This first real fall weekend signifies the end of tourism and daylight for us locals, but it’s in the warm confines of a low lit bar, the bay of a fermentory or the start of a commercial venture that keeps the cold at arm’s length, and our friends within reach. Here are some cool places to do cool things this weekend.
1. Expand your musical horizons with Aztec Two-Step at One Longfellow Square (21+)
Where: One Longfellow Square, 181 State St.
When: Saturday at 8:00 pm
Cost: $27 in advance, $32 at the door
Low wattage bulbs and creative libations give this nerd-bar full rights to being the bookworm mecca of Portland. Located on 181 State Street, across from Longfellow Square Park, it’s easy to see why this bar is so attractive to the young neo-beat generation. On Saturday night, catch poetry/folk mash-up Aztec Two-Step for just 30 bucks. They sound like if early Bob Dylan had a singing voice. Or just pop in and start reading one of the many books upon the wall. Bring your own bookmark.
2. Hang out with the cool kids at Urban Farm Fermentory Saturday night
Where: Urban Farm Fermentory, 200 Anderson St.
When: Saturday at 6:00 pm
Cost: $5 suggested donation
This Saturday everything is happening including a “Yes on 1 – Legalize Marijuana Party,” at Portland’s favorite fermentory, Urban Farm. A little out of the way, but literally packed to the gills with performances ranging from the gutter-punk rap group Dirty White Hats to readings from Crash Barry to a belly dancing expo by Whitley Nabintu Marshall. All they ask is a 5 dollar donation and an open mind to vote on November 5th.
3. Kick off your Halloween celebrations with surfer-punk music, which exists
Where: Bayside Bowl, 58 Adler Street
When: Saturday at 9pm
Cost: Free
The surfer-punk group, Thee Icepicks complete with their ski masks, capes and Dick Dale covers invade Bayside Bowl on Saturday, as well. Dubbing this, “The Halloween Hellbound Hootenanny,” Thee Icepicks will be backed by Gold Hope Duo. Like most punk shows there isn’t a cover, ‘cause The Man. Expect to see a motley crew of angsty young and at least one gray haired man with ripped acid wash jeans among the crowd.
4. Find your (clothing) frontier at the Louie & Clark Premiere
Where: B. Good on 15 Exchange St.
When: Saturday at 9pm
Cost: Free Entrance
Launching at B.Good on 15 Exchange Street at 9p.m., a refreshing new clothing company named for their adventurous spirit and an endearing legacy, Louie & Clark, hope to make a huge splash on Saturday. Handpicked fabrics, and dynamic designs printed in the West End by Graphik Wear that range from monochromatic modern to neo-archaic. Louie & Clark’s designs all celebrate the nautical and natural aura of Maine – could you get more Portland? Find their flyers and fill out your name for a chance to win some free swag.
5. Make it a long weekend with Justin Townes Earle at Port City (18+)
Where: Port City Music Hall, 504 Congress St.
When: Monday at 8:00 pm
Cost: $15 advance, $17 day of show, $30 preferred seating
Though not technically on the weekend (whatever), Justin Townes Earle plays at Port City on Monday the 28th. Son of renowned folk singer Steve Earle, he picks up where his father left off. At only 17 dollars it’s a reasonable price to pay to get some earthy knowledge about the horrors of habitual drug use and the abyss of broken-heart syndrome. If you dig singer/songwriters in a more intellectual vein put this on your to-do list and see this young bard.