July 16–Aug. 5
Photography & Sculpture 2023 — This juried exhibition will feature various photographic and sculpted artworks by area artists chosen from online submissions. The judge is Hans Neleman, a Dutch-born artist who studied fine art at Goldsmiths University in London. Rowayton Arts Center, 145 Rowayton Ave., Norwalk. 203-866-2744

Through July 22
Kathleen Kucka: Strange Attractor — Well known in the New York City abstract scene, Kucka is a recent transplant to Litchfield County, where she recently opened a gallery, Furnace, in Falls Village. This solo exhibition features newly created paintings and works on paper that blur the line between two- and three-dimensional abstraction using unconventional materials and methods. The current works were inspired by the dark nights, planet-gazing and fractals of summer, and Kucka created them by employing a hand-held burn tool to mark geometric grids and circular patterns on the surface of her canvas before painting on top of the scorched surface, exploring the interplay between physical and visual components of painting. Heather Gaudio Fine Art, 66 Elm St., New Canaan. 203-801-9590

Through Sept. 3
Lisa Alvarado / MATRIX 192 / Spinning Echo — For nearly 50 years, the Wadsworth’s MATRIX series has debuted exhibitions by emerging artists. The latest features Lisa Alvarado’s installation of new paintings, sound and site-specific floor sculptures. Working in acrylic on unstretched canvas, Alvarado creates patterned, free-hanging paintings that evoke Mesoamerican weavings and other non-Western abstract traditions. They will hang in an immersive installation alongside floor sculptures and a four-channel sound installation. Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, 600 Main St., Hartford. 860-278-2670

Through Dec. 31
The Black Matriarchs Series — This exhibition celebrates the legacy of a remarkable community of Black women who worked and lived in New Britain. On public view for the first time in 35 years, this series of pen, ink and charcoal portraits was commissioned in the late 1970s by historian and educator Jimmie Elizabeth (Timmons) Nkonoki-Ward, from her friend, artist Kenneth A. Larson — both long-time New Britain residents. These compelling portraits depict women who were leaders, trailblazers, educators and nurturers in the community, and who were involved in local churches and organizations. New Britain Museum of American Art, 56 Lexington St., New Britain. 860-229-0257

theater

June 27–July 2
To Kill a Mockingbird — One of the greatest novels in American history is also now one of the most successful American plays in Broadway history, as the stage production follows the story of Atticus Finch, a lawyer in 1930s Alabama, as he defends Tom Robinson, a Black man falsely accused of rape. Emmy Award-winner Richard Thomas (The Waltons) plays the role of Finch. See website for times and tickets. The Bushnell, 166 Capitol Ave., Hartford. 860-987-6000

July 7–30
Clyde’s — A truck-stop sandwich shop offers its formerly incarcerated kitchen staff a shot at reclaiming their lives in this new comedy. Even as the shop’s tough-as-nails owner tries to keep them under her thumb, the crew is given purpose and permission to dream by their shared quest to create the perfect sandwich. See website for times and tickets. TheaterWorks Hartford, 233 Pearl St., Hartford. 860-527-7838

July 12–Aug. 20
Bandstand — In this 1945-set musical, American soldiers return home to ticker-tape parades and overjoyed families. Private First Class Donny Novitski, a singer and songwriter, returns with the hope of rebuilding his life. When NBC announces a national competition to find the nation’s next swing band sensation, Donny joins forces with a motley group of fellow veterans, and together they form a band unlike any the nation has ever seen. However, complicated relationships, the demands of the competition, and the challenging after-effects of war may break these musicians. See website for times. $25. Playhouse on Park, 244 Park Road, West Hartford. 860-523-5900, ext. 10

July 21–Aug. 6
The Music Man — This beloved American musical follows fast-talking traveling salesman Harold Hill as he cons the people of River City, Iowa, into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys’ band that he vows to organize — this, despite the fact that he doesn’t know a trombone from a tambourine. Will he succeed in his plans to skip town with the cash or be caught in the act? Featuring toe-tapping favorites like “Ya Got Trouble,” “Seventy-Six Trombones,” “The Wells Fargo Wagon” and “ ‘Til There Was You.” See website for times. $30. Seven Angels Theatre, 1 Plank Road, Waterbury. 203-757-4676

