THE PREMIER LGBTQ BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY
CONNECTICUT Vol. 2
SCAN QR CODE TO VIEW THIS ISSUE ONLINE Bar Guide & Event Schedule
TABLE OF CON TENTS
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ABOUT CONNECTICUT
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RESTAURANT GUIDE
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EVENTS SCHEDULE
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BAR GUIDE
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LGBTQ ORGS & ATTRACTIONS
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BUSINESS DIRECTORY
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ABOUT CONNECTICUT LGBTQ Connecticut Hartford offers a wide variety of music, theatre, art, sports and dining, with a part big city, part small New England town atmosphere. While Hartford might seem straight-laced at first glance, it is also home to an active gay community. Dance parties, theme nights and drag shows define Hartford’s gay nightlife. Most of the bars are conveniently located within a couple of miles from downtown. Hartford ranks among the places with the highest percentage of adults who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, according to a Gallup Poll study of the top 50 U.S. metropolitan areas. A total of 4.6 percent of residents in Hartford identify as LGBTQ, putting the Connecticut capital in a tie with Denver and Los Angeles. For the purposes of the study, Hartford includes West Hartford and East Hartford. Connecticut cities and towns also score higher than average when it comes to laws and policies supporting the LGBTQ community. The quaint East Coast town of New Haven is home to one of the best universities in the country, not to mention one of the gayest. Yale University boasts a rather large number of LGBTQ students, faculty and organizations, which spreads its intellectual influence across the globe and its social life onto the college town in the form of bars, restaurants and shops. 4
RESTAURANT GUI DE Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant Homestyle Ethiopian cuisine, with some vegetarian dishes, served in a spare, homey setting. 176 Temple Street, New Haven, CT
Home American comfort food & local beers offered in an inviting setting styled like a living room. 1114 Main Street, Branford, CT Tha Capital Grille Outpost of the upscale steakhouse chain offers classic American fare & a clubby, refined setting. 44 Front Street, Hartford, CT
Tarantino Restaurant & Bar High-end, family-owned Italian mainstay turning out traditional entrees in a buzzing space. 30 Railroad Place, Westport, CT
ON20 Acclaimed New American fare in an elegant, urbane space on the 20th floor with city & river views. 400 Columbus Blvd One State Street Building, Hartford, CT 06103
Trumbull Kitchen Seafood headlines the eclectic menu at this casual, industrial-chic eatery with a lively bar scene. 150 Trumbull Street, Hartford, CT Donovan’s Reef Restaurant American restaurant/tavern housed in rustic, brick-&-beam environs of the 1800s Branford Lock Works. Lockworks Square 1212, Main Street, Branford, CT
Assaggio Tiny trattoria serving upmarket Northern Italian fare in an intimate, dimly lit interior & patio. 168 Montowese Street, Branford, CT The Whelk Upmarket choice featuring sustainable seafood & local produce in an airy room with outdoor seating. 575 Riverside Avenue, Westport, CT
ZINC New Haven New American farm-to-table cuisine with a slight Asian slant in sleek, chic decor with a bar. 964 Chapel Street, New Haven, CT
Shell & Bones Oyster Bar & Grill Seafood eatery perched on New Haven Harbor offering steaks, water views & a seasonal deck. 100 S Water Street, New Haven, CT
Finalmente Trattoria This snug bistro draws theatergoers & locals with creative Italian cuisine & a warm ambiance. 165 Post Road E, Westport, CT
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EVENT SCH ED ULE DECEMBER
DEC 27
BRUNCH & CHILL 12:00PM
DEC 26
We offer music by DJs from all over Connecticut playing the best of hiphop, latin, & top 40/ Unlimited mimosas, with a menu full of delicious amazing dishes. Learn more at eventbrite.com.
WINTERFEST & THE TUNNEL OF LIGHTS 5:00PM
Winterfest and the “Tunnel of Lights” is celebrating its 42nd year as a family holiday tradition. Halls are decked both inside and outside with over 15,000 lights. Outside, closed trolley cars transport jolly guests down a tunnel of lights as they sing traditional Christmas Carols with their trolley car operators. Learn more at eventbrite.com.
JANUARY JAN 9 8:00PM
THE INTERNATIONAL ROLLING STONES SHOW
“Satisfaction/The International Rolling Stones Tribute Show” is the international touring tribute show to the World’s Greatest Rock & Roll Band. This Billboard & Pollstar highly rated show are entering their 20th year in production with over 4000 performances listed to their credit. Learn more at eventbrite.com.
DEC 27
AFROBEATS & MIMOSAS 1:00PM Grab your friends for an amazing brunch while Vibing to the best of Afrobeats, Afro fusion, Afrohouse with a twist of Hip-Hop & Caribbean vibes. Learn more at eventbrite.com.
