Cool Events This Weekend, Here & Beyond

There’s music in the air. Concerts and performances for every taste are on the agenda – from traditional Italian melodies to Bernstein’s Broadway hits to classical guitar. In case you didn’t get to see it in the theater, The Post will be shown at the Willoughby Wallace Library. Note: It’s Branford Eagle endorsed. Mother’s Day is coming up and we’ve listed some mom-friendly events. Be sure to check our Facebook page – we often list upcoming events there, too.

Saturday, April 28

Uncover Kindness

Uncover Kindness, a family forum in partnership with Branford Early Childhood Collaborative, takes place Saturday, April 28, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Blackstone Library.

After a week of exploring kindness, bring the whole family and come out to the Blackstone to see how everyone can together to spread this good feeling throughout the community.

Have an idea? Share it! No act is too small when it comes to bringing a smile to someone’s face.

For more information, call 203 – 488-1441.

National Drug Take Back Day

Branford Police and DEA Sponsor Drug Take Back Day

No Questions asked. Citizens can bring any unused or expired medications for safe disposal with no questions asked to a collection site located at the Branford Police Department, located at 33 Laurel St.
.
Officers and department staff will be on hand to help collect medication at the collection site from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Michela Musolino & Rosa Tatuata

Michela Musolino and Rosa Tatuata will perform at the Branford Folk Music coffeehouse Saturday, April 28 at 8 p.m. The concerts take place at the First Congregational Church auditorium, 1009 Main St.

They offer up passionate interpretations of the traditions and melodies of their Sicilian ancestors and will presenting a concert around the themes of rebirth, growth and renewal and the celebrations of Carnevale and St. Joseph’s Day. Then there will be traditional Sicilian dancing.

Musolino will be joined by Phil Passantino, Charlie Rutan and Jeffrey Panettieri as Rosa Tatuata in what is sure to be a concert with plenty of audience participation, whether singing or dancing. Bring your dancing shoes because in the concert’s second half, Rosa Tatuata will teach and lead the audience in traditional Sicilian dances.

Admission is $20 non-members; $17 members; $5 for children 12 and under.

Sunday, April 29

Join the Crust Pizza Challenge

The first annual Crust pizza challenge to benefit the Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter takes place from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, April 29, at Thimble Island Brewery, 14 Business Park Drive.

There will be six two-person co-ed teams. Following the pizza challenge Crust will serve a seasonal salad, thin crust wood-fired pizzas, and gelato to the first 75 guests who pre-purchase tickets at crustwfpizza.com/reg; $25 per person donation. All attendees are automatically entered to win a full Crust-catered pizza party.

For more information, call Jeff at 203 – 931-5100 or email [email protected].

Tuesday, May 1

Honoring Shoreline Heroes

Branford Exchange Club’s annual event, Honoring Shoreline Heroes, takes place Tuesday, May 1, beginning at 5:45 p.m. at The Woodwinds, 29 Schoolground Road.

Those honored include Lt. Harold Barrington of the Branford Fire Department; Det. Arthur Ferris, Branford Police Department; Bat. Chief James Oca, East Haven Fire Department; Sgt. Kevin Klarman, East Haven Police Department; Capt. Dan Fisher, Guilford Fire Department; Officer Joanne Shove, Guilford Police Department; Lt. Kenneth Ash, North Branford Fire Department, Sgt. Court Sperry, North Branford Police Department.

Keynote speaker will be Adam Greenberg, author of ​“Get Up: The Art of Perseverance.” Dr. Henry Lee, Forensic Science and Chief Emeritus of the Connecticut State Police, will give the closing remarks. The New Haven County Emerald Society Pipe and Drum Band will lead in the hero along with special guest singers.

The event is $40 in advance, $45 at the door (as available). For more information, email [email protected] or call 203 – 901-7982.

Friday, May 4

Friday Night Movie: The Post

Willoughby Wallace Library, 146 Thimble Islands Road, will host a screening of ​“The Post” at 7 p.m. (See top photo)

Set in the early 1970s, The Post depicts the true story of attempts by journalists at The Washington Post to publish the Pentagon Papers, classified documents centered on the 30-year involvement of the United States government in the Vietnam War. It is a 2017 American historical political thriller film directed and produced by Steven Spielberg and written by Liz Hannah and Josh Singer. It stars Meryl Streep as Katharine Graham, the first female publisher of a major American newspaper, and Tom Hanks as Ben Bradlee, the executive editor of The Washington Post.

