‘Tis The Season: Holiday shopping in Portland’s downtown district
Posted on November 23, 2011 by Anna Flemke in Arts & Culture
It’s that time of year again. Colorful lights adorn the buildings of downtown Portland, holiday music is on loop and the smell of snow is in the air. What’s not to love? Of course, the rekindling of holiday spirit comes with a price. Checkout lines are longer, people are grouchier and stress levels are high [...]
Schulte & Herr delivers European flare, cuisine to Portland
Posted on November 09, 2011 by Anna Flemke in Arts & Culture
With such a rich array of cuisine to choose from, many would find it hard to complain about Portland’s vibrant culinary scene. With the exception of San Francisco, the city has more restaurants per capita than any other city in United States. Yet aside from a few French and Italian options like Petite Jacqueline and Vignola, and Polish restaurant [...]
First annual Maine Beer week celebrates local breweries and businesses
Posted on November 06, 2011 by Anna Flemke in Arts & Culture
Tinny, watery, bitter and hard to swallow are just a few ways some might describe the taste of America’s most recognized beer brands. America turned into a lager-loving country in the 1970s as high-profile marketing campaigns depicted rugged, stereotypically masculine men bearing a striking resemblance to the iconic Marlboro Man commercials; but instead of cigarettes, they [...]
Controversial Portland amendment looks to redefine art in the eyes of the city
Posted on October 23, 2011 by Anna Flemke in Arts & Culture
A panel of four sit at a row of tables, pens poised and notebooks open to fresh pages. In front of them sits a crowd of over 100 people. One at a time, individuals approach the panel, prepared to defend their livelihood and the definition of art. This was the scene at Merrill Auditorium on [...]
Portland Music Foundation’s CMJ showcase brings the best of Portland to NYC
Posted on September 30, 2011 by Anna Flemke in Music
An honor bestowed by the Portland Music Foundation, each act will receive a showcase spot, a consultation with a national public relations agency and a stipend. For many of the chosen bands, it’s considered an honor to be selected for the festival.
The second-hand treasures at Portland’s 604 Thrift
Posted on September 16, 2011 by Anna Flemke in Arts & Culture
Portland residents Katie Wallace and Erin Guy, the proud owners of 604 Thrift, know all about shoestring budgets. The duo opened the Congress Street shop this past May with only $5000 in savings split between them.
Stop and smell the flowers: Ferdinand celebrates 10 years
Posted on September 02, 2011 by Anna Flemke in Arts & Culture
Looking for a unique gift or a special card? Perhaps a friend has a birthday coming up or a loved one is getting married. Whether you’re a seasoned shopper hunting for the perfect bargain or just a person who appreciates the work that goes into making handmade goods, Ferdinand sells items that fit your taste [...]
DIY spirit still alive in Maine with Peapod Recordings
Posted on April 15, 2011 by Anna Flemke in Arts & Culture
A ten-foot-by-ten-foot room isn’t very big. Add boxes of CDs, records and packaging supplies, and you’re not left with much to work with. But beggars can’t be choosers, and Ron Harrity makes do.
Show your appreciation on Record Store Day
Posted on April 10, 2011 by Anna Flemke in Arts & Culture
Do you love the sound of vinyl? The look, the feel of it? How about fantastic sales and free stuff? Even if you’re not a record collector, this year’s Record Store Day is sure to have something for everyone.
‘Sucker Punch’ lacks more than just clothing
Posted on March 31, 2011 by Anna Flemke in Arts & Culture, Movie Reviews
Marketed as empowering to women, “Sucker Punch” proves to be just the opposite — Lolita-esque characters prancing about in tiny skirts and fishnets seem to be more about fetishism than empowerment. Baby Doll and her fellow femme fatales appear weak and one-dimensional, much like their dialogue.
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