La Cage Aux Folles at The Goodspeed

When this show was first scheduled, I was not sure how this was going to play at a conservative venue like The Goodspeed. Within minutes it was quite obvious that the audience was loving the show and my worries were totally unfounded. 

In case you are not familiar with La Cage Aux Folles it deals with mature themes of homosexuality, domination and travestites. It also deals with love, marriage, family and intolerance. It seemed to be an extremely timely musical. The humor is mature and this might not be a show I would take young children to but there is nothing offensive.

I can't remember ever laughing as much at a show. If you got a kick out of the pool boy in Legally Blond, you will see his twin in this show, he was hysterically funny. At the same time, this is a love story and there are some very poignant moments. The singing was perhaps not the best I have ever heard but who cares!! The show is wonderful and I would happily go to see it again. The show has been extended so don't waste any time, give them a call and get your tickets now, you won't be disappointed.

Free Monday Jazz Concerts in Bushnell Park Hartford

Jazz Concerts

Hartford's Bushnell Park is the site of free Monday night Jazz Concerts this summer.  Bring your blanket or chairs and come and enjoy.

Since 1967 the Monday Night Jazz Series has brought world famous musicians and local aspiring artists together in downtown Hartford for free concerts during July and August. These concerts provide access to the arts for audiences of all ages in central Hartford, help sustain jazz as a living art form, and invigorate the cultural community by promoting quality, diversity and economic growth.

Event Schedule

Opening act starts at 6 pm. Headliner starts at 7:30 pm.

Date	Opening Act	Headliner
July 6, 2015	Kitty Kathryn	Eddie Allen’s “Push”
July 13, 2015	Samantha Gilbert	Ronnie Burrage and Band Burrage
July 20, 2015	Trombeatz	Steven Kroon Latin Jazz Sextet
July 27, 2015	Ricky Alfonso	Jonathan Finlayson and Sicilian Defense
August 3, 2015	Haneef Nelson	To Be Announced
August 10, 2015	Natalie Hernandez	Mimi Jones

Talcott Mountain Concert and Fireworks Friday July 3

Friday July 3
Talcott Mountain Simsbury Concert and Fireworks
Location: Performing Arts Center at Simsbury Meadows
Time: Concert starts, 7:30 pm, fireworks afterwards
Rain Date: Saturday, July 4, 7:30pm

Led by guest conductor and Simsbury High grad Eric Dudley and featuring the Asylum Hill Congregational Church Choir, this program will feature such patriotic favorites as “The Star Spangled Banner,” “Armed Forces Salute,” Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” and Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever.” Plus, music of the Americas including spirituals, South American folk music, Dixieland, and more. Stay for fireworks following the concert!

Biscotti and Beyond Hits the Local Farmers Markets

Simonne Mularski is a baker extraordinaire. She had a dream, starting her own business and that dream has come true with Biscotti and Beyond. You can call or email her with your order but you can also visit one of the local farmer's market where she will be offering her delicious biscotti and cookies. 

Key Lime with White Chocolate #biscottiandbeyond

Sweet n Salty Caramel 

Coconut Biscotti #biscottiandbeyond

Higganum Farmers Market Fridays 3-6 pm on the Higganum Green

Killingworth   Saturday 10 a.m to 1 p.m. Parmelee Farm Route 81

• Sept. 12

Clinton  Thursday 4-7 p.m.  61 Main Street

 Chester  Sunday 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

• Sept. 13

 

Seasonal flavored biscotti will be available including:

• Sweet and Salty Caramel
• Key Lime and White Chocolate Dip
• Coconut

I have tried all of these flavors and they are all winners. Gluten-free biscotti are available if pre-ordered.

There may be additional dates so check back often. To contact Simonne call 860-301-0825 or biscottiandbeyond@gmail.com

Breakfast at Chips in Rocky Hill

After church on Sunday we stopped by Chips on the Silas Deane in Rocky Hill. It is relatively new to the area and we have meant to try here before. I was pretty sure it would be crowded on a Sunday morning at 11:30 a.m and it was.

When we got there, they said it would be a half hour wait, since there were 8 of us, we weren't surprised. In actuality we only had to wait 10 minutes. They gave us a large booth with a small table for two attached.

The breakfast menu is quite extensive. You have lots of choices, some of the items remind me of IHOP including the special syrups that they have for the pancakes. They have the regular syrup, boysenberry, strawberry, pecan and apricot and  real maple syrup for an upcharge.

They have a bunch of pancake options, waffles, french toast and plenty of omelets. I ordered the potato pancakes which are served with applesauce and sour cream. They had a nice flavor of scallions and there were 4 huge ones. Al had the Western Plus omelet which added cheese to the usual Western omelet items.

John and Josh had the 2x2x2x2x which is two eggs, two bacon, two sausage and two pancakes. It was a huge meal. Kasey had Patriot pancakes which had blueberries strawberries and bananas. Brandon had an egg sandwich with homefries and he loved both of them. Chris got a little something from everyone else including two pancakes from me. Trust me, we had enough to share.

Our service was very good. I had my coffee refilled twice. We were very impressed. I can see us coming back here for breakfast often. I am almost afraid to tell people about this place, it is that good and I don't want to wait any longer than I did today. So by all means go here just don't come after church on Sunday. lol

Trinity College Summer Music Series in Hartford

2015 Summer Music Series

Peter Pan at Connecticut Repertory

Peter Pan is playing at the Harriet S. Jorgensen Theatre on the campus of the University of Connecticut through July 3, 2015. I went to see it today with my daughter and 6 year old granddaughter and I highly recommend that if you are able you get up there.

The cast includes Tony nominee Terrance Mann as a very charming and humorous Captain Hook and Riley Costello as the always boyish Peter Pan. I have never seen Peter Pan before so I have nothing to compare it to but I was again very impressed with the talent of the entire cast and the orchestra. This is first class entertainment and certainly children are more than welcome and will pay only $10 for a ticket. 

Here are the remaining performances: 

Sunday June 28 2015, 2:00 pm
Tuesday June 30 2015, 7:30 pm
Wednesday July 1 2015, 2:00 pm
Wednesday July 1 2015, 7:30 pm
Thursday July 2 2015, 7:30 pm
Friday July 3 2015, 8:00 pm

You can order tickets online at their website.