CALL ME ISHMAEL: Boy have we got a whale of an event for you tonight. Head to Mystic Aquarium tonight (and Thursdays throughout the summer) for their "Cocktails with the Whales." Enjoy drinks, food and live music all with the backdrop of the outdoor Arctic Coast exhibit, home to the aquarium's beluga whales. The refreshments are provided by Ocean Blue Catering and include hors d' oeuvres like chowder and quesadillas, and there are plenty of drink specials like something called a "Belugatini." The music is courtesy of noted flutist Greg Piccolo (just kidding, he plays the sax). And while you're drinking and eating, guests will get an up-close look at Mystic's prized belugas. It's $5 per person to attend, but you have to buy the food and drinks. Reservations are recommended. The fun lasts from 6:30 p.m.-8.p.m.
CRAWL, DON'T RUN OR WALK: Get cultured tonight in Hartford. The Greater Hartford Arts Council is offering their second annual Culture Crawl, an evening of live entertainment, drink specials and, oh yeah, art. The Crawl (sponsored by The Hartford Advocate and Traveler's) is your chance to meet local artists, whose work will be showcased at downtown restaurants and bars like City Steam, Bocca Rossa, Dish, The Russell and Vaughn's Public House. And at those bars and restaurants you can hear live music and enjoy drink and food specials. Tickets are $30, with proceeds supporting Hartford's arts and heritage organizations. Begin the adventure at the Greater Hartford Welcome Center on Pratt St at 5:30 p.m.
THIS ONE TIME...: Embrace your inner band geek starting tonight in Chester. "Band Geeks" a high-stepping musical tribute to high school marching bands begins a run at the Goodspeed's Norma Terris Theatre. With just nine members, the Cuyahoga High Marching Beavers are a step away from obsoletion. But when a troubled athlete is dumped in their laps, tuba-toting captain and his best friend Laura must find a way to work together, embrace their inner misfit and save the Beavers. The show promises to be fun for all ages. The show runs through June 6th. Tickets are $45. The curtain goes up tonight at 8 p.m.
