THE SOUNDS:
STOP PRETENDING: Chrissie Hynde is bringing the latest incarnation of the Pretenders to the Chevrolet Theatre in Wallingford Friday. After 3 decades in the business, the '70s/'80s rocker has seen and done just about everything, including joining the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Now the once-punk/New Wave band has evolved their sound over the years, but hasn't strayed too far from their solid rock core (see 2008's "Break up the Concrete.") Tickets are $34 & $44. 7:30PM.
LUCKY SEVENS: Saturday brings us a hard rock powerhouse. Sevendust has been one of the biggest bands around for more than a decade, and is making a stop at Toad's Place in New Haven. The band has toured with the likes of Korn, Staind, Godsmack and Ozzy (now that's a who's who). Tickets are $25. 9PM.
SINGIN' THE BLUES: It's double-trouble back at the Chevrolet Theater in Wallingford in Sunday, when the BonTaj Roulet show comes to town. Grammy winner Taj Mahal is teaming up with Grammy winner Bonnie Raitt for a night of the blues. The show involves each performer playing separately with Raitt bringing her blues-pop style to the stage with hits like "Something to Talk About" and "I Can't Make You Love Me." Then Taj Mahal (who's collaborated with everyone from Jack Johnson to Ziggy Marley) takes over with the Phantom Blues Band for a set of roots-filled blues. But things really heat up when the 2 legends take to the stage together for a jam session to cap off the evening. Tickets are $55-$75. 7:30PM.
THE SIGHTS:
ECO-CIRCUS: Prepare yourself for a truly unique circus. "Circus for a Fragile Planet" is making a stop at Stepping Stones Museum for Children in Norwalk on Sunday. The circus, presented by Artfarm, is an educational performance with an environmental message. The show includes actors juggling bottled water, and a group of clowns called the Fossil Fools. Even the sets are recycled. It's under $10 to get into the museum. The circus gets underway at 2:30.
MYSTIC DOUBLE-HEADER: There's plenty to see this weekend in Mystic. First, catch a little dinner theater at Mystic Seaport Friday and Sunday. You get a three-course meal outside Schaefer's Spouter Tavern, then sit back for the show. The Seaport's "TaleMakers" are putting on Eugene O'Neill's "Ile" aboard the L.A. Dunton (one of the ships on display at the museum). Tickets are $45. 6:45PM --OR-- Embrace your inner detective at Mystic Seaport's Maritime Mystery event. Visitors will attempt to uncover the truth during a moving mystery tour. You'll have to gather evidence, interrogate witnesses and suspects throughout the Seaport as you try to solve the mystery. (And what's the mystery? We don't know, it's a mystery!) Tickets are about $15 a person. 6PM.
THE TASTES:
FEELING CORNY: Looking for something a little different this weekend? Try your luck at the Potato and Corn Festival in North Branford. At the Augur Farm, you can enjoy fire-roasted potatoes and corn, live entertainment, a carnival, and even a cow-chip raffle (look it up). The Festival kicks off Friday, and runs all day long Saturday and Sunday.
LAST CHANCE: The Taste of Hartford (enjoying it's extended run) will come to a close this weekend. This is your last chance to stop at as many restaurants in Hartford as you can for the low-low price of just $20.09 (aren't they clever with the price?). Click here for a run-down of all the different participating restaurants, and all the different menu options. Cheers!
