HOT TICKETS

Happy 4th from Sanford troupe

KICK OFF Independence Day weekend with a salute to the Grand Old Flag at Sanford Maine Stage’s “Red, White & Blue” variety show.

WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday

WHERE: Sanford Maine Stage, 1 Hilltop Lane, Springvale

HOW MUCH: $10

INFO: sanfordmainestage.com

J. Geils hasn’t shaken the blues

J. GEILS is best known for his namesake rock band, but he also solos with his powerful bluesy guitar. On Sunday, he’ll be at Jonathan’s with fellow guitarist Jeff Pitchell, plus the Texas Flood Band and Gerry Beaudoin.

WHEN: 8 p.m. Sunday

WHERE: Jonathan’s, 92 Bourne Lane, Ogunquit

HOW MUCH: $42.50 in advance; $46.50 day of show

INFO: 646-4526; jonathansrestaurant.com

No hard knocks  for musical fans

THE BRATTY little redhead is back. Maine State Music Theatre presents “Annie,” the classic musical about a lovable orphan and her dog who are taken in by a billionaire. Have “Tomorrow” stuck in your head yet? Now you do.

WHEN: Through July 16

WHERE: Pickard Theater, Bowdoin College campus, Brunswick

HOW MUCH: $36 to $51

INFO: 725-8769; msmt.org

Chebeague Island Inn throws summer bash

THE NEW OWNERS of the Chebeague Island Inn are throwing its first Summer Jubilee, featuring a pig roast, potato sack races, cocktails on the porch and a fireworks display.

WHEN: Saturday. A chartered Casco Bay Lines ferry leaves for Chebeague at 3 p.m. Enjoy a complimentary signature cocktail and live music en route.

WHERE: Chebeague Island Inn, 61 South Road

HOW MUCH: $55, includes round-trip ferry and dinner; $30 for round-trip ferry and no dinner; $15 all-inclusive for children under age 12; free for children under age 2; Chebeague residents get $5 off.

INFO: 846-5155

CHEAP THRILLS

Evening in the park, plus music

THE DAVE ROWE TRIO will kick off South Portland’s summer concert series with a free show featuring everything from folk to nautical and bluegrass.

WHEN: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday

WHERE: Mill Creek Park, Broadway and Ocean streets, South Portland

HOW MUCH: Free

INFO: 767-7650; southportland.org

Is that mannequin moving? Definitely

YOU’LL BE ABLE to get your fashion on at the First Friday Art Walk. Among the more traditional displays of contemporary art, the O2 Salon on Congress Street offers a collaborative effort featuring four live mannequins modeling dresses and jewelry.

WHEN: 5 to 8 p.m. Friday

WHERE: O2 Salon, 605 Congress St., and downtown Portland

ADMISSION: Free

INFO: 253-1550

Revisit Harry’s formative years

CATCH UP on the drama of the Boy Who Lived before the Harry Potter finale hits theaters July 15. The first and second films in the series screen this weekend.

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday, film one; 1 p.m. Saturday, film two

WHERE: Eastman Performing Arts Center, Fryeburg Academy, 745 Main St., Fryeburg

HOW MUCH: $3 adults; $2 students

INFO: fryeburgacademy.org

A red and white Independence

LOOKING FOR SOME barbecue-friendly wines to go with the Fourth of July steaks and chicken? Rosemont Market & Bakery will suggest all the whites and reds you need for your weekend grilling.

WHEN: 4 to 7 p.m. Friday

WHERE: Rosemont Yarmouth store, 96 Main St.

HOW MUCH: Free

INFO: 831-2553