UMaine Calendar

Global Soundscapes
2024-11-15 19:00 - 20:00, 2024-11-22 19:00 - 20:00, 2024-11-29 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Versant Power Astronomy Center, 167 Rangeley Rd., Orono, ME, 04469, United States
Listen…can you hear that? It’s the sound of the Earth! Take a sound safari to explore the health of our planet. Travel the globe to investigate the spectacular soundscapes of Costa Rica’s rainforests, Hawaii’s coral reefs, and Mongolia’s vast grasslands. Learn how animals use sounds to survive and communicate. Experience sound in new ways through interactive activities and incredible slow-motion footage – you’ll hear the Earth in a whole new way!
Click here to watch the trailer!
To purchase tickets, click here.

Polaris: Mystery of the Polar Night
2024-11-17 14:00 - 15:00, 2024-11-24 14:00 - 15:00 | Versant Power Astronomy Center, 167 Rangeley Rd., Orono, ME, 04469, United States
A traveling penguin from the South Pole and a funny polar bear from the North pole meet on arctic sea ice. They become friends observing the night sky together and wondering why night is so long at the poles of the Earth. This mystery leads them on a scientific adventure by building an improvised spaceship to travel around the Earth to learn about seasons, visit Mars and Saturn to learn about ice in the solar system and how planets have similarities and differences which make them unique.
To purchase tickets, click here.

Masterworks II – Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto with Lun Li
2024-11-17 15:00 - 17:00 | Collins Center for the Arts, 2 Flagstaff Road, Orono, ME, 04469, United States
Program
Berlioz | Beatrice and Benedict Overture
Tchaikovsky | Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 35
Franck | Symphony in D minor
On November 17, 2024, rising star violinist Lun Li will perform Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto in D major, an event made possible through a collaboration with Young Concert Artists, Inc., out of New York. During Lun Li’s visit, he will work with the Bangor Symphony Youth Orchestra, offering local young musicians an opportunity to work directly with a concertizing violinist. Opening the concert will be Berlioz’s Beatrice and Benedict Overture, and closing the concert will be the romantic Franck Symphony in D minor.

Enchanted: A Taylor Swift Music Journey
2024-11-17 16:00 - 17:00, 2024-11-24 16:00 - 17:00 | Versant Power Astronomy Center, 167 Rangeley Rd., Orono, ME, 04469, United States
Taylor Swift is one of the biggest pop stars on the planet. With over 200 million records sold, a shelf full of Grammys, and an army of fans, Taylor Swift is an inspiration for generations. Enchanted: A Taylor Swift Musical Journey is a collection of her biggest hits set to stunning full dome imagery. “Blank Space”, “Love Story”, “Wildest Dreams”, “You Belong With Me” and many more will delight Swift fans!
To purchase tickets, click here.

Flatland Cavalry
2024-11-21 20:00 - 22:00 | Collins Center for the Arts, 2 Flagstaff Road, Orono, ME, 04469, United States
Flatland Cavalry is breaking out into a gallop. After years of hot trotting across their native Texas, the country outfit is primed for a breakout with the release of their third full-length album, the sonically sprawling and wistfully written Welcome to Countryland.
The Texas sextet––bandleader and chief lyricist Cleto Cordero, guitarist Reid Dillon, bassist Jonathan Saenz, drummer Jason Albers, fiddle player Wesley Hall, and utility instrumentalist Adam Gallegos––continue to embrace their trademark sound while further pushing into the wild unknown. When it was time to embark on recording a new album, resting on their laurels was simply out of the realm of possibilities.
Following the release of 2019’s critically-acclaimed Homeland Insecurity and their 2016 full-length debut Humble Folks, they’ve been on a healthy trajectory rising through the country ranks. After years of working with Lubbock stalwart Scott Faris in the friendly confines of Amusement Park Studios, Flatland decided a change of scenery was necessary. Despite some hesitation and a mix of emotions, they instantly knew recording at Nashville’s Sound Emporium Studio A with rising producer Jake Gear was the right move.
Since its release, Welcome To Countryland has garnered critical praise from Rolling Stone, Wall Street Journal, Holler, Whiskey Riff, BrooklynVegan and many other outlets. The band concluded their hugely successful Welcome To Countryland Tour by selling out Billy Bob’s Texas in December 2021, and kicked off 2022 with the release of the Far Out West Sessions. These stripped-down, one-take acoustic performance videos of their 2021 hits recorded on-site in the vast deserts and mountain ranges of Far West Texas were an instant hit with fans, so the band released the tapes on streaming platforms and embarked on the Far Out West Tour.
With tour dates from Seattle to London, festival debuts from C2C to Stagecoach, and coveted support slots with Luke Combs, Eric Church and more, the Far Out West Tour brought Flatland Cavalry to new corners of the globe. As 2022 neared its end they surprise-released the highly anticipated single “Mountain Song” and announced an EP to arrive in the Fall.
With more new music on the horizon, 17 upcoming stadium shows with Luke Combs, and a stacked touring calendar for 2024, Flatland Cavalry is approaching global influence in the Country & Folk music world.

