4/30-5/2: Fiestas, Horses and Richard Marx!!

PARTY LIKE IT'S MAY 5TH: I hear those were Prince's original lyrics (seriously). Cinco de Mayo is not this weekend. But the party is getting started a little early, and it's spilling into the streets. Head to Hartford on Friday night for the Allyn Street Cinco De Mayo Block Party. Pour House and Pig's Eye Pub will provide drinks and music all night long. It might even be more fun the the actual Cinco de Mayo.

BAJA BLITZ: There are all kinds of different ways to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. And one of them involves lacing up your running shoes and pounding the pavement. Max Fish, Hotel California Tequila and the Hartford Marathon Foundation are hosting the Baja 5000 5K. The race on Sunday in Glastonbury is one thing, but the party is something else entirely. The Post-race Cinco de Mayo fiesta at Max Fish will feature Hotel California specialty cocktails, taco stations, a chip bar and much more. You can go the the party for $25, or you can run and party for $55. The race starts at 11 a.m., and the fiesta gets underway from noon to 4 p.m.

STANDING UP: He's one of the most popular comics filling comedy clubs and college campuses around the country. On Friday night, Brian Regan is coming to New Haven. Head to Southern Connecticut State University to see Regan blend physical comedy and sophisticated writing. Tickets are $39. Show's at 8 p.m.

WHAT CAN BROWNS DO FOR YOU?: Sorry, couldn't resist. Anyway, classical music's first family of piano is bringing their virtuositism (wonder if that's really a word) to Connecticut this weekend. With their 50 fingers and five Steinway grand pianos, The 5 Browns will knock your music-loving socks off. The family: Ryan, Melody, Gregory, Deondra and Desirae blend atmospheric classical and jazz-inspired piano music. And you can be part of it all on Friday night at the Garde Arts Center in New London. Tickets are $28 to $46. Show's at 7:30pm.

PLUS THE KANGAROO:  The golden age of grunge is well past us (witness the startling lack of flannel in fashion), but the Seattle music scene is still going strong.  This weekend, one of the areas' more popular acts is making the cross-country trip to Hartford. Minus the Bear (you really should research how they got their name, it's a good story) is taking the stage at the Webster.  The band combines elements of sonic experimentation while maintaining their indie rock roots. Minus the Bear is playing with Everest and Young The Giant. Tickets are $19.50. Show is at 7 p.m.

THE JOG FOR THE JULEPS: It's the fastest two minutes in sports. The Kentucky Derby is Saturday, and while the race itself is only two minutes (hence the nickname), the fun lasts all day and night. At Burton's Grill in South Windsor, you can sip on a traditional Mint Julep and sample complimentary light hors d'oeuvres while you pour over your racing forms.  Or you can go all-out, grab your loudest hat and head to Foxwoods.  Click here for details and other Derby Day delights.  And go number eight! Er, let the best horse win.

NOT HARPO, CHICO OR GROUCHO; THE OTHER ONE:  Everybody's favorite '80s-'90s adult contemporary crooner is spending his weekend right here in Connecticut. You know him and love him for his hits like "Hold on to the Nights," and "Right Here Waiting."  And now you can hear the dulcet tones of the one-and-only Richard Marx in person. Richard (we're on a first name basis) will take the stage at the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center in Old Saybrook Friday night. Tickets are $55. Show's at 8 p.m. Then on Sunday, he'll be at Infinity Hall in Norfolk. Tickets are $45 and $65. Shows at 8 p.m.

Richard Marx - Right here waiting (lyrics) from BOMBJACK on Vimeo.

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