Groove Magazine November 2012 by Mario-Design

magazine

music, arts & culture for greater new haven

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NOV EE EM 2012BER

Vol. 1 No. 4

COSMIC DUST BUNNIES from the cosmos to the stage

Ninth Square: history meets innovation

Caseus: Good Vibes and Great Cheese

Mushroom Cloud Jams Out, Instrumentally

PAGE 7

PAGE 21

PAGE 31

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Contents groovemag.com

11 magazine

music, arts & culture for greater new haven

groovemag.com

FREE

NOVE M 2012BER

Vol. 1 No. 4

COSMIC DUST BUNNIES from the cosmos to the stage

Ninth Square: history meets innovation

Caseus: Good Vibes and Great Cheese

Mushroom Cloud Jams Out, Instrumentally

PAGE 7

PAGE 21

PAGE 31

On the cover: Cosmic Dust Bunnies Photo by Casey Roche

New Haven’s Unique Institute Library

New Haven Restaurant week: Cheap, so you don’t have to be

Publisher: Oliver Collins Editor in Chief: Jack Miller Managing Editor: Katherine Rojas Music Editor: Hannah Woomer Arts and Lifestyle Editor: Kate Czaplinski Dining Editor: Tom Russo Copy Editor: Kelley Bligh

Letter from THE Publisher

ARTS & LIFE 7

Ninth Square: Where history meets innovation, revitalization By Kate Czaplinski

Photography Editor: Charlotte Greene

Arts Listings

Contributing Photographers: Melissa Gaines, Jake Grubman, Audra Napolitano, Lisa Nichols, Casey Roche

BSK CHROMA - COLOR ME INSPIRED By Kathleen Strain

NEW HAVEN’S UNIQUE INSTITUTE LIBRARY By Christopher McDaniel

Biking in a Car-Centric City By Juli Stupakevich

Campus scene

SHOPPING Listings

Contributing Writers: Joe Callaghan, Christopher McDaniel, Savannah Mul, Katherine Rojas, Kathleen Strain, Juli Stupakevich

Art Director: Mario Recupido Contributing Graphic Designers: Maureen Leary, Gary Sandler Circulation Manager: Rich Gabriele Director of Advertising: Oliver Collins Marketing Assistant: Leah Salindong Groove Magazine is published monthly by Groove Media from our office at 11 Osborn Ave. New Haven CT 06511. Phone: (203) 859-8327 Subscriptions: $60 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 2012 Groove Magazine. No portion may be reproduced by any means without written permission of the publisher.

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DINING 18

Dining Listings

New Haven Restaurant week: Cheap, so you don’t have to be By Joe Callaghan

Caseus Fromagerie and Bistro The Big Taste By: Thomas Russo

MUSIC 26

Music Listings

STELLA BLUES: A MUSICIAN’S STEPPING STONE By Hannah Woomer

THE COSMIC DUST BUNNIES By Kathleen Strain

MUSHROOM CLOUD: THE VIBRANT AND AWAKENING SOUND By Savannah Mul

Unleash your inner superhero at Karaoke Heroes By Savannah Mul

GROOVE

from the publisher

ovember is a time to be grateful. Yes it’s the month of Thanksgiving, but it’s more than that. As the weather cools down, and late summer chaos has ended, it’s a good time to start reflecting. I enjoy slowing down a bit this month, and looking back at the year. I also know December can get quite hectic with buying gifts and holiday parties. As holiday decorations go up and we hug our long lost relatives, there certainly is more joy in the air. I feel very fortunate to have had such a special year. It started with seeing a couple moe. shows in Portland, Maine, and will end that way this year too. In between, 90 jam band concerts later, I got my fair share of Groovin’ in. I learned from a young age to do what you love and that’s how I’ve decided to live. 2012, of course, was also the invention of Groove Magazine. What an experience it has been. I’ve learned a lot about life through the experience, but especially stickin’ to your guns. I can’t say the City of New Haven or Yale has done much to support us, but it’s good to know they don’t have interest in the little guy. That’s important information to know for the future. But the most gratifying part, the most beloved part of this experience by far, has

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been the staff/contributors/volunteers involved with Groove Magazine. They are closest to my heart and have made this whole dream possible. What a gift it has been to discover this special group and witness hard working selfless acts on a daily basis, all for the betterment of the publication. Katherine Rojas is Managing Editor for Groove and is a print journalism major at Quinnipiac University. She is also the News Editor for the Quinnipiac Chronicle. Katherine says “Although I am an editor for the Chronicle and Groove, I still enjoy writing. I enjoy reviewing and revising the works of others but I am still a writer. I like to tell stories of places and people, inform the public of current events or even on things they might not notice with the naked eye. My goal is to educate people and enlighten them with news of this world that may be brushed off or looked over.” Katherine is always full of smiles, is one of our most diligent workers and was our October Groover of the Month. Hannah Woomer is our Music Editor. Her vibrant personality is always a joy to be around. Hannah is graduating from Quinnipiac University in December with a BFA in Film, Video, and Interactive Media. She has always had a passion for writing and storytelling, entering college with the intent of being a Broadcast Journalism major until she decided to shift her pursuits to behind the camera. Throughout her college career, Hannah has participated in many activities including acting and writing for the sketch comedy group Don’t Throw the Tomatoes! on the Quinnipiac campus, and recently made her directorial debut with the documentary Night After Night: The Tune of Toad’s Place. Charlotte Greene is our star photographer. Charlotte is a senior sociology major at Quinnipiac University. She’s a seasoned natural who continues to blow us away with incredible photography. Charlotte says, “Photography is my passion as well as traveling.” She has been to many countries around the world through

her position with Travel for Teens, an organization that produces trips for teenagers around the world. Kate Czaplinski is our Arts and Life Editor. Kate has been working in journalism for five years. She started as a reporter at a daily newspaper in Massachusetts before moving back home to Connecticut, first working at a newspaper in Ridgefield, before becoming editor of The Shelton Herald, in Shelton, a community newspaper with growing web presence. Kate is interested in arts, architecture, travel and all things health and fitness. She is also passionate about good food and wine, especially of the locally -grown variety. Finally, Tom Russo is our Dining Editor. Tom is a journalist and photographer originally from Connecticut. He attended Suffolk University, graduating with a degree in journalism, print concentration. Since then he has performed many duties in the print media industry, having operated as an editor, photographer, reporter, and paginator for publications in Florida and Connecticut. He enjoys traveling and being outdoors and is particularly fond of sailing. These are a few of our main editors, all working for FREE. Obviously our Editor in Chief Jack Miller and Art Director Mario Recupido right the ship. In the end they make it all happen. I may miss thanking many people, but there are other essential contributors I need to thank for an incredible amount of hard work: Kelley Bligh, Joe Callaghan, Melissa Cole, Jake Grubman, Maureen Leary, Kyle Murphy, Casey Roche, Gary Sandler, Kathleen Strain and Christa Weil. If you know any of them, take a minute, shake their hand, thank them, and give them a (high-paying) job!

Oliver W. Collins

groovemag.com Mushr Out, Insoom Cloud Jams trum

Ninth Square

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ARTS & LIFE

Where history meets innovation, revitalization By Kate Czaplinski

ew Haven’s Ninth Square is a place where history and modern ideas are melding. It’s also a place where empty storefronts and apartments are filling up with residents and entrepreneurs who are working to build a unique community within The Elm City. “There is this whole new energy infused into the area,” according to Chris Ortwein, manager of the Town Green District’s Economic Prosperity Initiative. “A lot of businesses and people are coming in with a new mindset and innovation is a big part of it.” Ortwein has been with the Town Green District for about a year and she soon began focusing on the Ninth Square because it had the highest percentage of retail vacancies downtown. But, she said, revitalization efforts for the district were in the works before she arrived and continue to move forward. The late 19th century and early 20th century architectural gems on Orange, Chapel and Crown streets are impressive to behold and helped land the district on the National Register of Historic Places. Some of those buildings include the New Haven Water Company Building and the former Young Men’s Institute—later the Palladium Building. But getting foot traffic down there to behold it has been a challenge. “One thing I soon realized is that while we did have new businesses opening we needed to create more foot traffic,” Ortwein said. “We needed to create awareness of the district as a marketplace.” Part of the Town Green District’s efforts were to start the First Fridays in the historic Ninth Square and the on9newhaven.com site, which chronicles all the area

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has to offer, including dining, shopping and its growing wellness culture, among other attractions. The Town Green District’s most recent information shows that of the 112 retail spaces in the Ninth Square, 96 are now occupied and 16 remain vacant. Residential units in the Ninth Square are also doing well. Ortwein recently heard that The Residences at Ninth Square are at more than 90 % occupancy. So who has been moving in to retail spaces?

“There is a whole group of young, forward-thinking people who are not just creating a business but creating a community within their business” A few examples are green well Organic Tea & Coffee at 44 Crown St., displaying local artists’ work, or Firehouse 12 on Crown Street and Cafe Nine on State Street, serving as local music venues. Capture Salon recently opened at 100 Crown St., doing a “wonderful” job restoring the space, which is part of the 1903 Water Company Building, Ortwein said. Allstar Apparel, also recently opened at 220 State St. The owner describes the store as the first African American-owned urban hip-hop boutique in New Haven.

At 99 Orange St., Yolande’s Bistro and Creperie, a French bistro, opened in late October. On top of serving up an array of freshly-made crepes Yolande’s menu includes soups and sandwiches as well. Wellness has also been a growing part of the Ninth District’s economic culture. Massage therapy, yoga, acupuncture and fresh food are just some of the offerings. But it’s not just the new guys that have helped revitalize the area, Ortwein said. “You do have people that have been grounded there and sticking it out, along with the new ventures,” Ortwein said. Miso Japanese Restaurant has been in the Ninth Square for 10 years and 116 Crown recently celebrated a five-year anniversary. “116 Crown’s anniversary is special just in the sense that here is a business that brought a whole new concept to the Ninth Square, making it hip and trendy,” Ortwein said. And you can’t move toward the future without remembering the past. Robert Greenberg’s Acme Vintage Officer Furniture of 33 Crown St. has been a family business in New Haven for 100 years. His collection captures some of the history of New Haven. So what are the goals for the Ninth Square’s future? While awareness is growing, Ortwein wants to see more people and businesses discovering the Ninth District as a destination. “I’d like to see all our storefronts filled,” Ortwein said. For more on the Ninth Square, visit on9newhaven.com.

