Groove May 2013

magazine

music, arts & culture for greater new haven

groovemag.com

FREE MAY

2013

Vol. 2 No. 2

Independent Bookstores: New Haven’s Hidden Gems

Tapas, Libations and Fun at Briq

Mates of state: Keeping CT Cool

PAGE 7

PAGE 15

PAGE 22

SALON

We are proud to announce one of the largest full service salons in the downtown New Haven area

Grand Opening!

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

Our doors open to a grand and luxurious salon for those who want to capture the highest levels of beauty in their personal or professional lifestyles.

We welcome you to visit us and reward yourself of all the best things that we have to offer and ultimately to look and feel your very best. Call Today To Book Your Next Appointment!

Capture SALON

“Experience the difference…

Capture the real you”

100 Crown St, New Haven | 203.424.0395 capturesalon.com

GROOVE

Do you smoke marijuana?

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

groovemag.com

3

4

GROOVE

groovemag.com

Contents

groovemag.com magazine

music, arts & culture for greater new haven

groovemag.com

GROOVE

10

FREE MAY

2013

17

Vol. 2 No. 2

Independent Bookstores New Haven’s Hidden Gems

Tapas, Libations and Fun at Briq

Mates of state: Keeping CT Cool

PAGE 7

PAGE 15

PAGE 21

On the cover: Jasmine Hayes Location: Anchor Bar, 272 college st Photo by: Charlotte Greene Publisher: Oliver Collins Editor in Chief: Zoe Alexandra Music Editor: Pat Moore Arts and Lifestyle Editor: Gerald Baldino Dining Editor: Joe Callaghan Photography Editor: Charlotte Greene

A “Must See” for the Artistically Perverse

6

Letter from THE editor

Copy Editors: Kelley Bligh, Melissa Cole, Ryan Shevlin Contributing Writers: Zoe Alexandra,Pax Bennett, Joe Callaghan, Sarah Cristiantiello Hennegan, Jaimee Mendillo, Pat Moore, Pat Quinn, Ryan Sartor, Hannah Woomer Contributing Photographers: Jake Grubman, Xander Kane, Lisa Nichols, Casey Roche, Eliezer Santiago Art Director: Mario Recupido

ARTS & LIFE 7

Independent Bookstores Continue to Thrive in NEW HAVEN

By Jaimee Mendello

8

Arts Listings

9

Capture Salon & the Royal Treatment

By Zoe Alexandra

11

Exploring Kenya Robinson’s Toonskin Exhibit at Artspace

By Sarah Cristantiello Henaghen

12

Shopping Listings

13

A “Must See” for the Artistically Perverse

By Pax Bennett

Contributing Graphic Designers: Maureen Leary, Gary Sandler Circulation Manager: Rich Gabriele Marketing: Susan Carroll Dwyer Director of Advertising: Oliver Collins Account Executive: Gerald Baldino Director/Manager: Suzanne Cahill Interns: Maura Dolan, Katherine Tagulaid Groove Magazine is published bi-monthly by Red Mat Publishing from our office at 162 Bridgeport Ave Milford CT 06460. Phone: (203) 859-8327 or 203-283-5290. 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. Opinions expressed in Groove Magazine articles and advertisements are those of the authors and advertisers, respectively, and should not be considered as expressions of management or official policies of Groove Magazine.

Welcome to Paradise the Land of Food Trucks

DINING 14

Dining Listings

15

briq comes to the neighborhood

By Pat Quinn

17

the Land of Food Trucks

By Xander Kane

19

Anchor Restaurant: A Good Pour with a Touch of class

By Joe Callaghan

MUSIC 22

A Chat with a Two-Person Coalition, Mates of State

By Ryan Sartor

24

music listings

25

The GURU Finds Themselves on Their New Album

By Hannah Woomer

27

Word of godawful

By Patrick Moore

29

not your parents’ max creek

By Ryan Maloney

30

interview on the green

groovemag.com

5

6

from the EDITOR IN CHIEF

GROOVE

I

, arts

& cult

ure fo

r grea ter ne

stranger to Bridgeport, having spent time in one of my favorite neighborhoods, Black Rock. As far as Fairfield and other “bedroom” communities, let it be said, I was born in Manhattan. Need I say more?

As Groove’s new editor-in-chief, it is my mission and that of our amazing publisher, Oliver Collins, section editors, writers and photographers to bring you the coolest local music, let you know where to get the best sandwich in the city and warn you that a colossally-talented artist or writer is making her/his way to town.

I have never been one to “toot-myown-horn,” but since my arm’s being twisted, I’ll tell you a little about me. I am passionate about writing and all other art media. A writing student at age fifteen and an alumna of New Haven’s Educational Center for the Arts, I have studied English and Creative Writing at New York University and Southern Connecticut State University. My work has been published in the United States, Europe and the Far-East and translated into other languages. I live for and am passionate about all art forms world-wide and especially our dazzling local scene.

That being said, I am proud to present an issue that focuses on some of the freshest picks that the greater New Haven area has to offer: Connecticut’s own, FRE MA E husband-and-wife In201 Y 3 die Rock explosion, Mates of State, talk about “Keeping CT Cool” in an exclusive interview with Ryan Sartor.

Ryan Maloney speaks with jam band favorite, Max Creek as they gear up to play the Gathering of the Vibes..

There’s something sketchy at Cafe 9. Let Pax Bennett give you the 411 on, Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art school in this salacious art class. Go ahead and grab a beer. Drink-

magaz

music

love New Haven! Now that I’ve gotten that off my chest, I can tell you that my love of the Elm City is one of the many reasons I am thrilled to be Groove Magazine’s new Editor-in-Chief. I have always said that, although a small city, New Haven is a great place to be a “big fish in a small pond.” From Fair Haven to Westville, New Haven is a seriously diverse microcosm. It is one of the few cities where Bicycle-riders, mac geeks, punk rockers, ivy leaguers, urban denizens, jam-band lovers, organic farmers, yogis, country music fans and hiphop aficionados co-exist in one diverse locale.

New Haven is my hometown. I love walking into a coffee shop and being greeted by myriad familiar faces. I love going to Toad’s Place and hearing what may end up being my new favorite band.

I love having a cup of coffee on the patio of Book Trader while perusing the stacks of “old-school”, actual books.

Now, that I’m on a roll, I’ll add that I love Connecticut, all of it. From Milford to Branford and Fairfield, I’ve been known to enjoy a beach day at Silver Sands or Hammonassett, and I am no

n

ine

w have

groove mag

.com Vol. 2

groovemag.com

No. 2

ing and drawing are allowed.

Kenya Robinson’s debut at Artspace with her thoughtful and evocative collection on racial issues, Toonskin, is brought to you by Sarah Cristantiello Heneghan.

Getting the royal treatment is only a hop-skip and jump away at Capture Salon, the new hottest full-service salon and spa in New Haven. My article ( yeah, me, Zoe Alexandra) gives you the skinny on getting hot at this majestic spot. Let Capture get you ready for Spring with face-framing highlights or that muchneeded pedicure (you know you need it!)

Are books in print a thing of the past?

Not as far as we’re concerned. Jaimee Mendillo gets down with books (yes, the real hand-held kind without screens) in her guide to local New Haven Independent Bookstores.

There’s nothing god awful about one of CT’s own dopest MCs. Our music editor, Patrick Moore, talks one-on-one with local hip-hop artist, god Awful.

Yes, Connecticut is home to some fine hip-hop artists with fresh lyrics and hot beats.

Hannah Woomer chats with local rock heroes, The Guru, about their music, past and present.

I am so excited about the mind-blowing events that New Haven has to offer this Spring from the Festival of Arts and Ideas to the Gathering of the Vibes, both of which will be highlighted in our June issue.

As always, I invite readers to let me know what is going on in the New Haven area. (zoe@groovemag.com) If there is a concert, not to be missed, or an art show that will knock my socks off, I want to know. Become our fan on facebook, and keep reminding us why the greater New Haven area ROCKS!

Zoe Alexandra Editor-in-Chief

groovemag.com

Still in Print

GROOVE

appearance on Adam Richman’s Travel Channel series “The Best Sandwich in America.”

The café, which offers several vegan and gluten-free choices has ample table seating in the sun room off to the right, along with an outdoor patio for seating in the warmer months. The Book Trader buys and sells gently used books at reasonable prices. Book shelves line the walls and run the length of the room to the left where fiction titles are organized alphabetically by author and non-fiction titles are organized into broad and narrowly-defined sections.

