The CT Beacon

Dock 9 Family Mondays
2026-08-31 16:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Dock 9, 22 Bayview Avenue, Suite 49, Stonington, CT, 06378, United States
Dock 9 Family Mondays offers an affordable way for families to enjoy a night out together in Stonington with food specials, games, and drink discounts throughout the evening. Held every Monday from 4 p.m. until close, the weekly promotion is designed to give parents and kids a reason to gather around the table and spend time together after the start of a busy week.
The centerpiece of the promotion is a kids-eat-free offer, allowing one free kids meal with each adult entrée purchased, with a maximum of three complimentary meals per family. Children can choose from a menu that includes favorites such as cheeseburgers, grilled cheese, pasta, chicken tenders, quesadillas, and mozzarella sticks. Open darts are available all night, adding a fun activity for guests of all ages.
Family Mondays is ideal for parents looking for a casual weeknight dinner option that won’t break the budget. Adults can also take advantage of happy hour specials featuring discounted house wine and draft beers while kids enjoy a meal and some friendly competition around the dartboards.
Additional Details

Location: Dock 9
Address: u Stonington, CT
Schedule: Every Monday
Time: 4 p.m. to close

Kids Eat Free

One free kids meal with each adult entrée purchased
Maximum of three free kids meals per family

Kids Menu

Cheeseburger
Grilled Cheese
Pasta
Chicken Tenders
Quesadilla
Mozzarella Sticks

Activities

Open darts all night

Happy Hour Specials

$5 House Wine
$2 Off All Drafts
Family-friendly weekly dining promotion
Food and drink specials subject to change by the venue

Mystic Seaport Planetarium Show: Stars and Stripes
2026-08-31 15:00 - 16:00, 2026-08-30 15:00 - 16:00 | Mystic Seaport, 75 Greenmanville Ave, Mystic, CT, ,06355-1946,, United States
Mystic Seaport Planetarium Show: Stars and Stripes takes visitors on a fascinating journey through American history by exploring how the night sky influenced some of the nation’s most pivotal moments. Presented daily from June 21 through September 7 at the Treworgy Planetarium, this immersive show reveals the surprising connections between astronomy and events that helped shape the United States.
From Paul Revere’s midnight ride to Abraham Lincoln’s visit to the U.S. Naval Observatory during the Civil War, and even the planning of the D-Day invasion during World War II, Stars and Stripes demonstrates how the Moon, stars, and the forces of gravity have played unexpected roles throughout history. Combining storytelling with stunning planetarium visuals, the program offers an engaging experience for visitors of all ages.
Event Details
Event: Mystic Seaport Planetarium Show: Stars and Stripes
Dates: Daily, June 21 – September 7, 2026
Time: 3:00 p.m.
Venue: Treworgy Planetarium at Mystic Seaport Museum
Location: Mystic, CT
Admission: Additional fee required
About the Show
Stars and Stripes explores the relationship between astronomy and American history through several remarkable stories, including:

How the phase of the Moon helped conceal Paul Revere during his famous midnight ride.
Why President Abraham Lincoln made an unexpected visit to the U.S. Naval Observatory during the Civil War.
How the gravitational relationship between the Earth and Moon influenced the timing of the Allied D-Day landings at Normandy.

Using the planetarium’s immersive projection system, guests experience the night sky as it appeared during these historic moments while learning how celestial events influenced critical decisions and military strategy.
About Treworgy Planetarium
Located inside Mystic Seaport Museum, the Treworgy Planetarium presents educational programs that combine astronomy, science, navigation, and maritime history. Its state-of-the-art digital projection system creates an immersive environment where visitors can explore the universe while discovering the important role the night sky has played throughout history.
Why Attend
Stars and Stripes offers a unique perspective on American history by revealing how astronomy has influenced some of the nation’s defining events. Whether you’re interested in history, science, or simply looking for an engaging family activity during a visit to Mystic Seaport Museum, this daily planetarium show provides an entertaining and educational experience.
Tickets
There is an additional fee is required for this planetarium program.

Teen Café: Summer Edition
2026-08-31 12:00 - 14:00, 2026-08-30 12:00 - 14:00 | Westerly Library & Wilcox Park, 44 Broad Street, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Teen Café: Summer Edition offers teens a welcoming place to relax, recharge, and connect with friends during the summer. Held daily in the Teen Space, the casual drop-in program provides a comfortable environment where teens can enjoy refreshments, conversation, and a break from the summer heat.
Whether stopping by for lunch, a quick snack, or simply to spend time with friends, Teen Café creates a laid-back atmosphere designed just for teens. With friendly conversations and a dedicated gathering space, it’s an easy way to meet new people, catch up with familiar faces, or unwind between summer activities.
Event Details

Event: Teen Café: Summer Edition
Schedule: Daily
Date Featured: Thursday, July 9, 2026
Time: Noon-2:00 p.m.
Location: Teen Space

What’s Included
Teens can enjoy:

Cold drinks
Light lunch
Tasty snacks
Friendly conversation
A welcoming space to relax and socialize

Who Can Attend
Teen Café is designed for teens looking for a fun, informal place to spend part of their summer day.

Contact:

Lynn Dougan401 596-2877 x301

Luxe CT: Velvet Mills to Modern Runways at Mystic Museum of Art
2026-08-31 11:00 - 17:00, 2026-08-30 11:00 - 17:00 | Mystic Museum of Art, 9 Water Street, Mystic, 06355, United States
Luxe CT: Velvet Mills to Modern Runways at Mystic Museum of Art explores the history of textiles in southeastern Connecticut, tracing how fabrics, fashion, and craftsmanship have shaped the region from the precolonial era through the present day. On view from June 26 through October 11, 2026, the exhibition brings together historic artifacts and contemporary works to examine how textiles reflect labor, immigration, cultural identity, and changing ideas of luxury.
Inspired by southeastern Connecticut’s once-thriving velvet industry, the exhibition features a collaboration between Mystic Museum of Art, Historic Stonington, Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center, Mystic Seaport Museum, and the Connecticut Region of the Studio Art Quilt Associates. Visitors will encounter an extensive collection of beadwork, embroidery, quilts, velvet, fashion, and textile art drawn from partner institutions and the museum’s own collection.
The exhibition also highlights contemporary fashion designers with Connecticut connections, including Xarea Lockhart, Toriana Sauro, Christian Siriano, and Peter Som. Their work connects the region’s textile heritage with modern fashion, demonstrating how clothing and material culture continue to influence art, identity, and design. Throughout the exhibition, the museum will present lectures, artist conversations, and hands-on workshops that further explore these themes.
Exhibition Details

Exhibition: Luxe CT: Velvet Mills to Modern Runways
Venue: Mystic Museum of Art
Dates: June 26-October 11, 2026
Location: Mystic, CT

Exhibition Highlights
Visitors will experience:

s
Works from Mystic Museum of Art’s permanent collection
Loans from regional museums and organizations

Featured Partners
The exhibition includes contributions from:

Historic Stonington
Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center
Mystic Seaport Museum
Studio Art Quilt Associates, Connecticut Region

Featured Designers
The exhibition showcases work by designers with Connecticut ties, including:

Xarea Lockhart
Toriana Sauro
Christian Siriano
Peter Som

Admission

General Admission: $12
New London County residents: $10
Seniors (65+): $10
Students with valid ID: $10
Free:

Mystic Museum of Art members
Youth ages 17 and under
Military personnel and veterans

Exhibition Programs
Public programs are held on select Tuesdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, July 7
Mystic Mudlarking: The River and the Rossie Velvet Mill

Guest speaker: Mary Hendrickson

Tuesday, July 21
Immigration and Industry

Guest speaker: Chelsea Mitchell, Library Director & Collections Manager, Historic Stonington

Tuesday, September 1
Conversation with Alana Ryder and Emerging Designers
Featuring:

Alana Ryder
Xarea Lockhart
Toriana Sauro

Workshops
All workshops take place in KTJ Studios.
Saturday, September 19
From Textile to Art: Felt Collage Workshop
Saturday, September 26
Introduction to Sewing Workshop

Featured designer: Toriana Sauro

Saturday, October 10
Relief Printing on Silk Scarf Workshop
Why Visit
Luxe CT examines how textiles have connected communities across centuries while reflecting the region’s history of manufacturing, immigration, craftsmanship, and artistic innovation. By pairing historical artifacts with contemporary fashion and fiber art, the exhibition offers visitors a deeper understanding of southeastern Connecticut’s cultural heritage and its continuing influence on today’s artists and designers.

Brickwrecks: Sunken Ships in LEGO Bricks
2026-08-31 11:00 - 17:00, 2026-08-30 11:00 - 17:00 | Mystic Seaport, 75 Greenmanville Ave, Mystic, CT, ,06355-1946,, United States
Brickwrecks: Sunken Ships in LEGO Bricks drops visitors into centuries of maritime mystery and disaster at Mystic Seaport Museum.. The internationally touring exhibition combines massive LEGO® ship recreations with real maritime history, creating an experience that feels part museum exhibit, part interactive adventure. As the first American stop for the exhibition, Mystic Seaport becomes the latest host for a showcase that has previously appeared at major maritime museums in Europe and Australia.
The exhibit features eleven detailed LEGO® models recreating famous shipwrecks and maritime disasters spanning thousands of years, including the Titanic, the Vasa, Franklin’s Arctic expedition ships Terror and Erebus, and the ancient Uluburun trading vessel. Created in partnership with LEGO® Certified Professional Ryan “The Brickman” McNaught, the displays combine historical storytelling with surprisingly intricate engineering and visual detail. Some models even include cross-section cutaways revealing what happened beneath the waterline.
Interactive experiences throughout the exhibit invite visitors to test survival scenarios, operate a remote underwater vehicle, experiment with ship stability, and build LEGO® creations of their own. Alongside the models are replica artifacts, archaeological tools, and multimedia displays exploring how modern researchers investigate shipwrecks and what those discoveries reveal about trade, exploration, disaster, and human history. The result is an exhibit that works equally well for families, history buffs, LEGO® fans, and anyone who still secretly wants to touch every museum display.

The Dinosaur Place Roaring Good Deal
2026-08-31 10:00 - 18:00 | The Dinosaur Place at Nature’s Art Village, 1650 Hartford-New London Tpke, Montville, 06370, United States
Available at the popular Montville attraction inside Nature’s Art Village, the promotion makes it even easier to spend a day exploring one of New England’s largest dinosaur-themed adventure parks.
The Dinosaur Place features more than 60 life-sized dinosaurs spread across miles of wooded nature trails, along with one of the region’s largest zero-depth splash pads, multiple playgrounds, maze attractions, picnic areas, and family-friendly activities. Children can climb, splash, explore, and imagine themselves in a prehistoric world while parents enjoy a full day of outdoor recreation.
To receive the discount, guests must purchase tickets online and enter the promotional code DinoDeal26 during checkout. The offer is valid Monday through Thursday only and cannot be redeemed at the gate. Whether you’re planning a family outing, entertaining visiting grandchildren, or simply looking for an affordable weekday adventure, the Roaring Good Deal makes one of southeastern Connecticut’s most popular attractions even more accessible.
Event Details
Event: Roaring Good Deal – Save 15% at The Dinosaur Place
Dates: Mondays through Thursdays
Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Location:
The Dinosaur Place at Nature’s Art Village
1650 Route 85
Montville, CT 06370
Discount: 15% off online admission
Promo Code: DinoDeal26
How to Redeem: Purchase tickets online and enter the promotional code during checkout.
More Information
Additional information, current operating dates, and online ticket purchases are available by clicking the Event Website link at the bottom of this page.

