Music intervenes, as do beer, science and a parade, while swimmers and lasers get in sync.
Monday, May 14
Located just over the New Haven-Woodbridge border (175 Amity Rd, Woodbridge; 203-387-2222), New England Brewing Co., maker of local favorites like G-Bot, Sea Hag and 668: The Neighbor of the Beast, is hosting a three-hour happy hour organized by the International Festival of Arts & Ideas. Lasting from 5 to 8 p.m., the idea is to highlight the June festival’s programming, with edifications like “raffles, door prizes and light bites” plus a “short pour… on the house!”
Tuesday, May 15
Yale’s done for the semester, but the Yale Science Diplomats, on a mission to help laypeople understand complicated science topics, are still at it. Grad students Sam Dundon, Rachel Niederer and Maxwell Shin are discussing “From Molecules to Minds: How We Study Disease” at the Ives Main Library (133 Elm St, New Haven; 203-946-8130) starting at 6 p.m. Focusing on neurological diseases “such as Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s and Schizophrenia,” the speakers “will outline several ways that scientists are researching the causes of these diseases as well as working to find a cure.”
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Wednesday, May 16
At 7 p.m., the Whitney Humanities Center (53 Wall St, New Haven; 203-432-0670) is hosting a free screening of School of Rock (2003), the Jack Black comedy that has the actor passing on his unique real-life passion for performing and enjoying rock ’n’ roll to a class of fictional grade school students who are supposed to be studying classical music instead.
Thursday, May 17
From 6 to 10 p.m., Musical Intervention (23 Temple St, New Haven; 203-676-4328), a nonprofit that aims to “promote empathy, transform lives and inspire the world” by helping people—especially those most in need of a boost—“write, record and perform original music,” invites the public to “celebrate the most inclusive stage in New Haven” during a special second-anniversary edition of its weekly open mic series. $5 donation.
Friday, May 18
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Today and tomorrow at Hamden High School (2040 Dixwell Ave, Hamden), the Hamden Heronettes synchronized swimming team, “one of only two competitive synchro teams in Connecticut,” presents its “annual watershow extravaganza.” Titled “Pool House Rock” and showcasing “16 spectacular aquatic routines performed in glittering swimsuits under the spotlights to uptempo music,” both performances begin at 7 p.m., with tickets costing $10.
Saturday, May 19
Leila Day (100 Cold Spring St, New Haven; 203-624-1374), “a progressive, play-based school where childhood is revered and celebrated”—and the second-oldest active nursery school in America—is hosting its annual Spring Fair fundraiser to benefit its financial aid program. Lasting from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., attractions include “pony rides, arts and crafts, a zip line (for small children), games (including a scavenger hunt) as well as a plant and tag sale,” with refreshments for purchase. “Admission is free and paid tickets are required to play games, purchase food and participate in activities.”
The Space Ballroom (295 Treadwell St, Hamden) finishes a two-day run of themed laser shows. Last night at 8, “Laser Stranger Things,” geared toward “fans of Netflix’s critically acclaimed and bone-chilling show,” offered the chance to “experience the ’80s tunes and soundscapes from the show reinterpreted in vibrant laser light.” Tonight at 8, “Laser Floyd” offers an expanded take on the 1980s-created Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular, with trippy laser designs accompanying music from legendary albums The Dark Side of the Moon (1973) and The Wall (1977). Tickets to both shows cost $20 at the door or $15 in advance.
Sunday, May 20
The 2018 Elm City Freddy Fixer Parade—the “oldest black American parade in the Northeast,” begun in 1962 and animated by community service and community pride—steps off at 1:30 p.m. The 1.3 mile-route along Dixwell Avenue, lined by spectators and traveled by marching bands, drill squads, dance teams and other community groups on foot or float, begins at Basset Street and ends just before Broadway at Lake Place.
Written by Dan Mims. Photographed by Sorrel Westbrook. Image depicts a trio of Hamden Heronettes during a 2017 practice. Readers are encouraged to verify times, locations and prices before attending events.