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ARTS & LIFE

ARTS SCENE BRANFORD

CHESHIRE

Branford Art Studio

Barker Character, Comic & Cartoon Museum

483 East Main St. (203) 488-2787 Gallery and visual arts classes for adults, from a master painter.

1188 Highland Ave. (203) 699-3822 Chock full of memorabilia from the past 100 years of American toys, TV figurines, cartoons and comic strips.

Martha Link Walsh Gallery 188 North Main St., Rte. 1 (203) 481-3505 Original artwork featuring art paper cutting and hand crafted note/holiday cards sold by the artist/owner.

Tabor Community Arts Center 45 Tabor Dr. (203) 488-5668 All ages art and music workshops.

Shoreline School of Art & Music 540 East Main St. (203) 481-4830 Providing the Shoreline with Art and Music Lessons since 1978.

& MM

Guilford Art Center 411 Church St. (203) 453-5947 The Mill Gallery showcases the works of local and national artists. Classes and workshops are available for all ages in nearly all disciplines.

HAMDEN

Whitney Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cultural Arts Center 200 Leeder Hill Dr. (203) 281-6745 Dreamy Perspectives...The Gallery at Whitney Center. A Collaboration between the Arts Council and Whitney CenterThrough November 30

FAIRFIELD

Eli Whitney Museum and Workshop

MADISON

1073 North Benson Rd 203-254-4242 The Art Gallery at Fairfield U.thought provoking art with new exhibits from artists around the world.

915 Whitney Ave. (203) 777-1833 A family friendly museum with an educational laboratory and art galleries.

761 Boston Post Rd. (203) 245-FILM Screenings of independent films. Also serves as an art gallery and community center.

GUILFORD

Hamden Arts Commission

Thomas J Walsh Art Gallery

Greene Art Gallery 29 Whitfield St. (203) 453-4162 The gallery displays a variety of contemporary paintings from over 25 talented artists.

2901 Dixwell Ave. (203) 287-2546 Arts and music programming for the town of Hamden.

Madison Art Cinemas

The Sculpture Mile Boston Post Rd. (between Academy St. and Scotland Ave.) (860) 767-2624 Large contemporary sculptures along the Boston Post Rd. situated in the New Alliance Courtyard and around the Scranton Park Pavilion.

Dominican Beauty Salon

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ARTS & LIFE

Color Me Inspired By Kathleen Strain

veryone has a journey,” Barbara Shulman-Kirwin smiled as she began explaining her gallery. “I feel incredibly lucky, but I have to wear so many hats, because I am the owner of the gallery.” Shulman-Kirwin started her journey about fifteen years ago, and as a devoted mother of three, it was not always easy. “I have no business degree, no art degree, and in this day and age, running a business is hard.” However, she wanted to set an example for her children and show them how important it is to do what you love, “If you can make a career out of that, that is everything.” Shulman-Kirwin’s shop is filled with glassware, sculptures, jewelry, clothing, and various other things to fit your personal tastes. She also designs so that it is within personal budget limitations. “I keep my prices low enough so that people are able to buy things without having to think two, or three times about it.” she laughed, “Beauty and budget.” Shulman-Kirwin originally started her professional life after she received a Master’s degree in physical therapy. “I worked very hard to get there, and I loved doing it.” After 15 years, she decided to take a pottery class at the local Guilford Arts Center. “I just fell in love with pottery,” she explained, “I came home one day and said to my husband, I want to become a potter. He thought I was crazy, but life is short, carpe diem.” With the full support of her family, ShulmanKirwin started working with pottery. “I loved working with my hands. I guess it is not such a crazy transition when you think about how I was massaging patients and working with my hands before.” However, her transition into art came to an abrupt

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halt when she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. She lost the ability to mold and grasp the pottery she was making. “I was devastated because I thought my life that I had just created as an artist, was going to go down the toilet,” she says. To lift her spirits, she took a glass fusion workshop. The workshop made her fall in love with glass more than pottery because of the color possibilities. Shulman-Kirwin started with making glass jewelry. “I would wear my own jewelry and friends would come up to me asking if they could buy it,” Shulman-Kirwin said, “I thought, wow, I could really make a living off of this.” From there, a new era was born. She started hosting house parties with the different pieces of jewelry and other glass pieces she had made. With the higher demand of her product, her house became engulfed as a studio. “It became a unanimous decision that mommy needed to find a better place to work,” she said. Shulman-Kirwin began working with a friend of hers who happened to be an architect. Laura Turlington helped her to design an all in one gallery and workplace. “She encouraged me to get out of the home, and really made this place amazing.” Seven years ago, BSK Chroma was born. Located at 20 Church St. in Guilford, the building is hard to miss. It is a very modern, silver semi-circle, and her gallery holds various treasures inside. “The glass has good energy to it, and when you put fun colors together it just brightens your spirits,” she explained. Shulman-Kirwin’s area of art is called fused glass. It is a process in which she buys individual pieces of colored glass. She cuts parts of the different pieces, and puts them together in whichever way she feels. “You are making kind of a puzzle or a mo-

saic with glass,” she said. Shulman-Kirwin’s designs can be simple and modern. She also designs architectural pieces for the home. “A lot of people come in and have me do commission work for them,” she said. “So I will make things specifically for their space, their bathroom, their kitchen, their outdoor garden, whatever it is they want.” She is hugely grateful to have such a wonderful relationship with her clients. “They keep coming back because they know they are helping support a local artist and businesswoman, and that’s been how I have been able to succeed in this economic downturn,” she said. Shulman-Kirwin’s gallery is a perfect place to go for original gifts, especially with the holiday season fast approaching. She has two websites, and is always welcoming customers. “It is hard to walk into a place like this and remain in your doldrums,” she smiled, “It lifts you up.” Visit bskarchitecturalglassdesign.net and bskdesign.net for more information.

ARTS & LIFE

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NEW Canaan Silvermine Art Center

MILFORD Firehouse Art Gallery 81 Naugatuck Ave. (203) 878-6647 Artist in Residence program, classes offered, 1,000 sq ft gallery and community center for the arts.

Milford Center for the Arts 40 Railroad Ave. (203) 878-6647 Art exhibits, music series, an arts and crafts festival, and other special events throughout the year.

SoBoBo Art Gallery & Consortium 17 Broadway (203) 876-9829 Mixed media, classes offered, and unique contemporary art exhibitions.

1037 Silvermine Rd (203) 966-9700 Comprised of a Guild of over 300 professional artists, five galleries presenting new exhibitions every six weeks and sponsoring prestigious regional and national competitions.

NEW HAVEN Artspace 50 Orange St. (203) 772-2709 Thought-provoking visual art public gallery with multiple exhibits, film series and special events.

Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library 121 Wall St. (203) 432-2977 Yale’s architecturally stunning rare book library also hosts regular art exhibits and events..

Channel 1

Elm City Artists Gallery

220 State St. (888) 746-7241 Showroom and gallery of skateboards, graffiti art, pop art and apparel.

55 Whitney Ave. (203) 922-2359 Artist-run art gallery. Includes all mediums from painting to photography, sculpture, to mixed media.

City Gallery

Gallery 195

994 State St. (203) 782-2489 Artist-run contemporary art gallery with 17 members. Artwork includes all mediums, from painting to photography, sculpture, to mixed media.

195 Church St, 4th Floor (203) 772-2788 Sponsored by the Arts Council of Greater New Haven and First Niagara Bank. The gallery exhibits an art show every quarter by two artists.

Creative Arts Workshop 80 Audubon St. (203) 562-4927 Visual arts workshops and art classes for all ages and levels. The Hiles Gallery displays exhibitions year round.

The Grove

DaSilva Gallery

Long Wharf Theatre

897-899 Whalley Ave. (203) 387-2539 Contemporary art gallery that also provides design and framing services.

71 Orange St. (203) 654-9675 A collectively run workspace and art space with occasional exhibits.

222 Sargent Drive (203) 787-4282 Award-winning theater striving to build community through theater and presenting about 6 to 8 plays a year.

WESTVILLE HAS IT ALL!

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City seed Farmer’s market

CaFes, Bars, & niGHtliFe

lyriC Hall • musiC & tHeatre

Galleries & events

Visit WestvilleCT.org! Photos by JoAnne Wilcox Photography & Design Monsters

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By Christopher McDaniel

became a member of the Institute Library this past spring. I saw a little blurb on Facebook and recognized the director’s name. Will Baker is a member of my church and the director of the Institute Library in New Haven since 2011. While I didn’t know anything about the place, I was excited to become a member of one of the last remaining membership libraries in North America While Will is new to the position, the Library is not, nor is it free. It started in 1826 and was officially named the New Haven Young Men’s Institute in 1841. It became the “center for literary culture, adult education and civil discourse in New Haven until the establishment of the New Haven Free Public Library.” There’s an annual membership of $25 per year to help defray the costs. But the dues do not help cover all the costs and the Institute must search for money from outside sources to help fund. They are short on staff and there is a significant deficient. Currently they are accepting donations and applying for many grants. Since there was a free library in New Haven the membership declined and its director at the time, William A Borden, decided to focus on the books and less on public forums. It was a “center of literary culture, adult education, and civil discourse in New Haven for much of the 19th century.” During the 1860s the Library was a place where anti-slave advocates could speak without fear of reprisal. During that time New Haven had close business connections with the South, and talk that could jeopardize New Haven’s economy were often swiftly dealt with by destruction of property

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Institute Library or even tar and feathers. William Borden is said to still be a “living presence” at the Library. He established the current classification system unique to the library. Will Baker found out that he and William Borden were distant cousins and both were related to Lizzie Borden of axe-wielding fame. There has been talk that maybe Mr. Borden’s ghost is still present at the library and that he must have wanted to keep it in the family. Meg Black the coordinator for membership and volunteer services agrees that something is eerie in the place, especially after the sun goes down. She says, “It’s like a B horror film at night.” (An excellent idea for a filming location.) The upstairs was reopened in 2011 after being closed for 40 years, and has been a venue for group shows, local art-

ARTS & LIFE

New Haven’s Unique

ist exhibits, poetry readings and self-help presentations. To find a list of their current presentations, or if you want to be a member please visit their website at institutelibrary.org. The Institute Library is located at 847 Chapel St., New Haven. (203) 562-4045. Visitors are welcome to stop by on Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. to check the place out. For an annual subscription fee of $25, the Institute Library provides members with various amenities, including use of its space for reading and study, borrowing privileges from a circulating collection of approximately 30,000 titles, options to host private events and meetings, first notice of public events and programs, an unusual books-by-mail borrowing service, and input on library acquisitions, space, and programs. Photos by Melissa Gaines

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ARTS & LIFE

ARTS The Institute Library

Kehler Liddell Gallery

River Street Gallery

Yale Architecture Gallery

847 Chapel St. (203) 562-4045 A revitalized membership library with a wide array of public events, theatrical performances, and poetry readings. Also, the oldest independent circulating library in the United States.

