Last week’s column was a bit of a dissertation on why some children behave poorly in restaurants, and who, if anyone, is really to blame. One reader called it a “cultural reflection, also mirrored in other areas of American life, but not overseas.” Another sang to the choir and said the “hands-on coping tactics of […]

Two top national acts are booked into Portland over the next few days. Best known is Judy Collins, a singer who’s been connecting with audiences since the early 1960s. She’ll be the featured guest when the Portland Symphony Orchestra wraps up its 2014-2015 “Pops!” season with performances this Saturday and Sunday. The Wailin’ Jennys comprise […]

Greater Portland Books/Authors Thursday 4/16 Tony Hoagland, poetry reading and discussion as part of Words Matter series, 7 p.m., call for ticket prices, University of Southern Maine, Hannaford Hall, 88 Bedford St., Portland, 780-5960, mainepoetrycentral.org. Tuesday 4/21 “The Court-Martial of Paul Revere,” discussion with author Michael Greenburg, noon, $5, Maine Historical Society, 489 Congress St., […]

“What do you think about kids in upscale restaurants?” readers often ask. “Why don’t managers step in and address the situation when kids are brats in restaurants?” “Why don’t restaurants have children’s sections, like the library does, so I can enjoy myself without listening to yelling?” one reader asked. “We went to a really packed […]

Greater Portland Auditions/Calls for Art Freeport Players, auditions for “Love and Lobsters,” roles for adults and older teens, Sunday and Monday, April 12-13, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Freeport Middle School, 19 Kendall Lane, Freeport, fcponline.org. Books/Authors Wednesday 4/8 “Death Dealer” and “And Grant You Peace,” Brown Bag discussion with author Kate Flora, noon, free, Portland Public Library, 5 Monument […]

Spring has been with us for a few weeks (at least by the astronomical definition), but the weather hasn’t really felt like it. Anticipating even balmier weather ahead, Portland Ballet is producing “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” William Shakespeare’s celebrated romantic comedy. “Happy Days Are Here Again” is another joyful way of waving bye-bye to snow […]

A couple of weeks ago, an unusual call went out to everyone in the biz. After sharing my tale of a chronic, worn-and-torn industry injury, followed by a weather-related fender-bender, I’m on the DL (“Dishin’ That: Can I get a hand?”). Knowing I’m not alone, I asked hospitality folks to share their own stories of […]

Cutting-edge creative approaches to music of multiple genres are the common theme that links three concerts in Portland this coming week. First up is an April 8 performance by Hanneke Cassel, a Boston-based fiddler who specializes in a modern take on traditional Scottish music. Two concerts are slated for April 9. Portland Chamber Music Festival […]

Greater Portland Auditions/Calls for Art Edible Book Festival, accepting edible art submissions for Portland Public Library exhibit during First Friday Art Walk, April 3, free, 871-1700 ext. 756, chance@portlandpubliclibrary.org. Books/Authors Friday 3/27 “City by the Sea II,” discussion with local author John Moon, noon, free, Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Square, Portland, 871-1700. Tuesday 3/31 “At […]

Joe and Craig were doing and having a good time on the job. Both servers at Portland’s Great Lost Bear on Forest Avenue, they were tag-teaming in a far-back room of the cavernous restaurant. Doing it with attentiveness and humor, their job performance became as interesting as watching the Wisconsin-Oregon March Madness basketball game. In […]