Blaine House Conference schedule

All events take place at the Bates Mill Complex in Lewiston. The Creative Economy Showcase is ongoing and will feature art installations and exhibits, films, a coffeehouse, historical exhibits and a Creative Economy Resource Room, in which organizations can share business and cultural resources.

Thursday, May 6

. Lewiston-Auburn creative economy walking tours leave at 12:15, 1:15, 2:15, and 3:15 p.m. from Bates Mill and include stops at Mcintosh & Tuttle Cabinetmakers, Pantheon Guitars and the Franco-American Heritage Center.

. A tour of the newly renovated Sts. Peter and Paul Church, modeled after the Chartres Cathedral in France, leaves the Hilton Garden Inn (walking distance from Bates Mill) at 12:30 p.m.

. Poetry readings presented by Beloit Poetry Journal, 1 and 2 p.m.

. Juggling showcase by the Oddfellow Theater, 3 p.m.

Friday, May 7

. Blaine House Conference on the Creative Economy. Registration begins at 7:15 a.m. and the conference will start at 8:15. The morning session will feature speakers with a national perspective, while breakout sessions will take place in the afternoon. For a full agenda and information, visit www.mainecreativeeconomy.com. Registration costs $85 per person, or $65 per person if you register as a team of five or more people from your community. Registration forms can be downloaded online, and must be received by April 23.

. Maine Music Showcase. Nick Spitzer of National Public Radio’s “American Routes” will host this event, which highlights Maine’s musical traditions. It begins at 5:30 p.m. with a Maine jazz set with Tom Snow on piano, Brad Terry on clarinet, Trent Austin on trumpet, Nick Falk on drums, and Bronek Suchanek on bass. At 6:30 p.m. the Don Roy Trio will take the stage and at 7:30 p.m., the Sean Mencher Combo will play. Admission is free to conference-goers and $10 for the general public.