MC IN CT: He's one of the forefathers of hip hop. Rakim may not be a household name, but in the late '80s, he and Eric B., he pushed the limits of hip-hop and rap and helped bring the genre into the main stream. Rakim is back in Connecticut tonight to play Toad's Place in New Haven. Tickets are $25. 9pm.
IT'S GETTING LATE: If Chevy Chase and Magic can get their own late-night talk show, then just about anyone can (maybe you!). The latest venture into the format stars Gunnar Nelson (yes, that one). And you can be part of the audience. "It's Late with Gunnar Nelson" is taping tonight in the cabaret theater at Mohegan Sun. (Read more about it here.) You can look forward to all the typical talk show fare including guests, and music. But there's also karaoke, giveaways and "candy hostesses," who are meant to be reminiscent of cigarette girls from the '30s. The show will be on TV, though not on any Connecticut stations, so this is your chance to be part of the excitement. Doors open at 5pm.
VIRTUOSO PERFORMANCE: It's time to open your musical minds, Connecticut. One of the most critically acclaimed classical/contemporary groups around right now is making a stop in Connecticut. The Pacifica Quartet is playing at the Jorgensen at UConn tonight. The group has won a Grammy and been named the Ensemble of the Year by Musical America. If nothing else, you'll be amazed at the pure speed and skill at which they pluck their fiddles (wait, in classical music, they're called violins right?). Tickets are $28 and $30. 7:30 pm.
