The Ethnic Heritage Ensemble’s legacy and unwavering contribution to Great Black Music.

Alongside the multi-faceted El’Zabar, the ensemble’s current lineup includes Corey Wilkes on trumpet and Alex Harding on baritone sax.

El’Zabar intends to keep looking forward in terms of a contemporary approach to authenticity in concept, music, arrangements, and performance. Wilkes, Harding, and special guests James Sauders and Ishmael Ali are exemplary players as well as being extraordinary improvisers. It is a new thinic Heritage Ensemble sound with strings that combines the history of our music and a contemporary approach to arrangements, performance, and ensemble interplay, that speaks to the now and beyond.

Tickets cost $30-$55; thewaldotheatre.org.

‘The Secret Garden’

Missoula Children’s Theatre presents “The Secret Garden” at noon Saturday at the Waterville Opera House, 1 Common St., Waterville.

The original rendition is a retelling of a story of hope and a celebration of all good things in life.

Mistress Mary Quite Contrary embarks on a journey from India to her uncle’s home in England. Along the way she makes friends with the hilarious Canada Geese and the colorful Giant Bugs that Rock!

In time, she learns to appreciate everything around her, including the Moor Animals and the helpful Fireflies. Add to that a good healthy dose of caring, and what happens? Colin, Martha, Archibald — well, the whole household — begin to enjoy the return of health and happiness in a garden carefully tended … until it blossoms once more.

Tickets cost $8-$10; operahouse.org.

Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt

Don’t miss Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt at 7:30 p.m. Monday at Waterville Opera House.

Lovett is a singer, composer and actor who has broadened the definition of American music in a career that spans 14 albums. Coupled with his gift for storytelling, the Texas-based musician fuses elements of country, swing, jazz, folk, gospel and blues in a convention-defying manner.

Hiatt is a master lyricist and satirical storyteller who delivers songs filled with tales of redemption, relationships and surrendering on his own terms. He has produced more than 20 studio albums and has been recorded by Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris, B.B. King, Willie Nelson, Bonnie Raitt, and scores of others.

Tickets cost $136-$146; operahouse.org.

Black Violin

Check out Black Violin at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25, at 1 Common St. in Waterville.

For nearly two decades, Black Violin (Kev Marcus and Wil Baptiste) has been merging string arrangements with modern beats and vocals, building bridges in communities along the way.

The duo plays roughly 200 shows a year, many of which are performances for young, low-income students in urban communities. In the last year alone, the group has played for over 100,000 students with the goal of challenging stereotypes and preconceived notions of what a “classical musician” looks and sounds like. 

Tickets cost $52-$147; operahouse.org.

GET TICKETS: Eilen Jewell

Waldo Theatre is set to host Eilen Jewell at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 13, at 916 Main St., Waldoboro.

Jewell’s new album, “Get Behind The Wheel,” focuses on picking up the pieces of her shattered world and finding new purpose and meaning after watching her marriage, her band, and what felt like her entire career fall apart in a series of spectacular, heartbreaking implosions.

Jewell built her career by touring relentlessly with alive show. Over the course of nine albums, she’s crisscrossed the globe countless times and shared bills with the likes of Lucinda Williams, Loretta Lynn, Mavis Staples, Wanda Jackson, George Jones, and Emmylou Harris.

Tickets cost $35-$50; thewaldotheatre.org.

GET OUT: Bond Brook Recreation Area

Check out Bond Brook Recreation Area on Bond Brook Road in Augusta.

The 270-acre city park offers about 5 miles of rolling groomed trails for classic and skate skiing, with steep hills and one-way loops for varied challenge. The park also offers about 6 miles of single track trails for mountain biking, walking and snowshoeing.

JOT IT DOWN: Maine Maple Sunday

Maine Maple Sunday Weekend events are planned March 21 and 22 throughout the state.

Sugarhouses will be open for tours, offer free samples, sap boiling demonstrations and more. 

Visit the Maine Maple Producers Association website for more information

Looking for more? Check out the online calendar listings for other entertainment offerings.