Thanksgiving break is finally here! After three long months, students at the University of Connecticut are heading home for a much-needed week of rest before the last push of the semester into finals week. But just because school is on break doesn’t mean live music is. For those looking to hop in a mosh pit before heading home, here’s some shows happening in Storrs and around the state this weekend to celebrate making it to Thanksgiving break.
Friday 11/22: The Dog Pound – Storrs
For those not going home until Saturday and looking for something to do, be sure to head to The Dog Pound for a night of music in Storrs’ most prominent basement venue on Friday, Nov. 22. The four-band lineup is a punk and alternative rock mosh-fest, so show-goers should expect a night of high energy music. Taking the stage is Tilt, Pond View, Lootbug and Neanderthal Petting Zoo, four groups who have made regular appearances at The Dog Pound. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., music starts at 7:30 p.m. and admission is $10. For the address, message @thedogp0und on Instagram.
Friday 11/22: South Whitney Pizza “Punk Showcase” – Hartford
South Whitney Pizza in Hartford continues its impressive November slate of shows with a “punk showcase” on Friday, Nov. 22. Headlining the bill is Film & Gender, a two-piece punk group with one of the most loaded schedules of any band in Connecticut, and Symposia, a nu metal-inspired group who released their new single “Loathe (Yuck Factor)” last week. They will be joined by Blandest and Ok, Cuddle to round out a night of in-your-face punk rock. Doors open at 6 p.m., music starts at 7:30 p.m. and there is a suggested donation of $10.
Saturday 11/23: The Dog Pound “The Gay Agenda” – Storrs
Coming off a stacked lineup the night before, The Dog Pound returns this Saturday, Nov. 23, for their final show of the semester. Dubbed “The Gay Agenda,” the show features a four-band lineup of LGBTQIA+ artists. The lineup features multiple groups that have made appearances in Storrs before, including Cat Crash, Part of the Problem and Second Opinion. These three, along with Plum Co. making their Storrs debut, will deliver a night of riot grrrl-influenced punk to end The Dog Pound’s impressive fall semester lineup of shows on a high note. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., music starts at 7:30 p.m. and admission is $10. For the address, message @thedogp0und on Instagram.
Saturday 11/23: Corleone’s “Winners’ Showcase” – Willimantic
Here’s somewhat of a rarity for shows in the Connecticut scene: a show with only two bands. On Saturday, Nov. 23, Corleone’s, a bar in Willimantic, Connecticut, will provide the stage for their “Winner’s Showcase,” featuring the top two placing bands from their battle of the bands show held in October. The two groups are Tweed Sugar, the dynamic fast-rising band from Storrs, and The Rotting Twentys, another Storrs-based group known for their 1990s and 2000s-influenced alternative rock sound. Music starts at 9:30 p.m. and showgoers must be 21 or older to attend.