In this month: the outdoors! Whether you’re looking to bike, browse, sit, or stretch, we’ve got every activity under the sun (and moon) – from the annual Guilford Craft Expo to an outdoor movie night at St. George’s Church to a Bubble Run.
Need a break from the heat? The Branford Eagle’s got you covered there as well with plenty of cool indoor events, including an upcoming “Christmas in July” exhibit at the Martha Link Walsh Gallery.
Thursday July 14
Jazz on the Green with Steve Cole
On July 15, jazz saxophonist Steve Cole will be releasing his eighth album, “Turn It Up,” to fans all around the world; but before that, he’ll be taking the stage on the Branford Green in this week’s installment of “Jazz on the Green.”
A strong force on the contemporary jazz scene since his debut in 1998, the musician and composer is known for producing chart-topping hits that incorporate dynamic pop hooks. His latest single, “Mirage,” has already made it to the no. 1 most added single on the Billboard BDS chart.
Cole’s set is scheduled to begin at 6:30. To learn more about the artist, visit his website at www.stevecole.net.
For the full Jazz on the Green lineup, visit http://branfordjazz.com/page/26952-Schedule
Friday, July 15
Jeff and Joel’s House Party
From 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. this Friday, the Branford Elks Lodge will be alive with the sounds of ragtime, jazz, swing and Dixieland – all thanks to Jeff Barnhart and Joel Schiavone, the eponymous hosts of Jeff and Joel’s House Party.
The event will feature performances from Jeff himself on piano and vocals, as well as the talented Midiri Brothers on their famous vibraphone.
Elks Lodge is located at 158 South Montowese St. in Branford. Tickets are $30 per person. Beverages will be available. For more information, call 203 – 208-1481.
Friday July 15 to Sunday, July 17
Guilford Green: Guilford Craft Expo
Ranked as “one of the top craft shows in New England and the country,” the Guilford Craft Expo returns to Guilford Green this Friday at noon for its 59th year in a row. On display and for sale will be handmade crafts from over 180 nationally ranked craft artists, whose mediums include clay, fiber, glass, leather, jewelry, metal, mixed media, paper, wood and wood furniture.
In addition to the artist’s booths, the event will also feature a food court, a craft activities station for kids, craft demos hosted by Guilford Art Center faculty and students, and a silent auction of donated craft pieces.
Tickets cost $9 for adults and $7 for seniors, and are free to any members of the Guilford Art Center as well as children under 12 and active military. Multi-day tickets are $15. Proceeds raised through the silent auction and nominal entrance fees benefit the non-profit Guilford Art Center.
The three-day event will take place rain or shine on the Guilford Green on Friday from noon to 9 p.m.; Saturday between 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. For more info, visit the event’s website at http://guilfordartcenter.org/expo/
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. 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].
Sunday, July 17
Summer Breeze Ride for Autism
Cyclists of all abilities are invited to exercise their legs and their goodwill at the Summer Breeze Ride for Autism, which will take place at Madison’s Polson Middle School at 6:30 a.m. Riders will be able to chose from courses of 15, 22, 50, 62 (100k), or 100 miles, which will take them through some of the nicest cycling roads in Connecticut.
Proceeds from the event will support the SARAH Foundation, “a family of agencies that provide programs and services for people with intellectual and other disabilities including Autism.” Registration fees are $40 per rider. In addition to the registration fee, riders are also asked to raise an additional $40 to support the cause. Non-riding supporters may also register as a Friend of Summer Breeze for $15.
Attendees (both riding and non-riding) will receive a Summer Breeze t‑shirt as well as thank you gifts for fundraising. All are invited to a nice meal and DJ at the end of the ride.
For more info on the event, visit www.summerbreezeride.com. For more info on the SARAH foundation, visit http://www.sarahfoundation.org/
Roadway in Branford Returns to the Owenego: Featuring the Broadway Boys
Enjoy dinner AND a show at the Owenego Inn this Sunday at 7:30 p.m., as Branford based Broadway production Company Seaview Productions hosts its third annual “pay what you can” Broadway in Branford show.
This year, the event will feature the world-renowned “Broadway Boys,” who have not only had their own international tour, but have also appeared on America’s Got Talent and The TODAY Show. The six-person group, comprised of “some of the hottest male voices currently working on the New York Stage” and backed by a full band, is known for incorporating elements of pop, funk, gospel, jazz, and folk to show tunes and classic pop songs.
The Owenego will host a picnic dinner before the performance. Attendees who purchase a VIP Experience Ticket for $75 will be treated with a pre-show cocktail reception, reserved tent seating, meet and greet with The Broadway Boys and an exclusive pre-show performance.
Proceeds from the event will be put towards Legacy Theatre’s efforts to restore the historic Stony Creek Puppet House in Branford, a building Legacy owns.
Reservations for the show can be made at: www.broadwayinbranford.com. Reservations for the picnic can be made by calling The Owenego at 203 – 488-3805. For more information on the Broadway Boys, visit their website at: www.bwayboys.com.
Monday, July 18
Sunset Yoga for Every BODY at Branford Point Beach
Balance your mind and body at Branford Point Beach with Certified Yoga Instructior and Doctor of Physical Therapy Audra Stawicki, as she leads her weekly session of Vinyasa Flow style yoga.