By Jaimee Mendello

D

espite the prevalence of Nooks, Kindles and other e-readers, the trade of traditional paperbound books is still prevalent in the New Haven community. This month we are highlighting three well-known independent bookstores in the city that have persevered through the challenges that national chain stores and online book sellers present. And while feeding your mind, these books will also feed your body with their delicious café offerings.

While these three locations are not the only choices of where you can purchase bookstores in New Haven County they are a good start for finding just the right story you are looking for.

Never Ending Books

Atticus Bookstore/Café

Located at 1082 Chapel Street, Atticus has been a fixture in downtown New Haven since 1976. Atticus is still a popular destination today and is typically bustling with bibliophiles browsing the shelves and tables teeming with diverse staff picks and must-reads. Here you will find books neatly laid out along the back wall with fiction titles shelved alphabetically by author. Non-fiction titles are segregated into clearly-labeled categories. Basically, there’s something for everyone at Atticus. There are even ten volumes of cookbooks on display covering several types of dietary needs and restrictions. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and will help you to find what you’re looking for or offer suggestions for your next great read. Art is displayed prominently on the wall next to a bevy of literary quotations. Now a fixture of Atticus, the café has been an important feature of this establishment since 1981. The café itself has expanded over the years in attempts to better accommodate the constant flow of hungry patrons by offering about 50 seats and table service. New selections have also been added to the menu which now of-

fers more than their signature soups, salads, sandwiches, and desserts.

Atticus is open seven days a week.

For more information about current art exhibits, menus, events, and sales please visit atticusbookstorecafe.com.

The Book Trader Café

Located at 1140 Chapel Street, The Book Trader Café also has an extensive café menu. Most of the regular menu choices have names that readers will know and recognize like the “Sense & Sensi-BLT.” Be sure to look for the “Tale of Two Turkeys” sandwich that gained national fame following its August 2012

Inhabiting a small storefront at 810 State Street, Never Ending Books trades used books. The shelves inside are overflowing, stacked high with a seemingly never-ending supply. Book lovers are encouraged to take and donate books.

Never Ending Books does not keep regular store hours. In fact, more often than not would-be patrons are limited to the ever-changing, ever-disappearing supply of books shelved outside the store.

If you do happen upon Never Ending Books when its doors are open you should take some time to explore. You are sure to find selections to take home, all for the bargain price of whatever you want to pay. Never Ending Books hosts events and gatherings in its back gallery/ performance room. Music workshops and performances are listed on its rudimentary website: neverendingbooks.net

Photos by Charlotte Greene

groovemag.com

ARTS & LIFE

Independent Bookstores Continue to Thrive in the Elm City

7

8

GROOVE

Arts Listings ARTS & LIFE

MILFORD Blank Space Gallery Ltd. 8 Broad St. (203) 908-3781

An ecclectic fun place to check out some really cool art. Â If you want to enjoy yourself for a couple hours and meet some passionate artists, this is the place to go!

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

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

SCOOT & PADDLE

Paddle Board & Bicycle Scooter & Kayak

RENTALS

Making Every Day An Adventure

NEW Canaan Silvermine Art Center

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.

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

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

The Grove 71 Orange St. (203) 654-9675

A collectively run workspace and art space with occasional exhibits.

Long Wharf Theatre

NEW HAVEN

The Institute Library

Presenting new exhibitions every six weeks and sponsoring regional and national competitions.

Artspace 50 Orange St. (203) 772-2709

121 Wall St. (203) 432-2977

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

City Gallery

groovemag.com

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

222 Sargent Drive (203) 787-4282

Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library

28 Naugatuck Ave, Milford

80 Audubon St. (203) 562-4927

1037 Silvermine Rd (203) 966-9700

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

203-876-2995

Creative Arts Workshop

994 State St. (203) 782-2489

Artwork includes all mediums, from painting to photography, sculpture, to mixed media.

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

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.

Capture Salon

9

GROOVE

& the Royal Treatment

S

ometimes I wake up thinking I wasn’t cut out for hard work and should have been born into royalty. Why can’t I have a staff of skilled hair stylists and estheticians to put me together in the morning? Alas, most days I must take this task on myself. Today, though, I woke up knowing I had an appointment at “Capture Salon”, and so I said, “Bring on the pampering!”

“Capture Salon” is a full-service spa and salon that is quickly becoming a New Haven magnet. Capture employs seven of New Haven’s best hair stylists and one cream of the crop esthetician who specializes in state-of-the-art facial treatments from airbrush makeup, full-body waxing, eyelash extensions to shellac manicures.

Owners, husband and wife team, Alex and Alex Heonis, (yes, she is named Alexandra, and his name is Alexander) have taken on the hefty task of refurbishing the New Haven Water Company building constructed in 1903 to house this airy, modern, California-style salon. “ We wanted to be grand, to make a statement and to be…gorgeous”, Mr. Heonis said.

“When we saw this old water building, my wife fell in love immediately.” Although Mr. Heonis knew that the work involved in fashioning a full-service salon from the

ground up was a mighty task, his wife was not at all daunted.

This large space features the building’s original crown-moulding, a sensual mural of a timeless woman on its clean white walls and an original walk-in safe, repurposed as a staff break room, a feature I absolutely loved. “Everyone loves that. I don’t know why”, Mr. Heonis says with a laugh. “My wife insisted we keep it.” Beta fish swim in clear bowls filled with lush greenery and stones, lending an earthy, natural tone to this early 1900s-meets-2013 décor. The back area of the salon contains a massage/ facial area, which doubles as a room for “Exclusively Yours” parties, meaning one can host a bachelorette, girlsnight-out or even a bridal party in there.

I couldn’t help but fixate on the enticing selection of teas and coffees as well as the lavish wall of snacks in clear jars lining one of the spas. rooms.

The Heonis’s spare no effort in taking care of their clients. They want their guests to feel truly appreciated. It is clear that they know the value of customer service. Civic-minded too, the Heonis’s love New Haven. Mr. Heonis is involved with the city’s Chamber of Commerce and actively devotes himself to local community service. He describes himself as a businessman who wants to make “Capture Salon” beat with the pulse of an ever-better New Haven.

ARTS & LIFE

By Zoe Alexandra

Photos by Eliezer Santiago

Heonis says that when his wife decided she wanted to open “Capture Salon”, he knew he’d be in charge of the business end, and she would be running the front end of the salon. Mrs. Heonis has a wealth of experience, having worked as a hairstylist for over fifteen years.

You get a warm feeling when you enter “Capture Salon”, which is unusual when you know how catty some salon employees can be. Mr. Heonis says he treats all of his stylists like family, and one senses the affection and loyalty among his employees. Warmth permeates the ambiance of this unique salon.

When my tour of the esthetically captivating salon ended, stylist, Jenna Vollono, gave me a “Morocconoil” deep-conditioning treatment that transformed my overlycolored hair from straw to spun-silk in less than 30 minutes.

As a Manhattan native and former resident, I have had my hair done in some of the finest salons the city has to offer. Jenna made me feel comfortable, and her skills were on par with any stylist’s at a Madison Avenue salon. She gave me a sexy blowout that had me walking out the door humming “who’s that lady?” Not only did I feel utterly pampered, but I got a few double-takes on my way out. I may not be royalty but got some pretty royal treatment that day. Mission accomplished.

Capture Salon 100 Crown St. New Haven CT 203-424-0395

groovemag.com

10

GROOVE

ARTS & LIFE

Arts Listings 1 6t h Annual

WESTVILLE VILLAGE

ARTWALK

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

MAY10 +11 Friday Eve Kick-Off Events Activities All Day Saturday

Historic Westville Village COMMUNITY ARTS FESTIVAL • Gallery Exhibits & Open Studios • Artist & Artisan Market Great for Mother’s Day gifts!

• Live Music on 3 Stages • Art Making for Kids & Adults • Artist Demonstrations • “Before I Die” Interactive Wall “Get involved, get in touch.” -- Beluma Arts

• Public Art & History Tours

WESTVILLE VILLAGE RENAISSANCE ALLIANCE

we s t v i l l e C T. o r g

groovemag.com

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

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

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

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

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.

Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History

WALLINGFORD

170 Whitney Ave. (203) 432-5050

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

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

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.

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.

A

Black

A N D

WHITE

GROOVE

Issue:

By Sarah Cristantiello Heneghan

T

his month New Haven’s Artspace Gallery will welcome rising artist and emerging curator Kenya Robinson to open the anticipated exhibition “Toonskin.”

Kenya’s work typically explores issues of gender, race, class, privilege and consumerism. Comparatively, Toonskin will explore blackness in sequential art.

“When I first moved to New York City I started getting into graphic novels and comics,” Robinson said when asked about

where black and white were the only colors available to the artists -- i.e. Mickey Mouse and Felix the Cat. Additionally the exhibition aims to take a close look at the physical nature of the color black and the idea that through blackness comes everything else. The idea is that without blackness the necessary contrast would not exist. Participating artists were asked to consider these concepts when producing their contributing pieces.

Kenya chose to include artists whose work was already aligned with her own worldview. However, she encouraged the

Photo by Shani Peters

her inspirations. “I found comfort in the connection I felt to the characters and would spend hours transported into this other space.”

Within this space the idea for Toonskin was born. Kenya began to decipher close ties to African Folklore in early comics and cartoons. For instance, Robinson drew comparison to Bugs Bunny who was able to overcome his persecutor with a kind heart and quick wit despite being lower on the food chain.

Through Toonskin Kenya also seeks to explore how Blackness was brought to the forefront in early animation in order to identify a main character in a time

contributors to challenge themselves to do something a little bit outside of their comfort zone when creating their pieces.

One of the artists, Shani Peters, who is also a personal friend of Robinson, will be showcasing a piece that features a mother ship of historical black female heroines making their descent to the contemporary Black American condition. Another artist, Colleen Coleman, who has participated in previous Artspace showings, will explore the subject of information. She will touch upon emotional elements, Romanticism, and universal issues of symbolism with her piece Blast.

The majority of the participating artists work out of New York City. Four were chosen from the New Haven community using an open call hosted by Artspace.

“We wanted to make sure that there was a representative of Greater New Haven (in this exhibition), as one of Artspace’s most important constituencies is the strong community of local artists in the city,” said Shannon Connors, the Communications and Community Outreach Coordinator for Artspace. “We try to incorporate a call for local artists into most of our exhibitions, which both allows artists a chance to show their work to curators and gives curators an opportunity to familiarize themselves with artists with whom they might not otherwise be familiar.”

Toonskin is an important exhibit and will speak to the diverse community of New Haven. Kenya hopes that it will attract viewers from all walks of life and after experiencing Toonskin she hopes it will impact them with a deeper understanding.

“Art is not defined or confined by what we find in museums or galleries and you don’t have to be rich or an art collector to have an opinion of what you like or don’t like,” Robinson explained. “Art is about a feeling and you don’t need specialized knowledge or experience to be able to engage with emotion. I hope that Toonskin offers a space (for viewers to) consider their own feelings about the things they see.”

Kenya is a community taught artist originally from the small town of Gainesville, Florida. She works primarily in sculpture and performance and her work has been featured in an array of venues ranging from Wal-Mart to the MoMA. Presently she is living in New Haven. In addition to curating Toonskin, she is completing her MFA in sculpture at the Yale School of Art, and is a regular contributor to the Huffington Post.

Toonskin opens May 11th with a public opening reception from 5-8pm. The exhibition runs until June 30th.

groovemag.com

ARTS & LIFE

Exploring Kenya Robinson’s Toonskin Exhibit at Artspace

11

12

GROOVE

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 115 Thornton St. (203) 248- 4663

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

Gifts by Moonlight 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 Susan Powell Fine Art 679 Boston Post Rd (203) 318-0616

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

The Audubon Shop 907 Boston Post Road (203) 245- 9056

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

MILFORD Given to Gauche 4 Daniel Street 203-878-2625

Uniquely handcrafted jewelry and handcrafted works by American artisans.

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.

Audio etc.

Idiom

85 Willow St. (203) 799-6400

1014 Chapel St. (203) 782-2280

Addicted to music? This is THE store for audio enthusiasts

Capture Salon 100 Crown St. (203) 424-0395

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

Girlie Girl Shop 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

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

English Building Market 839 Chapel St. (203) 772-1728

Antiques, vintage clothing and accessories.

Fair Haven Furniture

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.

Fashionista Vintage & Variety 93 Whitney Ave. (203) 777-4434

Nostalgic, fun clothes and accessories for women and men.

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

Merwins Art Shop 1052 Chapel St. (203) 865- 3721

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

Hull’s Art Supply & Framing 1144 Chapel St. (203) 865-4855

All your framing and art/architecture supply needs.

Rubber Match 101 Whalley Ave 203-624-8410

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

NIANTIC 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.

A “Must See”

GROOVE

By Pax Bennett

C

afe Nine is no newcomer to events that cater to New Haven’s creative underbelly, but there is a don’t miss that really speaks the region’s artists who seek a different kind of drawing experience.

Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School is not your grandmother’s figure drawing class. Sure, its hosted at a bar instead of the YMCA, and there are no bowls of fruit on a pedestal, but be assured, it’s deeper than that.

Part cabaret, part drawing workshop, Dr. Sketchy’s is the world’s premier alternative drawing movement. Every month, over 3,500 artists gather in over a hundred cities (including New York, Hollywood, Sao Paolo, London, Rome, Paris, Tokyo and Melbourne) to sketch glamorous, subcultural models and compete in drawing contests in an atmosphere of artistic mayhem.

Started in 2005 by Molly Crabapple, an artist and former model, as an alternative to the dull drawing classes she had posed for, Dr. Sketchy’s has exploded into an international success.

Not bad for a project started by an art school dropout in a Brooklyn dive bar.

Despite it’s humble beginnings, the organization receives dozens of applications for new branches each week. By 2010, a short form documentary was made about the phenomenon and toured several film festivals. For artists bored with dull classes, however, there’s nothing like the real thing.

The New Haven Dr. Sketchy event is as much a spectacle as it is a cultural event. The stage becomes home to two people. The Headmistress, in our case at Cafe Nine, is the zesty Dot Mitzvah.

Dot narrates the misadventures of the

approach that embraces the idea that it’s the character of a person that that artists want to capture. Not only do the drawings reflect that, but the room itself is full of cheeky fun.

“I like to try to crack jokes during a pose” says Dot Mitzvah, who stays near the stage as an emcee. “I want to keep a light atmosphere.” The room is full of energy, and the crowd though focused on their drawing, erupts into a group Photos by Lisa Nichols dialogue more than once. By mid session there is a kind of unity in the room, and conversations are sparked by observations about “Kitty’s” life (her passionate affair and break up with Elvis Presley) and the Beatles’ influence over Punk music.

The motley crowd includes bar regulars, burlesque aficionados and hard-core art students, and they work busily, but the technique varies as much as the audience. Some draw with charcoal, others use apps on their tablets. Some drawings are lifelike, with perfect shading and attention to detail. Like the model, every hair is in place, and her eyes sparkle with defiance. Others are cartoonpromiscuous model, Kitty Catastrophe, through a series of poses that range from ish: an enormous breasted dominatrix glares defiantly from another sketchpad. two to twenty minutes.

The models are often Burlesque per- Sometimes in her leopard print lingerie, formers, sporting a pin-up, counter cul- sometimes in her prim blue skirt, and if ture look, putting a cheeky sexuality in she’s in love, or broken hearted by The art class. Themes vary from class to class, King himself: participants draw her exnormally curated by the Headmistress, perience as much as her face.

Classes happen at Café Nine about evbut the room is always more energetic than sterile. Ms. Mitzvah, a performer ery six weeks, with no set schedule. The in her own right, modeled at 8 months Café Nine website (www.cafenine.com) pregnant. When a longer pose meant she lists all events including Dr. Sketchy had to shift, she just did so, and since that workshops. There is a Facebook Group experience holds to the fact that it’s ok for the New Haven Group, which is to be human while on stage. Models are mysteriously closed, but information about the nationwide program can be people, they move!

