Japanese Drums & Italian Love Songs This Weekend In Hamden

HAMDEN, CT — (Contributed article): The Hamden Arts Commission hosts two performances this weekend. On Saturday, Feb. 9, families will be awed by bold Japanese drumming and the beautiful dances of Taikoza. This program includes exquisite and colorful dances in full costume, the enchanting sounds of bamboo flutes, the koto and the thunderous sounds of the large, barrel-like taiko drums. Fun audience participation and the powerful, yet graceful synthesis of sound and motion that is Taiko will make this program a memorable experience for all audiences.

The Saturday Series programs are held in the handicapped accessible Thornton Wilder Hall in the Miller Cultural Complex, 2901 Dixwell Avenue, Hamden, 06518. All Saturday shows start at 1 p.m. with doors opening at 12:30 p.m. Tickets are $2 for children, $3 for adults, available at the door only and CASH ONLY.

On Sunday, February 10th, join us for “That’s Amore” - An Afternoon of Romantic Italian and American Songs with Raymond Suntino. Join us as our local favorite crooner, Raymond Suntino, returns to the Thornton Wilder Stage to sing his heart out to his Hamden fans. Raymond will bring with him a whole line up of the best Italian and American love songs just in time for Valentine’s Day.

All Sunday Series performances begin at 2 pm and are held in the handicapped-accessible Thornton Wilder Hall, Miller Cultural Complex, 2901 Dixwell Ave., Hamden. Admission is $7 general admission/ $5 for senior citizens, students and children 12 and under. Tickets are sold at the door only and are CASH ONLY. The series is presented with generous support from the estate of former Commissioner Emeritus Peter C. Hereld.

For details on the Saturday and Sunday Series performances, contact the Department of Arts & Culture at (203) 287-2546 or www.hamdenartscommission.org.

Contributed photos