Groove March 2013

magazine

music, arts & culture for greater new haven

groovemag.com

FREE

MAR

CH/

2013APRIL

Vol. 2 No. 1

gimme some

moe.

The Yale Art Gallery: Bigger and Better PAGE 11

Ballou’s: Shoreline Wine and Fondue PAGE 17

Jose Oyola and the Astronauts Take Off PAGE 29

GROOVE

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PAID VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Men ages 18-55 who use marijuana regularly and are in good physical health needed for research participation!

For more information and to find out if you are eligible,

CALL: 203-974-7489

All calls are confidential If found eligible, you will be compensated for your participation.

HIC # 1005006735 HIC # 1202009714 Yale University School of Medicine

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Contents

groovemag.com magazine

music, arts & culture for greater new haven

groovemag.com

GROOVE

19

FREE

MARC

H/

2013APRIL

29

Vol. 2 No. 1

gimme some

moe.

The Yale Art Gallery: Bigger and Better

Ballou’s: Shoreline Wine and Fondue

PAGE 11

Jose Oyola and the Astronauts Take Off

PAGE 17

PAGE 29

On the cover: Al Schnier, Moe Photo: Adam Miszewski / http://adjomi.com Publisher: Oliver Collins Editor in Chief: Jack Miller Music Editor: Zoe Alexandra Arts and Lifestyle Editor: Gerald Baldino Dining Editor: Tom Russo Copy Editors: Kelley Bligh, Melissa Cole, Ryan Shevlin Contributing Writers: Zoe Alexandra, Gerald Baldino, Joe Callaghan, Oliver Collins, Jessica Del Santo, Tom DiLella, Sarah Cristantiello Heneghan, Ryan Maloney, Jaimee Mendillo, Tom Russo

Da Legna: a friendlier pizza & more

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ARTS & LIFE 7

Silas Finch: Re-sculpting New Haven

By Gerald Baldino

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New Haven’s 151st Annual St. Paddy’s Day Parade

By Tom DiLella

Photography Editor: Charlotte Greene Contributing Photographers: Jay Blakesberg, Melissa Gaines, Jake Grubman, Adam Miszewski, Lisa Nichols, Chris Randall, Casey Roche Art Director: Mario Recupido Contributing Graphic Designers: Maureen Leary, Gary Sandler

Letter from THE Publisher

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Arts Listings

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The New and Improved Yale University Art Gallery

By Sarah Cristantiello Heneghan

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Lyric hall: a magical new haven landmark

By Sarah Cristantiello Heneghan

Circulation Manager: Rich Gabriele Director of Advertising: Oliver Collins Account Executive: Gerald Baldino Groove Magazine is published bi-monthly by Red Mat Media from our office at 162 Bridgeport Ave Milford CT 06460. Phone: (203) 8598327 Subscriptions: $30 yearly. Send name, address, zip code with payment. All ads must be in by 5pm on due date. Advertisers should check their ad on publication. Groove magazine shall not be liable for failure to publish an ad for a typographical error or errors in the publication except to the extent to the cost of the space which the actual error appeared in the first insertion. The publishers reserve the right to refuse advertising for any reason and to alter advertising or graphics deemed unacceptable for publication. The entire contents of Groove Magazine are copyright 2013 Groove Magazine. No portion may be reproduced by any means without written permission of the publisher.

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Shopping Listings

15

One Night Stand with Comedian John Romanoff

By Ryan Maloney

In Orbit with Jose Oyola and the Astronauts

DINING 16

Dining Listings

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Ballou’s Wine Bar: A Cure for the Empty Nest

By Thomas Russo

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Da Legna: A Friendlier Pizza & MORE

By Joe Callaghan

MUSIC 24

gimme some moe.

By Oliver Collins

26

music listings

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Christine Ohlman: The Beehive Queen is Abuzz

By Jaimee Mendillo

29

In Orbit with Jose Oyola and the Astronauts

By Zoe Alexandra

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interview on the green

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from the publisher BIG ANNOUNCEMENT FROM GROOVE

W

ith great pleasure, I’d like to announce the merge of Groove Magazine and Red Mat Media.

This deal took months to solidify and part of me did not want to part with Groove. This publication was started by almost all volunteers, and with a true labor of love. As we continued to grow, the excitement, passion and dedication grew too.

It was never easy to hit the streets with blank stares, convince local shop owners to become part of our publication, gain traction among locals and visitors, and persevere even though many did not think we could.

ts & c

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imme s ome

moe.

Galler y tter : PAGE 11

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Ballo u Wine a ’s: Shorelin e nd F

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r new

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The criticism of starting a company, let alone a media company, was overwhelming at times. Everyone had an opinion, but I knew most were in a helpful and giving way. All successful ventures have to overcome some obstacles, and we sure had our share of them. But passion and perseverance overpowered them, and here we are.

No business deal could reflect these efforts, but ultimately I made the decision to go through with it because I knew it would be best for Groove. It is giving us the opportunity to work with professionals who have been successful in the industry for over 10 years. It gave us a backing of passionate people who really understood the Groove story and mission.

Our opportunity to join forces excites me. The Groove team has a really good hold on the culture and events around New Haven. Many of us have lived here for a long time and have experienced the many little pleasures first hand.

F We have gone to MA RE RCH E 201/APRI the music venues, L 3 shopped along Chapel Street, experienced the art galleries and dined in some of the finest restaurants Connecticut has to offer.

Red Mat steps in with a wealth of knowledge of the publishing industry. We are thrilled to be working with such a strong leader in the field. It truly is an honor. Their experience with print, digital and mobile is unmatched.

I would be lying to say I don’t need their assistance.

This will give us the force to be the premiere “where to

om Vol. 2

No. 1

go, what to do” guide in the area.

As we move forward, we will continue to strive to report on a thriving cultural environment with gusto. We will be on the scene, from the local pubs to Toads Place.

From the Yale University Art Gallery to a showing in a young artist’s loft, we plan on diving into the true New Haven stories to show you what is going on from all angles.

This issue has some especially exciting features. José Oyola of José and the Astronauts launches off with a new CD that surely can’t be missed (p.29). The Yale University Art Gallery is fully remodeled and grander than it ever has been (p.11). And Da Legna challenges the pizza empire in New Haven by opening up downtown on State Street (p. 19).

These are all storylines an aficionado in the area will not want to miss.

Our feature article on lead guitarist Al Schnier of moe. (pg. 24) tells the story of the band on the road. We learn about the loneliness only a musician can express, but also the special connection an artist can have with the fans too. Schnier meticulously describes this for us, and it is quite an intriguing experience.

So yes, Groove will continue to thrive.

Our dedication to our readers goes even deeper now, and we look forward to a strong partnership ahead. Pick up an issue, tell your friends and Groove into spring with us!

Oliver W. Collins

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Silas Finch:

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Re-sculpting New Haven

R

ight now, you can probably find New Haven found art sculptor Silas Finch combing the local shores for buried loot or searching abandoned warehouses for forgotten treasures.

A cracked and broken bowling pin, a brass fish, the forgotten knob of someone’s front door— these items, which line Finch’s studio shelves are the type of items he is after. Blessed with an alchemist’s eye, Finch has a knack for turning ordinary objects of the past into strange, new-found, re-assembled works of art.

Sandwiched between the major metropolises of New York and Boston, the 34-year-old Brewster, Massachusetts native is a stark reminder of New Haven’s cultural significance as an alternative to big city life where artists are producing quality work on a daily basis.

Groove found Silas in a converted bath house of the former Washington Hotel on the corner of Crown and Chapel Street, where he lives and works. Upon entering we immediately took notice of the original tile restored from the 1930s.

We found a trove of memories and stories lining the walls, shelves and floor.

Adjacent to the doorway which leads from the foyer of his studio, a mummified dog rests on a wooden board. A rocking horse sits alone by a window.

An antiquated moving car, the type one might see outside of a grocery store that rumbles when a quarter is placed in its side sits upon a tripod comprised of an ironing board from the 1920s. It is a

both fertile grounds for inspiration and a comfortable place to call home. Originally set up on Daggett Street, he has been established in the city for six years now and has earned his status as a trusted local. Interestingly, his ties to the region can be traced back much further. In fact, his greatgreat-great-grandfather is even buried in the Grove Street Cemetery.

“If that doesn’t make me a local, what does?”

Finch said.

Ancillary evidence to the depth of Finch’s local cultural appreciation includes a reverence for local bands Spring Heeled Jack, Lord Fowl and Sea of Bones. And while he makes contemporary art that is both edgy and new, Finch is admittedly stuck in the ‘90s and prefers the likes of Nirvana, Tool and Mad Season.

Photo by Lisa Nichols Upon entering his studio, we found him listenstrange and beautiful collection of the ing to The Band’s 1969 hit “The Night tattered remains of objects that people They Drove Old Dixie Down.” Finch once used daily. Here you will find top also draws inspiration from artists such hats strewn about and chairs mounted as Moguai, Red Sparrows and Sigur Rós.

Though he was originally lured here upside down on the wall.

“A lot of hidden artists who are work- by New Haven’s Channel1 skateboards, ing here find New Haven to be an inter- which at one point sponsored the former esting place to work,” said Finch. “New professional skater, these days Finch’s skateboards can be seen hanging on walls York is too expensive.”

While the sculptor has sold his work instead of rolling down half pipes. Rathin cities all over New England including er than glossy two-dimensional paintings Boston and Provincetown, Finch has not commonly displayed on the underbelly yet broken into the New York art scene. of the wooden boards, Finch’s decks For now he is more interested in staying are laden with three-dimensional objects local and building upon the success he such as cameras, old clocks, block letters, wooden shoes and spoons in addition to has worked hard to create.

“Nobody registers New Haven as its other items. The boards transcend the own town beyond [Yale],” added Finch.

Continued on page 8 Finch has found New Haven to be

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ARTS & LIFE

By Gerald Baldino

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ARTS & LIFE

Continued from page 7 boundaries of skateboard art by relieving its oval shape of its former purpose and letting the space speak for itself. Other endeavors, all available to view on his website, include creature design, armor, vessels, fabrics, flowers and even natural sculptures made with tree limbs.

As for the skateboarding, Finch has no plans of returning any time soon. Now, he says he has a new obsession: rock climbing.

“Connecticut is full of climbing,” he explained. “People have no idea but there are cliffs everywhere. There is a huge community of local climbers,” he said.

While his fascination with climbing rocks is relatively new, sculpting is not.

Finch has been tinkering with his craft since he was in high school and has been making a living as a professional sculptor for 10 years now. The origins of Finch’s interest in playing with forms can be traced back to his childhood where he spent his time developing his creativity in a free and minimalistic setting. His early influence should speak volumes for parents concerned about instilling a sense of sustainable creativity in their children at an early age.

“All of our toys were hand-made,” said Finch, who recalled playing in his father’s Brewster antique shop where he claims to have been fascinated by the old parts

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and accessories that adorned the shelves.

The middle child in a family of five, Finch comes from a family of artists and athletes—a “hippy family,” as he proudly asserts, who preferred the creative freedoms that a simpler lifestyle entails.

Finch, for the record, has not owned a car in five years.

