April 14
If you’ve got kids, siblings, or friends who never quite grew up, you might just enjoy a family concert by Matt Loosigian, which is part of the Week of the Young Child. This event is sponsored by the USM Child and Family Centers. 4:30 to 5:15 p.m./ Woodbury Campus Center Amphitheater, Portland campus/ 780-4125
April 15
The North Star Cafe presents a poetry reading in the Port Veritas Spoken Word Series, entitled “Women in poetry.” This night will feature USM poetry teachers Annie Finch and Betsy Sholl, as well as Barbara Kelly & Roller Girl. Free/ 7 p.m./ 225 Congress St., Portland/ 699-2994
April 16
The Old Port Acting Studio will be holding an acting workshop to celebrate their grand opening. Spring acting classes begin on April 21. The workshop is free/ 7 to 9 p.m./ 386 Fore Street #501, Portland/ 408-5061
April 17
Bowdoin college presents the Maine Jazz Showcase featuring The Frank Mauceri Quintet, and Steve Grover’s Garden Above Trio. Not only does the show feature some well-respected Maine jazz artists, but it is also a benefit for Andrew D’Angelo, a Brooklyn-based saxophonist who has been diagnosed with cancer. Admission is free, but there will be a table for donations/ 7:30 p.m./ Studzinski Recital Hall, Kanbar Auditorium, Bowdoin College/ 798-4141
April 18
USM theater’s final major production of the year begins tonight. “Last Easter,” directed by Tom Power, is a play by Bryony Lavery which touches on issues of death and God as it follows a terminally ill woman and her friends in a dark but humorous search for healing. Cost is $12 for the general public, $8 for seniors and USM faculty and staff, and $5 for students/ 7:30 p.m./ Russell Hall, Gorham campus/ 780-5151
April 19
The Sixth Annual Maine Deaf Film Festival will be held at USM, and can be an informative and entertaining way to spend your afternoon and evening. Films vary in length and cover different topics such as deaf history, deaf filmmakers, stereotypes, humor, and more. This event is free for USM students with student ID’s/ 1 to 11 p.m./ Luther Bonney Auditorium, Portland campus, with a reception in between sessions at the Woodbury Campus Center Amphitheater/ 780-4582
April 20
Come out and support the USM Chorale as they sing at Immanuel Baptist Church. This performance will be conducted by Robert Russell, and selections will include parts of Mendelssohn’s “Elijah.” $10/$5/ 2 p.m./ 156 High St., Portland/ 780-5555