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There are tributes and then there are tributes this week. Sixteen Connecticut bands gather to perform the songs of local music scene legend James Velvet. The live concert is a release party for a CD on which those and many other bands play his songs.
Jobimfest 2025 is a live tribute to the brilliant Brazilian composer and musician Antonio Carlos Jobim.
Ivoryton Playhouse is opening its 2025 season with a jukebox musical about Hank Williams, stocked with all his biggest hits. Melvin Seals & JGB are back, keeping the vibe of the Jerry Garcia Band alive. The show “R.E.S.P.E.C.T.” uses multiple vocalists to capture the breadth of Aretha Franklin, and Stephen Pearcy and Warren DiMartini pay tribute to their former band Ratt.
Finally, there are movies. Orchestra Lumos performs the “Toy Story” score live, and Cary Elwes delivers the legends behind the legends in “The Princess Bride” at College Street Music Hall in New Haven.
A Tribute to James Velvet
New England Brewing Company, 175 Amity Road, Woodbridge
Sixteen bands pay tribute to the great James Velvet, beloved leader of the Mocking Birds and several other bands, not to mention the founding co-host of WPLR’s Local Bands show, who died a decade ago and would’ve turned 75 this year. The bands have all contributed to a CD where they and many others interpret songs by the prolific Velvet, who was a leader and booster of the New Haven local music scene throughout the 1990s and beyond. The project was assembled by Shandy Lawson with Velvets’ widow Nancy Lee and many friends. Besides being an inspiring concert, this will be old home week for hundreds of New Haven scenesters. March 30 from 1 to 5 p.m. at New England Brewing Company. facebook.com.
‘Toy Story in Concert’
Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St., Stamford
Orchestra Lumos plays the Randy Newman score for the first “Toy Story” movie live while the movie is projected on a large screen at the Stamford Palace. March 30 at 3 p.m. $25-$99. orchestralumos.org.
Jim Henson’s ‘Fraggle Rock’: Back to the Rock Live
Shubert Theatre, 247 College St., New Haven
The first live theater show based on the muppet mythology “Fraggle Rock” (a show which debuted in the 1980s and whose recent HBO revival is still going strong) was in Waterbury last week and now comes to the Shubert for two afternoon shows on March 30 at 3 and 4:30 p.m. $41.70-$86.90. shubert.com.
Aziz Ansari
Oakdale Theatre, 95 S. Turnpike Road, Wallingford
The actor, comedian and sitcom star is on his “Hypothetical” tour. March 30 at 7 p.m. $41.25-$97. concerts.livenation.com.
Trisha Paytas
Foxwoods Resort Casino, 350 Trolley Line Blvd., Mashantucket
Social media icon and podcaster Trisha Paytas has tens of millions of followers, some of whom can see her live on March 30 at 7:30 p.m. at Foxwoods’ Premier Theater. $89.40-$128.60. foxwoods.com.
Melvin Seals & JGB
Infinity Music Hall, 32 Front St., Hartford
Melvin Seals was the longtime keyboardist for the Jerry Garcia Band. Now he fronts a band called JGB, playing many of the same songs in the same style. March 30 at 8 p.m. $50.51. infinityhall.com.
Poppy
Toad’s Place, 300 York St., New Haven
Dance-pop/rock singer/songwriter and YouTube video sensation Poppy brings her caustic view of the modern world to Toad’s Place on March 31 at 8 p.m. $53. toadsplace.com.
‘Stomp’
Garde Arts Center, 325 State St., New London
There’s still nothing like “Stomp.” It’s a street-smart rhythm and movement spectacle where matchboxes and broomsticks and trash cans become percussion devices for performers whose basic state seems to be hopping or flipping. April 1 at 7:30 p.m. $43-$120. gardearts.org.
Alliage Quintet
Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts, 2132 Hillside Road, Storrs
The Alliage Quintet is four saxophones and a piano. The quintet performs works by Bernstein, Bach, Vivaldi, Shostakovich and others on April 1 at 7:30 p.m. at UConn’s Jorgensen Center. $39-$41, $37 seniors, free for students and youth. jorgensen.uconn.edu.
JoJo
College Street Music Hall, 238 College St., New Haven
JoJo has been singing professionally for nearly her whole life, from TV competitions as a child to pop hits like “Too Little Too Late” to appearing on Broadway in “Moulin Rouge: The Musical” to movies and more. JoJo’s back on tour at College Street Music Hall on April 1 at 8 p.m. with opening act Emmy Meli. $49.32. collegestreetmusichall.com.
Special EFX All-Stars
Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook
This all-star smooth jazz combo is led by guitarist Chieli Minucci and features Connecticut-born bassist Dave Livolsi, keyboardist Lao Tizer and drummer Joel Rosenblatt with special guest vocalist Elliott Yamin. April 2 at 7:30 p.m. $55. thekate.org.