Dr. Sketchy classes have a joie de vivre found at DrSketchy.com.

groovemag.com

ARTS & LIFE

for the Artistically Perverse

13

14

GROOVE

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

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

1247 Main St. (203) 488-2600

Dockside Seafood and Grille 145 Block Island Rd. (203) 488-3007

Waiting Station

Classic American food and a wide variety of draft beer.

groovemag.com

Sandpiper Restaurant

GUILFORD

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

624 West Main St. (203) 488-2700

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

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

Shoreline Café

Eli’s on the Hill

16 Main St. (203) 468-6695

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

Chowder Pot

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

The Rib House

161 Cosey Beach Ave. (203) 469-7544

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.

988 Main St. (203) 483-7700

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.

Comes to the NeighborhooD

By Pat Quinn

T

enhance every flavor of the other 4 fillings.

These traditional Mexican accompaniments served well to compliment the decidedly un-Mexican meat fillings. The salsa brought out the fruity sweet flavors of the Korean BBQ Beef. This shoulder cut was tender and moist. The Chicken Tinga was stewed to perfection. You might kick it up a notch with the salsa, but the flavor of the chicken and tomato seemed to be the real stars here. The Thai Shrimp, cooked with coconut milk, green curry and basil on the other hand, was packing a bit of a punch. The crustaceans, though, did not lose themselves in the spice.

The Portobello-Poblano was mixed with queso fresco, giving that dish a creamy smokiness.

Finally, with dirty digits from eating all this finger food, we were offered the Adult Birthday Cake.

WOW! Four layers of dense, moist chocolate cake are separated by three layers of light rich mocha mousse all covered in chocolate frosting! Good thing it comes with a cold glass of whole milk. How cool is that?

Photos by Jake Grubman Overall, the staff was relaxed dividual fillings of Chicken, Beef, Shrimp and attentive. Nothing pretentious here; and a Portobello-Poblano medley were ac- Not in the crew, not in the food and not companied by warm corn tortillas and a in the price. We had a great time getting container of garnishes that included cilan- our fingers dirty in a clean, laid back envitro, avocado, diced onion and Chef ’s “In- ronment. The food was complex, yet not ferno Salsa”. I went straight for the fresh overwhelming. The layers were easy to salsa and dipped in a fork . (I would have discern and blend easily from one flavor used my finger but people were watching). to the next. It seems that Chef Mike has It was light and smoky with a nice inferno, achieved his goal, a great neighborhood just as described. Much like the secret restaurant, a great bar, and highlighting sauce from earlier, the salsa was there to his keyword - FUN! mashed potatoes, but these were not Grandma’s potatoes. At Briq, the lumps are fresh lobster pieces and had a subtly sweet red wine sauce that accompanied and elevated this favorite.

With a sly smile, Chef Mike then delivered our Taco Tower for 2. It was as if he knew the final A-HA! moment was upon us. A stack of six bamboo containers was placed in the middle of the table. One by one, Chef Mike revealed the contents. In-

groovemag.com

15

DINING

he Key word is FUN.” That’s what we were told by Chef and co-owner Mike Hazen who, along with his partner, Leo DeMaile, have realized their vision to create a great restaurant with a relaxed neighborhood bar. After a quick tour of the six intimate dining and lounge areas, including a rooftop getaway, we were inclined to agree that they have done just that. The place is warm and welcoming, with a friendly staff eager to make you feel right at home.

Chef Mike describes his style as globally inspired, modern American. This means lots of fresh, seasonal vegetables, many of them local. It also means comfort foods; sophisticated, but not too weird. A quick glance at the menu revealed a selection of classic “favorites,” each with a special little twist. There is something on this menu for all palates to enjoy. We asked the Chef to bring us whatever he wanted.

The first offerings were Truffled Almonds and Citrus Marinated Olives. I am not a fan of green olives but these marinated manzanillas were an exceptional bite. They transitioned seamlessly from citrus to a note of smoky and had a nice salty finish. The almonds were crisp and coarsely salted with a hint of garlic. I could not keep my hands out of either bowl. Thankfully, there was plenty to keep us reaching for them well into the meal.

Things then got interesting. Out came a mound of Skinny Fries and a plate of Korean Fried Chicken. I found myself looking at a tall mound of the skinniest potato strings I have ever seen. They were drizzled with a secret sauce which was sweet and vinegary. The Korean Fried Chicken was plump, tender and crispy on the outside with a fiery sweet glaze. These two plates interacted well. After I ate a piece of the chicken, the secret sauce on the fries took on a new taste in a way that enhanced the sweet heat that coated the chicken.

Next we were offered Lobster Mash Potatoes. You can probably tell from the by-line that I grew up eating lumpy

GROOVE

16

GROOVE

DINING Listings Ibiza Tapas & Wine Bar

Malone’s

1832 Dixwell Ave. (203) 909-6512

56A Academy St. (203) 245-6161

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

Park Central Tavern

DINING

1640 Whitney Ave. (203) 287-8887

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lenny and Joe’s Fish Tale

Zhang’s Restaurant

1301 Boston Post Rd. (203) 245-7289

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

44 Boston Post Rd. (203) 245-3300

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

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

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

188 Willow St. (203) 773-9870

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

Basta Trattoria, 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.

Stonebridge Restaurant 50 Daniel St. (203) 874-7947

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

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

Another solid Italian restaurant on Wooster Street.

Adriana’s Restaurant and Wine Bar 771 Grand Ave. (203) 865-6474

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

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.

groovemag.com

Archie Moore’s

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

Cute outdoor seating.

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

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

Brazi’s Restaurant 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.

Bru Room at BAR

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

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

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.

GROOVE

By Xander Kane

A

culinary jewel lies hidden just off of exit 46 in the heart of New Haven’s historic Long Wharf. This is not some fancy Asian fusion bistro or a hipster burger bar. This beautiful stretch of ocean front real estate is home to many of New Haven’s beloved food trucks - a culinary delight to enthrall the senses and the wallet.

These vendors have been staples of the Long Wharf food scene for years now. Their familiar brightly colored vans are adorned with names like Ixtapa, Nextali, Santa Appollonia and of course, Sweeney’s Weenies. Their trucks offer food choices from places as far flung as Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Columbia and among others. With so many options to choose from it is the greatest food court in town.

The trucks arrive early in the morning, lining up into their designated spaces.

They fire up their grills and stoves, turn up the music, raise the flags and then - its go time. The breakfast rush is pretty fast and furious, but it’s the lunch rush that is a true sight to behold. People line up to get their fix of amazing made-to-order culinary decadence.

The true star on the Wharf is the au-

spicy chilies, and the best pico de gallo you’ll find in the city. Then you can add bonus flavor and heat to your heart’s content with a selection of salsas, roasted peppers and tall bottles of vibrant hot sauces in reds and greens. Grab a Jarritos Mandarin Orange soda (the local favorite) or an exported Mexican Coke (with real cane sugar!)

In addition to the food, there is an ambiance here no words can accurately describe. Surrounded by all the people, delicious aromas, bright colors and the music, just being a part of this little food centric community is euphoric.

After you have picked up your Photos by Xander Kane lunch, take a stroll along the wathentic Mexican cuisine. In a world where ter. Relax and enjoy yourself. This is, fast food marketed as Mexican can set hands down, the most beautiful place you back over $3 a piece for a wimpy to take lunch in the entire city. It takes nacho-cheese monstrosity, the trucks on you back to what New Haven has always the Wharf will serve you fresh authentic been about; people from all walks of life tacos for $1.50 a piece! Here you have coming together to create a great city. It’s your choice of chicken, beef, pork, len- amazing to think that at one point this gua (braised beef tongue), and cabeza was the location of the longest fishing (braised beef head) are all on the menu wharf in the country stretching over a ¾ for the same cost and each option is deli- of a mile into the harbor. cious.

From here you can stand, taco in hand, The variety doesn’t stop there either, and look out over the water, over the oysburritos, quesadillas and full meals can all ter beds, past the sailboats and into New be had for less than your average value Haven’s history. This is a history that is meal at the fast food giants. Just tell them still alive, with the home port of Schoowhat you want and how you want it and ner Inc. and their tall ships Amistad, and in a matter of moments out it comes, Quinnipiac as well as a vibrant shipping a paper plate piled high with industry and a dedicated community of steaming fresh torti- local fishermen. llas, covered in your Next time you’re feeling hungry and choice of meat, ready for a culinary adventure, come fresh cilantro, vi- stretch your legs and palette, (but not brant juicy limes, your wallet) here at the wharf.

groovemag.com

DINING

Welcome to Paradise the Land of Food Trucks

17

18

GROOVE

DINING Listings Carmen Anthony Steakhouse

C.O. Jones

660 State St. (203) 773-1444

969 State St. (203) 773-3344

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.