“I have a bicycle, and that’s all I need,” stated Finch.

The influence of Finch’s upbringing also translates directly into his mixed media sculptures, none of which require bonding or welding. All of his pieces are hand crafted. The art form, he explains, lies in the delicate nature of the assemblage. He connects his pieces using natural balance and pressure and in doing so avoids the pitfalls of having to weld or glue. Fans and critics have drawn comparison of Finch’s found object creations to the likes of sculptor Ron Pippin, who the artist credits as an influence on his work.

There is, however, one facet of Finch’s work that continues to plague him—an incorrect association to the Steampunk genre. Make no mistake—while Finch’s work is laden with symbols and images of antiquity, Finch is by no means a purveyor of Steampunk. Steampunk is a “lifestyle theme” as he puts it, a fascination centering around 1920s steam-driven, working machinery. The antiquity of the pieces Finch uses such as pipe fittings, nuts and bolts, creates this common mis-

conception that drives him completely nuts. Finch’s work, in contrary, has an illusion of working but doesn’t.

“I definitely don’t wear the goggles and suspenders,” he jokes. “I’d rather be called a ‘sculptor.’ Steampunk is not taken seriously.”

Fortunately for Finch, his work is being taken seriously and is reaching new heights — and new media. His success has found its way onto the big screen.

On Jan. 31 the New Haven community was treated to a special screening at the Criterion Theatre of the film My Brother Jack. Directed by New Haven’s own Stephen Dest, the film stars Malcolm Madera, Melissa Hampton, Jon Thorndike, Mark Borkowski, Matt Vlahakis and Liv Chelsea.

It tells the story of two brothers — a found object sculptor and his mentally unstable brother Vincent. Twenty years after witnessing the murder of their own parents, the killer is released from prison only to be found stabbed to death. With Vincent as the suspected culprit, Jack must uncover the mystery of his parents’ murder in order to protect his brother.

Finch, who was approached by Dest about representing the found sculptor, allowed his studio to be the set for Jack’s studio in the film. In fact, half of the movie was filmed right in Finch’s own space. The job also entailed major custom- made sculpture by Finch.

Finch’s work is being recognized outside of film as well. Indefatigable Nixon, a wooden airplane trailing a canvas banner with 20 photographs displaying different facial expressions of Richard Nixon, won him the Mollie and Albert Jacobson Award at the 61st Art of the Northeast in 2010. The photos, which were originally found in an old drawer, are hand-stitched onto the ribbon of fabric that trails behind the toy plane.

Finch was also selected for the Most Innovative Table Design award at the 8th Annual Flavors of Connecticut show.

For an in-depth look at the space where My Brother Jack was created, Finch is located in a Church Street apartment. While the studio is not generally open to the public, visitors are encouraged to stop in.

Send any inquiries to info@silasfinch. com or visit his website at silasfinch.com.

Photo by Lisa Nichols

Feeling

Green:

GROOVE

By Tom DiLella

O

n March 10, the New Haven community will honor the Patron Saint of Ireland with all of the Guinness and unrelenting revelry that goes along with its 151st annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The sixth longest running parade in America, this event is New Haven’s number one holiday destination for revelers who care to partake in the celebrated Irish tradition of marching through the street.

I, readers, like many of you, am a proud New Haven Countyer with numerous ties to a strong Irish heritage—which is to say that I know plenty of people who are, or at least claim to be Irish. I personally don’t have a drop of Irish blood in me. I enjoy the opportunity to solemnly meditate on the trials and tribulations of St. Patrick, and to ponder the symbolism of the shamrock.

What I like most about St Patrick’s Day in New Haven is how focused everybody seems to be on having fun and being friendly to all the other revelers around. Depending on where you’re from and how far you’re willing and capable of walking, New Haven is full of Irish bars ready to hydrate you with delicious beer this coming holiday.

Groove’s pick for the place to be while you are in the city is Whitney Avenue’s Anna Liffey’s. A traditional Irish Pub serving an array of local and imported beverages, Anna Liffey’s is located directly along the parade route and offers both ground level and basement seating as well as three separate bar areas. It’s unequivocally my favorite bar in New Haven.

Other sweet Irish places right in the center of New Haven include O’Toole’s Irish Pub, Christy’s on Orange, and Kelly’s Restaurant and Bar. The roads

between these three bars and Liffey’s are going to be as action-packed and intoxicated as the bars themselves. Don’t get left behind!

Of course, if Irish bars aren’t your thing (and why would that matter on St. Patrick’s Day?) every other restaurant, bar and club basement are going to be bustling with activity.

Now if you’re not as concerned with drinking to excess as you are eating to excess, there are still plenty of options for you. A couple places you might consider are Sullivan’s on Chapel, Lansdowne Bar and Grill, The Playwright, and if you really want to do it up, Christopher Martin’s. If shelling peanuts and throwing them on the floor is your thing, walk down State Street a bit to JP Dempsey’s.

On the way you will pass New Haven’s crown pizza jewel, Modern Apizza.

It is an event for both old and new citizens to come together and welcome the foreseeable end of what is usually a very long winter.

“I have never been to the parade, but I will definitely be there celebrating on the 10th,” said 25 year old Branford resident Alexandria Didrickson, who is new to Connecticut. “I think it is very important for the community to come together and celebrate. I’m looking forward to making new friends and spending time with old ones.”

Community is a major part of what makes the parade possible.

While the City of New Haven supports and contributes to the event, it is run by volunteers and local citizens who annually dedicate their time and efforts to ensure the parade can take place.

For your utility: Parking can be very difficult for the unprepared on St. Patrick’s Day. If you get in early you can find a place at one of the many parking garages or lots all around the general vicinity of central New Haven. Maps are also available on the City of New Haven’s Parking Authority website. Parking at Union Station and walking to New Haven is definitely the simplest option with the least opportunity for the chaos of the parade area.

For those who do not feel like battling traffic or walking, Whitney Avenue’s Dunn’s Pub will be offering a shuttle service between the hours of 11 am and 2 pm. The ten dollar ticket also includes breakfast and children under ten may ride the shuttle for free.

And here’s a quick reminder for you and especially your buddy, you know the one, who always acts like an ass: Don’t act like an ass. Do your drinking indoors or at a bars clearly marked outdoor area, don’t break stuff, don’t start any fights.

DUI checkpoints will also be set up throughout New Haven so responsibility is always encouraged.

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ARTS & LIFE

New Haven’s 151st Annual St. Paddy’s Day Parade

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Evan’s Tennis

203-858-1192 tennisevan@aol.com Tennis Instructor Throughout Fairfield & New Haven counties with 15 years of teaching experience.

Private Lessons and Group Clinics, at a public or private tennis court of your choosing.

50% off your first lesson when you mention this ad!!

Whether it’s your first time out or not, don’t be afraid to call me to brush up on your game. You will walk away feeling so much better and ready to to be an avid tennis player by the summer!

Arts Listings MILFORD Firehouse Art Gallery 81 Naugatuck Ave. (203) 878-6647

Artist in Residence program, classes offered, 1,000 sq ft gallery and community center for the arts.

Milford Center for the Arts 40 Railroad Ave. (203) 878-6647

Art exhibits, music series, an arts and crafts festival, and other special events throughout the year.

SoBoBo Art Gallery & Consortium 17 Broadway (203) 876-9829

1358 Boston Post Rd. Old Saybrook, CT 06475

203.521.1101 203.693.3212

We can cover any production from soup to nuts.

Watch for LA Production & Entertainment’s upcoming Feature “Silent Cry” starring Abby Lynch and Brianna Dudding.

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80 Audubon St. (203) 562-4927

Visual arts workshops and art classes for all ages and levels. The Hiles Gallery displays exhibitions year round.

DaSilva Gallery 897-899 Whalley Ave. (203) 387-2539

Contemporary art gallery that also provides design and framing services.

Elm City Artists Gallery 55 Whitney Ave. (203) 922-2359

Artist run art gallery. Includes all mediums from painting to photography, sculpture, to mixed media.

Mixed media, classes offered, and unique contemporary art exhibitions.

Gallery 195

NEW Canaan Silvermine Art Center

The gallery exhibits an art show every quarter by two artists.

1037 Silvermine Rd (203) 966-9700

The Grove

Comprised of a Guild of over 300 professional artists, five galleries presenting new exhibitions every six weeks and sponsoring prestigious regional and national competitions.

We just don’t discover talent, we enhance it!

Creative Arts Workshop

NEW HAVEN Artspace 50 Orange St. (203) 772-2709

Thought provoking visual art public gallery with multiple exhibits, film series and special events.

Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library 121 Wall St. (203) 432-2977

Yale’s architecturally stunning rare book library also hosts regular art exhibits and events.

City Gallery 994 State St. (203) 782-2489

Artist run contemporary art gallery with 17 members. Artwork includes all mediums, from painting to photography, sculpture, to mixed media.

195 Church St, 4th Floor (203) 772-2788

71 Orange St. (203) 654-9675

A collectively run workspace and art space with occasional exhibits.

Long Wharf Theatre 222 Sargent Drive (203) 787-4282

Award winning theater striving to build community through theater and presenting about 6 to 8 plays a year.

The Institute Library 847 Chapel St. (203) 562-4045

A revitalized membership library with a wide array of public events, theatrical performances, and poetry readings.

John Slade Ely House 51 Trumbull St. (203) 624-8055

This converted Elizabethan house is a center for contemporary art, showing three to five exhibits a year.

Lyric Hall Antiques and Conservation 827 Whalley Ave. (203) 389-8885

A Westville performing arts gem for music and theater. Also, an architecture restoration business.

The New and Improved

Yale University Art Gallery

GROOVE

ARTS & LIFE

By Sarah Cristantiello Heneghan

T

here is something about a misty Sunday afternoon that inspires you to spend it wandering through a museum. As I passed through the threshold of the newly renovated and expanded Yale University Art Gallery on such a day I embraced the warm, joyful energy that the new space exuded. It was filled with happy people and children of all ages who crouched in the lobby sitting area studying nearby sculptures. A beaming group of architects gave a private tour of their piece de resistance while smiling curators in every corner were at the ready to guide and enlighten.

The Yale University Art Gallery is a prestigious institution that upholds a firm dedication to art study and education, but on this particular Sunday the gallery was more than that — it was the heart and soul of a rich cultural community.

The oldest university museum in the country, The Yale University Art Gallery was founded in 1832 when patriot artist John Trumbull donated over 100 paintings to Yale College and designed a building to display them in. The gallery has since grown exponentially and now stands as one of the most renowned university galleries in the country.

On December 12, 2012 the Yale University Art Gallery celebrated their Grand Reopening of the newly renovated and expanded museum. The $135 million dollar initiative has enlarged the gallery from one and a half buildings to three (The Louis Kahn Building, the Old Yale Art Gallery and Street Hall). It now spans the length of one and a half city blocks and has grown from 40,266 to 69,975 square feet of exhibition space. The gallery currently houses around 4,000 extraordinary pieces from the gallery’s impressive collection of over 200,000 acquisitions.