873 Whalley Ave. (203) 389-9555 The gallery showcases and represents 24 Connecticut-based artists from all disciplines including painting, sculpture, paper making, and photography, among others.

72 Blatchley Ave. (203) 776-3099 Gallery housed in Fairhaven Furniture. Since 2004 it has showcased the creative works of local artists and artisans.

180 York St. (203) 432-2288 Features exhibitions throughout the year, located on the second floor of the Yale School of Architecture.

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.

Knights of Columbus Museum One State St. (203) 865-0400 Preserving and displaying Catholic heritage through art.

New Haven Museum Lyric Hall Antiques and Conservation 27 Whalley Ave. (203) 389-8885 A Westville performing arts gem for music and theater. Also, an architecture restoration business.

114 Whitney Ave. (203) 562-4183 Permanent exhibits of the New Haven Museum include information about the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history, art galleries, and a maritime gallery.

Shubert Theatre 247 College St. (203) 562-5666 Legendary theater where shows like Oklahoma! made their debut before heading to Broadway. They still do theater, but music too. Recent acts include Willie Nelson, Jeff Mangum and Ray LaMontagne.

White Space Fine Art Gallery 195 Church St. (203) 494-1200 The White Space Gallery is a fine arts gallery focusing on surreal and abstract art and pieces from master artist Salvador Dali.

Yale Center for British Art 1080 Chapel St. (203) 432-2800 Public art and research museum for British art and culture which maintains the largest collection of British art outside of the British isles.

Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History 170 Whitney Ave. (203) 432-5050 Famous for its dinosaur exhibits, very kid-friendly but interesting for adults too. Permanent exhibits and seasonal exhibits.

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By Juli Stupakevich

iving in New Haven, traveling by bicycle can be an inexpensive, efficient and healthy way to get around. As a person who has been cycling in urban areas for over a decade, I can attest to it being no easy feat. Many of our roads are designed solely with cars in mind, despite the large number of cyclists using them. Here are some strategies I’ve found helpful when two-wheeling it around town.

Don’t Bike Against Traffic Though this seems like a given if you’re already following traffic laws, but this is such a common problem that it deserves a mention. When you ride against traffic, the impact of an accident would be your speed PLUS the speed of the oncoming vehicle, as opposed to deducting your speed if you were traveling the same direction.

Follow Traffic Laws Just because you seem to be closer to a pedestrian than a vehicle, you are still technically a vehicle. Don’t abuse the fact that there is gray area there. When you try to justify running lights, you are just as bad as motorists justifying their bad driving, and you make us all look bad. When you ride with traffic, it’s best to be as communicative and predictable as possible.

Don’t Pass Cars on the Right You don’t know if they are turning right but just haven’t signaled, or if someone will unexpectedly open the door of an idling vehicle. When stopping at a light, don’t stop in a driver’s blind spot.

Don’t Always “Stay to the Right” When biking in an urban area, you often have to travel in center or left lanes when the right lane is a turning lane. Also, when cars are parallel-parked along streets, ride a few feet out from them in case someone is opening a door. Beware of trying to always swerve all the way right, especially in the case of parked cars, because when you swerve back, you’re often invisible to the drivers behind you. I usually aim for where a car’s right tire would fall on a road, unless there’s a wide shoulder.

Wear a Helmet Whatever justification you have for not wearing a helmet will disappear with the brain matter that could be destroyed without one. Simple as that. Look Over Your Left Shoulder Always check before merging or turning. Cars are often approaching faster than you may think, and some are quieter than others. Signal More Than You Think You Have To Exaggerate. Be communicative. Many drivers are distracted. Tell them more than once you are turning or taking the

lane. They might have been busy texting the first time. Make Noise If a driver is putting you in danger, YELL. Get their attention. Have, and use a bell. Don’t be timid. I have had to call out to a driver pulling out of a driveway or past a stop sign more times than I could count. A grumpy driver that notices you is safer than a smiling one that doesn’t. Be Visible Wear something bright. If most of your wardrobe is dark, buy a bag with lots of reflectors. Use lights because you are virtually invisible to drivers at night until the last second when it may be too late to avoid you. Anticipate Position yourself where you would be the safest. Constantly scan ahead for potential hazards. For example, when a car is pulling out of a driveway with it’s bumper in your path, immediately look back to see if a car is behind you, and signal and start to edge left as much as in advance as possible. Or, when the road narrows ahead, start to take the lane if there is not enough room for two cars to pass each other, plus you. Mindset Don’t fall prey to the idea that you are in someone’s way. You are not. Don’t ride with the mindset that drivers have the right to be impatient or downright aggressive when traveling around you. The more people there are out riding bikes, taking up the space they deserve, the safer we all are. When driving, give cyclists space each time. Imagine every cyclist you encounter is someone you love, and pass us accordingly.

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Photos by Lisa Nichols

ARTS & LIFE

Biking in a Car-Centric City

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ARTS & LIFE

ARTS Yale University Collection of Musical Instruments 15 Hillhouse Ave. Collections of musical instruments from around the world, spanning thousands of years. The museum produces talks, special events, and concerts throughout the year.

Yale Repertory Theatre 1120 Chapel St. (203) 432-1234 A professional theater staging high-quality new plays that occasionally features worldrenowned 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.

Yale University Art Gallery 1111 Chapel St. (203) 432-0600 The galleries collections include a world tour of art from African art, American painting and sculpture, Asian art, ancient art, European art, and modern and contemporary art.

NORTH HAVEN Farm River Antiques 26 Broadway (203) 239-2434 Buyer and seller of American antiques. Small goods and furniture.

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

WEST HAVEN

The Davis Gallery

Savin Rock Museum

200 Boston Post Rd. (203) 795-4705 A private art gallery exhibiting Connecticut artists in multiple mediums.

6 Rock St. (203) 937-3566 Showcases the history of West Haven’s rich past.

PEZ Visitor Center 35 Prindle Hill Rd. (203) 298-0201 Largest assembly of PEZ collectibles in the world, with special displays and self guided tours.

WALLINGFORD Paul Mellon Arts Center 333 Christian St. (203) 697-2423 The center for the arts at Choate. 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.”

Ward-Heitmann House Museum 277 Elm St (203) 937-9823 The Ward-Heitmann House is a 300-year-old house and the oldest surviving structure in West Haven. Each room represents the lives of families during different periods.

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 the printmaking discipline. It offers intaglio printing, silkscreen printing and life drawing workshops.

ATTENTION SMOKERS! We Want a Picture of Your Brain

Do you smoke every day? Are you between 18-50 years old? Are you medically healthy?

Are you not currently taking prescription medication for depression? Would you like to earn money for participating in brain imaging scans ($100-$250 per scan)?

To find out if you are eligible, please call (203) 785-5296 and ask for: Study # 23914 All calls are confidential HIC 0301023914

P.I. Graeme Mason groovemag.com

GROOVE

The Friends of the UNH Library: Wind Energy Research

“How Tomorrow’s Technologies Will Shape You World” Details: Craig Mudie, chief research and strategy officer of Microsoft will give the Gordon Grand Fellowship Lecture on future technologies and their effect on you. Date: Thursday, Nov. 1 at 2:30 p.m. Location: Yale University’s Kroon Hall, Burke Auditorium

NEURON Conference Details: Conference will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with workshops and discussions throughout and the keynote address “Molecules to Behavior: Role of Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in Nicotine Addiction, Food Intake and Depression,” delivered by Yale University professor Marina Picciotto at 10 a.m. Date: Sunday, Nov. 4 at 9 a.m. Location: Quinnipiac University’s Rocky Top Student on the York Hill Campus

“Albertus Magnus: Expansive Mind, Expansive Heart” Details: Lisa Zuccarelli, O.P., chair of the department of biology and biomedical sciences and the department of chemistry at Salve Regina University, will give the St. Albert the Great Lecture as part of the St. Thomas Aquinas Lecture Series. Date: Monday, Nov. 5 at 5:15 p.m. Location: Albertus Magnus’ Devaney Lecture Hall (in Aquinas Hall on main campus)

“If a Country Loses Its Poems, It Loses Its Soul” Details: Padre Spencer Reese, Fulbright Fellow will give lecture. Date: Monday, Nov. 5 at 6 p.m. Location: Yale University’s La Casa Cultural Center

Variables in Design: Analysis and Model Building Details: Anthony Chony, chief of transmission design for all military aircraft transmissions at Sikorsky Aircraft will give the Alvine Lecture discussing the book “Statistics for Experimenters. Date: Tuesday, Nov. 6 at 6 p.m. Location: University of New Haven’s Schumann Auditorium in the Tagliatela College of Engineering, Room B120

