Aside from what’s nestled under festooned trees, gifts this week include good cheer and good cheering.
Monday, December 24
From 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Beth El-Keser Israel synagogue (85 Harrison St, New Haven; 203-389-2108), The Bluegrass Characters present their Annual Xmas Eve Shindig, this one in tribute to the band’s founder and local bluegrass legend Stacy Phillips, who passed away this year. Along with music and remembrances, organizers are offering “soft drinks, adult beverages and desserts… for cash donations” and suggest a $20 donation at the door.
Tuesday, December 25 – Christmas
At 4 p.m. at Congregation Mishkan Israel (785 Ridge Road, Hamden; 203-288-3877), local klezmer big band Nu Haven Kepelye, along with “Cantor Giglio and an ensemble of CMI and community musicians,” presents its annual Christmas Day-timed Community Concert. “Listen, dance, sing and be joyful.” $7, or $5 for seniors and $20 per family.
Wednesday, December 26
As Christmas ends, Ordinary (990 Chapel St, New Haven; 203-907-0238; Mon-Sat 4pm-close) is still celebrating, with “kitschy decor and Christmas cocktails” through New Year’s.
And as winter officially begins, Elm City Social (266 College St, New Haven; 475-441-7436; Mon-Thurs 11:30am-1am, Fri 11:30am-2am, Sat 10am-2am, Sun 10am-1am) is also celebrating, with a “rooftop ski lodge” sporting “hot cocktails and special treats” for almost as long as the weather’s cold—so, March.
Thursday, December 27
Longtime SNL vocalist Christine Ohlman and her band Rebel Montez are coming back to Cafe Nine (250 State St, New Haven; 203-789-8281) for another “super-festive ‘5th Day Of Xmas’ holiday show.” The 8 p.m. bill is being opened by The Bandidos, who boast of “steal[ing] only the best, giving it all back to audiences who dig rock ’n’ roll, Texas and Chicago blues, surf rave-ups and swinging [and] country beats that never go out of style.” $12-15.
Friday, December 28
The Love Fed Initiative, a local effort to “make healthy and affordable food accessible,” is putting on a Kwanzaa “celebration and visioning” at ConnCAT (4 Science Park, New Haven). “Bring your family and friends out to commune, celebrate and co-create art based on the 7 Kwanzaa principles…” $10, or $6 for youth between 11 and 18 and free for kids 10 and under.
Saturday, December 29
The Yale men’s hockey team, currently 7-3-2, is taking on a squad from the land of hockey (Canada). The exhibition match against McGill starts at 7 p.m. at Ingalls Rink (73 Sachem St, New Haven), with tickets costing between $5 and $20.
Sunday, December 30
Across seven showtimes beginning Thursday at 7:30 p.m. and finishing tonight at 6:30, “a new, refreshed rendition” of The Wizard of Oz comes to the Shubert Theatre (247 College St, New Haven; 203-562-5666). Producers are aiming for audiences to be “dazzled by the colorful sets, charmed by [the] timeless score and enthralled with… breathtaking special effects.” $39-96.
Written and photographed by Dan Mims. Readers are encouraged to verify times, locations and prices before attending events.
