Family Entertainment Series Lineup Announced In Hamden

HAMDEN, CT — (Contributed article): The Hamden Arts Commission will present an all-new cavalcade of talent in its 2019-2020 Saturday Afternoon Family Entertainment Series.

The series, which offers an exciting array of programs for adults and children to share, will showcase a variety of homegrown Connecticut and visiting artists including a sensory-friendly and interactive musical performance, a visit by Jack Frost himself, comedic juggling, and more.

All shows take place at the handicapped accessible Thornton Wilder Hall in the Miller Cultural Complex, 2901 Dixwell Avenue, Hamden, 06518. All shows start at 1 p.m. except on Nov. 16, in which there will be two performances: the first at 10 a.m. and the second at 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $2 for children, $3 for adults, available at the door only and cash only. Doors open at 12:30 p.m.

On Saturday, Nov. 16 at 10 a.m. and again at 11:30 a.m., join Turtle Dance Music for a sensory and ASD-friendly Music, Bubble and Comedy show about why libraries rock. Turtle Dance Music tailors their performances toward furthering child development through arts-integration, music, and educational entertainment. This 40-minute, Music, Bubble and Comedy Show is high-energy, engages children with songs, comedy, bubbles, music technology and is crafted to be inclusive for all children including children on the Autism Spectrum.

Each song in the 40-minute show is accompanied by hands-on, visual, and sensory experiences designed to help kids learn and have fun at the same time. Kids will dance, sing, and understand why libraries are so important for our future. This show will have TWO performances – the first at 10 a.m. and the second at 11:30 a.m.

On Dec. 7 at 1 p.m., join the Hamden community for the Annual Silverbells Holiday Winter Celebration featuring an indoor performance of “Jack Frost – Chillin’ for the Holidays.” This performance is a spritely and engaging act featuring slapstick antics, bubble play, Holiday Bells, magic, loads of audience participation and an indoor snowstorm that are all hallmarks of this uncommon Winter-time, family Vaudeville act. Perfect for ages 4 and up.

On Jan. 11, 2020, at 1 p.m., SMIRK Comedic Juggling will ring in the New Year with an all-ages, new vaudeville show combining unbelievable juggling sequences with comedic banter, lively music and audience interaction! With the flavor of a dynamic Abbott and Costello-style relationship, SMIRK is an exhilarating roller coaster ride into the lives of two performers whose comedy derives from the collision of two very different minds trying to perform in the same show. One is a former scientist, and the other, a slapstick madman. Juggling, whip cracking, unicycles and a large rocket launcher all make an appearance in this Odd Couple meets the circus spectacular.

In celebration of Black History Month, on Saturday, Feb. 8, the Arts Commission is proud to present an interactive African drum and dance workshop by local dance and percussion artist, Hanan Hameen.

Hameen is the founder of the Artsucational curriculum - utilizing the arts to improve academics, increasing knowledge of self through history to promote social justice through the arts, and create productive adults in society. Her workshop will feature interactive opportunities to learn basic drumming rhythms and dance moves.

Back by popular demand, the season finale on March 7 will feature TWO performances of the highly visual musical art form of the Japanese dance and drum ensemble, Taikoza. Clad in colorful costumes, this group will introduce audience members to music and dance inspired by traditional Japanese festivals.

Kids and families will experience the enchanting sounds of bamboo flutes, the plucky notes of the Koto harp, the room filling boom of the big-barrel taiko drums and more. The performances will be at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

For more information, visit www.hamdenartscommission.org or call the Department of Arts & Culture at (203) 287-2546.