Despite the frigid temperatures and the return of those dreaded Storrs winds, it’s an exciting time at the University of Connecticut. Students are back in the swing of things as the spring semester heats up, and the Connecticut music scene is in lockstep with this upward trajectory. This weekend presents the best assortment of shows in months, with nearly all of the biggest DIY venues in the scene hosting shows, all of which are stacked with some of the best and most well-known artists in the scene. Here’s a look at where these exciting shows are happening this weekend in Storrs and across Connecticut.
Friday 1/31: South Whitney Pizza – Hartford
Kicking things off this weekend is a great four-band lineup at South Whitney Pizza in Hartford, Conn., on Friday, Jan. 31. Headlining the show is The Agonizers, a ska punk band that will surely get the crowd dancing and skanking (some call it two-stepping, but I prefer the term skanking). There’s also some familiar faces from the Storrs scene, with Melovictoria and Jaded in Paradise bringing their punk sounds to the show. Rounding out the bill is Cvmrats, replacing the band Changes. Doors open at 7 p.m., music starts at 8 p.m. and there is a suggested $10 donation to support the bands. All ages are welcome to attend, though attendees must be 21 or older to drink.
Friday 1/31: Crunch House – West Haven
Speaking of prominent venues, let’s take a look at what’s going down in West Haven, Connecticut, at Crunch House on Friday, Jan. 31. Coastal Connecticut music fans will be treated to a three-band lineup consisting of Sober Bill, 2/14 and Point Rader. The bill is a punk fan’s dream, with a non-stop barrage of music to mosh to. Doors open at 7 p.m. and music starts at 8 p.m. For the address, direct message @crunchhouseofficial on Instagram.
Saturday 2/1: The Dog P0und “Into the Nether” – Storrs
The Dog P0und wins best theme of the weekend with its Minecraft-inspired “Into the Nether” theme show on Saturday, Feb. 21. 2/14 continues their weekend by heading up to Storrs after being in West Haven the night before. Two of the groups, Bonemeal and Cat Crash, are two of the most recognizable bands to Storrs audiences thanks to frequent appearances at the venue this past semester. Headlining the evening is indie punk group Overlöded, their first performance since the Miss President Tour in early January promoting their recently released third album. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., music starts at 7:30 p.m. and admission is $7. No parking is available at the venue. For the address, direct message @thedogp0und on Instagram.
Saturday 2/1: Howard’s Bookstore – Torrington
While Storrs will be rocking out at The Dog P0und, there’s still plenty of other shows happening across the state, including at Howard’s Bookstore in Torrington, Conn. Jaded In Paradise is another band pulling double duty this weekend, keeping the energy rolling all weekend. Second Opinion and Braintree will also be performing, with the latter slated to appear at WHUS Radio’s Battle of The Bands concert in Storrs in two weeks. Joining them on the lineup is Symposia, the nu metal band that can create some of the biggest mosh pits you’ll ever see. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and admission is $10.
Saturday 2/1: WestCo Cafe “Shred Screamo Night” – Middletown
For showgoers looking for something a little heavier, look no further than “Shred Screamo Night” at WestCo Cafe, a basement venue on the campus of Wesleyan University in Middletown, Conn. Highlighting the bill is Sailboat, the Storrs-based screamo band who’s kicking off a busy February schedule of shows. Joining them is Siffleux, Slore, Sue and My Body Was Found In A Hollow Tree. Doors open at 8 p.m. and music starts at 8:30 p.m.