Watch Hill Merry-Go-Round
2026-08-31 09:00 - 18:00, 2026-08-30 09:00 - 18:00 | Watch Hill Merry-Go-Round, 151-153 Bay St, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Watch Hill Merry-Go-Round begins its regular summer season on June 13, welcoming families back to one of the most beloved and historic attractions along the Rhode Island shoreline. Located in the heart of Watch Hill, the carousel has long been woven into the rhythm of summer in the seaside village, with generations of visitors making a ride part of their annual trips to the coast. As shops, beaches, and restaurants fill with early summer crowds, the opening of the Merry-Go-Round marks another sign that the season is fully underway in SW Rhode Island.
Believed to have been built in 1867 by Andrew Christian and the Charles W.F. Dare Co. of New York City, the Watch Hill Merry-Go-Round is widely considered the oldest continuously operating carousel in the United States. Local legend says a traveling carnival brought the carousel to Watch Hill in 1883 before abandoning it, allowing the ride to become a permanent part of the village itself. Over the decades, the carousel survived major storms, including the devastating Hurricane of 1938, while remaining one of the area’s most enduring landmarks.
Today, the Watch Hill Merry-Go-Round continues to deliver the same nostalgic charm that has drawn families to it for generations. The hand-carved horses, historic structure, and coastal surroundings create an experience that feels timeless against the backdrop of Watch Hill’s beaches and waterfront streets. For many visitors, a ride on the carousel remains one of the defining traditions of summer along the Rhode Island coast.

Ocean Community Moms Sip & Stroll
2026-08-31 09:00 - 10:30 | Junk & Java, 49 Beach Street, Westerly, RI, 02891, United States
Ocean Community Moms Sip & Stroll gives mothers and caregivers a welcoming way to connect while enjoying one of Rhode Island’s most charming coastal communities. Held on Monday mornings throughout August, the weekly gathering begins at 9:00 a.m. at Junk & Java on Beach Street before setting off on a relaxed, stroller-friendly walk around the area.
Hosted by Ocean Community Moms, the event welcomes moms and babies of all ages for an informal morning of conversation, fresh air, and community. Participants can grab their favorite coffee or specialty drink before their stroll. Whether you’re new to the area or hoping to meet other local parents, Sip & Stroll offers a relaxed setting to build friendships while enjoying Westerly in the summer.
The morning begins at Junk & Java, a longtime local favorite at 49 Beach Street known for its handcrafted espresso drinks, fresh coffee, baked goods, breakfast sandwiches, and eclectic gift shop. The cozy café has become a gathering place for both residents and visitors, making it the perfect starting point before the group heads out for an easy walk together through the heart of Westerly.
Event Details
Event: Ocean Community Moms Sip & Stroll
Dates: Mondays, August 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Starting Location: Junk & Java
Admission: Free
Who Can Attend: Moms and babies of all ages are welcome.

Graceland’s First Ultimate Elvis Brings the King Back to Mohegan Sun
2026-08-30 19:30 - 21:30 | Mohegan Sun Arena, 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd, Uncasville, 06382, United States
Graceland’s First Ultimate Elvis Brings the King Back to Mohegan Sun
Elvis left the building nearly half a century ago.
On Sunday, August 30, Shawn Klush will try to make 10,000 people inside Mohegan Sun Arena forget that for a couple of hours.
The Elvis Tribute Artist Spectacular starring Shawn Klush brings the music, costumes and different eras of Elvis Presley’s career to Uncasville for a 7:30 p.m. performance. At the center of the production is a performer whose connection to Elvis goes considerably deeper than putting on a jumpsuit and learning how to curl his lip.
Klush was the first performer ever crowned Graceland’s Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist by Elvis Presley Enterprises.
He’s also spent years performing with the musicians, singers and friends who actually knew and worked with Elvis.
A Kid From a Pennsylvania Coal Town
Shawn Klush grew up in Pittston, Pennsylvania, a small coal-mining community between Scranton and Wilkes-Barre.
Elvis became his musical obsession.
Klush began performing Presley’s music professionally in Pennsylvania’s Poconos before taking his act into Canada. There, he entered the Worldwide Elvis Competition in Montreal and won its $5,000 grand prize.
That victory opened another door.
Klush was recruited by Legends in Concert, the long-running tribute production, and began performing as Elvis in its showrooms in Myrtle Beach, Las Vegas, Branson and Atlantic City.
What began in a Pennsylvania coal town was turning into a career.
Then came the competitions that changed everything.
Millions of People Picked Him
Klush eventually competed on the BBC television program The World’s Greatest Elvis.
The international competition put Elvis performers against one another before a massive television audience.
Klush won.
Approximately 6.5 million viewers watched as he was named the World’s Greatest Elvis.
But another title would carry even greater weight.
Because this one came from Graceland.
The First Ultimate Elvis
In 2007, Elvis Presley Enterprises launched its Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest in Memphis.
The timing carried special significance. It was being held during Elvis Week, marking 30 years since Presley’s death.
On August 16, exactly 30 years after Elvis died at Graceland, Shawn Klush became the competition’s first champion.
He was officially named the first Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist by Elvis Presley Enterprises.
That’s why the words attached to Sunday’s Mohegan Sun show matter.
“Graceland’s Ultimate Elvis” isn’t simply an advertising slogan somebody dreamed up for the poster.
Klush earned it.
Then He Met the People Who Were Actually There
Winning competitions can establish that someone does an extraordinary Elvis.
Klush’s subsequent career gave him something different.
Access.
He has performed with an extraordinary collection of people who were part of Presley’s musical world.
D.J. Fontana was Elvis’ original drummer during the explosive early rock & roll years.
Jerry Scheff played bass in Presley’s touring band beginning with his return to live performances in Las Vegas.
The Jordanaires provided those unmistakable backing vocals on scores of Elvis recordings.
The Sweet Inspirations sang behind him during his later concert years.
Klush has performed with all of them.
His list of collaborators also includes The Imperials, J.D. Sumner and the Stamps Quartet, Charlie Hodge and conductor Joe Guercio. He’s worked with Jerry Schilling and Joe Esposito, two members of Presley’s inner circle.
Imagine trying to recreate Elvis with the people who stood beside Elvis watching you.
They would know when something felt wrong.
They would also know when it felt right.
Elvis Wasn’t One Elvis
That’s part of what makes the Elvis Tribute Artist Spectacular more interesting than a conventional tribute concert.
There isn’t really one version of Elvis Presley to recreate.
There’s the young singer who walked into Sun Studio and helped change popular music.
There’s the 1950s television phenomenon whose movements generated almost as much attention as his voice.
There’s Elvis the movie star.
Then there’s the man in black leather who reclaimed his musical identity during the 1968 television comeback special.
And finally, there’s the jumpsuit era: Las Vegas, enormous concert rooms and the seasoned performer who had become one of the most recognizable people on Earth.
The Elvis Tribute Artist Spectacular is built around that evolution, allowing the audience to move through different periods of Presley’s career rather than spending the entire night in 1970s Las Vegas.
The Voice Is Only Half the Job
Elvis tribute artists face an unusual problem.
Almost everybody knows what Elvis looks like.
They know the stance. The hair. The clothes. The smile.
And within a few seconds, most people know whether the voice is working.
Klush has spent decades studying all of it.
The physical resemblance certainly helped establish his career, but recreating Elvis in concert requires something harder than looking convincing in a photograph.
Presley didn’t perform his songs exactly like the records night after night. His timing could shift. He joked with musicians. He stretched phrases, reacted to audiences and changed the energy of songs depending on the room.
Klush’s years performing with Presley’s actual musicians gave him unusual access to that side of Elvis.
They weren’t studying old concert footage.
They remembered the man standing next to them.
Elvis Beyond the Concert Stage
Klush’s ability to inhabit the role has also taken him into television.
He portrayed Elvis in Shake, Rattle and Roll, which aired on CBS and VH1, and later played Presley in HBO’s Vinyl, the music-industry drama associated with Martin Scorsese and Mick Jagger.
He has appeared on Late Show with David Letterman, performing with the CBS Orchestra, and has released five CDs during his career.
But the live stage remains where the transformation matters most.
And Sunday night gives him a very large one.
This Elvis Show Gets an Arena
The Elvis Tribute Artist Spectacular isn’t tucked into one of Mohegan Sun’s smaller performance spaces.
It’s taking over Mohegan Sun Arena.
The 10,000-seat venue gives the production something much closer to the scale associated with Presley’s later career. Klush has also developed history with the venue, including previous Elvis performances at Mohegan Sun
Sunday’s show is part of an unusually busy closing stretch of Mohegan Sun’s 2026 summer entertainment calendar. Demi Lovato plays the Arena Saturday night, followed by Klush and the Elvis Tribute Artist Spectacular on Sunday.
Free self-parking is available in Mohegan Sun’s garages and Winter Lot, with upgraded reserved parking available in the Riverview Garage. Guests should also check the Arena’s bag policy before arriving; backpacks and several other larger bag styles aren’t permitted.
Long Live the King
Shawn Klush can’t give an audience Elvis Presley.
Nobody can.
What he can do is something more interesting than simple imitation.
He can reconstruct pieces of the experience.
The young Elvis. The movie star. The black leather. The Vegas years.
And behind Klush’s performance are lessons gathered from people who didn’t learn Elvis from records or YouTube clips. D.J. Fontana sat behind him. Jerry Scheff played beside him. The Jordanaires and Sweet Inspirations sang with him.
Klush eventually stood beside some of those same people and played the music with them.
Then Graceland held a competition to find its Ultimate Elvis.
They picked him first.
On August 30, he brings all of that history to Mohegan Sun Arena.
Event Details
Event: Elvis Tribute Artist Spectacular starring Shawn Klush – Graceland’s Ultimate Elvis
Date: Sunday, August 30, 2026
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Mohegan Sun Arena
Address: 1 Mohegan Sun Boulevard, Uncasville, CT 06382
Headliner: Shawn Klush
Show: Elvis Tribute Artist Spectacular
Admission: Ticket required
Parking: Free self-parking available; reserved Riverview Garage parking available for purchase
Bag Policy: Backpacks, string bags, diaper bags, shopping bags, messenger bags, briefcases and rolling-style bags aren’t permitted
The Elvis Tribute Artist Spectacular follows the different eras of Elvis Presley’s career, led by Shawn Klush, the first performer ever named Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist by Elvis Presley Enterprises.
More information is available at the Event Website link below.
To purchase tickets, click the Event Ticketing link below.

Featured image is an artistic representation inspired by the event and may not depict the actual people, location, or activities shown.

