From Belfast to Waldoboro (and a Portland road trip), we’ve got an eclectic lineup of hot jazz, cold bourbon, Maine craft arts and brews, a fashion show and art-comedy-music fest in Portland.

Kentucky Bourbon Tasting with Workshop

Friday, Sept. 30—Waldoboro

Kentucky native Scott Byrd will be giving a three-hour presentation through the Medomak Arts Project in Waldoboro about why the best bourbon originated in Kentucky and how Maine’s Prohibition affected its production and sale, among other interesting history tidbits. An optional tasting will also occur. The event runs from 6 to 9 p.m. and costs $20. They strongly encourage you to check before just showing up by emailing jminzy@gmail.com or calling 832-4774. FMI: Medomak Arts Project

Maine Craft Weekend

Saturday, Oct. 1 to Sunday, Oct. 2—Midcoast

It’s going to be a great weekend for a road trip throughout the backroads of the Midcoast. As part of the annual state-wide self-guided tour of Maine’s craft studios and breweries, not necessarily on the beaten path, here’s an opportunity to explore the life and work of craft artists featuring participants all over the state who are not regularly open to the public or who have planned special MCW events and demonstrations at their locations. Plan a route to include a pottery wheel lesson and a glass blowing demonstration in the morning, swing by a brew pub for lunch, wrap up the day perusing a craft show.  Here’s what’s going on in the Midcoast. Also, see our recent story on one man who created his own dream job by foraging in the forests and beaches.

Knitmaine-ia Fashion Show to Benefit New Hope for Women

Saturday, Oct. 1—Belfast

Fashion shows are so few and far between up here, this one is worth a mention. An afternoon fashion show is taking place at the Belfast Boat House from 2 to 4 p.m. For the seventh year, Knitmaine-ia celebrates diverse fiber arts traditions with hand-knitted, crocheted and felted garments and accessories both modeled and displayed. Tickets are $12 and all proceeds are donated to New Hope For Women

Killer Road Trip: Waking Windows Fest in Portland

Saturday, Oct. 1—Portland

Here we go, something for everybody. I love daytime festivals. Waking Windows is a music, arts, comedy, and literature festival that will take place in downtown Portland, and will feature more than 60 performers in 10 venues. Tickets are $25 for a day pass and can be bought here. All of the events kick off at noon. FMI: more info.

The Hot Sardines at the Strand

Sunday, Oct. 2—Rockland

Coming in with a band name that would sure to be on Opus the penguin’s iPod, The Hot Sardines are up from New York City to play the Strand Theatre. This jazz collective that Downbeat called “one of the most delightfully energetic bands on New York’s ‘hot’ music scene,” is steeped in “hot, foot-stomping jazz, salty stride piano, and the kind of music Louis Armstrong, Django Reinhardt and Fats Waller used to make.” General admission is $45 and the show starts at 7:30 p.m.

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com