Wow, there's a lot going on this weekend! First up, there's a benefit for the New London Community Meal Center taking place on Friday night. The Hoot For Hunger will be happening at the Seehund German Pub & Restaurant on Bank Street in New London, in the space formerly housing Dev's on Bank (and before that it was Ye Olde Tavern). There will be nine bands and solo performers, with each playing a 15-20 minute set.. The Crew will start things off at 6:30 pm, followed by Sue Menhart at 6:50, SheSaidHeSaid at 7:10, Dan and Liz at 7:30 pm, Anna May and Vince Thompson at 7:50, Golden Ratio at 8:10, Jim Carpenter at 8:30, Arlene Wow! at 8:50, and Vox Nova at 9:10. There's no cover, but donations will be collected throughout the evening, so you are encouraged to be generous.
It's outdoor show season, and on Friday night, The Rivergods will be playing a show on the boardwalk at Ocean Beach Park in New London. The Rivergods took home a People's Choice Whalie for “Best Country Rock Act” at the recent awards show, and it's a well deserved honor. This band has been at it since 1997, and core members Ben and Nancy Parent are now working with a new lineup (Dana Takaki on fiddle, Craig Johnson on bass, Chris DeBiasi on drums, and Bil Groth on keyboards) that has been quite well received in the first couple of outings. All ages are welcome, and there's even a bar upstairs for the adults, with a balcony overlooking the stage so you don't miss any of the music. These shows are always a lot of fun. The weather looks like it will cooperate, but you might want to bring a jacket because it does get a bit chilly at the beach at night. The band plays two sets from 8-10 pm and admission is free, although there is a $6 parking fee per vehicle.
After the two shows I already mentioned, there will still be time to head down to 33 Golden Street in New London. The Friendly Ghost, Elison Jackson, and James Maple will all be playing on Friday. I haven't had a chance to see the Friendly Ghost yet, but they were nominated for four Whalie Awards this year, including Best Folk/Bluegrass Act and Best Americana Performance. I've only seen Elison Jackson once, but that's enough to recommend that people go out and see them. Their most recent album is called Do Not Fear to Kill a Dead Man, and it's on New London's Telegraph label. Singer/songwriter James Maple is well known from his band GraveRobbers, but he's been playing solo for the last year or so. He took home a bunch of honors at the recent CT Music Awards, including Album of the Year for American Dreams. The show starts at 9 pm and is open to 21 and over only. Cover is $5.
On Saturday night, the big show is at the Hygienic Art Park in New London. Mark Mulcahy will be making a widely anticipated appearance, with Hartford's Violent Mae opening the show. Mark Mulcahy recently returned from a hiatus and released his first album in eight years, Dear Mark J. Mulcahy, I Love You. It's earned great reviews from Mojo, Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, and other notable publications. His former bands include Miracle Legion and Polaris (created for the TV show The Adventures of Pete and Pete) and Mark is no stranger to New London. He has played here in town a couple of times, most recently last September at the I AM Festival. The weather looks like it's going to be perfect. Admission to shows at the Art Park is usually $10, and the event is family friendly. Beer and wine are sold to those of legal age. If you're a smoker, please take note that there's no smoking allowed inside the gates. The show starts at 7 pm and ends at 11 pm.