The renovation is part of the University’s larger master plan that was set in place in 1990 for the Yale University Arts Area. “(The aim was to) facilitate the preservation of important historic buildings,” said Maura Scanlon, the Museum’s Director of Public Relations. “The most important part of the project was increasing access to the collection through enlarging

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Photo by Melissa Gaines

and improving the exhibition spaces and augmenting classrooms.”

This has been accomplished with as much finesse and ingenuity as the masterpieces the gallery exhibits. The result is a bright space with clean lines that is easy to navigate and yet with each turn of a corner some expression of the architecture takes your breath away.

Today the museum showcases a wide variety of exhibits from ancient to present times and from all corners of the world. In addition, the museum offers a wide variety of special events that include lectures, artist talks, family programs and activities.

Because the museum presents such a plentitude of offerings it may be challenging to experience the entire collection in just one day. Therefore, if you find yourself with only a limited amount of time take care that you do not miss out on some of the museums must-sees: Check out the American Paintings Before 1900 exhibition where the reinstalled John Trumbull history paintings including The Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776, a portrait of George Washington and numerous miniature portraits of historic figures are on display. Also, don’t miss the current special exhibition, Société Anonyme: Modernism for America, on view through July 14, 2013; it is an

exceptional anthology of European and American art in the early 20th century.

The contemporary art galleries, with 14 foot ceilings and works by Calder, Rothko, Hesse and LeWitt will certainly “wow” you. The Gallery’s American Decorative Arts collection is among the finest in the United States. The museum also holds gems such as Frans Hals’s double portrait De Heer Bodolphe and Mevrouw Bodolphe, Van Gogh’s Night Café and Rodin’s, The Thinker.

However, if you do have the time, the gallery lends itself to hours of effortless yet engaging drifting. Take off your watch and allow yourself to be swept into the current of the new space. With stunning architecture and timeless masterpieces that will marvel and delight you around every bend, the new Yale University Art Gallery will move you in more ways than you can imagine.

The Yale University Art Gallery is located at 1111 Chapel Street, New Haven, Connecticut. Museum Hours: Tuesday–Friday, 10 am–5 pm; Thursday until 8 pm (September–June); and Saturday–Sunday, 11 am–5 pm. The Gallery is closed Mondays and major holidays.

Admission is free and open to the public.

For general information, the public may call 203.432.0600 or visit the website at www.artgallery.yale.edu.

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ARTS & LIFE

3 D a Si lv a Ga l le r y 3 899 Whalley Ave, New Haven, CT 06515 [T-Th 10-5:30, F-Sat 10-5] [203.387.2539] dasilvagallery@gmail.com | www.dasilva-gallery.com

p p

FethiMeghelli

“Then and Now”: Works on Paper

M a r c h0 9 t h r u A p r i l 0 6

O p e n i n g R e c e p t i o n :

Saturday, March 16, 2013 | 6 - 8pm

Bravo!

VANILIA MAJOROS April 10-May 05 Opening Reception:

Saturday, April 20, 2013 | 6-8pm

Arts Listings Kehler Liddell Gallery

Yale University Art Gallery

873 Whalley Ave. (203) 389-9555

1111 Chapel St. (203) 432-0600

The gallery showcases and represents 24 Connecticut-based artists from all disciplines including painting, sculpture, paper making, and photography, among others.

Keys on Kites Tattoo & Gallery 869 Whalley Ave 203-387-5397

A tattoo shop that hosts a new artist quarterly. Beautiful artists from around the country showcase their art in a tattoo shop that makes you feel like you’re chilling in a living room.

Shubert Theatre 247 College St. (203) 562-5666

Legendary theater where shows like Oklahoma! made their debut before heading to Broadway. They still do theater, but music too. Recent acts include Willie Nelson, Jeff Mangum and Ray LaMontagne.

Yale Center for British Art 1080 Chapel St. (203) 432-2800

Public art and research museum for British art and culture which maintains the largest collection of British art outside of the British isles.

Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History 170 Whitney Ave. (203) 432-5050

OLD SAYBROOK Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center 300 Main St. (860) 510-0473

Performing arts center for all ages serving the shoreline of Connecticut with a 250-seat theater.

ORANGE The Davis Gallery 200 Boston Post Rd. (203) 795-4705

A private art gallery exhibiting Connecticut artists in multiple mediums.

STAMFORD Avon Theatre 272 Bedford St (203) 661-0321

Non-profit independent cinema playing classic movies, special events, guest speakers, post film Q&A sessions with filmmakers and actors and an overall enthusiastic film community. A must see theatre well worth the drive.

WALLINGFORD Paul Mellon Arts Center 333 Christian St. (203) 697-2423

Yale Repertory Theatre

The center features an 800-seat theater and lobby art gallery. The center was designed by I.M. Pei and described as “an auditorium of ideas.”

1120 Chapel St. (203) 432-1234

WEST HAVEN

Famous for its dinosaur exhibits, very kid friendly but interesting for adults too.

A professional theater staging highquality new plays that occasionally features world-renowned actors such as Paul Giamatti (in next year’s Hamlet).

Yale Cabaret 217 Park St. (203) 432-1567

Enjoy a dinner and see lively plays or musicals produced and starring Yale School of Drama students.

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The galleriy includes art from Africa, American painting and sculpture, Asia, ancient art, European art, and modern and contemporary art.

Savin Rock Museum 6 Rock St. (203) 937-3566

Showcases the history of West Haven’s rich past.

West Cove Studio & Gallery 30 Elm St. West Haven, CT 06516 (203) 627-8030

West Cove Studio & Gallery is committed to the advancement of artists, particularly in printmaking.

It offers intaglio printing, silkscreen printing and life drawing workshops.

Lyric Hall:

GROOVE

ARTS & LIFE

A Magical New Haven Landmark

By Sarah Cristantiello Heneghan

H

ow do you describe a place when it leaves you speechless? As you enter the enchanting world of Lyric Hall it has a funny way of taking your breath away. However, when you finally do catch your breath you may agree with theater goers and critics alike in saying that this place is welcoming, homey and intimate, as well as a gem. It has been called the best small stage in New Haven and even an artistic mecca. Truly, Lyric Hall is all of these things and more, but the word magical seems to be the most fitting.

This could be due to the intimate space, the attention to detail and pure love that has been put into the rebuilding and daily running of the Hall by owner John Cavaliere. Or it may have in fact always been magical, simply because it was intended to be exactly what it is today.

In 1913 Lyric Hall was The West Rock Theater, a vaudeville and silent movie house. Its life as a theater was short lived and ended after five years due to the emergence of the rival downtown theatre scene.

After its closing the theater became an auto mechanic’s repair shop and remained that way for most of its existence.

Cavaliere initially did not want or need a new building for his antique restoration business. However, when he was urged by a friend to look into the space he saw a faint glimmer of what it had once been and became immediately inspired to breathe life back into it. It may have been a natural inclination for Cavaliere to take on the biggest antique he has ever restored, but he tells me that he didn’t find the hall —it found him.

“This building has big plans for me!”

Cavaliere told me.

13

It certainly appears that it does.

From the time he began reconstructing Lyric Hall Cavaliere marvels that he has had everything that he needed to accomplish it right in front of him. There’s a balustrade rescued from the old Hyperion Theater, Doric columns from a crumbling residence nearby and a restored chandelier that he found in an antique shop.

All of these materials seemed to serendipitously find Cavaliere. Ironically this is also how John describes the rise of the theater. He doesn’t need to acquire the acts.

“They find me,” said Cavalier. “It happens organically. It’s powerful.”

“Restoring this theater was in my bones,” Cavaliere states on Lyric Hall’s website, which includes pictures of just how far the space has come since renovation began. “It wasn’t even a vision; it was just so obviously important that even a stubborn guy like me couldn’t say ‘no.’

It’s bigger than me, bigger than you, bigger than all of us and all I want to do is share it with everybody.”

Cavaliere likes to keep it interesting and has hosted everything from cabarets and New Year’s bashes to silent films, jazz and poetry readings. Even the youth in the neighborhood have approach him to play their music in his space— a gesture that Cavaliere embraces.

“I say yes because in my mind’s eye I can see if all of the neighborhood kids get together and make music, that it could make a difference,” Cavaliere said. I don’t know how, but it just feels right. That’s why I do this. It’s what inspires me.”

Photos by Charlotte Greene

This sense of community at Lyric Hall is of utmost importance to Cavaliere. He has said that he imagines the Hall as a lyceum of sorts, a place where the community can gather and spend real time together. With a certain love and interest in things from a time gone past, he recognizes the need for real human interaction. He sees Lyric Hall as being an integral part of this.

Lyric Hall is one of New Haven’s true treasures, enriching the culture of New Haven for the people in the community.

If you want to experience and be a part of its magic, Lyric Hall is waiting with open arms.

For more information on Lyric Hall, including a list of upcoming shows please visit www.lyrichallnewhaven.com

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ARTS & LIFE

SHOPPING SCENE BRANFORD Kids Wishes 566 Main St. (203) 804-2941

It’s a place to find out your child’s style.

Kids Wishes has unique children’s gifts, clothes and furniture.

E-Six 40 NorthEast Industrial Dr (203) 208-2227

Save one of your buddies’ lives this year. E cigarettes and vaporizers give you all the enjoyment of smoking minus the harmful carcinogens, at a fraction of the cost.

CLINTON Clinton Antique Center Clinton Drive-In (860) 669-3839

Calling all antique collectors! Stop by for vintage items and things with stories to tell.

GUILFORD BSK Chroma 20 Church St (203) 453-3111

Owner Barbara Shulman-Kirwin creates almost all the artwork in store.

From dichroic jewelry, to fused glass arts and architectural glass, you will find the perfect gift for your sweetheart or treat yourself to a little treasure.

Mix Design Store 29 Whitfield St. (203) 453-0202

It’s the place to go to buy a gift for that special someone, or even to decorate your home.

ONYX. The Art of Giving 856 Boston Post Road, Shoreline Plaza (203) 453- 3335

Refurnish your wardrobe and get a new look with their handcrafted jewelry and out-of-this world home décor items.

HAMDEN Detail Plus 30 Wheeler St 203-288-8537

Don’t forget to spice the car up for that hot date. This is the place to get the ultimate detail and “pimp” your ride.

groovemag.com

Edges by Amy

Capture Salon

Merwins Art Shop

115 Thornton St. (203) 248- 4663

100 Crown St. (203) 424-0395

1052 Chapel St. (203) 865- 3721

Gifts by Moonlight

Girlie Girl Shop

Hull’s Art Supply & Framing

Make your photos pop out with their custom picture framing. Also available are replacements for glass and mats.

4133 Whitney Ave. (203) 230-8972

You’ll be in a fairytale when you walk into this store that specializes in angels, fairies and inspirational jewelry; also home and garden accents.

Joiya Day Spa 2349 Whitney Ave (203) 281-4204

Not your ordinary spa, owner Sheila Bonnano has made this a truly unique experience. From a high end salon to massage and yoga, you can make a day of it..

MADISON

Capture Salon provides valuable services and products to all men and women beauty care needs.

97 Audubon St. (917) 574- 0908

From handbags to gifts and accessories, this shop has all necessities for the typical “girlie girl.”