DINING

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.

Claire’s Corner Copia 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.

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.

The Shoreline Chef Be a Guest at your Next Party!

The Restaurant Alternative Enjoy Your Party ~ Gourmet food. ~ Exceptional wines All in the Comfort of Your Home!

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

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

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.

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

702 State St. (203) 785-8722

Koffee

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.

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.

groovemag.com

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.

Goodfellas Restaurant

898 Whalley Ave. (203) 389-6624

203.687.8794 www.theshorelinechef.com

205 Food Terminal Plaza (203) 777-7906

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

House of Chao

Chef Larry & his staff will Shop, Cook & Clean Up!

Johnny Salami’s

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

Neighborhood bar. Large beer selection.

Weekday happy hour.

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.

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.

Anchor Restaurant

GROOVE

19

A Good Pour with a Touch of class

by Joe Callaghan

N

DINING

estled in a 100 year old building in downtown New Haven is a quiet little place that has kept a steady watch over the happenings in the city since the 1940s. Unique and unpretentious, the Anchor Restaurant fits perfectly into the storefront at 272 College Street. When asked about its history, Al, one of the owners takes a sip of his martini and boasts, “There are a hundred different stories about this place...”

When pressed, though, he only grins and alludes to the rumors that it might been a speakeasy back in the day.

“Back in the day...” is something that the place itself seems to whisper as you take in the ambiance. Looking around at the half-circle booths, the pressed tin ceiling and the dark wood lit by antique fixtures and reflected neon, it’s easy to feel that you’re a part of the saga here.

As the ice clinks in your glass, it feels as if it wouldn’t be a stretch to see Don Draper removing his hat as he walks through the door or Audrey Hepburn laughing at a private joke in the booth across the room. Because of this timeless, classy atmosphere, the Anchor has long been a favorite spot for those who prefer their night out to be a little more grown-up than the typical downtown club scene.

Some believe that it might be a stretch for this place to call itself a restaurant. I disagree, but we’ll get to that. Without a doubt, the Anchor is a bar. More accurately, it is a cocktail lounge. I’m not much of a cocktail connoisseur, but my friend stated with conviction that they make good drinks here. “It’s the pour,” he explained, “Here, you’ll get a real cocktail, not just a glass of booze with syrup on top.” I smile indulgently, wondering how he got so jaded. “The guy behind the bar is an actual bartender”, my friend continued. “If I go up and order a ‘sidecar’ he’s going to know how to make it.” I begin to understand. This is the essence of the place. It’s what keeps the regulars coming back.

Photo by Xander Kane

There are no surprises on the Anchor’s menu, but it’s obvious that chef, Mimi takes pride in what she has to offer. “It’s bar food,” she shrugs, “but everything on the menu is fresh and homemade.” There are great appetizers offered as well as a selection of hearty hot and cold sandwiches and entrees.

True to her promise, the Burger was a generous size, handmade and well seasoned. The Fish and Chips consisted of two freshly breaded pieces of tilapia and a nice mound of steak fries and coleslaw.

This is true comfort food. Mimi does all the shopping and she takes no shortcuts.

The fryer might see a lot of use, but it’s obvious that the freezer does not.

I didn’t know why at first. It took a while to figure out the thing that makes this place so attractive and comfortable at the same time. Simply put: When you’re good, you don’t have to brag. It’s

not like down the street on nightclub row where we see all the youngsters running around in the freezing cold in heels, miniskirts and bare midriffs. They’re trying so hard. In contrast, at the Anchor, nobody has anything to prove.

They just have quality food, great drinks, and a good pour, all at a fair price. They keep things quiet here, understated. Perhaps that’s why the folks at Anchor are often visited by famous people passing through. Someone of note attending Yale? Maybe a celebrity at the Schubert or the Rep? There’s a good chance they’ll be able to relax here without a scene while they listen to the best jukebox in town.

Drop in and spend the evening or stop in before the theatre. The Anchor is the place to bring a date when you want to illustrate that while you might not be rich yet, at least you have some class.

groovemag.com

20

GROOVE

Evan’s Tennis

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

DINING

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!

DINING Listings Mezcal

Pacifico

14 Mechanic St. (203) 782-4828

Authentic Mexican cuisine where it is done with passion.

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

The Meatball House

The Pantry

1180 Chapel St. (203) 772-3360

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

Miya’s Japanese Restaurant 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.

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

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.

Ordinary 900 Chapel Street (203) 907-0238

Offering a variety of cheese, charcuterie, chocolates and pies. All cheese and charcuterie is hand selected by the cheese mongers at Caseus Fromagerie Bistro, and pies are made using fresh local ingredients. Also offers a diverse list of beers, wines, and spirits.

P & M Orange Street Market

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

groovemag.com

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.

Royal Palace

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

Sally’s Apizza

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

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.

GROOVE

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

Zinc

964 Chapel St. (203) 624-0507

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

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

Tre Scalini

NORTH HAVEN

100 Wooster St. (203) 777-3373

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.

Viva Zapata

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.

ORANGE

J. Christian’s 9 N. Main St. (203) 265-6393

“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.

Los Mariachi’s 105 North Colony St. (203) 265-1838

Unique authentic Mexican dishes. Well known for its margaritas.

Serafino’s Ristorante 72 South Turnpike Rd. (203) 265-1244

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

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

Baja’s

Westville Pizza

Coromandel Cuisine of India

Fresh seafood, steak, and sandwiches.

185 Boston Post Rd. (203) 795-9055

Biagetti’s Restaurant

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

63 Boston Post Rd. (203) 799-2252 Pure Mexican joint.

Spicy quality Indian cuisine. Daily buffet and weekend brunch.

744 West Restaurant 744 Boston Post Rd. (203) 934-5726

77 Campbell Ave. (203) 934-7700

Family owned, classic Italian dishes.

Hayama Japanese Steakhouse 199 Boston Post Rd. (203) 795-3636

Hibachi style. Fun environment and good food.

Daiko Japanese Restaurant

24 Ocean Ave. (203) 933-3483

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

Four Burritos Diner

340 Main St. (203) 909-6903 Excellent, inexpensive, authentic Mexican food.

Georgie’s Diner 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.

Oyster River Tavern 38 Ocean Ave. (203) 932-0440

Fresh seafood and large selection.

Sushi X 220 Captain Thomas Blvd.

(203) 933-2888

An All You Can Eat sushi place that stands well above the rest.

400 Derby Ave. (203) 392-3626

Huge Sushi and Sake selection.

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

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

Wasabi Japanese Restaurant 350 Boston Post Rd. (203) 795-5856

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

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

Stratford

Zaroka Bar and Restaurant

400 Hollister St. (203) 378-6886

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

WEST HAVEN

Dive Bar and Restaurant

Windmill Tavern A classic spot. One of the oldest neighborhood bars in the country.

Known for their world famous hot dogs.

groovemag.com

DINING

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

Bellini’s Italian Cuisine and Pizza

WALLINGFORD

21

22

GROOVE

MUSIC

‘Keeping Connecticut Cool’ A Chat with a Two-Person Coalition, Mates of State

By Ryan Sartor

E

ach time that a major musical act plans a tour of the North East, there are certain territories that must be hit: New York City, Philadelphia, Boston.

Southern Connecticut is rarely a priority. If a band such as Mates of State were not CT residents, one could easily picture their road show skipping New Haven on the way to NYC or Philly, a grim reality for area fans of mid-level acts of all genres.

Not only do the wife-and-husband team of Kori Gardner and Jason Hammel live in Southern CT, they make a particular effort to support the arts in New Haven. They played a February 2012 benefit show for the (now seemingly-defunct) New Haven arts collective INTERCAMBIO, as well as collaborating with visual artist Jimi Patterson for a free concert/projection show at Cafe Nine last October.

“There are so many different artists and musicians in New Haven,” said percussionist/vocalist Jason Hammel, speaking with Groove. “When we moved to Connecticut, we just started hanging out at all of the music venues and all of the galleries and we started meeting people and we quickly realized, there’s an amazing arts community here.”

groovemag.com

Part of that community includes New Haven’s Jimi Patterson, who in addition to his work with Mates of State at Cafe Nine, has also directed three of the band’s last four videos, as well as clips for New Haven acts such as José Oyola & The Astronauts and Fake Babies.

