Seek out music, arts, and the great outdoors, if you’re looking to recover from the madness of this presidential election season. There are also opportunities to learn about Branford’s emergency services and its important role in the community, and the story behind Japanese-Americans’ fight for citizenship. But then, there are plenty of leaves to be raked and football games to watch!
Saturday, Nov. 12
Sephardic Music at Branford Folk Music Society
The Branford Folk Music Society will present a concert of the music of the Sephardic Jews featuring the Elias Ladino Ensemble on Saturday, Nov. 12, from 8 to 11 p.m., in the auditorium of the First Congregational Church of Branford, 1009 Main St., on the Branford Green.
Since 1976, the Elias Ladino Ensemble has performed the songs of the Sephardic Jews in venues all over the world. Many of the songs to be performed date back to ancient Spain while others reveal melodies and rhythms of the Balkan and Middle Eastern communities where Sephardic groups lived in exile.
The Elias Ladino Ensemble — Daniel Elias, musical director and clarinet; Maurice Sedacca, guitar and oud, and Casey Bond on doumbek — is one of the very few Sephardic groups whose vocalists are native speakers of Ladino.
Admission for the concert will be $25 for the general public, $20 for BFMS members, and $5 for children age 12 and under. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, call 203 – 488-7715 or access the society’s Web page at www.branfordfolk.org.
Shoreline ArtsTrail 2016 Open Studios Weekend
The Shoreline Arts Trail’s 15th annual Open Studios Weekend takes place at 34 studios, featuring 41 artists, in Branford, Guilford, and Madison on Saturday, Nov. 12, and Sunday, Nov. 13. (See top photo)
This juried event gathers some of the finest, award-winning artists on the shoreline whose work must reflect mastery of methods and materials, originality of concept, and be handmade by the artist in his/her studio. On display will be one-of-a-kind, quality-made items in a wide range of media including jewelry, sculpture, fiber, paint, glass, pottery, metal, and textiles. Visitors will have a chance to talk one-on-one with artists and explore their studios as they explore 50 miles of scenic shoreline.
In addition to the two-day Open Studios Weekend, several preview events are scheduled this fall including group shows at Friends and Company Restaurant (Madison) from Nov. 1 to Dec. 11, with a reception on Sunday, Nov. 6 from 2:30 to 4 p.m., and Wall Street Gallery (also in Madison) from through Nov. 29, with a reception on Friday, Nov. 4 from 4 to 7 p.m.
For the latest information on these preview events, visit www.shorelineartstrail.com, which includes an interactive map, downloadable print map, and Family Activity Brochure, as well as a blog and Facebook page with profiles on individual artists and special events.
Tuesday, Nov. 15
Talking About Branford Emergency Services
A Community Coffee & Conversation with Emergency Management Leaders, sponsored by the League of Women Voters of the East Shore (LWVES) will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 15 at 10 a.m. at the Branford Fire Headquarters, second Floor, 45 North Main St. It’s the second in the series of “Know Your Town” Coffees and Conversations.
Branford Fire Chief Thomas Mahoney and Branford Police Captain Raymond Dunbar of Emergency Management Office/Branford Police will share the Emergency Services that are available to Branford residents.
The series is part of the LWVES “Local Government Initiative” to educate and engage Shoreline residents with their local government.
For more information about the League of Women Voters, please visit http://www.lwvct.org/Eastshore.html or contact us by email at [email protected]
The Purple Heart Battalion: The Story of the Japanese American Nisei and Their Fight for Citizenship
Col. (ret.) Richard Young, Connecticut Army National Guard will review the battle history of the 442nd, Presidential Order 9066 establishing relocation camps for Americans of Japanese Ancestry, and subsequent Supreme Court ruling at the Blackstone Library, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
The 442nd Regimental Combat Team was all Nisei (second generation Japanese Americans), who distinguished themselves in fierce combat in Italy, France, and the South Pacific in World War II. The 442nd earned its name, “Purple Heart Battalion,” because the majority of the soldiers were wounded in combat (9,486 of 14,000 Soldiers). The unit was awarded eight Presidential Unit Citations; 21 soldiers were awarded the Medal of Honor. The 442nd is the most highly decorated unit (for its size) in the history of the United States Army.
Information will be provided about visiting Manzanar, a National Park Service Historical Site dedicated to the memory of the Japanese Americans internees.
Refreshments will be served. Registration required. To register, go to http://www.blackstone.lioninc.org/events/the-purple-heart-battalion-the-story-of-the-japanese-american-nisei-and-their-fight-for-citizenship/.
Friday, Nov. 18
2nd Company Connecticut Governor’s Foot Guard Dance Band
The Governor’s Foot Guard Dance Band will be in concert at the First Congregational Church of Branford, 1009 Main St., on Friday, Nov. 18 beginning at 7:30 p.m. Folks are encouraged to bring their dancing shoes for an evening of lively music and dance, followed by refreshments. The Second Company Governor’s Food Guard Band is the musical arm of one of the oldest continually active military units in the United States. It was chartered in 1775, and the first Commandant was Revolutionary War General Benedict Arnold. The present Commandant of the Second Company is Major Richard K. Greenalch Jr. The band has relocated to Branford and rehearses weekly at the Branford Armory. Cpt. Joseph Nuzzo leads the 2nd Co GFG Dance Band.The Musical Art Society of Branford is a cultural arts group that was founded in 1920 by Alice Collins and a group of local music teachers.The event is free and open to the public (donations accepted at the door), sponsored by the Musical Art Society of Branford. For more information, call Arlene Steinlauf, 203 – 488-6837.
Sunday, Nov. 20
Annual Pre-Thanksgiving Walk
Join the Branford Land Trust on Sunday, Nov. 20 at 1 p.m. for its annual pre-Thanksgiving walk at Van Wie Woods. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors friends and family.
Participants should meet at the trailhead at 87 Red Hill Road. Directions: From Exit 56 on I‑95, go south on Leetes Island Rd. for 0.1 mile, and turn left (east) onto Red Hill Rd. Proceed to #87, which is on the right, and park on the right side of the road.
For all BLT walks, please wear appropriate dress and comfortable, supportive walking shoes. Bring water. Walking sticks welcome. All events are free and open to the public. For more information, visit: www.branfordlandtrust.org.
Sunday, Nov. 27
Connecticut Yuletide Carolers’ Concert Of Carols
Connecticut Yuletide Carolers will celebrate the start of the holiday season with a concert of carols on Sunday, Nov. 27, at 7 p.m. at the United Methodist Church of Branford, 811 East Main St.
Victorian carolers will fill the winter air with the sounds of the season, singing traditional and contemporary Christmas music a capella in 4‑part harmony to bring holiday cheer to young and old alike. Refreshments will be served afterwards.
The Connecticut Yuletide Carolers was formed in 2006 by Guilford residents Michael and Lori Cartwright. Their inaugural season consisted of six singers and 12 performances; the group has grown to 24 singers from all along the shoreline making more than 50 performances throughout Connecticut and New England. They have performed at holiday festivals, wedding receptions, libraries, shopping centers, corporate and private home parties, senior residences, and museums.
Last year the Carolers released their inaugural CD, featuring 15 holiday classics, including “Jolly Old St. Nicholas,” “Carol of the Bells,” “Let It Snow,” and “Joy To The World”. The CD will be available for purchase at the concert, or at their website, www.ctyuletide.com
There is a suggested donation of $15. Visit www.ctyuletide.com or call 203 – 673-9485 for more information.
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