Enclave 23 Broadway (203) 865-3470

72 Blatchley Ave. (203) 776-3099 Exquisite furniture, home goods, accessories and gifts from down the street and around the world. Also, make sure to visit the exhibits at the store’s River Street gallery.

From bird feeders to telescopes, this shop is the Mecca for birdwatchers.

Fashionista Vintage & Variety

MILFORD

93 Whitney Ave. (203) 777-4434

74 Broad St. (203) 877-7463

Since 1921, the Arciuolo name has been synonymous with exceptional footwear and service.

Milford Photo 22 River St. (203) 882-3415

Whether you’re looking for equipment or trying to create the perfect gift, Milford Photo has just what you need.

NEW HAVEN All Star Apparel 220 State St. (203) 782-0525

A classy, hip, fun and casual clothing shop for men and women. With shoes, jeans, hats, watches and more of what you need for a fun night out.

101 Whalley Ave 203-624-8410

NIANTIC

839 Chapel St. (203) 772-1728

Fair Haven Furniture

Arciuolo Shoe Store

Rubber Match

English Building Market

679 Boston Post Rd (203) 318-0616

907 Boston Post Road (203) 245- 9056

All your framing and art/architecture supply needs.

Owner George Zito will help you find the comfiest waterbed or futon in New Haven. In business over 38 years.

Susan Powell Fine Art

The Audubon Shop

1144 Chapel St. (203) 865-4855

Men’s and women’s clothing boutique with a skating and sporty vibe.

Antiques, vintage clothing and accessories.

Improve your artwork collection from the 19th and 20th century America and Europe.

Come here to buy new photographic archives or to have a dashing custom frame.

Nostalgic, fun clothes and accessories for women and men.

Idiom 1014 Chapel St. (203) 782-2280

Unique jewelry, clothes, and accessories for women at this award winning boutique.

Tumbleweeds 325 Main St (860) 739-9018

Fun shop..From records to necklaces, t-shirts to tapestries, take a trip back to the 70’s and let your inner child out!

ORANGE V.I.P. 170 Boston Post Rd. (203) 799-7040

V.I.P. a Mega romantic boutique with a huge department full of sexy and risqué lingerie for every occasion.

WEST HAVEN Peschell’s Cake & Pastry, Inc. 107 Campbell Ave. (203) 933-1766

Baking fine Italian pastries and cakes since the 1950s.

One Night Stand with Comedian

GROOVE

By Ryan Maloney

J

ohn Romanoff is one of the hottest comedians on the New Haven scene.

From the first minute of his performance I knew this poignant observer of day to day situations is a natural who can appeal to the masses. After my interview with John and witnessing his act I am convinced that he has the potential to be a household name in comedy.

Making people laugh comes natural to the comedian who described his early years as a typical class clown.

“You know you’re funny when your teacher kicks you out of class but afterwards lets you know that you are hysterical,” said Romanoff.

Unknowingly, Romanoff started honing his craft on the back deck of his favorite bar, Gippers, which is located in Milford. Romanoff, who began by telling stories to his friends, said that he would invariably be told to do stand-up comedy. He just never really thought it was an option.

Upon learning of the death of his idol George Carlin, the news brought Romanoff to tears. After his wife witnessed how much Carlin’s death affected him, she brought up the idea of doing comedy.

“If this affects you this much, than I think you should give comedy a try,” Romanoff ’s wife said to him.

This piece of advice was all the push that Romanoff needed. However, he did not have a clue of where to start until his friend and local comedian Pat Oates invited him to a competition at Joker’s Wild Comedy Club in New Haven.

When Romanoff first arrived at Joker’s Wild the comedian was unsure if he would perform or not. After watching the first performer go on stage and bomb it gave him just enough confidence to give stand up comedy a shot.

He ended up making the crowd roar and took second place in the contest. After just a small taste of performing he became a junkie for the stage and acquired local notoriety rather quickly.

April will mark John Romanoff ’s fourth year as a stand-up comedian. In that short amount of time he has gained a lot of ground. Romanoff has opened for comedy giants Patrice O’Neal, Jim Jeffries and Nick DiPaolo.

Romanoff, however is not asking for autographs any time soon.

“Don’t compliment them on something they said on ‘Opie and Anthony,’” said Romanoff when asked if he ever became awestruck while working with such heavy hitters.

“You are not there to be a fan,” he added. “You have to sit in the room like you belong there because if you don’t, it’s never going to work.”

John Romanoff has also been able to translate his success into opportunities to help those in need. Recently John hosted an event at Joker’s Wild for the family of Aurora, Colorado shooting victim Caleb Medley, whose first child was born two days after the tragedy occurred. The event raised over one thousand dollars for Caleb. While telling the story Romanoff wore a smile ear that stretched from ear to ear. It was transparent that this event was one of the bright spots of Romanoff ’s career thus far.

ARTS & LIFE

John Romanoff

15

Romanoff ’s credentials continue to grow. One of his most impressive accomplishments came last year when John won 2012’s “Funniest Comic in New England” at Mohegan Sun after finishing in fourth place but a year earlier. “(It was) Bittersweet!” Romanoff said while laughing when asked about his experience winning. “After my final set, I was furious I had blown one of my bits but it turned out it was the set that won the contest,” he added.

Romanoff ’s ambition has grown exponentially since winning the contest.

He has plans to head out to Chicago this summer to enter into the World Series of Comedy and return a champion.

John Romanoff was recently seen performing at Mohegan Sun’s Tree House Comedy Club on February 16. In addition to his stand-up routine at Joker’s Wild Comedy Club, Romanoff can also be seen live at the Comedy Connection in Providence, Rhode Island.

Photo by Chris Randall

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DINING Listings The Hidden Kitchen 705 Boston Post Rd. (203) 458-7806

Lives up to its name tucked away from the Post Road bustle, but offers some of the best breakfast food on the shoreline.

KC’s Restaurant and Pub

DINING

725 Boston Post Rd. (203) 453-0771

EAST HAVEN Antonio’s Ristorante

BRANFORD Assaggio’s Restaurant 168 Montowese St. (203) 483-5426

Classic Northern Italian dishes with a contemporary twist.

Ballou’s Wine Bar 2 Sybil Ave (203) 208-1701

Italian Tapas bar with huge wine by the glass selection. Very good food, made with love, for all hunger levels. Drink specials, outdoor seating, live music.

Compania Ristorante & Taverna 284 E. Main ST. (203) 483-7773

Jalapeño Heaven 40 North Main St. (203) 481-6759

A casual Mexican restaurant with authentic Mexican flavor in every dish.

Lenny’s Indian Head Inn 205 South Montowese St. (203) 488-1500

Family friendly restaurant with a great water view and a specialty in seafood.

Mango’s Bar and Grille 988 Main St. (203) 483-7700

Known for its 27 home-brewed beers and casual dining atmosphere.

1247 Main St. (203) 488-2600

Dockside Seafood and Grille

Open for breakfast and lunch, this café offers sandwiches, a salad bar, delicious burgers and amazing stuffed breads, baked fresh everyday.

145 Block Island Rd. (203) 488-3007

Waiting Station

624 West Main St. (203) 488-2700

Classic American food and a wide variety of draft beer.

groovemag.com

The best restaurant for ribs in a comfortable atmosphere, with an exceptional quality of food.

Sandpiper Restaurant 161 Cosey Beach Ave. (203) 469-7544

GUILFORD

Shoreline Café

Eli’s on the Hill

16 Main St. (203) 468-6695

SBC Restaurant and Brewery

Chowder Pot

Fresh seafood that is reasonably priced with beautiful waterfront views and a friendly atmosphere.

The Rib House

Family-friendly and casual seafood restaurant with a great outdoor patio.

850 West Main Street (203) 488-3663

Known for its delicious seafood, ribs, and nightly entertainment.

Traditional Italian cuisines made with always-fresh ingredients in a quiet atmosphere.

An island twist on classic American food with a friendly dining area.

Traditional Northern Italian restaurant and cuisine. Solid wine list, comfortable bar, cozy dining area, fresh and delicious food.

560 East Main St. (Rte.1) (203) 481-2356

672 Main St. (203) 469-2386

1048 Main St. (203) 488-5176

Covered with local art. Their daily specials are written colorfully on a blackboard. Serves breakfast all day.

The greatest bacon cheeseburger on the shoreline.

Casual American restaurant perfect for dining with friends and family.

The Place Restaurant 901 Boston Post Rd. (203) 453-9276

With seating on tree stumps, everything cooked outdoors, and the scent of fresh seafood this truly is the place to eat in Guilford.

Quattro’s 14 Water St. (203) 453-6575

Exceptional Italian food including more than 30 sauces, pork, chicken, pasta dishes, and seafood.

Shoreline Diner and Vegetarian Enclave 345 Boston Post Rd. (203) 458-7380

Vegetarian specialty diner.

Anthony’s of Guilford 2392 Boston Post Rd. (203) 453-4121

Fine Italian dining with first class traditional Italian food.

Ballou’s Wine Bar 51 Whitfield St. (203) 453-0319

Italian Tapas bar with huge wine by the glass selection. Very good food, made with love, for all hunger levels. Drink specials, outdoor seating, live music.

Bufalina 1070 Boston Post Rd. (203) 458-1377

Delicious wood fired pizza, true pizza lovers must try this spot.

Guilford Mooring 505 Whitfield St. (203) 458-2921

Traditional New England seafood restaurant on the water in Guilford.

Stone House 506 Whitfield St. (203) 458-3700

On the marina, it’s a fine dining restaurant with exceptional seafood and steaks.

Whitfield’s 25 Whitfield St. (203) 458-1300

Overlooks the historic Guilford Green and provides delicious food along with a relaxing atmosphere.

HAMDEN Eli’s Brick Oven Pizza and Market 2392 Whitney Ave. (203) 288-1686

Excellent New Haven brick ovenstyle pizza. Serving lunch and dinner, catering and prepared meals available.

GROOVE

17

Ballou’s Wine Bar: A Cure for the Empty Nest

By Tom Russo

Photos by Jake Grubman

As far as specials go, owners Steve and Deb Kaye have an inviting way of allowing customers to access their massive wine-bythe-glass selection — they call it a Wine Flight. A typical flight costs $14, including three 3-ounce glasses of the wines of your choosing. They’re happy to provide some suggestions but the customer may design whatever type of flight they want. Monday and Wednesday is Flight Night, where they run a $10 special for flights. They also have beer flights, so you can try their array of 16 beers which include some very good local micro brews. A beer flight includes

four 5-ounce glasses. Also, Ballou’s offers a three-course dinner for two at the price of $35. This includes a cheese plate or appetizer, an entrée and a dessert.

Rather than focus on a few niche products the Kayes have decided to embrace a wide spectrum of selections, from chocolate fondues and handmade truffles to charcuterie and pastas. With two separate locations (51 Whitfield St., Guilford and 2 Sybil Ave., Branford), it makes for a lot of work. I asked Steve what pushed him and his wife to open a restaurant like Ballou’s and where they get their ideas from. Steve explained that in 1985 the couple opened their first restaurant, Kaye’s Friends and Family, in North Branford. After 25 years in the business and the closing of their restaurant, they decided to take a break from the industry, but were eventually pulled back in. They’d taken trips to New York, Paris, and England where the gastro pubs, wine bars, and cafés pushed them to open a place of their own where they could recreate such experiences. Pretty much every recipe used in the kitchen comes from Steve and Deb, and they are constantly tinkering to their tastes and the tastes of their customers.

