Time "Marches" on: Better blogging in the next month?

Pardon the lack of posts in recent weeks. I was busy adjusting to a new temporary job and working on a 30 day Bikram yoga challenge (daily sessions!). Tonight will be day 33 if I make it. And why shouldn't I, what else is there to do on a Monday night? Or any night? Drink? Sleep? Ponder the depressing reality, as I do more and more often and in increasingly vivid terms, that my last "real" job and "non-imaginary" romantic involvement were so far in the past that I can't actually remember what either is like? Haha, just kidding - life is so wonderful and there is plenty to do in CT, all the time!

Well, it's a little late for tonight - you're probably tired at the start of the work week anyway, because you have a job, so let's just cruise straight to Tuesday. You could go to Trivia Night with great background music at the Half Door in Hartford, or attend Real Board Games at RAW, where scrabble is probably a drinking game.

CT's awesome music booking, Hartford neglecting Manic Productions has been presenting free indie rock at BAR, one of our favorite New Haven venues, on Wednesday evenings, and this Wednesday our favorite guys, Sidewalk Dave, will be playing along with Motel Motel (who we assume are like Duran Duran, only cheaper and with suspicious stains on the comforter) and Dinosaur Feathers, who are archaeologically sound. I haven't been to BAR in ages, but remember it fondly for fanciful bathrooms, pizza, pool and own-brewed beer.

This being "first week" you can hit up the Wadsworth Atheneum's monthly party on Thursday evening. This month has a French theme, and as always there will be participatory art, live entertainment and a film, in addition to the great museum. Give your sweatpants the night off!

First week also means a Friday open house at Hooker Brewery. Maybe some assholes had a domestic dispute at your house and you need a new pint glass. (You get a pint glass.)

I've mentioned before that some of my peeps and I used to be Jesse Malin regulars. Well, the story-rocking grown-up punker is back in the area again Friday, this time at Cafe Nine, appearing with locals we've totally heard of, The Black Noise Scam, and Christian Marrone, a guy we are Facebook friends with. Sounds like the Jesse is doing the full band thing this time around, which is promising.

Friday is also the live debut of friends-of-the-blog, The Ninas, who will be at the Bank Street Cafe in New London. CT peeps may remember some of the bandmembers from their previous bands like the McStatics and Legs Akimbo, if we've got our facts straight. More and better detail on these guys later!

Saturday our pals Bobbie Peru will be performing at Snapper Magees in Torrington. We've already told you Snapper's is great and Torrington rules. We recommend you make a day of it, including shopping at Brazen Betties and eating from the Rocket Fine Street Food truck. We're actually dumping Bobbie Peru in favor of their best friend Kimono Draggin' cuz we're total friend fuckers from back in the day, but don't that stop you from seeing them!

Oh, one more first week thingie - "womens party" at Tisane Sunday night. Maybe we'll start with brunch and just stay right on through.

Well, there's most of the week for you, in case I'm too busy sticking my head up my ass (IT'S A BIKRAM POSTURE OK!) to post again soon.

Brazen Beauties

Saturday, December 11: The First Annual Brazen Betties Vintage Expo @ The Torrington Armory, Torrington

Scene goddess Julia "Brazen Betties" Sloan is pulling out all the stops this weekend with her first annual Vintage Expo and second annual Bettie Page look alike contest. Hot retro pin-up style girls and hot retro pin-up fashions - sounds kind of win-win to us. 

For the latecomers, friend-of-the-blog Julia features all CT designers and crafters at her excellent downtown Torrington store (we totally shop there) which is special every day - so this prime alt-shopping opportunity is going be extra special like Brazen Betties squared, or cubed, with vendors from CT and beyond with clothing, furniture, jewelry, decor and more, plus all those hot women with sassy bangs - and probably minimal clothing if they're looking to be authentic. Just try and find a picture of Bettie Page wearing more than underwear! (You may get distracted and forget what you were looking for, whatever.) Hartford based burlesque babes the Beat City Beauties will be performing and there will be a fashion show by CT designer Vintage Chic, who needs to get a website, 'cause her stuff is quite fabulous, we've totally seen it.

Admission to this event is $5, but it's free if you dress vintage, which you'll want to do anyway in order to fit in at the afterparty at Snapper Magee's, Torrington's Scenic-endorsed punk rock bar.

And, a big F U to the doubters we sometimes talk to who are all "Why would I ever go to Torrington?" Um, maybe to avoid downtown Hartford? Anyway, it's totally up and coming. It's the next god damn Collinsville. Get on it.

