Tasty Treats, Hidden Talents, and All That Jazz

Looking for something to do that satisfies the mind, body, and spirit? You’ll find it all in New London in the upcoming week. There’s a whole lot of talent and a little taste of everything on the menu of New London Main Street’s picks.

Discover hidden talents at 7 p.m. on Friday, when New Londoners ages 11 to 21 take the stage at the Garde Arts Center for a night of singing, dancing, rapping, poetry and more in the New London Youth Talent Show.  The Garde gets busy again on Saturday, March 26, with Piano Vibes, an evening of piano and vibraphone jazz that starts at 7 p.m. with a Chat and Dine with the artists, Sergio Salvatore and Christos Rafalides, followed by a performance of jazz standards at 8 p.m.

Classic movie buffs will definitely want to check out the , which will be showing Fritz Lang’s silent movie classic, Metropolis, at 4 p.m., on Sunday, accompanied by those masters of musical improvisation, the Cross Orient Express.

Obviously there's no place like home but when Broadway comes to town, it's time to get out of the house. The hit musical version of the beloved classic film, the Wizard of Oz, will light up the Garde Arts Center stage at 7:30 p.m. on March 28 and 29. Go off and see that wonderful wizard!

Music lovers are spoilt for choice this week. There’s finger-style guitar from Richard Zach at the Bean & Leaf on Friday night from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday night at The will be your last chance to catch the improvisational wizardry of New Haven band Broadcloth before they go on tour. Monday, stop by the Bean & Leaf for hot java and cool jazz from CBYD Jazz Quartet starting at 8 p.m.  

Hungry for more? There are plenty of tasty treats on the menu this week, starting with a beer and cheese tasting from 6 to 9 p.m. at on Thursday, March 24. James Harris and Graham Thompson will provide the music and 2 Wives will provide six artisan cheeses perfectly paired with six craft beers.  

is the place to be on Thursday for a Mix it Up After Hours party hosted downstairs by Mitchell College from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., with celebrity bartenders and a chance to DJ live on Mitchell radio.

For good time you can feel good about, is hosting a fundraiser for Japan’s earthquake victims on Friday at 9 p.m. Organized by New London Rotaract, the benefit features cocktails, Japanese beer, and music from Sunday Gravy.  

On Friday, Thames River Wine & Spirits holds its weekly wine tasting from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. but if you fancy something stronger, offers a chance to sample the great Bourbons of the world—to be enjoyed with a good cigar, naturally--from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 29. Tickets are $30 but seating is limited, so make a reservation early.

If you’d prefer to feed your mind and are still feeling the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, there’s the Irish Heritage Film Series at from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday. If you want to learn more about New London’s heritage, you’ve got two chances to hear about it from Municipal Historian Sally Ryan, who will be speaking at the library at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Thursday as part of a six-week series.

Feeling adventurous? Take a plunge into the deep blue with diver Kenny Broad, who’ll be sharing stories of his exploits at the Garde Arts Center at 4 p.m. on Saturday, or dare to tango at the Provenance Center’s Milongo Party, which kicks up its heels at 7 p.m. Thursday. (Don’t worry, they’ll show you how to do it!) While you’re there, be sure to check out, Caras: Humanidad, the gallery’s show of portraits by Pablo Friedmann.

That's not the only show in town, however. is collaborating with Sound Community Services to explore the link between art and recovery in its latest show, which kicks off with an opening from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday. , meanwhile, presents sci-fi and fantasy-themed artwork by Drawn Today illustration blog artists.

On Sunday, take time to rejuvenate with Svaroopa yoga from 10:15 to 11:45 a.m. at . This consciousness-oriented yoga promotes healing and transformation--but don’t stop there. Next, head over to ’ Health and Wellness Fair, which runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.. If all that puts you in the mood for something spiritually uplifting, All Souls Choir is presenting its 3rd Annual Musicale at at 1 p.m. on March 27.