The Shoreline
What’s old is new this week on the shoreline. Experience a blast from our vehicular past at the Shore Line Trolley Museum’s guest operator weekend, or the Working Boats of Stony Creek exhibit at the Stony Creek Museum. Or, dust off your own favorite relics for the Madison Historical Society’s annual Antique Fair, or Branford Rotary’s third annual Classic Car Show.
For a more timeless diversion, check out the Branford Land Trust’s Environmental Camp and the Church of Christ’s annual Peach and Chowder festival. And don’t miss tonight’s Jazz on the Green Act, TIZER Quartet, or next week’s Opius Bliss, rescheduled form their July 7 rain out.
Thursday, August 18
Beachcomber’s Night in Downtown Madison
Join local businesses for a night of sipping, shopping, and strolling at Madison’s Beachcomber’s Night, which will take place tonight from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on both the north and south sides of Rt. 1, as well as Wall Street and Station Square.
For a $10 donation, visitors will receive an admission wristband that will give them access to wine and beer samplings from Connecticut vineyards, special deals from local shops and restaurants, and a chance to win prizes that have been valued at up to $50. There will also be live music, as well as plenty of “tasty treats” for sale.
A portion of proceeds will benefit Madison Ambulance. To find out more information, or to pre-register for a wristband, visit the event page here or go to www.madisonct.gov.
Branford Jazz on the Green: TIZER Quartet
After three full years of performing around the globe, TIZER Quartet returns to the Branford Green tonight at 6:30 to serve up its signature mix of jazz, rock, classical, and jam band styles layered over Afro Cuban and world rhythm beats.See photo above.
The band’s distinct fusion style has inspired comparisons to the trailblazing ensembles of early jazz fusion of the 1970’s and early 80’s, including Return To Forever, Mahavishnu Orchestra and Weather Report.
TIZER Quartet is led by keyboardist and composer Lao Tizer. For more information on Tizer and his bandmates, as well as the complete Jazz on the Green schedule, visit the series’ website here.
A Presentation of Poetry and Art with John Henningson
From 7 to 8 p.m. at the Guilford Free Library, author, artist, and veteran John Henningson will be presenting poetry, related sketches, and watercolors from his recently completed book, “Where the Flowers Went.”
The author’s newest release is a companion to the his prose memoir, “A Reluctant Warrior – 1968 to 1974”, which chronicled his service as an Army Artillery officer including a tour in I Corps in Vietnam.
Through all artistic mediums, Henningson aims to help readers and listeners truly grasp the experience of combat, rather than simply appreciate the concept in the abstract. Those interested in attending his presentation can register for the event at the library’s website here.
Thursday, August 18 — Sunday, August 21
Shakespeare in the Park: A Midsummer Night’s Dream
This weekend, the woods in New Haven’s Edgerton Park will be host to more than its usual amount of magic as Elm Shakespeare Company kicks off its summer Shakespeare in the Park series with a production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Known as one of Shakespeare’s most popular works, the comedy weaves together four interconnecting plots, all of which tie back to the marriage of Theseus, the Duke of Athens, to the Amazonian queen Hippolyta. The majority of the play is set in the forest, which is inhabited by a host of mystical creatures.
Additional performances of the play will be held in the park from August 23 – 28, August 30 – 31, and September 1 – 4. All shows begin at 8 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, visit the event page at Elm Shakespeare Company’s website here.
Friday, August 19 — Saturday, August 27
CT Open Tennis Tournament
From August 19 – 27, the Connecticut Tennis Center at Yale will be hosting superstar female tennis players at the annual CT Open Tennis Tournament. The tournament includes five different competitions including WTA qualifying, WTA singles, WTA doubles, PowerShares Legends, and the US Open National Playoffs Championship. The Connecticut Open is prominently featured domestically on ESPN2 and is also broadcast in 160 countries around the world. For match times, tickets, and more information, visit http://www.ctopen.org/
Saturday, August 20
42nd Annual Milford Oyster Festival
With 35,000 oysters with 19 varieties from 8 states on the East Coast, the Milford Oyster Festival boasts the largest variety of oysters at any festival in the USA.