“We wanted to provide a place for empty nesters with drinking age kids to come and relax and have a good time,” says Steve. What results is a place with very good food at very fair prices. Between the two locations, the specialty beers and wines, and large, evolving food menu, Ballou’s is a place you can visit time and again, finding something new and enjoyable each time.

Visit www.ballouswinebar.com for more information on Ballou’s Wine Bar.

groovemag.com

DINING

E

xisting between two cultural centers like Boston and New York makes the people of the Connecticut shoreline discerning in many ways.

The standard of living is high and so are the expectations for restaurants. Places that make it in our small towns achieve staying power by being sensitive to their clientele and by becoming destinations.

Ballou’s Wine Bar, with locations in both Guilford and Branford, accomplishes this sort of dynamism well. Their menu is big but not overly complex; you could pay a number of visits, mixing it up each time with light appetizers by the bar or a full traditional meal in the dining room. With one of the largest wine-by-the-glass menus in the state and 16 different types of beer, it’s easy to stay and drink for a while after (or before) dinner, enjoying the music that Ballou’s has every Friday and Saturday night from 8 to 10 p.m. At both locations, they’ve got a nice-sized patio where the bands play when the weather gets warm. The patio at the Branford location is especially inviting, with seats for more than fifty people nestled along Sybil Creek.

Owner Steve Kaye described his restaurants as “Italian tapas bars.” They make it easy for you to try something new each visit with their wide selection of appetizers, entrees, and desserts, all made fresh inhouse. There’s light fare and heavier fare, all with a suggested wine paired to compliment the meal. Out of all the things I tried, the beef brisket panini was my favorite.

Simple but excellent, the Gruyere cheese went perfectly with the tender brisket on fresh panini bread, and salad and kalamata

olives rounded things out on the lighter side.

Ballou’s has featured menus, which are designed to complement the seasons, one for the cooler months and one for the warmer. They always maintain a base menu with consistent favorites, like the brisket Panini, their Ballou’s mac and cheese and their very popular BBQ pulled pork panini (they serve 45 lbs. of pork per week). As the weather gets warmer there will be some new dishes and wines paired with them, dishes like ceviche, black bean salad and mussels.

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DINING Listings Ibiza Tapas & Wine Bar 1832 Dixwell Ave. (203) 909-6512

The Oldest & Best Pizza In Town Fast Delivery

DINING

Park Central Tavern 1640 Whitney Ave. (203) 287-8887

We also deliver in Good and Bad Weather.

389-9474

Serving dinner only, Ibiza’s excellent tapas make for a relaxed and diverse meal. Excellent wine list.

“An independently owned and operated eatery offering classic American tavern fare”

389-2518

Fax Your Order 392-3574

MADISON Café Allegre 725 Boston Post Rd. (203) 245-7773

We are now serving Mediterranean Cuisine!

883 Whalley Ave

New Haven

Friendly and casual atmosphere with a great selection of Italian food along with outstanding lobster.

Lenny and Joe’s Fish Tale We serve all the meat Halal

www.westvillepizza.com

1301 Boston Post Rd. (203) 245-7289

Bin 100 100 Lansdale Ave. (203) 882-1400

Spanish and Asian dishes in a romantic atmosphere with an extensive wine list.

Citrus 56 S Broad St. (203) 877-1138

Martinis, American-Caribbean fusion in a great little nightlife spot.

Jeffrey’s Bistro by Claudio 501 New Haven Ave. (203) 878-1910

Elegant American cuisine and fresh atmosphere. Beautiful patio dining in the summer, right on the Indian River.

Sloppy Jose’s 186 Hillside Ave. (203) 878-9847

Milford’s oldest Mexican Restaurant with huge selection of tequila.

Their specialties are delicious local seafood and great homemade ice cream. A new location is planned for New Haven.

Stonebridge Restaurant

Malone’s

Casual American fare featuring fresh seafood, sandwiches, steaks and more.

56A Academy St. (203) 245-6161

The perfect spot to go for steak, seafood, and homemade soups. Known as a true locals spot in Madison; it’s the place to eat and enjoy a conversation.

The Red Tomato

50 Daniel St. (203) 874-7947

NEW HAVEN Abate Apizza and Seafood 129 Wooster St. (203) 776-4334

Another solid Italian restaurant on Wooster Street.

37 Boston Post Road (203) 245-6948 Delicious thin crust pizza, best pizza in Madison.

Adriana’s Restaurant and Wine Bar

The Wharf Restaurant

One of Zagat’s top 1,000 Italian restaurants in America. Extensive wine list, the tastes of North and South Italy.

94 W. Wharf Rd. (203) 245-0005

Part of the Madison Beach Hotel, it offers beautiful waterfront views from all outdoor seats and is a classic New England seafood spot.

Zhang’s Restaurant 44 Boston Post Rd. (203) 245-3300

The perfect spot for excellent Chinese and Japanese food where every dish is prepared beautifully and timely.

groovemag.com

MILFORD

771 Grand Ave. (203) 865-6474

Anastasio’s 127 Wooster St. (203) 776-4825

Traditional Italian cuisine. You can’t go wrong with pizza, pasta, or a sub.

Anna Liffey’s 17 Whitney Ave. (203) 773-1776

A great place to go for Irish pub food in New Haven. Active, fun atmosphere with bands, friends, and a heavy emphasis on sports. One of the most legit Irish pubs around.

GROOVE

19

A Friendlier Pizza & MORE

By Joe Callaghan

I

DINING

t takes guts to open a pizza place in New Haven. It takes tenacity and passion to do it twice. Da Legna has reopened on State Street and they’re ready to show you why they deserve to be here.

Dan Parillo has been making pizza all his life. Enjoying the success of his Portofino Pizzeria in Madison, he believed it was time to bring his pie Downtown. Boldly, he planted his flag at 858 State Street in the spot that formerly housed MY favorite spot for New Haven pizza (Amato’s).

Da Legna’s menu offers a great balance of the traditional and the creative.

If you’re not in the mood for pizza, Chef Dave Foster, formerly of Foster’s restaurant in the 9th Square, offers an inspired selection of small plates and creative salads that could keep an adventurous eater busy for a quite a while. These selections range from traditional Italian offerings like Zuppa de Clams (red or white) and broccoli rabe with homemade sausage to more eclectic offerings such as edamame hummus with sesame flat bread. I sampled a number of these choices during our visit and each was a solid hit.

Their Duck Bolognese with scallion gnocchi was served with a meaty tomato sauce tossed with fluffy homemade dumplings. The choice of ground duck for the sauce preserves the richness of flavor while making it an accessible choice for those wishing to avoid the usual beef and pork.

The goat cheese tartlet was full of intense flavor. Apples, shallots, and balsamic provide sweet, sour, and savory notes all

in a surprisingly flaky little pie shell. It was delicious on its own, but was tossed with the accompanying field greens to make a yummy salad full of contrasting textures and flavors.

Along with the hits that I just mentioned, the crispy slab bacon was a home run. Imagine a plate where the star of the show is a three-quarter-inch thick slab of crisped bacon! Brushed with a spot of golden barbeque sauce, the dish eats like a tiny, tender steak. Well complimented by a wedge of cornbread and a surprisingly, tasty seaweed coleslaw. This is a dish that will keep me coming back.

Chef Dave offers over two dozen creatively conceived ‘small plates’ like these as well as a selection of salads all with fresh, homemade ingredients. All are available to mix and match for under $10. So if you bring a date or a group of friends you can try a few at a time without going broke.

I know, I know; We started this page off talking about pizza, and in this challenging arena Da Legna does not disappoint. Dan’s pies are as authentic as you can get. Faithful to the New Haven tradition, he offers a selection of thin crust pizza out of a 100% wood fired brick oven. Dan buys what he can from local businesses as well. Whenever possible, he uses LC international (Lisa foods) for supplies and he gets all of his cheeses from Liuzzi Cheese in North Haven I maintain that a simple Pepperoni Pizza is the standard by which a pizzeria is measured. Da Legna’s was exceptional. The thin crust was crispy and did not sag. The tomato sauce was fresh-tasting and uncomplicated. The cheese was creamy, not

gummy, and the pepperoni was of a quality that did not leave the slice swimming in oil. In other words, this crunchy slice put a smile on my face.

The Margherita pizza was another success. Ripe San Marzano tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella imported from Campania make an exceptional pie when simply complimented by fresh basil, garlic and extra virgin olive oil.

The Clark Street Pizza was made with ricotta cheese. A white pie with eggplant, fresh tomatoes, basil garlic and olive oil, it was a substantial choice. The crust held up well even under the extra load and the flavors were fresh.

Da Legna offers a great selection of pies on the menu, but if you don’t see something you like, you can always design your own. Make-your-own twelve and sixteen inch pies are offered at very reasonable prices to eat in or take out.

Dan and Dave love New Haven, and there is enough passion between the two of them to maintain something here that is really special. They have taken care to craft an accessible menu that will keep customers interested as well as satisfied.

They believe that there is a need to offer a friendlier destination for great New Haven Pizza. With a welcoming atmosphere and a bar that’s friendly as the staff, it’s hard not to become a regular customer.

Visti www.dalegna.com for more info about De Legna.

Photos by Jake Grubman groovemag.com

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WESTVILLE

DINING Listings

Archie Moore’s WESTVILLE 188 Willow St.

DINING

HAS IT ALL! EAT BROWSE SHOP INDULGE STAY

HAS IT ALL! (203) 773-9870

SHOP LOCAL FOR THE HOLIDAYS

You want the best wings in town? Go here. They are exquisite and legendary.

Basta Trattoria,

farMer’S Market

1006 Chapel St. (203) 772-1715 Upscale Italian cuisine in a cozy spot.

Cute outdoor seating.

MuSiC & theatre

Black Bear Saloon 124 Temple St. (203) 562-2327

CafeS, BarS, & NiGhtlife

American Fare: Pizza, salads, burgers, pub-style restaurant and bar. Great venue to watch sports or enjoy happy westvilleCT.org! hour. There’s also a location in the N Milford mall.

660 State St. (203) 773-1444

Classy old school-style steakhouse.

Great place to take a date or if you’ve just got a hankering for a serious steak.

Four other locations. They’ve won best steak in New Haven county and have been runner up state wide.

Caseus Fromagery and Bistro 9 Whitney Ave. (203)624-3373

“Unique artisan cheese, gourmet dry goods, spices, olive oils and preserves” as well as coffees, teas, panini pressed sandwiches, salads, and locally made baked goods.

ShopS, GallerieS & More

Brazi’s Restaurant

Bru Room at BAR

C.O. Jones

Save the Date

Café A Vin 975 State St. (203) 776-6206

16

ANNUAL

WESTVILLE VILLAGE’S

ARTWALK

M AY 1 0 - 1 1 , 2 0 1 3

1000 Chapel St. (203) 562-3888

Well liked and nationally known vegetarian establishment, in operation since 1975. Catering, desserts, breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If you are vegetarian or like the food you’ve got to try Claire’s.

wes t ville C T .org !

th

Claire’s Corner Copia

201 Food Terminal Plaza (203) 498-2488 Upscale fine Italian dining. It’s a great spot to hit right before a show at Long Wharf Theatre.

