Friday, March 29
There are now three paths in life, but one still leads to Strange Maine (578 Congress St., Portland), where Gospel folk snake-charmer Dan Knudsen and his old pal, fantasy-metal hero Glade Swope, will make a believer out of you, likely around 8 p.m. and most certainly by donation and all ages. 771-9997. kraag.org/strange. One of the others will bring you east to The Big Easy (55 Market St.), where soulful funk keyboardist Nigel Hall used to play before we went big, and where he returns tonight for a 9 p.m. gig. Tix: $10-$12 (21+). 775-2266. bigeasyportland.com. The remaining one heads west to the State Theatre (609 Congress St., Portland), where old school doo-woppin’ politi-punks Bad Religion take the stage after Against Me! and Polar Bear Club have their turns, starting at 8 p.m. Tix: $27.50-$30 (all ages). 956-6000. statetheatreportland.com.