Black Friday: Alt-Shopping in Torrington

Friday, November 26: Artisan Bazaar @ Coe Park Civic Center, Torrington

This Friday avoid getting trampled to death at gross corporate monstrosity big box stores, by shopping great events like the Blackout at Redscroll, or the Artisan Bazaar in Torrington. Julia of Brazen Betties tipped me off to this event, and she'll be there with her awesome wares along with other local artists and crafters. Shopping for gifts in as inevitable part of this "holiday season." Even if you're the environmentally responsible, non-materialistic type, I assure you, your friends and loved ones will feel much more special and appreciative when you present them with a unique handcrafted gift and support a talented local in the process than if you try and pull that "I made a charitable donation in your name, here's a piece of paper for you" crap. Fact: every time I wear one of my great purchases from Brazen Betties I get attention and compliments. So go shop the bazaar, and wear something hideous for the "Ugly X-mas Sweater After-Party" at Bogey's.

Feed your brain at UConn, Torrington

It has recently been brought to our attention that a blog (bloggers) that spends most of its free time and energy pursuing physical perfection at Bikram yoga and frequently recommends entertainment options based on performer "hottness" might be perceived as, well, a little bit shallow. But we'll have you know that we're totally intellectuals. It's just hardly anyone ever emails us anything but sexy trash. 

Wait, what's this in our inbox? Evidence of brain activity at UConn, Torrington. This Monday (aka tomorrow), author Roxana Robinson will give an interview/discussion and book signing. Alright, now we're embarrassed. We haven't read her. We only read classics and drug lit. Robinson is the author of Sweetwater, Cost and This is My Daughter. Maybe you can tell us. The event is free and will take place at 6:30 p.m. in the Francis W. Hogan Lecture Hall.

And Wednesday evening, also 6:30 p.m. at the same venue, you can catch a documentary about the Amistad incident (CT historical link!), The Amistad Revolt: All we want is make us free, including a discussion with the film's producer/director, CT filmmaker Karyl K. Evans.

Well, that was exhausting. While you're at it in Torrington, be sure and check out our favorite superficial destinations, Brazen Betties and the Rocket food truck.

Halloween in our favorite small towns

Most of the adult celebrating this year will be taking place on Oct. 30. We have of course received invitations to the best private parties, but for those of you who haven't...

We noted last year that Collinsville is just so "charming and inclusive," so we're sure there are plenty of Cat-o-Lanterns there to make DH feel right at home. This little-town-that-can takes Halloween seriously, and we know many of our peeps will be participating in their annual Halloween parade and festivities Saturday evening. On a recent expedition to Collinsville, the Scenics enjoyed tacos and exotic coconut lemonade at new restaurant Husk and browsing for antiques at the massive, multi-dealer Antiques on the Farmington. You could make a whole day of it. And a whole night. We've gotten wind of a costume party with live music at beloved Collinsville dive, The Fireplace.

Over in our other favorite small town, Torrington, our favorite bar/the only Torrington bar we know, Snapper Magee's will be having a Halloween party including open bar and costume contest for $25 (must be purchased in advance). We quite enjoyed the vibe there on a night out over the summer.

Zombie Weekend Roundup

Friday, Oct. 22: First Annual Hartford Zombie Pub Crawl @ Downtown Hartford
Friday, Oct. 22: First Annual Northwest CT Harvest Festival @ Main Street, Torrington
Saturday, Oct. 23: Northampton Zombie Pub Crawl

We've heard of zombie pub crawls before, but never actually been on one, so we're pleased that some enterprising individuals got one going for Hartford. Paradoxically, these enterprising folks are also kind of lazy, because their crawl only features three locations: The Pigs Eye Pub (7:30-8:30 p.m.); McKinnon's (8:30-10 p.m.); City Steam Brewery (10-11:30 p.m.). Perhaps they are anticipating participants' actually crawling from pub to pub.

But if you're comfortable with evolution like the Scenics and you know that 28 Days Later is only like the best zombie movie ever and that zombies can cover a lot more ground than that - quickly! Contemporary fast zombies may prefer the Northampton zombie pub crawl on Saturday night which starts earlier, ends later and includes seven different venues. We suspect some zombies will be attending both.


And finally: it's not exactly a pub crawl, but Torrington is getting in on the zombie game this weekend too, with many participating businesses offering "VIP" treatment (discounts, etc.) to zombie attendees of the First Annual Northwest CT Harvest Festival happening Friday evening on Main Street from 5-9 p.m.

