Beginnings, including new ones, arrive even in the depths of summer.
Monday, July 29
At RJ Julia at 6:30 p.m., author Brianna Madia “presents her latest memoir, Never Leave the Dogs Behind, a continuation of her journey from [New York Times bestseller] Nowhere for Very Long. After a devastating divorce, Brianna starts over in the Southwest desert with her four dogs. Through her honest storytelling, Brianna delves into the challenges and freedom of living independently.”
Wednesday, July 31
Fans of Portlandia should make special note of an 8 p.m. show at College Street Music Hall, where the show’s co-star, Carrie Brownstein, co-stars as one half of another Pacific Northwest phenomenon still alive with the ’90s: alt-rock band Sleater-Kinney. Heavy, high-energy punk act Die Spitz open.
Thursday, August 1
A “reopening party” at Hamden’s Cantean Coffee & Tea has a theme: A Midsummer Night’s Dream. “Bring your midsummer magic! Make an Athenian head wreath or a fairy flower crown! Costumes welcome! Snacks, cash bar, and as always no cover!”
Also at 5, on the Orange Fairgrounds, the four-day 2024 Orange Volunteer Fireman’s Carnival begins. “Get ready for heart-pounding rides, delicious food, exciting games, live entertainment, and our world-famous raffle! Plus, don’t miss the spectacular fireworks on Saturday night that will blow your mind.”
Friday, August 2
At City Gallery, it’s opening day for MOSAIC, a “summer invitational” exhibition featuring works by internationally rooted Yale School of Architecture graduates Uzayr Agha, Ariel Bintang and Ethnie Xu. Agha’s work “integrates architectural conventions with painting to challenge traditional methods of architectural representation”; Bintang’s “utilizes the language of painting to generate a dialogue with a building and vice versa”; and Xu’s “explore[s] the connections between cities and their inhabitants.” Regular visiting hours are noon to 4 Friday through Sunday.
From 4 to 7, Hamden’s Hindinger Farm hosts a party featuring live music from the Rob Glassman Band, food from Crispy Melty by Caseus, drinks from a mobile pub, dessert from PopCentric and cuteness from Nadeau Farm’s animal guests.
Saturday, August 3
Two Roads Brewing in Stratford hosts a Hop Yard Hoedown from 1 to 5 p.m., when the yard “transforms into a Western wonderland, offering a delightful array of themed activities. Test your riding skills on the thrilling mechanical bull, kick up your boots, learn some classic line dancing moves, and let the energetic live music keep your spirits high…”
From 6 to 9 in her Erector Square studio, Ashley the Creator “reveals a world she has created” during an opening reception for fruit-themed art show Pomology: A Universe of Harvested Beings. “With a transcending DJ set by AR Selector and interactive set design by THE PHOTOBOOTH, this is sure to be an art exhibition different from the rest. So embrace the sweetness, savor the zest, and let your life blossom.”
Sunday, August 4
Starting at noon, West Haven restaurant/bar Randall’s promises a picnic buffet, hot dog-eating contest, cornhole tournament, checkers tournament, golf putting contest, door prizes and “live music from local musicians” during its Annual Summer Bash. Charitable donations of beach toys or gently used books are requested.
A “Lost in the Mood” West Indian Carnival-themed party offers “food, music, games, vibes!” from 2 to 8 in CITA Park, the beer garden that’s popped up this summer at the corner of Chapel and Orange Streets.
At 3, the Lost Flamingo pop-up tiki bar series returns from a seven-month hiatus to a new location: Wildcat in Hamden, opened in late May by Lost Flamingo’s organizers. Expect “yakitori and tiki snacks, scorpion bowls, tattoo flash and [a] vintage flea market.”
Also in Hamden, Space Ballroom hosts The Giraffes, “a cult band from Brooklyn that plays a signature mixture of heavy rock, punk, metal, surf and whatever else they find interesting.” The 6:30 bill has an unusual opener: Rock Academy Showband, “an advanced touring group of young musicians between the ages of 12 and 18” who I’m guessing will be playing covers.
Written by Dan Mims. Image, featuring Telephone Booth by Ethnie Xu, provided courtesy of City Gallery. Readers are encouraged to verify times, locations, prices and other details before attending events.