Classes will take place every Monday until Aug. 29 from 6 to 7 p.m., and are available to anyone aged 16 years and up. No experience is required. To register, visit the Branford Recreation Department or online at www.branford-ct.gov/parks. Space is limited. For questions, call 203 – 488-8304.
Participants are encouraged to bring a bring a yoga mat, water bottle, and towel.
Thursday, July 21
Ask a Lawyer at the Blackstone Library
From 3 to 5 p.m., get free legal advice from a lawyer at the Blackstone Library, compliments of the New Haven County Bar Association. Consultations are first-come, first-served. Sign up at the library’s reference desk up to 30 minutes before program begins.
Friday, July 22
Island Night at the Owenego Inn
Set your watches to Island time and head down to the Owenego Inn for a tropical-themed night of cocktails, dinner and dancing. The festivities will begin with a cocktail hour from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., during which guests are invited to enjoy select hors d’oeuvres highlighted by clam chowder, steamers, and baked stuffed clams. Dinner, a clambake buffet featuring your choice of lobster or New York Strip, baked chicken sections, boiled red potatoes, corn-on-the-cob, and garden salad, will begin at 7:45. Dessert – key lime pie – and dancing will be from 8 to 11 p.m. Tickets are $48 per person. Island attire (“and mindset”) are suggested.
To reserve your spot, call the Owenego Inn at 203 – 488-3805.
Friday, July 22 to Sunday, July 31
Christmas in July at the Martha Link Walsh Gallery (see top photo)
At the Martha Link Walsh Gallery 188 North Main St., all the light and joy of the holidays can be found year round, and especially from Friday, July 22 to Sunday, July 31 with an Opening Reception on Friday, July 22, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Featured at this special Christmas exhibit will be a collection of Martha Link Walsh’s holiday-themed papercuttings, and paintings by Margaret B. Dean.
Specializing in commissioned original artwork, Martha creates unique, one-of-a-kind papercut art. Just as an author pens a story, Martha takes scissors to paper and captures the spirit of one’s life journey. She is a true storyteller, and her cuttings combine symbols and images in intricate groupings cut from a single piece of paper.
Stop by the Gallery to enjoy the art exhibit, sample Christmas cookies, see festive snowflakes and lights, and get a head start on your holiday shopping. Martha’s ornaments, Papercut Christmas books, and the new 2017 calendar will be available for purchase.
Call Martha at 203 – 481-3505 for more information, or visit www.marthalinkwalsh.com.
Saturday, July 23
Walk Red Hill Woods with the Branford Land Trust
File Photo
Join the Branford Land Trust for their second scenic walk around Red Hill Woods, the crown of the 950-acre open space preserve located in the Hoadley Creek Watershed. The trip will begin at 10 a.m. at the end of Red Hill Road, and will last about one hour. Walkers should expect moderate terrain, with some sloping trails and inclines.
This event marks the beginning of a series of public walks happening between now and the end of September. For more information, visit the Land Trust’s website here: http://branfordlandtrust.org/come-walk-red-hill-woods-july‑2/
To read our coverage of, the first walk through the property, click here.
Bubble Run at Hartford’s Pratt & Whitney Stadium
There’s nothing like a good clean run! At this weekend’s Bubble Run, hosted at Hartford’s Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field, participants of all ages are invited to walk, dance, and play across the run’s 3‑mile course, which features four differently colored Foam Bogs filled with enough bubbles to cover you from head to toe.
While the 8 and 9 a.m. seats are already sold out, there is still space in the 11 a.m. and noon slots. Tickets are $50. Kids 4 and under race for free with fully paid adult registration. For details and registration, visit:
http://www.bubblerun.com/upcoming-locations/hartford-ct/
Nostalgic Drive-In Movie Night at St. George’s Church
Watch a new movie the old fashioned way in the St. George’s Church parking lot at 6:30 next Saturday, as a part of the St. George’s men’s group’s “Nostalgic Drive-In Movie Night.” The group will be screening the latest STAR WARS film: “Episode VII: The Force Awakens.”
In addition to the cars and blankets of moviegoers, the parking lot will also be hosting an array of concession stands selling hot dogs, hamburgers, popcorn, and more. Those who arrive early will have also have the opportunity to talk to and take photos with costumed members of the 501st Legion, Connecticut Garrison.
Profits for the event will go toward the Guilford Social Services “Back to School Program.” Attendees who bring a backpack to donate to the program will receive a free hot dog and beverage.
Tickets cost $20 per carload, and $8 for walk-ins. To purchase one, visit the patio behind St. George Church any Sunday between 8 a.m. until noon. Call Tony Sicignano (203 – 458-0290) or Bob Mongillo (203 – 314-5478) with any questions. In case of rain, the event will be moved to July 30.
For more info on the St. George’s men’s group, visit their website at: http://stgeorgemensgroup.org/
Saturday, July 30
Craft Brew Races, New Haven
The New Haven Craft Brew Race will be held on Saturday, July 30, from noon to 4 p.m. in Edgewood Park. The Craft Brew Races are a celebration of local craft brewing, an active lifestyle, and the surrounding community. Each event consists of a timed 5k road race followed by a local 3‑hour craft beer festival featuring more than 20 local, regional and national breweries.
For more information, visit the event website here: http://craftbrewraces.com/newhaven/
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