In case you missed it the first time, we recently got some great zombie makeup tips and shared them with you.

Rocky Horror Live

The Rocky Horror Show @ Warner Theatre, Torrington

Hey, what do you know? The most important town in Connecticut (if CT Scenic posts are any kind of indication), Torrington, has Rocky Horror live at the Warner Theatre Oct. 23 & 30. We enjoyed the film, and generally enjoy dudes in lingerie, so this sounds like fun. But seriously, is there no spontaneity anymore? The theatre will be providing participation bags for $5 and you can't bring your own crap (it will be confiscated). Theatre provided bags will include latex gloves, water pistol, etc. Latex, really? That's a common allergen! We recommend vinyl. Food throwing is also forbidden. However, we anticipate that you won't have even a crumb left over from your delicious pre-show meal from Rocket.

Torrington Tonight: Music @ Snapper's

Friday, Oct. 1: The Soul Reapin' 3, The Living Americans, The Tin Thistles, The Main Street Suites @ Snapper Magee's, Torrington

We've posted many posts about Torrington's countless scenic daytime delights. And our regular readers know we've ventured into Torrington after dark before and found the vibe at Snapper Magee's to be hot, worthy of scenic envy even! We'd take a punk/rockabilly oriented bar with a kitschy interior and friendly proprietor for Hartford any day. Just drop it down in the West End, please.

Tonight's show will be a first ever by The Main Street Suites, featuring adorable tender of bar Chip (we totally Facebook know him!). And you can say you knew them when...

Go Team Rocket!

Well, after a morning of surgery (assisting, not receiving!) and an afternoon of shopping, Cynthia and I had worked up an appetite, and before we left Brazen Betties, Julia was all "Have you tried Rocket yet?!" I've heard all about this "Fine Street Food" truck on Facebook and been tantalized by their menu postings, but no, we hadn't tried them yet. Well, Julia made a call to make sure the truck was in it's usual position (outside Oddo's - they also do shifts at UConn in Torrington and Torrington's Saturday farmers market). She told them famous, hungry bloggers were coming, and not to take off. Get it, take off?

Haha. Well, they weren't going anywhere, but we appreciate the VIP treatment. Rocket is all about quality and has a simple menu of comfort-oriented food with sophisticated embellishments - like grilled cheese with gruyere on hearty local bread. They buy local as much as possible and boast some appealing NOs: no high-fructose corn syrup, no trans fats, no hormones, no antibiotics. Cynthia had the fancy grilled cheese. I had a green chile cheeseburger. ("naturally raised angus beef, rocket-roasted green chile sauce, monterrey jack and colby cheese on Collinsveill Baking Company roll.") We were enamored. We each had an Avery soda - another local!


We got all chatty with the proprietors of course. We were impressed with the bread, and they gave us a rap about how they didn't want to go cheap or chintzy with anything. We so admire that. They told us we should totally go visit Collinsville Baking Co. (which is actually in New Hartford). [Spoiler: we totally went there!]

Shopping!: Brazen Betties revisited

I've blogged up Brazen Betties before - the wonderful downtown Torrington shop that features exclusively CT designers and artists with sexy, retro and pin-up inclinations. Well, proprietress Julia has been FB-ing about great seasonal sales and new merch and Cynthia and I were in the neighborhood and looking for a good time after the usual bad time at school, so we decided to drop by.

Everybody loves the "steampunk" ring by White Flag Designs I bought there on my first visit. Well, there's plenty more where that came from, so go get one for yourself.


WFD is the work of a gal out in Canton, who is also responsible for One Hand Washes the Other, delicious smelling natural soaps and creams and lip balms and things (Cynthia went for a lip balm). Cynthia also went for this ridiculous[ly awesome] hair ornament by Loveycraft (a crafty bitch from small town charm epicenter Collinsville).


Julia kept encouraging us to try gorgeous and fabulous things so we could see how amazing everything looks on, so of course I was hooked in as well. And loath as I am to spoil the live effect of a new outfit, it is my duty to share with you readers. I got this (price reduced!) chic De Melis... is it a coat? Whatever it is, I love it:


I had to have a Loveycraft too. She makes all these flamboyant headbands with big silky bows and colorful feathers. Check out my 'cock, you know you want it.

