Taut thriller a story of survival

In a summer season dominated by big-budget sequels and CGI-laden action extravaganzas, it can be a nice change of pace to find films that are a bit more of a challenge. These films can be both simpler and far more complex than the popcorn fare being churned out by the major studios.

One such film is 'Black Rock,' directed by Maine native Katie Aselton (TV's 'The League') and written by her husband Mark Duplass ('Zero Dark Thirty') from a story by Aselton.

Northern Lights Grooming goes mobile

HOLDEN - Business is rolling, in more ways than one, at Northern Lights Grooming. That's because owner Debra Plourde is now going mobile with her dog grooming business.

"Mobile is up and coming and is really the way to go now," Plourde said. "It's convenient for people. It's a lot less stressful on the animal and it's quicker than being in a shop."

DOVER-FOXCROFT - A rare opportunity to hear Mendelssohn's Piano Trio in d-minor, Op. 49, live in a local concert presents itself when Highlands Classical Trio, a local chamber music group, launches its spring tour in May. Also offered will be solos and duos by Handel, Gliere and Ravel.

The rigorous 30-minute Piano Trio by Mendelssohn has been a major focus for pianist Margery Aumann and violinist Susan Ramsey both of Dover-Foxcroft and cellist Ruth Fogg of Dexter since October, as the trio prepares for performances this spring. The trio forms the centerpiece of a benefit concert to be held on Friday, May 17, at 7 p.m. at the Dover-Foxcroft Congregational Church at 834 West Main Street. A reception follows. Admission is by donation to benefit the church's important fuel-assistance fund for needy families. Highlands Classical will also make its debut in Bangor with this program at All Souls Church on Sun., June 23, at 4 p.m. Performances will also be given the Hibbard Nursing Home on April 26 at 2 p.m., at Sunbury Village in Bangor May 4 at 4 p.m. and at Dirigo Pines in Orono May 21 at 7 p.m.

LEWISTON - Concert artist Igor Lovchinsky presents the final program of the 2012-2013 Piano Series season at the Franco-American Heritage Center in Lewiston on Friday, May 24. The recital begins at 7:30 p.m. and will include works by Bach-Busoni, Chopin, Scriabin and Liszt. 

Lovchinsky is one of the most popular pianists to have given recitals at the Franco Center, where he has also appeared as soloist with the Midcoast Symphony Orchestra. His electric interpretation of the Grieg A-minor piano concerto was the highlight of the Midcoast's Gala Concert in October 2011.

LEWISTON/AUBURN Tributes and fundraisers have always been part of Ed Boucher's life, but for Lewiston's legendary music industry guru and impresario of the L-A music scene, this one is different: This one is for him.

On Saturday, May 18, from 4 to 10 p.m., at the Royal Oak Room at Ironhorse Court (www.royaloakroom.com), One Bates Street, Lewiston, friends and fans will gather for "The EAB Tribute" being organized to help defray costs of an unexpected medical diagnosis late last year.

The warm weather is here. We've had more sun this spring than I can recall in recently memory. It's gorgeous, with cool breezes and minimal rain. And the tourists really haven't started getting out yet. All this makes for an ideal opportunity for those of us who stick around all year to get out there and enjoy what our fine state has to offer before it gets too crowded.

When I'm doing a stay-cation I like to stay within a two-hour drive from my home base. So it worked out great when I had an interview in Camden last week. As many of you know, Camden is a tourist Mecca. And for good reason - but since it's still a couple weeks before Memorial Day weekend, the flood of tourists hasn't taken over yet. This meant I could follow Route 1 and 3 all the way back to my neighborhood, looking at the towns with a tourist's appreciation, but without bad traffic.

LEWISTON The most popular band to ever come out of Maine, if one is using album sales as a yardstick, will perform at the Franco-American Heritage Center in Lewiston on Friday, April 26.

Rustic Overtones is a seven-piece group whose unique sound comes from vocalist, guitarist and songwriter Dave Gutter's throaty, distinctive voice and the band's three-piece horn section, a member of which has played as part of opening acts for Dave Matthews and Eric Clapton at Madison Square Garden.

Clauder Competition names 'One Blue Tarp' Best Maine Play

ORONO Capturing the spirit of a place on the page can be an arduous task. Doing so by writing a play is even more so. 

This makes 'One Blue Tarp,' a play written by Orono resident Travis Baker, even more impressive. Not only has he created a nuanced piece exploring the nature of relationships here in Maine particularly the notion of people 'from away' but he has done so from a smartly skewed perspective that mines equal parts humor and pathos from those relationships.

Michael Snow used every ounce of his Maine ingenuity on Survivor: Caramoan but it just wasn't enough to win the million dollar prize. The 44-year-old, who now lives in New York, grew up in southern Maine and outlasted nine other contestants on the CBS reality show that tests players physical, social and mental stamina on a remote island over a 39 day period. Unfortunately during this season, Snow found himself pitted against experienced players - a tribe of past contestants known as the 'Favorites' who have shown they're all hungry for a second chance at victory. I recently spoke with Snow who was surprised to learn how difficult and deflating losing challenges week after week could be.

Slow down, enjoy a healthy, delicious meal

If you haven't had a chance to check out Little Vietnam, the new restaurant nestled near the Armed Forces Recruitment Center of the Bull Moose Complex on Hogan Road in Bangor, this may be a great time to check it out.

It's an oasis of calm amidst the bustle of the mall, with authentic Vietnamese cuisine that is as delicious as it is healthy. The business is family owned by Xavier Nguyen and Vanessa Nguyen.