A benefit gala at the Boathouse

     BELFAST -- Penobscot Marine Museum will hold a benefit auction and dinner dance Thursday, Aug. 12, at the Belfast Boathouse Common. The evening will include cocktails, a silent auction, live auction, dinner and dancing under tents. Proceeds from the event will be used to support Searsport museum’s operating expenses.

     The silent auction, music and cocktails will begin 5:30 p.m. Items include a day of sailing for four on a private ketch, a sea kayaking trip, an original watercolor by Earle G. Barlow, a signed, limited edition print by Fred Kellogg, a Lincolnville wherry ship model and more.

     The live auction will be conducted by James D. Julia beginning at 7 p.m., and will feature a two sloops, as well as many works of art, from 19th century and the arts and crafts period to contemporary pieces reflecting the museum’s 2004 exhibit theme, “LOBstah.”

     Dinner and dancing will cap the evening. Tickets for the gala range from $500 to $150, with a “Captain’s Table” for 10 at $2,500 and “Admiral’s Table” for 10 at $5,000. A color catalog of the auction items is available and absentee bids will be accepted.

     To make a reservation or request a catalog, contact Roseann Costello at 548-2529, Ext. 206; or send e-mail to rcostello@penobscotmarinemuseum.org.

Blue Hill Brass in Brooks

     BROOKS -- The Blue Hill Brass Quintet will perform 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 14, at Marsh River Theater, Route 139.

     For nearly 20 years, the Blue Hill Brass Quintet has been entertaining audiences across New England. It is not uncommon to hear these five brass musicians performing in the streets of Bar Harbor in the summer and on the slopes of Sugarloaf USA in the winter.

     Trumpeter Curtis Brossmer plays with the Bangor Symphony and is a professional house painter. Fellow trumpet player Allen Graffam is director of bands at Mt. Ararat High School in Topsham, directs the Chandlers Band in Portland and is principal trumpet with the Maine Chamber Ensemble. Horn player John Wheeler has played with both the Bangor Symphony and the Portland Symphony. Trombonist Stephen Norris teaches music, is a musical director for community theater and plays with the New Trad Septet. Tuba player Paul Greenstone studied with the American, Cleveland and San Francisco symphonies. He is the band director at Brunswick High School.

     Tickets, $5 and $8, are available at the box office. For information, call 722-4110.

‘Other Wise Man’ has summer encore

     LINCOLNVILLE -- “The Story of the Other Wise Man” will be performed 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 15, at the United Christian Church, Route 173 in Lincolnville Center.

     Playwright Liz Hand of Lincolnville adapted the book by the same title written in 1895 by Henry Van Dyke. It is the story of the fourth wise man, Artaban, whose plan to join his fellow Magi seeking the new light and truth is interrupted by a chance meeting on his way to join them. The story will be told by Margaretta Thurlow and will be enhanced by tableaux vivants and choral responses.

     This marks the third performance of the play, and church members are hoping to attract local residents and summer visitors who may have missed last winter’s performances. It is a meaningful story that can be appreciated by all ages.

     Admission will be $5 for adults and free for children. Following the performance, audience members can purchase a recently released CD recording of Thurlow reading the story for $10. All proceeds will benefit the building fund.

     The United Christian Church was built in 1821 and is on the National Historical Registry. It features the original boxed pews and ripple glass windows. For information, call 763-4526.

NTWH alumni return to radio days

     BELFAST -- The public is invited to enjoy an evening of entertainment when the National Theatre Workshop of the Handicapped presents the annual NTWH-Crosby Alumni Gala Performance 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 15.

     This year, students from Maine, Ireland, England and across the United States will take their audience back in time to when the living room radio was the center of entertainment in the home.

     The NTWH-Crosby School is located at 96 Church St. All performances are free.

Country Roads guide is out

     LINCOLNVILLE -- The artists and artisans of the annual Country Roads self-guided tour are featured in the free 2004 Country Roads Artists and Artisans Guide.

     The guide offers information and directions for 22 artists and artisans in Camden, Rockport, Lincolnville, Warren, Hope and Appleton. Copies of the guide are available at the Camden-Rockport-Lincolnville Chamber of Commerce on the town landing; the Rockland-Thomaston Area Chamber of Commerce at Rockland’s Harbor Park; at local bed and breakfasts; at participating artists’ studios; or by calling 763-4770.

     The full-color brochure lists painters Laurie V. Adams, Linda Norton, Dan Daly (Red House Studio), Carol Sebold and Suzette MacDonald Lebenzon; furniture makers Sydney Moore (Designs in Wood), Lowrie Sargent (Rocky Coast Joinery), Tim Rousseau and Richard Dunham (Wood and Light); potters Nancy Button (Fireside Pottery), Peter Jones (Mountain Street Pottery) and Richard and Lynette Robertson (Rockport Pottery); jewelers Etienne Perret and Michael Good; fabric artists Nancy Lubin and Diane and Wally O’Brien (Sleepy Hollow Rag Rugs); metalworker Benjamin Leavitt; yacht model maker Robert Eddy (Classic Yacht Models); glass blower Richard Remsen (The Foundry); sculptor Randy Fein; photographer Tillman Crane; and winemakers John and Stephanie Clapp (Cellardoor Winery).

     Included is an easy-to-follow locator map. Hours for each studio are listed and visitors are invited to stop by throughout the year, although some studios require an advance call to make an appointment.

     All of the artists and artisans in the brochure will take part in this year’s open studio tour, scheduled for the weekend of Sept. 17-19.