Random Raven

By Gary Carra

Welcome back to Random Raven, the column that constantly strives be your complete, entertainment itinerary... come what May!

Of course, for many, this month is really a 31-day homage to Mom.

And while our beloved, North Central Connecticut region offers a multitude of traditional present options for your female parental unit - the Raven has unearthed some interesting alternatives.

For example, in lieu of Hershey kisses or multikarat gifts, why not spend some bucks on a few yucks?

Consider the beautifully restored Broad Brook Opera House and its proverbial, oral assault on the funnybone slated for Saturday, May 13

Dubbed “Xtreme Comedy Night,” the uproarious evening will be hosted by “Last Comic Standing” alum Sean Morton and features a former “Funniest Comic in New England” winner in John Romanof and a runnerup with Darren Rivera. On slightly smaller scale, billmate Paul Taro’s was a runner up in 2019’s “Funniest Comic in Connecticut.”

Tix for this show are $20 and available at broadbrookoperahouse.com Doors open at 7 p.m.

Still not sold? How about if we pour a little “vino” on the scene-o? On Saturday, May 27, Colchester’s Priam Vineyards taps into the Comedy Craft Beer Tour to serve up Last Comix Standing (a Mohegan Sun distinction) winner Jimmy Cash – a funnyman who also boasts over one million Tik-Tok views.

Tickets are $20 and includes first glass of wine.

Artist rendering of the new, “floating stage” for Lake Compounce’s 2023 summer concert series. Among the acts already confirmed to perform at the aquatic, audio affair are Everclear (June 10), Billy Joel tribute Stilletto (June 17) and CeeLo Green (June 24).

Reserved tables are still available for larger parties. Email ryan@comixcomedy.com to make yours or kindly turn your browser to priamvineyards.com for general info.

For more family-friendly fare, the 2023 Enfield Food Truck Festival rolls into the Enfield Square parking lot for a two-day May 13-14. In addition to boasting more than 20 of New England’s top food trucks organizers promise carnival games, bounce houses for the children and a shopping area featuring the wares from some 50 local crafters. Admission is free and this event will run from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. each day.

AN OPPORTUNITY TO (COM)-‘POUNCE’ ON. Bristol’s Lake Compounce amusement park has an announced a new summer concert series that is somehow both extremely affordable (free with park admission) and...aquatic?

Apparently, all concerts will be performed on the lake with the park’s new, floating stage.

Among the highlights confirmed to shake up things up on the Lake this summer are Everclear (June 10), Billy Joel tribute Stilletto (June 17) and CeeLo Green (June 24).

For more details and the full May-September schedule, visit lakecompounce.com

Know of a local gem or an upcoming, interesting event? Contact the Raven at: gary@thenorthcentralnews.com