In addition to its oysters, the festival will also be hosting a new craft beer section, a classic car show, a canoe and kayak race, and more. For the first time in 42 years, the festival will be hosting two headline bands: Marshall Tucker Band and the thematically appropriate Blue Öyster Cult.
The Milford Oyster Festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. this Saturday in Downtown Milford. Admission is free. For more information, visit the event’s website here.
FIRST New Haven Chalk Art Festival
This weekend on August 20, New Haven welcomes children, amateur artists, students, professional artists and artist groups to its first ever Chalk Art Festival, which will take place at Broadway Island in the heart of Yale University at 56 Broadway from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
At the Festival, New Haven’s own Michael Micinilio — whose work has been featured in New Haven mainstays such as BAR, The Wine Thief, and Four Flours Bakery — will produce a 4′ x 8′ chalk mural on Broadway Island. In addition to Micinilio’s art, the event will also feature free Ashley’s Ice Cream, live music from Neighborhood Music School’s Premier Jazz Ensemble and The Modern Standard, a balloon artist, exclusive discounts to retailers and restaurants, giveaway, and more.
Visitors are invited to both create and observe at the festival. For more information on parking, prizes, discounts, and registration, visit the event’s web page here.
Peach and Chowder Festival at the Church of Christ
Settle down with something sweet (or savory) at the Peach and Chowder Festival, which will take place this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Stony Creek’s Church of Christ.
In addition to the church’s famous homemade peach shortcake (served with fresh whipped cream!), hungry visitors will also be able to purchase clam or corn chowder, grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, ice tea, lemonade, and coffee. The festival will also be holding a silent auction, which will feature an array of goods and services including a Vermont vacation package, dinner on one of the Thimble Islands, and a sailing excursion in Stony Creek.
The Church of Christ Congregational is located at 192 Thimble Island Rd., Stony Creek, across from the Town Beach. The event will happen rain or shine. All proceeds will benefit the Church of Christ. For more information, call 203 – 488-7827.
Saturday, August 20- Sunday, August 21
Guest Operator Weekend at Shoreline Trolley
If it’s streetcars you desire, now’s your chance to take matters into your own hands. This weekend, join the Shore Line Trolley Museum for its Guest Operator weekend. There, participants will receive an overview of operating principles from a museum instructor before heading out to operate solo on a vintage streetcar or subway train, where they will be accompanied by the instructor and invited guests.
The museum, located at 17 River Street in East Haven, will be open to guests both days from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, visit the Museum’s website here.
Sunday, August 21
Branford Rotary Third Annual Classic Car Show
The Branford Rotary invites car owners and enthusiasts to its Third Annual Classic Car Show, which will be hosted this Sunday at the Branford Alps Farmers Market (17 Alps Road) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (See top photo)
The entry fee to show a car is $10, and includes dash plaques and goodie bags (while supplies last) as well as trophy and raffle prizes. Spectator admission is free, though donations are welcome Proceeds from the car show will benefit Branford Rotary’s charitable events and organizations in honor and support of our veterans, including Take-A-Vet Fishing, Veterans Day Luncheon, and US Marine Justin Eldridge Children’s Education Fund.
For more information, visit the event page at the rotary’s website here or e‑mail [email protected]
Taste the Shoreline on the Guilford Green
Join local restaurants and food establishments for a festival of flavors at Taste the Shoreline, hosted on the Guilford Green from noon to 6 p.m. next Sunday. The event, organized by Guilford Parks & Recreation and sponsored by the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce, will also feature family entertainment, children’s activities, a business expo, and silent auction. For more info, call 203 – 453-8068
Monday, August 22
Branford Land Trust Environmental Camp
Children ages 5 – 9 are invited to a day of hands-on learning at the Branford Land Trust’s Environmental Day Camp on Monday, August 22. Activities, which will be held from approximately 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., will include touch tanks, woodland and Long Island Sound exploration, nature crafts, and more.