July 26–Aug. 27
Here You Come Again: How Dolly Saved My Life in 12 Easy Songs — This rollicking and touching new musical is the story of a diehard fan whose imaginary version of Dolly Parton gets him through a trying time. With her wit, humor and trademark charm, she teaches him a whole lot about life, love and how to pull yourself up by your bootstraps … even if your bootstraps don’t have rhinestones! Packed with hits like “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” “Islands in the Stream” and more. See website for times and tickets. Goodspeed Musicals, The Terris Theatre, 33 N. Main St., Chester.

music

June 30, July 7, 14, 21, 28
Talcott Mountain Music Festival — The Hartford Symphony Orchestra returns to the gorgeous confines of Simsbury Meadows this summer for the annual Talcott Mountain Music Festival. Taking place over the course of five consecutive Friday nights, HSO will perform the hits of Broadway, ABBA, The Eagles and more. On June 30 the “Celebrate America!” show will also feature a fireworks display. See website for times and tickets. Simsbury Meadow, 22 Iron Horse Blvd., Simsbury.

July 1
Bruce Hornsby & the Noisemakers — Hornsby first rose to fame with The Way It Is, his 1986 Grammy-winning debut album with The Range, as the title track became the most-played song on American radio in 1987. He would go on to collaborate with Bonnie Raitt, playing on her iconic hit “I Can’t Make You Love Me,” and was a part-time member of the Grateful Dead in the early ’90s. Along the way, Hornsby has made his own music, including his latest effort, ‘Flicted, with his band, the Noisemakers. 7:30 p.m. See website for tickets. Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts, 40 Jesup Road, Westport. 203-602-4122

July 7
The Country Jamboree — Dust off your boots, saddle up and ride to the sounds of timeless artists including Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, Tammy Wynette, Willie Nelson, Loretta Lynn and more at this celebration of classic country music. 7 p.m. $18–$35. Little Theatre of Manchester, Cheney Hall, 177 Hartford Road, Manchester. 860-647-9824

July 9
Ace Frehley — The original lead guitarist for Kiss — known for his song-within-the-song guitar solos — Frehley has put together the most successful solo career of any band member. Expect hits and deep cuts from his days with Kiss, his band Frehley’s Comet and his solo catalog. 8 p.m. $60–$85. Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 E. Ridge Road, Ridgefield. 203-438-5795

July 13, 20, 27, Aug. 3
Alive At Five — Annually bringing in heavy hitters from throughout New England and beyond, this year’s Thursday-night headliners are rapper Lil John (July 13), rock band All Time Low (July 20), indie pop and neo soul outfit Fitz and The Tantrums (July 27) and R&B singers Ashanti and Ginuwine (Aug. 3). See website for times and tickets. Mill River Park, 1010 Washington Blvd., Stamford.

July 13–16
Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz — One of the largest annual events in Connecticut, the Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz brings an estimated 70,000 people to Bushnell Park in Hartford over its four-day run. Those numbers aren’t surprising considering the stellar lineup filled with international talent each year. These free concerts are virtually required attendance for jazz fans of all ages. See website for schedule. Bushnell Park, Hartford.

July 15
Jam at the Dam — Celebrate summer with food, beer, music and outdoor fun at this new family-friendly entertainment event at the former Stevenson Dam property in Monroe. A lineup of local musical acts support the main attractions — John Waite, the English singer best known for his hit 1984 single “Missing You,” and Thompson Square, the Grammy-nominated, husband-and-wife team of Keifer and Shawna Thompson, who took Nashville by storm with their mega-hit “Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not?” There’s also a carnival for the kids, a variety of food trucks, a beer garden, and more. 1 p.m. $45. 1545 Monroe Tpke., Monroe. 203-335-1602

July 15
Jason Aldean — The country music great brings his “Highway Desperado Tour” to Hartford. One of the top artists of his generation, the “King of Country” will rip out cuts from his double record including the recent release, Georgia. He will be joined by Morgan Wallen, Riley Green and Dee Jay Silver. 7:30 p.m. See website for tickets. Xfinity Theatre, 61 Savitt Way, Hartford.