Free and open to the public.

Bernstein and Other Delights!

The Music4Music Performance Series at Trinity Church on the Green, New Haven, presents Bernstein and Other Delights, a 20th-century American-music extravaganza, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 4, at the church, 230 Temple St. (corner of Chapel) in downtown New Haven.

Branford native Ryan Bloomquist, (pictured above)a Trinity Boys Choir alumnus, is among the soloists. He is an actor and vocalist based in New York City. He recently played Matt in ​“The Fantasticks” at the Ivoryton Playhouse.

The event will feature music by legendary American composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein, born 100 years ago and a longtime resident of Fairfield. Program includes the composer’s ​“Chichester Psalms” as well as selections from Bernstein’s operetta ​“Candide,” performed by the Trinity Choirs of Men & Boys and Men & Girls under the direction of Trinity Music Director R. Walden Moore

The program also includes art-song arrangements of beloved American sacred songs performed by Trinity Boys Choir alumnus Edward Vogel, baritone, and Sarah Noone, soprano.

Tickets are $30 ($25 online; $20/$15 seniors, students). Call 203 – 776-2616 or visit trinitynewhaven.org/bernstein to learn more.

Rotary Dollars for Branford Scholars

The Rotary Club of Branford announces its annual scholarship appeal to Branford high school seniors who are pursuing advanced education in fall 2018. The award of $3,000 will be given to the applicant who provides outstanding evidence in academic achievement, community service, Rotary values, and financial need.

Applications are available at [email protected] and the Branford High School guidance office in addition to the James Blackstone Memorial Library and Willoughby Wallace Library. Completed application packets must be received by Friday, May 11. For more information, call project leader Tony Terry, at 203 – 481-6424. 

The application has three components. First is a student-written essay focusing on Rotary principles. Then supportive documentation must be provided as specified in the application requirements such as high school transcript, teachers’ references. Finally, is an interview with a panel of Rotarians.

The applicant may be a pending graduate of any accredited Connecticut high school. This scholarship is for undergraduate study at a two or four-year college or technical school. Branford residency is required.

Saturday, May 5

High Tea to Celebrate Spring and Mothers

High Tea, sponsored by BSA Venturing Crew 424 in celebration of spring and mothers takes place from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, May 5, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1109 Main St.

The menu includes seasonal soup, scones, tea sandwiches, desserts, black, green, and herbal teas. Gluten-free and vegan selections upon request. Suggested donation $20 per person; $70 for group of four. Senior discount upon request. RSVP at 203 – 376-2819 or [email protected]

Sunday, May 6

The Regional Water Authority (RWA) will hold its annual Bass Fishing Tournament on Sunday, May 6, from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lake Saltonstall in Branford. Anglers will compete to see who can reel in the heaviest small-mouth or large-mouth bass of the day. Cash prizes will be awarded for the biggest fish.

There is a $25 cash entry fee per person. Boat rentals will be made available, but they’re expected to go fast, so grab your gear, RWA Recreation Permit and CT Fishing license and get to Lake Saltonstall as early as possible for your chance at a prize!

For more information on the Bass Fishing Tournament, the RWA Recreation Program or fishing at Lake Saltonstall, call the RWA’s Jeff Yale at 203 – 401-2746.

Let There Be Light 

The New Haven Chorale welcomes the choruses of the Hartt School and Manchester Community College as well as the Hartt Symphony Orchestra for a performance featuring two major masterpieces on Sunday, May 6 at 3:30 p.m. at Woolsey Hall, 500 College St. Faure’s luminescent ​“Requiem,” a work of beauty and consolation, and Lauridsen’s transcendental masterpiece ​“Lux aeterna,” dedicated to his mother who inspired him to become a musician, will be performed and directed by Edward Bolkovac.

Tickets are $15 to $20. Email [email protected].

Cabaret, Art, and Refreshment at BAC

Cabaret singing by several adult cabaret students of Keely Baisden Knudsen, artistic director of the Legacy Theatre, takes place Sunday, May 6, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Branford Art Center, 1229 Main St.

Doors open at 4:30 p.m. to browse the gallery during a pre-performance reception. Donations accepted. For art classes at BAC, call Yvonne Gordon-Moser at 860 – 334-4642 or email [email protected] and visit the gallery website www.branfordartcenterct.com.

