Forget the hills; if it’s the sound of music you seek this week, you won’t have to climb too far above sea level. From the Branford Town Green to New Haven’s Long Wharf Theater, the Connecticut coastline will be bursting with live music (and a fireworks show!) from this Thursday to next Wednesday. For those who prefer the less ephemeral pleasures of a good book or painting: be sure to check out the upcoming events in art and literature at the Blackstone Library and the Stony Creek Brewery.
Thursday, July 7
Learn Internet/E‑mail basics at the Blackstone Memorial Library
Not sure how you arrived at this wonderful online newspaper? Your friends at Blackstone Library are here to help you crack the case this afternoon from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the library’s auditorium.
At this workshop, attendees will have the opportunity to learn how to use web browsers, links, and the forward and back buttons to navigate the Internet. They will also have time to familiarize themselves with the basics of composing, sending, receiving, replying to, and even printing e‑mails.
All are welcome to either bring their own laptops or use one of the library’s own. Previous experience with keyboards and mice is necessary.
Registration is required. To register, please call the Reference desk (ext. 318) or click here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/internetemail-basics-tickets-25724592950
Branford Alps Farmer’s Market
For fresh food and live music, pay a visit to the Branford Alps Farmers Market today from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., at 17 Alps Rd. The market features both conventional and sustainable organic Connecticut produce, dairy, poultry, eggs, and meats, as well as body care products, and a few sea or farm-to-table food trucks in a mini food court. It is scheduled to take place every Thursday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. until October 27, 2016.
Farmers at the market accept FMNP coupons, WIC & Senior. The market issues wooden tokens to double SNAP dollars, up to $20.00 per customer/day. Any Customer may swipe a credit or debit card for wooden market tokens to spend as cash at the market.
For more information about the Branford Alps Farmers Market, visit their website here: http://alpsfarmersmkt.org/, or contact Market Manager Martha McGuire at 203 – 494-0227
Branford Jazz on the Green: Opius Bliss Featuring Michelle Walker
Described as a “a stunning fusion of talent” by the Boston Globe, and a “highly charged, brand new blues frenzied band on the rise” by The Beehive, the five-person ensemble known as Opius Bliss has seen far more than the average 15 minutes of fame. The group, fronted by international jazz vocalist Michelle Walker, have gathered acclaim for their creative, improvisational instrumentals and their unique musical style: a signature blend of blues, bebop, swing, and soul. To experience their music in person, head to the Branford Green at 6:30 tonight for this week’s installment of the Branford Jazz series. (See top photo)
For the full Jazz on the Green lineup and schedule, click here: http://branfordjazz.com/page/26952-Schedule
For more information about this week’s performers, click here: http://branfordjazz.com/page/28804-Opius-Bliss-Featuring-Michelle-Walker
Guilford Free Library’s Music Under the Stars Summer Concert Series: “On the Sunny Side of the Street”
Join vocalist Julie Harris and guitarist Stephen Roane on the patio of the Guilford Free Library tonight from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. as they perform songs from the Jimmy McHugh songbook in a tribute to the legendary composer who authored it. In addition to the title song, the duo will also be performing popular melodies such as “I’m In the Mood for Love,” “Too Young to Go Steady,” and “Don’t Blame Me.”
The event is free and open to all. In the event of rain, the concert will be held in the meeting room of the library. If interested, please register at:
http://www.guilfordfreelibrary.org/music-under-the-stars-summer-concert-series-on-the-sunny-side-of-the-street/24810/
For more events at the Guilford Free Library, including the rest of its Summer Concert Series, check out the library’s webpage here: http://www.guilfordfreelibrary.org/category/events/
Saturday, July 9
Guilford Fireworks and Community Picnic
File Photo
The town of Guilford will be hosting its annual independence day fireworks show at Lovers Lane and Stonehouse Lane. They will follow the Community Picnic at the Town Green from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. There is no rain date.
Paint Night to Benefit JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Foundation)
Sponsored by the Branford Art Center, this colorful charitable event will be hosted at the Branford Congregational Church (in the large hall upstairs) this Saturday from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Attendees will be provided will all necessary painting materials, as well as instruction. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. The event is BYO Beverage and snacks. Tickets cost $40.00 per person. To purchase one, call Yvonne Gordon-Moser at 860 – 334-4642. Space is limited.
