N ormal, abnormal and paranormal events dovetail with a pre-Fourth of July weekend.
Tuesday, June 27
North Haven’s next Music Under the Stars concert at 7 on the Town Green features Waterbury-born crooner Timmy Maia performing a mix of Motown and contemporary hits.
Wednesday, June 28
With the grounds opening at 6 p.m. and the music starting at 7, the first of the Pardee-Morris House’s 2023 Twilight Concerts promises “a horn-driven, time-tested mix of funk, soul, rock, jazz, and country” from What It Is—and, ’til 8, tours of the historic house.
At 7, a father-daughter book talk at RJ Julia in Madison features Randall Beach (with a new “collection of the most popular profiles and colorful accounts” from his many years writing for the Register) and Natalie Beach (with her debut book, Adult Drama: And Other Essays).
sponsored by
Thursday, June 29
Amarante’s Sea Cliff holds its first of two “Cruise Nights” this summer from 4 to 9 p.m., featuring food stations, an open bar, live bands and lawn games on and around its beachside deck.
A 6 o’clock open mic night at Locket’s Meadow Farm, an animal sanctuary in Bethany, promises an unusually attentive—and adorable—audience. “Come show us, or rather our music-loving steers, your musical talent! … Our boys just love music and are used to us playing and singing to them every evening, but we know they would love some variety in their entertainment!” BYOB.
Friday, June 30
Between 5:15 and 7 p.m. at Ives Main Library, the NHFPL remembers and unveils a portrait of the late city librarian John Jessen. “The celebration will feature remarks from Mayor Justin Elicker, library staff, family, and community members leading up to the first public look at the portrait, painted by artist Frank Bruckmann, a friend of the Jessen family. Following the unveiling, a catered reception will be held in the Ives Main Library’s Ives Squared space, its adjoining café, and (weather permitting) our outdoor patio overlooking the historic New Haven Green.” Registration required.
After a trio of early Independence Day fireworks shows last weekend, it’s Hamden’s turn. The ’works start firing at 9:20 in Town Center Park, preceded or perhaps even accompanied by a performance from the Hamden Symphony Orchestra.
Saturday, July 1
From 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at North Haven’s Twelve Percent Beer Project, a Gathering of the Paws—a pet fair and music festival featuring “great local musicians, pet adoptions, food trucks, craft vendors” and kids’ activities—raises funds for Hamden’s first animal shelter.
From 6 to 10 p.m., a Paranormal Night Market at Armada Brewing offers the chance to acquire “mystical artifacts [and] rare potions” while experiencing “bewitching performances, mediums, mesmerizing fortune-tellers and spellbinding magicians.”
Also at 6, a “Star Spangled Bash” at Two Roads in Stratford promises “an electrifying evening of high-flying action, bone-crushing moves, and ice-cold brews!”
And speaking of the Fourth of July, the Wallingford Symphony Orchestra offers “A Salute to the Brits and Yanks” during a 7 p.m. concert on the Madison Green, with Caribbean band Moto warming things up at 6:15.
Sunday, July 2
Speaking some more of the Fourth, Madison presents their fireworks at 9:30, blasting upward from a barge out on the water. The best spot to watch may be the Madison Beach Hotel, where “an Americana cookout” offers dinner and drinks to go with the show.
Written by Dan Mims. Image 1, taken from an upper floor of the Pardee-Morris House during a Twilight Concert last summer, photographed by Dan Mims. Image 2, featuring bovine beauties at Locket’s Meadow Farm, sourced from locketsmeadow.org. Readers are encouraged to verify times, locations and prices before attending events.
