Sunday, October 20th
2pm-3pmThornton Wilder Hall (Miller Library Complex)
2901 Dixwell Ave. Hamden
$5 Senior/Student / $7 General
World Jazz on Mandolin and Guitar
Great for mature audiences of all ages
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02LJs17bb-o
http://www.judyandmark.com/about.html

The Hamden Arts Commission in collaboration with the Hamden Dept. of Arts and Culture is proud to present Judy Handler and Mark Levesque -

Judy Handler, Guitar - Judy has given concerts & workshops throughout the United States. Her solo playing spans diverse genres of music including classical, Latin American, Brazilian, and jazz arrangements. She has performed with many prominent guitarists including Charlie Byrd and Oscar Ghiglia. Judy has received numerous awards including an Individual Artist Fellowship from the Greater Hartford Arts Council.Judy Handler received a Master of Music in guitar performance from the Hartt School of Music, a Bachelor of Music from the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, a Diploma of Merit from Accademia Musicale Chigiana in Siena, Italy, a Certificate from Curs Internacional de Música at the Vila-Seca i Salou Conservatory in Spain and a Diploma from the Aspen Music School. She has performed and given workshops and classes throughout the United States. Judy also performs in the Rosewood Chamber Ensemble with flutist Barbara Hopkins, teaches at a private studio in Vernon, CT and runs monthly performance classes. Judy is founder of the Connecticut Guitar Society.

Mark Levesque, Guitar and Mandolin - has performed on guitar (classical, jazz archtop, 12 string, electric & gypsy), mandolin, plectrum banjo and cuatro in numerous ensembles throughout New England most recently with the CitySingers of Hartford. He has played and arranged world, jazz, Latin and blues music and has worked with synthesizer orchestration and studio recording. Mark’s passion for guitar and mandolin music has led him to research music from all over the world and his creative ideas have been the stimulus for many of the arrangements performed by the group. He currently teaches mandolin and guitar at a private studio in Vernon, CT. Mark has taken courses at Central Connecticut State University and the Hartt School of Music as well as private instruction with guitarists in a variety of genres.Thornton Wilder Hall is handicap accessible. 

Tickets are $5 for Seniors and Students under 12 / $7 General - Available at the door only, Cash only. Doors open at 1:30pm.

For more information, please call the Hamden Dept. of Arts and Culture at 203-287-2546 or email Arts and Marketing Manger, Alisha Martindale, at AMartindale@hamden.com

Saturday, October 19th
1pm-2pm
Thornton Wilder Hall (Miller Library) 
2901 Dixwell Ave. Hamden
$2 Child / $3 Adult
Rhythmic Folklore and Instrumental World Music
Perfect for grades K-12
http://www.siriuscoyote.org/

The Hamden Arts Commission in collaboration with Arts For Learning CT and the Hamden Dept. of Arts and Culture is proud to present musical group, Sirius Coyote - Filled with enchanting rhythms and powerful folklore, this incredibly entertaining performance by musical group, Sirius Coyote, is made up of contemporary and ancient American music. Audiences sing, clap, and dance on a journey from Mesoamerica and the Caribbean to the music of the North American Eastern Woodlands and Plains. The performers are accomplished musicians skilled with over thirty instruments of ancient and contemporary origin. Many of the instruments, in fact, have been handcrafted by the musicians themselves. Sirius Coyote is an exciting and educational experience, these artists are always impressive, and thrill audiences while providing an invaluable learning experience.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

 To introduce students to the music and culture of Mesoamerican, South American, and North American peoples.

 To inspire cultural awareness and improve self-esteem in diverse student populations.

 To impress upon students the importance of environmental awareness, and demonstrate the importance of nature in native cultures.

Thornton Wilder Hall is handicap accessible. 

Tickets are $2 for Children, $3 for Adults - Available at the door only, Cash only. Doors open at 12:30pm.