The 60’s Explosion Show at the Wolf Den
2026-08-30 19:00 - 21:00 | Wolf Den, 1 Mohegan Sun Blvs, Uncasville, CT, 06382, United States
The 60’s Explosion Show at the Wolf Den brings the decade of The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Cream and psychedelic rock back to the Mohegan Sun on Sunday, August 30.
The free 7 p.m. show isn’t built around one legendary band. It takes on an entire decade, moving through the pop, rock and dance music that transformed American radio during the 1960s.
And The 60’s Explosion Show doesn’t intend to stand under ordinary stage lights and simply play the old records.
This is a five-piece Connecticut band with five-part vocals, costumes, props and live psychedelic stage effects designed to turn the music into a full-blown ’60s party.
One Decade Changed Everything
Think about how much popular music changed between 1960 and 1969.
The decade began with the polished pop and rock & roll that had carried over from the 1950s. Then came surf music, girl groups and Motown.
In February 1964, The Beatles stepped onto The Ed Sullivan Show, and the British Invasion was underway.
The Rolling Stones followed. So did The Kinks, The Animals and scores of others.
Rock got louder.
Then stranger.
By the second half of the decade, Cream was pushing blues into heavier territory, psychedelic rock was filling clubs and festival stages, and musicians were experimenting with sounds that would have seemed almost unimaginable when the decade began.
The 60’s Explosion Show has plenty of territory to cover.
From The Beatles to Steppenwolf
Rather than concentrate on one corner of the era, The 60’s Explosion Show moves around the decade.
The band’s published repertoire has included music associated with The Beatles, The Beach Boys, The Association, The Buckinghams, Cream, Steppenwolf, Deep Purple and Spirit.
Other descriptions of the show add The Rolling Stones, The Monkees and The Grass Roots to the mix.
That means the night can jump from tightly constructed pop harmonies to British Invasion rock before moving into the heavier and more psychedelic sounds that emerged later in the decade.
It’s less a tribute to one group than a musical channel surfer stuck permanently somewhere between 1964 and 1969.
Five Voices Matter
One of the more interesting things about The 60’s Explosion Show is its emphasis on vocals.
The group describes itself as a five-piece band featuring five-part vocal harmonies.
That’s a particularly useful weapon when you’re taking on this decade.
The 1960s produced records filled with elaborate harmonies, layered backing vocals and arrangements that could become surprisingly sophisticated. Reproducing that music live requires more than finding somebody who can sing the lead.
Everybody has work to do.
The band also says its voices, music and effects are performed live.
Then They Add the Psychedelia
The show isn’t intended to look like five musicians wandered into a bar wearing their normal clothes and happened to know some oldies.
The presentation is part of it.
The 60’s Explosion Show incorporates costumes and props along with psychedelic stage effects intended to evoke the increasingly colorful visual culture of the late ’60s.
Mohegan Sun describes it as both a concert and a dance-and-party experience.
That’s an important distinction.
There are tribute acts built around studying every movement of one particular performer. The 60’s Explosion Show is after something broader: the feeling people associate with the decade itself.
This Is a Connecticut Band
There’s a local connection here, too.
The 60’s Explosion Show is based in the Norwich area and has been playing around southeastern Connecticut for years.
In fact, there’s a public record of the band appearing at Norwich’s Rock the Docks concert series all the way back in July 2016.
The group returned to Rock the Docks in subsequent years and has remained active on the regional concert circuit. In 2026 alone, its schedule has included performances in Connecticut and Rhode Island, including Sprague’s River Park Music Nights and the Charlestown Rathskeller.
That makes the August 30 concert something other than a touring tribute act passing through Connecticut.
They’re playing home territory.
They’ve Been Here Before
The Wolf Den isn’t new territory for The 60’s Explosion Show either.
Mohegan Sun has repeatedly brought the act back to its intimate Casino of the Earth stage.
The band appeared there in April 2024 and returned on April 23 of this year. The August 30 date gives the group its second Wolf Den appearance of 2026.
That familiarity should help with the kind of show they’re trying to create.
The Wolf Den isn’t a sit-down theater where the stage feels removed from the audience. It’s a small room built in the middle of the casino floor, with the audience wrapped around the performance area.
When the goal is singing, dancing and turning a Sunday night into a party, proximity helps.
And It Doesn’t Cost Anything
Here’s the other appealing part.
Admission is free.
The Wolf Den has hosted everyone from emerging artists to performers whose careers stretch back decades, but its shows remain free and first-come, first-served.
There are no advance seat reservations.
Guests may begin lining up no earlier than three hours before the performance. One person can hold up to four places in line, but everyone must be present when seating begins.
Capacity is limited, so arriving early is a much safer strategy than walking over at 6:55 p.m. and hoping there’s room.
Guests must be 21 or older to attend.
Sunday Night, 1960-Something
Nobody walking into the Wolf Den on August 30 actually gets to go back.
The Beatles aren’t suddenly going to appear on Ed Sullivan. The Summer of Love isn’t starting over. Woodstock isn’t waiting at the end of the highway.
But the music survived all of it.
That’s what The 60’s Explosion Show gets to play with.
Five musicians. Five voices. Costumes, props and psychedelic effects. Songs that moved from transistor radios to turntables and somehow kept traveling for another half-century.
For a couple of hours Sunday night, the calendar can say 2026.
The Wolf Den doesn’t have to.
Event Details
Event: The 60’s Explosion Show at the Wolf Den
Date: Sunday, August 30, 2026
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Wolf Den at Mohegan Sun
Address: 1 Mohegan Sun Boulevard, Uncasville, CT 06382
Admission: Free
Age Requirement: 21+
Seating: First-come, first-served; limited seating
Line Policy: Guests may begin lining up no earlier than three hours before the show
Music: 1960s pop, rock and dance music
Show: Five-piece band with live vocals, music and stage effects
Venue: Non-smoking
The 60’s Explosion Show brings the British Invasion, psychedelic rock and some of the biggest pop and rock sounds of the 1960s together for a free Sunday-night party at the Wolf Den.

Featured image is an artistic representation inspired by the event and may not depict the actual people, location, or activities shown.

Howlin’ Rhodes at the Rathskeller
2026-08-30 16:00 - 19:00 | Rathskeller, 489A Old Coach Rd, Charlestown, RI, 02813, United States
Howlin’ Rhodes at the Rathskeller on Sunday, August 30, for a free afternoon of blues, classic rock and roots music in the woods.
The band performs from 4 to 7 p.m., closing out the Rathskeller’s August live-music schedule with the kind of relaxed Sunday show that has become a regular part of the venue’s summer season.
Admission is free, and guests can arrive early for lunch and drinks before heading Down Back for the music.
A Little Blues, a Little Rock & Roll
Howlin’ Rhodes is a Rhode Island-area working band whose music crosses several familiar American styles rather than staying planted in one genre.
The Rathskeller describes the group as mixing blues, classic rock and roots music, with vocals and guitar driving a show designed more for an afternoon crowd looking to move and have some fun than a quiet listening room.
That makes the band a natural fit for a Sunday afternoon Down Back.
This isn’t a tribute act devoted to recreating one artist or album. Instead, Howlin’ Rhodes draws from the broader territory where blues, rock and roots music have spent decades borrowing from one another.
It’s familiar music without being tied to a single songbook.
Back for Another Sunday
August 30 isn’t Howlin’ Rhodes’ first trip to the Rathskeller this summer.
The band previously played Down Back on Sunday, July 19, also in the 4 to 7 p.m. afternoon slot. The return engagement comes just six weeks later.
That afternoon schedule creates a different experience from the Rathskeller’s Friday and Saturday night concerts.
You don’t have to wait until dark.
Grab lunch. Find a drink. Head outside. Then you’ve got three hours of live music before Sunday evening arrives.
Down Back in the Woods
The Charlestown Rathskeller has been part of the Rhode Island landscape since 1933, but much of its warm-weather personality now lives outside the original tavern.
Behind the restaurant is Down Back, the Rathskeller’s seasonal outdoor entertainment area.
The wooded grounds combine live music with a casual backyard atmosphere that includes lawn games such as cornhole and bocce, outdoor gathering areas and a large fire pit. Seating for performances is first-come, first-served rather than reserved.
It feels considerably less like walking into a concert venue and more like discovering a party behind a tavern in the woods.
For blues and roots music on a Sunday afternoon, that’s not a bad place to land.
Make an Afternoon of It
The Rathskeller opens at noon on Sundays, four hours before Howlin’ Rhodes begins playing.
That leaves plenty of time to arrive early for lunch before the show. The tavern’s menu leans into hearty pub food, with burgers, wings, seafood and its well-known lineup of fries and other shareable dishes.
The kitchen remains open until 10 p.m. on Sunday, as does the tavern itself.
The concert doesn’t require a paid ticket.
Admission is free.
One More August Afternoon
The August 30 appearance also gives Howlin’ Rhodes the final Sunday slot on a busy month of Rathskeller music.
August’s Down Back calendar has moved through country, tribute bands, jam music, R&B, soul and rock & roll before arriving at Howlin’ Rhodes for the final afternoon of the month.
No elaborate production is necessary for this one.
It’s Sunday afternoon. The band’s outside. The trees surround the stage. Food and drinks are a few steps away.
And it doesn’t cost anything to wander Down Back and listen.
Event Details
Event: Howlin’ Rhodes at the Charlestown Rathskeller 2026
Date: Sunday, August 30, 2026
Time: 4–7 p.m.
Location: The Charlestown Rathskeller
Address: 489A Old Coach Road, Charlestown, RI 02813
Admission: Free
Music: Blues, classic rock and roots music
Setting: Outdoor live music Down Back
Sunday Hours: Noon–10 p.m.
Kitchen: Open until 10 p.m.
Howlin’ Rhodes returns to the Rathskeller for a free three-hour Sunday afternoon performance combining blues, classic rock and roots music.
More information is available at the Event Website link below.

Featured image is an artistic representation inspired by the event and may not depict the actual people, location, or activities shown.

Saltwater Farm Vineyard Sunday Music Series
2026-08-30 15:00 - 19:00 | Saltwater Farm Vineyard, 349 Elm Street, Stonington, CT, 06378, United States
Saltwater Farm Vineyard Sunday Music Series offers relaxing Sunday afternoons filled with live local music, award-winning wines, and rotating food trucks at one of Connecticut’s most distinctive vineyards. Held throughout the summer, the free series invites guests to unwind among the vines while enjoying talented regional musicians in the peaceful setting of a beautifully restored historic property.
Saltwater Farm Vineyard occupies the site of a former World War II-era private airfield. The property’s original airplane hangar has been transformed into a striking winery while preserving its soaring timber trusses and aviation heritage. Surrounded by vineyards and coastal farmland, it’s an ideal destination for spending a leisurely Sunday with friends and family.
Event Details

Event: Saltwater Farm Vineyard Sunday Music Series
Venue: Saltwater Farm Vineyard
Address: 349 Elm St., Stonington, CT
Admission: Free

2026 Sunday Schedule
Sunday, July 19 – 3:00 p.m.

David Swanson
Food Truck: Twin Beaks Fried Chicken

Sunday, July 26 – 3:00 p.m.

Ben Freiert
Food Truck: Fire in the Kitchen Pizza Truck

Sunday, August 2 – 3:00 p.m.

Jason Ingriselli
Food Truck: The Rolling Tomato Pizza Truck

Sunday, August 9 – 3:00 p.m.

Ben Kane
Food Truck: The Rolling Tomato Pizza Truck

Sunday, August 16 – 2:30 p.m.

Dan Watson
Food Truck: The Rolling Tomato Pizza Truck

Sunday, August 23 – 3:00 p.m.

Steve Cleary
Food Truck: Twin Beaks Fried Chicken

Sunday, August 30 – 3:00 p.m.