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BAR GU ID E Chez Est Gay bar & nightclub with cocktails, a patio & lively vibe, featuring drag queens, DJs & karaoke. 458 Wethersfield Ave, Hartford, CT
Cafe Nine Live music from many genres (rock, folk, country, jazz, blues, hip-hop) in a compact corner bar. 250 State St, New Haven, CT
168 York Street Cafe Laid-back gay bar & American eatery in the basement of a townhouse, featuring theme nights & brunch. 168 York St, New Haven, CT
BAR Buzzing bar & dance club with indie rock shows staged in industrial-chic environs with cozy nooks. 254 Crown St, New Haven, CT Toad’s Place Toad’s Place is a concert venue and nightclub located in New Haven, Connecticut. Wikipedia 300 York St, New Haven, CT
Favela Rooftop Gay bar 145C Newfield Ave, Hartford, CT Trevi Lounge Gay hangout with a laid-back atmosphere & daily drink specials, plus pool, DJs & karaoke nights. 548 Kings Hwy Cutoff, Fairfield, CT
Terminal 110 Sprawling, industrial nightlife complex with bar food, Latin dancing nights & a dueling-piano bar. 240 Sargent Dr, New Haven, CT
Partners Cafe Theme nights, dancers, karaoke & a constant calendar of events draw a gay crowd to this corner bar. 365 Crown St, New Haven, CT
Troupe429 Gay bar 3 Wall Street, Norwalk, CT
Brass Rail Cafe Lively, LGBT-friendly gathering place with a waterfront patio for cocktails & drag shows. 52 Bank St, New London, CT
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EVENT SCH ED ULE FEBRUARY
JAN 9 6:00PM
GALLERY SHOWING “SEE THROUGH ME” PRESENTED BY LIZ GRADY
FEB 5 6:00PM
DRAWING NIGHT
Every week, we set up a still life or take turns modeling for a casual skillbuilding drawing session for artists (and non-artists) of all skill levels. Learn more at eventbrite.com.
Liz is a Connecticut and New York based photographer. She grew up in a suburb of New York City and discovered her bond to photography at the age of 15 when she found her escape in the darkroom and that love has evolved into a career. Learn more at eventbrite.com.
FEB 5 6:00PM
SIP ‘N’ SPIN POTTERY WORKSHOP Bring your favorite wine or brew and sip through a professional wheel throwing demo! Then get your hands dirty and throw your own creation on the pottery wheel or by handbuilding. Learn more at eventbrite.com.
JAN 9 9:00PM
BLUE HORSE COMEDY SHOW
Monthly Comedy Show at Blue Horse run by Ross Popick and John Murray! Come have a fun time before, after and during the show! Learn more at eventbrite.com.
FEB 6 3:00PM
INTRO TO HOOP DANCE
JAN 10 7:00PM
This class is open to anyone, age 13 and older, looking for something new and different, or a fun alternative to traditional exercise. Great parent/teen activity, or for your teen to enjoy with a friend! Learn more at eventbrite.com.
YOUR OWN VIP DINNER AND DANCE PARTY IN STAMFORD
Design your own unique date night, whether it’s for a friend or boyfriend. Dance with Maria has partnered up with a restaurant-to reserve a private dining room for dinner with a special menu of 3-4 courses, a fun dance lesson, and party after. Learn more online at eventbrite.com.
FEB 7 2:00PM
VINTAGE VALENTINE TEA
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at the IshamTerry House with a Vintage Valentine Tea on Sunday, February 7th and share this special event with friends or a loved one. Create a vintage Valentine greeting and indulge in sweet and savory nibbles, tea, and punch suited to the season hosted by Cathy and John Bates. Learn more at eventbrite.com.
JAN 14 8:30PM
The Schizophonics, Killer Kin Over the last few years, The Schizophonics have built up a formidable reputation around the world as an explosive live act. Learn more at eventbrite.com.
MARCH
JAN 15 10:00AM
MAR 1
FIRST IMPRESSIONS AND CONGRATULATIONS
YOU SLEUTH AUGMENTED REALITY DETECTIVE EXPERIENCE
The Lyme Art Association presents “First Impressions,” the Associate Artists exhibit, and “Congratulations,” the New Elected Artists exhibit. Learn more at eventbrite.com.
You Sleuth combines the classic detective game of Clue with the augmented reality of Pokemon Go to create a brand new game experience! Learn more at eventbrite.com.
