May 2016 | view this story as a .pdf
The thinking–and reading and writing–person’s guide to cocktail hours around town.
By Karen Hofreiter
Before the temperatures start to soar and thoughts turn to the summer trifecta of beaches, barbecues, and Bissell Brothers, May is the time to take in a little culture. Maine’s literary history–filled with authors and poets the likes of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Edwin Arlington Robinson, Edna St. Vincent Millay, and Stephen King–provides a tweedy backdrop to a dynamic and invigorating contemporary literary scene.
Head to Henry’s ‘Hood
Settle in at hip-yet-bookish LFK, the pub overlooking the Longfellow statue in the eponymous square, with a craft beer and incredible burger while enjoying lively poetry and prose read by local and regional authors at Word Portland (188A State Street, Portland, wordportland.weebly.com; May 2, 9 p.m.). This month’s reading includes poetry by Kevin McLellan and Megan Grumbling and fiction by Tanya Whiton.
Looking for a thrilling beach read that will have you glued to your chaise longue for hours? The bestselling suspense novels by internationally acclaimed author and Camden resident Tess Gerritsen will do just that. Get to know Gerritsen at MaineVoices Live (One Longfellow Square, corner of Congress and State streets, onelongfellowsquare.com; May 3, 7 p.m.). Portland Press Herald writer Ray Routhier will lead the conversation with the MD-turned-novelist, who also created the long-running TNT TV detective series Rizzoli & Isles. Audience members have the chance to participate in a Q&A afterward. On May 31, columnist Bill Nemitz interviews former Senate majority leader George Mitchell.
Think the Big Thoughts
Intellectual curiosities (and a few libations) will have a salubrious effect on your brain at Think & Drink Portland’s cerebral happy hour (Space Gallery, 538 Congress Street, Portland, mainehumanities.org; May 18, 6:30 p.m.). A discussion on the topic “Citizenship and the Climate” explores the 14th Amendment (which deals with citizenship and citizen rights) in terms of “activism, art, gender, sex, and more.” (Yes, ‘more.’)
Be part of the creative process at the annual Little Festival of the Unexpected at Portland Stage Company (25 Forest Avenue, portlandstage.org; May 11 to 14), where playwrights read from their scripts-in-progress, after which audience members are encouraged to share their impressions and offer input. Featured playwrights are Brenda Withers (String Around my Finger), David Butler (Dying to Know, A Tale of Life and Death in Two Acts), and Callie Kimball (Sofonisba).
Into the Old Port
Elegance and literary flair characterize Maine Historical Society’s annual Mr. Longfellow’s Cocktail Party at the U.S. Custom House (312 Fore Street, Portland; May 20, 5:30 p.m., mainehistory.org). The celebration of the Maine poet and author of the poem “Drinking Song” includes champagne cocktails, tasty nibbles, and a silent auction. This year’s location is a special treat for history buffs, architecture fans, and the curious, as the doors to the 1868 Renaissance-revival style U.S. Custom House are usually closed to the public.
For high-energy word play and perhaps a Bushmills single-malt, head to Port Veritas Spoken Word on Tuesdays at Bull Feeney’s Pub (375 Fore Street, Portland, portveritas.com). Every second Tuesday of the month you’ll find an open mic and poetry slam starting at 7:30. It’s held in the gothic-windowed Yeats Room on the second floor, where you can sit back and enjoy the wordsmithery of seasoned guest poets or join the brave newcomers baring their souls during the open-mic session. This month’s readers include: Lola Haskins (May 3), Rachel Flynn (May 10), Sophia Holtz (May 17), and Desiree Dallagiacomo (May 31).
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