Sense an uptick in energy this weekend? That's because we've got a strong line up of music, stories, art, wine and a great reason to get out of Dodge.

Soul/Funk/Blues and author Carolyn Chute!

Friday, April 24 — Camden Opera House, Camden

This is exciting a music and author collaboration. Peter Neils and The Midnight Riders are a new group of talented Midcoast musicians that play an invigorating mix of Soul Funk Blues/Rock and Americana that will get you up and dancing to melodies you know by heart and grooves that you may not have heard for decades.

Special guest is Maine author Carolyn Chute, best known for her novel The Beans of Egypt, Maine. Carolyn will read in between musical acts from her latest book Treat us Like Dogs and We Will Become Wolves. Her work centers on marginalized people of poverty and the hardship of life in rural Maine. Cost: $10; free younger than 13. Doors open 7 p.m. Tickets at Camden Town Office, weekdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; by calling 470-7066; or online at camdenoperahouse.com

Belfast Co-op Art and Wine Tasting Reception

Friday, April 24 — Belfast Co-op, Belfast

In these last days of April, we’re forcing spring to get off that old couch, change out of its sweat pants give ups and make an appearance for God’s sake! There’s no better way to do it, than flouncing over to the Belfast Co-op Café, where there will be a free wine tasting of highlighted seasonal wines and the opening for "Une Production de Produits,” an exhibit of works in pen-and-ink and acrylics by Dan Kirchoff. For inspiration Kirchoff  actually went around the Co-op, looked at its produce and said, “Hmm, these will make a nice portrait.” The event is free and goes from 7 to 9 p.m. FMI: Art Opening

Colby College a Cappella Group Kills It

Saturday, April 25 — Watts Hall, Thomaston

The Meglomaniacs sings their lungs off! “The Megs” as they are known are Colby College’s oldest co-ed a cappella group and they will perform at Watts Hall in Thomaston from 7:00-8:30 p.m. Cost: $9; $5 students; $25 family of four or more. FMI: 354-6571. Refreshments at intermission and during post-performance meet and greet.

True Stories and Lively Tales

Saturday, April 25 — Waterfall Arts, Belfast

We’ve been on a Midcoast storytelling kick for the last few months and “The Fallout Shelter,” a group of Midcoast Maine raconteurs, will assemble to regale the audience with lively tales from their own lives. Hosted by The Midcoast Actors Studio, currently slated are: John Ford Sr., Aynne Ames, Andy O’Brien, Charlie Dufour, Jennifer Tibbetts, Kristen Burkholder, and G.W. Martin. The stories will not be screened beforehand so please be advised that some of the language may be a bit colorful, and material may not be suitable for children or the weak of heart. You can handle it. Suggested donation of $10. FMI: midcoastactors.org

Killer Road Trip: Bangor Comic and Toy Convention

Friday, April 24-Sunday, April 26 — Cross Insurance Center, Bangor

The little kid in you doesn’t want to do spring cleaning this weekend or scrub the spider webs from the window screens. The little kid in you want to go to the 2015 Bangor Comic & Toy Con! Enjoy three different days filled with exciting events, guests and exhibitors, comics, pop culture, gaming, horror, sci fi, cosplay, art, animation, writers, music, collectibles, Q&A panels, workshops & more! Bonus for Star Wars Nerds! Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian) will be at the Bangor Comic Con Saturday and Sunday! See full lineup here: Click for Schedule

The single day price is $25 (really $30 through Ticketmaster) –and includes all gaming, panels and access to the con floor, single day. FMI: bangorcomictoycon.com

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com