5/28-5/31: Hooray for Holidays

From barbecues, to cook-outs and even picnics, Memorial Day fun is upon us.  But if you don't feel like spending the entire long weekend standing in front of your grill, we suggest you give these lovely events some consideration.

FUNNY THE WAY IT IS:  It may be the true sign that summer is here.  Dave Matthews is bringing his merry band of band-mates to the Comcast Theatre this weekend.  Or you can call it the Meadows for old times sake.  DMB has stopped in Hartford every summer since 1995, but this is your last chance to see them on your home turf for a while.  Opening for the band Friday (show starts at 8 p.m.) and Saturday (show starts at 7 p.m.) is bluesy, funky Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings.  Check out their performance on Fallon.  Tickets start at $40.50.

Okay, DMB is clearly the big ticket item this weekend, especially for people who were in high school and college back in the '90s.  But there's plenty of other melodic entertainment in the offing this weekend.

YOU'RE THE SHEPHERD:  Kenny Wayne Shepherd is regarded as one of the best blues/rock guitarists in music today.  He's had four number-one rock singles and his record 10 Days Out:  Blues From The Backroads was the best selling blues album of the year in 2007.  Friday night, you can see Kenny Wayne (we're on a first and middle name basis) at the Ridgefield Playhouse.  Tickets are $60.  The blues begins at 8 p.m.

DA BOMB:  It's a big weekend for Bring Our Music Back Inc.  The non-profit group, dedicated to the enrichment of life and healing through music (an honorable effort if there ever was one) is holding their B.O.M.B. Fest Sunday.  Head to the Durham Fairgrounds to hear some of the best Indie and Hip Hop music you'll ever experience in one place and time.  Check out this lineup:  Lupe Fiasco, Of Montreal, Brand New, 30 Seconds to Mars, Mute Math, and oh so many more national and local artists.  The festival runs from noon-10 p.m.  Tickets are $60.

BOILED BAKED OR ON A ROLL:  It's Memorial Day Weekend, so put on all your white clothes, slather on some sunscreen and grab some lobster.  It's unofficially summer!  Head to Mystic Seaport for their annual Lobster Days.  The weekend offers plenty of special activities for visitors including daily presentations on Connecticut's lobstering industry, cooking demonstrations and something called “Fishing the North Atlantic” dory demonstrations.  Of course the main attraction is the eating.  Lobster-in-the-rough will be served by members of the Rotary Club of Mystic from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday.  The meals are served picnic style in the open-air Boat Shed along the Mystic River.  Tickets cost anywhere from $21 (for a single lobster) to $37 (twin lobster).  Or you can get a combo ticket of museum admission and a single lobster dinner for $39.

OUT ON THE BIG SCREEN:  For the 23rd straight year, the best films showcasing the richness and creativity of gay and lesbian culture will be on display this weekend.  Head to Hartford for the CT Gay and Lesbian Film Festival.  Not only are plenty of movies to experience, there will also be the chance to meet directors, actors and other special guests.  On top of that, there will be a special, silent auction throughout the duration of the film festival (which runs through June 5th) that includes items like exotic travel, fine dining and more.  Click here for film details, show-times and venue information.

THE ORIGINAL COMPLEX:  It may be one of the most classic of classic dramas.  Head to the Hole in the Wall Theater in New Britain this weekend to see "Oedipus."  This telling of the ancient Greek tragedy is written and directed by Ted Guhl.  The story follows Oedipus, King of Thebes, as he desperately seeks to find out what's causing his city's woes.  Little does he know that because of a prophecy made when he was born, it's Oedipus himself who's to blame.  Tickets are $20.  See the show Friday and Saturday night at 8 p.m.

TO DIE FOR:  Most shows, you simply sit in your chair and watch the action unfold before you.  But this weekend in Meriden, you can be part of the fun.  A Fatal Fifties Affair is an audience participation murder mystery at the Almira F. Stephen Memorial Playhouse.  The show is cabaret-style, and your asked to bring your own food.  You're also encouraged to dress in your best '50s attire for a chance to win a prize for best dressed.  Tickets are $15.  Enjoy the show Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. or Sunday at 2 p.m.

Contact Us