Welcome to the first WYDT for 2010. We hope you enjoyed your stay in 2009. Let's get started with some ideas for the first weekend of the new year...
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS: Over the past few weeks, we've all learned (or should have), that our families are nothing if not dysfunctional (not that there's anything wrong with that). But for Steve Solomon's family, dysfunction is taken to a new level. Head to Long Wharf Theatre in New Haven this weekend to see "My Mother's Italian, My Father's Jewish & I'm Home for the Holidays." The one-man show really needs no explanation (especially if you come from a Jewish or Italian family). Tickets are $38. Click here for show times.
CULTURE CLUB: No, Boy George isn't in town (at least as far as we know), but we just think you should start 2010 off with a little culture (you know, broaden your horizons). To that end, there's the CT Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra's New Year's Concert at the Garde Arts Center in New London on Sunday. The orchestra will perform J. Strauss' Ballroom dances and Mozart's "Jupiter Symphony." Tickets are $25, $40 and $50. 6pm.
FIRST FRIDAY: We continue the cultural enrichment at the New Britain Museum of American Art. The museum is holding their "First Friday," event on New Year's Day. The evening features live jazz music performed by local and nationally-known musicians. You also get the chance to see NBMAA's collection of 300 years of American Art. Plus you can mix and mingle with other art and jazz lovers as you enjoy a selection of hors d'oeuvres, wine, beer and soda. Tickets for the museum are $10, and alcoholic refreshments are $3. 5:30-8pm.
LITTLE OF THIS, LITTLE OF THAT: Are you a "Poconut?" The country-rock group Poco (their fans have the appropriate moniker of "Poconut") has been around since the late '60s, and this weekend they're playing in Old Saybrook. The group, whose familiar singles include "Crazy Love," "Rose of Cimarron" and "Call it Love" are playing at the 250-seat Katherine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center. Tickets are $50. 8pm.
HAIR OF THE DOG: Let's face it, many of us will be overindulging a bit over New Year's. And what better way to return to "normalcy" that with some Kegs and Eggs. Head to the Half Door in Hartford this weekend for their Big Arse Kegs & Eggs Breakfast. The beer breakfast is held every Saturday and Sunday at the Irish Gastro-Pub from 10am-2pm.
BUFFET WITH A BEAT: While we're on the breakfast kick, we have a pair of buffet options for your dining pleasure on Sunday (and both include live jazz!). First is the Jazz Buffet Brunch at the Litchfield Saltwater Grille in Litchfield. Immerse yourself in the sounds of a live solo jazz piano, while enjoying a brunch buffet featuring everything from mini-muffins and coffeecakes to French toast, sausage and bacon and even stations for omelets, sliced smoked salmon and cocktail shrimp. It's just $19. 11am-2pm.
Then there's the Sunday Jazz Brunch at Scoozzi Trattoria & Wine Bar. Tony Lombardozzi & Company provide the back-drop for this charming Italian brunch. The menu includes a selection of frittatas, foccacia, pasta, eggs and meats. Noon-3pm.
