There are plenty of fun events in the region as the holiday weekend approaches.
Look into the Sandy River Music Festival
FARMINGTON — The Sandy River Music Festival 2025 begins at 7 p.m. Thursday at Narrow Gauge Amphitheater, 12 Narrow Gauge Square.
The concert is free; more information is at whistlestopconcertseries.com.
Houston Bernard was first exposed to country music while growing up in Norman, Oklahoma, by way of his father and uncle, who toured and performed in various country bands. He inherited a natural curiosity for music, singing and performing while growing up.
In his own music, Bernard brings upbeat, relatable music with powerhouse vocals and enough country twang that transcends age and resonates with a large audience.
Cécilia to perform at The Opera House at Boothbay Harbor
BOOTHBAY HARBOR — A concert featuring Cecilia is set for 7:30 p.m. Thursday, at The Opera House at Boothbay Harbor, 86 Townsend Ave.
Tickets cost $30; more information is at boothbayoperahouse.com.
The traditional Celtic and Quebecois band members include Timi Turmel, Erin Leahy and Louis Schryer. While honoring their heritage as Cécilia, their music making has a fresh and high-spirited sound.
Every one of their pieces is arranged and highlighted with influences from contemporary, classical, jazz and swing styles.
Bike park opening weekend
CARRABASSETT VALLEY — The Sugarloaf Bike Park is set to open at 10 a.m. Friday at 5092 Access Road.
The Whiffletree Quad will load bikes for the park’s grand opening, with lift tickets starting at $25 a day.
A DJ will be on the beach, followed by live music from 4-7 p m. Saturday.
For more information visit sugarloaf.com.
Celebrate Independence Day with the Augusta Symphony Orchestra
AUGUSTA — The 2nd annual Maine Capital Fourth is set for 3-5 p.m. Friday, at the Augusta Civic Center, 76 Community Drive.
This indoor, air-conditioned event kicks off with family-friendly activities, including an instrument petting zoo, where children can try out musical instruments, as well as performances by small ensembles.
At 4 p.m., the Augusta Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Jinwook Park, conductor and music director, will perform. The concert will feature a mix of traditional patriotic favorites, marches and pops medleys. Joining the ASO for this special performance are guest musicians from the Midcoast Symphony Orchestra and the Colby College Symphony, along with vocalist Jazmin DeRice.
Maestro Park, a dedicated music educator and performer, is a faculty member at Colby College and Music Director of the Colby Symphony Orchestra. He also co-founded the Kennebec Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra and has led the Augusta Symphony Orchestra since 2021.
Donations will be accepted to support the orchestra’s mission of making orchestral music accessible to all.
For more details, visit augustasymphonymaine.org.
Take a drive to see a Kruger Brothers concert
BROWNFIELD — The Kruger Brothers plan to perform at 8 p.m. Saturday, at Stone Mountain Arts Center, 695 Dugway Road.
Brothers Jens and Uwe Kruger, and their musical partner Joel Landsberg, perform a blend of bluegrass, folk, and classical influences.
The band has earned numerous awards and accolades for their talent and innovative approach to music.
For more information, visit stonemountainartscenter.com.
Concerts in the Park set for Coburn Park
SKOWHEGAN — Free summer concerts are planned at 5 p.m. every Sunday evening from July 7 through Aug. 25.
These concerts feature a variety of local and regional performers. The 2025 lineup includes artists such as Brian Richmond, Bob Lovelace, Merry-Go-Roundup and Barbie Demo’s Sing-a-Long.
Check out The High Kings
July 9, atWaterville Opera House, 1 Common St.
Tickets cost $36-$46; more information is at operahouse.org.
The band, with Finbarr Clancy, Darren Holden, Paul O’ Brien and Brian Dunphy, has performed Irish folk music across the world for the last 15 years. And they continue to sell out venues around the world.
They surpassed 1.6 million monthly followers on Spotify, more than 3 million worldwide, and garnered more than 5 million streams in just one week in March 2024.
Take in a play at Lakewood Theater
MADISON — “Ravenscroft” will be staged July 3-12 at Lakewood Theater, 76 Theater Road.
Performances are set for 7:30 p.m. July 3-5, 9-11 and 12; 4 p.m. July 6; and 2 p.m. July 9.
Tickets cost $28-$34; more information is at lakewoodtheater.org or 207-474-7176.
On a snowy evening, Inspector Ruffing is called to a remote house to investigate the headlong plunge of Patrick Roarke down the main staircase. He becomes involved in the lives of five alluring and dangerous women: Marcy, the Viennese governess with a past; Mrs. Ravenscroft, the flirtatious lady of the manor; Gillian, her charming but possibly demented daughter; Mrs. French, the formidable and passionate cook; and Dolly, a terrified maid.
They lead him through a bewildering labyrinth of contradictory versions of Patrick’s demise and that of the late Mr. Ravenscroft. There are ghosts on the staircase, skeletons in the closet and much more than the Inspector bargained for.
The play stars Randy Jones, Chelsea Martel, Sarah Harlow, Arianna Gordon and Theresa Curtis.
We invite you to add your comments. We encourage a thoughtful exchange of ideas and information on this website. By joining the conversation, you are agreeing to our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is found on our FAQs. You can modify your screen name here.
Comments are managed by our staff during regular business hours Monday through Friday as well as limited hours on Saturday and Sunday. Comments held for moderation outside of those hours may take longer to approve.
Join the Conversation
Please sign into your CentralMaine.com account to participate in conversations below. If you do not have an account, you can register or subscribe. Questions? Please see our FAQs.