Jobimfest 2025
Sacred Heart University Community Theatre, 1420 Post Road, Fairfield
Subtitled “Celebrating the Music and Life of Antonio Carlos Jobim,” Jobimfest honors the late composer of “The Girl from Ipanema,” “Waters of March” and many other Brazilian bossa nova hits of the 1960s. The touring band includes vocalist Laura Volpintesta, guitarist Joe Carter, harmonica player Hendrik Meurkens, bassist Harvie S and drummer Graciliano Zambonin. April 2 at 8 p.m. $10. shucommunitytheatre.org.
Hartford Improv Festival
Sea Tea Comedy Theater, 15 Asylum St., Hartford
There are dozens of events in the Hartford Improv Festival, hundreds of performers and perhaps thousands of suggestions from the audiences. There are competitions, improv games, sketches of all lengths and styles, seminars, workshops and more. The annual weekend-long festival, which attracts performers and groups from around the country, is hosted by Sea Tea Improv and held at the troupe’s own Sea Tea Comedy Theater from April 3-6. Most performances cost $10, most seminars cost $40 (though many of those have already sold out) and you can get a weekend pass to see all 17 regular improv shows (comprising of 51 different improv teams) for $100; special headliner shows and workshops/seminars are not part of that pass. seateaimprov.com.
José Andrés
The Bushnell, 166 Capitol Ave., Hartford
The Connecticut Forum presents a talk with chef/philanthropist/businessman/TV star José Andrés on April 3 at 7:30 p.m. $15-$130. ctforum.org/event/an-evening-with-jose-andres/.
Donna the Buffalo
Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook
The Americana act Donna the Buffalo, known for the song “Positive Friction,” plays The Kate on April 3 at 7:30 p.m. $48. thekate.org.
‘Hank Williams: Lost Highway’
Ivoryton Playhouse, 103 Main St., Ivoryton
The Ivoryton Playhouse opens its 2025 season with a jukebox musical devoted to country music pioneer Hank Williams. Morgan Morse plays Williams and Ben Hope directs. April 3-27 with performances on Wednesdays and Thursdays at both 2 and 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. $60, $55 seniors and $25 for students. ivorytonplayhouse.org.
Millington
The Webster, 31 Webster St., Hartford
The brass-driven ska/punk-pop band Millington, one of the younger bands on the ska-punk scene considering how many of the Third Wave ska acts are still about, play April 4 at 7 p.m. at The Webster with opening act Eternal Boy. $26.15. thewebsterct.com.
R.E.S.P.E.C.T.: A Celebration of the Music of Aretha Franklin
Shubert Theatre, 247 College St., New Haven
It takes four vocalists and a four-piece band to do justice to the legendary Aretha Franklin in this touring tribute show that plays hits from throughout her long career. April 4 at 7 p.m. $53.60-$83.30. shubert.com.
Kathleen Edwards
Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook
Canadian folk/roots artist Kathleen Edwards is a fine booking for the cozy, intimate Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center. April 4 at 8 p.m. $42. thekate.org.
T Bone Burnett
Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge, Ridgefield
T Bone Burnett was first known as a performer with some great originals (“When the Night Falls”) and inspired covers (“Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend”). He quickly became even better known as a fantastic producer who oversaw recordings by Bob Dylan, Robert Plant, Alison Krauss, Elton John and Elvis Costello, with whom he formed the duo The Coward Brothers. A Coward Brothers album and audio play were just released and T Bone Burnett is out on a solo tour playing April 4 at 8 p.m. at the Ridgefield Playhouse. $56-$76. ridgefieldplayhouse.org.
G-Eazy
Toad’s Place, 300 York St., New Haven
California rapper G-Eazy’s Helium Tour hits Toad’s Place with Marc E. Bassy and Goody Grace also on the bill. April 4 at 8 p.m. $53.64; $218.55 VIP package. toadsplace.com.
Alan Sparhawk
Space Ballroom, 295 Treadwell St., Hamden
Alan Sparhawk fronted the band Low for decades but has also had many side projects over the years. His latest solo album “White Roses My God” is a tribute to his late wife and bandmate Mimi Parker. April 4 at 8 p.m. $32.34-$37.99. spaceballroom.com.
Gabriel Iglesias
Total Mortgage Arena, 600 Main St., Bridgeport
The very popular comedian known as “Fluffy” has named his latest arena tour “Don’t Worry, Be Fluffy.” He’s at Total Mortgage Arena on April 4 at 8 p.m. $74.80-$116.95. totalmortgagearena.com.
Leo Kottke
Infinity Music Hall, 32 Front St., Hartford
The influential blues/folk/Americana guitarist returns to Infinity Music Hall in Hartford, one of the best Connecticut rooms to see him play, on April 4 at 8 p.m. $57.73-$73.19. infinityhall.com.