For more information, please call the Hamden Dept. of Arts and Culture at 203-287-2546 or email Arts and Marketing Manger, Alisha Martindale, at AMartindale@hamden.com

The final concert in the series will be on Friday, July 26th and will feature the late 80's/early 90’s indie rock icons 10,000 Maniacs. 10,000 Maniacs boasts an eclectic catalogue of hits including "These Are the Days" and "Because the Night" - songs that have been established as classics in the treasure trove of contemporary music known as pop rock. Their music has been described as innovative and enduring - sure to be a crowd favorite. The opening band for 10,000 Maniacs will be Hamden favorite, Steve Rodgers and Friends at 7:30pm - 10,000 Maniacs go on about 8:15pm.  

Listen to their music here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-HLxpWGCzc

On Friday, July 19th, world-renowned reggae band, The Wailers featuring Julian Junior Marvin, will be here to continue the legacy of bringing reggae to the forefront of the world stage. The band is led by original Wailer Julian Junior Marvin and boasts classic reggae hits such as "One Love" and "Three Little Birds". Celebrating 40 years of bringing reggae to all communities, The Wailers’ Julian Junior Marvin’s performance is an opportunity you don't want to miss to experience a sliver of musical history right here in our own hometown. The opening band for The Wailers will be Hamden’s very own feel-good folk band, Blue Trail at 7:30pm - The Wailers follow around 8:15pm.

Listen to their music here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QO3mC4i6PkI

On Friday, July 12th, Mike DelGuidice takes a break from touring with rock legend, Billy Joel, to perform here in Hamden. DelGuidice is currently a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist touring internationally with Billy Joel and has spent the last 18 years building and perfecting his encyclopedic knowledge of Joel's musical catalogue. He has performed at large venues such as Madison Square Garden, Fenway Park, Wembley Stadium, Wrigley Field, Dodger Stadium, and other Iconic Stadiums and Arenas around the world with Joel.  One of Mike's original Songs, "Ordinary Guy" was the theme song for actor/comedian Kevin James sitcom Kevin Can Wait.  Kevin James also stars in Mike's new music video of another one of his original songs "Mona Lisa" - https://youtu.be/TvOZNVW_nsc. You’ve all asked for him and we are delivering! The opening band for Mike DelGuidice will be The Future Heavies at 7:30pm and Mike and his band will take the stage around 8:15pm.

The first concert on Friday July 5th will be a double header and feature two full bands starting at 7:30pm: The Mandingo Ambassadors followed by Las Cafeteras. The Mandingo Ambassadors are a well-known, Guinean Afro-Jazz Ensemble lead by New Haven guitarist, Mamady Kouyaté. Through years of performance and musical collaboration, Kouyaté has learned to incorporate over a half-century of his traditional Guinean musical culture and heritage into hypnotically melodic riffs that will absolutely lift you - body and soul. The Mandingo Ambassadors play weekly throughout Brooklyn and have been featured at the New Haven Festival of Arts and Ideas.

Listen to their music here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26fZR8lXHdY

Las Cafeteras is a Chicano band hailing from East Los Angeles, California. Their music fuses spoken word and folk music with traditional Son Jarocho, Afro-Mexican music and Zapateado dancing. Described as "creative and socially conscious" by National Public Radio, Las Cafeteras' music "encourages people of all backgrounds to cherish both what makes them unique and what unites them all". They have collaborated with other entertainers such as John Legend, Talib Kweli, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, and even Columbian pop star Juanes. This is sure to be a totally unique show.

Listen to their music here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VsJp6xS6rY

The music and fun kicks off at Town Center Park on Friday June 28th at 6pm with the Hamden Volunteer Firefighters Independence Day Celebration featuring a full fireworks show and musical entertainment by both DJ Rachel and the New London Big Band. DJ Rachel will take the stage from 6-8pm and then be followed by the band at 8:15pm. In the event of inclement weather, the fireworks will take place on Saturday June 29th with musical entertainment by DJ Rachel. Fireworks will go off at approximately 9:20pm.

Join the Hamden Arts Commission at 7pm on Friday, May 17th as they honor some of Hamden’s most talented Senior students in the Arts. 

