Connecticut

Big bands bring the boom to Connecticut this week

Published

2 years ago

February 10, 2024

Big bands bring the boom to Connecticut this week

Metal bands from the 1990s and 2000s crash and boom at College Street Music Hall and Mohegan Sun Arena, while indie rockers rage at the Space Ballroom this week in Connecticut.

There is also a saucy opera in New Haven and a Celtic punk band at Foxwoods Resort Casino.

The popular drag farce “The Legend of Georgia McBride” is having its umpteenth Connecticut production at the Music Theatre of Connecticut in Norwalk, and there is an Elton John impersonator at the Oakdale Theatre.

Yes, there are calm respites with a cello concert at TheaterWorks and sultry hip-hop star Pardyalone at The Webster, but the oomph wins out.

Here are some of the top things to do and see.

Redscroll Records Release Party
Space Ballroom, 295 Treadwell St., Hamden

Wallingford’s Redscroll Records is an indie record store, an indie record label, performance venue, a gathering spot for the local alt-rock scene and a state of mind. On Feb. 11, not at the store but at the Space Ballroom in Hamden, Redscroll celebrates new releases by several bands on its label: Chop Chop Chop Chop Chop Chop Chop and Doom Beach (who share a new 12-inch release) and noise rockers Intercourse (introducing their singles “Egyptian Democracy” and ”Bum Wine”). The headliners don’t have current Redscroll product to tout but are firmly connected: Chained to the Bottom of the Ocean (which issued an album and an EP on Redscroll last year) and Tongued Depressor joined by Austin Larkin (whose recent tour was captured for a forthcoming Redscroll release) Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. $10. spaceballroom.com.

Static-X and Sevendust
College Street Music Hall, 238 College St., New Haven

A couple of respected mainstream metal bands from the ‘90s, the midwestern powerhouse Static-X and “Driven” and “Enemy” hitmakers Sevendust have been on tour together since last year. Dope and Lines of Loyalty are also on the bill. It will get loud on Feb. 13 at 6:15 p.m. at College Street Music Hall in New Haven. $54-$75. collegestreetmusichall.com.

Pardyalone
The Webster, 31 Webster St., Hartford

The Minnesota hip-hop/alt-pop artist Pardyalone’s songs lurch from promising relationships (“She Likes My Tattoos”) to isolation and self-examination (“Alone,” “Still the Dumb One”). His national I Left You in Minnesota Tour hits The Webster on Feb. 14 at 8 p.m. $15; $400 for VIP booth. thewebsterct.com.

311
Mohegan Sun Arena, 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd., Uncasville

The numbers 3 and 1 hold meaning to the band 311. They had three No. 1 singles on the charts: “Down”, “Love Song” and “Don’t Tread On Me.” They’ve released 13 albums. “Don’t Tread on Me” has 13 letters in its title, while “Down” has 4, which is 3 + 1. OK, we’ll stop now. The raging Nebraska rockers play Mohegan Sun Arena on Feb. 15 at 7:30 p.m. $47-$158; VIP packages range from $198 to $576. mohegansun.com.

Flogging Molly
Foxwoods Resort Casino, 350 Trolley Line Blvd., Mashantucket

St. Patrick’s Day is still a month away, but the Celtic punk band Flogging Molly has a rabid fan base and the band is welcome in Connecticut anytime. They really know how to rock a bodhran. The flogging commences Feb. 16 at 7 p.m. at Foxwoods’ Great Cedar Showroom. $71-$190; $185-$300 for VIP packages. foxwoods.com.

Courtesy Space Ballroom

California comedy rockers the Wolves of Glendale are at the Space Ballroom in Hamden Feb. 17. (Courtesy Space Ballroom)

Bearly Dead
Infinity Hall, 32 Front St., Hartford

Yes, Bearly Dead is a Grateful Dead tribute band. Give them credit for a name that spells that out clearly and cleverly. The Boston-based band tackles all things Dead, including the vast solo careers of that band’s many members. This leads to unique, deeply memorable sets that are catnip for Deadheads who want to be the first person in the room to proclaim “That song’ is from …” Feb. 16 at 8 p.m. $20. infinityhall.com.