Big Bad Johns
Cafe Nine, 250 State St., New Haven
A revered New Haven roots rock/country punk act from the 1990s, Big Bad Johns broke up when singer Detroit Dick (previously of the Dum Dum Boys) moved to California but have reunited for special shows a few times since. This full show at Cafe Nine on April 4 at 9 p.m. follows Big Bad Johns’ participation in the tribute to James Velvet on March 30 at New Haven Brewing Company. It features the band’s original lineup of guitarist/songwriter Buzz Gordo and drummer (and former Cafe Nine owner) Nervous Chet Purvis, who had played together previously in Gone Native, Detroit Dick and drummer Gentleman Jim Balga. cafenine.com.
‘Come From Away’
Palace Theater, 100 East Main St., Waterbury
Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St., Stamford
The heartwarming Broadway hit “Come From Away,” about U.S. citizens whose flights are abruptly diverted to a small Canadian town on 9/11, had its first major reading at the Goodspeed in Connecticut back in 2013. It ran on Broadway from 2017 to 2022 and began touring in 2018, visiting Connecticut numerous times. The latest tour is at two Connecticut theaters: April 4 and 5 at the Waterbury Palace (Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m.; $47-$102; palacetheaterct.org), then April 8 and 9 at 7 p.m. at the Stamford Palace ($55-$85; palacestamford.org).
Hartford Symphony Orchestra: Eroica & Four Seasons
The Bushnell, 166 Capitol Ave., Hartford
Hartford Symphony Orchestra plays Beethoven’s third symphony and welcomes guest artist Julien Labro who plays Piazolla’s “Four Seasons” on the bandoneon, rather than the more accustomed violin, mingling it with the other famous “Four Seasons” by Vivaldi. April 4-6. Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. $10-$88.50. bushnell.org.
Jurassic Quest
Connecticut Convention Center, 100 Columbus Blvd., Hartford
Jurassic Quest is a world of prehistoric activities featuring life-size dinosaurs, fun archaeological digs and more. The quest takes over the Connecticut Convention Center on April 4 from noon to 6 p.m., April 5 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and April 6 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. $29.20-$105.65. ctconventions.com.
Pearcy and DiMartini Performing Ratt
Mohegan Sun Arena, 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd., Uncasville
Two original members of the MTV-friendly mid-1980s glam metal band known as Ratt, vocalist Stephen Pearcy and guitarist Warren DiMartini, play classics such as “Round and Round” and “Lay It Down” with special guest Vixen on April 5 at 7:30 p.m. at Mohegan Sun Arena. $43.50-$80.50. mohegansun.com.
Nettspend
The Webster, 31 Webster St., Hartford
Teen rapper Nettspend, who is in the Novagang and 1c34 collectives and went viral with “drankdrankdrank,” is at The Webster on April 5 at 7:30 p.m. with Xaviersobased. $41.65-$49.15, $199.15 VIP package, $609.15 VIP booth, $1,209.15 VIP suite. thewebsterct.com.
Chris Knight
Infinity Music Hall, 32 Greenwoods Road West, Norfolk
Down-to-earth singer/songwriter Chris Knight is at Infinity Music Hall Norfolk with his array of downcast tunes such as “The Damn Truth,” “In the Mean Time” and “Heart of Stone.” April 5 at 8 p.m. $44.33-$57.73. infinityhall.com.
Roy Wood Jr.
Mohegan Sun, 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd., Uncasville
The former “Daily Show” stalwart, now the host of CNN’s “Have I Got News for You,” does an intimate stand-up set at the 400-seat Cabaret Theatre on April 5 at 8 p.m. $100.50-$127.45. mohegansun.com.
Kool Keith and MC Homeless
Space Ballroom, 295 Treadwell St., Hamden
They’re calling it the “Punk Rap” tour and the title truly fits. Besides Kool Keith, who’s been blurring the lines between punk rock and hip-hop since the 1980s, and midwestern rocker/rapper MC Homeless, the show at Space Ballroom on April 5 at 8 p.m. features DJ Halo, Marc Live, J Stylez and Dear Derrick. spaceballroom.com.
Aaron Lewis and the Stateliners
Foxwoods Resort Casino, 350 Trolley Line Blvd., Mashantucket
It was in Connecticut that Aaron Lewis’ band Staind was discovered and signed by Fred Durst of Limp Bizkit. Now Lewis’ other band, the country act Aaron Lewis and the Stateliners, is coming to Foxwoods’ Premier Theater on April 5 at 8 p.m. $82.20-$568.75. foxwoods.com.
‘The Princess Bride’: An Inconceivable Evening with Cary Elwes
College Street Music Hall, 238 College St., New Haven
Following a screening of the classic fantasy film in which he plays Westley, Cary Elwes recounts his adventures making “The Princess Bride.” April 5 at 8 p.m. $31.25-$80.22. collegestreetmusichall.com.
Night Ranger
Foxwoods Resort Casino, 350 Trolley Line Blvd., Mashantucket
Night Ranger’s latest album is a classical crossover situation featuring Cleveland’s Contemporary Youth Orchestra. It’s a suitable move that brought symphonic bombast to ‘80s metal with “Sister Christian.” April 5 at 8 p.m. at Foxwoods’ Great Cedar Showroom. $82.20-$568.75. foxwoods.com.
