There isn't a lot happening in the clubs this weekend, but there will be music in several outdoor venues, including two outdoor festivals. On Friday evening, head down to New London's Waterfront Park for the Connecticut Maritime Heritage Festival, taking place from Thursday through Saturday. Musical entertainment will be provided by Vince Thompson and friends from 5 pm to 7:30 pm. Vince will have Bob Metzger, Lou Bocciarelli & Dave Daddario with him, and they are all great players. It's an especially appropriate booking, given that Vince is a retired Merchant Marine officer. He is also a great singer and songwriter. Talent runs deep in the Thompson family, and if you're lucky, Vince's daughter Anna May might even join him for a song or two. The event is free and open to all ages and the band plays at the Custom House Pier (I've also heard City Pier, but don't worry, the show won't be hard to find). Check out the festival's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/CTmaritime) for more information on additional goings-on. (Vince will play another show the following morning, as a duo with Anna. Read on.)
Also on Friday night, The Hoolios will be playing an acoustic show at Steak Loft in Mystic. There's no cover, and music happens from 7 to 10 pm. I've said it before and I'll say it again, the Hoolios are one of the best bands in the area. Musical guests may include one or both MacLean Sisters, Jim Carpenter's son Jake, or possibly even Roy Dunn MacLean. (Good thing this show ends early, because the Hoolios are playing another show 15 hours later.)
Up in Norwich on Friday night, New London piano and painting duo Pocket Vinyl will be playing at Strange Brew Pub, along with Marvelous Liars. Marvelous Liars are new on the scene, but you'll remember Nicholas Johns from Gone For Good. This guitar/bass/drums trio played their first show at the Oasis Pub in May, and they also played last Saturday at the I AM Festival. Marvelous Liars will play first, followed by Pocket Vinyl. The Strange Brew is becoming a favorite live music venue in the area, with both bands and fans giving the place great reviews. They also serve food. Cover is $5.
On Saturday morning (yes, morning!), Hugh Birdsall (of Dogbite and the 3-Pack) and violinist Dana Takaki will be playing their final show of the season at the Waterford Farmer's Market. They'll play from 10 am to noon, with the possibility of a special guest or two. (This will be Hugh's first show of the day, you can see him again a couple of hours later.) The Farmer's Market takes place in the town hall complex, at 15 Rope Ferry Road.
Also on Saturday, The Hoolios will be playing on the Custom House Pier in New London as part of the Connecticut Maritime Heritage Festival. The band plays from 1-3 pm, and the show is free and open to all ages.
But wait, there's more! The 4th Annual Down By The Riverside Festival will be taking place at Riverside Park in New London on Saturday. Musical guests will be Anna and Vince Thompson (11:30), Doug & Dinsdale (noon), Golden Ratio (1:00), Hugh Birdsall (1:30), Sue Mead (2:00), Jim Blair (2:30), Bruce McDermott (3:00). Along with the music, there will be other entertainment and activities taking place at the park as well. Check out the Facebook event Page for more information. Riverside Park is located on Adelaide Street at Crystal Avenue in New London.