5/21-5/23: Music, Comedy and Chili

THEIR LINES:  A few years ago, Drew Carey and a rag-tag bunch of comics and performers took TV by storm with "Whose Line is it Anyway."  Since the show has gone off the air, Drew's found a new line of work, taking over for Mr. Barker.  But the improv fun lives on.  Friday night, show regulars Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood are coming to The Warner Theatre in Torrington.  The pair will take contributions from the audience to create hilarious original scenes.  The performance draws from some of "Whose Line's" most popular games like Scenes from a Hat and Sound Effects.  Tickets are $29.50 to $39.50.  The funny gets underway at 8 p.m.

CON CARNE:  There may not be anything better on a late Spring evening like a cold beer and a bowl of chili.  And what do you know, that's exactly what you've got Friday night in New London.  Head to Ocean Beach Park for the Springfest & Chili Cook-off.  You'll be able to judge area restaurants as they battle for best chili.  As if that wasn't enough, you can sample more than two dozen microbreweries offering more than 100 domestic and imported beers.  There will even be live music  The $35 ticket price includes 15 beer tickets and unlimited chili tastings.  Proceeds benefit the New London Rotary Foundation.  Dig in from 6 p.m.-9.p.m.
 
SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE:  Move over Betty White.  The next old-school actress turned Facebook phenom is the one-and-only Carol Burnett.  On the heels of Betty's SNL debut, a new Facebook page has popped hoping Carol will be next (at press time, she had almost 100,00 fans).  Of course, you don't have to wait for Lorne Michaels to pull the trigger, Burnett will have her own live show Saturday night.  A Conversation with Carol Burnett will be on stage at the Palace Theater in Waterbury.  The intimate, audience-interactive format will allow guests the chance to banter with the legendary entertainer.  Tickets are $45-$125.  The conversation begins at 8 p.m.

ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE:  She's an Oscar-winning actress, a comedian, a TV show host, and much more.  Saturday night, Mo'Nique is bringing her Spread the Love Tour to the Arena at Harbor Yard in Bridgeport.  After exploring her dramatic side in "Precious," Mo'Nique is back to her other love.  In her Spread the Love Tour, you can expect plenty of raw, bold and brassy stand-up.  She'll be joined on stage by Rodney Perry, who appears on her BET talk show, comedian Tone-X and DJ Ant.  Tickets are $59.50 and $39.50.  The love begins at 8 p.m.

IT'S MARTINI TIME:  Get ready for a Rockin' good time.  Reverend Horton Heat are taking over the stage at the Mohegan Sun Wolf Den Saturday.  For years, the band has blended country, punk, big band, swing and rockabilly music into a loud, raucous style that they call "Country-fed Punkabilly."  We suggest you simply click here and listen to get an idea of what your info.  The band is playing with Cracker (who you may recall from their '90s hits like "Low").  Tickets are $0.  The show starts at 8 p.m.

YOUNG AT HEART:  It's been years since Neil Young embarked on a solo tour.  But that's just what's happening this weekend.  The rock legend will bring his acoustic guitar to the Oakdale in Wallingford Sunday night.  You can expect plenty of favorites, tunes from last year's "Fork in the Road" and perhaps some new music too (seems Young is back in the studio).  Tickets are $135.50.  The show starts at 8 p.m.

GIMME SOME SUGAR:  We're rounding out the weekend with country superstars Sugarland.  Since 2004, the duo has released a trio of multi-platinum albums, finding plenty of crossover success.  But they aren't all country.  There's even some rock influences in Sugarland (evidenced by the covers of Pearl Jam, R.E.M. and Kings of Leon songs on their live album last year).  Sunday night, Sugarland will bring their act to the Comcast Theatre in Hartford, as part of their "Incredible Machine" tour.  Expect to hear some new music alongside all your favorites.  American Idol finalist Danny Gokey will open the show.  Tickets are $30.75 to $55.50.  The show starts at 7:30 p.m.

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