Phil Smith
Food Truck: Fire in the Kitchen Pizza Truck

About Saltwater Farm Vineyard
Located on the site of a former private airfield, Saltwater Farm Vineyard blends history, architecture, and winemaking. The restored World War II-era hangar now serves as the winery, preserving an important part of Stonington’s past while creating one of Connecticut’s most unique vineyard destinations.
Why Attend

Free live music
Award-winning wines
Rotating food trucks
Scenic vineyard setting
Relaxing Sunday afternoons

Sunday Jam Sessions at Deans Mill Farm
2026-08-30 14:30 - 17:30 | Deans Mill Farm, 1189 Pequot Trail, Stonington, CT, 06378, United States
Sunday Jam Sessions at Deans Mill Farm return every Sunday through the season, bringing live local music, food trucks, and refreshing drinks to one of Stonington’s favorite outdoor gathering spots. Held from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m., the free weekly series offers a relaxed afternoon where families, friends, and music lovers can unwind while enjoying performances from talented local musicians in the scenic setting of Deans Mill Farm.
Each Sunday features a different performer, giving visitors something new to experience throughout the season. Along with live entertainment, food trucks serve a variety of favorites while the farm offers signature drinks and other cold beverages. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, settle in for the afternoon, and enjoy a casual community atmosphere. The event is family-friendly, although outside alcohol and pets are not permitted.
Event Details

Event: Sunday Jam Sessions
Schedule: Every Sunday
Time: 2:30-5:30 p.m.
Season: Through October (Weather Permitting)
Venue: Deans Mill Farm
Address: 1189 Pequot Trail, Stonington, CT
Admission: Free

What to Expect

Live music from local performers
Rotating food trucks
Signature drinks and cold beverages
Family-friendly outdoor atmosphere

2026 Concert Schedule
July 19

Big Lux

July 26

T. Ray Taylor

August 2

Ben Freiert

August 9

Frankenphil

August 16

Ben Freiert

August 23

Robbed By Locals

August 30

James Harris

September 6

To Be Announced

September 13

Frankenphil

September 20

To Be Announced

September 27

Jonny Debit

October 4

KGB

October 11

Frankenphil

October 18

Dan Watson

October 25

James Harris

Know Before You Go

Family-friendly event
No outside alcohol
No pets
Weather permitting
Times are subject to change

Why Attend

Free weekly live music
Rotating lineup of local musicians
Food trucks and beverages
Relaxed outdoor setting
Great Sunday afternoon tradition

WAVE Foxwoods Day Party
2026-08-30 12:00 - 17:00 | Fox Tower Pool, 240 Fox Tower Dr, Mashantucket, 06338, United States
WAVE Foxwoods Day Party at Foxwoods Resort Casino every Sunday throughout July and August, transforming the Fox Tower Pool into one of New England’s premier summer pool party destinations. Combining nationally recognized DJs, themed parties, luxury cabanas, bottle service, and resort-style amenities, WAVE delivers an upscale daytime experience for guests looking to celebrate summer.
Each Sunday features a different musical guest or themed event, from Independence Day celebrations and throwback parties to TikTok-inspired festivals and the season-ending Candyland celebration. Guests can enjoy live DJs, swimming, cocktails, food, VIP seating, and premium poolside experiences in a lively outdoor setting.
Whether you’re planning a birthday, bachelor or bachelorette party, weekend getaway, or simply looking for a Sunday afternoon with friends, WAVE offers multiple ticket options ranging from general admission to luxury cabanas with bottle service and dedicated hosts.

Event Dates
Every Sunday
July 5 – August 30
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Weather permitting

2026 Lineup
Sunday, July 5
Red, White & Blue Party

Music by SICKICK

Sunday, July 12

DJ Donny D

Sunday, July 19

DJ Encore

Sunday, July 26
90s vs. 2000s

Music by DJ Jazzy Jeff

Sunday, August 2

DJ Axis Pro

Sunday, August 9
Summer-ween

Music by DJ Mastermind

Sunday, August 16

DJ VICE

Sunday, August 23
For You Fest
Turn the pool into a TikTok-inspired party.

Music by DJ Tommy Carlucci

Sunday, August 30
Candyland
Celebrate the final WAVE party of the summer.

Music by DJ Jay Spring

Location
Fox Tower Pool
Foxwoods Resort Casino
Located behind the Fox Tower Hotel.
Best Parking

Fox Tower Garage
Fox Tower Hotel Valet (hotel guests)

Event Schedule

Event Hours: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Last Entry: 4:15 PM
Last Call: 4:30 PM
Restrooms Close: 4:45 PM

VIP Experiences
Cabanas
Perfect for birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and groups.
Includes:

Admission for up to 10 guests
Private luxury cabana
Two bottles

One premium bottle of spirits (up to $350 value)
One bottle of Luc Belaire Champagne

Dedicated server
Non-alcoholic mixers
WAVE tote bag filled with pool party essentials

Daybeds
Ideal for groups of up to five guests.
Includes:

Event admission
Reserved luxury daybed
One premium bottle of spirits (up to $350 value)
Dedicated server
Non-alcoholic mixers

Premium Chaise Loungers

Reserved seating for two
Located around the pool perimeter

Nest Chairs
Includes:

Reserved Nest Chair
Admission for one guest
Reserved for the duration of the event

Only six Nest Chairs are available each Sunday.

Food & Drinks
Food
Food is available for purchase throughout the event.
Provided by:

Junior’s Restaurant

Drinks
Two full-service bars are available.

Dress Code
Beach club attire or resort wear.
Guests planning to swim should bring appropriate swimwear.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is WAVE open to hotel guests?
No.
WAVE is a private ticketed event. Hotel guests must purchase admission or reserve a VIP section.

Is WAVE 21+?
Yes.
All guests must be at least 21 years old.
Accepted identification includes:

State-issued photo ID
Passport
United States Military ID

Expired IDs are not accepted.

Can I leave and return later?
No.
Re-entry is not permitted.
Leaving the venue early will result in your wristband being removed.

Is food available?
Yes.
Food is available for purchase from Junior’s Restaurant.

Are drinks available?
Yes.
Two full-service bars operate throughout the event.

Can I bring a bag?
Yes.
Bag Policy:

Maximum size: 6″ x 20″ x 14″
All bags are searched upon entry
Shopping bags and luggage are prohibited

Is the venue ADA accessible?
Yes.
The Fox Tower Pool area is ADA accessible.

Are restrooms available?
Yes.
Restrooms are located inside the pool area.
They close at 4:45 PM.

Where do I buy tickets?
General Admission

Ticketmaster

VIP Experiences

SevenRooms

Both ticket options are available through the Foxwoods WAVE webpage.

Event Rules
Entry

VIP guests have a dedicated VIP entrance.
Last entry is 4:15 PM.
All guests and belongings are subject to search.

Pool Rules

No diving.
No jumping into the pool.
No roughhousing.

Alcohol

No outside alcohol.
No outside beverages.
No outside food.
Alcohol purchased inside the venue may not leave the pool area.

VIP Sections
Only guests with the appropriate wristbands may enter:

Cabanas
Daybeds
Premium Chaise Loungers
Nest Chairs

Conduct
Guests may be removed without refund for:

Intoxication
Drug use
Disrespectful behavior
Entering employee-only areas
Going on stage
Violating event rules

Foxwoods maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding guest conduct.

Rental Policies
Daybeds & Cabanas

Full payment required at booking.
Reservations are held until 2:00 PM.
Arrivals after 2:00 PM may forfeit the reservation.
Cancellations must be made by 11:00 AM the day before.
Late cancellations are subject to a 50% cancellation fee.
Rental pricing and artist lineup are subject to change.
Weather may affect outdoor operations.

Important Information

Event is weather permitting.
Celebrity appearance events may be relocated indoors to Centrale Fox Tower due to weather.
No refunds are issued for weather-related venue relocations.

TVCCA's 2nd Annual Sound Waves Music Festival
2026-08-30 12:00 - 16:00 | Stonington Vineyards, 523 Taugwonk Rd, Stonington, CT, 06378, United States
TVCCA’s 2nd Annual Sound Waves Music Festival at Stonington Vineyards brings live music, food trucks, wine and an afternoon on the lawn to Stonington Vineyards on Sunday, August 30.
The end-of-summer festival runs from noon to 4 p.m., with performances by Pirates for Peace and Fake Experience. Gates open at noon and live music begins at 1 p.m.
This year’s Sound Waves also comes with a new setting. The inaugural festival was held at McCook Point Park in Niantic in 2025, while the second edition moves into the heart of southeastern Connecticut wine country at Stonington Vineyards.
Guests can spread out on the vineyard lawn with blankets and chairs, grab something to eat, enjoy Stonington Vineyards wine and spend the afternoon listening to two familiar names from the local music scene.
Live Music: Pirates for Peace and Fake Experience
The music begins at 1 p.m. with two bands that already have a connection to Stonington Vineyards.
Both Pirates for Peace and Fake Experience appeared during the vineyard’s 2026 Summer Concert Series, making Sound Waves something of an encore for people who caught them earlier in the season. Fake Experience performed at the vineyard in June, while Pirates for Peace followed in July.
The festival is designed as a casual outdoor show rather than a seated concert, so bring a blanket or lawn chairs and claim a patch of grass.
And dancing isn’t merely tolerated. It’s encouraged.
Food, Ice Cream and Wine
TVCCA is bringing along its own Cruising Café food truck, while Moovin Scoops will handle the ice cream.
Guests are also permitted to pack their own picnic baskets and bring non-alcoholic beverages.
There is one important restriction: outside alcohol isn’t permitted.
Wine will be available from Stonington Vineyards during the festival.
The rule is consistent with the vineyard’s other outdoor music events, where outside alcohol is prohibited and guests are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs and picnic dinners.
An Afternoon at Stonington Vineyards
The setting is a large part of the attraction.
Stonington Vineyards at 523 Taugwonk Road is one of the area’s established destinations for outdoor summer music. The vineyard hosts a weekly Friday concert series throughout July and August, inviting visitors onto its lawn for live local music, picnics and wine.
Sound Waves essentially extends that atmosphere through one more Sunday afternoon just as the regular summer concert season winds down.
The vineyard is open year-round and normally operates daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sound Waves Supports TVCCA
There’s another reason behind the afternoon.
Sound Waves is a fundraiser for the Thames Valley Council for Community Action, better known throughout eastern Connecticut as TVCCA.
The nonprofit Community Action Agency has served the region since 1965 and works with economically disadvantaged individuals and families throughout eastern Connecticut. TVCCA says proceeds from Sound Waves help support the essential services it provides in the community.
That makes the afternoon more than another stop on the summer concert calendar. Buying a ticket also helps fund an organization that has been working in eastern Connecticut for more than six decades.
Tickets
Advance tickets are $20 when purchased online through Saturday, August 29.
Tickets purchased at the gate on Sunday are $25.
Children younger than 12 are admitted free.
With the $5 difference between advance and gate admission, buying ahead makes sense if you already know you’re going.
What to Bring
Sound Waves is an outdoor lawn event, so plan accordingly.
Bring a blanket or lawn chairs for seating. Picnic baskets and non-alcoholic drinks are welcome, and food will also be available at the festival.
Do not bring outside alcoholic beverages.
The vineyard has also advised guests attending its summer music events that parking is limited and encourages carpooling, something worth considering for a larger festival afternoon.
Event Details
Event: TVCCA’s 2nd Annual Sound Waves Music Festival
Date: Sunday, August 30, 2026
Time: Noon–4 p.m.
Gates Open: Noon
Live Music Begins: 1 p.m.
Location: Stonington Vineyards
Address: 523 Taugwonk Road, Stonington, CT 06378
Performers: Pirates for Peace and Fake Experience
Food: TVCCA Cruising Café and Moovin Scoops
Advance Admission: $20 online through August 29
Day-of Admission: $25
Children Under 12: Free
Outside Food: Permitted
Outside Alcohol: Not permitted
More information is available at the Event Website link below.
To purchase tickets, click the Event Ticketing link below.