Upon registration and payment participants will receive a full day’s agenda, map, and list of what to bring. Registration costs $45.00 (additional children, same family $35.00), or $35 for Land Trust members. Scholarships available. Registration deadline is Friday, August 19, 2016. For more information contact Martha Rice at 203 – 314-7128 or [email protected], or visit the event page at the Land Trust’s website here.
Thursday, August 25
Branford Jazz on the Green: Opius Bliss Featuring Michelle Walker
Rescheduled from their July 7 rain out, Opius Bliss will return to the Branford Green next Thursday at 6:30 p.m. for the penultimate performance of the Branford Jazz on the Green series.
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 logged far more minutes of fame than the average person’s 15. 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.
For more information about Opius Bliss or Jazz on the Green, visit the series’ website here.
Friday, August 26
2nd Annual Sun Juice Fest at the Stony Creek Brewery
Beginning at 4 p.m. next Friday, the Stony Creek Brewery will be hosting its second annual Sun Juice Fest, named for its signature Belgian Summer Ale.
Feed your soul with some blues, soul, and rock and roll performed live by Greg Sherrod Band, The New Dirty, and Seth Adam. Or, placate your stomach with some seafood and barbecue from Nellie Greens and The Stand.
The Brewery will also be hosting its first ever ever tournament starting at 6 p.m. Live music will begin at 5:30.
Tickets are $45 each, which includes food, two pints of Sun Juice, and hours of fun! To purchase one, or to learn more about the event, visit http://stonycreekbeer.com/events/sun-juice-fest.
Saturday, August 27
Madison Antiques Fair
Browse through a curious mix of antiques — from eighteenth century cookware to Victorian folk art — at the Madison Antiques fair next weekend, on August 27. The event, which draws as many as 100 antiques exhibitors from the Northeast, New York State, the mid-Atlantic states, and Florida, will be hosted on the Madison Green next Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine.
Coffee service will be held in the morning, while sidewalk cafe seating will be provided all day. In the afternoon, Durham’s Spice Catering will be serving fresh-made pork sandwiches, cole slaw, macaroni and cheese, grilled chicken sandwiches, salad, hot dogs, and hamburgers.
Admission is $7 ($6 with the fair’s newspaper ad) for non-members, $5 for members, and free for children ages 12 and under. Registration for an exhibit costs $105. To do so, contact the fair manager at [email protected] or call 203 – 458-3938. For more info on the event, visit the Madison Historical Society’s website here
2016 New Haven Jazz Festival
Presented by JAZZ HAVEN in association with New Haven Mayor Toni Harp, the New Haven Department of Arts, Culture & Tourism, and the New Haven Board of Alders, the 2016 New Haven Jazz Festival will take place on the New Haven Green from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The free event will feature performances from the NMS Premier Jazz Ensemble, the Mitch Frohman Quartet, and the Christian Sands Quartet, as well as food, arts, and craft vendors. For more information, visit the Jazz Haven website here.
Sunday, August 28
Art Show at the Branford Art Center Gallery and Workshop
From 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. next Sunday, head to the Branford Art Gallery and Workshop for an open house reception with the artists behind its newest exhibit, which will feature oil paintings by Michael Quirk and watercolors by Maureen Wilkinson.
The gallery will also be hosting an Ink/Plate/Paper Show with Marilynn Arm, Lexi Axon, Elanna Bernstein, Elisabeth Catasus, Krista Naricsco, Sue Rollins, and Mary Sobol.
Ongoing
Working Boats of Stony Creek Exhibit at Stony Creek Museum
Take a trip back in time and explore the world of Stony Creek’s oldest working boats with the latest exhibit at the Stony Creek Museum.
Stony Creek Museum is located at 84 Thimble Islands Rd. The museum is open from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. For more about the museum, or to find out how to get involved, visit their website here.
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