Twitter
Facebook
Reddit
Digg
Tell us what you think!Send a letter to the editor about this or any other article in The Maine Campus.
So, you’re stuck in Orono for spring break. The good news is that not all is lost. Your peers may be back home or partying at destinations across the country, but there will still be plenty to do in the Greater Bangor area during these two weeks off.
Down at the regular hangouts, it’s mostly business as usual but there is also plenty going on if you’re looking to expand your artistic horizons beyond a bar band. Between plays, concerts, film screenings and even bowling, there should be enough to do during the much-needed recess from schoolwork.
The Nightlife
Downtown Orono won’t look much different over break — in fact, most are going to be a little quieter than usual, according to staff members at the various establishments — but there will still be plenty of ways to have fun, especially during the first weekend when students are sent away with a bang.
At the Bear Brew, there will be an 18+ dubstep night with DJ Les Rhoda on Feb. 25. Things are going to be relatively quiet after that for the rest of break, but if you are willing to travel down to Auburn, you can catch jam band Bootiddy and Rhoda under his Alien Journalism moniker March 4 at Club Texas.
Across the street at Woodman’s Bar and Grill, the Wednesday night Extravajamza open-mic nights are expected to return. This will probably be the best bet for catching live music over break.
Frank and the Red Hots are playing at The Roost tonight, but there isn’t expected to be much more live music over break. There will still be Karaoke with Marissa on Wednesdays, though.
Also, if you’re down near the Waterville area, The Roost is planning to open a branch there in early March, according to the restaurant’s Facebook page.
Curva Ultra Lounge won’t stray too far from the usual affairs while many students are gone, but there will be a hip-hop concert Feb. 25 with Cam Groves of Spose’s Preposterously Dank label headlining. Educated Advocates, who opened for Spose during his visit to Old Town in the fall, will open for Groves alongside aspiring MC Colby Stiltz. Tickets to this 18+ event are $12.
Spring break is a great time to check out some hidden gems around the area as well. With The Dime closed, Old Town is becoming less of a destination. However, if you want the cheapest beer around — most are only a dollar or two — head to the Old Town Bowling Center. This candlepin bowling alley is tucked away right near downtown. What it lacks in flash, it makes up for in charm. You can’t go wrong with cheap bowling and cheap beer. You can reach them at 827-2874.
Arts and Culture
During the first weekend of break, the Penobscot Theatre Company will be wrapping up its run of “Dirty Blonde” at the Bangor Opera House. There are performances Thursday through Sunday, so don’t miss out on your chance to see the University of Maine’s own A.J. Mooney as sensuous ’30s and ’40s starlet Mae West. Call 942-3333 for more information.
Right on campus at the Collins Center for the Arts, audiences will have the opportunity to travel to Ireland and South Africa in the same week. “The Magic of Ireland,” a night of Irish song and dance, will take place on the Feb. 27 and the renowned Ladysmith Black Mambazo will bring the rhythms and sounds of South Africa to Orono March 5. Other events include the Popovich Comedy Pet Theater on March 6 and an orchestral showcase on the 13th. Call 1-800-662-TIXX for more information.
Independent movie collective River City Cinema will be screening movies, Feb. 25 and March 11 for just $5 at the Union Street Brick Church in Bangor. The first film, “Bhutto,” is a documentary on the first female leader of the Muslim nation of Pakistan. Two weeks later, there will be a showing of the Korean film “Secret Sunshine,” starring Jeon Do-yeon, who took home the award for Best Actress at Cannes. Visit rivercitycinema.com to read more about the films and watch the trailers.
