When Particles Collide.

Friday, August 30 

Lots of great shows in Portland tonight: Bangor rock duo When Particles Collide drive back to the patio at Slab (24 Preble St.) for a 5 p.m. gig. Free (all ages). 245-3088. slabportland.com. The Brighton Beat brightens Empire (575 Congress St.) with their positive Afr0-funk grooves at 9 p.m. Tix: $10-$12 (21+). 558-2279. portlandempire.com. Pioneering “newgrass” guitarist David Bromberg brings his quintet to One Longfellow Square (181 State St.) at 8 p.m. for the first of a two-night stand. Tix: $50 (all ages). 761-1751. onelongfellowsquare.com. And there’s a big party on Thompson’s Point, where Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals play their righteous blend of reggae and rock with Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue stirring up the gumbo at 6 p.m. Tix: $50-$55 (all ages). 800-745-3000. statetheatreportland.com.