4 min read

The Sump Pumps

The Johnson Hall Opera House’s Homegrown series is set to feature The Sump Pumps at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at 280 Water St. in Gardiner.

Composed of veteran Maine musicians Justin Walton (guitar/vocals), Josh Robbins (bass/vocals), and Lance Burpee (drums), the band has been rocking central Maine stages for about 13 years. 

They specialize in irreverent deep track covers and quirky originals.

Tickets cost $15; johnsonhall.org.

Martin Sexton. (Courtesy of the artist)

Martin Sexton

Don’t miss the Martin Sexton concert set for 7:30 p.m. Friday at Waldo Theater, 916 Main St., Waldoboro.

Sexton tours in support the 25th anniversary of “Live Wide Open,” the critically acclaimed double vinyl live album. The show will include these fan favorites as well as some new material.

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Tickets cost $45-$65; thewaldotheatre.org/music.

Billy Prine

The Chocolate Church is set to host The Songs & Stories of John Prine, featuring Billy Prine with Special Guest Scarlett Egan at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Chocolate Church Main Stage, 804 Washington St. in Bath.

Billy Prine is a natural-born storyteller, just like his late, great brother John Prine was a natural-born songwriter. 

During these concerts celebrating John’s life in song, Billy Prine will tell stories about or surrounding some of John’s most beloved songs and timeless masterpieces. Fans will get to hear the first time John played his classic song “Paradise” for their father as the family sat around the kitchen table. Songs are stories, novellas, if you will, and stories often become songs.

Tickets cost $45.80; chocolatechurcharts.org.

L.C. Bates Museum Summer Exhibition opening reception

Be sure to check out the Summer Exhibition at L.C . Bates Museum, set for 4-6 p.m. Saturday at 14 Easler Road, Hinckley.

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The exhibition, “Light,” will be curated by Colby College students Lucy Preston and Winnie Ulland under the supervision of Professor Véronique Plesch. The exhibition will feature a wide range of media and styles by contemporary Maine artists responding to the theme of light. 

For more information email [email protected].

Augusta Symphony Orchestra conductor Jinwook Park leads musicians as they perform “Stars and Stripes Forever” during the orchestra’s July 4, 2024, concert at the Augusta Civic Center. (Courtesy of Anaïstasia D.S. Fenin)

Augusta Symphony Orchestra Pops Concert

Don’t miss the Augusta Symphony Orchestra Pops Concert set for 3 p.m. Sunday at Cony High School Viles Auditorium, 60 Pierce Drive, Augusta.

The free event will celebrate Mother’s Day with an afternoon of live music.

This concert will feature Grieg’s “Holberg Suite,” Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake Suite,” movie music, and more. 

Donations will be gratefully accepted to support the orchestra’s mission of making music accessible to all; www.augustasymphonymaine.org.

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Virtual: Fruit Tree Q&A

MOFGA plans to host a virtual Fruit Tree Q&A at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 13.

If you take care of fruit trees, or are looking to plant some this season you can get a little help with C.J. Walke, Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association’s orchard manager. 

This is an online Q&A session, an informal chance to ask questions and connect with fellow backyard growers about fruit tree topics such as varieties, pest management, soil health and more. 

Questions about berries (shrubs, canes, etc.) are also welcome. 

To register, visit mofga.org; for more information email [email protected].

Jot it down: Annual plant sale

The Central Maine Garden Club is set to host its annual plant sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 16, at the Sidney/Oakland United Methodist Church, 14 West School St., Oakland. 

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A selection of perennials for both shady and sunny spots, dug from the members’ gardens will be available. Annuals, herbs and houseplants also will be available and there will be a baked goods table. 

Members of the organization look forward to helping with plant selection and answering questions. 

For more information contact Lin Choate at [email protected] or 207-242-8172.

Livingston Taylor. (Courtesy of Mim Adkins Photography)

Get tickets: Livingston Taylor

See Livingston Taylor in concert at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, May 31, at Johnson Hall Opera House, 280 Water St. in Gardiner.

The renowned singer-songwriter’s career as a professional musician spans more than five decades, encompassing performance, songwriting, recording and teaching. Often described as equal parts Mark Twain, college professor and musical icon, Livingston maintains an active touring schedule of more than 100 shows a year.

Livingston has penned Top-40 hits recorded by his brother James Taylor and over the years has shared the stage with such artists as Joni Mitchell, Linda Ronstadt, Fleetwood Mac and Jimmy Buffett.

Tickets cost $30; johnsonhall.org.

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

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