Pie transitions to ice cream, real animals yield to a “spiritual” one and the Olympic torch passes to Brazil.
Monday, August 1
The third Beecher Park Summer Concert of 2016 features live samba from Sambeleza, and the third installment of the Hi-Fi Pie Contest features savory pies from New Haven’s bakers. It all happens behind Mitchell Branch Library tonight at 6 o’clock, with dessert courtesy of the Cupcake Truck since the pies this time are dinnery. Free to attend, with blankets and chairs encouraged. 37 Harrison Street, New Haven.
Tuesday, August 2
A “midsummer reading party” at Wilson Branch Library (303 Washington Ave, New Haven; 203-946-2228) happens from 5 to 7 p.m. “Critter Caravan will be coming with lots of different animals for you to see and touch,” organizers say, along with “food, music and raffles.” Free.
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Wednesday, August 3
Organized by the New Haven advocacy group Promoting Enduring Peace, the “Earth 2030: Envisioning a Sustainable Future” film series at Books & Company (1235 Whitney Ave, Hamden; 203-248-9449) screens Planet Ocean (2012; screencapped above) tonight at 7. The documentary follows “underwater cinematographers as they explore the breathtaking bond between humanity and the ocean,” taking viewers on a “journey into the heart of the least known regions of our planet.” There’s a $5 cover, with a twist: in exchange, you get a $5 credit at the bookstore.
Thursday, August 4
Tapping a vein that’s long occupied a dark-by-choice corner of Italian music culture, goth/dark wave band The Spiritual Bat brings its pulsing sinister drift to Cafe Nine (250 State St, New Haven) tonight. The 9 p.m., $10 bill—or $8 in advance—starts with DJs R.I.C.H.A.R.D. and Slugbait, from whom it seems fair to expect similarly nocturnal tunes.
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Friday, August 5
“Make pie for a good cause, eat pie for a good cause!” That’s the short pitch for Pie On9, a guilt-free pig-out whose $20 advance entry fee—or $5 for kids aged 6 to 12, or $10 for pie contributors—goes to CitySeed’s Food Stamp Double Value Program. Lasting from 6 to 8 p.m. on Orange Street near Crown, with a 6 p.m. culinary “stroll” through local businesses and pie time at 7, there’ll be ice cream from Ashley’s, music from DJ Tootskee and a pair of cash bars from 116 Crown and Firehouse 12.
The next episode of the Institute Library’s Amateur Hour series—which “explores the passions and pursuits of America’s most inspiring fanatics, obsessives, tinkerers and collectors”—is tantalizingly titled “Web Detective!” Featuring Tricia Griffith, an “online detective and owner of the website Websleuths” who aims to solve “the cold cases of America” with “legions” of internet helpers, the 6 p.m. discussion revolves around “some of the best cases” she’s encountered. $15, or $10 for Institute members. 847 Chapel Street, New Haven. (203) 562-4045.
Oh, and the 2016 Summer Olympics officially begin today in Brazil, with NBC’s coverage of the opening ceremony beginning at 7 p.m.
Saturday, August 6
From 2 to 4 this afternoon, Creative Arts Workshop (80 Audubon St, New Haven; 203-562-4927) hosts an opening reception and ice cream social. The occasion celebrates the completion of CAW’s summertime Adventures in Art program and the installation of the wacky “Welcome to Whackville,” an interactive sculpture inviting viewers to smack its various components with drumsticks and such, which was first erected Westville’s 2016 ArtWalk.
Sunday, August 7
The fourth annual Jamaican Independence and Birthday Celebration takes place from 1 to 9 p.m. in an unexpected location: the Polish American Club (194 Spring St, West Haven). A “daytime family fun event,” at least for part of it, with food, games, DJs, raffle prizes and “surprises,” organizers say to “wear your Jamaican colors.” Free to attend.
Written by Dan Mims. Readers are encouraged to verify times, locations and prices before attending events