‘The Legend of Georgia McBride’
Music Theatre of Connecticut, 509 Westport Ave., Norwalk

Matthew López, who wrote the epic 20th-century gay historical romance drama “The Inheritance” (and premiered his “Reverberation” at Hartford Stage in 2015), also penned one of the most popular plays of the past decade, “The Legend of Georgia McBride.” In Connecticut, the play has been done at TheaterWorks Hartford, Ivoryton Playhouse, Seven Angels Theatre and elsewhere. Now it’s time for MTC in Norwalk to stage it . “The Legend of Georgia McBride” is about a heterosexual Elvis impersonator who tentatively becomes a drag queen when he’s desperate to perform, and how he grows to love the artform and trust the queens who teach him. Performances are Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through March 3. $50-$60, $45-$55 for preview performances on Feb. 16 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 17 at 2 p.m. Limited seating on the stage $65. musictheatreofct.com.

The Rocket Man Show
Oakdale Theatre, 985 S. Turnpike Road, Wallingford

Elton John must be a fun target for tribute acts. There were two different ones at Seven Angels Theatre and New Park Brewing last month, and this month brings a third with one of the most extravagant out there. The Rocket Man Show comes to the Oakdale Theatre on Feb. 17 at 7:30 p.m. $41-$53. livenation.com.

Johnathan Moore
TheaterWorks Hartford, 233 Pearl St., Hartford

The acclaimed young New Haven-born cellist/composer Johnathan Moore presents an intimate solo concert as part of TheaterWorks Hartford’s Living Room series. He gives two performances on Feb. 17. The first one, at 6:30 p.m., is sold out, but there are still tickets for the 8:30 p.m. one. twhartford.org.

‘The Rake’s Progress’
Shubert Theatre, 247 College St., New Haven

The opera program at the Yale School of Music does a full production of a full-length opera every winter. The operas they choose are often ones that don’t get done very often, at least in Connecticut. This year is a good example: Stravinsky’s “The Rake’s Progress,” based on the famous 18th-century engravings by William Hogarth. The opera, with a libretto by W.H. Auden and Chester Kallman, is written in English but will be presented with subtitles anyway. There are two performances, Feb. 17 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 18 at 2 p.m. $23.80-$71.40. shubert.com.

Wolves of Glendale
Space Ballroom, 295 Treadwell St., Hamden

Wolves of Glendale is a comedy rock band that has opened for the likes of David Cross and Tenacious D. The Wolves released their debut album recently and are on tour, playing the Space Ballroom in Hamden on Feb. 17 at 8 p.m. $20, $15 in advance. spaceballroom.com.

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Connecticut

At least four injured after multi-vehicle accident involving bus in Bridgeport, per police

Published

2 hours ago

December 24, 2025

Press Room

At least four injured after multi-vehicle accident involving bus in Bridgeport, per police

At least three people were taken to local hospitals after a multi-vehicle accident involving a public transit bus in Bridgeport, Connecticut, on Tuesday, according to the Bridgeport Police Department.

The collision took place at around 7:40 p.m. on the 500 block of Water Street, where officials located a Greater Bridgeport Transit Authority (GBTA) bus that struck at least six other vehicles and a wall of the Bridgeport train station.

Once at the scene, emergency medical officials transported several individuals to local hospitals for evaluation and treatment. Two people were taken to Bridgeport Hospital, and two others to St. Vincent’s Medical Center; the extent of their injuries was unknown, per authorities.

An MTA Facility Manager has responded to the scene to assess the structural damage, according to police.

Train service was not impacted on the Metro-North lines as a result of the nearby collision. However, traffic was impacted by the closure of the northbound lane of Water Street between State Street and John Street.

The Bridgeport Police Department Accident Reconstruction Team reported to the site of the crash to examine the circumstances surrounding the accident.

Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Bridgeport Police Department Traffic Division, Sergeant Darryl Wilson, at 203-576-7640.