254 Crown St. (203) 495-1111 Brick oven pizza (the mashed potato topping is a must have), large salads, and an authentic beer selection.

groovemag.com

Carmen Anthony Steakhouse

Great wine selection with affordable options. Cheese plates, paninis, cured meats, etc. Small but comfortable atmosphere.

Café Romeo 534 Orange St. (203) 865-2233

Salads, sandwiches, and coffee. Fresh, fun and hoppin’. Outdoor seating area.

The Cask Republic 179 Crown St. (475) 238-8335

American fare and pub food, extensive and exclusive beer collection. From sports to happy hour to raging music, Cask covers it.

969 State St. (203) 773-3344

Fun friendly atmosphere. New Haven needs this Mexican place and you need to check it out. Happy hour burrito bar.

Consiglio’s 165 Wooster St. (203) 865-4489

An institution since the 1930s. Classic Wooster Street.

Da Legna: Wood Fired Pizza 858 State St. (203) 495-9999

An excellent new addition to the New Haven pizza scene. Step out from the old favorites and try Da Legna - you won’t be disappointed.

Dee Asian Kitchen 163 Temple St. (203) 776-0007

Authentic Asian cuisine, excellent dumplings and Dim Sum at very affordable prices.

GROOVE

Delaney’s Restaurant & Tap Room 882 Whalley Ave. (203) 397-5494

The go-to Westville bar. College kids tend to stay away, maybe because the locals have it on lock down. Quality beers and great burgers.

Elm City Market 777 Chapel St. (203) 624-0441

Geronimo Tequila Bar and Southwest Grill 271 Crown St. (203) 777-7700

Fresh ingredients, spicy authentic Spanish-Mexican fusion. Great patio and vibrant scene for 25 to 45 year olds.

Goodfellas Restaurant 702 State St. (203) 785-8722

Well presented Italian food made with farm fresh ingredients, vegetarian options available.

Heirloom 1175 Chapel St. (203) 503-3919

“Coastal farm cooking”, offering breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner on rotating days. Good oysters, prices not cheap but also not excessive. Fresh and local ingredients, located at the Study at Yale.

House of Chao 898 Whalley Ave. (203) 389-6624

The best General Tso’s Chicken ever. A New Haven institution for more than 20 years. If you’re in the mood for Chinese, go here.

J.P. Dempsey’s 974 State St. New Haven, CT (203) 624-5991

Neighborhood bar. Large beer selection.

Weekday happy hour.

The Meatball House

205 Food Terminal Plaza (203) 777-7906

1180 Chapel St. (203) 772-3360

418 State St. (203) 772-0544 Fine dining in a classy environment.

Some of the best steak and seafood you will find in New Haven. Vintage bar and speakeasy feel.

Miya’s Japanese Restaurant

P & M Orange Street Market

An eclectic selection of soups, sandwiches, burgers, pastas and fajitas.

Italian staples are world class and are well-represented in their diverse menu.

Open for breakfast as well.

Katz’s Restaurant and Deli 1658 Litchfield Tpke.

(203) 389-5301

New York style deli at its best.

Large portions – soup, salads, and sandwiches. Whatever you do, get pastrami.

Kitchen Zinc 966 Chapel St. (203) 772-3002

Quaint spot around back of Zinc, a hidden gem. Great artisan pizza, happy hour and a patio.

Koffee 104 Audubon (203) 562-5454

A charming coffee shop in the arts district. Loved by many, the special coffee drinks, bagels, pastries, and sandwiches make this a great breakfast or lunch spot.

Kumo 7 Elm St. (203) 562-6688

Sushi, hibachi, steakhouse, and bar.

Fun environment. Also with a location in Hamden.

Meatballs of all sorts (pork, chicken, beef, even veggie), great happy hour and beer list.

68 Howe Street (203) 777-9760

Excellent traditional sushi and wildly creative new ideas! For those who appreciate real sushi, this is the place.

Modern Apizza 874 State St. (203) 776-5306

Another classic New Haven pizza restaurant, up there with the elite.

The Naked Oyster 200 Crown St. (203) 745- 4804

Fresh oysters from around the world and a massive vodka selection, awesome happy hour specials and great music. A great place for a date.

Nica’s Market 603 Orange St. (203) 787-5919

Gourmet market with great sandwiches and prepared foods coming straight from authentic family recipes.

Oaxaca Kitchen 228 College St. (203) 859-5774 Mexican fusion, extensive tequila list.

Olde School Saloon and Bistro

721 Orange St. (203) 865-1147 Sandwiches, meals to go, groceries, outdoor seating and catering.

Pacifico 220 College St. (203) 772-4002 Unique and delicious Latin-inspired seafood. Definitely worth a visit.

The Pantry

2 Mechanic St. (203) 787-0392 Old-fashioned breakfast joint in East Rock with a perpetual line out the door on weekends. It’s worth the wait.

Pepe’s Pizzeria

157 Wooster St. (203) 865-5762 Thin crust pies. World-renowned pizza restaurant.

Prime 16 172 Temple St. (203) 782-1616 The best beer and burger selection in the county – hands down.

L’Orcio 806 State St. (203) 777-6670

Fresh pasta, Italian elegance, patio in the back is a gem.

Louis’ Lunch

263 Crown St. (203)-562-5507

A New Haven legend, since 1895.

Louis’ invented the hamburger. One of the best burgers in the country.

Affordable, a must go.

Mezcal 14 Mechanic St. (203) 782-4828

Authentic Mexican cuisine where it is done with passion.

groovemag.com

DINING

Coop grocery store with deli, sandwich bar, salad bar, and hot food bar. A fresh and revitalizing environment.

Johnny Salami’s

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DINING Listings Royal Palace

Viva Zapata

Sally’s Apizza

Westville Pizza

32 Orange St. (203) 776-6663 Upscale Chinese dining. Authentic dishes and a flavorful selection.

237 Wooster St. (203) 624-5271 The original. Must go. Family classic.

DINING

Sitar 45 Grove St. (203) 777-3234

Indian cuisine at its finest. Seven-day lunch buffet and weekday happy hour.

Soul De Cuba 283 Crown St. (203) 498-5342

Searching for Cuban? Go no further.

Classic dishes in a cozy environment.

Don’t leave without trying the mojitos – delicious.

Sunrise Deli 820 State St. 203-562-8200

Great tasting sandwiches for breakfast and lunch, delivery available.

Thali

4 Orange St. (203) 777-1177 Flavorful and delicious Indian food. A ninth-square must try.

Temple Grill 152 Temple St. (203) 773-1111

Great sandwiches and pasta, but this is the place to go to create your own salad.

Tre Scalini 100 Wooster St. (203) 777-3373

Upscale Italian dining in a beautiful environment. A Wooster Sreet exclusive destination.

Union League Café 1032 Chapel St. (203) 562-4299

A New Haven dynasty and worldrenowned restaurant – the best of the best. Dress to impress. Go in with your girlfriend, leave with your wife.

161 Park St. (203) 562-2499 Good Mexican place with reasonable pricing. Happy hour is worth trying.

883 Whalley Ave. (203) 389-9474

Classic pizza shop with fresh pizza and subs. Good for lunch, take out, and catering.

Wicked Wolf Tavern 144 Temple St. (203) 752-0450

Classic Irish fare and beer. Young college crowd after 10 p.m.

Yorkside Pizza 288 York St. (203) 787-7471

A Yale classic. Next door to Toad’s. Grab a slice before the show or have a nice family dinner.

Zafra Cuban Restaurant and Rum Bar 259 Orange Street (203) 859-5342

Authentic Cuban food, great cocktails, and 125 different varieties of rum!

Zaroka Bar and Restaurant 148 York Street (203) 776-8644 Diverse dishes from the many regions of India, hospitality and authenticity are held to a high standard.

Zinc

964 Chapel St. (203) 624-0507

Another New Haven classic restaurant going strong. From locals, to the Yale community, to visitors, this is a favorite.

NORTH HAVEN Bellini’s Italian Cuisine and Pizza 2 Broadway (203) 234-2221

A bright and welcoming Italian restaurant, with consistent quality in every dish.

Outback Steakhouse 345 Washington Ave. (203) 985-8282

Known for its delicious steak dishes and bloomin’ onion appetizer.

groovemag.com

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ORANGE

Wasabi Japanese Restaurant

Los Mariachi’s

Daiko Japanese Restaurant

350 Boston Post Rd. (203) 795-5856

400 Derby Ave. (203) 392-3626

Pure Mexican joint.

Sushi and Japanese. Great for lunch or take-out.

105 North Colony St. (203) 265-1838

Coromandel Cuisine of India

Stratford

Serafino’s Ristorante

Windmill Tavern

72 South Turnpike Rd. (203) 265-1244

Baja’s 63 Boston Post Rd. (203) 799-2252

185 Boston Post Rd. (203) 795-9055

Spicy quality Indian cuisine. Daily buffet and weekend brunch.

199 Boston Post Rd. (203) 795-3636

Hibachi style. Fun environment and good food.

Thai House 200 Boston Post Rd. (203) 795-3088

Flavorful and delicious dishes. Get out here if you can.

One of the oldest neighborhood bars in the country. Known for their world famous hot dogs. Recent renovations and new owners have brought this classic spot back to its original glory.

J. Christian’s

744 West Restaurant Fresh seafood, steak, and sandwiches.

“New American-style restaurant” located in a renovated 1920’s bank.

A very classy and elegant place to have a full meal or one of their unique cocktails.

Dive Bar and Restaurant 24 Ocean Ave. (203) 933-3483

Gourmet burgers, salads, and appetizers, but known for their microbrews.

Georgie’s Diner

WEST HAVEN 744 Boston Post Rd. (203) 934-5726

WALLINGFORD 9 N. Main St. (203) 265-6393

Excellent Italian dishes and a convenient location with a comfortable dining area.

Huge Sushi and Sake selection.

Biagetti’s Restaurant 77 Campbell Ave. (203) 934-7700

Family owned, classic Italian dishes.

427 Elm St. (203) 933-1000

Cozy diner food and no shortage of vegetarian options.

R.C. Spreyer’s 631 Campbell Ave. (203) 931-1777

Casual sports bar and local hangout, downtown West Haven, known for their Bloody Marys.

Two Dinners for $26.00 Seven Days 3-6 PM

Dine-in Only • Reservations Recommended

• Outdoor Patios, Docks, & Bars • Steps to Milford Harbor & Green • Open Daily Lunch & Dinner • Live Entertainment on Weekends • Formal, Casual, or Alfresco Dining • Perfect for Special Events & Parties

(203) 874-7947

50 Daniel Street • Milford, CT 06460

Menus / Info / Reservations / Directions online: www.stonebridgerestaurant.com

groovemag.com

DINING

Hayama Japanese Steakhouse

400 Hollister St. (203) 378-6886

Unique authentic Mexican dishes. Well known for its margaritas.

