Bees, Bs and beats come to be during this beautiful spring week.
Tuesday, May 17
A “Pay What You Can” performance at 7 p.m. kicks off previews for Long Wharf Theatre’s latest show (though you’ll have to head to 222 Sargent Drive, starting at 11 a.m., to take advantage of the offer). The play is called Queen and follows Sanam and Ariel, PhD candidates who’ve “spent the better part of the last decade exhaustively researching vanishing bee populations across the globe.” But “just as these close friends are about to publish a career-defining paper, Sanam stumbles upon an error in their calculations…”
Wednesday, May 18
From 6 to 8, former Ives Squared Creative-in-Residence Nadine Nelson and current CIR Ceresa Newsome lead a free workshop on culinary, beauty and wellness applications of herbs. “In this class, you will: 1) Explore how to use herbs in your daily lives for everyday nourishment. 2) Learn how to identify 12 safe everyday herbs. 3) Cook (communally prepare dinner). 4) Make a beauty potion. 5) Be sent home with herbs that will mature in less than 30 days for you to practice what you learned in this workshop.”
At 6:30 sharp, a Harry Potter trivia night at East Rock Brewing Company quizzes participants with slightly more decency than Professor Snape grilled Gryffindors.
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Thursday, May 19
After two years on pandemic hiatus, the Eli Whitney Museum’s annual Leonardo Challenge soiree and fundraiser returns from 5:30 to 9. Inspired as ever by multi-multi-hyphenate Leonardo Da Vinci’s “intense curiosity in all things,” this year’s theme, which artists are invited to apply as they contribute works to a silent auction, is the written word. In addition to the art auction, which will happen indoors, “a delicious spread of treats—from Olmo, Black Hog Brewery, the Wine Thief, Bloom, Koffee, Whole G Breads, the Big Green Pizza Truck, and Small Kitchen Big Taste—
At 6 in Ives Main Library, award-winning local sci fi/fantasy author Tochi Onyebuchi discusses his body of work, paying special attention to his latest book, Goliath. Set partly in New Haven, the book is described as “a primal biblical epic flung into the future,” in which “those with the means and the privilege have departed the great cities of the United States for the more comfortable confines of space colonies,” while “those left behind salvage what they can from the collapsing infrastructure.”
Friday, May 20
A whisky tasting at The Trinity Bar & Restaurant pairs “light food” with more than 50 varieties of bourbon, rye, Scotch, Irish, Japanese and other whiskies starting at 6. Tickets cost $65 and benefit the Boy Scouts of America.
At the Shubert, An American in Paris “transports the audience to post-war Paris, where romance is in the air and youthful optimism reigns. In this poignant production, Gershwin’s soaring melodies are matched by gravity-defying dance as the world rediscovers the power of love.” Tonight’s performance, the second of four in three days, starts at 8.
Saturday, May 21
Members of the 6th Connecticut Regiment ceremonially open Fort Nathan Hale Park, located where Revolution-era locals loosed a cannon on invading ships, with a flag-raising at 10:30 a.m.
At 7 p.m. for $14, the Strand Theater in Seymour screens classic intergalactic comedies Galaxy Quest and Spaceballs during a “Spaced Out” double feature.
Sunday, May 22
From noon to 6, a celebration of the indigenous Mexican festival Guelaguetza promises dancing, singing and food near Front Street and Grand Avenue in Quinnipiac River Park.
Twin tribute shows to the “legendary” departed Connecticut drummer William “Bill” Knapp feature “bands… he supported over the years” and span two downtown venues. The first, at Cafe Nine, counts off at 3:30 and the second, at The State House, at 7:30.
Written by Dan Mims. Image 1 photographed by Serenko Natalia/Shutterstock. Image 2 sourced from @HarryPotterFilm. Image 3, featuring the memorial cannon at Fort Nathan Hale Park, photographed by Dan Mims. Readers are encouraged to verify times, locations, prices and other details before attending events.