“When we moved to Connecticut, we just started hanging out at all of the music venues and all of the galleries and we started meeting people and we quickly realized, there’s an amazing arts community here.”

Gardner and Hammel met in Lawrence, Kansas in the 1990’s, and after some time in California, the band/couple moved to East Haven, Connecticut.

Gardner and Hammel have lived in the general area since 2004, including homes in Stratford and Trumbull.

The band is most known for the sheer exuberance of their music and Hammel said that such an assessment makes sense to him.

“We like playing music and I think that shows. It’s fun for us,” he said, adding, “We’re pretty overall optimistic and

hopeful people and I think that even if we’re singing about something that is dark and not so exuberant, we still include the fact that it’s going to get better and things are going to change and it’s going to improve.”

After a few critically acclaimed releases on smaller indie labels, Mates of State had a breakthrough of sorts with 2003’s Team Boo, an album that saw their sound expanding beyond the DIY aesthetic of My Solo Project and Our Constant Concern.

Indie major Barsuk Records took notice, releasing the band’s next album, Bringing It Back, in 2006, a record that was Mates of State’s most accessible up to that point.

At Barsuk, Gardner and Hammel found themselves label-mates and sometimes touring with indie titans like Nada Surf and (the soon-to-be-signed-to-aMajor-label) Death Cab for Cutie. Those bands had both had their moment as part of the zeitgeist/pop culture machine, with Nada Surf ’s pre-indie MTV spotlight on the video for Popular or Death Cab’s Transatlanticism-inspired emo-takeover, including a great deal of exposure on the FOX teen drama The O.C. With each album, Mates of State continue to refine their sound, though widespread commercial success seems to allude them, a fact that Hammel shrugs off.

GROOVE

style on Re-Arrange Us extended beyond the recording studio, and onto the stage.

“We made a record that was more piano,” Gardner explained. “We felt as soon as we wrote Re-Arrange Us, we needed to add something else live and so we brought string players on that tour.”

The band’s February 2012 concert in New Haven featured a full band in support of the duo’s 2011 release Mountaintops, an album that was a nice sonic compromise between the rough exuberance

of Team Boo and the thoughtful (but noless enthusiastic) lushness of Re-Arrange Us. “We’re a band that writes hooks and melody and harmony and lots of singing and if you look through all of the records, that’s the one constant,” Gardner said. “I think on Mountaintops, we put some old synths in there, but if you hear both Re-Arrange Us and Mountaintops, the actual sonics of the keyboards, and listen to vocals, you’d probably think, ‘Oh, they’re totally the same.’ A lot of it’s done in what instruments are used.”

Mates of State’s most recent Connecticut concert was at Cafe Nine in October 2012, though the band is planning another show, tentatively in June, that would in conjunction with recent work the band has been doing to oppose gun violence in Connecticut.

“I make calls to Senators and Con-

gressmen every single day,” Gardner said. “It seems like there’s not a lot of Connecticut musicians who are really doing anything, so I’ve been involved in that. I have a protest, well, discussion group and we’ve talked about incorporating that into a show.”

Gardner found it “shocking” that Connecticut events such as March for Change, which saw 5,000-plus people showing in Hartford in support of gun control measures, have not been more supported by young people in the State.

“Where are all of the artists? Where are all of the youth?

It’s Mom-led. You know?” Gardner said.

She noted that she uses the Mates of State website sparingly in posting about these issues. “I don’t want to alienate people. I want everyone to feel welcome, but I know that’s a chance to reach people and get the word out.”

Gardner grew up in Connecticut, but since she and Hammel moved to Connecticut almost a decade ago, the duo have lived in East Haven and most recently, Stratford.

“In Connecticut, the people that stick around here in the art and music community find each other, no matter what.

And that’s no matter which town we’re in, we’ve found that to be true,” Gardner said.

“I have this joke with a few people that we’re going to start this coalition called ‘Keeping Connecticut Cool’ because people leave. People make great music and they’re like, ‘I want to live in New York now. Why would I be in Connecticut?,’” Gardner said. “I think there is so much potential, even more than has already gone on here. Let’s be proud of Connecticut and what goes on here, even if we’re in Trumbull or New Haven or East Haven or Stratford. It just takes reaching out and getting to know everybody who’s involved.”

groovemag.com

MUSIC

“In a way, that would be nice, but we try not to fixate on having a crossover hit,” he said. “We really just try to make music that satisfies us and if we’re satisfied with something that we make, hopefully other music listeners will be, too.”

One element that stands out at a Mates of State live show is the obvious care put into the crisp and precise audio. Every instrument and microphone is at a wellcalibrated level. Mates of State organist/ vocalist Kori Gardner explained that this is not by accident.

“Playing out for years as just the two of us, we didn’t need to bring anybody with us. We couldn’t afford it and it was just easier, too. But the one thing we added eventually was a sound guy because it does mean a lot to us,” Gardner said. “No matter what kind of venue, we want it to be something that we would be proud of if we were on the stage or we would be proud of if we were in the audience.”

Mates of State’s 2008 album Re-arrange Us was a divisive effort that found fans of the band’s early drum and organ recordings crying foul at the addition of lush strings and a rather thorough lack of dissonance in their music.

“It just shows, if someone’s with you from the beginning, they’re less likely to accept changes, at first,” Gardner noted.

“And also, it [Re-Arrange Us] reached a lot of people who sort of couldn’t handle the shrill, or I guess more raw-ness, of our early stuff.”

“When we first started out, Kori has always been a great singer, but I’ve always been a mediocre singer trying to get good,” Hammel said. “So when we first started out, it was really us bashing on our instruments and singing at the top of our lungs, singing/screaming. And then as we progressed, we tried to really tighten things up a bit, get a little bit better at singing.”

The changes in instrumentation and

23

GROOVE

MUSIC

24

Photo by Audra Napolitano

music listings 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

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.

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 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.

Growing Up With

the Guru

GROOVE

25

The Band Finds Themselves on Their New Album

By Hannah Woomer

S

out in June of 2011 with Cottage Sound Studios in Middlebury just over two years after McEvoy and Eddie Golden, drums, first began jamming together in 2009 while attending Waterbury’s Holy Cross High School. “The first time we ever jammed together we just started playing this funk riff and we just looked at each other and instantly smiled. We didn’t know what we were doing but it just felt right to us; that’s how we’ve always approached our music,” says McEvoy. After gradually recruiting members Dan George and Colin Sullivan,

The Guru officially began playing together in 2010.

McEvoy reflects, “It was just a very fun, childish kid of thing and eventually we started taking it more seriously. The thing about us is that none of us have ever really taken formal music lessons... we were just having fun.” Their approach to song-writing is mirrored in their quick, bright melodies paired with simple but introspective lyrics about friends and hometowns. “We just keep jamming and until something gets stuck in our heads for a couple of months, that’s when we decide we need to make it into a song.” Their youth is immortalized in Pirate’s Cove, the fourth track off “Native Sun”: We’re just the kids living on the land, making magic when

we can/ I don’t ever wanna go, I don’t wanna go home.

“Before “Go Easy” we wanted to make our own label,” says McEvoy. “We get a good amount of offers from small indie labels but the whole music industry is strange right now. There are either major label artists, or kids doing what we’re doing. The rich get richer and the poorer get poorer.” The disco, surf-pop outfit had always produced their own tunes but decided to create their own label not only to help out their friends and side projects, but to maintain creative control.

“Everything and anything you want to do you can do yourself now; you can put out your own cassettes, CDs, vinyl, websites, so why would we want another label?”

“Go Easy” has birthed a sound that is both more produced and mature. But now my days just Photo by Kevin Keane seem the same/ And night time’s spent so out of place/ My body’s sold, my thoughts erased, I’m dead awake and your to blame they croon on the track “Foreign Moon,” a seemingly far cry from the shouts and riffs of boyhood on their previous record.

“Our sound has always been fun and playful, but if you look behind the production, we thought a lot more things out this time,” says McEvoy. As they reach new milestones--attending college, landing jobs, ending relationships--so does their music. “The new album is about old friends, falling outs, breakups...because, I think as we get older, our music gets older with us. I think that’s a good thing.”