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EVENT SCH ED ULE MAR 7
MAR 14
The sons of Gregg Allman (Devon Allman) and Dickey Betts (Duane Betts) have joined forces to form The Allman Betts Band. The show features new music, songs from their solo projects and classic Allman Brothers and Gregg Allman tunes in honor of the 50th Anniversary of The Allman Brothers Band. Learn more at eventbrite.com.
Chasity Aniece Production presents The Rebellion. Join us as we rebel on the runway. This is a CASUAL event. Come dressed in your most fashionable, edgy outfit. NO COLOR CODE. Learn more at eventbrite.com.
THE ALLMAN BETTS BAND
MAR 13
SANTANA TRIBUTE - SACRED FIRE Sacred Fire is a blistering six-piece Latin Rock SANTANA Tribute band that knows how to bring out the energy in a crowd. They pull out all the stops with your favorite songs spanning the career of Carlos Santana. Learn more at eventbrite.com.
THE REBELLION FASHION SHOW
APRIL
APR 2 8:00PM LILLY HIATT
Lilly Hiatt felt lost. She’d just returned home from the better part of a year on tour in support of her acclaimed third album, ‘Trinity Lane,’ and, stripped of the daily rituals and direction of life on the road, she found herself alone with her thoughts for the first time in what felt like ages. Learn more online at eventbrite.com.
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EVENT SCH ED ULE APR 10 8:00PM
your album after ticket purchase. Learn more at eventbrite.com.
Michael Glabicki, lead singer, songwriter and guitarist for Rusted Root fuses musical mastery and shamanic inspiration into his music and live performances. In his most prolific period to date Glabicki is focusing his energy on his new band, The UPROOTED Band, to carry on the legacy of Rusted Root’s energetic music while recording new music for their debut album due out next Spring. Learn more online at eventbrite.com.
APR 30 7:30PM
APR 30
MAY
UPROOTED
JOJO - GOOD TO KNOW TOUR
Every ticket purchased online for JoJo includes your choice of a CD or digital copy of the new album, good to know, released in spring 2020. You’ll receive instructions via email on how to redeem
THE STONE COLD AND THE JACKAL SHOW
Steve Burton and Bradford Anderson play the roles of Jason Morgan and Damian Spinelli on ABC’s soap opera, “General Hospital.” Join them for a 90 minute show full of music and comedy followed by a limited VIP photo meet and greet. Bring your own camera. Learn more at eventbrite.com.
MAY 1
ONE TEAM SCAVENGER HUNT Puzzling Adventures™ are a cross between a scavenger hunt, an
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EVENT SCH ED ULE JUNE 12
adventure race, and an informative selfguided tour. Each adventure consists of a series of locations that you are guided to where you are required to answer questions or solve puzzles to receive your next instruction. Learn more at eventbrite.com.
THE JOURNEY TO LOVING YOURSELF MIND, BODY, SOUL
The journey to Loving yourself Mind, Body, and Soul. This will be a Teen and Women’s Empowerment Event with a Small Business Expo. Present will be Youth and adult speaker’s, presenters and so much more. Learn more at eventbrite.com.
MAY 1 3:00PM
TACOS N’ TEQUILA CRAWL
Let’s taco ‘bout sipping margs, eating tacos & getting festive while dancing your tacos off at our annual Tacos N’ Tequila Crawl! Learn more at online eventbrite.com.
JUN 25
TRI-STATE DANCE FESTIVAL 2021
Welcome to the Tri State Dance Fest The New CT Salsa Fest The Best Salsa, Hustle Bachata Dancers in the world. 4 days of dancing. The Best Salsa, Hustle Bachata Dancers in the world. Learn more at eventbrite.com.
MAY 21
3RD ANNUAL SPRING BEER FEST The Annual Spring Beer Fest is a oneof-a-kind festival that invites breweries from around Connecticut and nearby. Enjoy sampling from Breweries and Distilleries. Visit eventbrite.com.
JUN 26
ROSE ARTS FESTIVAL
Rose Arts Festival is an all day event featuring free live music, 100+ artisan vendors and food trucks and free activities for the whole family. Learn more at eventbrite.com.
JUNE JUN 5
LUCKY CHOPS
JUNE 27
Lucky Chops has been unleashing high-energy brassy funk on the world since forming in NYC in 2006. The intensity of the band’s energy is fueled by their desire to share the healing and inspirational power of music with others. Learn more at eventbrite.com.
FOODWAYS: COOKING: EARLY GIFTS FROM THE GARDEN
Foodways at Stanley-Whitman House with “living history” expert and museum professional Dennis Picard. Learn more at eventbrite.com.