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Details: The Friends of the UNH Library will host a presentation on wind energy by Maria-Isabel Carnasciali, assistant professor of mechanical engineering at UNH. Date: Wednesday, Nov. 7 at 2 p.m. Location: University of New Haven’s Marvin K. Peterson Library, upper level

“Cosmopolitanism in the Imperial Metropole: A Prehistory of Racism and Multicultularism?” Details: Lecture will be given by G. Balachandran, Graduate Institute of Geneva Date: Wednesday, Nov. 7 at 4:30 p.m. Location: Yale University’s Luce Hall, Room 203

“Judaism and its Encounter with the State of Israel” Details: Moshe Halbertal, of New York University and Hebrew University of Jerusalem, will give the Franz Rosenzweig Lectures, addressing the topic “Nationalism, Liberalism and Religion in Modern-Day Israel.” Date: Wednesday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. Location: Yale University’s Sterling Law Building, Room 127

Dietetic Technology/Nutrition Information Session Details: Session is free and open to the public. Late arrivals will not be admitted. Date: Thursday, Nov. 8 at 10 a.m. Location: Gateway Community College Room S408

Jonathan Mitchell Details: Award-winning radio producer, composer and co-creator of “The Truth,” a radio fiction program, will discuss his career and the current state of radio drama in the United States. The event is free and open to the public. Date: Thursday, Nov. 8 at 2 p.m. Location: Quinnipiac University’s Carl Hansen Student Center, Room 119, Mount Carmel Campus

“Crisis in the Media: Whither Journalism? ...Or Withering Away?” Details: Richard Valerian, a Peabody Award-winning television correspondent, will give a lecture on current issues. Date: Friday, Nov. 9 at 5 p.m. Location: Yale University’s Sterling Memorial Library Lecture Hall

Pre-Dental Hygiene Information Session Details: Session is free and open to the public. Late arrivals will not be admitted. Date: Tuesday, Nov. 13 at 3 p.m. Location: Gateway Community College Room S245

Laugh Out Loud College Comedy Night Details: Stand up comedian Bill Burr, of the 200 plus episode Monday Morning Podcast, will perform. Date: Saturday, November 17 at 8 p.m. Location: Southern Connecticut State University’s John Lyman Center for the Performing Arts

The Friends of the UNH Library: María de Molina: A Queen of Indomitable Spirit Details: The Friends of the UNH Library will host a presentation by Paulette Pepin, associate professor of history at UNH, on María de Molina, the queen and regent of the Kingdom of Castile-León (1284-1321), and her struggle to maintain the throne for her son, Fernando IV and her grandson, Alfonso XI. Date: Monday, Nov. 26 at 2 p.m. Location: University of New Haven’s Marvin K. Peterson Library, upper level

Art in Context: “On Damien Hirst: In and Out of Love” Details: Martina Droth and mark Aronson will provide the talk. Date: Tuesday, Nov. 27 at 12:30 p.m. Location: Yale Center for British Art

ARTS & LIFE

Jazz Man George Duke Details: Multi-musician, composer, singer and producer George Duke known for his thirty-plus solo jazz recordings will perform. Date: Saturday, Nov. 10 at 8 p.m. Location: Southern Connecticut State University’s John Lyman Center for Performing Arts

ARTS & LIFE

GROOVE

T HE WASH TUB SHOPPING SCENE 40 Foster Street (corner of Lawrence), New Haven 203-776-3598 self-service laundry mon-wed 8am-9pm thu-sun 8am-10pm mon-fri 8am-7pm sat-sun 10am-5pm

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.

CLINTON Clinton Antique Center

Detail ◆ Plus

Professional Car & Truck Detailing and Accessories 30 Wheelers St. Hamden, CT ◆ (203) 288-8537 DetailPlusCT.com Ultimate Detail Packages:

Ultimate Extreme $199.99

Exterior (only) $109.99

Interior (only) $109.99

$25 OFF Ultimate Detail Package for new customers, including local transportation for drop off & pick up

or 10% off any new customer detail.

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

www.bskdesign.net Chroma Gallery 20c Church St. Guilford, CT 203.453.3111 Monday - Saturday 10:30-5:30 | Sunday 11-3

dichroic glass jewelry, sculpture, custom glass lighting and much more!

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.

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 you 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…the perfect gift certificate for your loved one.

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 Arciuolo Shoe Store 74 Broad St. (203) 877-7463 Since 1921, the Arciuolo name has been synonymous with exceptional footwear and service.

Milford Photo 22 River St. (203) 882-3415 Whether you’re looking for professional equipment or trying to create the perfect photo gift, Milford Photo has just what you need.

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GROOVE

JUST FOR NEW CHASE CHECKING CUSTOMERS

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.

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.

Idiom 1014 Chapel St. (203) 782-2280 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.

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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

100

when you open a Chase Total Checking SM

GET MORE FROM YOUR BANKING RELATIONSHIP

Innovative solutions, personalized products and the service to match.

Hawley Lane Shoes 500 Boston Post Rd. (203) 891-9999 Women’s and men’s casual and dressy shoes featuring top brands.

V.I.P. 170 Boston Post Rd. (203) 799-7040 V.I.P. a Mega romantic boutique with a huge department full of sexy and risqué lingerie for every occasion. .

WEST HAVEN Peschell’s Cake & Pastry, Inc. 107 Campbell Ave. (203) 933-1766 Baking fine Italian pastries and cakes since the 1950s.

Woodbridge Woodbridge Firearms 28 Selden St 203-298-9758 Your place to buy, sell, and trade firearms as well as NRA Basic Safety Courses to obtain your permit.

Redeemable ONLY at 153 College Street, New Haven (corner of College and George Streets)

203-772-4994

ARTS & LIFE

Get

NEW HAVEN

DINING

GROOVE

DINING BRANFORD Assaggio’s Restaurant 168 Montowese St. (203) 483-5426 Classic Northern Italian dishes with a contemporary twist.

Mango’s Bar and Grille

The Rib House

Forte’s Deli

988 Main St. (203) 483-7700 An island twist on classic American food with a friendly dining area.

16 Main St. (203) 468-6695 The best restaurant for ribs in a comfortable atmosphere, with an exceptional quality of food.

1153 Boston Post Rd. (203) 453-4910 Amazing variety of sandwiches, meats, cold cuts, and bread.

Parthenon Diner

560 East Main St. (Rte.1) (203) 481-2356 Known for its delicious seafood, ribs, and nightly entertainment.

374 East Main St. (Rte.1) (203) 481-0333 Excellent food quality and prices. Open 24 hours with good service and perfect for family dinners at the diner.

Dockside Seafood and Grille

SBC Restaurant and Brewery

Chowder Pot

145 Block Island Rd. (203) 488-3007 Fresh seafood that is reasonably priced with beautiful waterfront views.

850 West Main Street (203) 488-3663 Known for its 27 home-brewed beers and casual dining atmosphere.

Eli’s on the Hill

Shoreline Café

624 West Main St. (203) 488-2700 Classic American food and a wide variety of draft beer.

Jalapeño Heaven 40 North Main St. (203) 481-6759 A casual Mexican restaurant with authentic Mexican flavor in every dish.

La Luna 168 North Main Street (203) 483-9995 A restaurant that represents a unique blend of authentic Tuscan cuisine and truly innovative culinary creations.

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.

1247 Main St. (203) 488-2600 Open for breakfast and lunch, this café offers sandwiches, a salad bar, delicious burgers and amazing stuffed breads, baked fresh everyday.

Waiting Station 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.

EAST HAVEN Antonio’s Ristorante 672 Main St. (203) 469-2386 Traditional Italian cuisines made with always-fresh ingredients in a quiet atmosphere.

Sandpiper Restaurant 161 Cosey Beach Ave. (203) 469-7544 Family-friendly and casual seafood restaurant with a great outdoor patio area.

GUILFORD 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. #1 (203) 453-0319 Excellent selection of wines, olives, cheeses, cured meats, and some more filling meal sized dishes - all in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere.

Bufalina 1070 Boston Post Rd. (203) 458-1377 Delicious wood fired pizza, true pizza lovers must try this spot.

First Garden Chinese Restaurant 381 Boston Post Rd. (203) 458-2145 A very friendly and welcoming Chinese restaurant. Eat-in or take-out.

Guilford Mooring 505 Whitfield St. (203) 458-2921 Traditional New England seafood restaurant on the water in Guilford.

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 725 Boston Post Rd. (203) 453-0771 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.

groovemag.com

New Haven Restaurant week:

GROOVE

Cheap, so you don’t have to be By Joe Callaghan

member to be open-minded and understanding. The offerings on the prix fixe menus will be special, shortened ones, and will be limited to a few choices to be enjoyed the way the Chef wishes to serve them. Keeping in mind that the servers do not get any price breaks on gasoline or rent during restaurant week, the considerate diner will keep the wait staffs efforts in mind. Tip generously if your service was good. This is a tough week for them. They have to deal with those other customers too. Here are a few more tips to help you get the most out of New Haven Restaurant week: Choose your restaurants wisely. Don’t go to the places that are already good deals, aim higher.Make reservations. If you want to get in and out, go early. If you want to linger, reserve a later seating. Take a friend or two but this is not the week for large parties. Do Lunch. It’s cheaper, and still can be a great experience. Joe Callaghan is a New Haven native and a true foodie. He has spent the last 35 years of his life experiencing all aspects of the food service and hospitality industry.