July 18
Donny Osmond — The ’70s teen idol has a long-running Vegas residency, but you can catch him much closer to home this month. His first summer tour in about seven years features the fan favorite “Auto-rap-ography” — a rap song accompanied by milestones, photos and videos from his six-decade career, a full Broadway production of his classic Disney hit from Mulan, “I’ll Make a Man Out Of You,” and an interactive audience segment where anyone can request any song he’s ever recorded. 7:30 p.m. $49.50–$199.50. Palace Theater, 100 E. Main St., Waterbury. 203-346-2000

July 19
Cake — With hits such as “The Distance” and “Short Skirt/Long Jacket,” Cake has been a darling of the alternative rock scene for decades. The environmentally minded musicians, who work in a solar-powered studio in Sacramento, Calif., always have a tree on stage throughout their performance, and at some point during the evening one audience member, who is willing to go “the distance” as a lifelong steward for the tree, gets to take it home. 7:30 p.m. See website for tickets. Westville Music Bowl, 45 Yale Ave., New Haven.

July 23
Andy Summers — In the early ’80s Summers rose to fame as the guitarist with the rock band The Police. For the first time, Summers offers up a glimpse into his career with the iconic outfit through music, stories and his photography, which has been exhibited everywhere from Rio de Janeiro to Shanghai. 7:30 p.m. $40–$75. Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 E. Ridge Road, Ridgefield. 203-438-5795

July 23
Phil Lesh & Friends — The Grateful Dead bassist is joined by his son and guitarist, Grahame, along with multi-instrumentalist Jason Crosby, Eric Krasno (guitar), James Casey (saxophone), Jennifer Hartswick (trumpet) of the Trey Anastasio Band horn section, and John Molo (drums). 6 p.m. See website for tickets. Westville Music Bowl, 45 Yale Ave., New Haven.

July 28
The Wallflowers — For the past 30 years, the Jakob Dylan-led Wallflowers have been dedicated to honing a rock sound that meshes timeless songwriting and storytelling with a hard-hitting and modern musical attack. Hear classics like “One Headlight” and “Bringing Down the Horse,” which helped define ’90s rock, and cuts off their new album, Exit Wounds. 8 p.m. See website for tickets. Foxwoods Resort Casino, 350 Trolley Line Blvd., Mashantucket.

July 28
Lainey Wilson — The Louisiana-born and Nashville-seasoned country singer-songwriter had an impressive CMA list of wins for 2022 with “Female Vocalist of the Year” and “New Artist of the Year.” You might have also seen her on Season 5 of the smash-hit TV series Yellowstone. 7:30 p.m. $39.50–$79.50. Mohegan Sun, 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd., Uncasville.

July 28–30
Litchfield Jazz Festival — Since 1996 the Litchfield Jazz Festival has filled its stages with some of the biggest names in the genre. This year’s lineup is loaded with internationally acclaimed talent including such contemporary stars as Peter Bernstein, Champian Fulton and Steve Nelson. See website for schedule and tickets. The Frederick Gunn School, 22 Kirby Road, Washington.

July 28–30
Falcon Ridge Folk Festival — After a 30-plus-year run just over the border in New York, the folk music bonanza has arrived in Connecticut. Scheduled performers include Nerissa & Katryna Nields, the Slambovian Circus of Dreams, Crystal Shawanda, Lucy Kaplansky, Joe Jencks, Livingston Taylor, Ellis Paul, Richard Thompson, the Gaslight Tinkers, and Tempest, with more expected. 10 a.m.–10 p.m. See website for tickets. Goshen Fairgrounds, 116 Old Middle St., Goshen.

July 29
Snoop Dogg — Few rappers have become cultural icons the way Snoop Dogg has. This summer he brings his “High School Reunion” tour featuring Wiz Khalifa, Warren G and several others to Hartford for a one-night show that promises to be the hip-hop event of the year. 6 p.m. See website for tickets. Xfinity Theatre, 61 Savitt Way, Hartford.

