This so happens to be a schizophrenic weekend of music all over the Midcoast, and we're happy about that. Holiday stress will slough off when you start dancing. Editor's Picks this weekend include Shemekia Copeland at the Strand, FOG’s Ugly Christmas Sweater Party and Hot Pink Flannel’s 13th Day of ChristmaHannuKwanza!

Thursday, Dec. 11

· As always, the Open Mic at The Highlands Coffee House promises some great talent in the Midcoast and beyond. Drink and food specials. Sign up early.

· If you like Soul Funk Blues/Rock & Americana, Necessary Music Productions and The Speakeasy will present a special show by a new dance band, The Midnight Riders, from 8 to 11 p.m.

· If you’ve never seen Shemekia Copeland at the Blues Festival, she is a powerhouse and opened for the Rolling Stones, headlined at the Chicago Blues Festival, shared the stage with such luminaries as Buddy Guy, B.B. King, Mick Jagger and Eric Clapton, and has even performed at the White House. She will heat up the stage at the Strand Theatre in Rockland with her Holiday Blues Party at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $20/ General Admission. The Strand balcony and lobby bars will be open for ages 21+. FMI: Holiday Party.

Friday, Dec. 12

· These days, you just have to have an ugly Christmas sweater on hand, because SO many parties require it! Yep, FOG Bar and Cafe is throwing an official Ugly Sweater Christmas Dance Party with the band, Just Teachers, playing. A king and queen will be crowned. Starts at 9 p.m.

· Trackside Station in Rockland is having a Customer Appreciation Party from 4:30 to 7 p.m. with the band No Guts No Glory. Starts at 9 p.m.

· Myrtle Street Tavern in Rockland has its weekly Karaoke Night. Sing your heart out, strut your stuff! Goes from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

· Rock City Cafe in Rockland will host the band Raised By Wolves, which plays Latin jazz and blues from 7-9 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 13

· Nukele, a high-octane Maine band, is playing at Front Street Pub from 5 to 9 p.m. They play music from reggae to metal, funk to punk...and everything in between!

· Eat, drink, and shop local at the Sweetgrass Farm Winery and Distillery Holiday Bazaar, Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Union. On deck will be goodies to sample from Appleton Creamery with a huge selection of delicious cheese and Bixby & Co. with their scrumptious chocolates.

· If you're in need of a little holiday inspiration, or you just want to feel your heart swell with emotion and joy (it's a good thing this time of year) grab a ticket for the Songs of Solomon Gospel Choir, performing at the Rockport Opera House at 3 p.m. Last year was a sell-out concert—for good reason. It will help balance the hectic, stressful pace this time of year and renew your spirits. Click this link to see all the happenings during the Rockport Holiday on the Harbor event, and for tickets, visit Bay Chamber Concerts.

· The Speakeasy  is hosting a special holiday party organized by Hot Pink Flannel and the all-inclusive bash is called The 13th Day of ChristmaHannuKwanza! Get ready for a great group of people kicking it off at 9 p.m., with The Dolphin Strikers starting at 9:30 p.m. to kill the floor with their own brand of “sea ska.” $5 cover, 21 and over.

· Rock City Cafe in Rockland will host singer-songwriter Stesha Cano from 7-9 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 14

· After a nice brunch in Rockland, you might want to check out Lisa Redfern at Harbor Square Gallery from 1 to 3 p.m. She plays folk, bluegrass and jazz. $10 at the door. FMI: 594-8700.

· Eat, drink and shop local at the Sweetgrass Farm Winery and Distillery Holiday Bazaar, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. in Union. On deck will be goodies to sample from Appleton Creamery, with a huge selection of delicious cheeses, and Bixby & Co. chocolates.

· FOG Bar & Cafe hosts Drink & Draw. They supply the art materials and you provide the raw artistic talent. Drink and food specials all night.

Hey, want to know where to go for happy hour every day of the week? Check out our Guide To Midcoast’s Happy Hours.

If you have an arts and entertainment event that fits within the adult scope of fun and cool things to do for Weekend Picks, contact Kay Stephens at news@penbaypilot.com