“David Bromberg Quintet,” Opera House, Waterville

Apr. 26, Friday, 9:30-11am, “Feed ME 5k Walk to End Hunger,” join Maine State Credit Union in its annual walk to end hunger, 100% of the registration fee will go to the hunger organization of your choice, Capitol Park, 33 Union Street, Augusta. FMI: www.facebook.com/events/538710533283027.
Apr. 26, Friday, 8pm, “David Bromberg Quintet,” for Americana godfather David Bromberg, it all began with the blues. His incredible journey spans five-and-a-half decades, and includes – but is not limited to – adventures with Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Jerry Garcia, and music and life lessons from seminal blues guitarist Reverend Gary Davis, who claimed the young Bromberg as a son. A musician’s musician, Bromberg’s mastery of several stringed instruments, and multiple styles is legendary, leading Dr. John to declare him an American icon. In producing John Hartford’s hugely influential Aereo-Plain LP, Bromberg even co-invented a genre: Newgrass, $35/handling fees to be included, Waterville Opera House, 1 Common Street, Waterville. FMI: 207-873-7000, www.operahouse.org.
Apr. 27, Saturday, 4pm, “50th Anniversary of Bates Dance: Informal Showing,” in lieu of the formal evening dance performance announced in some Bates publications, the college celebrates the 50th anniversary of the establishment of its dance program with an informal late-afternoon performance by Bates dance alumni and current students, Schaeffer Theatre, 2 Andrews Road, Bates, Lewiston. FMI: 207-786-6161, www.bates.edu.
Apr. 27, Saturday, 7:30pm, “Doc Cooper-A Song Recalls,” “It’s a labor of love,” Michael says, “that would not have been possible without my 40 year career on the stage, honing the crafts of storytelling and visual theater in front of thousands of audiences across the country and around the world. Dad as well as Mum were my best friends, and have always been my greatest inspirations in life, so in the wake of their passing it’s no surprise this has become my favorite show to perform. My goal is to do them both proud as I tell the remarkable story of lives so well spent, tenderly caring for each other and for the endless parade of family, friends and animals that passed their way.” This show is best suited for audiences 13 and up, $16, Johnson Hall, 280 Water Street, Gardiner. FMI: 207-582-7144, www.johnsonhall.org.
Apr. 27, Saturday, 7:30pm, “Choral Masterwork: Colby Symphony Orchestra,” In their final performance of the season, the Colby Symphony Orchestra, Colby Chorale, and the Colby Kennebec Chorale Society present Schubert’s monumental Mass in E-flat Major, no. 6 and Grieg’s famous Peer Gynt Suite no. 1. This performance will also feature a performance by the winner of the 2019 annual concerto competition, Lorimer Chapel, Mayflower Hill Drive, Waterville. FMI: 207-859-4000, www.colby.edu.
Apr. 27, Saturday, 8pm, “Comedian Juston McKinney,” Comedian Juston McKinney, a former Maine deputy with multiple “Tonight Show” appearances and two Comedy Central specials, will return, $24-$25. Waterville Opera House, 1 Common Street, Waterville. FMI: 207-873-7000, www.operahouse.org.
Apr. 28, Sunday, 4pm, “Opus One Big Band,” The Opus One Big Band will present a benefit concert for the Hubbard Free Library. Opus One is made up of professional musicians who donate their time and talent to support communities throughout Maine. Come enjoy some great big band swing with instrumental and vocal jazz soloists, $12/adults, $10/students, free/12 and under, Hallowell City Hall Auditorium, 1 Winthrop Street, Hallowell. FMI: 207-649-7861, hubbardfree.org.
Apr. 29, Monday, 8:15pm, “Mes Amis,” appealing to listeners young and old alike, the insistent rhythms, bouncing bass lines and sweetly intricate melodies are easy on the ears for those unfamiliar with jazz, and yet can stand the scrutiny of an aficionado. As it was so aptly put by Rich Rozier, host of MPBN Radio’s Jazz Tonight, “Who couldn’t like that?” The core of the band is a trio, with Steve Lynnworth handling the vocals and much of the lead guitar work. Backing him up are his friends Harry Richter and Wells Gordon on the upright bass. Harry provides “La Pompe,” the steady backbeat typical of style, while Wells delivers an authoritative thump as he holds down the bottom. Both Harry and Wells are capable soloists as well-and Wells is awful quick with his bow when necessary! The trio is often joined by Shane Ellis, a master clarinet and sax player. Steve and Shane have a fantastic time playing together and pushing each other to new heights, $15-$20, Slates Restaurant, 161-165 Water Street, Hallowell. FMI: 207-622-9575, www.slatesrestaurant.com.