This is the best time of year when summer hasn’t fully kicked in and you’re not cursing at the out-of-state plates in front of you yet. This weekend hear some great music, stories and comedy or take that road trip to the summer festivals.

Richard Salloom, storyteller, singer

Friday, June 10—Rockland

Grammy-nominated singer songwriter and storyteller Richard Salloom will be at Trackside Station during dinner from 6 to 9 p.m. Roger Salloom has been called "America's best unknown songwriter." He was in the center of the 1960s San Francisco psychedelic scene, playing the Fillmore with Santana, Van Morrison, BB King and Procol Harum. He’s performed with The Band, Steve Forbert, Doc Watson and John Prine, to name a few. Expect some great stories and music that’s a cross between blues, roots, Americana, country and soul.

Midcoast Kings and Queens of Comedy

Friday, June 10—Rockland

Comedian Earl David Reed opens the stage in a night of a comedy standoff between four other comedians for the title of Queen or King of Midcoast Comedy at the Strand Theatre. With 15 years of stand up comedy under his belt, Reed has performed at more than 100 comedy clubs and colleges, and is a favorite in Las Vegas and Atlantic City. The contestants are: Dawn Hartill, Jared Horning, Kristin Tripp and Heather Ellsworth. They’ll each have 5-10 minutes of stage time. The winner will be chosen by audience vote. May the best comedian win! The show starts at 7:30 pm and tickets are $20.

Chicky Stolz with The Charlie Nobles

Saturday, June 11—Rockland

Join Chicky, Noah, Tom, Jed, and probably JR as they coast their way through swampy blues and some boozy Americana. This annual event never disappoints at FOG Bar and Café at 8 p.m. Take a listen here. No cover.

Killer Road Trip: Kennebunkport Summer Festival

Friday, June 10 to Sunday, June 12—Kennebunkport

Of all the weekend events offered during this annual food, wine and art party, I recommend the Grand Tasting Party on Saturday from noon to 4 pm. “Under a beautiful white tent along the Kennebunk River, check out the more than 25 chefs and wineries offering samples. You will not leave this event hungry.” Tickets are $65. My other recommendation is the Brews and Tunes party, also on Saturday, from 1 to 4 p.m. Hosted at The Green at the Captain Lord Mansion for an afternoon of–you guessed it: beer and live music. There will be food trucks, vendors, and a lot of fun. Check out the Fogcutters band here. Tickets are $15 advance/$20 at the door.

Killer Road Trip: Summer Kickoff Weekend

Saturday, June 11 to Sunday, June 12—Portland

Kick off summer in Maine at the 43rd annual Old Port Festival. This family-friendly event is an outdoor celebration of art, live music and amazing food in the heart of downtown Portland. Three great events take place in one weekend starting with Walk the Working Waterfront, Saturday, June 11 (11 a.m.-3 p.m.), Shop for a Cause Day,  Saturday, June 11 (All day) and the Old Port Festival, Sunday, June 12 (11 a.m.-5 p.m.) Bonus: METRO: Greater Portland Transit District is offering FREE rides all day (all routes) on Sunday, June 12. Hop on a bus and don't fret about driving and parking.

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com