As summer blends into fall, each of this week’s picks stand out.
Monday, August 28
Starting yesterday, it’s New Haven Cocktail Week.
Tuesday, August 29
You’ve probably heard of Bill and Ted. How ’bout Bill and Fred? The Yale Schwarzman Center hosts the fictional duo, played by dancers/clown artists Elysia McMullen and Luisa Schmitz, for a pair of free public shows today. The first, outside on Hewitt Quadrangle at noon, turns Bill and Fred into grannies Billie and Frieda, as they “share experiences of their wild and profound lives.” The second, at 7:30 in The Dome (a flexible theater space in the cupola atop the Center), follows Bill and Fred as they “set out on an adventure, where they soon find one another both absolutely necessary and totally intolerable. Throughout their journey—told through an innovative combination of dance, circus, and physical theater—they become master resolvers of the absurd, searching for belonging and backpacks.”
Wednesday, August 30
Brush up on boy bands, AOL and Y2K, because, at 6:30 p.m., East Rock Brewing hosts a Millennial-themed trivia night.
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Thursday, August 31
The Beeracks, a cooperative brewery in East Haven that moonlights as a live music venue, hosts a big get: “Canadian punk rock legends” Belvedere, reportedly on their first US tour in 20 years. Rounding out the 7 p.m. bill are American Thrills, Kings and Liars and Disqualifier.
Meanwhile, at 7:30 outside the Madison Beach Hotel, New Haven-rooted SNL singer Christine Ohlman and her band, Rebel Montez, close out this summer’s Grassy Strip Music Series.
Friday, September 1
From noon to 10 today through Sunday and noon to 6 Monday, St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church in Orange throws its annual Odyssey Festival, “sharing the sights, sounds, and taste of our Hellenic traditions” via performances, cooking demonstrations and a whole lot of food.
At 2 p.m., Ives Main Library screens Fresa y Chocolate (1993)—a.k.a. Strawberry and Chocolate. “This Oscar-nominated film is the story of two men, David and Diego, who at first glance seem opposites: one is gay, the other straight; one a fierce communist, the other a fierce individualist; one suspicious, the other accepting; but as the two men discuss politics, individuality and personal expression in Castro’s Cuba, a genuine friendship develops… Can it last in such an oppressive environment?”
Then, at 7, round out that intellectual dessert with coffee. A screening of AeroPress Movie (2018) at Best Video in Hamden “explores what excites people about this odd-looking yet iconic coffee maker,” with “special guest Barry Levine, co-founder of Willoughby’s Coffee & Tea… demonstrating the optimal AeroPress procedure after the screening.”
In-between, from 4:30 to 7:30, the Town Green District’s Happy Hour in the Plaza finale promises live music, lawn games and food from Elm City Social and Olives and Oil in Temple Plaza.
Saturday, September 2
From 10 to 4, in a coda to summer and preview of fall, Lyman Orchards in Middlefield presents a Corn Maze & Cider Donut Festival. The docket includes pick-your-own apples and pears, live music, free tastings, horse-drawn hayrides, face painting, a drum circle, special apple cider desserts, kettle corn, “steamed, buttery corn on the cob” and, of course, the opening of this season’s corn maze, themed after The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
Starting today from 10:30 to 6, the seven-weekend Connecticut Renaissance Faire conjures a fantastical “16th-century harvest festival” replete with LARPing, shows, vendors and food and drink on the Lebanon Fairgrounds.
At 8 p.m. at Armada Brewing, a Bash at the Brewery offers live pro wrestling under the stars. Provided seating is limited, but you can bring your own chair. Just don’t let the wrestlers bash each other with it.
Also at 8, after a dinner and DJ hour, a “Laugh It Off” comedy show at Jazzy’s Cabaret features Hot 93.7’s Big Regg and Black Ink Crew’s Walt Da Wizard.
Sunday, September 3
The finale of Milford’s Walnut Beach Summer Concert Series features cover band The RumRunners, who take the stage at 4 p.m. in the beach pavilion.
Celebrating the birthday of local guitar legend Rohn Lawrence, who died in late 2021, Toad’s Place hosts a 6 p.m. benefit concert for Lawrence’s Still in the Ville Foundation, which helps “emerging guitar players in need of instruments.” The show features “an all-star lineup” comprising some of Lawrence’s many musical collaborators.
Written by Dan Mims. Readers are encouraged to verify times, locations, prices and other details before attending events. Image 5 courtesy of the Connecticut Renaissance Faire.
