A whirlwind soundtrack as gusty as last week’s weather plays New Haven into 2023.
Monday, December 26
Still hot with soccer fever in the wake of the World Cup? At The Cannon from 3 to 6, celebrate Boxing Day and watch a game with the city’s most passionate soccer fans, the New Haven Gooners, who root for Arsenal in the English Premier League.
Tuesday, December 27
A New Haven Jazz Underground session tonight at Cafe Nine features a set by Josh Walker from 7 to 8 followed by a communal jam session ’til 10. (And if you can’t make it, or you leave wanting more, there’s tomorrow’s Hump Day Jazz at South Bay.)
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Wednesday, December 28
At 6:30 p.m., a Kwanzaa Organ Concert and Celebration at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church features an organ performance by Nathaniel Gumbs, a dance by Wes Yarbor and a talk about “the history of Kwanzaa,” which began Monday, “as well as the principles and symbols.”
Thursday, December 29
At Volume Two: A Never Ending Books Collective, an artist reception for Weedwatching/Ghost Stories, featuring art by Siobhan Ekeh, sounds darkly delightful. “Welcome to the third landscape, where the most unkillable and un-up-rootable things thrive… You and I are going now, into the weeds. It’s time to go into the corners of things: abandoned lots, haunted spots, locked cages, overgrown highlines, the side of the road… We will walk together in the city. We will eat flower petals and long to swallow poisonous things. We may see or hear or feel ghosts.” One thing: The flyer image features a different date than the event link, so you might want to have an alternate plan.
Speaking of which, a fundraiser show at The State House benefits Nacho the dog, who faces heavy medical bills after squaring off with a pair of coyotes. Nacho is the mascot of the band Haunting Titans, who share the night’s bill with DC Wolves, Ros Co. and local synthpope Falconeer.
Friday, December 30
At the Shubert at 7 p.m. is a one-night stand for The Hip Hip Nutcracker, “a re-mixed and re-imagined version of the classic… brought to life by a powerhouse cast of a dozen all-star dancers, a DJ, a violinist, and MC Kurtis Blow, one of hip hop’s founding fathers…”
Also at 7 (that’s when the doors open, anyway), a Holiday Romp & Stomp at The State House stars Connecticut ska royalty Spring Heeled Jack with special guests Stop the Presses, Ghost Tones and Sweet Babylon.
Saturday, December 31 – New Year’s Eve
There are dozens of ways to celebrate this New Year’s in New Haven. Read all about them in Tuesday’s edition!
Sunday, January 1 – New Year’s Day
It looks like this year’s official plunge into the Long Island Sound has been put on ice. But you can still take an official forest bath. At 11 a.m., certified forest therapy guide Kristine Weidner will lead a group around Lake Wintergreen for “a gentle slow-paced walk where you will be invited to connect with nature using your senses through a series of invitations,” finishing with tea and a snack.
Written by Dan Mims. Image 1, featuring a moment from The Hip Hop Nutcracker, photographed by Tim Norris. Image 2, featuring Kwanzaa candles, photographed by antibydni for Shutterstock. Image 3, of Champagne flutes at Hamilton Park, photographed by Dan Mims. Readers are encouraged to verify times, locations, prices and other details before attending events.