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Connecticut

Owls, Storytimes, Lights, And Countdown Fun: Here’s What’s Happening Across Connecticut This Weekend

Published

14 hours ago

December 23, 2025

Press Room

Owls, Storytimes, Lights, And Countdown Fun: Here’s What’s Happening Across Connecticut This Weekend

CONNECTICUT — The quiet stretch between Christmas and New Year’s is anything but dull in Connecticut. With schools on break and families looking for ways to get out of the house, towns across the state are rolling out kid-friendly programs, glowing light displays, museum activities, and creative ways to ring in the new year early — or right at midnight. From owls in Mystic to trolley rides in East Windsor and countdown celebrations from Torrington to Hartford, this weekend (Dec. 26–28, with New Year’s Eve events close behind) offers plenty of reasons to bundle up and explore.

In Mystic, nature lovers can spend Friday, Dec. 26, learning about one of the region’s most fascinating nocturnal creatures during Vacation Day: All About Owls at the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center. Designed for kids on school break, the program introduces participants to local owl species through hands-on activities, live animal presentations, and outdoor exploration. It’s a great option for families looking to balance holiday downtime with educational fun.

Over in Greenwich, the Bruce Museum is hosting Once Upon a Museum: Winter Storytime from Friday through Sunday, Dec. 26–28. Held each morning, the program combines seasonal storytelling with museum exploration, offering young children a calm, creative start to the day. Parents can expect winter-themed books, light activities, and a welcoming introduction to museum spaces that keeps little listeners engaged without overwhelming them.

For families seeking something festive after dark, East Windsor is glowing thanks to Winterfest & the Winter Tunnel of Lights at the Connecticut Trolley Museum. Running on select dates including Dec. 26–28, the event features illuminated displays, holiday décor, and nighttime trolley rides through a sparkling tunnel of lights. The experience blends transportation history with holiday spectacle, making it a unique winter outing for all ages.

Meanwhile, Meriden continues its long-running seasonal tradition with the Festival of Silver Lights at Hubbard Park, which remains on display through Jan. 2. The expansive park is transformed by thousands of white lights wrapped around trees, lining walkways, and reflecting off the park’s lake. Visitors can drive through or park and stroll, making it one of the state’s most accessible and popular holiday light displays.

As the weekend gives way to New Year’s Eve, Connecticut towns are preparing celebrations that range from family-friendly to full-scale citywide events. In Hartford, First Night Hartford 2026 takes over downtown on Tuesday, Dec. 31. This alcohol-free celebration features live music, dance, comedy, ice skating, fireworks, and activities spread across multiple indoor and outdoor venues. It’s one of the state’s largest New Year’s Eve events and a longtime tradition for families and night owls alike.

For those with younger children who won’t make it to midnight, Torrington offers KidsPlay Countdown on Dec. 31. Hosted by the KidsPlay Children’s Museum, the event allows kids to celebrate the new year with games, activities, and a countdown timed just for them. It’s festive without being overwhelming and lets families enjoy the excitement of New Year’s Eve without late-night fatigue.

Another early celebration takes place in East Lyme, where Countdown to Noon gives families a chance to ring in the new year before lunchtime. With music, activities, and a midday countdown, the event is tailored to younger children who want the thrill of a New Year’s celebration without staying up past bedtime.

Altogether, this post-holiday weekend highlights the best of Connecticut’s winter programming: educational nature programs, calm museum mornings, glowing light displays, and creative countdowns that meet families where they are. Whether you’re exploring owls in Mystic, riding a trolley through lights in East Windsor, listening to stories in Greenwich, or planning ahead for a New Year’s countdown in Hartford, Torrington, or East Lyme, there’s no shortage of ways to close out 2025 and step into 2026 with a sense of wonder.

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Connecticut

CT, US offshore wind projects face second federal pause

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1 day ago

December 23, 2025

Press Room

CT, US offshore wind projects face second federal pause

The federal government is again pausing offshore wind projects in Connecticut and along the East Coast. The Trump administration is citing national security risks the Defense Department found in classified reports. It is the second time the administration attempted to halt offshore wind developments, although the first attempt was blocked after a federal judge ruled the government’s actions were illegal. Connor Yakaitis, deputy director of the…

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