Milestones and throwbacks sustain, while novelties and one-offs percuss.
Monday, June 16
At 6 p.m., Branford’s Blackstone Library holds a Juneteenth concert featuring the Afro-Semitic Experience, a “jazz, gospel, and world music” group whose “performance will uplift and inspire, weaving together Afro-diasporic musical traditions in a powerful expression of unity in the community.”
Tuesday, June 17
Headlining an 8 p.m. show at Hamden’s Space Ballroom, LA LOM—the Los Angeles League of Musicians—“are an instrumental trio formed in Los Angeles in 2021. They blend the sounds of Cumbia Sonidera, ’60s soul ballads and classic romantic boleros that emanate from radios, backyard parties and dance clubs of Los Angeles with the twang of Peruvian Chicha and Bakersfield Country.”
Wednesday, June 18
From 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Ives Main Library, restaurateur Claire Criscuolo discusses her new cookbook, 50 Vegetarian Recipes from 50 Years at Claire’s Corner Copia. “From crowd-favorite lasagnas to celebrated scones, each recipe carries the warmth and wisdom of Claire Criscuolo's pioneering approach to vegetarian cooking.”
At 6:30, East Rock Brewing hosts a ’90s movie trivia night.
At 8, one of 2023’s smartest and funniest films, American Fiction, gets an airing during this week’s Movies in the Plaza event in Pitkin Plaza.
Thursday, June 19 - Juneteenth
The city’s major Juneteenth celebrations happen tomorrow and Saturday. Meantime, back at Space Ballroom, an 8 p.m. bill features local legend Mark Mulcahy, who made a national splash with late Gen Xers and early Millennials as the lead singer/guitarist for Polaris, a “TV band” featured in the opening credits of The Adventures of Pete & Pete. But before and after that, he was the frontman for the great alternative band Miracle Legion, which reigned atop the New Haven scene from the mid-’80s to early ’90s. Opening for him tonight is The Regal Drug, a trio “blending improvisation with deep electronic atmospheres” to create “moments of musical gratitude and raw expression.”
Friday, June 20 - Summer Solstice
From 4 to 7 p.m., Hindinger Farm in Hamden hosts a get-together with live music, a mobile pub, a food truck, a comedy magician/juggler and a petting zoo.
At 6, Escape New Haven escapes its lower Whitney Avenue complex of live-action puzzle rooms and heads to Armada Brewing for a family-friendly 10th anniversary party promising live music, a food truck, lawn games, prizes, giveaways and, of course, puzzles.
At 7 p.m. on the New Haven Green, in conjunction with the 2025 International Festival of Arts & Ideas, a Juneteenth Jamboree offers “a rhythmical blend of joyful artistry. Join us for an evening with New Haven All-Stars featuring The Keepers of the Culture Performing Arts Company, The Rahsaan Langley Project featuring FIVE generations of the legendary Langley family, and a Juneteenth Dance Party teaser on the Green with the one and only DJ Juan Coon, and guest appearances by our Juneteenth Next Gen: Z Artist Showcase performers.”
Also at 7, comedian Henry Cho takes the stage at The Shubert. “Known for his clean, clever humor and unique comedic style, Henry has been entertaining audiences across the country with his hilarious observations on life, family and culture.”
Likewise at 7, Madison Lyric Stage opens a three-day, four-show run of We’ve Got Magic to Do! “This revue, compiled by Artistic Director Marc Deaton, will present the works of Broadway composer Stephen Schwartz, who penned the famous musicals Godspell, Pippin, The Baker’s Wife, The Magic Show and Wicked, among others.”
Saturday, June 21
The Charles Island SUP Cup, a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) and kayak competition, hits Milford’s Walnut Beach from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Rounding out the occasion: “live music from The Elwoods, food trucks, kids’ activity tent, free kayaking and paddleboard[ing] (after the race), freebies, contests and more.”
Seymour celebrates its 175th birthday—first downtown, with an outdoor/indoor shopping event, kids’ activities, civic tours and a cake cutting between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., then at Seymour High, with food trucks, a DJ, pony rides, a petting zoo, live music and fireworks after 4 p.m.
From noon to 5 at the Q House, a Juneteenth celebration “presented by The Descendants of the CT 29th Regiment, honoring the legacy of one of the most heroic Black military units in US history,” offers music and dancing, history and culture exhibits, arts and crafts activities, a vendor market and more.
From 5:30 to sunset, a garden party to benefit the Edgerton Park Conservancy’s efforts to “restore the park’s greenhouses” offers “a spectacular evening of live music, festive drinks, fine food, and an exciting silent auction. Wear your best festive florals and welcome summer surrounded by flowers and friends.”
Starting at 6, the Festival of Arts & Ideas, along with the Yale Schwarzman Center and the New Haven Symphony Orchestra, guide us back to the New Haven Green during a unique participatory experience. “Pushing the boundaries of classical music performance, City of Floating Sounds uses cutting-edge creative technology to take music out into the city. Guided by a bespoke mobile app, make your way through the streets of New Haven” from any of several designated locations at 6 p.m., “listening to fragments of Huang Ruo’s meditative new work. As you get closer to the Green—and other audience members—the sound will expand, revealing more parts of the work.” Then, at 7, “the New Haven Symphony will take the stage to perform a vibrant program that honors the voices and stories of our community.”
Witty, ironically jaunty New Haven surf punks The Furors, who’ve been at it since the ’70s, head to Hamden’s Best Video for a 7 o’clock show.
Also starting at 7, a Kickoff to Summer event at Milford’s Lisman Landing features food trucks, prolific New Haven party band the RumRunners and, at 9:15, fireworks.
From 8 until close, Hamden’s RoiEt Cafe hosts a cosplay karaoke night. “Dress up as your favorite character! Sing your favorite songs! Make new friends and wonderful new memories! Enjoy some tasty themed drinks! Win some raffles!”
Sunday, June 22
Between 9 and 4, an open house event offers a chance to explore New Haven Community Boating at the Canal Dock Boathouse. In the morning, “try rowing a boat, paddling a kayak, or joining others in a dragon boat!” In the afternoon, “our friendly volunteers will take you out for a sail around the harbor.”
From 3 to 6, an Art Tag Sale at Three Sheets gathers “local artists selling their art at slashed prices!”
Written and photographed by Dan Mims. Image features Mark Mulcahy during a Polaris concert at College Street Music Hall. Readers are encouraged to verify times, locations, prices and other details before attending events.