Denison Farmers Market
2026-08-30 12:00 - 15:00 | Denison Homestead Musuem, 120 Pequotsepos Rd, Mystic, 06355, United States
Denison Farmers Market returns for its 22nd season on Sunday, June 7, bringing fresh Connecticut-grown products and a vibrant community atmosphere to Mystic. The popular weekly market showcases local farmers, food producers, and artisans, offering residents and visitors an opportunity to shop directly from the people who grow and make the products they bring to market.
Throughout the season, shoppers can browse a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, along with locally produced foods and specialty items sourced from across Connecticut. The market has become a seasonal tradition for many families, providing access to high-quality local products while supporting regional agriculture and small businesses. The 2026 season runs every Sunday from June 7 through October 25.
Whether you’re stocking up on fresh produce, discovering new local products, or simply enjoying a Sunday afternoon in Mystic, the Denison Farmers Market offers something for everyone. It’s an ideal destination for food lovers, home cooks, and anyone who appreciates supporting local farms and producers.
Event Details
Event: Denison Farmers Market 2026
Dates: Every Sunday, June 7 – October 25, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center
Town: Mystic, CT
Admission: Free
Market Highlights

Connecticut-grown fruits and vegetables
Local farmers and food producers
Fresh baked goods and specialty foods
Artisan and handcrafted products
Seasonal offerings throughout the summer and fall
Family-friendly community atmosphere

Why Attend

Shop directly from local farmers and makers
Support Connecticut agriculture and small businesses
Find fresh, seasonal ingredients
Discover unique local foods and artisan goods
Enjoy a relaxing Sunday morning in Mystic

Filomena’s 20th Anniversary Bash
2026-08-30 11:30 - 19:30 | Filomena’s Restaurant, 262 Boston Post Rd #1, Waterford, 06385, United States
Filomena’s 20th Anniversary Bash celebrates two decades of food, live music and community at the Waterford restaurant on Sunday, August 30, with an all-day anniversary party featuring two bands, a photo booth, limited-edition merchandise, a charcuterie bar and more.
The celebration runs from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., turning an ordinary Sunday at Filomena’s into something closer to a reunion for the customers, employees and friends who have made the restaurant part of southeastern Connecticut life.
And after 20 years, there’s quite a bit to celebrate.
Twenty Years of Filomena’s
Filomena’s opened at 262 Boston Post Road in Waterford’s Utopia Centre, a development built by current owner Michael “Mike” Buscetto III in 2006. Contemporary reporting identifies Mike Ogle and Bruno Trombino of Westerly as the restaurant’s original operators and Filomena’s as one of the development’s original tenants. Buscetto and his brother later purchased an interest in the restaurant and were operating it by 2013.
Today, Buscetto owns the restaurant and has built Filomena’s around a combination of Italian-American comfort food, private events, community gatherings and live entertainment. The restaurant has also accumulated its share of local recognition, including being named among Connecticut Magazine’s top family restaurants in 2013 and earning recognition for its banquet facilities and clam chowder.
Its private-event side has become a significant part of the operation as well, with two event spaces capable of accommodating gatherings ranging from about 10 to 150 guests.
So, Who Was Filomena?
There’s a family story hiding behind the name on the sign.
Filomena was Mike Buscetto’s paternal grandmother. Buscetto has specifically described the Waterford restaurant as bearing her name.
Twenty years after Filomena’s opened, her name is still hanging over the door of a restaurant that has become a familiar gathering place for thousands of southeastern Connecticut residents.
The Man Behind Filomena’s
Buscetto’s story extends well beyond the restaurant business.
A developer and longtime southeastern Connecticut civic figure, he developed Waterford’s Utopia Centre as well as New London’s first 55-plus active-adult community. His community involvement has included work with organizations supporting children, families and charitable causes throughout the region.
His annual Bash at the Beach fundraiser alone has generated more than $550,000 for approximately 30 organizations, primarily supporting youth programs. He’s also served with organizations including Waterford Youth & Family Services and the Cactus Jack Foundation.
That work led the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut to name Buscetto its 2024 Citizen of the Year, an honor recognizing his long record of community involvement.
One episode in the restaurant’s history says quite a bit about the way Buscetto operates.
When COVID devastated the restaurant industry, he kept Filomena’s open and said he didn’t lay off a single employee. The restaurant added plexiglass dividers, moved menus onto a rolling whiteboard, converted parking areas into outdoor dining and eventually added outdoor entertainment and dancing. The adaptations attracted enough attention that Gov. Ned Lamont later visited Filomena’s as an example of a business that had demonstrated innovation during the pandemic.
Live Music Throughout the Anniversary
The August 30 celebration includes two live performances.
Mike Mauro performs from noon to 2 p.m.
Souls on Fire takes over from 4 to 7 p.m.
Between the music, guests can take anniversary photos at a photo booth, pick up limited-edition Filomena’s merchandise and visit a special charcuterie bar.
The anniversary runs for most of the day, so this isn’t structured as a single concert with everyone arriving at once. Guests can stop in for lunch, catch one of the performances or spend a larger part of Sunday celebrating with the Filomena’s crew.
Event Details
Event: Filomena’s 20th Anniversary Bash
Date: Sunday, August 30, 2026
Time: 11:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
Location: Filomena’s, Utopia Centre
Address: 262 Boston Post Road, Waterford, CT 06385
Live Music:
Mike Mauro: Noon–2 p.m.
Souls on Fire: 4–7 p.m.
Also Planned: Photo booth, limited-edition merchandise, charcuterie bar and additional anniversary activities.

Middle of the Vines Vineyard Tour
2026-08-30 11:30 - 17:00 | Sift Bake Shop Mystic, 5 Water Street, Mystic, 06355, United States
Middle of the Vines Vineyard Tour offers a relaxing, all-inclusive way to explore the Connecticut Wine Trail without worrying about driving, reservations, or planning the day’s itinerary. Operating Thursday through Sunday during the summer, Friday through Sunday in the fall, and Saturday through Sunday during the winter, the guided experience departs from Mystic and visits three carefully selected vineyards across southeastern Connecticut.
Guests travel in a comfortable 15-passenger van to scenic wineries in communities including Stonington, North Stonington, Preston, and Ledyard. Each stop allows about an hour to enjoy the vineyard, sample local wines or other beverages, and take in Connecticut’s picturesque wine country. Every tour includes lunch from Sift Bake Shop, one beverage at each winery, bottled water, and snacks, creating a stress-free day designed for both visitors and local wine enthusiasts.
Because winery availability changes throughout the season, destinations vary from tour to tour, giving returning guests the opportunity to experience different vineyards throughout the year. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a unique day trip, Middle of the Vines handles the transportation and planning so guests can relax and enjoy the journey.
Event Details

Event: Middle of the Vines Vineyard Tour
Schedule:

Summer: Thursday-Sunday
Fall: Friday-Sunday
Winter: Saturday-Sunday

Tour Length: Approximately 5 hours
Departure: Mystic, CT
Transportation: Included**
Age Requirement: 21+
Meetup at Sift Bake Shop Mystic (see Venue at the bottom of the page)

Tour Highlights
Each tour includes:

Guided transportation aboard a 15-passenger van
Visits to three Connecticut vineyards
Approximately one hour at each winery
Scenic drives through southeastern Connecticut wine country

Tours may visit wineries in:

Stonington
North Stonington
Preston
Ledyard

Destinations vary based on vineyard availability.
What’s Included
Every ticket includes:

Round-trip transportation
Visits to three vineyards
Lunch from Sift Bake Shop
One beverage at each winery (wine, beer, cider, or another available option)
Bottled water
Snacks

A Zero Proof ticket is also available for guests who prefer non-alcoholic beverages.
Reservations
Advance reservations are required.
Because lunch is prepared fresh by Sift Bake Shop, bookings close at 6:00 p.m. the day before each tour.
The online booking system displays real-time availability, allowing guests to see how many seats remain on each tour.
Tickets
Tickets are $165 per person.
To check availability and reserve your seat, click the Event Ticketing link at the bottom of this page.

** You must provide your own transportation home. Have a designated driver or use Uber/Lyft.

Brunch with Bottomless Mimosas at the Jealous Monk
2026-08-30 10:30 - 13:00 | Jealous Monk, 27 Coogan Blvd, Mystic, 06355, United States
Brunch with Bottomless Mimosas at The Jealous Monk turns Sunday mornings into a relaxed social gathering with brunch, cocktails, and a lively atmosphere at The Jealous Monk. Running Sundays from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM, the weekly brunch combines casual dining with bottomless mimosas, creating the kind of laid-back weekend stop that naturally pulls in groups of friends, couples, and visitors exploring Mystic for the day.
The focus is simple: good food, drinks, and atmosphere without overcomplicating the experience. Guests can settle in for a slower-paced Sunday morning while enjoying brunch favorites alongside continuous mimosa pours that keep the energy light and social. Located in the heart of Olde Mistick Village, the setting also makes it easy to turn brunch into part of a larger weekend outing filled with shopping, walking, and shoreline exploring.
What makes brunch at The Jealous Monk stand out is the balance between comfort and energy. It feels active without becoming chaotic, offering enough buzz to make the room lively while still giving people space to relax and catch up over drinks and food. For locals looking for a standing Sunday tradition or visitors searching for an easy brunch stop in Mystic, the event delivers exactly what most people want from a weekend brunch: good company, good drinks, and no rush to leave.

Tree Trails Adventures Locals Day!
2026-08-30 10:00 - 18:00 | TreeTrails Adventures, 715 Noank Ledyard Road, Mystic, CT, 06355, United States
Tree Trails Adventures Locals Day! returns Sundays throughout the summer from June 21 through September 20 at TreeTrails Adventures Mystic, giving residents from Mystic, Stonington, Groton, and Ledyard discounted access to one of SE Connecticut’s most popular outdoor adventure attractions. The seasonal promotion was created specifically to encourage local families and residents to enjoy the aerial adventure park during the busy summer tourism season while making new summer memories close to home.
Guests who live in Mystic (06355), Stonington (06378), Groton (06340), or Ledyard (06339) can use promo code BRNeighbor25 to receive $10 off Main Park tickets for up to four people. Valid ID is required for verification. The park’s aerial obstacle courses, climbing elements, rope bridges, and zipline-style experiences have become a major summer attraction in the Mystic area, offering a mix of outdoor recreation, physical activity, and family-friendly adventure surrounded by wooded scenery.
Tree Trails Adventures Locals Day! adds a community-focused layer to the park’s summer programming by reserving space and discounts specifically for nearby residents during one of the busiest times of year along the shoreline. Whether visiting with family, friends, or returning for repeat visits throughout the season, the promotion offers local residents a chance to experience the adventure park at a reduced price while staying active outdoors during the summer months.

