• HOT TICKETS

Music and Nightlife: Michael Franti back in town

PEOPLE WHO SAW Michael Franti & Spearhead play a show on Portland’s waterfront last summer say they are a group definitely worth seeing. Well, here’s your chance. Franti will bring his blend of funk, reggae, jazz, folk and rock to the State Theatre.

WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: State Theatre, 609 Congress St., Portland

HOW MUCH: $35 in advance; $40 day of show

INFO: (800) 745-3000; statetheatreportland.com

Art and Theater: MSMT’s ‘Chorus Line’ should look familiar

MAINE STATE MUSIC THEATRE’S version of “A Chorus Line” is as real as it gets. Director Donna Drake was in the original cast on Broadway, and directs the Maine State version as close to the original as possible.

WHEN: Through June 23

WHERE: Maine State Music Theatre, Pickard Theater, Bowdoin College, 1 Bath Road, Brunswick

HOW MUCH: $36 to $59

INFO: 725-8769; msmt.org

Dining and Drink: Joan Nathan to speak in Rockland

IF YOU LOVE Jewish Food, you’ll want to hear Joan Nathan, author of “Quiches, Kugels, and Couscous: My Search for Jewish Cooking in France,” speak about her work. Nathan is one of the nation’s top experts on Jewish cooking.

WHEN: 7 p.m. today

WHERE: Adas Yoshuron Synagogue, 50 Willow St., Rockland

HOW MUCH: Free

INFO: 594-4523; yoshuron@midcoast

Et Cetera: Turn that frown upside-down

IS YOUR GLASS always half empty? Learn how to make it half full at the Happiness Course. Teacher Clare Morin uses guided meditations and Buddhist teachings to put a smile on your face and “transform your life by transforming your mind.”

WHEN: 7 to 8:30 p.m. today

WHERE: The Heart Opening, 227 Congress St., Portland

HOW MUCH: $10; $5 for seniors and students

INFO: (508) 979-8277

 

• CHEAP THRILLS

Music and Nightlife: Local rockers throw a fit of Rage

IT’S BEEN MORE than 20 years since Rage Against the Machine first made an impact on music and pop culture. You know what that means — tribute time! Do what they told ya and come see members of various local bands perform a Rage Against the Machine tribute show at Asylum.

WHEN: 9 p.m. Friday

WHERE: Asylum, 121 Center St., Portland

HOW MUCH: $5

INFO: 772-8274; portlandasylum.com

Art and Theater: Photographer’s USM show is child’s play

HAVING A CHILD is a trip. For a photographer, it’s also a chance to explore a new subject. Daniel E. Davis does just that in “Here and There,” a new exhibition that explores his son’s ever-changing physical and emotional landscape through the objects he plays with, destroys or discards throughout the day.

WHEN: Opening reception, 5 to 7 p.m. today. Through Aug. 19.

WHERE: Glickman Family Library, 5th Floor, University of Southern Maine, 314 Forest Ave., Portland

HOW MUCH: Free

INFO: mainemuseumofphotographicarts.org

Dining and Drink: Brian Boru cues the ‘cue

BRIAN BORU is bringing back its weekly free barbecue event. Pair the ‘cue with $3.50 pints of Old Thumper and listen to music by North of Nashville.

WHEN: 5 to 7 p.m. every Thursday, beginning tonight

WHERE: Upper deck at Brian Boru, 57 Center St., Portland

HOW MUCH: Barbecue is free; beer costs $3.50

INFO: 780-1506; brianboruportland.com

Et Cetera: Shop Bates for bargains Saturday

COLLEGE KIDS have lots of cool stuff — electronics, bikes, sporting goods and toys. Turns out they leave lots behind when they head home. You can grab some of these goodies during Bates College’s “Clean Sweep,” benefiting area nonprofits. Be advised: The line forms early.

WHEN: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: Bates College, Underhill Arena, 145 Russell St.

HOW MUCH: Free to attend; bring cash for bargains

INFO: 786-6207