DINING DINING

ew Haven Restaurant week kicks off again November 11th. Twice a year, a selection of New Haven’s great eateries open their doors a little wider than usual, offering a sampling of their fare at more accessible prices. This fall, 34 downtown spots are taking part in this biannual event. Participating restaurants offer a set three-course menu consisting of an appetizer, entrée, and dessert at a great low price. These prix fixe (a complete meal offered at a fixed price) menus are offered at $18 for lunch and $32 for dinner. This event is a good way for restaurants to increase their traffic during what is traditionally a slower time of year. It benefits customers by making restaurant dining more attractive to those of us who would otherwise hesitate to come out during these tight times. I feel it. Faced with the remaining bills from summer, and the looming Holiday season, I’m doing a lot of cooking at home myself. Restaurant Week is the ideal time however, to try out places you can’t normally afford or have never taken the oppor-

tunity to try. It’s a great opportunity to sample that place you’ve been wondering about, without breaking the bank. Perhaps you’ll find a new favorite and come back once or twice this year. That’s what they’re hoping for. Something to remember though, is that these are generous prices. Drinks and gratuity are not includPhoto by Charlotte Greene ed. Restaurant staff know that there will be two kinds of people who take advantage of Restaurant Week. Some will be out solely looking for the deal. These customers will drink only water. They will have unrealistic expectations and they will see these unrealized expectations as a justification for tipping poorly. At the very least they will assume the regular 20% gratuity applies to the adjusted prices. These are the customers that are dreaded by service staff and who give Restaurant Week a bad rap among those who work in restaurants. Thankfully, there will be those of us who understand and are grateful for the opportunity to sample the fare of a great restaurant at an accessible price. We’ll re-

Photo by Jake Grubman

These are the participating restaurants: 116 Crown, Ninth Square.................... 203-777-3116 Adrianas , Fair Haven........................... 203-865-6474 Anna Liffey’s, East Rock...................... 203-773-1776 Barcelona, Downtown.......................... 203-848-3000 Basta, Downtown................................ 203-772-1715 Bentara, Ninth Square.......................... 203-562-2511 Carmen Anthony, Upper State ............. 203-773-1444 Caseus, East Rock............................... 203-624-3373 Christopher Martins, Upper State ........ 203-776-8835 Geronimo, Downtown.......................... 203-777-7700 Goodfellas, Upper State ...................... 203-785-8722 Heirloom, g r o Downtown........................... o v e m a g . c o m 203-503-3919

Ibiza Restaurant, Downtown................ 203-865-1933 Istanbul Cafe, Downtown..................... 203-787-3881 John Davenport’s, Downtown.............. 203-974-6858 Kudeta, Downtown.............................. 203-562-8844 L’Orcio, Upper State ............................ 203-777-6670 Miya’s Sushi, Chapel West................... 203-777-9760 Oaxaca Kitchen, Downtown................. 203-859-5774 Olde School Saloon, Upper State ........ 203-772-0544 Pacifico, Downtown............................ 203-772-4002 Press, Upper State .............................. 203-787-0227 Sage American Grill, Long Wharf......... 203-787-3466 Soul de Cuba, Downtown.................... 203-498-2822

Temple Grill, Downtown....................... 203-773-1111 Thali, Ninth Square.............................. 203-777-1177 The Cask Republic, Downtown............ 475-238-8335 The Kitchen Table, Downtown............. 203-787-5422 Tre Scalini , Wooster Square ............... 203-777-3373 Union League Cafe, Downtown........... 203-562-4299 Zafra Cuban Restaurant, Ninth Square.... 203-859-5342 Zaroka, Chapel West............................ 203-776-8644 Zinc, Downtown................................... 203-624-0507

GROOVE

DINING Shoreline Diner and Vegetarian Enclave

MADISON

345 Boston Post Rd. (203) 458-7380 Vegetarian specialty diner.

725 Boston Post Rd. (203) 245-7773 Friendly and casual atmosphere with a great selection of Italian food along with outstanding lobster.

DINING

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 Park Central Tavern 1640 Whitney Avenue (203) 287-8887 Drink the Best, Eat the Best...Not a Tavern, Your Local Tavern, Park Central Tavern.

Café Allegre

Lenny and Joe’s Fish Tale 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.

Malone’s 56A Academy St. (203) 245-6161 The perfect spot to go for steak, seafood, and homemade soups. Known as a true locals spot in Madison; it’s the place to eat and enjoy a conversation.

The Red Tomato

Bin 100

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

100 Lansdale Ave. (203) 882-1400 Spanish and Asian dishes in a romantic atmosphere with an extensive wine list.

The Wharf Restaurant 94 W. Wharf Rd. (203) 245-0005 Part of the Madison Beach Hotel, it offers beautiful waterfront views from all outdoor seats and is a classic New England seafood spot.

Zhang’s Restaurant 44 Boston Post Rd. (203) 245-3300 The perfect spot for excellent Chinese and Japanese food where every dish is prepared beautifully and timely.

MILFORD The Beach House 141 Merwin Ave. (203) 877-9300 Fine dining with fresh seafood and Italian cuisine. Live music and an exclusive wine list.

Citrus 56 S Broad St. (203) 877-1138 Martinis, American-Caribbean fusion in a great little nightlife spot.

Jeffrey’s Bistro by Claudio 501 New Haven Ave. (203) 878-1910 Elegant American cuisine and fresh atmosphere. Beautiful patio dining in the summer, right on the Indian River.

Sakura Garden 1201 Boston Post Rd. (203) 877-8884 Large sushi restaurant and Asian buffet.

groovemag.com

Caseus Fromagerie and Bistro

The Big Taste

GROOVE

By Thomas Russo

After finishing his complex field of study and working at an excellent cheese

shop in Cambridge, Sobocinski returned to Connecticut wanting to open his own shop. The thing is, running a straight-up cheese shop is not the easiest thing to do. Many go under after a short period of time. Sobocinski knew he would have to try a multi-dimensional approach and what resulted was Caseus Fromagerie and Bistro. They’ve done quite well, having logically extended the idea of the cheese shop as far as starting with the finest cheeses and other artisan products, then creating a restaurant and store around those products. The Fromagerie sells much more than just cheese, too. They’ve got chocolates, olive oils, antibiotic/hormone-free meats, jams, coffees, spices, cooking tools and apparel, cookbooks, and more. You’ve really got to stop by and see for yourself because the selection is updated fairly constantly. Sobocinski is always on the lookout for new products to carry and if you suggest something that you’d like to see on the shelves, they’ll get it.

groovemag.com

The bistro is also something that has to be experienced. Sobocinski describes the food as influenced by cultures throughout Europe, from America, and being generally nostalgic. What is easily observable is the presence of their cheeses in most dishes. The menu changes every season and as such the availability of certain locally grown and produced products dictate what’s on the menu. The specials are new every day. In the past week these are some of the sorts of things they’ve offered: - Fried Cheese Sandwich- Crispy fried queso de freir on warm brioche with a chunky eggplant ragout sauce -Pan seared scallops- Pan seared scallops over a white wine and toasted nut risotto finished with an alpine cheese blend and a sweet onion thyme jam-Blackened Catfish SandwichPan seared blackened catfish on a warm brioche bun, with chunky guacamole and an herb chèvre dressing-Tortillas Enchilada with Duck - Corn tortillas dipped in red chile sauce and then pan fried served with pulled house made duck confit tossed with caramelized onions and orange zest. Crispy queso de freir, lettuce, radishes, red onions, local cilantro and chiles with fresh lime and cider vinegar It all sounds pretty good, doesn’t it? That’s because it is. If you’re having a hard time deciding on what to order Sobocinski suggests “closing your eyes, picking something, and coming back the next day.” You really can’t go wrong. The beer and wine selections are right up there with the food. The beers are craft and all wines on the menu are available by the glass. Prices for food and drink are completely reasonable, especially considering the quality. Sobocinski has stayed dynamic in his business model of the super-cheese shop by offering more than a storefront and

Photos by Melissa Gaines

dining area. There’s a “Cheese Van” that can be seen throughout downtown serving soups and sandwiches and is available for catering of events. He’s recently published a cookbook that is very tastefully printed. He also teaches educational classes at Caseus that focus on developing a palate for wine, beer, cheese, and more, all of them in a light and fun atmosphere. As I mentioned before, learning, enjoying the food, and having fun is really at the heart of all that Jason and his staff do. Appreciation and accolades for Caseus are fairly widespread. The Food Network magazine named the Caseus Grill Cheese the best sandwich in Connecticut, the bistro has an eclectic repeat customer base, and more than a few of New Havens finer establishments order products from the Fromagerie, including a New Haven favorite, the Owl Shop. Caseus proves that it’s possible to take what you do seriously and to also be approachable about it. Great food doesn’t have to come with a dress code. It doesn’t have to come with an air of superiority. Jason is a very mellow guy and his staff, while extremely knowledgeable, are the same way. They’ll make you feel at home and are more than willing to answer any questions you may have. The whole package makes appreciation of the finer things completely accessible. “There are people out there who get uppity and snooty about fine food. What I found, though, was that the people that make our cheeses are the salt of the earth and are completely unpretentious about their craft; they do what they do because they love doing it.” Jason brings the same sort of attitude to Caseus, saying, “If it’s not fun, I don’t want to do it.” If you haven’t had their food or felt the love they have for their customers, its time you made a visit. What you’ll find is that humble wisdom I mentioned, the willingness to share their passion and to provide a comfortable, delicious, and genuinely fun culinary experience. Information concerning the many facets of Caseus Fromagerie and Bistro can be found at caseusnewhaven.com

DINING

umble wisdom, I think, is a good way to characterize the presentation of products at Caseus Fromagerie and Bistro. Enjoyment and education are also integral parts of what owner Jason Sobocinski and his staff have been putting forward since opening in 2008. From their relatively small yet cozy location at 93 Whitney Ave, Caseus has been dishing out good vibes and good food hand over fist for the past four years. A Connecticut native, Sobocinski earned a masters in Gastronomy at Boston University. For those who don’t know, Gastronomy is pretty much the study of food in terms of history, utility, science, and art.

GROOVE

DINING

Sloppy Jose’s

Anna Liffey’s

186 Hillside Ave. (203) 878-9847 Milford’s oldest Mexican Restaurant with huge selection of tequila.

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 sports.

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 Northern and Southern Italy.

Anastasio’s 127 Wooster St. (203) 776-4825 Traditional Italian cuisine. You can’t go wrong with pizza, pasta, or a sub.

Archie Moore’s 188 Willow St. (203) 773-9870 You want the best wings in town? Go here. They are exquisite and legendary.

