Connecticut
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.
Connecticut
This Underrated Connecticut Town Is Getting National Recognition as One of the Best Places to Live
According to Islands.com, one Connecticut town is getting some well-deserved national attention, and it’s probably not the one you’d expect.
When people think about standout Connecticut destinations, places like Mystic, Greenwich, or New Haven usually dominate the conversation. But this time, the spotlight is on Cheshire, which was recently recognized as one of the best places to live in the state.
The national travel website points to Cheshire’s combination of small-town charm, outdoor recreation, local businesses, and great restaurants as some of the biggest reasons it’s become such a desirable place to call home. It’s also no stranger to high rankings. Cheshire was named the best place to live in New Haven County by Niche in 2025 and has also landed on Money Magazine’s list of the best places to live in America. Its public schools continue to receive high marks as well.
One of Cheshire’s biggest draws is its access to nature. The town is home to scenic orchards, beautiful greenhouses, and is known as Connecticut’s bedding plant capital. During the fall, local farms and orchards become popular destinations for apple picking, fresh cider, and seasonal treats. Outdoor lovers also have easy access to Roaring Brook Falls, Sleeping Giant State Park, and the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail.
Of course, no Connecticut town earns national praise without having some great food. Islands.com highlighted Cheshire’s pizza scene, including Fuoco Apizza and Pop’s Pizza, along with Viron Rondo Osteria for Italian cuisine. Beer lovers can also stop by Counter Weight Brewing, while Sweet Claude’s Ice Cream and Shef’s Bagels round out the town’s lineup of local favorites.
Cheshire may not get the same attention as some of Connecticut’s bigger destinations, but this latest recognition suggests it deserves a spot on your list. Whether you’re looking for a weekend road trip or thinking about putting down roots, this quiet New Haven County town is proving it has a lot more to offer than many people realize.
7 of the Most Beautiful Towns in the State of Connecticut
Connecticut is overflowing with both manmade and natural beauty. In some places, the two intersect to create a magical, almost fictional feel. Here are 7 Connecticut Towns that look like they came straight from a storybook.
Gallery Credit: Lou Milano
5 Historic Connecticut Towns That Feel Frozen in Time
Connecticut is full of towns people rush past on the highway without realizing what they’re missing. Everyone knows the big names, but some of the best places in the state are the ones that don’t always make the travel lists. These towns are quieter, full of character, and worth slowing down for at least an afternoon.
Gallery Credit: Lou Milano
Look Inside the Largest Indoor Collaborative Artwork in the World
I visited the American Mural Project in Winsted, Connecticut for the first time recently, and for those who haven’t seen it, here’s a quick peek at what to expect when you gaze upon the largest indoor collaborative piece of artwork in the world
Gallery Credit: Photos by Large Dave
Neighbors who live in the Elm City’s Fair Haven neighborhood might notice a change of scenery at Quinnipiac River Park.
With city planning and a $250,000 state grant, the walkways were paved, water fountains were installed, and the riverbank was improved to prevent erosion.
It’s come a long way since the area was an industrial site in the 1960s.
“Decades and decades ago, this was a junkyard and it’s just shocking to see what is here now, this beautiful site,” New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker said.
The area eventually became a park that saw a massive cleanup a few years ago. What was once a dump is now frequented by visitors young and old, on wheels and on four legs.
“I’d be the only guy running laps around ad now morning, night, afternoon, there’s people running, there’s people having picnics,” neighbor Eric Murray said.
Elicker said a nicer park with lighting and clean, open space can make visitors feel safe.
“People are less likely to engage in crime if they think that there’s a lot of people to witness and they could get caught,” he said.
The work isn’t done yet. Future plans include picnic tables, a new patio area and welcome gardens. The walkways will become a part of a trail that goes around Fair Haven, according to the mayor.
That requires more funding and the continued work of neighbors who have been keeping the park clean.
The Friends of Quinnipiac River Park take pride in maintaining the beauty here by planting flowers and trees, taking care of them in every season.
“I love planting, especially for the neighborhood,” Sadi Vidro, a member of the Friends of Quinnipiac River Park. “I saw the, the outcome of it and that’s what keeps me going.”
Some trees are decorated with a cross and a message that might stop you on your walk. One tree is planted in memory of Michael Caliz.
“Our friend Rita, this is a tree she planted in memory of her son and Rita comes back faithfully every year,” Tom Burwell, the founder of the Friends of Quinnipiac River Park, said. “She’s definitely has taken ownership in the tree and she’s become a staple. She’s been like a mom to us in the group as well.”
Phase one of the project is complete. Concept plans for phase 2 focus on the northern end of the park.
Several Connecticut swimming areas are closed due to the potential of bacteria in the water.
The heavy rain over the past few days is the reason for the concern.
Swimming is prohibited at the West Beach at Rocky Neck State Park, Sherwood Island State Park, Silver Sands State Park in Milford, and Chatfield Hollow State Park in Killingworth.
Water testing at those state parks will be redone on Wednesday with results back on Thursday.
Clinton has also suspended swimming and other water activities at its town beach until further notice. The beach remains open and all other amenities are available, according to the town.
There is no swimming allowed at all Stratford beaches until Friday, according to the Stratford Health Department.
The East Shore Health Department says beaches in East Haven, as well as Clark/Johnson Beach, Stony Creek, and Branford Point in Branford are also closed to swimming. Water samples are being taken on Wednesday and the results are expected on Thursday.
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