There’s only a month left of the fall 2024 semester and many students are feeling the heat as deadlines for term papers get closer and final exams loom ominously in the background. But that hasn’t stopped venues in Storrs and across the state from putting on shows and bringing the sounds of live music to college students who need a break from the increasing pressures of the semester. Here’s a look at some of the shows happening this weekend if you need a night off from work and want to dance your stress away.
Friday 11/15: Knowhere – Tolland
Knowhere is a recording studio in Tolland that has doubled as a venue with consistent shows this fall. This Friday, Nov. 15, the venue will be hosting a show with a four-band lineup. The lineup features three out-of-state bands, with Hydrangeas, Attack Dog and Polaroid fade hailing from Philadelphia and New Jersey music scenes. The other band on the bill is South of One, a Connecticut-based alternative rock and emo group. The show will feature a mix of alternative rock, hard rock and dream pop, making it a great option for those who don’t want to get thrown around in a mosh pit. Doors open at 6 p.m., music starts at 7 p.m. and admission is $12. For the address, message @knowhere__ct on Instagram.
Saturday 11/16: The Dog Pound “Beaver Moon PJ Party” – Storrs
The Dog Pound, the preeminent basement venue for University of Connecticut students, continues its jam-packed schedule of shows with its “Beaver Moon PJ Party” on Saturday, Nov. 16. The show is being branded as “a tribute for Moon Club” as the popular UConn club has gone on hiatus due to issues between the club and the university. The lineup features four bands, highlighted by Storrs-based group Tweed Sugar, who will be bringing their brand of what they call “genuine music” to the venue. Also on the bill are Connecticut- based emo and punk groups Death Valley Sun Troopers and The Knife Kickers, as well as SUNY Purchase-based band Mildly Allergic. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., music starts at 7:30 p.m. and admission is $10. Guests are also encouraged to wear pajamas. For the address, message @thedogp0und on Instagram.
Saturday 11/16: Crunch House – West Haven
Who doesn’t love a good Crunch House show? The intimate West Haven venue is hosting a lineup of bands from Connecticut and beyond on Saturday, Nov. 16, that’s well worth the long drive from Storrs. The four-band bill features, TV Moms, Psychobrat, The Pretty Graves and Village Idiots for a night of high energy, guitar-driven punk that’s sure to blow the doors off the venue. Doors open at 6 p.m., music starts at 7 p.m. and admission is $10. For the address, message @crunchhouseofficial on Instagram.
Saturday 11/16: Three Sheets New Haven “Art in the Back… Music in the Front” – New Haven
For Connecticut music fans who are also into art, look no further than “Art in the Back… Music in the Front” at Three Sheets New Haven, located near the heart of the coastal city. The event will feature music by three bands — Linnea’s Garden, Turkey Vulture and Falconeer — as well as the work of four artists — Rose Martin, Momma Choas, Lipgloss Crisis and Rebecca Kaplan-Stone — in a dynamic fusion of the visual and performing artists. The event starts and 9 p.m. and there is no cover charge.
Saturday 11/16: TransFury Fest – Waterbury
The first-ever TransFury Fest is being held at the Odd Fellows Temple in Waterbury this Saturday, Nov. 16, to showcase the work of transgender and queer musicians and vendors. The five-band lineup is highlighted by Trouble Girl and Second Opinion, two groups that have made regular appearances in Storrs. The two groups will be joined by 13 Cavities, Sonorious Rising and Asher Kai. There will also be 12 vendors set up for attendees to shop from. Music starts at 5 p.m. and vendors will be set up from 3 to 9 p.m. The event is free, though attendees are encouraged to make $5-10 donations to the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund. Attendees are also required to wear masks and free KN95s will be available at the door. For more information, visit @transfuryfestct on Instagram.