This weekend is the last chance to catch Yale Rep's riveting 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom' (Ellyn Santiago/Patch)
NEW HAVEN, CT—New Haven's weekend has the last performances of Yale Rep's "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom," a Michael Jackson tribute, and Yedoye Travis at the Shubert; Rodrigo y Gabriela at College Street Music Hall; and a new downtown mocktail and small-plates tour, from Thursday, Oct. 22, through Sunday, Oct. 25.
This Weekend's Arts & Entertainment
"Ma Rainey's Black Bottom"—closes Saturday, Oct. 24, with a Spanish-captioned performance Friday, Oct. 23, at 8 p.m. and an open-captioned matinee Saturday at 2 p.m. Timothy Douglas directs August Wilson's drama of a 1927 Chicago recording session and the battle of wills between Ma Rainey and her trumpeter, Levee. Yale Repertory Theatre, 222 York Street
At the Shubert—The Michael Jackson HIStory Show, a full-scale tribute to the King of Pop, Friday, Oct. 23, 7 p.m.; comedian, writer, and actor Yedoye Travis in Elm City's Cabaret, Saturday, Oct. 24, 7 p.m.; and the free Family Fun Day, Sunday, Oct. 25, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., a self-guided backstage tour with trick-or-treat stations (costumes welcome, no prop weapons; RSVP requested). Shubert Theatre, 247 College Street
At College Street Music Hall—The Living Tombstone's "Multiplayer Tour" with Mystery Skulls and Madison Rose, Saturday, Oct. 24, doors at 7 p.m., show at 7:30; and Rodrigo y Gabriela's "OurHome Tour," Sunday, Oct. 25, doors at 7 p.m., show at 8. Both are all ages. College Street Music Hall, 238 College Street
"Namibia," photographs by PenRod Studio—opening reception Sunday, Oct. 25, 2 p.m. Penrhyn and Rod Cook show layered, textured prints from their fourth trip to Africa, from the Skeleton Coast to Etosha National Park. Kehler Liddell Gallery, 873 Whalley Avenue
Sip & Savor: A Mocktail & Small Plates Tour — Saturday, Oct. 24, noon to 4:30 p.m. The first guided tour of the Chapel and Broadway districts pairs a zero-proof cocktail with a chef's small plate at Sherkaan Indian Street Food, Heirloom at The Study, Harvest Restaurant & Wine Bar, ZINC and Pacifico, with a bonus dessert stop at Union League Pâtisserie; groups leave every 30 minutes, and each tour takes about two and a half hours. Tickets are $30 plus fees (every participant, including children, needs one) and include a tote bag, retailer offers and free all-day parking at the 150 York Street Garage; it is rain or shine. The Shops at Yale, downtown New Haven
Live music at Café Nine — Amani Burnham, Thursday, Oct. 22, 8 p.m.; Qween Kong with First President of Japan and Soft Spot, Friday, Oct. 23, 9 p.m.; and the Saturday Jazz Jam with Aquintet Music, Saturday, Oct. 24, 4 p.m. Café Nine, 250 State Street
At Toad's Place—"Punchis Punchis: Banda Rave Experience," Friday, Oct. 23, doors at 9 p.m., advance tickets $25 to $35; and The Original Saturday Night Dance Party, Saturday, Oct. 24, doors at 9:30 p.m., $15 in advance. Both are 18 and older. Toad's Place, 300 York Street
Catch "Ma Rainey" before it closes, sip your way through downtown on Saturday's mocktail tour, dance at Toad's or hear The Living Tombstone that night, and bring the kids to the Shubert's Family Fun Day before Rodrigo y Gabriela on Sunday.