For more about the JDF, visit their website here: http://diabetesfoundation.jdrf.com/info/jdrf/
For more events from the Branford Art Center Gallery and Workshop, check out their facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/Branford-Art-Center-Gallery-and-Art-Workshop-896699277053781/
Sunday, July 10
Red Planet at the Stony Creek Brewery
Join your friends at the Stony Creek Brewery for some local beers and live music provided by rock and roll group Red Planet. The Brewery will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
For a full schedule of events at the Stony Creek Brewery, check out their events page here: http://stonycreekbeer.com/events
Wednesdsay, July 13
Kung Fu Panda 3 at the Willoughby Wallace Library
Children and adults alike are invited to the Willoughby Wallace library this Wednesday at 1 p.m. for a special Summer Reading edition showing of Kung Fu Panda 3. Light refreshments will be served.
The movie runs 91 minutes long, and is rated PG for sequences of martial arts action and mild violence.
For a full calendar of library events, visit the library’s events calendar here: http://www.wwml.org/events-exhibits/upcoming-events
Blackstone Library: Ted Braun Presents “The Barkers of Branford: Life In America Through A Local Lens”
Join published author and Guilford resident Ted Braun at the Blackstone Library from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. as he presents from his new book: “The Barkers of Branford: Life In America Through A Local Lens.” In his talk, which is sponsored by the Branford Historical Society, Ted will share excerpts from sections such as “Prohibition Insights: The Branford License Question” and “Electrification & The Flush Toilet Come To Town,” among many others.
Braun’s nonfiction book is based on the contents of seventy-two years worth of diaries, written by his father-in-law’s grandfather, Llewellyn Barker between the years of 1865 and 1937. The diaries, which were discovered in the home of Ted Braun’s in-laws Richard and Eileen Field of South Montowese Street in Branford, lend helpful insight into the detailed chronicle of both local and national history that Braun provides in his book. “The Barkers of Branford” is richly illustrated with over two hundred images documenting the transition of a family, a town, and a nation.
For more information on the event, click here: http://www.blackstone.lioninc.org/events/the-barker-family/
Stony Creek Brewery: Paint Night with Vista
Vista Life Innovations is partnering with Stony Creek Brewery, 5 Indian Neck Ave., to host Paint Night with Vista from 6 to 7:30 p.m. This social group art class is open to all; no prior painting experience is required.
Vista Arts Specialist Samantha Listorti will provide step-by-step guidance on how to paint an original beach scene. Participants leave with their finished creation at the end of the night.
Cost is $40 and includes one complimentary glass of wine or beer. Space is limited. To register, visit www.vistalifeinnovations.org/paint-night. For questions, email Amanda Roberts at [email protected].
The Bikinis: Opening Night at the Long Wharf Theater
Follow the adventures of a sixties girl group, the Bikinis, as they reunite their band and revive their old repertoire in an effort to raise money to save their summer vacation spot on the Jersey Shore. The show includes popular summer hits such as “It’s In His Kiss,” “Yellow Polka Dot Bikini,” “Heat Wave,” “Under the Boardwalk,” and many others.
This sunny summer musical will make its debut on the Claire Tow Stage in the C. Newton Schenck III Theatre this Wednesday 7 p.m. It will continue to playing from July 13 – 31. Show times will vary throughout the week. To buy tickets, visit the Long Wharf Theater’s website at: http://www.longwharf.org/bikinis
Created and Written by Ray Roderick and James Hindman
Music Arrangements by Joseph Baker
Additional Music and Lyrics by Joseph Baker and Ray Roderick
Directed and Choreographed by Ray Roderick
Friday, July 15
Jeff and Joel’s House Party
Jeff and Joel’s House Party is bringing jazz fans an exceptional evening of entertainment at the Elks Lodge, 158 South Montowese St., from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
The event features the host, Jeff Barnhart with his ragtime piano and vocals and the talented Midiri Brothers and their smooth style jazz, swing and Dixieland with the vibraphone.
There’s plenty of party and beverages are available. Tickets are $30 per person. Call 203 – 208-1481.
Saturday, July 16
Opening Reception for Artists
The opening reception for visiting artist and Branford resident, Darren Sargent, and featured gallery artists, Pamela Morgan and Maureen Wilkinson, will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., at Branford Art Center, 1229 Main St. Music will be provided by Al, Branford’s well-known jazz guitarist. Refreshments will be available.
The studio gallery will also be displaying the paintings from the June BACA plein air event on the Branford Green. This show will run through Aug. 15. For more information, call Yvonne Gordon-Moser at 860 – 334-4642 or email [email protected].
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