Music, astronomy, theater, charity, food, empowerment, visual arts and film, in that order, sate the senses and engage the intellect this week, reminding us why New Haven is such a lively place to live.
Look alive this week in New Haven.
Monday, October 14
British new wave band Squeeze might still be Glenn Tilbrook’s main squeeze as far as the public is concerned, but Tilbrook probably sees it differently. Since 1998, when Squeeze broke up, Tilbrook has nurtured a solo career with staying power, putting out three albums (the third, 2009’s Pandemonium Ensues, shared top billing with the band The Fluffers) and touring actively. Tilbrook’s current U.S./U.K. tour brings him to Cafe Nine (250 State St, New Haven; 203-789-8281) tonight, where a younger breed of singer-songwriter, Joe Michelini of River City Extension notoriety, will be opening at 8 p.m. $25, $20 in advance.
Tuesday, October 15
Tuesdays are extra spacey at Leitner Observatory (355 Prospect St, New Haven; 203-285-8840). Tonight, enjoy “Astronaut” planetarium shows at 7 and 8 p.m., with telescopes available for use starting at dusk (weather permitting).
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Wednesday, October 16
The German play Die Hose by Carl Sternheim manages to sound even funnier in English than its translation, “The Underpants.” No matter. It’s easy to trust that the Long Wharf Theatre’s 2013-14 season opener The Underpants, directed by LWT Artistic Director Gordon Edelstein, is the “stylish and giddy farce” promised on the theatre’s website because, for one thing, this version was adapted by comic legend Steve Martin. The play’s run starts tonight at 7 p.m., with performances six days a week (excepting Mondays; showtimes vary) through Sunday, November 10. $44.50-59.50.
Thursday, October 17
Volunteers at FISH of Greater New Haven have their hands full, literally: the organization says it delivers groceries to an average of 350 families in the New Haven area each month. Support FISH’s work by attending a “Scare Away Hunger” fundraiser tonight at O’Tooles Irish Pub & Restaurant (157 Orange St, New Haven). A $25 donation gets you a drink and access to a “light buffet” for the 5:30-to-9:30 event, with a silent auction ending at 8:30.
Friday, October 18
Hamden Town Center Park parks nearly 20 vehicles this evening for the first Hamden Food Truck Festival. You might start at the The Soup Girl for a first course, head to the Chubby Oven “mobile pizzeria” for a second, then finish at the Sugar cupcake truck. Or begin with a loaded-up baked potato courtesy of Spuds Your Way, then a falafel sandwich from Mamoun’s, finished with some Elm City Kettle Corn. Of course, if you want to shirk a traditional appetizer-entrée-dessert sequence, now’s your chance. Organizers encourage attendees to bring chairs and/or a blanket. 4:30 to 8 p.m.
It’s ladies’ night at the Institute Library (847 Chapel St, New Haven). The HVN Lady Project, which seeks to “connect, inspire and showcase awesome women doing amazing things in New Haven,” hosts its kickoff event there from 6 to 8 p.m. The docket includes a “3×3”—that is, “three local women of different backgrounds, industries and career levels share their stories in three minutes” apiece. Tickets are $8 or $13 through the end of today, and jump to $12 or $17 after that. Refreshments from Atticus Bookstore/Café, plus wine and beer, will be served.
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Saturday, October 19
City-Wide Open Studios opened up the Erector Square artist studio complex this past weekend for concentrated browsing. This weekend, locations across the city and beyond open up for the art extravaganza’s “passport” phase. Highlights include Music Haven’s (117 Whalley Ave, New Haven; 203-745-9030) exhibition of work by noted New Haven photographer Kathleen Cei (such as the image above) today from noon to 5 p.m., with musical performances by Music Haven students and the Haven String Quartet. Further downtown, Stephen Grossman opens up his studio (39 Church St, Ste 4B, New Haven) to show his incredibly intricate drawings and paintings, from noon to 5 p.m. today and tomorrow.
Other exhibitions abound. For full information, check out CWOS’s official guidebook, which is pretty intricate itself. If you prefer a human guide, meet outside The Devil’s Gear Bike Shop (151 Orange St, New Haven) before noon today or tomorrow to join a tour led by Devil’s Gear founder Matt Feiner.
Sunday, October 20
The Movies & Mimosas series at Criterion Cinemas (86 Temple St, New Haven; 203-498-2500) continues this weekend with Alfred Hitchcock’s fowl horror classic The Birds. 11:30 a.m. is the start time, but get there a little early to ensure you get what’s coming to you (a mimosa, not a bird attack).
Written by Dan Mims. Photograph by Kathleen Cei, courtesy of Music Haven.
Readers are encouraged to verify times, locations and prices before attending events.