The Greatest Bluefish Tournament on Earth
2026-08-30 00:00 - 17:00 | CT
The Greatest Bluefish Tournament on Earth returns to Long Island Sound on Saturday and Sunday, August 29 and 30, bringing anglers from Connecticut and New York together for the 44th edition of one of the region’s longest-running fishing competitions.
The premise has remained wonderfully uncomplicated: catch the heaviest bluefish and win $25,000.
But there’s considerably more money on the line than the grand prize. The 2026 tournament will award more than $40,000 in cash and prizes, with payouts extending through 20th place, prizes at individual weigh-in stations and a separate competition for young anglers.
A Long Island Sound Tradition
Now in its 44th year, the tournament has grown into a late-summer tradition spanning virtually the entire length of Long Island Sound.
There isn’t one marina where everyone gathers to fish.
Competitors can head out from Connecticut or New York, fish from boats or shore, and search for bluefish throughout the tournament’s designated waters.
The western boundary extends to the Whitestone Bridge. In contrast, the eastern boundary reaches the waters around Orient Point, Fishers Island and Watch Hill, with The Race included within the tournament area.
For southeastern Connecticut anglers, that puts some very familiar bluefish territory squarely in play.
Fishing Starts Just After Midnight
This isn’t a tournament that waits for a comfortable Saturday-morning start.
Lines can hit the water beginning at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, August 29.
Anglers then have until 5 p.m. Sunday to find the fish that could move them onto the leaderboard.
Official weigh-in stations operate from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and reopen from 6 a.m. until the tournament concludes at 5 p.m. Sunday. All qualifying bluefish must be weighed before that final deadline.
That creates nearly an entire weekend of possibilities, from fishing beneath the stars early Saturday morning to making one final run Sunday afternoon.
$25,000 for One Bluefish
Weight determines the winners.
The angler bringing in the tournament’s heaviest qualifying bluefish earns the $25,000 grand prize.
Second place pays $7,500, while third earns $2,500. Fourth and fifth place receive $500 each, and cash prizes continue all the way through 20th place.
There’s another way to leave with money even if your fish doesn’t crack the overall Top 20.
A $100 Port Prize goes to the angler weighing the heaviest bluefish at each official weigh-in station.
That means the leaderboard isn’t the only competition worth watching as fish begin arriving at stations around the Sound.
Young Anglers Have Their Own Prizes
Kids aren’t simply allowed to enter. They’re encouraged to compete.
The tournament includes a separate Under 18 division for the three heaviest bluefish landed by younger contestants.
First place earns $1,000, while second and third place each receive a $100 gift card.
Young anglers remain part of the overall tournament as well, making this one of those rare competitions where a family can spend the weekend fishing together while everyone aboard has something at stake.
Weigh-In Stations Around the Sound
The tournament uses a network of official stations throughout Connecticut and New York rather than requiring anglers to return to one central location.
For southeastern Connecticut competitors, participating businesses include AW Marina in New London and Hillyer’s Tackle Shop in Waterford, with additional stations positioned westward along the Connecticut shoreline and across Long Island.
That decentralized setup is what allows the entire Sound to effectively become the tournament venue.
Catch the fish.
Get it to an official station.
Then find out where it lands on the leaderboard.
WEIGH IN STATIONS:
AW Marina | 178 Pequot Avenue, New London, CT | 860-443-6076
Black Hall Outfitters | 372 Boston Post Road, Westbrook, CT | 860-434-9680 Ext 2
Black Rock Bait & Tackle | 3309 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport, CT | 203-345-1835
Bobby J’s | 354 New Haven Avenue (Indian River Plaza), Milford, CT | 203-876-1495
Branford Bait & Tackle | 55 Goodsell Point Road, Branford, CT 06405 | 203-315-1313
Dee’s Bait & Tackle | 93 Clay Street, New Haven, CT | 203-562-7025
Fin’s Bait & Tackle | 34 Riverside Drive, Clinton, CT | 860-664-5476
Fisherman’s World | Liberty Square (2 Fort Point Street), East Norwalk, CT | 203-866-1075
Hillyer’s Tackle Shop | 374 Mago Point Way, Waterford, CT | (860) 443-7615
Sportman Den | 33 River Road, Cos Cob, CT | 203-869-3234
Ted’s Bait & Tackle | 35 Clark Street, Old Saybrook, CT | 860-388-4882

Registration Closes Before the Fishing Begins
Every angler competing for prizes must register individually.
Registration costs $36 per contestant.
Online registration remains open until 11:59 p.m. Friday, August 28, while in-person registration at designated registration stations closes at 7 p.m. Friday. The tournament’s mail-in registration period closes earlier.
Once the clock hits 12:01 Saturday morning, registration is over and the fishing begins.
One Fish Can Change the Weekend
Bluefish have earned their reputation among Long Island Sound anglers.
They’re aggressive predators, powerful fighters and not particularly interested in coming quietly to the boat.
During this weekend, though, every decent bluefish comes with another question.
How much does it weigh?
Because somewhere else on Long Island Sound, another angler is wondering exactly the same thing.
For nearly two days, boats will move through the Sound, anglers will work beaches and shoreline spots, fish will arrive at weigh stations and the leaderboard will keep changing.
Then at 5 p.m. Sunday, the scales close.
And somebody’s bluefish will be worth $25,000.
Event Details
Event: The Greatest Bluefish Tournament on Earth
Dates: Saturday, August 29–Sunday, August 30, 2026
Fishing Begins: Saturday at 12:01 a.m.
Tournament Ends: Sunday at 5 p.m.
Location: Long Island Sound
Registration: $36 per angler
Eligibility: Open to registered anglers
Grand Prize: $25,000
Second Place: $7,500
Third Place: $2,500
Total Cash and Prizes: More than $40,000
Youth Competition: Separate prizes for the three heaviest bluefish caught by anglers under 18
Youth Grand Prize: $1,000
Saturday Weigh-In Hours: 6 a.m.–10 p.m.
Sunday Weigh-In Hours: 6 a.m.–5 p.m.
Online Registration Deadline: Friday, August 28 at 11:59 p.m.
In-Person Registration Deadline: Friday, August 28 at 7 p.m.
The Greatest Bluefish Tournament on Earth brings anglers across Long Island Sound together for a two-day competition with more than $40,000 in cash and prizes and $25,000 waiting for the angler who lands the heaviest bluefish.
More information is available at the Event Website link below.
To register, click the Event Ticketing link below.

Featured image is an artistic representation inspired by the event and may not depict the actual people, location, or activities shown.

Steve Smith & The Nakeds at the Charlestown Rathskeller
2026-08-29 20:00 - 23:00 | Rathskeller, 489A Old Coach Rd, Charlestown, RI, 02813, United States
Steve Smith & The Nakeds at the Charlestown Rathskeller on Saturday, August 29, for a night of rhythm and blues, rock & roll, soul and a whole lot of horns.
The 10-piece band takes the Rathskeller’s outdoor stage from 8 to 11 p.m. with a lineup built around frontman Steve Smith, a four-piece rhythm section and five-piece horn section.
Tickets are $10 in advance, plus fees, or $15 at the door.
A Rhode Island Band Since 1973
Calling Steve Smith & The Nakeds a longtime New England band almost undersells it.
The group traces its beginnings to 1973, when it was known as Naked Truth. More than five decades later, Smith is still leading a large-format band through the R&B, soul and rock & roll that first inspired him.
Smith grew up in Smithfield, Rhode Island, in a musical family. He is a first cousin of John Cafferty, who would go on to lead John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band.
Some of Smith’s earliest performances were considerably less glamorous.
As children spending summers at Roy Carpenter’s Beach in Matunuck, members of the family would stage talent shows inside their beach cottage. Smith remembers performing in front of the refrigerator.
Eventually, the audience got bigger.
Much bigger.
Ten Musicians and Five Horns
At a time when economics have pushed many touring bands toward smaller lineups, The Nakeds have held onto the big-band sound that has defined them.
The current 10-piece lineup puts Smith on vocals and harmonica in front of guitar, bass, keyboards and drums.
Then come the horns.
Trumpet. Trombone. Alto saxophone. Tenor saxophone. Baritone saxophone.
Five of them.
That combination allows the band to move through R&B, soul and rock & roll with the kind of brass arrangements that would be impossible for a typical four-piece bar band to reproduce.
The result isn’t designed for sitting quietly with your hands folded.
This is dance music.
When the Big Man Joined the Band
One of the most important chapters in The Nakeds’ history began with Clarence Clemons.
Best known as the towering saxophonist beside Bruce Springsteen in the E Street Band, Clemons developed a long musical relationship with Steve Smith & The Nakeds beginning in the 1980s.
And this wasn’t simply a case of a famous musician sitting in for a song one night.
When Clemons wasn’t touring with Springsteen, he performed extensively with The Nakeds. The relationship lasted from roughly 1983 until Clemons’ death in 2011, with shows sometimes billed as Steve Smith & The Nakeds featuring Clarence Clemons.
Clemons also worked with the group in the studio.
The connection brought The Nakeds into the orbit of other E Street musicians as well. They performed alongside guitarist Nils Lofgren and bassist Garry Tallent, while Lofgren and Clemons contributed material to the band’s recordings.
From The Temptations to a President
More than 50 years of performing has produced an unusual résumé.
The Nakeds have shared stages with artists including The Temptations and Gary U.S. Bonds and performed with musicians from Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band.
Smith also performed for President Bill Clinton during the 1990s.
The band became a fixture on the New England live-music circuit while periodically finding its way onto much larger stages and into national media.
Then came MTV.
And eventually, a cartoon baby with a British accent.
The Strange Second Life of “I’m Huge”
The Nakeds recorded “I’m Huge (And the Babes Go Wild)” during the 1980s.
Years later, the song unexpectedly resurfaced when it appeared in an episode of Family Guy in 2008.
For a band already decades into its career, the placement introduced The Nakeds to an entirely new audience. Renewed online attention helped lead to a distribution relationship with Sony and gave the group’s recordings another life long after their original release.
It wasn’t their first encounter with television. The band had previously appeared through MTV’s Basement Tapes during the music channel’s early years.
Their music has also found its way into films, including Dumb and Dumber To and The Greatest Beer Run Ever.
Not bad mileage for a Rhode Island horn band that started in 1973.
The Night Bill Murray Joined In
There’s another story that sounds almost too perfect for this band’s history.
In 2019, filmmaker Peter Farrelly brought Bill Murray to see Steve Smith & The Nakeds perform at Roy Carpenter’s Beach in Matunuck.
Murray didn’t simply watch.
He joined the band.
For Smith, it brought the story around in a peculiar circle. He was back at the same beach where he’d spent childhood summers performing in family talent shows decades earlier.
Except this time there was a professional band behind him.
And Bill Murray had wandered onto the stage.
Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame
By 2013, the band’s place in Rhode Island music history was formally recognized when Steve Smith & The Nakeds were inducted into the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame.
The Rhode Island House of Representatives also recognized the group for the honor.
The induction acknowledged something that becomes increasingly difficult to ignore with each passing year: The Nakeds haven’t merely survived changes in musical taste, venues and the business of performing.
They’ve kept working.
More than five decades after the first version of the band came together, the calendar still fills with concerts.
Smith has summed up his retirement plan with a wonderfully uncomplicated phrase:
“’Til the phone stops ringing.”
Apparently, it hasn’t.
Saturday Night Down Back
For the August 29 show, The Nakeds head to the Charlestown Rathskeller’s outdoor entertainment area known as Down Back.
The setting includes an outdoor stage, backyard bar and burger shack surrounded by the Rathskeller’s wooded Charlestown property. There’s a bonfire nearby along with lawn games including cornhole and bocce.
It’s intentionally more backyard party than formal concert venue.
That should suit this particular band just fine.
Guests can arrive early for dinner and drinks before heading Down Back for the show.
Once 10 musicians take the stage and five horns start competing with one another for oxygen, the quiet part of the evening is probably over.
Fifty-Three Years and Still Dancing
Longevity in music can sometimes turn a band into a museum piece, faithfully recreating what it did decades earlier for an audience that remembers the first time around.
The Nakeds have taken a different route.
The history is there. Clarence Clemons is part of it. So are MTV, Family Guy, Bill Murray, the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame and thousands of nights spent on stages around New England.
But none of that matters much if the band can’t still make a Saturday-night crowd move.
That’s the test waiting Down Back at the Rathskeller.
Ten musicians.
Five horns.
Fifty-three years.
And three more hours to play.
Event Details
Event: Steve Smith & The Nakeds at the Charlestown Rathskeller 2026
Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026
Time: 8–11 p.m.
Location: The Charlestown Rathskeller
Address: 489A Old Coach Road, Charlestown, RI 02813
Tickets: $10 online plus fees; $15 at the door
Refunds: No refunds
Performer: Steve Smith & The Nakeds
Music: R&B, soul and rock & roll
Band: 10-piece ensemble with a five-piece horn section
Setting: Outdoor performance at the Rathskeller’s Down Back entertainment area
Guests can arrive early for dinner and drinks before the concert.
More information is available at the Event Website link below.
To purchase tickets, click the Event Ticketing link below.

