3 min read
Chris Smither will be on the main stage at the Chocolate Church Arts Center in Bath in September. (Courtesy of Joanna Chattman)

Chris Smither

The Chocolate Church Arts Center presents a Chris Smither concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday at 804 Washington St., Bath.

Smither’s early albums in the 1970s laid a strong foundation, although industry shakeups temporarily slowed his momentum. By the ’90s, he had reemerged as a force in American folk and roots music, releasing acclaimed albums like “Another Way to Find You” and “Up on the Lowdown.”

Touring internationally, he found new audiences with his music worldwide. His songwriting continued to shine — earning awards and inspiring film soundtracks, tributes and collaborations with artists such as Emmylou Harris and B.B. King.

Now 20 albums deep, Smither remains a revered voice in acoustic music, blending wit, wisdom, and soul with every chord.

Tickets are $37.73; chocolatechurcharts.org.

The Kennebec River Ramble

The final Skowhegan River Days event of 2025 is planned for Saturday.

The Kennebec River Ramble is an extended paddling adventure from Skowhegan to Fairfield that celebrates the Kennebec River’s past, present and future.

Participants will start at 8 a.m. from Cleaver Landing, 262 Canaan Road, in Skowhegan and paddle to the boat launch in Hinckley. Registration includes breakfast and coffee, shuttle to the launch, and music and lawn games at the end of the event.

There is a $10-$20 fee. For more information or to register visit mainstreetskowhegan.org.

Analog Kids

Somerset Abbey plans to host Analog Kids, a Rush tribute band, at 7 p.m. Saturday at 98 Main St., Madison.

The band is made up of three master musicians with a love for the band Rush.

With complex melodies and heavy synth rock sound, this band will play all the Rush favorites. The trio is constantly working to add more to its set list.

Tickets cost $45; somersetabbey.com.

Start Making Sense, a Talking Heads tribute band, is set to perform Friday at Waterville Opera House. (Courtesy of Steph Craig)

Start Making Sense

The Talking Heads tribute band Start Making Sense plans to take the stage at 8 p.m. Friday at Waterville Opera House, 1 Common St., Waterville.

The musicians in this 7-10 piece Talking Heads tribute band take pride in faithfully recreating the music of band’s entire career. Together they bring much of the Heads’ unique live show to the stage.

Tickets cost $31 in advance or $36 on the day of the show; operahouse.org.

Resinosa Ensemble will perform Friday at Emery Community Arts Center in Farmington. (Contributed photo)

The Resinosa Ensemble

The Resinosa Ensemble presents Touch the Hand of Love at 7 p.m. Friday at Emery Community Arts Center, Main Street, Farmington.

The program features Joëlle Morris, mezzo-soprano; Bridget Convey, piano; and Eliza Meyer, cello.

The program is complemented by compositions from Barabara Strozzi, Chen Yi, Florence Price, Caroline Shaw, and a delightful arrangement of Blossom Dearie’s Touch the Hand of Love. The Resinosa Ensemble’s commitment to showcasing diverse musical styles and composers, particularly those historically excluded, is exemplified in this captivating lineup.

Tickets cost $20; artsfarmington.org.

The Bookey Readings

The Bailey Public Library will hold The Bookey Readings at 1 p.m. Saturday at 39 Bowdoin St. in Winthrop.

The poetry series originally started at the Harlow Gallery in Hallowell over 25 years ago.

The event features local and renowned poets and musicians every second Saturday of the month in the reading room. On some months, the event also includes an open mic portion.

For more information email [email protected].

‘A Taste of Ireland’

Waterville Opera House is set to stage “A Taste of Ireland” at 7:30 p.m. Monday at 1 Common St., Waterville.

After premiering Off-Broadway last season, “A Taste of Ireland ― The Irish Music & Dance Sensation” returns to stages across the United States.

Performed by former World Irish dance champions, and featuring dancers from Lord of the Dance and Riverdance, “A Taste of Ireland” transports the audience through the story of Ireland’s tumultuous history delivered with a pint of Irish wit. Watch world-class performers blend melodic folk mash-ups, live a cappella tap battles and heartwarming story telling.

Tickets cost $45-$65; operahouse.org.

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