For tour dates and music listening and purchase, visit theguru.bandcamp.com or seagreenrecords.com

groovemag.com

MUSIC

ome donning loose-fitting Hawaiian shirts and some donning no shirts at all, the music of the beach rock quartet that is The Guru perfectly embodies the sounds of spring and coming summer. While Waterbury-based guitarist Kyle McEvoy is currently attending Dean College in Franklin, Massachusetts, he will get anything but a summer vacation. Kyle plans to embark on a month-long tour to California in June and is already fully booked this spring at various colleges and festivals in the New England area. This includes the Fauxchella Indie Music Fest in Hamden and the Daffodil Festival.

“We just have to raise some money and I think we can do it” says McEvoy. The Guru has played Connecticut music festivals in the past and are gearing up to be busier than ever now that their second LP “Go Easy” was released in November under their own label, Seagreen Records.

The label is McEvoy and crew’s latest endeavor, a project in its infancy that has growing potential to be much more. After just recently signing on local act Furns, the expanding label reflects Connecticut’s growing indie music scene that seems to be entering a welcomed renaissance.

“Connecticut is the coolest place to be right now for sure,” McEvoy gushes. “The music scene is stronger than ever in my opinion right now. Not only are our CT veterans like TWIABP, Hostage Calm and Manners all doing huge things but there are a lot of great new acts popping up like Langosta, Disco Teen ‘66...Holding down the news and blog side, Chris Cappello always does a great job of running Lewis and His Blog and playing his own tunes!”

Their first album, “Native Sun” was put

26

GROOVE

yale institute of sacred music presents

music

Carlota Duarte: institute of sacred music presents yale institute of sa yale institute ofyale sacred music presents te of sacred music presents Respeto/Respect Café Nine

The Owl Shop

250 State St. (203) 789-8281

268 College St. (203) 624-3250

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

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

Carlota Duarte: Respeto/Respect Carlota Duarte: arlota Duarte: Respeto/Respect Respect for beliefs, religions, ect arte: Respeto/Respect Respect for beliefs, religions, and Respect rituals Chiapas, beliefs, México religions ct for beliefs, religions, and rituals in Chiapas, México infor Cave A Vin

yale institute of sacred music presents

and rituals in Chiapas, México Carlota Duarte: Respeto/Respect México ligions, and rituals in Chiapas, México

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.

Respect for beliefs, religions, and rituals mayMéxico 7–july may 7–july 2 in Chiapas, Elm 2 Bar

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

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

may 7 372 Elm St.gallery gallery ofism sacred 409 st.,· new haven may 7–july 2 artsmay·of gallery sacred arts 409 ism prospect st., new of haven sacred arts 7–july 2prospect 470 College St. (475) 238-8529 ism gallery of sacred arts · 409 prospect st., new haven aven d arts · 409 prospect st., new haven (203) 432-4158 The successor to Rudy’s, a similar Sprague Memorial Hall

ambiance of the bar and venue that Tuesday–Friday Tuesday–Friday · 3–6 pm Tuesday–Friday · 3–6 pm · 3–6 pm features Yale School of Music Concerts. was there for more than 70 years.

Weekends · Noon–4 pm Weekends · Noon–4 pm Weekends · Noon–4 pm ·closed 3–6holidays pm Stella Blues

MUSIC

Concert Hall on Yale’s campus that

duarte pm

ng.

de Agua eaders Area in

Tuesday–Friday closed Firehouse closed12holidays Weekends · Noon–4 pmholidays 204 Crown St. 45 Crown St. reception with carlota duarte (203) 752-9764 closed holidays Thursday, June 13 · 4:30–6 pm (203) 785-0468 A bar and local rock/jam band venue reception with carlota duarte Recording studio, bar, lounge and jazz reception with carlota duarte popular with New Haven’s singles venue pm with an intimate atmosphere that Thursday, June 13 · 4:30–6 Free, and free parking. crowd.

Live music seven days a week.

Thursday, 13 · 4:30–6 pm reception with carlota duarte encourages artists toJune be creative.

Thursday, June 13 · 4:30–6 pm Toad’s Place John Lyman Center for the 300 York St. Free, and free parking.

Performing Arts Free, and free parking.

(203) 624-TOAD Crescent St. Historic all genre concert venue Pedro Santiz Giron, Los Rezardores de la501 Fiesta de Agua Free, and free parking.

(203) 392-6154 Pedro Santiz Giron, Los Rezardores dewith la Fiesta Agua many de weekly/monthly acts and en la Canada Chica en Tenejapa (The Prayer Leaders Pedro Santiz Giron, Los Rezardores de la Fiesta de Agua en la Canada Chica en Tenejapa (The Prayer Leaders of the Water Celebration in the Canada Chica Area in Tenejapa), 2012.

Semi-regular scheduled acts open (The Saturday en la Canada Chica en Tenejapa Prayer Leaders of the Water Celebration in the Canada Chica Area in night dance parties. Dylan Pedro Santiz Giron, Los Rezardores de la Fiesta de Agua Tenejapa), 2012. the Water Celebration in the Canada Areahave in played here. toofthe public at Southern Connecticut and Chica the Stones en la Canada Chica en Tenejapa (The Prayer Leaders Tenejapa), 2012.

State University. of the Water Celebration in the Canada Chica Area in Wicked Wolf Tavern Tenejapa), 2012.

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.

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

MUSIC & bOUTIqUE ShOP Over 25,000 Records & 45s!

New & Used CDs • Eco-Friendly Products Locally Made Unique Goods 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! groovemag.com

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

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 School of Music 470 College St. (203) 432-4155

Performances at Woolsey Hall and around the state.

Weekly classical music with elegant performances of students, in addition to classical and jazz acts.

Olde School Saloon & Bistro

North Haven

418 State St. (203) 772-0544

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

Playbook Sports Bar & Grille 425 Washington Ave. (203) 239-6042

Sports bar that offers events, comedy nights, and live bands every Friday.

Word of godaWFUL

GROOVE

27

F

Groove: How’d you come up with the name godAWFUL? godAWFUL: For a while I was going by the name of Orange Juice, which is absolutely terrible… I went through a pretty major loss in my life, and realized it was time to reanalyze what I was doing with my talents. One of my little personal oaths I made was to be completely honest with myself at all times through my music, and at the time, I thought I wasn’t very good at this. I also felt it was a nice contrast from the typical ‘use an awesome adjective as a rapper name.’

Groove: What about Hamden was so influential artistically? godAWFUL: The scene, man! The scene.

I love it so much. We have so much talent in Hamden. Being around so much talent forced me out of my ignorance to other genres, and I began being able to enjoy so many different styles and draw inspiration from all of them.

Groove: How’d you get into rhyming? godAWFUL: It’s really kind of lame story, actually. I was 11 or so and began writing poetry and other random music

Photo Courtesy of godAWFUL

that could only be described as terrible and genre-less, but it was fun. As I kept writing, I found I had absolutely no type of singing voice… So the poetry gobbled me up, and that eventually, combined with my love for hip-hop music, turned into me writing rap songs.

Groove: What influences and inspires you? godAWFUL: I’d hate to say it, but when I’m at my lowest emotionally, I’m really at my apex when it comes to creating.

Groove: Do you find it difficult to remain creative? godAWFUL: At times, absolutely. I feel like since I let my genuine emotions dictate how I make music, it becomes detrimental when I get numb in my personal life. I’ve just recently found my perfect medium and have been able to teach myself “Oh yeah, there’s more to life than paying bills and dying.”

Groove: Being a producer as well, do you feel like you have a particular sound? godAWFUL: Since I almost exclusively produce for myself, I’m always building my beats around my words. I tend to keep my drums to chopped up break beats and 808s.I really loathe drum-kits, and I think that gives my beats a bit of an edge.

Groove: You mentioned that you’re active in hosting rap battles. Talk about that some. godAWFUL: For a while, me and my brother Logic had been brainstorming on something we could do to help highlight the talent of Connecticut emcees…

That’s when we created iBattle Worldwide.

It’s awesome watching a group of some of Connecticut’s greatest emcees get the recognition and exposure they deserve because of this, and even more awesome being able to say that the platform was something my Penalty Box family put together.

Groove: How old are you by the way? godAWFUL: Twenty-five. And damn, saying that out loud makes feel extra old.