The Met: Live in HD – Tosca
2024-11-23 13:00 - 15:00 | Collins Center for the Arts, 2 Flagstaff Road, Orono, ME, 04469, United States
Extraordinary soprano Lise Davidsen stars as the volatile diva Floria Tosca for her first time at the Met. David McVicar’s thrilling production also features tenor Freddie De Tommaso in his eagerly anticipated company debut as Tosca’s revolutionary lover, Cavaradossi, and powerhouse baritone Quinn Kelsey as the sadistic chief of police Scarpia.
What is The Met: Live in HD Series?
The Metropolitan Opera’s Peabody- and Emmy Award-winning series, The Met: Live in HD, lets fans immerse themselves in opera up to 10 times a year. Up to 12 cameras capture the onstage drama, as well as the fascinating backstage action, and transmit it from New York City to the Collins Center for the Arts and other venues across the globe.
Learn before you go!
Please join us for free informational sessions, held prior to each opera. You’re invited to attend to learn about the upcoming opera and meet up with other opera fans. Whether you have been to a zillion operas or have never been – these sessions are for you!
Tuesday, Nov. 19 at 4:15 pm at Dirigo Pines
Thursday, Nov. 21 at 5 pm at Orono Public Library

Mystery of the Christmas Star
2024-12-01 14:00 - 15:00, 2024-12-08 14:00 - 15:00 | Versant Power Astronomy Center, 167 Rangeley Rd., Orono, ME, 04469, United States
Journey back 2000 years to Bethlehem as we seek to discover a scientific explanation for the Star the wise men followed to find the baby Jesus. Investigate possible dates for the birth of Christ and look at recorded sightings of significant historical and astronomical events during this timeframe. We’ll explore scientific explanations for celestial objects that could have been remarkable enough to cause the wise men to travel across the desert from Babylon to Bethlehem just to see a newborn King. Regardless of what the star was, the message of Peace on Earth and goodwill to all still rings true today!
Watch the trailer here!
To purchase tickets, click here.

Let it Snow: A Holiday Music Journey
2024-12-01 16:00 - 17:00, 2024-12-08 16:00 - 17:00 | Versant Power Astronomy Center, 167 Rangeley Rd., Orono, ME, 04469, United States
Let it Snow features a new variety of festive classics from Frank Sinatra and Chuck Berry to Burl Ives and Brenda Lee, including a stunning multi-media finale by the Trans Siberian Orchestra. The soundtrack is visually enhanced with thematic animation and is an entertaining experience for all ages, especially families.
Tickets are $9 for general admission.
All music programs may contain bright flashing lights and fast-moving images, which have been known to trigger seizures with those with photosensitive epilepsy. Viewer discretion is advised.
To purchase tickets, click here.

Seán Heely’s Celtic Christmas
2024-12-05 19:00 - 21:00 | Collins Center for the Arts, 2 Flagstaff Road, Orono, ME, 04469, United States
Led by renowned Scottish Fiddle Champion Seán Heely, this colorful Celtic celebration of the holidays is perfect for the entire family. Kilts and tartan abound as the show travels through ancient Gaelic carols and songs, tucked in perfectly with lively Irish tunes and familiar Christmas and seasonal melodies with a Celtic twist.

Tickets from $30-$50 | K-12 students $16 | All fees included

Worlds of Ice
2024-12-06 19:00 - 20:00 | Versant Power Astronomy Center, 167 Rangeley Rd., Orono, ME, 04469, United States
Journey to the farthest reaches of the solar system, traveling through the dimensions of ice from the remote territories of the arctic, to a scientific complex nested under the South Pole. Experience it all immersed in a kaleidoscopic igloo, be dazzled by the icy wonderland of the arctic, and explores the relationship between humans and ice in science, culture and artistic expression. WORLDS OF ICE also rattles us, revealing how our disastrous human actions are responsible for the melting polar ice caps, and how close we are to the tipping point of dramatic climate change. A sobering reality indeed. Ice. Precious, and vital.
To purchase tickets, click here.