The 34th Annual Salute to Young Artists Gallery Opening and Performance Showcase will take place in Thornton Wilder Hall (2901 Dixwell Ave., Miller Library Complex) and will feature an evening of performances ranging from instrumental and choral music to spoken poetry and theatrical readings, a gallery opening of visual art, and a reception to follow.

The Salute is a 34 year long Hamden tradition that honors the visual and performing talent of 12th grade, Hamden students who were nominated by community leaders, partners, and teachers for their outstanding achievement and commitment to the Arts. 

This year, the Commission will be honoring these students: Abe Stoner, Ahmed Diakhate, Audrey Vandergriff, Briana Mack, Caleb Jackson, Catherine McEachern, Cindy Lozado, Eland Cruz, Erica Drufva, Gabrielle Morin, Hannah Battipaglia, Jelin Hinton, Kate Mongillo, Kevin Cathey, Matthew Mercado, Miles Singer, Roger Machuca, Sarah Kuras, Seth Hodgkins, Stephanny Freire, Tiana McGee, Veeane Ayala, and Carlie O'Sullivan.  

Come out to be inspired by, and to celebrate the work of, some of Hamden’s future leaders in the Arts. 

(This show was previously scheduled for January 20th but was snowed out and has been rescheduled for April 7th.)

In a never before seen adventure into the stories of the unknown, History At PlayTM embodies the spirit of international women who risked their lives to defeat Fascism in World War II.  World War Women is a suspenseful reliving of the terrors and triumphs of some of our greatest heroines. From organizing the resistance, to rescuing downed RAF pilots, testing new aircraft, and flying dangerous missions, these stories are not for the faint of heart and may very well be the most influential and often forgotten victories of the war.

This event will be held in the handicapped-accessible Thornton Wilder Hall, Miller Cultural Complex, 2901 Dixwell Avenue, Hamden. Admission is $7 general admission/ $5 for senior citizens, students and children 12 and under.

(This show was previously scheduled for January 20th but has been rescheduled for March 17th.)

The Great Gatsby has long been synonymous with Long Island, but what if Fitzgerald’s true inspiration came from here in Connecticut? Historian and author Richard “Deej” Webb examines the possibility in his book Boats Against the Current: The Honeymoon Summer of Scott and Zelda: Westport, Connecticut 1920.

A companion documentary titled “Gatsby in Connecticut: The Untold Story”, directed by Robert Steven Williams is slated to be released this fall. We are pleased to welcome Deej Webb and Robert Williams as they discuss their book and documentary. A reception and book signing will follow the talk.

This event will be held in the handicapped-accessible Thornton Wilder Hall, Miller Cultural Complex, 2901 Dixwell Avenue, Hamden. Admission is $7 general admission/ $5 for senior citizens, students and children 12 and under.

Come ready for an awesome show that incorporates traditional Irish dance techniques taught by Riverdance dancers and then stay to learn what it takes to be a professional Irish step dancer in large scale performances.  

Dancers from the Brennan-Lucey Academy have performed with the New Haven Symphony, danced on WTNH, competed on both local and world stages and have performed for many charity events and Irish festivals throughout the area. The concept for the Brennan-Lucey Academy began when Stephen and Meghan met while on tour with Riverdance in 2007. After thousands of performances, countless television appearances and years of dancing and teaching side by side, Stephen and Meghan are still both the best of friends and are now both registered TCRG's (teachers) with An Coimisiun le Rinci Gaelacha, the worldwide Irish dancing governing body based in Dublin, Ireland.  

Tickets to this event are $2 Children, $3 Adult. Tickets available at the door only, cash only. Doors open at 12:30pm. 
Thornton Wilder Hall
2901 Dixwell Ave. Hamden 
203-287-2546 

February 9th at 1pm in Thornton Wilder Hall brings the highly visual musical art form of the Japanese dance and drum ensemble, Taikoza. Clad in colorful costumes, this group will introduce audience members to music and dance inspired by traditional Japanese festivals. Kids and families will experience the enchanting sounds of bamboo flutes, the plucky notes of the Koto harp, the room filling boom of the big-barrel taiko drums and more!