Saturday Night Live: Punk at Snapper Magee's

I've explored some of the daytime delights of "charming little Torrington" (as we've referred to it in my family for years) and blogged 'em up before, but last night I took on Torrington after dark on the suggestion of friend-of-the-blog Julia Sloan (Ms. Brazen Betties) and took in a night of live music at Snapper Magee's, which will be my local pub after I move to Torrington, or should I call it "the next Collinsville." Jackie Scenic couldn't be with me last night (which sucks, cuz she would have loved this joint) but my Substitute Scenic and I determined that Torrington is ripe for - if not already on its way to - an artsy fartsy hipster revival. The evening was basically a tube of wonderful - the club, the bands, the peeps were all just great -,so snark and hilarity in this post will be minimal (sorry!).


Snapper Magee's is plenty adorable on the inside, with walls and ceiling plastered with classic concert posters, pinup inspired art, naked ladies and demon women, and in spite of cheap booze prices and a somewhat "divey" vibe, they have a good selection of drink for snobs like me to choose from (I chose Magner's). Julia is like the mayor of Torrington, so she introduced me to the owner, relevant local cultural leaders and pointed out the coolest shit on the walls (and ceiling).


The first band was AmRev II, a ska-inflected punk outfit. I was impressed with their look and their sound. They were playing as a two-piece, which I assumed was on purpose, but apparently there was an absent bass player.


My favorite band of the night was definitely Big Sister, straight outta Westchester. This female fronted punk act was reminiscent of early No Doubt, or current The Action Design, a cool-ass band I've mentioned before. They had super-high energy, catchy songs, and the contrast between frontlady Lauren's balls-out singing and self-deprecating between-song affect was extra endearing. Unfortunately they're not gonna be Big Sister anymore - a name change is imminent due to a conflict of band names with some other Big Sister, so stay tuned on that front.


I only caught the beginning of the set by Jukebox Romantics, but they were putting on an explosive show from what I saw. This band is having a hot-shit moment, about to embark on the Warped Tour (which comes to Hartford July 11), so now I can say I saw them when...

It was a bit of a slow night at Snapper's by everyone's account. But slow or no, the people who did come out were enthusiastic, well dressed, and nice (to me). The "small state" phenom struck again, as I reconnected with peeps I had classes with and someone I photographed at another event. I'll be looking out for more shows by Big Sister under their forthcoming new name, and would definitely hit up this downtown Torrington spot again.

(Check the FB gallery for more pics)

Touring Torrington, too: Michele's

This afternoon was all about the Betties - Brazen Betties and Betty Boop here, if that wasn' obvious to ya. I needed a snack in Torrington. There were side by side coffee shops on Main Street, but I chose Michele's Gourmet on Main. Probably because of Betty - that's cute! Michele's is in the location that used to be Chiane's. Inside is long and nondescript, but the quality treats make up for the bare-bones decor.


Mary-Kate, the very nice (and cute!) barista, understood my need for a "real Chai" and prepared me a lovely, giant chai latte with soy milk, a little spicy, and not to0 sweet with a bit of honey. I also got a peanut butter and chocolate bar, supersized as well, that MK made herself - "two hours of love" went into those bars, said she. That sounds hot!


Both items were delicious, though half the bar is in my fridge, which is A-OK. Breakfast! I didn't explore the "real food," but Michele's also serves breakfast all day, plus salads, paninis, wraps, sandwiches and burgers, and has some gluten free and vegetarian options.

Touring Torrington: Brazen Betties!

Regrettably, Team Scenic was unable to attend the Brazen Betties recent first birthday/anniversary street fair, but I made it up to them (and myself) by paying a visit to the Main Street shop in Torrington this afteroon. Of course I anticipated loving this shop, which specializes in Connecticut designers only of retro/steampunk/pin-up clothing and craft, so I wasn't surprised to find that everything there was wonderful and trying to come home with me. Owner and designer Julia Sloan was there, and we're totally Facebook friends already, so we were like "OMG HI" and she tried to apologize for the mess, but I was all "What mess? You should see my room." Or my car. Actually you shouldn't. But there was no mess.


I was really into fashion by De Milis (designer Melissa Scianna), which has a elegant, vintage look. Also impressive were Give Them The World's creative "recycled" garments - women's and children's clothing made from men's shirts and ties.

Best of all was the jewelry and sparkly shit, especially steampunk inspired pieces by White Flag Designs (I had to have one).


There was much, much more CT talent on display in this little shop. Who knew!?

I'll be back.