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LIKE A ROLLING STONE

Bob Dylan has found his direction home – but not as a complete unknown.

The legendary singer-songwriter is returning to Maine for the first time since turning 60 years old. And since he’s sounded that old since he started blowing the world’s mind four decades ago, he hasn’t missed a beat.

The man who has documented modern history and politics through music like no other will appear at the Cumberland County Civic Center in Portland on Friday, Nov. 23 – the day after Thanksgiving.

Dylan, who makes frequent tour stops in Maine, has never sounded better. He received critical acclaim for his soundtrack work for the film “Wonderboys” in 2000 and his catalog of songs has been covered by so many artists that every piece is recognizable as a classic.

Tickets go on sale Saturday, Sept. 8, and all seats will be general admission.

Maine is lucky enough to be hosting a man that has become a legend in his own time. Don’t miss out, because it’s hard to tell when this hurricane will blow back into the state.

UNHOLY TERRORS

And you thought heavy metal was dead.

Well, Blackie Lawless and the boys from W.A.S.P. are encouraging you to think otherwise. In fact they’re trying to scare you into it, a tactic that has helped them sell millions of albums in one of the longest-running metal acts in the world.

Although the blood-and-guts stage shows are all in the past, the band still takes a straight approach to heavy metal, shining a bright light on the atrocities in the world and exposing evil and darkness.

W.A.S.P. is bringing its straightforward and sometimes sinister message to The Asylum in Portland, known for hosting some of the world’s best hard rock and heavy metal acts. The band, touring in support of its latest album, “Unholy Terror,” will land in Portland on Monday, Sept. 3, for a metal assault on Maine that may never have been equaled.

Two bands, Dog Fashion Disco and Mushroomhead, are touring with W.A.S.P. and Lawless is on fire about the new talent that has joined his band on the road.

“I can’t wait,” he said. “It sounds like audiences everywhere are in for a real ass-whipping.”

For tickets, visit The Asylum at 121 Center St. in Portland or call 772-8274.

CREATIVE WORLDS

Art from the national touring exhibit “How Does Art Shape Your World?” will be on view Sept. 4 – Sept. 15 at the Harvard Graduate School of Education Gutman Library in Boston.

This exhibit honors the unique visions and creative talents of 32 young artists, with and without disabilities, from across the United States.

For more information, contact Sandy Middleton, at VSA arts of Massachusetts, at 617-350-7713.

– By Matthew Paul