Yuletide Celebration
2024-12-08 15:00 - 17:00 | Collins Center for the Arts, 2 Flagstaff Road, Orono, ME, 04469, United States
The University’s major choral ensembles collaborate to perform their annual holiday concert. An afternoon of festive music and fun for the whole family!
General admission $12, all fees included. Free with a student MaineCard.

U.S. Air Force Rock Band – Full Spectrum (School Show)
2024-12-12 10:00 - 12:00 | Collins Center for the Arts, 2 Flagstaff Road, Orono, ME, 04469, United States
The USAF Heritage of America Band’s Full Spectrum Rock Band offers an exciting opportunity for students to experience live music while learning about teamwork, leadership, and American heritage. Their performance not only entertains but also highlights the diverse career opportunities available in the Air Force, from musicianship to technology and leadership roles. By showcasing how music, history, and service intersect, Full Spectrum’s creativity offers a glimpse into rewarding careers in military service, while fostering a deeper appreciation for citizenship and teamwork.
This is a FREE performance, but you MUST register with our box office using the button above to guarantee your seats!
Mission from the Band:
Through the universal language of music, we COMMUNICATE U.S. Air Force and Department of Defense messages, making lasting connections with our audiences. Our community and civic outreach performances serve to instill patriotism, build partnerships, enhance the reputation of the Air Force and the United States, and demonstrate American values to the world.
We HONOR all who have nobly served in the United States Armed Forces by commemorating the contributions of our nation’s veterans – past and present – both at home and in deployed locations around the world.
We INSPIRE diverse audiences by displaying the highest level of professionalism, epitomizing military precision and excellence, telling the Air Force story and presenting the finest in musical culture and entertainment.
We serve as a dynamic element to RECRUIT our nation’s best and brightest to serve in the United States Air Force. In partnership with Air Force Recruiting Service, we perform for events that generate interest and enthusiasm for military service.

Dirty Dancing in Concert
2025-01-23 19:00 - 21:00 | Collins Center for the Arts, 2 Flagstaff Road, Orono, ME, 04469, United States
Join us for Dirty Dancing in Concert, the classic film’s first live film-to-concert experience.
Enjoy the digitally remastered hit film like never before on a full-size cinema screen, with a live band and singers performing the film’s iconic songs. With a soundtrack that marked a generation, Dirty Dancing in Concert promises to bring a thrilling new and unique experience to the 80s classic.
Directly following the film, the band and singers will throw an encore party that will surely take you back to the time of your life as you sing and dance along to your favorite Dirty Dancing songs.
Immerse yourself in the timeless romance and experience one of the most memorable movies of the past 35 years – now live!

Bangor Symphony Orchestra — Lunch & Learn
2025-01-24 12:00 - 13:00 | Versant Power Astronomy Center, 167 Rangeley Rd., Orono, ME, 04469, United States
Join us on Friday, January 24th in the Astronomy Center at 12:00 noon for a Deep Dive! Led by Bangor Symphony Orchestra Music Director Lucas Richman and guest electric violist Martha Mooke, this session of Lunch & Learn will take a deeper look into Mooke’s work and the other works to be performed by the BSO on January 26th at the Collins Center for the Arts. We hope you will join us! Tickets are $25 and include light bites after the presentation.

All proceeds support the mission of the Bangor Symphony Orchestra and the Versant Astronomy Center. Tickets may be purchased at the door, online, or by phone at 207.581.1341.

Full concert details are available at bangorsymphony.org/show/mozarts-jupiter.

Yamato Drummers – Hito no Chikara: The Power of Human Strength
2025-01-29 19:00 - 21:00 | Collins Center for the Arts, 2 Flagstaff Road, Orono, ME, 04469, United States
This renowned Taiko ensemble returns to the Collins Center for a dazzling night of traditional music from Japan. The sound of 40 different drums combined with intricate ensemble movement and spectacular costumes guarantee an unforgettable experience.
Join us at 6 p.m. for a pre-performance discussion with a member of Yamato!

