By Anne CastellanoSummer is finally here (sort of), and the outdoor show season has begun. But first, perhaps some loud and fast music to release the tensions of your work week. There's a four band punk show on Friday night at 33 Golden Street in New London. The bands will be God's Middle Finger, Blastmat, Productive Member, and Losing Streak. Members of Losing Streak have been in such bands as Indocannibals, the Enemies, Second Class Citizen, and others. This band is brand new, and they will be playing their first show on Friday. Productive Member is a female fronted CT punk band who has played in New London a few times already, both at 33 and the El 'n' Gee. They played their first show, which happened to be at the Gee, almost a year ago. God's Middle Finger is from Norwich, and these thrash punks are well known from playing many shows in New London. Blastmat has played here a lot as well. Blastmat is from CT, and they are regulars at Cherry Street Station, where they opened for Gang Green this past December. This show was put together by Joaquin Gouin, formerly of the El 'n' Gee, so you know it will be good. Doors are at 9 pm and cover is $5.
If you're looking for something a little different to do on Friday, there's a dinner dance at the Knights of Columbus with musical entertainment by The MacLean Sisters and The Hoolios. $20 per person includes a buffet dinner. The MacLean Sisters will open the show at 7 pm, and the Hoolios will play from 8-10 pm (or later). If you haven't seen the MacLean Sisters yet, it's time to go see what all the fuss is about. They recently performed at the Whalie Awards ceremony, where they picked up an award for Best Americana Performance, and they also played the Block Island Music Festival this week. Sisters Rachel and Sarah, who harmonize beautifully as only siblings can, also have Jim Carpenter on guitar and Corina Malbaurn on bass. Be sure to get yourself a copy of their CD Other Side of Loving Me, which should be available at the show. Tickets are going fast, so if you'd like to reserve a spot, send an email to dinnerdancetix@gmail.com and you can pay at the door. The Knights of Columbus is located at 47 S 2nd Avenue in Taftville. Doors are at 6 pm, and food will be available from 6-7 pm.
On Saturday, it's time for the annual Bisque Fest at Captain Scott's Lobster Dock in New London. This event takes place rain or shine, as there is a pavilion for the bands to play under. But it looks like it will be a great day to be listening to music outdoors. Captain Scott's is one of the best places in the area to relax and see bands in the summer, with a picturesque riverfront location, friendly people, and (from what I hear) excellent seafood. All ages are welcome, and Captain Scott's is great for families. You can also BYOB if you wish. In addition to seafood, they have really good ice cream. The Paul Brockett Roadshow will kick things off at 1 pm, followed by Daphne Lee Martin with a full band at 3 pm. Both of these bands have been busy, with PBR having recently released a new EP called Up All Night (copies will be for sale at the show) and Daphne just back in town from a cross-country tour. John Fries and the Elements will play at 5 pm, and The Hoolios will play from 7 pm until late. This is one of my favorite venues to see the Hoolios, and they always get the crowd dancing. There is no cover. If you have never been there, Captain Scott's is on Hamilton Street, a left turn off Howard Street (there's no street sign) not far after Crocker's Boatyard.