Athenian Diner 1426 Whalley Ave. (203) 397-1556 Greek, Italian, and Jewish dishes. Either a solid breakfast or a late night spot. Right by the Merritt, if you need a little food before the long ride home.

Atticus Bookstore and Café 1082 Chapel St. (203) 776-4040 Coffee, soup, salads, sandwiches, desserts and of course, Chabaso bread.

Basta Trattoria 1006 Chapel St. (203) 772-1715 Upscale Italian cuisine in a cozy spot. Cute outdoor seating.

Black Bear Saloon

Caseus Fromagery and Bistro

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.

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.

Box 63

Claire’s Corner Copia

338 Elm St. (203) 821-7772 American fare you can eat with your hands.Try the burgers, salads, nachos and truffle fries.

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.

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’. Large 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.

C.O. Jones 969 State St. (203) 773-3344 Fun friendly atmosphere. New Haven needs this Mexican place and you need to check it out. Complimentary burrito bar at happy hour.

Consiglio’s 165 Wooster St. (203) 865-4489 An institution since the 1930s. Classic Wooster Street.

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.

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J.P. Dempsey’s

Kitchen Zinc

The Meatball House

702 State St. (203) 785-8722 Well presented Italian food made with farm fresh ingredients, vegetarian options available.

974 State St. New Haven, CT (203) 624-5991 Neighborhood bar. Large beer selection. Weekday happy hour.

966 Chapel St. (203) 772-3002 Quaint spot around back of Zinc, a hidden gem. Great artisan pizza, happy hour and a patio.

1180 Chapel St. (203) 772-3360 Meatballs of all sorts (pork, chicken, beef, even veggie), great happy hour and beer list.

Heirloom

Johnny Salami’s

Kumo

Mediterranea

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.

205 Food Terminal Plaza (203) 777-7906 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.

7 Elm St. (203) 562-6688 Sushi, hibachi, steakhouse, and bar. Fun environment. Also with a location in Hamden.

140 Orange St. (203) 624-0589 Middle Eastern foods and pizza too, in a relaxing hookah lounge in the heart of downtown.

L’Orcio

Mezcal

House of Chao 898 Whalley Ave. (203) 389-6624 The best General Tso’s Chicken ever. A New Haven institution for more than 20 years. If you’re in the mood for Chinese, go here.

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.

806 State St. (203) 777-6670 Fresh pasta, Italian elegance, patio in the back is a gem.

Louis’ Lunch 263 Crowne St. (203)-562-5507 A New Haven legend, since 1895. Louis’ invented the hamburger, one of the best burgers in the country.

14 Mechanic St. (203) 782-4828 Authentic Mexican cuisine where it is done with passion.

Miya’s Japanese Restaurant 68 Howe Street (203) 777-9760 Excellent traditional sushi and wildly creative new sushi ideas! For those who appreciate sushi, this is the place.

874 State Street New Haven 203 776 5306 www.modernapizza.com

“Know Where the Locals Go!” groovemag.com

DINING

Goodfellas Restaurant

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DINING Modern Apizza 874 State St. (203) 776-5306 Another classic New Haven pizza restaurant, up there with the elite.

DINING

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.

Royal Palace

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

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

820 State St. 203-562-8200 Great tasting sandwiches for breakfast and lunch, delivery available.

The Pantry

Sally’s Apizza

Thali

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.

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

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

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.

Sunrise Deli

P & M Orange Street Market

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

Sitar 45 Grove St. (203) 777-3234 Indian cuisine at its finest. Sevenday 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.

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

Temple Grill 152 Temple St. (203) 773-1111 Great sandwiches and pasta, but this is the place to go to create your own salad.

Tre Scalini 100 Wooster St. (203) 777-3373 Upscale Italian dining in a beautiful environment. A Wooster Sreet exclusive.

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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

Wicked Wolf Tavern 144 Temple St. (203) 752-0450 Classic Irish fare and beer. Young college crowd after 10 p.m.

Yorkside Pizza 288 York St. (203) 787-7471 A Yale classic. Next door to Toad’s. Grab a slice before the show or have a nice family dinner.

Zafra Cuban Restaurant and Rum Bar 259 Orange Street (203) 859-5342 Authentic Cuban food, great cocktails, and 125 different varieties of rum!

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

Zinc 964 Chapel St. (203) 624-0507 Another New Haven classic restaurant going strong. From locals, to the Yale community, to visitors, this is a favorite.

NORTH HAVEN Bellini’s Italian Cuisine and Pizza 2 Broadway (203) 234-2221 A bright and welcoming Italian restaurant, with consistent quality in every dish.

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F E E D

ORANGE Baja’s 63 Boston Post Rd. (203) 799-2252 Pure Mexican joint.

Coromandel Cuisine of India 185 Boston Post Rd. (203) 795-9055 Spicy quality Indian cuisine. Daily buffet and weekend brunch. Will soothe the soul.

Y O U R

Hayama Japanese Steakhouse 199 Boston Post Rd. (203) 795-3636 Hibachi style. Fun environment and good food.

Thai House 200 Boston Post Rd. (203) 795-3088 Flavorful and delicious dishes. Get out here if you can.

Wasabi Japanese Restaurant 350 Boston Post Rd. (203) 795-5856 Sushi and Japanese. Great for lunch or take-out.

WALLINGFORD 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.

WEST HAVEN 744 West Restaurant 744 Boston Post Rd. (203) 934-5726 Fresh seafood, steak, and sandwiches.

Biagetti’s Restaurant 77 Campbell Ave. (203) 934-7700 Family owned, classic Italian dishes.

Chef Inspired American Comfort Food BOX 63 | 338 ELM STREET NEW HAVEN, CT | 203.821.7772

WWW.BOX63.COM

V I B E

DINING

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

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MUSIC LISTINGS

MUSIC

Photo by Audra Napolitano

BRIDGEPORT

FAIRFIELD

Webster Theater

Café Nine

Acoustic Cafe

Fairfield Theatre Company

2926 Fairfield Ave. (203) 335-3655 The jam band scene is alive and kicking thanks to hip fun cheap places like this one. Take a little ride, its a blast here.

70 Sanford St 203-319-1404 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.

31 Webster St. (860) 525 - 5553 A smaller venue offering local underground music, as well as alternative/rock artists on their main stage..

250 State St. (203) 789-8281 “The musician’s living room.” A lovable dive with live music every night of the week.

Downtown Cabaret 263 Golden Hill St. (203) 576-1634 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 Lots of live music, including open mic Wednesdays and Indy Thursdays.

Cheshire 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.

Derby Twisted Vine Restaurant 285 Main St. (203) 734-2462 Italian restaurant with live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Hamden Park Central Tavern 1640 Whitney Ave. (203) 287-8887 Live music every Saturday night!

The Space 295 Treadwell St. (203) 288-6400 An all ages music and arts venue geared towards indie and local music for the younger crowd.

The Outer Space 295 Treadwell St. (203) 288-6400 21+ affiliate to the Space that offers a huge craft beer selection and local live music.

Hartford Comcast Theatre 61 Savitt Way (203) 265-1501 Owned by Live Nation, it’s one of the largest outdoor amphitheaters in the country holding 22,500.

Cave A Vin

New Haven Anna Liffey’s 17 Whitney Ave. (203) 773-1776 An Irish pub with a hearty menu that offers an extensive 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 the occasional live rock act.

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 mellow jazz and acoustic music.

Elm Bar 372 Elm St. (475) 238-8529 The successor to Rudy’s, a similar ambiance of the rowdy bar and intimate music venue that was there for more than 70 years.

Firehouse 12 45 Crown St. (203) 785-0468 Recording studio, bar, lounge and jazz concert venue with an intimate atmosphere that encourages artists to be creative.

John Lyman Center for the Performing Arts 501 Crescent St. (203) 392-6154 Semi-regular scheduled acts open to the public at Southern Connecticut State University.

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Stella Blues:

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A Musician’s Stepping Stone By Hannah Woomer

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“You know, they were right out of college, mid twenties, and started playing here about two and a half years ago,” says Ashcroft, “and twenty, thirty people would come to their show. They just kept at it and at it and now they have to do unannounced shows here because the last time they did an announced show here as the Cosmic Dust Bunnies we couldn’t fit all the people in, and now they’re playing Toad’s... It just goes to show if you’re a young band just starting out, and keep working hard, one minute you’re playing Stella Blues, and a couple years later you’re playing for a crowd of 600 people.” “For us, it kind of feels like we’re helping these bands get going, that we’re a part of that.” Erlanger adds. The walls of the bar tell this very story, as Grateful Dead artworks have slowly been replaced by framed posters of bands that have played over the years. And as Stella Blues is deeply nestled into its third year, it’s evident the number of acts coming through will increase. Upcoming shows at Stella Blues include Phtureprimitve on November 8th, DrFameus on the 9th, and both The Revivalists and Van Ghost playing on the 18th. The two latter ensembles especially speak to the diversity of sound entering the bar. The Chicago based Van Ghost released their latest effort, The Domino Effect, this summer. This classic rock album is fronted with powerful vocals and eclectic undertones, with tunes like “Easy On Me” dancing on the pop country line, while “Modern Day Love Affair” has a smoother, funkier vibe. The Revivalists hail all the way from New Orleans, with their March release City of Sound allowing them to gain plenty of ground up north. For show dates and what’s on tap, visit www. stellabluesbar.com Photos by Lisa Nichols

MUSIC

earing a name like “Stella Blues” could provoke a multitude of assumptions. For those who are unfamiliar with the tune, it could be assumed to be a blues lounge, but owner Tom Ashcroft had something very different in mind. “It’s just my favorite Grateful Dead song,” he says. Ashcroft’s family has a long lineage around New Haven. After moving back to Connecticut from California, Ashcroft met his now business partner, friend, and Stella Blues co-owner Josh Erlanger through mutual friends. “We had people telling us, ‘Listen, you guys are looking at the same space, you should talk.’” says Ashcroft. What was an old day care turned into, what Erlanger and Ashcroft wanted to be, a neighborhood bar. Erlanger says, “Our big thing was going to be this draft thing I found out in Atlanta where you could actually pour your own beer at the table.” “It was awesome, but Connecticut wouldn’t let us do it!” says Ashcroft. The pair then put their focus into creating a fun but relaxed lounge bar where people could sit and enjoy music playing from a jukebox that has since been removed. “Music was always going to drive the venue,” says Erlanger, but not the way the two had originally planned.