In the photo are Keely Baisden Knudsen, Barbara Pochan, Jackie Trimble Shapiro, Linda Klein, Jenya Weinreb, Pam Reisler, and Michael Frost

Thursday, May 10

Mama Meow Italian Buffet 

In celebration of moms, including the four-legged variety, Branford Compassion Club will hold its Mama Meow Italian Buffet benefit, 6 p.m. Thursday, May 10, at Pompeo’s Restaurant, 485 W. Main St.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for the event, which includes a silent auction, Mother’s Day gifts for those last-minute shoppers, a 50/50 raffle, door prizes, and cash bar.

Tickets are $35, available by e‑mail at [email protected], online at www.brownpapertickets.com or by calling 203 – 444-0653. Tickets are also available Saturdays from 11 a.m.to 3 p.m. at the organization’s Feline Rescue and Adoption Center, 2037 Foxon Road, North Branford. Volunteers are always needed. For more information, visit the website at www.branfordcompassionclub.org, or stop by in person.

Water Safety

Journalist, author, and survival expert Ben Rayner will discuss water safety and how to prevent and survive water emergencies at the Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library, 146 Leetes Island Road, on Thursday, May 10, 7 p.m.

He says that more Americans drown every year than die from distracted driving and that the leading cause of accidental death of children aged 14 and under is drowning

The event is free. No registration required. Call 203 – 488-8702 for more information.

Saturday, May 12

strong>Mother’s Day Open House

Local artists Cynthia Purcell, Owen Sea Luckey and Martha Link Walsh will host for a Mother’s Day Open House to honor moms at the shops at 188 North Main St. on Saturday, May 12, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. As a show of support for shoreline moms, a percentage of the day’s proceeds will be donated to the Women & Family Life Center in Guilford.

The Mother’s Day Open House is free and open to the public, and includes: Cynthia’s Flower Shop offering unique and inspired flower arrangements; Martha Link Walsh Gallery with original paper cuttings and creative gifts; and Luckey ReDo, featuring re-imagined wearables and accessories

Light refreshments will be served. For more information, call Martha Link Walsh at 203 – 481-3505 and visit marthalinkwalsh.com.

Saturday, May 19

Farmers’ Market Grand Opening 

The Dudley Farm Summer Farmers’ Market will hold its grand opening with Planting Day, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Saturday, May 19, at the Dudley Farm, corner of Routes 77 and 80.

Farmers and artisans will be selling seedlings and plants direct from the farm, in addition to their usual seasonal and local organic vegetables, meat, sausage, honey, maple syrup, jams and jellies, baked breads and pastries, salsa, goat milk soap, natural body products, and a dazzling variety of hand-made crafts.

Children will be able to decorate a pot and plant a petunia in it, donated by Van Wilgen’s Garden Center, and assisted by volunteers from 4‑H and Guilford High School. The Dudley Farm String Band will perform, and Melly P’s Panini truck and Gypsy Joe’s Coffee will be there. Support your local farmers and artisans, and enjoy a stroll through the historic farm gardens, and visit the sheep, oxen, and chickens.

The market meets weekly through October, and offers a Children’s Corner 10 – 11:30. For more information, visit dudleyfarm.com, Facebook, or call 203 – 457-0770.

Guitarist John Knowles in Concert

AcousticMusic.Org, 1250 Boston Post Road, Guilford, hosts John Knowles at 8 p.m. Saturday, May 19 for a special evening of acoustic guitar, followed by a workshop with Knowles on Sunday May 20, at 1 p.m. for guitarists wishing to take their playing to another level.

Knowles has worked with the world’s finest fingerstyle and classical guitarists including Chet Atkins, Jerry Reed, Lenny Breau, Tommy Emmanuel and the Romero Family. He has won a Grammy and two Emmy nominations

Tickets for the show will be $35. Reservations for the performance and workshop are recommended. For more information, call 203 – 458-8353 or email [email protected]

Wednesday, May 23

‘Appy Hour’

A hands-on workshop on apps and parental controls will take place Wednesday, May 23m at Fire Headquarters, 45 North Main St. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Bring your own device, learn options for protecting your children and how to monitor activity. Bring your questions, try to stump the technical expert. RSVP at [email protected].

###