It’s all about the food this weekend, then dancing it off.

Spin Jam, Bring Your Hoop

Friday, March 4—Rockland

Right about now, (I see you Maine Restaurant Week) everybody’s feeling the old pudge creeping up on the scale. A 30-minute spin of the hula hoop can burn off up to 250 calories and Rockland School of Ballet is offering an easy, stress-free spin jam for like minded hoopers and newbies who want to get their hoop on. They’ll gather indoors every other Friday though the colder months. Suggested donation to cover space rental: $5-10. Goes from 7:45 p.m. to 9:45 pm

Maine Fishermen’s Forum

Friday through Sunday March 4-6—Rockland

Years ago, I stumbled across this hidden gem of a three-day event at the Samoset Resort when I was writing my first book and now I just love to go back every year for the fun of it. There is no cost to attend and the people watching (or having a beer in the bar with fishermen) is the best part of it. In addition, there are family programs, a Trade Show, a Seafood Reception highlighting Maine's seafood, a Banquet/Dance on the last night, as well as a benefit auction to raise money for kids from seafood families.
It’s a slice of life you don’t often get to see and it gives you a real appreciation for the people who work insanely hard to bring the most quality seafood to this area. Goes all day both days from 9 a.m. to evening. FMI: Maine’s Fishermen’s Forum

It’s Shannon’s Birthday. You’re invited!

Saturday, March 5— Northport

Every year Shannon Thompson has invited everybody to her birthday party. Even if you were the last one picked for Dodgeball —you’d still be invited. That’s because she turns her birthday into an annual fundraiser and this year for her sixth annual Birthday Benefit, she’s holding a dance party at the Blue Goose in Northport to benefit LifeFlight. Th ever-popular holler folk band Ghost of Paul Revere will be playing.  Cafe Miranda will be serving dinner and and the beer is courtesy of Andrews Ale, of Lincolnville. The warm-up party starts at 5:30 p.m. and tickets (advance only; limited to 150) are $50 including the meal, beer, and show. The show with cash bar starts at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Info and tickets: birthdaybenefit.org or 207-975-2992. See Penobscot Bay Pilot’s recent story on Shannon here.

Allison Ames at Bowen’s Tavern

Saturday, March 5— Belfast

Here’s a little under-the-radar music happening. The Allison Ames band is playing Bowen’s Tavern starting at 8 p.m. $5 cover with $3.50 well drinks and $1 nachos—you can’t beat that. Drawing on years of experience and striking a balance between old and new, The Allison Ames Band is capable of doing practically any type of music from Elvis to Sugarland or from Creedence to K.C and the Sunshine Band. Infused with tight three-part harmonies, tasteful instrumental breaks and solid rhythms and beats, Take a listen to her band on Reverbnation.

Killer Road Trip: Maine Restaurant Week

March 1-14—statewide

Five local restaurants are participating in Maine Restaurant Week, but this gives you an excuse to hop in the car and go try something new for a fraction of its usual price. Portland has got the most restaurants participating, which is ideal for all the culinary addicts out there. (Side note: the word “foodie” has been banned). Lunches are typically around $15 and dinners can range from $25 to $55 per person. You can even find the vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options. Check them out here.

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com