1London Calling When London-born Gina Yashere crossed the Pond in 2007, she risked leaving behind a successful comic career for a date with the unknown. After all, the for- mer elevator engineer from East London had enjoyed sold-out shows and slots on prime-time television. But among a sea of white, male comedians, Yashere was frustrated with being cast as the “token” black, queer female in the mix. A decade later and a continent away, Yashere has sold three comedy specials to major net- works and landed a spot on The Hollywood Reporter’s “Top 10 rising talents” list. In British terms, she “broke” America. “My comedy has always been broader, more American in style,” Yashere says. “That staid, dry British wit isn’t what I do.” You can watch Yashere’s appearance on Season two of The Standups, now showing on Netflix. The path to stardom has proven more open and accepting on this side of the Atlantic. “I’m not saying there isn’t misogyny and racism in American comedy and entertainment, be- cause there is, but I’ve also found a much greater scope of opportunities. My last project was called Ticking Box- es. When I worked on [British comedy panel show] Mock the Week and conversations about diversity came up, they’d always hold me up as an example, like ‘We hired Gina, look!’ I know I was hired because I’m consistently good, but I also tick those boxes for the producers.” On May 18, Gina Yashere will be raising the roof at Space Gallery, her first appearance in Maine. “I’m constantly touring. It’s been a great way to see more of the United States. I’ve been surprised to find these little oasises…or is it oases? These pockets of great people and places in red states. I loved Boise, Idaho. Loved it. The rest of Idaho? Not so sure. I’ve never been to Maine, and I know zero about it. That’s why I want to come–I’m like, ‘Let me go to Portland, Maine!’ It’s a very brief visit, but I’ll be doing one of my hotel reviews [watch the self- confessed germaphobe’s hotel reviews on Instagram @ginayashere]. If all goes well, I’ll plan to come back for a longer trip and explore.” –By Sarah Moore M AY 2 0 1 8 2 3 Clockwise from top left:thompson’s point; cmbg; courtesy photos For one day in May, Belfast transforms from city to sprawling stage. On May 19, All Roads Festival will return for its third year. Attend- ees can wander the city, stopping into venues along the way throughout the day to catch their favorite local indie band in action. Mean- der your way from Waterfall Arts, where When Particles Collide will ignite the crowd at 7 p.m., to The First Church to catch Spencer Albee at 9:15 p.m., before racing the The American Legion to raise the rafters with headlin- ers Ballroom Thieves. Tickets are $30 on the day. Nothing says summer quite like dancing in the sea breeze with a glass of ice-cold beer. When Thompson’s Point hosts the first musical act at its waterfront venue, you know that time is now. Psychedelic rock band Portugal. The Man (not to be confused with Portu- gal. The Country) will help Mainers shake off the cobwebs with a rousing set on May 26. Tickets are $45 on the day of the show. 3Welcome the official start of the summer season with a bounty of dazzling flowers and plant life at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. During Me- morial Day Weekend (May 27-29), Boothbay’s verdant jewel will offer free admission to all residents with a valid state I.D. Explore and admire the flora of mid-coast Maine as you wander the gardens at your leisure. Love in Bloom The Sound of Summer All Roads Lead to Belfast Indigenous Craft 2 Travel to Pesamkuk, or Mount Desert Island, from May 18-20 to experience the inaugural Abbe Museum Indian Market in downtown Bar Harbor. The mar- ket will be the largest of its kind in the northeast, bringing together more than 75 Native American artists and performers from 35 Nations across the U.S. and Canada. Visitors can browse and buy the unique items handcrafted by gifted Indigenous ar- tisans. The event will also include a fashion show, film festival, storytelling, dancing, music, and crafts. 4 5