July 30
The Roots — Founded by Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter and Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, The Roots went from rapping on Philadelphia street corners to being one of the most influential hip-hop collectives of all time. Among numerous classics, they changed hip-hop forever with 1999’s platinum Things Fall Apart album. 8:30 p.m. $65–$125. College Street Music Hall, 238 College St., New Haven. 203-867-2000

July 31
Santana — Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Carlos Santana brings his legendary band back to Connecticut this summer with a set list celebrating over 50 years of guitar prowess. This show promises to contain songs pulled from his Grammy-nominated back catalog, as well as his renowned Woodstock performance. 8 p.m. See website for tickets. Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater, 500 Broad St., Bridgeport.

comedy

July 7
Colin Quinn — The observational humorist loves to make small talk with people, and that’s the name of his eighth one-man show, “Colin Quinn: Small Talk.” Known for MTV’s Remote Control to Saturday Night Live to Comedy Central’s Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn, the stand-up comedian wants to make sure that, in this social media age, the art of small talk is not lost. 8 p.m. $46. Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook. 860-510-0453

July 8
Jerry Seinfeld — You know him for his observational riffs on the minutiae of everyday life featured in the television classic Seinfeld and his stand-up comedy, plus his streaming talk show Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee. But did you know Seinfeld will direct and star in an upcoming movie about Pop-Tarts called Unfrosted? Maybe he’ll pop in a few references in this stand-up appearance. 8 p.m. Foxwoods Resort Casino, 350 Trolley Line Blvd, Mashantucket.

July 13
Italian Comedy Night with Joe Matarese — He’s appeared on The Howard Stern Show, WTF with Marc Maron, The Late Show with David Letterman and Last Comic Standing, and now Matarese brings a collective of fellow Italian American comedians to deliver some spicy comedic meatballs. 7:45 p.m. $29. Fairfield Theatre Company, 70 Sanford St., Fairfield.

July 21
Andrew Dice Clay — Thought the Diceman’s stand-up comedy days were done? Think again. After a meteoric rise and fall in the ’80s and ’90s that saw him become the first comedian to sell out Madison Square Garden two nights in a row and the only performer ever banned for life from MTV, the controversial Clay has seen a resurgence in recent years on the small and big screens. 8 p.m. $95–$115. Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 E. Ridge Road, Ridgefield. 203-438-5795

July 27–29
Jamie Lissow — Actor and comedian Jamie Lissow is best known for his role on the Netflix show Real Rob, alongside SNL alum Rob Schneider, a show Lissow co-wrote and co-produced. He’s also a regular guest on Gutfeld! on Fox News. And he recently wrapped his first movie, Daddy Daughter Trip, starring John Cleese, Schneider and David Spade. July 27, 7:30 p.m.; July 28 & 29, 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. $25. The Stress Factory, 167 State St., Bridgeport. 203-576-4242

festivals

July 1
Rose Arts Festival — For one day every summer Norwich becomes the epicenter of live music in Connecticut, as the Rose Arts Festival brings together national touring acts with a bunch of local greats. This year’s top-line acts are the funk-pop group Ripe, instrumental prog-rockers Consider the Source and funk-hip-hop band Sophistafunk. A free concert in Chelsea Parade Park during the day spills into close to a dozen different downtown venues in the evening. Chelsea Parade Historic District, Norwich

July 8
NICE Festival — Celebrate different world cultures with cuisines from around the globe, dancers performing flamenco, Asian and African dances, and live music in rock, reggae, R&B and Latin. There will also be educational, health and environmental exhibits, as well as family-friendly attractions with interactive games. Rain or shine. 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Free. Oyster Shell Park, North Water Street, Norwalk. 203-919-3000

July 16
Connecticut Pizza & Brew Fest — Celebrating all things pizza and craft beer, this first-time festival features pizza and dessert food trucks, craft breweries and pizza-makers serving up their signature pies. Also check out pizza panels ranging from the history of New Haven pizza to how to make the perfect dough, as well as dough-throwing contests, live music, merchandise and more. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. See webs