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some

moe.

By Oliver Collins

MUSIC

I

was lucky enough to have a chat with Al Schnier, lead guitarist for the band, moe., one of the hardest working men in the Jam Band industry. Al was fresh off Jam Cruise and finally getting a welldeserved breather. Jam Cruise is a oneweek music festival aboard a cruise ship with bands playing live music twentythree hours a day.

Born in 1968, Al Schnier grew up in New Hartford, an old mill town in upstate New York. He began playing the piano at age five and switched to the guitar at thirteen. The guitar became his real passion. In the fall of 1991, he moved to Buffalo, NY to begin playing with Rob Derhak (moe. bassist) and Chuck Garvey (moe. guitarist). The rest became Jam Band history.

groovemag.com

The year 2012 was a very busy one for One of moe.’s main draws is that they moe. It started in January with their CD are an unusually down-to-earth band. The release party for, What Happened to the trio has friends on the road: there are few La Las (sic), at the Hiro Ballroom in New barriers between the group and its fans, York City and finished at the State Theatre and they are not escorted in a limo up to in Portland, Maine with their annual New the stage. This creates a connection to the Year’s celebration. In the interim, the band band that fans embrace because it reduces had its first full tour in Europe, headlined the gap between the band and its fans. at the Summer Camp Music Festival in moe. has been performing for twenChillicothe Illinois, sold out another killer ty- two years now, and they still have the Halloween show, to say nothing of playing passion they did when they first started. over seventy other concerts.

There are plenty of seasoned enthusiasts Unlike other bands, creating a studio al- who have been following them for over bum is not the norm for moe. They per- twenty years, but, “There are lots of new form on the road so much that there just fans who are really into it.” Schnier says. isn’t much time to make it to a studio. More impor“After twenty-two years we are still tantly, this is a live band where every show is difgoing strong. I love looking out into the ferent, and every song crowd seeing old fans and new fans. contains some level of improvisation. As a result We’ve seen a lot of new fans recently, of moe.’s stylistic varialike kids who are really excited about the tions there were some tense or awkward moband. It’s awesome. I love that people ments in the studio. still give a sh** about our band.”

“We are a democratic band. We all get along with each other: we all “From blue collar workers to profeslike each other. Nobody was smashing stuff or walking out on each other. We sionals, kids to retired [individuals], moe. are not that kind of band…” Schnier says has a wide variety of fans.” Music really is of his experience in the studio. “For ex- a way to break down barriers, and moe.’s ample, Rob sounded a lot better than me lifestyle exemplifies this in so many ways. on some songs; that was tough to hear.” Although they have achieved rock-star staPerforming in the studio gave band mem- tus, they remain humble and committed to bers a new perspective which helped them their followers. This makes the live music grow as a unit. “We walked away from the experience nearly irresistible.

“After twenty-two years we are still gowhole thing knowing we are definitely using a producer for the next album.” By all ing strong,” Schnier says. “I love looking measures, the album was a success, in spite out into the crowd seeing old fans and new fans. We’ve seen a lot of new fans of some natural artistic conflict.

Photo by Jay Blakesberg

GROOVE

joins Al in this endeavor. Rounding out the band are Woodenspoon’s Jason Barady, Nick Piccininni, and Zachary Fleitz.

This is a great way for Al to continue to explore into other realms while improving his overall talents. moe. will continue to rock and roll through 2013 with shows across the country and abroad. They’re already signed up for Summer Camp 2013 and their signature event, Snoe. down, moe.’s own musical/skiing festival. And yes, Al will join his fans on the slopes.

Furthermore they will perPhoto by Adam Miszewski / http://adjomi.com form at Music All Night Long, Jim Loughlin. Jim plays an assortment as well as their fourteenth annual moe. of instruments, although the xylophone down, moe.’s own summer festival.

More information on this one-of-aseems to really stand out, and the highkind act is available on their tour page: pitched tones make a noteworthy impact, especially in a song like “Dr. Graffen- moe.org/tour. With their wide array of tour dates, chances are pretty good that berg.”

Loughlin joined the band in Septem- they are coming to a town near you. Unber of 1992, and, then, left in 1995 to like the sky-high prices you might expects join another band called Yolk. In early to pay when going to see a national act, 1999, Loughlin returned to the lineup on moe. fans won’t have to pawn their i-pad percussion, vibraphone, xylophone, flute, for a ticket. In today’s economy, cost can back-up bass, acoustic guitar, and wash- be a deal-breaking factor in the decision board. Since January 23, 1999, moe. has to see a show. If you venture to a moe. been comprised of members Al Schnier, concert, be prepared for a wild ride with a Chuck Garvey, Rob Derhak, Vinnie Ami- mind-blowing lightshow as a backdrop. If you can only make the time to see one live co and Jim Loughlin.

Floodwood is Schnier’s bluegrass side act this summer, let it be moe., and maybe project. It gives him the opportunity to Al Schnier will personally welcome you to explore a different genre, commonly re- your first show characteristically closing ferred to as a “progressive string band.” the chasm between fan and band. Bring Vinny Amico, drummer for moe. also on moe.!

Photo by Adam Miszewski http://adjomi.com

groovemag.com

MUSIC

recently, like kids who are really excited about the band. It’s awesome. I love that people still give a sh** about our band,” Al says with a chuckle. With a growing fan base and the old guard still showing up, the zeal to perform is still as strong as it was when they first hit the scene.

Schnier is particularly committed to having a relationship with his fans. He has developed relationships with many over the years as he continues to frequent cities every year on tour. He makes stops at some of his favorite restaurants and guitar shops, but, even beyond that, he will spend time one-on-one with fans. This is simply unheard of in the rock-star world, but this is what makes moe. different.

Schnier explains.

“Like when it comes to running and skiing, I’m doing that with fans. I’ll do that with guys in the band too but I’m usually hooking up with fans along the way while we’re on tour. As much as I enjoy going for a run by myself, the only time I get to be alone in my entire life, I don’t bring music, I go by myself. It’s a meditative experience I really enjoy, but, on the other hand, when I go with a fan, I really get to connect with them. I did it while I was on Jam Cruise. I’ll just tweet ‘I am coming into town tomorrow. I plan on running 5-6 miles.’ I did it on New Year’s as a matter of fact. I got to connect with a fan, and we ran seven miles in the snow!” moe’s connection to its fans is apparent right before the encore at every show.

Al has a stack of hand-written notes he picks from. He will read little notes such as “Happy 18th Birthday to Janie,” “This is Johnny’s 75th show” or “Happy 10th Anniversary Annie and Mike.” This is the type of personal touch that moe. infuses into its sets. This helps to cement the bond between fans and moe. and broadcasts the band’s appreciation for their loyal fan support.

Although some would compare moe. to a similar act like, Phish, their following isn’t quite as large. Still, this venture has helped members of moe. to successfully make a living doing what they love.

This review would be incomplete without paying homage to percussionist,

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music BRIDGEPORT

FAIRFIELD

Hartford

New Haven

Downtown Cabaret

Fairfield Theatre Company

Arch Street Tavern

263 Golden Hill St. (203) 576-1634

70 Sanford St 203-319-1404

85 Arch St. (860) 246-7610

Anna Liffey’s

Professional Non-profit organization produces quality musical theatre.

Klein Memorial Auditorium 910 Fairfield Ave. (800) 424-0160

The Klein holds 1400 and hosts some of the hottest acts out.

Two Boots 281 Fairfield Ave. (203) 331-1377

Hamden Park Central Tavern 1640 Whitney Ave. (203) 287-8887

Live music every Saturday night!

Lots of live music, including open mic Wednesdays and Indy Thursdays.

The Space

Cheshire

An all ages music and arts venue geared towards indie and local music for the younger crowd.

The Funky Monkey Café & Gallery

MUSIC

One of CT’s special venues in that it hosts national acts in an intimate environment. Stage One has a capacity around 200 to get a close up of bands on their way to stardom.

130 Elm St. Watch Factory Shoppes (203) 439-9161

Open six days a week with regular music and comedy acts.

groovemag.com

295 Treadwell St. (203) 288-6400

The Outer Space 295 Treadwell St. (203) 288-6400

21+ affiliate to the Space that offers a huge beer selection and live music.

From Phish and Dead cover bands to bands on the rise, this is a great place to see a show. Huge selection of beers, wines and drinks to give you that nice buzz to accompany your dance moves.

Webster Theater 31 Webster St. (860) 525-5553

A smaller venue offering local underground music, as well as alternative/rock artists on their main stage.

Ledyard Foxwoods Resort and Casino 39 Norwich-Westerly Rd., Ledyard foxwoods.com

The MGM Grand Theater hosts national acts like Daryl Hall and John Oates. It’s got a good mellow vibe to escape the chaos of gambling right outside the doors.

17 Whitney Ave. (203) 773-1776

An Irish pub with a hearty menu that offers an assortment of live music.

BAR 254 Crown St. (203) 495-1111

Nightclub, bar and “bru room,” known for its warm atmosphere, pizza, craft beer and free Wednesday night indie rock shows.

Battell Chapel 400 College St. (203) 432-4158

An ancient chapel on Yale’s campus and home to choral and classical performances.

Black Bear Saloon 124 Temple St. (203) 562-2327

A charming bar that plays the hits with a live DJ and occasional live rock.

GROOVE

27

Christine Ohlman:

The Beehive Queen is Abuzz

By Jaimee Mendillo

W

Photo by Bobby Bank www.bobbybank.com

as other scenes around Connecticut. In her unvarnished opinion, “There are a lot of new venues opening up around Connecticut, a lot of concert venues and theaters, but none in the New Haven area, and I think that is just unbelievably unforgivable.” Christine wondered about the Lincoln Theater. She expressed frustration that the Palace is closed and that Toad’s Place isn’t providing enough leadership. “Toad’s… continues to be there, but they are doing nothing to enhance the scene.” Christine feels that “the only person in New Haven who has his head screwed on straight is Paul Mayer at Cafe Nine. Paul lets acts route through New Haven who wouldn’t otherwise...”

Christine also gave Steve Rodgers kudos for his attempts to grow the scene with The Space and The Outer Space venues in Hamden, but is concerned, because “they are struggling, and these are small venues. What does that say about the level of support? The fans have to make the leap. They have to come out and engage in the scene, and that’s why I think your magazine [Groove] is so important.”

Christine is hoping to garner support from across the state as one of the headliners at the Mystic Blues Festival, a brand-new, three-day festival the last weekend in June. “It is a very ambitious undertaking, and I’m hoping they’re going to get large support from the music-lovers of Connecticut.” Here’s hoping her passion for New Haven music sparks and catches fire.

To learn more about Christine, visit her website at www.christineohlman.net

groovemag.com

MUSIC

hile her beehive hairstyle is certainly distinctive, it’s not the only reason Christine Ohlman stands out in a crowd. She has a commanding presence, both on and off the stage. When I caught her performance with Rebel Montez at The Palace Theater in Stafford Springs in February, I couldn’t help but dance to the blues, soul, and rock ‘n roll sounds of her talented band. The passion in Christine’s husky, soulful voice moved me to sing along and even momentarily reduced me to tears.