The Met: Live in HD – Aida
2025-02-01 13:00 - 15:00 | Collins Center for the Arts, 2 Flagstaff Road, Orono, ME, 04469, United States
Soprano Angel Blue makes her long-awaited Met role debut as the Ethiopian princess torn between love and country, one of opera’s defining roles. Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin takes the podium for Michael Mayer’s spectacular new staging, which brings audiences inside the towering pyramids and gilded tombs of ancient Egypt with intricate projections and dazzling animations.
What is The Met: Live in HD Series?
The Metropolitan Opera’s Peabody- and Emmy Award-winning series, The Met: Live in HD, lets fans immerse themselves in opera up to 10 times a year. Up to 12 cameras capture the onstage drama, as well as the fascinating backstage action, and transmit it from New York City to the Collins Center for the Arts and other venues across the globe.
Learn before you go!
Please join us for free informational sessions, held prior to each opera. You’re invited to attend to learn about the upcoming opera and meet up with other opera fans. Whether you have been to a zillion operas or have never been – these sessions are for you!
Tuesday, Jan. 28 at 4:15 pm at Dirigo Pines
Thursday, Jan. 30 at 5 pm at Orono Public Library

ORBITS: An exhibition of Tom Jessen, Isabelle Maschal O’Donnell and Ian Trask
2025-02-03 09:00 - 16:00, 2025-02-04 09:00 - 16:00, 2025-02-05 09:00 - 16:00, 2025-02-06 09:00 - 16:00, 2025-02-07 09:00 - 16:00, 2025-02-10 09:00 - 16:00 | Lord Hall Gallery, Lord Hall, University of Maine, Orono, ME, 04469, United States
The University of Maine’s Lord Hall Gallery presents ORBITS, an exhibition featuring the work of three Maine-based artists who are invested in material re-use and sustainability: Tom Jessen, Isabelle Maschal O’Donnell, and Ian Trask from February 3 – March 14, 2025. A reception will be held on February 7, 2025 from 5-7pm. During the reception, six Maine-based poets will read ekphrastic poems which they wrote about the artwork in ORBITS. The reading will take place at 6pm. Participating poets include Matt Bernier, Monique Bouchard, Sylvia Godreaux, Annaliese Jakimides, Carl Little, and Leslie Moore. All events are free and the public is warmly welcomed.
The artists in ORBITS work with the excess waste that circulates around us every day including paper, textiles, and plastics. As these materials pass through their hands, they are transformed into artwork and given new life. The playful colors and forms used by Jessen, O’Donnel, and Trask function as a surprising counterpoint to the urgency of the issues they explore such as sustainability, waste, and consumerism. ORBITS brings awareness to material culture and our relationship to the things around us.
Jessen’s work begins with collection. He gathers cast away food packaging and cuts it into small strips, which are sorted by color. The paper strips are reconfigured into kaleidoscopic surfaces reminiscent of woven fabrics. O’Donnell gathers textile waste and manipulates it into quilt-like surfaces inspired by her surrounding in Maine. Her work stretches our notions of painting and the usefulness of materials. Trask bundles and wraps an assortment of materials bound for the landfill. The orbs he creates are suspended and clustered into new forms that belie their humble origins.
Questions can be directed to: diana.baumbach@maine.edu Additional information about the artists is available on their websites: tomjessen.com, isabelleodonnell.com, .iantrask.com and on Lord Hall Gallery’s Instagram, @umaine_lordhallgallery.

ORBITS Reception and Poetry Reading
2025-02-07 17:00 - 19:00 | Lord Hall Gallery, Lord Hall, University of Maine, Orono, ME, 04469, United States
On Feb. 7 from 5-7pm, a reception will be held for the exhibition “ORBITS,” featuring the work of three Maine-based artists who are invested in material re-use and sustainability: Tom Jessen, Isabelle Maschal O’Donnell, and Ian Trask. During the reception, six Maine-based poets will read ekphrastic poems which they wrote about the artwork in ORBITS. The reading will take place at 6pm. Participating poets include Matt Bernier, Monique Bouchard, Sylvia Godreaux, Annaliese Jakimides, Carl Little, and Leslie Moore. All events are free and the public is warmly welcomed.
Questions can be directed to: diana.baumbach@maine.edu Additional information about the artists is available on their websites: tomjessen.com, isabelleodonnell.com, iantrask.com and on Lord Hall Gallery’s Instagram, @umaine_lordhallgallery

Broadway’s Next Hit Musical
2025-02-07 19:00 - 21:00 | Collins Center for the Arts, 2 Flagstaff Road, Orono, ME, 04469, United States
“Improv, Stand-up Comedy & Live Music made up ON THE SPOT!”
Every song is new, every show is different. These masters of improvisational musical theater are clever, witty, and hilarious. With song titles provided by the audience, be amazed as each nominated musical is created on the spot! Which will win the coveted Phony Award? Be there to find out!
Did you know seating for this performance will be right on stage? That’s right, we’re transforming our space into an intimate cabaret, complete with family-style tables, for an unforgettable, up-close experience. With a delicious selection of sweet and savory treats included in the price of your ticket!