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LGBTQ COMM U NI TY ORGANIZATIONS & ATTRACTIONS
Claro Connecticut Latinas/os Achieving Rights and Opportunities (CLARO), is dedicated to promoting for Latinos LGTBQI equality, policy, social justice, human rights and education addressing homophobia and heterosexism. We accomplish these goals by mobilizing our community and partner agencies on issues like marriage equality, parental rights, inclusive anti-bullying policies, employment discrimination, hate violence, privacy rights, sexuality education, adoption, domestic partnerships, and HIV/AIDS. 56 Arbor St #222, Hartford, CT claroct.org
New Haven Pride Center The purpose of New Haven Pride Center, formerly the New Haven Gay and Lesbian Community Center, is to provide educational, cultural and social enrichment for the LGBTQ+ community, its allies, and members, to make a positive contribution to the entire community of Greater New Haven. 84 Orange St, New Haven, CT www.newhavenpridecenter.org Hartford Gay & Lesbian Health Collective The Hartford Gay & Lesbian Health Collective empowers individuals of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions to lead healthy lives through the provision of health and support services, education and advocacy. 1841 Broad St, Hartford, CT www.hglhc.org
Gay Parents to Be®- LGBT Family Building Services Fertility clinic in Norwalk, Connecticut For most LGBTQ single people and couples, the experience of raising a family is no different from anyone else. Yet, the journey to planning and building your future family can be. Gay Parents To Be® is an informational resource and a starting point for LGBTQ parenting. We strive to provide the best care for LGBTQ couples and individuals as they navigate all of their family building options. Address: 761 Main Ave #200, Norwalk, CT www.gayparentstobe.com
Triangle Community Center Triangle Community Center is Fairfield County’s leading provider of programming and resources to nurture growth and connection within the LGBTQ community. 650 West Ave, Norwalk, CT www.ctpridecenter.org
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BUSINESS D IRECTO RY ACCOUNTING Blumshapiro .......................................................... 27
HOSPITALITY BEDDING Mattress Concierge Home ..................................... 22
ARCHITECTURE Gregg Wies & Gardner Architects........................... 16
IT & CYBER SECURITY SERVICES Network Support Co .............................................. 14
BANKRUPTCY LAW The Law Office of Russell Gary Small PC ................ 19
ITALIAN LAMPS Axolight USA.......................................................... 17
BUSINESS INSURANCE The Insurance Center ............................................. 25
LUXURY AUTO DEALERSHIP Miller Motorcars ...................................................... 1
CASINO Foxwoods............................................................... 15
LUXURY JEWELRY Lux Bond & Green .................................................... 3
CUSTOM HOME BUILDER Prutting + Company Custom Builders .................. 29
MATTRESS STORE Kleinsleep ............................................................ 8-9
DENTIST Brandford Dental Care ........................................... 31
MORTGAGES Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc ........................ 19
ELDER LAW Ericson, Scalise & Mangan PA ................................ 22
NON PROFIT The Center for Family Justice ................................. 12
ENTERTAINMENT Foxwoods............................................................... 15
NURSING HOME Ludlowe Center for Health & Rehabilitation .......... 26
ESTATE PLANNING Ericson, Scalise & Mangan PA ................................ 22
OUTSOURCED SERVICES (HR/IT/FINANCE) Blumshapiro .......................................................... 27
FINANCIAL PLANNING Essex Financial....................................................... 20
PAINTING A & M Quality Painting, LLC ................................... 27 J&S Painting Plus, Inc ............................................ 11
FORECLOSURE DEFENSE The Law Office of Russell Gary Small PC ................ 19
PERFORMING ARTS Sacred Heart University Performing Arts ............... 29
GARAGE INTERIORS Garage Living .......................................................... 6
PERSONAL INSURANCE The Insurance Center ............................................. 25
HOME CARE Jewish Senior Services .......................................... 23
PHOTOGRAPHER Peter Billard Photographer ...................................... 6
HOME HEALTH CARE SERVICES RVNA Health ............................................................ 7
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BUSINESS D IRECTO RY PRIVATE SCHOOL The Country School ................................................ 24
RETIREMENT COMMUNITY Egdehill Community ............................................. 24
REAL ESTATE April Stirling: Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage ................ 31 Judi Cardello- ReMax Heritage.............................. 13 Rob Guiffria- Tealeaf Realty ....... 5, back outside cover The Whiteman Team: William Raveis Real Estate..................................... 21
SENIOR LIVING Jewish Senior Services .......................................... 23
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT RiverOak Investment Corp., LLC............................. 10 REAL ESTATE LAW Law Office of Ronald J. Brien, LLC .......................... 31
TAX SERVICES Blumshapiro .......................................................... 27 WEALTH MANAGEMENT Essex Financial....................................................... 20 Matthew E. Greene: Northwestern Mutual ............................................ 29
