Every Thursday, right here. Entertainment highlights for in town and beyond.

Stories of Africa

LEWISTON – Four films will be shown at Bates College this evening as part of the “Political Films from the African Diaspora” series. Topics include the persecution of women accused of “witchcraft” in West Africa, the Gullah culture of present-day Georgia and the struggle of Ethiopia’s Falasha Jewish community. Free. >>When: Tonight; films at 7, 8 and 8:45 p.m. >>Where: Olin Arts Center, 75 Russell St. (Rooms 104 and 105) >>FMI: 786-8376 or visit www.bates.edu/x151312.xml

Sounds of music

AUGUSTA – “Sound of Music” fans won’t want to miss the Sound of Music Sing-Along at the University of Maine at Augusta. Go dressed as your favorite character for the costume contest. Proceeds benefit the Family Violence Project. (With an additional event at Railroad Square Cinema, Waterville, 1:30 p.m. Sunday.) >>When: 6:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday >>Where: Jewett Hall, off University Drive >>Tickets: $15 adult, $10 children, students and seniors >>FMI: 623-8637 or visit familyviolenceproject.org

Creep show

PORTLAND – Halloween Silent Film Night at the Merrill Auditorium starts with a costume contest and continues with organist Scott Foppiano accompanying the “Hunchback of Notre Dame.” With guest performances by members of the Portland Ballet. >>When: 6:30 p.m. Friday >>Where: 20 Myrtle St. >>Tickets: Suggested $10 >>FMI: 883-4234 or visit foko.org

Battle sounds

LEWISTON – Six a cappella groups will take the stage at the Franco-American Heritage Center for the Battle of the Blends XIII, including the likes of Fretless and Faith in Action. >>When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday >>Where: 46 Cedar St. >>Tickets: $17.50 advance, $20 door >>FMI: 782-1403 or visit mainemusicsociety.org

Also this week

Maine Alpaca Breeders open farm weekend, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, various locations >>FMI: 832-5162 or mainealpacafarms.com

Witches Brew High Tea, seatings at 3 and 4 p.m. Saturday, McLaughlin Garden, 97 Main St., Paris. Reservations required. >>FMI: 743-8820 or visit mclaughlingarden.org

Belly dancing workshop, with master teacher Anahid Sofian, noon to 5 p.m., Saturday, Saco Conference Center Holiday Inn, 352 North St. (followed by a series of international performances) >>FMI: 286-9600 or [email protected]

Check out Encore on Fridays for complete event listings.