Make summer last! That’s the cry you’re hearing all over the Midcoast this weekend. On both Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 27-28, you’ll have to choose between two great bands/events. It’s a hard life, I know. Oh, and a new taproom for Orono Brewing Co. is worth a road trip.

Tuba Skinny at Unity College

Saturday, Aug. 27—Unity

Unity College, which has a great rep for bringing fresh, eclectic mixes of music, films and art to Maine is hosting Tuba Skinny, a loose collection of street musicians dedicated to bringing the traditional New Orleans sound to audiences around the world. Drawing on a wide range of musical influences—from spirituals to Depression-era blues, from ragtime to traditional jazz—their sound evokes the rich musical heritage of their New Orleans home. The band has gained a loyal following through their distinctive sound, their commitment to reviving long-lost songs and their barnstorming live. Tickets are $15. More info can be found here: Unity College and Tuba Skinny

Go back to the Jazz Age with the Barnstormers Ball

Saturday, Aug. 27—Owls Head

Speaking of barnstorming, the Owls Head Transportation Museum is throwing its third annual Barnstormers Ball, transforming into a 1920s inspired party venue, taking design cues from the famous — and daring — barnstormers who defined an era of aviation. See our recent story here. The party starts at 6 p.m. Tickets for the gala are $100 per person, and a limited number will be offered; reserved tables are available in advance. FMI: owlshead.org/events/detail/barnstormers-ball 

Free Outdoor Concert with the What Cheer? Brigade

Sunday, Aug. 28—Belfast

When the quirky Waterfall Arts and music-champions Free Range Music Series team up, you know it's going to be good. The two organizations are celebrating Waterfall Arts’ first decade in Belfast with a free outdoor concert. The What Cheer? Brigade is an award-winning, 20-piece original brass band from Providence, R.I., with Bollywood, Balkan, New Orleans, samba and hip‐hop influences played with the intensity of metal. The band has shared the stage with artists like Blondie, Man Man, Okkervil River, and Wolf Parade and has performed at many festivals around the world. Additional activities will include an appearance by Belfast's own Random Beats Street Band and more. The event is free and open to the public. Gates will open at 3:30 p.m., music starts at 4 p.m. The concert will take place outdoors. If there is rain, an alternative venue will be announced. Visit www.waterfallarts.org or call 207-338-2222 for more information.

Steel Band and Barbecue

Sunday, Aug. 28—Thomaston

Knox Museum is hosting a big blowout with a chicken and ribs barbecue and music by Steelin' Thunder steel drum band from 3 to 6 p.m. on the big stage in front of Montpelier, the big white house at the turn off Route 1 to St. George in Thomaston. Steelin' Thunder, from Rockland, will perform some rousing selections with a Caribbean flair ideal for dancing or just good ole lazy August afternoon listening. Tickets are $18 and $15 at the door the day of the event. Admission includes food; drinks will be available by donation; and children under age 12 are admitted for free. Pro-tip: try to carpool as parking space will be limited, and bring blankets and chairs.

Killer Road Trip: Orono Brewing Co. opens new taproom

Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 28 29—Bangor

Orono Brewing Co., a fixture in Orono for two years now, just had a grand opening this week with a new taproom in Bangor at 26 State Street. This would be an ideal weekend to check out the new renovated space and tasting room. The tap room opens at noon both Saturday and Sunday. If you go, have one for me!

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com