It seems New Haven is experiencing a renaissance of music in recent years. “We had an era, about twenty or so years ago, where you just wouldn’t come down here... now there’s restaurants, there’s stores, and I think music is coming along with all of that,” says Erlanger. “Then, in the ‘90s and 2000s, clubs got big,” adds Ashcroft. New Haven saw a shift of disappearing live acts and a growth of dance clubs. Now, Ashcroft says, it’s coming back. “There really is a talented musical base in New Haven,” Erlanger notes. “I’m constantly surprised by the quality.” Ashcroft says, “We had been open a couple of months, and our friend brought his band out from Boston, and it just packed the place. We took the furniture off the stage and the place is packed. We kind of looked at each other and said, ‘Hm, live music, huh?’ Six months later we were doing live music seven nights a week. We sat down and said, ‘Okay, live music is going to be our thing.’” They quickly switched out the couches and ottomans covering the stage for a house band and open mic nights every Tuesday, and Stella Blues has been known for its constant live music scene ever since. Ashcroft and Erlanger also note how many of their bands who are gaining audiences in the New Haven area started either meeting each other at open mic night or playing small gigs on their modest stage. One of the most notable names is the Cosmic Dust Bunnies.

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Rudy’s

Stella Blues

1227 Chapel St. (203) 865-1242 A relocated New Haven institution. Hosting live raging music in a neighborhood bar. Try their frites.

204 Crown St. (203) 752-9764 A bar and local rock/jam band venue popular with New Haven’s singles crowd. Live music seven days a week.

The Owl Shop

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.

MUSIC

Neighborhood Music School 100 Audubon St. (203) 624-5189 Hosts jazz, classical and pops concerts put on by the school’s students and faculty.

New Haven Symphony Orchestra (203) 865-0831 Performances at Woolsey Hall and around the state.

Olde School Saloon & Bistro 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).

268 College St. (203) 624-3250 Historic cigar bar and blues venue with old-world charm that offers live jazz every Tuesday and Wednesday.

Shubert Theater 247 College St. (203) 562-5666 Non profit performing arts theater that produces everything from plays, musicals, live rock, and classical.

Sprague Memorial Hall

Toad’s Place 300 York St. (203) 624-TOAD Historic all genre concert venue with many weekly/monthly acts and Saturday night dance parties. Dylan and the Stones have played here.

Wicked Wolf Tavern 144 Temple St. (203) 752-0450 DJ based dance club. Plenty of space to enjoy your drinks and move around with their spacious rooms.

470 College St. (203) 432-4158 Concert Hall on Yale’s campus that features Yale School of Music Concerts.

yale institute of sacred music presents

Dona nobis pacem advent concert yale camerata

Marguerite L. Brooks conductor

Music of Kathryn Alexander, JS Bach, Felix Mendelssohn, Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, Arvo Pärt, Tawnie Olson and more.

MUSIC & bOUTIqUE ShOP Over 25,000 Records & 45s! New & Used CDs Eco-Friendly Products Locally Made Unique Goods

saturday, december 1 8 pm · battell chapel 400 college street, new haven Free; no tickets required. More information at 203.432.5062 or www.yale.edu/ism

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Mention this ad & get 10% off a $20 purchase.

325 Main Street | Niantic, CT 860/739.9018 - Open 7 Days Year Round www.TumbleweedsCT.com groovemag.com

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The Cosmic Dust Bunnies From the Cosmos to the Stage

By Kathleen Strain

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band, “ever since then, we have been playing for pretty big crowds; that was a next level kind of thing.” They want to take this band as far as it will let them. Their ultimate goal is not to have day jobs and to make this be a primary source of income. It is not all about the money for them though, “nothing is better than playing music and having fun,” Sellas said. Some of their favorite shows are played at Toads Place in New Haven. “The Connecticut crowd is what helped us get to where we are today,” he said, “just that alone is memorable for us.” They all recall some of their best and worst moments as a band were performing live. In September they played a show at the Heads in Harmony Festival in Norridgewock, Maine. Their van was stuck in the mud after the show due to torrential rains. After using the floor mats as traction for their tires, and the help of two festival goers, it took them hours to finally be able to leave. “It isn’t a glamorous lifestyle,” Hyland said, “but it is a livelihood.” They hope to record and release an album soon, which they are currently in the process of. They also hope for possible airplay to go along with their success. From November 8th to the 11th they will be playing the Autumnation Festival in Lake George, New York. Whilst In December they will be embarking on a three week long Northeastern tour, playing three shows a week. On December 7th, they will be returning to Toad’s Place in New Haven. “I would definitely say I’m in it to win it,” Sellas explained, “But we definitely challenge each other. You know, it’s a progressing ship.” Photo by Casey Roche

MUSIC

urn it up; that’s the sound of the Cosmic Dust Bunnies, an odd name for a fantastic sound. This band is original, smooth, and undoubtedly real. Their jazzy, electronic beats produce a sound that almost forces you to dance. “Energy,” is what Eric Hyland, the drummer, describes it. Founded in 2006, the Cosmic Dust Bunnies were destined to be great from the start. Each of the band mates had been in love with music since they were young. Some of its members attended high school together in Cheshire, Connecticut. After pursuing various other bands and musical talents, the Cosmic Dust Bunnies were born. The band is popular amongst the jam band scene and the electronica scene. The sound they create is an onion of styles. To peel back a few layers, there are shades of reggae, rock, alternative, electronic, and anything that can fit in-between. When asked any specific musical influences they simply replied with, “We could name stuff forever.” The band has played covers, but really gets into some of their own music. Some of their songs such as “Jay in the Life”, or “88 MPH”, have endless tunes that make your thoughts wander. “Flood the Streets,” is one of the songs that the band collectively loves to play live. Matt Dempsey, the guitarist, Chris Sellas, the keyboardist, and Hyland, had a band together prior to the Dust Bunnies. When they opened for another band, which featured Matt Becket on bass, they decided to jam together. “It just clicked and we went from there,” Dempsey said.

There was an article in some type of NASA publication explaining the fascinating colors that erupt when a star emits dust, or a collection of particles and debris. The dust is referred to as a Cosmic Dust Bunny, and it is the process of birthing other stars into the atmosphere which happens very rarely. “When naming a band, it has to be something that just comes to you,” Beckett said, “At first, when you typed the name into Google, the NASA thing would come up first; but now we are there.” The band has had tremendous success in the entire Northeast region. They have played shows as far north as Maine, and as far south as Philadelphia. However, they are still hungry for more. “I like to make goals for myself,” Sellas explained, “how far we can get, and when we can get there.” Hyland explained how playing at BOMB fest changed everything for the

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fairfield theatre company

music

on StageOne

Woolsey Hall 500 College St. (203) 432-9630 Yale’s largest concert hall and the best place in town to experience classical music. Hendrix and Cream played there in the ‘60s. It’s got a haunted organ too.

11/7 tommy castro 11/9 aztec two-step 11/11 jerry douglas 11/15 fountains of wayne 11/16 tim reynolds & tr3

Wallingford Jake’s Martini Bar 179 Center St. (203) 793-1782 (1PUB) Live local music Friday and Saturday nights with 150 beers to choose from on their menu.

bmW OF bRiDgEPORT DRiviNg muSiC SERiES

11/17 cactus

Yale Institute of Sacred Music 409 Prospect St. (203) 432-5180 Choirs, organ music and anything else that might sound good in a church. Concerts are produced at various venues around New Haven.

11/18 roBert randolph and the family Band OLA FOODS gREAT TASTE muSiC SERiES

11/21 twiddle 11/23 caravan of thieves 11/24 Brother joscephus and the love revival revolution UNDERWRITTEN BY: WALTER PiERz AND ELLEN LiEbmAN OF NORTHWESTERN muTuAL

Yale School of Music

12/1 lez zeppelin

470 College St. (203) 432-4155 Weekly classical music with elegant performances of students, in addition to national and international classical and jazz acts.

12/6 steve KimocK 12/9 john gorKa

MUSIC

12/14 shawn colvin OLA FOODS gREAT TASTE muSiC SERiES

12/15 an intimate holiday evening with raul malo 12/16 lucKy peterson 12/28 assemBly of dust 12/30 ryan montBleau Band 12/31 ryan montBleau Band 1/10 matt schofield

tim reynolds & tr3 “Tim Reynolds’ guitar improvisations are, in a word, sick.” — jAmbANDS.COm

1/31 jeff leBlanc 4/25 joe sample

North Haven Playbook Sports Bar & Grille 425 Washington Ave. (203) 239-6042 Sports bar that offers booking special events, comedy nights, and live bands every Friday.

Orange

at The Klein

little feat and 11/8 leon russell Boz scaggs 4/6

Boz scaggs

GENEROUSLY UNDERWRITTEN BY: COHEN AND WOLF, P.C., ATTORNEYS AT LAW

the faB faux 4/27 bmW OF bRiDgEPORT DRiviNg muSiC SERiES

Bear and Grill 385 Boston Post Rd. (203) 298-0742 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 on StageOne | at The Klein Fairfield Theatre Company 70 Sanford Street Fairfield, CT 06824 Box Office: 203.259.1036 www.fairfieldtheatre.org

season sponsors

149 Westchester Ave 914-937-4126 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., you need to make the trip to this historic venue.

Cherry Street Station 491 N. Cherry Street Ext. (203) 265-2902 A heavy metal dive bar if ever there was one, located inside an old railroad station. Cheap beer and good times. The trains roar by every now and then.