Featured image is an artistic representation inspired by the event and may not depict the actual people, location, or activities shown.

Demi Lovato at the Mohegan Sun Arena
2026-08-29 20:00 - 22:00 | Mohegan Sun Arena, 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd, Uncasville, 06382, United States
Demi Lovato at the Mohegan Sun Arena brings more than 15 years of pop hits and a dramatically lighter new chapter of her career on Saturday, August 29, with special guest BAYLI.
The 8 p.m. concert arrives after Lovato spent the spring touring arenas behind her ninth studio album, It’s Not That Deep, a record that marked another sharp turn in a career that has rarely stayed in one musical place for long.
Fans can expect the new dance-pop material alongside the songs that made Lovato one of her generation’s biggest voices, including “Skyscraper,” “Heart Attack,” “Cool for the Summer” and “Sorry Not Sorry.”
From Disney to Pop Star
Long before the Grammy nomination and arena tours, Lovato was an actor.
Her breakthrough came through Disney Channel, first with the short-form series As the Bell Rings and then with Camp Rock in 2008. Lovato starred as Mitchie Torres opposite the Jonas Brothers, introducing a national audience to the powerful voice that would soon become the center of a recording career.
Her debut album, Don’t Forget, arrived that same year.
Lovato followed it with Here We Go Again in 2009, beginning a remarkable run: each of her first eight studio albums debuted inside the Top 10 of the Billboard 200.
The Disney star had become a pop star.
A Voice Built for Big Songs
Lovato’s career has crossed pop, R&B, electronic music, pop-punk and rock, but the voice has remained the constant.
“Skyscraper” became an early showcase in 2011, stripping away much of the production and putting Lovato’s vocals front and center.
Then came “Heart Attack.”
“Cool for the Summer” pushed toward a bigger, more provocative pop sound in 2015, while “Sorry Not Sorry” became another defining hit two years later.
Those songs helped build the catalog Lovato now brings into an arena alongside music created by a very different version of herself.
She Held a Funeral for Pop
In 2022, Lovato appeared ready to leave pop music behind.
Holy Fvck leaned aggressively into rock and pop-punk, reconnecting with some of the heavier influences that had appeared earlier in her career. The 2023 project Revamped went even further, rebuilding older Lovato hits as rock songs.
She even jokingly staged a “funeral” for her pop music.
Apparently, pop wasn’t dead.
By 2025, Lovato was teasing its resurrection.
The result was It’s Not That Deep, her ninth studio album and an abrupt turn away from the distorted guitars of Holy Fvck toward dance floors, synthesizers and club-pop production.
This Time, It Really Isn’t That Deep
The title isn’t accidental.
Lovato has spent much of her career making intensely personal music, often drawing from difficult periods of her life.
It’s Not That Deep was deliberately conceived from a different place.
Rather than turning every song inward, Lovato wanted to make something fun.
The album moves through dance-pop, house and electronic sounds with executive producer Zhone, whose previous work includes Troye Sivan’s “Rush” and Kesha’s “Joyride.”
“Fast” races directly toward the dance floor, while “Here All Night” pairs a breakup with the decision to go out rather than sit home thinking about it.
“Kiss,” “Frequency” and “Sorry to Myself” continue the shift between pure pop release and the flashes of emotional honesty Lovato has never completely abandoned.
The original 11-song album arrived in October 2025, followed by expanded editions with additional material.
Popvato Came Back to Life
The change isn’t simply audible on the record.
Lovato returned to choreography for the “Here All Night” video after years away from dance-heavy performances.
That energy carried into the 2026 It’s Not That Deep Tour, Lovato’s first major headlining tour in three years.
The spring arena run included Madison Square Garden in New York, TD Garden in Boston, the United Center in Chicago, the Kia Forum in Los Angeles and other major venues across North America.
After wrapping that run in May, Lovato returned for additional summer performances.
She plays Atlantic City on Friday, August 28.
One night later, she’s at Mohegan Sun.
The Hits Didn’t Disappear
The new album may establish the mood, but Lovato has more than a decade of songs to draw from.
“Skyscraper.”
“Heart Attack.”
“Cool for the Summer.”
“Sorry Not Sorry.”
Those records come from different periods of a career that has repeatedly changed direction, which is part of what makes the current show interesting.
A Lovato concert in 2026 has to connect the young singer who emerged from Disney Channel, the powerhouse ballad singer, the pop hitmaker, the rock performer of Holy Fvck and the artist currently making glossy dance music.
It’s several different Demi Lovato eras sharing one stage.
Meet BAYLI
Saturday’s special guest brings a different New York music story to the Arena.
BAYLI is a Brooklyn singer, songwriter and rapper whose music moves among pop, R&B and hip-hop.
Before launching her solo career, she fronted The Skins, a Brooklyn band she formed with her siblings and friends. The group developed a reputation through New York’s live-music scene before BAYLI stepped forward as a solo artist.
Her music has since combined melodic pop songwriting with R&B, rap and electronic production.
That genre-hopping background makes BAYLI a particularly natural opener for a headliner who has spent her own career refusing to remain in a single musical lane.
An Arena Weekend at Mohegan Sun
Lovato’s concert falls in the middle of a packed late-August run at Mohegan Sun Arena.
TLC, Salt-N-Pepa and En Vogue take over the room Friday night. Lovato follows Saturday, and the Elvis Tribute Artist Spectacular starring Shawn Klush arrives Sunday.
For Lovato’s performance, the pit is general admission and standing room only. There are no chairs in the pit.
Free self-parking is available in Mohegan Sun’s three garages and Winter Lot. Reserved parking on the ground floor of the Riverview Garage is also available as a paid upgrade.
Guests should check what they’re carrying before heading toward the Arena. Backpacks, string bags, diaper bags, shopping bags, messenger bags, briefcases and rolling-style bags aren’t permitted.
Fifteen Years Later, Another Version of Demi
Demi Lovato has spent enough time in public that it’s easy to forget how young she was when it started.
Camp Rock arrived in 2008.
Then came albums, tours, acting, enormous singles and repeated musical reinventions.
Rock replaced pop.
Then pop came back from its own funeral.
Saturday’s Mohegan Sun show catches Lovato at the other end of that journey, no longer needing every song or every era to carry the weight of everything that came before it.
Sometimes you can turn up the synthesizers, switch on the lights and make a pop record because dancing feels good.
It doesn’t always have to be that deep.
Event Details
Event: Demi Lovato with special guest BAYLI
Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026
Time: 8 p.m.
Location: Mohegan Sun Arena
Address: 1 Mohegan Sun Boulevard, Uncasville, CT 06382
Headliner: Demi Lovato
Special Guest: BAYLI
Admission: Ticket required
Pit: Standing general admission; no chairs
Parking: Free self-parking available
Reserved Parking: Paid Riverview Garage reserved parking available
Demi Lovato brings the dance-pop sound of It’s Not That Deep together with more than 15 years of hits for a Saturday-night Arena concert with special guest BAYLI.

To purchase tickets, click the Event Ticketing link below.

Featured image is an artistic representation inspired by the event and may not depict the actual people, location, or activities shown.