Groove: You have no idea... godAWFUL is currently working on his second EP entitled Alive + Well, which is slated for an April release. Play Me A Memory: An Ode to Billy Joel will be an EP inspired by and sampling only from Billy Joel songs. Its release date remains unset. godawful.bandcamp.com facebook.com/godawfulmusic youtube.com/ibattletv

groovemag.com

MUSIC

rom the city most noted for its pizza, arts and a small Ivy League university you may or may not be familiar with, comes Adam Camerato, aka godAWFUL who is quite frankly, anything but. Being a talented lyricist as well as a producer, godAWFUL’s sound could be loosely described as part Aesop Rock, part Slug, and part El-P. His clever prose glides effortlessly over his kitchen clean beats as evidenced on the track “I Ain’t No Superstar” off his seven-track EP, Beats and Rhymes in the Key of Awful. “Dark” and “crunchy” are two of the adjectives godAWFUL uses to describe his style. “People aren’t getting ‘crunk’ to my music...,” he flatly declares.

Born in New Haven, Camerato spent his “most important” years growing up in Hamden. “I am very proud to call myself a Hamden Representative,” he adds. “I put the H.A.M. in Hamden!”

After several missed phone calls, blown appointments, and even a few “Can I hit you back bros’?” I was able to nail down godAWFUL for some old timey Q&A.

28

GROOVE

music Orange

Wallingford

Bear and Grill

Cherry Street Station

385 Boston Post Rd. (203) 298-0742

491 N. Cherry Street Ext. (203) 265-2902

A rustic Adirondack bar and grill with live music and karaoke night.

Orange Ale House 517 Boston Post Rd. (203) 795-0707

In house DJ on Friday nights with live music on Saturday nights.

Port chester, ny The Capitol Theatre 149 Westchester Ave (914) 937-4126

MUSIC

Recently reopened and renovated, the aura of Janis Joplin and Joe Cocker are still strong. With acts from Phil Lesh and Bob Weir, to moe.

STRATFORD Windmill Tavern

THE STORE FOR MUSIC ENTHUSIASTS

400 Hollister St. (203) 378-6886

85 Willow Street, New Haven, CT 06511 203.799.6400 | audioetc.com

One of the oldest neighborhood bars in the country. Recent renovations and new owners have brought this classic spot back to its original glory. Featuring Karaoke on Wednesdays and live music Fridays and Saturdays

Uncasville

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

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.

groovemag.com

Mohegan Sun 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd.

(888) 226-7711

With national acts like Dave Matthews Band in the Mohegan Sun Arena, to the smaller artists playing the Wolf Den, you get it all here.

A heavy metal bar located inside an old railroad station. Cheap beer and good times. Trains roar by every now and then.

Oakdale Theater 95 South Turnpike Rd. (203) 284-1816

Large, stadium seating theater that draws in acts from around the world.

Waterbury Palace Theatre 100 East Main St. (203) 346-2000

An ornate theater that hosts national musicians as well as Broadway musicals, operas and comedians.

Freight Street Gallery 170 Freight St. (203) 596-1234

Art gallery that also showcases local, mostly indie, musicians.

WOODBRIDGE New England Brewing Company 7 Selden St (203) 387-2222

Last Friday of every month they fill the brewery with a killer rock band for $10.

Its a beer guzzlin good time!

GROOVE

29

Not your Parents’ creek Photo by Casey Roche

By: Ryan Maloney

bone from somewhere. It turns out that Carbone was on the short list of drummers Max Creek was investigating to replace Vasso. The list was so short in fact, that the name Bill Carbone was the only name on it. Within a week, Carbone had received a call to audition. Mercier had explained that they had sat through a bunch of auditions that just didn’t quite work, but after playing with Carbone it was just meant to be.

Shortly thereafter, Jamemurrel Stanley joined the band as the percussionist.

Stanley had worked with Carbone in a couple of projects such as Drummers in Peace and Spark Plug. Stanley had sat in on a couple of shows, and as he explains, “they haven’t told me to leave yet. So I am still here.”

It is not an easy task to introduce not just one but two new members in such a short period of time, especially when that band has been together for close to half a century. The serendipitous joining of Carbone and Stanley adds a fresh take on the electric live performance that Creek fans are accustomed. As one fan said during the set break at New Haven’s Toad Place on March 29th, “I have been coming to Creek for over 25 years and the hooks are in.

They are better than ever.”

So what’s the next step for the newly assembled Max Creek? Their last studio album, “Spring Water” was released over 15 years ago. When asked if the band was interested in getting back into the studio, bassist John Rider answered, “Sure we have thought about it, but we really love the live thing so I think we are going to stick with that for now.”

With the summer festival season just around the corner, Groove Magazine invites you to join Max Creek on the road. On May 25th you can see them at Strange Creek Music Festival in and also at Southern Connecticut’s premiere music festival, Gathering of the Vibes on July 28th. It is apparent that their following does not mind their full focus on “the live thing”. If you have been a lifelong follower or this is your first time hearing Max Creek, do yourself a favor, buy a ticket the next time they come around.

You will not be disappointed!

groovemag.com

MUSIC

N

ot many bands have enjoyed as long of a career as Max Creek . On April 27th, they celebrated their 42nd anniversary at the recently renovated Capital Theater in Portchester, NY. Despite a few band personnel changes, not much has changed over the 42 years Max Creek has been together. By staying true to their eclectic blend of soulful country mixed with a funktified rock and roll sound, they have been able to maintain a loyal following, as well as charm the next generation of fans. All while leaving a huge footprint on the Jam Band scene having influenced bands as prolific as Phish. (Bassist Mike Gordon has described Max Creek as one of his favorite bands.)

After long time drummers Greg Vasso and Scott Allshouse left Max Creek, guitarist Scott Murawski, bassist John Rider, and keyboardist Mark Mercier were put in the precarious position of finding replacements that could live up to their predecessors. When asked about the process of finding the new drummer Bill Carbone and percussionist Jamemurrel Stanley, Mark Mercier explained, “they just magically appeared.”

Following a few chuckles from across the room, the road manager interjected with a more detailed story. During the festival Strange Creek, he and Carbone were hanging out and for some strange reason he felt that he had known Car-

30

Interview on The Green

GROOVE

By Sarah Cristantiello

Name: Jane Minaeva, 30 Occupation: Hairstylist at Salon J on York Street in New Haven

Do you live, work and/or study in New Haven?

I have worked in New Haven for almost two years and I currently live in Madison, CT. Where are you from?

Originally, I am from Moscow Russia.

MUSIC

What are you most looking forward to this spring?

I am looking forward to warm weather so I can finally go paddle boarding. I live on the beach and I just got a YOLO paddleboard so I‘m psyched to get on it. I actually got my first sunburn a few weeks back when it was gorgeous out and I didn’t complain because I’m happiest when it’s a beach day.

What do you love to do more than anything else in the world?

I love to travel, meet new people and learn about their traditions.

As a hairstylist, I love making people look beautiful and feel great about themselves. Luckily, I get to do what I love everyday.

Where do you most frequent in New Haven and why?

I absolutely love BAR! They have great bands on Wednesdays, a great atmosphere, friendly staff, the best pizza in New Haven, amazing salads and great specialty drinks. I’ve been known to get on the dance floor once and a while too.

groovemag.com

Photo by Charlotte Greene

Is there a place in town that you have been meaning to visit but haven’t yet?

I love art and I love the Yale University Art Gallery. However, since the renovation I still haven’t had a chance to visit.

What kind of music do you listen to?

I love Rock music. I just saw Pink at Mohegan Sun and I have tickets for Bon Jovi. I guess you could say my taste in music is pretty eclectic. I also have an appreciation for hair metal and classic rock.

What is your favorite New Haven neighborhood and why?

Downtown, because I spend a lot of time here. I work here, I go out for drinks here and I even shop in the area. I have been known to spend my lunch break shopping on Broadway and I think it’s pretty convenient that the Apple Store is down here because I can even get my iPhone fixed on a work break.

What book would you highly recommend to our readers?

Buddha Walks Into a Bar: A guide to Life for a New Generation by Lodro Rinzler

Audra Napolitano

Casey Roche

Audra Napolitano

Charlotte Greene

the MUSIC scene see more at www.groovemag.com

Casey Roche

Audra Napolitano

32

GROOVE

groovemag.com