The week ahead isn’t limited to the weekdays—but this article is, with a weekend so busy it’ll have to wait until tomorrow.
Monday, December 9
West Haven firefighters and 911 dispatchers are throwing their annual Holiday Brew and Spirit Fest from 5 to 9 p.m. at Duffy’s Tavern. In addition to beer, wine and spirits tastings, attendees—who should “message… for tickets”—can expect a prize raffle, a 50/50 raffle and complimentary appetizers. “Proceeds will benefit [the] West Haven Professional Firefighter Annual Holiday Toy Drive.”
Tuesday, December 10
Presented by the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce, a Holiday Bash at Bill Miller’s Castle in Branford promises “dinner, entertainment, and one drink ticket included,” with “a cash bar and some creative networking activities.”
Wednesday, December 11
Cheem—who say they play “nu pop from Nu England,” though I hear a blend of Fall Out Boy and early Incubus with mathy, trappy and electronic elements—come to Hamden’s Space Ballroom for an 8 p.m. bill opened by nightlife, pulses. and With Sails Ahead.
Thursday, December 12
Partnering with New England Brewing, who will be providing the beer, Central Cafe in North Branford hosts an Ugly Sweater Party & Toy Drive from 6 to 8 p.m. “Prizes [will be] awarded for the best sweater of the night,” with “new and unwrapped toys [collected] for the Yale Children's Hospital.”
At 6:30, Elm City Social holds a Slime Night promising a “sensory experience” where attendees will make their own toy slime while sipping on “a complimentary beer, wine, cocktail or mocktail.”
At 7, Armada Brewing hosts a session of Christmas Bingo. “Enjoy exciting rounds, win festive prizes, and soak up the holiday cheer…”
At 7:30 at Woolsey Hall, a New Music New Haven concert features Yale School of Music conductors leading the Yale Philharmonia through works by “tomorrow's leading composers,” also studying at the YSM.
At 8, Yale Cabaret opens a three-day, four-show stand of “By the Hearth: A Holiday Festival.” “This holiday cabaret will feature 10- to 15-minute acts of all varieties, including short plays, solo work, musical theatre, and everything in between. These pieces will speak to the theme of gathering around the holidays.”
Friday, December 13
Three Sheets hosts Performers for Presents, a seven-act toy drive show “brought to you by bands and performers who identify as ‘former poor kids.’” For admission, “bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to Toys for Tots.”
Starting a three-day, four-show run at 7 at the Shubert, “New Haven Ballet proudly presents Artistic Director Lisa Kim Sanborn’s exciting full-length production of The Nutcracker starring Sara Adams and Harrison Coll from [the] New York City Ballet and performed by New Haven Ballet students.”
Trinity Church on the Green’s Choirs of Men & Boys and Adults & Girls perform their annual Christmas concert at 7:30.
Meanwhile, drummer Matt Wilson’s experimental jazz group Christmas Tree-O—which I just figured out is a pun on “trio,” festooned with saxophonist Jeff Lederer and bassist Paul Sikivie—come to Firehouse 12 for 8:30 and 10 sets full of oddball takes on Christmas tunes.
Written by Dan Mims. Image, featuring a moment from a past performance of New Haven Ballet’s The Nutcracker, photographed by Thomas Giroir for New Haven Ballet. Readers are encouraged to verify times, locations, prices and other details before attending events.