Because He Got High... Afroman Is Coming to Mohegan Sun
2026-08-29 20:00 - 22:00 | Sun Patio at the Mohegan Sun, 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd, Uncasville, 06382, United States
Afroman brings one of the most recognizable comedy-rap songs of the early 2000s, a Grammy-nominated career and more than 25 years of hip-hop to the Sun Patio at Mohegan Sun on Saturday, August 29.
The outdoor concert begins at 8 p.m. and is part of Mohegan Sun’s ticketed Sun Patio Concert Series, which brings nationally known performers to the outdoor venue throughout the summer.
And yes, there’s almost no chance Afroman gets through the night without explaining exactly why he didn’t clean his room.
Before “Because I Got High”
Afroman was born Joseph Foreman, and his DIY approach to making music started remarkably early.
While in eighth grade, Foreman recorded a homemade song about a teacher who had gotten him kicked out of school for sagging his pants. He began selling copies to classmates, and according to Afroman’s account, roughly 400 copies eventually circulated among students and teachers.
The experience taught him something.
Even when he wasn’t physically at school, his music could be.
Long before social media allowed an artist to bypass the traditional music business and reach listeners directly, Afroman had already stumbled onto the basic idea.
Music was also part of his life outside hip-hop. As a youngster, he played drums and guitar in church, and guitar would remain part of his musical identity after he became known primarily as a rapper.
A Hit Born on Napster
Afroman independently released his first album, My Fro-losophy, in 1998.
After relocating to Hattiesburg, Mississippi, he connected with producer Tim Ramenofsky, better known as Headfridge, along with musicians Jody Stallone and Darrell Havard.
The resulting album, Because I Got High, arrived in 2000.
Then something happened that could almost only have happened at that particular moment in music history.
The title track began spreading through Napster.
At the turn of the millennium, the file-sharing service was disrupting the record industry by allowing millions of people to trade digital music directly. For an independent artist without the promotional machinery of a major label, it also created an unexpected way for a song to travel.
“Because I Got High” traveled.
Fast.
It Started With a Dirty Room
The inspiration wasn’t exactly profound.
Afroman didn’t want to clean his room.
That became the foundation for an escalating series of everyday responsibilities abandoned for the same reason: he got high.
The joke was simple enough to understand immediately, the chorus nearly impossible to forget, and the song eventually made its way to The Howard Stern Show.
By 2001, Afroman had an international hit.
“Because I Got High” also appeared in Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back and became permanently attached to the particular strain of stoner comedy that flourished around the beginning of the century.
Then the Recording Academy came calling.
From Napster to the Grammys
“Because I Got High” earned Afroman a nomination for Best Rap Solo Performance at the 2002 Grammy Awards.
He didn’t win.
But consider the route that got him there.
An independent musician recorded an absurd song inspired by not cleaning his room, distributed the album at concerts and through an illegal file-sharing network, watched the song spread across the Internet and eventually found himself nominated for one of the music industry’s biggest awards.
A major-label deal followed.
Afroman joined Cypress Hill’s Smoke Out festival alongside acts including Method Man and Deftones, and Universal Records signed him to a multi-album deal.
The label released The Good Times in 2001, combining previously recorded material with additional songs and putting Afroman in front of a much larger audience.
Then There’s “Crazy Rap”
For a lot of people, Afroman has two songs permanently lodged somewhere in their early-2000s memory.
The second is officially called “Crazy Rap.”
Plenty of people know it by another name.
“Colt 45 and Two Zig-Zags.”
The long, comedic story-song became another enduring Afroman favorite and helped establish that the humor of “Because I Got High” wasn’t a one-time accident.
Comedy became part of his musical identity.
Rather than spend the next 25 years trying to distance himself from the novelty and marijuana humor that made him famous, Afroman embraced it.
His shows combine hip-hop, storytelling, comedy, audience interaction and the guitar-playing that reaches back to his musical beginnings.
He Went Independent Again
The massive success of “Because I Got High” briefly put Afroman inside the traditional major-label system.
It didn’t keep him there.
He eventually returned to releasing music independently, using the Internet to maintain a direct relationship with listeners.
In a strange way, it brought his career back to where it started.
First he sold homemade recordings to classmates.
Then his music spread through Napster.
Eventually, digital distribution and social media gave independent musicians the ability to release music directly to audiences without waiting for a traditional record company to decide whether they belonged.
Afroman had already been doing some version of that since eighth grade.
Still on the Road 25 Years Later
The strangest part of the Afroman story may be its longevity.
“Because I Got High” became a phenomenon in 2001, the sort of enormous novelty-infused hit that can easily turn an artist into a pop-culture time capsule.
Afroman kept going.
He’s continued recording and touring independently, while “Because I Got High” and “Crazy Rap” remain staples of his live performances.
His 2026 schedule continues beyond Connecticut with performances around the country.
So Saturday’s Sun Patio show isn’t simply an early-2000s nostalgia appearance.
It’s another stop in a career that somehow survived the transition from homemade tapes to Napster, major labels, streaming and social media.
A Different Kind of Sun Patio Concert
It’s worth distinguishing Saturday’s show from the free Friday-night Party on the Sun Patio concerts at Mohegan Sun.
Afroman appears as part of the separate Sun Patio Concert Series.
These are ticketed concerts featuring nationally known performers, with the 2026 schedule also including artists such as Rick Ross, Ying Yang Twins, Dion and Lakeview.
The Afroman concert is open to all ages and takes place rain or shine.
General admission is standing room only. Guests aren’t permitted to bring chairs, coolers or outside food and beverages.
The Sun Patio Bar is restricted to guests 21 and older with valid identification.
Food, Drinks and an Outdoor Stage
The Sun Patio is located outside the Casino of the Earth between the Indian Summer and Riverview parking garages.
Mohegan Sun expanded the outdoor venue with a larger stage and upgraded sound system, creating a space that can shift between its free weekly entertainment and larger ticketed concerts such as Afroman.
For Saturday night, Mohegan Sun currently lists Reel Catch, Rollin’ Ghost and Yummy Wagon among the food trucks.
Pizza from The Crafty Slice and fresh-popped popcorn are also expected to be available, while the Sun Patio Bar serves cocktails, mocktails and other beverages.
Fire pits aren’t available for purchase during Sun Patio Concert Series performances.
The Indian Summer Garage and Riverview Parking Garage are the recommended parking locations.
He Was Going to Clean His Room…
There aren’t many artists whose entire career can be traced back through so many vanished pieces of technology and culture.
Homemade tapes.
Napster.
The Howard Stern Show.
Early-2000s stoner comedies.
Major-label record deals.
Then downloads, streaming and social media.
Afroman managed to travel through all of them.
And somehow the song at the center of the whole thing remains a three-word explanation for why absolutely nothing got accomplished.
Twenty-five years later, people still know the punchline.
On August 29, they’ll probably sing it for him.
Event Details
Event: Afroman at the Sun Patio
Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026
Time: 8 p.m.
Location: Sun Patio at Mohegan Sun
Address: 1 Mohegan Sun Boulevard, Uncasville, CT 06382
Series: Sun Patio Concert Series
Admission: Ticket required
Age: All ages
Format: General admission, standing room only
Weather: Rain or shine
Chairs: Not permitted
Coolers and Outside Food or Drinks: Not permitted
Sun Patio Bar: 21+ with valid ID
Featured Food Trucks: Reel Catch, Rollin’ Ghost and Yummy Wagon
Recommended Parking: Indian Summer Garage or Riverview Parking Garage
Afroman brings “Because I Got High,” “Crazy Rap” and more than 25 years of hip-hop, humor and storytelling to Mohegan Sun’s outdoor Sun Patio.
More information is available at the Event Website link below.
To purchase tickets, click the Event Ticketing link below.
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Featured image is an artistic representation inspired by the event and may not depict the actual people, location, or activities shown.

Benny Green at The Side Door in Old Lyme
2026-08-29 20:00 - 22:00 | Side Door Jazz Club, 85 Lyme St, Old Lyme, 06372, United States
Benny Green at The Side Door in Old Lyme on Saturday, August 29, for an intimate evening of solo piano.
There will be no rhythm section behind him. No bassist carrying the bottom end. No drummer keeping time.
Just Green, a piano and more than four decades of experience stretching from Betty Carter and Art Blakey to Freddie Hubbard, Ray Brown and Oscar Peterson.
Doors open at 7:15 p.m., with the performance running from 8 to 10 p.m. The all-ages concert is the second of two consecutive nights Green will perform at The Side Door.
From His Father’s Records to the Piano
Green was born in New York in 1963 and raised in Berkeley, California, where music was already waiting for him at home.
His father played tenor saxophone, and records by musicians including Thelonious Monk and Charlie Parker became part of Green’s early musical education.
He began classical piano lessons at seven, but something else was happening when he sat at the instrument. Green was listening to jazz records and trying to reproduce what he heard, figuring out melodies and improvisations by ear.
Eventually, jazz won.
While still a teenager, Green was already working professionally around the Bay Area. He performed with singer Fay Carroll and gained experience alongside established musicians including trumpeter Eddie Henderson and bassist Chuck Israels.
Before Green was old enough to build a national reputation, he was learning how to listen, accompany another musician and swing.
Those lessons would become useful very quickly.
Betty Carter’s Classroom
After moving to New York, Green joined legendary jazz vocalist Betty Carter in 1983.
Carter’s bands had a reputation for becoming classrooms for exceptional young musicians. She demanded that players listen, respond and develop their own musical identities rather than simply reproduce what they’d heard before.
Green stayed for four years.
Then, in 1987, he stepped into another of jazz’s great training grounds.
Art Blakey called.
Becoming a Jazz Messenger
Joining Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers carried a significance far beyond landing another job.
For decades, Blakey’s band served as a launching pad for generations of major jazz musicians. Alumni included Wayne Shorter, Lee Morgan, Freddie Hubbard, Wynton Marsalis and Branford Marsalis, among many others.
Green had grown up listening to Blakey.
Now he was sitting at the piano in his band.
Green remained a Jazz Messenger until Blakey’s death in 1990, absorbing the hard-driving rhythmic approach that would become an important part of his own playing.
His next stop didn’t exactly lower the stakes.
Green went on to work with trumpeter Freddie Hubbard, one of the defining jazz musicians of the postwar era.
Ray Brown and an Extraordinary Phone Call
Green eventually joined another master, bassist Ray Brown.
Brown’s career reached all the way back to playing with Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker during the birth of bebop. He had also spent years performing with Oscar Peterson.
Green joined Brown’s trio in the early 1990s and remained with the group for several years.
Then Oscar Peterson himself took notice.
In 1993, Green became the first recipient of the City of Toronto’s Glenn Gould International Protégé Prize in Music.
Peterson personally selected him.
For a young jazz pianist, it’s difficult to imagine a more intimidating endorsement. One of the greatest pianists in the history of the music had effectively pointed across generations and said: watch this one.
The relationship didn’t end with an award.
Oscar and Benny
Green and Peterson eventually performed together and later recorded together.
Their collaboration produced Oscar and Benny, recorded with Ray Brown and drummer Gregory Hutchinson.
The album eventually leaves the rest of the musicians behind for its closing performance.
Two pianos.
Oscar Peterson at one.
Benny Green at the other.
For Green, it was another direct connection in an extraordinary musical lineage. The musicians he’d once encountered through records weren’t simply influences anymore.
They had become his teachers, employers, collaborators and peers.
Building a Career of His Own
Green eventually stepped out from those legendary bands and established himself as a leader.
His recording career has included albums for Blue Note and other major jazz labels, with more than 100 recording sessions as a leader and sideman.
His Blue Note years produced albums including Lineage, Greens, Testifyin! Live at the Village Vanguard, That’s Right!, The Place to Be, Kaleidoscope and These Are Soulful Days.
Along the way, Green has worked with another generation of major jazz musicians, including bassist Christian McBride and guitarist Russell Malone.
The thread running through it all is swing.
Green can be technically dazzling, but technique isn’t the destination. His playing comes from a jazz tradition in which rhythm matters just as much as harmony, and where even a complicated improvisation still needs to move.
Now Take Everyone Else Away
That’s what makes Saturday’s performance particularly interesting.
Green is playing alone.
A trio normally divides responsibilities among musicians. A bassist can establish the foundation while a drummer controls pulse and dynamics. The pianist can leave space, respond to the others or step forward and then retreat.
Solo piano removes that safety net.
Green has to provide the bass movement, harmony, melody, rhythm and improvisation himself. He decides when the music breathes and when it drives forward.
For a musician whose education came from some of jazz’s greatest bandleaders and rhythm sections, the format exposes everything he’s learned.
One instrument has to contain the whole band.
New Music Is Coming
The Old Lyme performances also arrive at an interesting point in Green’s recording career.
His new album, Renovation!, is scheduled for release on September 18, less than a month after his two nights at The Side Door.
The timing puts the Connecticut appearances immediately ahead of the next chapter in a recording career that has stretched across decades.
Green performs at The Side Door on both Friday, August 28, and Saturday, August 29, before heading to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, for another performance the following night.
Saturday’s Old Lyme concert is the second of the two Side Door performances.
A Room Made for This Kind of Night
The Side Door Jazz Club is tucked inside the historic Old Lyme Inn at 85 Lyme Street.
Rather than a general entertainment venue that occasionally books jazz, The Side Door was created as a dedicated jazz listening room.
That distinction matters for a solo piano performance.
There are no arena screens or enormous distances separating musician and audience. The room is intimate enough to hear the smaller things: a change in touch, the space Green leaves between phrases, the left hand quietly establishing a pulse before the right hand takes off somewhere else.
Tickets are reserved seating, and the performance is open to all ages.
Free parking is available, and guests who dine at the Old Lyme Inn before the concert receive 10% off their dinner bill.
One Piano, Four Decades of Teachers
There’s a remarkable collection of names attached to Benny Green’s career.
Betty Carter.
Art Blakey.
Freddie Hubbard.
Ray Brown.
Oscar Peterson.
But Saturday night isn’t a history lecture.
Those musicians matter because traces of what Green learned from them remain in the way he plays.
The singer who taught him to accompany. The drummer who taught generations how to swing. The trumpeter whose hard-bop vocabulary helped define an era. The bassist who had been there when bebop was being invented. The pianist who personally chose Green as his protégé.
At The Side Door, none of them will be onstage.
In a way, all of them will.
Event Details
Event: Benny Green Solo Piano
Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026
Time: 8–10 p.m.
Doors: 7:15 p.m.
Location: The Side Door Jazz Club at the Old Lyme Inn
Address: 85 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT 06371
Seating: Reserved
Age: All ages
Parking: Free
Performer: Benny Green
Performance: Solo piano
Refunds: No refunds
Guests dining at the Old Lyme Inn before the performance receive 10% off their dinner bill.
More information is available at the Event Website link below.
To purchase tickets, click the Event Ticketing link below.

Featured image is an artistic representation inspired by the event and may not depict the actual people, location, or activities shown.