Tickets to this event are $2 Children, $3 Adult. Tickets available at the door only, cash only. Doors open at 12:30pm. 
Thornton Wilder Hall
2901 Dixwell Ave. Hamden 
203-287-2546 

Tickets: $2 Children, $5 Adult - Available at the door only, cash only - doors open at 12:30

This show will have two performances, one at 1pm and the other at 2:30pm

A Hamden favorite, Bubblemania! returns to Thornton Wilder Hall this winter. Bubble master and comic, Casey Carle, has been making bubbles of all shapes and sizes since the late 80’s. He has perfected the slippery art of making the perfect bubble recipe and uses it to entertain people of all ages. With a background working for Cirque Du Soleil, Casey can make bubbles perform on cue and even knows how to put an entire person into a bubble! A crowd favorite.

The concert will be held in the handicapped-accessible Thornton Wilder Hall, Miller Cultural Complex, 2901 Dixwell Avenue, Hamden.

The Survivors Swing Band generates energy and excitement everywhere they perform. We are a 7-piece professional jazz band, based in Connecticut, that plays the classic melodies from an era gone by--hot tunes and soothing ballads of the Swing Era--plus many of the wonderful melodies from the two decades that followed.  The "Big Bands" played this music with a high degree of rigid orchestration.  The Survivors render it with a greater tilt towards improvisation, thus giving each pass at a tune somewhat of a new flavor while still keeping true to the original melodies.  Your memories of the "good old good ones" that we play will be readily revived!  With trumpet, saxes, piano, guitar, bass, and drums, let us entertain you!

Tickets: $2 Children, $5 Adult - Available at the door only, cash only - doors open at 12:30

Karim illustrates what it means to be bi-cultural in the US.  Music, Dance, Arabic Language are featured as Karim plays Arabic, Turkish and Andalusian hand percussion, including the Egyptian Tabla (goblet drum), Riqq (tambourine), Duff (frame drum), and Segat (brass castanets). Students will have their first-lesson in the Arabic language as well as learn a three sound clapping system which allows anyone in the crowd to perform the Arabic rhythms without an instrument and a brief demonstration of Dabka Line Dancing.

Join Brooksvale Park as they host the 19th annual Fall Festival on Sept. 29th from 11am-4pm at Brooksvale Park - 542 Brooksvale Ave. Hamden, 06518. (rain date: 9/30). There will be live music, craft and food vendors, live demos by community organizations and more. Free Admission, Free Parking. Bring cash for food and craft vendors. No ATM on site. For more info call Ranger Vinny at 203-287-2669.

The Hamden Volunteer Firefighters Fireworks Committee is pleased to announce that the 25th Annual Independence Day Celebration Fireworks display, in conjunction with the Town of Hamden and The Hamden Arts Commission (that's us!) will take place on Friday June 29th, 2018, with a rain date of June 30th, 2018 at the Town Center Park in Hamden, CT.  The Hamden Symphony Orchestra will return to perform during the evening.

Tri-State DJ Co.'s DJBry will again be providing music before and after the band performs as well as during the Fireworks. We would like this 25th anniversary celebration to be a special one for the people of Hamden. Due to the multiple rain outs last during last year's summer season, The Hamden Volunteer Firefighters Fireworks Committee is in need of  donations for this event to be a success. Checks should be made payable to HVFF and mailed to P.O. Box 5104 Hamden, CT 06518 or donations can be made using PayPal.

For more information about the event and fundraising activities please visit thier website www.hamdenfireworks.org , contact Karl Olson at (203) 214-9489 or e-mail them at hamdenfireworks@gmail.com.

Connecticut's first and best food truck festival returns to welcome the summer! More than three dozen food trucks, kids activities, and a live performance by the great local band Wango Tango! Share and invite your friends, skip lunch on June 15, prepare to buy extra for the weekend, and have fun. See you in the Park! See the Facebook invite here: 
https://www.facebook.com/events/462262390874258/