Oakdale Theater 95 South Turnpike Rd. (203) 284-1816 Large, stadium seating theater that draws in big music acts from all over the world.

Old Dublin 171 Quinnipiac St. (203) 949-8022 Traditional Irish pub with live music every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday; great for local Irish musicians.

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!

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Mushroom Cloud

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The vibrant and awakening sound

groovemag.com

By Savannah Mul

Photo by Casey Roche

Paul said “We’re not always against adding vocals in the future, we’re constantly changing.” Paul explains how the band aims for music that people would want to dance to in a live situation and they want the crowd to notice they aren’t afraid to take chances within their music. “I want people to come see us and realize that we really love what we’re doing and each song really means a lot to us.” Mazur explains within the year of being with the band, they have already done so much and said if people can do anything when they come see them perform it would be, “to dance and get lost within our music.” When performing on stage the band plays from memory while keeping their live performances as interesting as possible. In doing so, they play parts of their songs differently by extending riffs and drumbeats, and incorporating transitional jams and riffs that flow into each new song. On Sept. 21 Mushroom Cloud released their first debut album available for free download on reverbnation.com/the-

mushroomcloud. It contains 60-minutes of original music. Russ says “A new show almost every time is crucial.” The band doesn’t want to play and sound the exact same way as recorded on their album. They said they improvise a lot on stage with transitio ns into songs and want to make their live performances as compelling as possible. “We’re not trying to sound like anyone else, and we have a really high energy sound and are still learning and playing our hardest,” Russ said. The band describes performing as a battle with giving their most and putting their best in the music. With breaking strings and bleeding hands at the end of the night, the band agrees that nothing is better than doing what they love and are happy doing it. Next the band has plans of putting out a second album as well as looking for a replacement keyboardist to add to their psychedelic sound. Upcoming shows The Mushroom Cloud will be playing include Nov. 15 at Arch Street Tavern in Hartford and Nov. 29 at Toad’s Place in New Haven.

MUSIC

It’s psychedelic rock, jam, and funk. As described by Russ Harris, the drummer of The Mushroom Cloud, “It’s a vibrant sound and we want to be awakening to people, where our music will put them in the present.” For the past 12 years Paul, guitarist, along with Russ Harris, drummer, two brothers hailing from Cheshire Connecticut, and Charlie Mazur from Westchester New York, have been playing music all their lives. Before Mazur fully joined The Mushroom Cloud in early December of 2011, a keyboardist was part of the jam band as well, but due to differences left the group. Currently, the band is still looking to fill that sound and find a dedicated keyboardist to replace the missing element within the music. It wasn’t until the later part of 2010 where Paul and Russ decided that they wanted to truly dedicate themselves to music. “We’ve been playing music our whole lives,” said Paul, “and thought, we can really get into this. That’s when we started becoming more serious and our jams became more focused.” The Mushroom Cloud is currently a three-piece instrumental jam, funk, rock band where they’ve been together for about a year and have played 40 shows within the New England region and have future plans of expanding in to Boston. The Mushroom Cloud has shared the stage with Cosmic Dust Bunnies and played at the Bella Terra Music Festival this past summer in New York. “It was a struggle in determining whether to add vocals to our sound or not, we’re an instrumental band,” Russ explains. They had plans to add vocals into their songs, but at times it felt too forced and the members agree and appreciate how each instrument can stand up on their own, without the vocals to support it. “We wanted people to connect to just to what we were playing, rather than what we had to say,” Russ said. If the addition of lyrics feels right to the members to add within select songs,

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MUSIC

OLDE School Saloon and Bistro Specials

Monday - $2 Retro Beers | Tuesday- Fun Karaoke | Wednesday- 90’s @ 9 and $5 Martini’s Thursday - Friday - Saturday Live Local Music Sunday - Live Jazz Brunch @11

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Unleash your inner superhero at

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Karaoke Heroes

By Savannah Mul

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to make his dreams a reality and opened his own karaoke business. Now located on 212 Crown Street, Karaoke Heroes is not your average karaoke bar. Lebwohl describes his bar as a superhero pub-crawl. Since superheroes are another passion of his, patrons walk through the doors with the theme song to “The Flash” playing. A telephone booth reminiscent of Superman and red closedcircuit phones hang on the walls—and, if picked up, reveal a police commissioner speaking or even singing through the line. Soon arriving at the double doors to enter the bar area, the color scheme changes

American style karaoke in the main room. With Asian style, patrons can rent for $8 per hour per person so the sessions are exclusively with their friends, Lebwohl said. Within the private rooms, patrons can sing karaoke in Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean and Spanish, while the main room is English. Lebwohl has a strong focus in making his bar a fun yet customizable destination to accommodate diversity within the New Haven community. As well as providing an immense variety of songs--the English catalogue stands at over 6,500--there is also a television that includes Mortal Kombat. This, Lebwohl

“I love those customers who come in because they hear ‘The Flash’ theme song playing from the street. Those customers have a sense of adventure” – Andrew Lebwohl, Owner Karaoke Heroes

to blue, orange, and yellow, a palette Lebwohl had in mind. He hired an artist from Marvel Comics, Al Milgrim, to design the art on the walls featuring Lebwohl’s own story, the Karaoke Hero comic. The employees here are also dressed as superheroes, donning capes and gold armlets. Barry Sclafani, bartender and assistant manager says that he loves how he can come to work and have fun. “Wearing the cape is a great conversation starter with customers,” he said, “as well as the motion sensitive bar that lights up upon touch just adds to the fun, lighthearted vibe to the place.” Karaoke Heroes combines two cultures of Asian style private room karaoke, as well as Photos by Jake Grubman

explains, is for when women drag their hesitant boyfriends or husbands to the bar; if karaoke isn’t their thing, they can play Mortal Kombat and feel at home. “I love those customers who come in because they hear ‘The Flash’ theme song playing from the street. Those customers have a sense of adventure,” Lebwohl said. “This bar is the destination where it’s easy to grab a cordless microphone and sing their problems away.” Lebwohl is confident about future plans in expanding the business while keeping a similar theme of the bar and said, “College towns are key into making a franchise business succeed. I want each bar to be a fun, personalized night out, where those who come will have the chance to become their own Karaoke Hero.”

MUSIC

hen an alien race called the Mics was enslaved by another alien race called the Talk Radio, the Mics escaped to earth and crashed in an alley behind a karaoke bar. When the Mics went inside, they see a man singing who they instinctually trust. The Mics then give him the powers to be their guardian and the man becomes their Karaoke Hero. Karaoke Heroes owner and CEO Andrew Lebwohl shares how the bar’s name originated from his comic book plot creation and jumpstarted him into opening the very first Asian style karaoke bar in New Haven. Lebwohl was born and raised in Manhattan and before pursuing his karaoke dream, he practiced corporate bankruptcy and law at the New York firm Dewey and LeBeouf LLC. However, he never felt law was the right fit for him. He had always been in love with karaoke since he was 8-years-old and first sang Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York” during a family vacation. When he lived in New York, Lebwohl would go to karaoke bars almost every weekend, and when he left his law firm and came to Connecticut for his MBA at the Yale School of Management, he said, “It killed me that I couldn’t do [karaoke] in New Haven, and there was no reason not to be able to do it in New Haven.” During his first year at Yale, Lebwohl put together a business plan for a chain of karaoke bars and was subsequently accepted for a summer fellowship at the Yale Entrepreneurial Institute. In 2011 he decided

Interview on the Green

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by Katherine Rojas

Name: Chris Randall Occupation: Executive Director of the New Haven Land Trust, Photographer

Are you a New Haven native? I was born in Yale New Haven Hospital, and I guess it depends upon your perspective because some people consider me a native and some people consider me a “transplant” because I grew up in the Allentown section of West New Haven, less than a quarter mile of the New Haven border. I hung around New Haven my whole life but I didn’t [live] in New Haven until I was 21. What made you move out to the core of New Haven? At that time I had a job at U.S. Repeating Arms, a factory at Newhallville so I got an apartment near there to be closer to work. So you always lived in New Haven? You’ve never outreached to other places? Nope, not really...I’m just trying to think... Nope, not really. One time I thought I was going to move to Phoenix. I took a Greyhound bus out there to live with my father’s friend’s step-son, I went out there and it was all flat, and I took a bus back the same day. So are you like a city guy then? Yea, yea for sure. What do you like to do in New Haven? Lots of stuff. One of the things that I do a lot is take pictures of New Haven, or of people in New Haven. What would you say is your best experience from living in New Haven? I think it’s just the connection I feel towards where I live and the people around is I think the best quality New Haven has. So many good people doing so many good things -- a lot of times I feel like right up in the mix of that, it’s great.

Photo by Charlotte Greene

I know New Haven is really big with music and concerts, do you take up on any of these opportunities? Sometimes I’ll check out a show at Cafe Nine, I really like older rap and hip-hop so when Toad’s will have some of those people go, I’ll check those out. When I was younger, in high school, I saw A Tribe Called Quest there three times, at Toad’s. Cool, do you like Toad’s for music then? Not so much, I tolerate Toad’s. I like Cafe Nine better, for like local music, not as mainstream stuff. Do you play any instruments? Are you in a band or anything? I used to sing a long time ago and I used to mess around with the keyboard, I don’t know if you’ll call it playing. What would you recommend someone to do in New Haven? I think that they should definitely check out some of our great restaurants. I mean we have a lot of cultural diversity and influence for many reasons here and that’s one of the things that happens because of that and all of these great places. What places would you recommend? It depends what you’re looking for. If you want to go to the traditional New Haven draw that’s probably Sally’s of Pepe’s, I like Modern. Louie’s Lunch, BAR that’s one of my favorite restaurants here, there’s so many good places. What would you say is the essence of New Haven? For me -- and it didn’t always used to be like this because I used to feel very disconnected to New Haven -- but for me it’s a place where I feel really connected to where I live and the people around me doing similar things or not even doing similar things but occupying similar space in New Haven. And I’d say that that’s the best thing. It might seem like it’s a big city but it’s really not. There’s always a lot of good things to do.

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