For more than a half-century, the embrace between Cuba and the United States has been subject to an odd dance of politics, including a still-standing embargo. Nevertheless, the bond between the two nations is as deep and strong as ever, expressed most forcefully through the dance of culture — especially music.

So much music this week! From a live performance of Stravinsky’s classic “The Soldier’s Tale” to The Beatles’ 50th anniversary of “Yellow Submarine” to the Y-Arts kids’ return in “Annie Jr.” surely there is something for everyone live on stage this week at Lincoln Theater.

River Arts in Damariscotta is inviting the public to view “Maine Expressions II,” a collection of contemporary abstract and expressionist oil paintings by Portland artist Russ Cox. The works will be on display from July 27 to Aug. 8 in the West Gallery.

Giving back to the community and fostering an appreciation of art has long been a mission of the Pemaquid Group of Artists.

Boothbay native and Maine storyteller Tim Sample returns to the Opera House at Boothbay Harbor on Thursday, July 26. This master of Down East humor knows few equals.

In its 90th year of continuous seasonal operation, Pemaquid Art Gallery in Bristol features the work of many local resident artists. Bev Walker, who lives in Chamberlain in the summer and Topsham in the winter, and Will Kefauver, of Damariscotta, are two whose fine oil paintings attract visitors.

Savory Maine, at 11 Main St. in Damariscotta, will host a special activity for children from 4-5 p.m. during the Twin Villages ArtWalk on Friday, July 20.

The Bristol Road Galleries group is participating in the Twin Villages ArtWalk, with the artwork of all four artists displayed in a tent outside the Shuck Station raw bar at 68 Main St., Newcastle.

Members of the public are invited to join the community at Pumpkin Vine Family Farm in Somerville for the second annual Fiddlin’ in the Field concert and contradance. Held under a tent overlooking the back fields, the concert provides a unique opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the land while celebrating community.

Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts in Newcastle invites visitors to its 32-acre campus for Salad Days, an annual celebration of local food and handcrafted ceramics, on Saturday, July 14 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This art- and craft-filled festival features a picnic buffet of fresh salads prepared by area chefs, and guests enjoy their meals on handmade ceramic plates they can keep.

Original watercolors by artist Richard Butterfield can be seen at the First National Bank, at 223 Main St. in Damariscotta, for the month of July. Butterfield has been a serious watercolorist for over 30 years and is grateful for the gift of painting. He spends the summer in Jefferson and winters in Williamsburg, Va.