Christine is very candid. “My first love is ‘Christine Ohlman and Rebel Montez,’ the band that I have made my records with, the band that I present the original music with,” she says. “As much as I love everything else, this is my main focus.”

Everything else includes her singing gig with The Live Band on SNL, writing for Elmore Magazine, and performing in tribute concerts, disaster-relief fundraisers, and at special events. Additionally, Christine is a music collector, archivist and historian.

Christine is, “very interested in giving back,” offering her time and talent to raise funds for disaster relief. She recently performed with Rockers in Recovery for Hurricane Sandy Relief. “There’s a terrible situation still occurring on Staten Island and in The Rockaways that mirrors what happened in New Orleans. There is devastation in these areas, and people are just not being helped fast enough. Hurricane Sandy needs to be kept alive in people’s minds. I think The

Rockaways are going to end up being to New York what the Lower Ninth Ward is to New Orleans. I’m not really sure they will ever come back to the way they were.” Christine has been raising awareness of as well as funds for the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina for years. “The first year after Katrina, I visited New Orleans during Mardi Gras. That’s when I wrote the song ‘The Cradle Did Rock’ and I wrote a cover piece for the New Haven Advocate on the devastation.” Soon after, Christine got involved in the New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic; she is one of their musician-spokespeople and performs in their “Up From the Bayou” and “Down on the Bayou” shows.

Christine is also passionate about New Haven. While acknowledging that she is no longer very active in the scene, she is disappointed that New Haven doesn’t seem to be thriving as vibrantly

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music Café Nine 250 State St. (203) 789-8281

“The musician’s living room.” A lovable dive with live music every night.

Cave A Vin 975 State St. (203) 777-6206

A wine and cheese bar where you can hang out on couches or at the bar and listen to jazz and acoustic music.

Elm Bar 372 Elm St. (475) 238-8529

The successor to Rudy’s, a similar ambiance of the bar and venue that was there for more than 70 years.

Firehouse 12

MUSIC

45 Crown St. (203) 785-0468

Recording studio, bar, lounge and jazz venue with an intimate atmosphere that encourages artists to be creative.

John Lyman Center for the Performing Arts 501 Crescent St. (203) 392-6154

Semi-regular scheduled acts open to the public at Southern Connecticut State University.

Lilly’s Pad at Toad’s Place 300 York St. (203) 624-TOAD

An intimate upstairs room at Toad’s that offers live smooth jazz every Monday along with other local and touring acts.

Neighborhood Music School 100 Audubon St. (203) 624-5189

Hosts jazz, classical and pops concerts put on by the school’s students and faculty.

New Haven Symphony Orchestra (203) 865-0831

Performances at Woolsey Hall and around the state.

Olde School Saloon & Bistro

Stella Blues

418 State St. (203) 772-0544

204 Crown St. (203) 752-9764

A bar and restaurant with a diverse lineup of bands, as well as open jams (Sundays) and karaoke nights (Tuesdays).

The Owl Shop 268 College St. (203) 624-3250

A bar and local rock/jam band venue popular with New Haven’s singles crowd. Live music seven days a week.

Toad’s Place 300 York St. (203) 624-TOAD

Historic cigar bar and blues venue with old-world charm that offers live jazz every Tuesday and Wednesday.

Historic all genre concert venue with many weekly/monthly acts and Saturday night dance parties. Dylan and the Stones have played here.

Shubert Theater

Wicked Wolf Tavern

247 College St. (203) 562-5666

Non profit performing arts theater that produces everything from plays, musicals, live rock, and classical.

Sprague Memorial Hall 470 College St. (203) 432-4158

Concert Hall on Yale’s campus that features Yale School of Music Concerts.

144 Temple St. (203) 752-0450

DJ based dance club. Plenty of space to enjoy your drinks and move around with their spacious rooms.

Yale Institute of Sacred Music 409 Prospect St. (203) 432-5180

Choirs, organ music and anything else that might sound good in a church.

Concerts are produced at various venues around New Haven.

yale institute of sacred music presents

J.S. Bach: Mass in B minor Yale Schola Cantorum · Juilliard415 Masaaki Suzuki, conductor

Friday, April 26 8 pm

MUSIC & bOUTIqUE ShOP

Woolsey Hall College at Grove New Haven

Live Music, Limited Releases & Super Deals!

Preconcert talk at 7 PM

by Prof. Markus Rathey

New & Used CDs • Eco-Friendly Products Locally Made Unique Goods

Free; no tickets required. www.yale.edu/ism 203.432.5062

groovemag.com

RECORD STORE DAY 4/20/13

Over 25,000 Records & 45s!

Incense • Tapestries • Funky Clothes Jewelry • Accessories • Gifts 325 Main Street | Niantic, CT 860/739.9018 - Open 7 Days Year Round facebook.com/tumbleweedsct for more info!

In Orbit with Jose Oyola

and the Astronauts

GROOVE

29

By Zoe Alexandra

W

Photo by Casey Roche

J.O: My last name? I thought my first name would give it away. My family’s from Caguas Puerto Rico, right in the middle of the Islands and it influences me a lot in a sense. I can sing in and I’m fluent in Spanish and have the ability to write the songs in a different language. I like to be able to give the audience a taste of something they’re not used to hearing. The song, “Peligrosa” is the only song not recorded to a click track. Spanish music’s instrumentation is so different from rock and roll or other genres of music.

Groove: I hear a little Flamenco influence in the song, “Peligrosa”. Was that intentional?

J.O.: I finger pick on that song. My grandfather was a flamenco guitar player. I watched him play guitar when I was a kid.

Groove: What are your goals for the future with Jose Oyola and the Astronauts?

J.O.: I want to tour. I want to have a new album out by next year. Keep it going.

In the future I’d like to play outer space.

Groove: You mean the venue in Hamden?

J.O.: No outer space, like up toward the moon. No when I heard you say the venue I thought, ‘No I’m a little bit more ambitious than that.’

Groove: If we turned on your iPod right now, what would we find?

J.O: I’m a huge fan of The Flaming Lips, Mars Volta, the Battle and the Guru.

I’m on a Frank Ocean kick but I won’t admit it. I’m the guy who’s like, ‘I don’t listen to mainstream music’ but I like him.

Groove: If you could duet with any female artist (living or dead) who would it be and why?

J.O: You’re gonna laugh but — Selena.

I remember being a kid and listening to her and when she passed away I remember my mom playing her CD. If I heard a Selena song I’d probably get it stuck in my head.

Groove: I am aware that you promote bands through your business, Taco Hut Productions. Who are some local acts we should keep an eye on?

J.O.: Some local bands I really like are Ports of Spain, Ellison Jackson, the Guru, Kindred Queer, Social Anxiety, Fake Babies, M.T. Bearington, Head with Wings, You Scream I Scream and Dr. Caterwauls.

Groove: Tell us one secret about you that not many people know.

J.O.: People don’t take me too seriously but I really want to go to outer space. I follow NASA on Twitter. And seeing a picture from Mars…it’s weird to me that I’ll never be able to go there. Even if I could just break orbit, I’d like that.

Groove: What about Felix Baumgartner who did the free fall to break the sound barrier. Would you do something like that?

J.O.: I will do whatever it takes for me to get out there.

groovemag.com

MUSIC

hen I was asked to interview Jose Oyola of Jose Oyola and the Astronauts for the release of his band’s album, Give, Give, Give, Take, Take, Take earlier this month at the Space in Hamden, I had to ask around to get any dirt I could on this elusive character. Everyone I mentioned him to had heard of him and many of them said “yeah, the kid with the big fro?” This piqued my interest.

Here’s what the front man had to say in the days leading up to what turned out to be a sold out show: Groove: You’re coming up on a big release date at the Space for your new album. How has the recording process been for you and the band?

Jose Oyola: The process was very different from what I’m usually used to. I’m used to recording in my house with me doing everything myself but this is the first time I’ve done it “professionally.” I recorded it at the Adorea Music studio in Hamden with Frank Sacramone who mixed, produced and recorded the album.

I was very nervous initially because I didn’t know what to expect but Frank made it very comfortable and I was able to record the whole album in eight days, which was pretty fast. All the band members came in at different times and laid down their tracks and it went a lot smoother than I had anticipated.

Groove: I am making the assumption based on your last name that you are of Latin descent? How does your nationality influence your music?

30

Interview on The Green GROOVE

By Jessica Del Santo

Name: Andrew Morgan, 30 Occupation: Comedian / Commercial Operations, A&E Television Networks Hey Andrew, how is it going on this awesomely cold day?

In spite of the conditions, I am amazingly well. Hope you are doing the same.

Kevin Smith aka Silent Bob on a segment for the Tonight Show. He was really down to earth and super nice. I hope to work with some of my favorite comics someday.

What brings you to New Haven today?

Right now, I am just visiting my brother who lives here in New Haven.

Do you have a favorite comedian?

I’m not sure if I could narrow it down to one, but I can name a few I absolutely idolize for sure. Dave Attell, Chris Rock, David Cross, and Jim Gaffigan are truly amazing. Louis CK is awesome too of course. I grew up on Bill Cosby and I was lucky enough to see him live too.

I am a HUGE Steve Martin fan; he did stand up in his early years.

Steve Martin is very funny. “The Jerk” and “Bowfinger” are a couple of my favorite comedy movies for sure.

Did you grow up in New Haven?

I did not. I grew up one town over in West Haven, but I have always been a frequent visitor. So many things I love to do here ... No offense to West Haven of course.

Do you work in the area as well?

I am a stand-up comic so I will perform nearly anywhere, but I do most of my shows locally here in New Haven. My brother Jerry and I run a monthly comedy show at Cafe Nine called “Fistful of Jokes.”

How often do you and your brother perform?

They usually run every 3rd Monday of the month, as well as other shows on the occasional Thursday or Saturday at Cafe Nine. In recent months, we have started to bring in the best of the New York comedy s cene and mixed them in with our local Connecticut comedy talent and the results have been tremendous. We also have a very special Thursday night show coming up on March 7th with Myq Kaplan, who was a finalist on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” and had a top 10 comedy album on iTunes.

Have you been able to rub shoulders with some famous people?

I guess that depends on who you consider famous. When I used to work on film sets around college and a little after, I met a few awesome actors and actresses. I got to hang out with Katie Holmes on one movie.

She was very nice to me and cool to be around. I also go to work with

Photo by Charlotte Greene

groovemag.com

When you are not doing comedy shows, what do you find yourself doing in New Haven on one of your “frequent visits”?

My wife and I love to come in to New Haven to grab a bite to eat, hang with friends, or see a concert or something. I have been coming to New Haven for shows since I was a teenager going to see punk/ska shows at The Tune Inn. What would be your favorite place to eat or see a show?

I really like Prime 16. I love craft beers & micro brews and they have one of the best beer selections around. As for shows, of course I like Cafe Nine.

It’s such a cool chill room that fits our shows perfectly. I have also been a frequent visitor to Toad’s Place & Elm Bar for shows as well.

Is there anywhere in New Haven you have been meaning to check out?

I want to check out this new place I heard about called Darkroom. Seems like a cool, mid-size music venue. It’s on Chapel Street I believe. Be nice to have another good venue in the area.

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