In a city freshly lathered like a banana cream pie, fillings include scholarly treats, differently flavored tunes and, probably, tassels.
Monday, January 26
Snowed in? You can probably still log on to a virtual Mondays at Beinecke talk at 4 p.m., when archivist Clara Scholtz will “share insights on the work to refresh the [Beinecke’s] collection of architectural maps of Yale University buildings and grounds… The drawings range from original concepts to full scale details of equipment and ornamentation. The media vary from water colors, pen and ink sketches, pencil on tracing paper drawings to blueprints and photostats.”
Tuesday, January 27
Presented by RJ Julia and rescheduled from yesterday, Patti Smith appears for a hybrid book talk and concert at 7 p.m. at SCSU’s Lyman Center.
Also at 7, The Shubert marks 111 years with a BYOF, RSVP-requested “trivia night celebrat[ing] movies inspired by iconic plays and musicals, most of which have performed on our legendary stage. From Broadway hits that became Hollywood sensations to films that sparked unforgettable stage productions, we’ll test your knowledge of the stories, songs, and stars that made the leap.”
Wednesday, January 28
At 4 p.m. at Yale’s Humanities Quadrangle, researcher and senior lecturer Gojko Barjamovic presents “Swords, Germs, and Tin,” a “retelling of the cross-continental exchange system that connected Mongolia to the Mediterranean four thousand years ago. The talk integrates isotopic analysis, archaeozoology, prosopographical studies, historical geography, material culture, and human pathology to paint a picture of the system seen from the viewpoint of a single individual—a trader named Zizizi (born c. 1895 BCE) who had her life turned upside down by the very connectedness upon which her society was predicated.”
At 7 p.m. at the Institute Library, “self-taught experimental composer” and innovator of what he calls “chronopolyphonic” installations Frédéric Acquaviva performs with mezzo-soprano singer/“sound artist” and frequent collaborator Kombat Diva.
Thursday, January 29
At 5:30 p.m., “as part of a series commemorating the country’s 250th anniversary,” the Yale University Art Gallery hosts a performance of “songs from different eras” by Tangled Up in Blue, “Yale’s premier American folk-singing group,” amid the gallery’s displays of American fine and decorative arts.
Friday, January 30
From 5 to 8, Susan Powell Fine Art in Madison hosts an opening reception for Valentine Gems 2026, featuring “smaller works by 37 award-winning artists… Landscapes, seascapes, still lifes, floral, and romantic scenes in oil, acrylic, and pastel will be on view.”
The ’80s are back starting at 8 p.m. at Hamden’s Space Ballroom. Boasting a “Grammy-nominated all-star lineup,” tribute band Strangelove “delivers a career-spanning, pitch-perfect” rendition of Depeche Mode, while opener Electric Duke conjures David Bowie.
Saturday, January 31
Starting at 10 a.m. with registration required, the New Haven chapter of the American Guild of Organists presents “Pedals, Pipes, and Pizza,” a program featuring tours of the organs at Trinity Church on the Green and Center Church on the Green, followed by a pizza lunch at United Church on the Green. “If you already have piano skills, come ready to try out the organs! There will be time for participants to play a short piece on the keyboards.”
At Yale’s Humanities Quadrangle, a subtitled screening of the Polish film Blind Chance (1987) starts at 6 p.m. “Witek, a medical student on absence leave, experiences three potential scenarios a young man’s life could take in late Communist Poland. Running to catch a train at a railway station, he finds himself siding with the ruling ideology, joining the dissident opposition, or embracing an apolitical, family-centered life. Through the alternative lives of its protagonist, the film explores the choices history poses to a person and questions the role a blind chance plays in them.” A discussion follows the film.
At 7, Nutmeg Burlesque presents an improv burlesque show at Spruce Coffee. “Our performers will shimmy, tease, and strut to mystery tracks chosen through a blend of chance and audience choice. No prep, no preview—just raw talent and in-the-moment brilliance.”
Sunday, February 1
Back at Spruce Coffee, an “old-timey jam” from 1 to 4 p.m. invites people to “bring any acoustic string instrument and play old-timey songs with other musicians.” It’s “not a concert,” the coffee shop says—rather, it’s “background music while people read, work, and chat in the shop”—but nothing’s stopping you from treating it like one.
Written by Dan Mims. Readers are encouraged to verify times, locations, prices and other details before attending events.
