FAT RANDY/WAXXD/STANDBY: INDIE ROCK/PUNK
Waxx'd, Fat Randy, and Standby play Best Video Film & Cultural Center Sat., Aug. 2. The show starts at 7 PM and the cover is $10.
Movie Trivia Night hosted by Michael Domangue
Please join us for Movie Trivia Night, hosted by Best Video member Michael Domangue, on Wednesday, August 6th, at 7 pm. Entry is $5/person. Teams of up to 4 members will enjoy 5 rounds of movie-themed trivia questions. The winning team will receive a $25 Best Video Gift Card!
KNOX CHANDLER, BOB GORRY, & PETE RICCIO: IMPROVISED MUSIC
Knox Chandler joins Bob Gorry and Peter Riccio at Best Video Film & Cultural Center on Thurs., Aug. 7, for a trio performance of compelling new music with electronically processed bass, guitar, and drums. The show starts at 7 PM and the cover is $10.
SCRT AGNT record release/BLANDEST: INDIE ROCK
SCRT AGNT plays an album release show at Best Video Film & Cultural Center on Fri., August. 8. The show starts at 7 PM with an opening set by Blandest. The cover is $10.
Meet the Candidates: Maurine Crouch & Doug Foley
MEET THE CANDIDATES: Maurine Crouch & Doug Foley will hold a meet-and-greet on Saturday, August 9th, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Maurine and Doug are both running as Democratic candidates for Hamden Legislative Council At-Large. Join them for an informal opportunity to meet them, ask questions, and share your thoughts on the future of Hamden. This event is free, open to the public, and provided as a public service. The Best Video Coffee Bar will be open for coffee, espresso, tea, and pastries.
*THESE EVENTS ARE A PUBLIC SERVICE AND DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN ENDORSEMENT OF ANY CANDIDATE*
Film Screening: "Killer of Sheep"
On Tuesday, August 12th at 7pm we will be screening the 1978 drama “Killer of Sheep” dir. by Charles Burnett.
Tickets are $5 for members and $10 for non-members.
Screening @ Lyric Hall: Brokeback Mountain
We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Lyric Hall to help bring great cinema to New Haven!! On Tuesday, August 19th we will be screening the 2005 Romance/Western from Ang Lee starring Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal, Brokeback Mountain.. Ticket prices are $10 (ticket only) or $20 (for popcorn and a drink). The show starts at 6:30 pm.
Lyric Hall is located at 827 Whalley Avenue in New Haven. Worried about parking?? Don’t be! Here’s a great map with all kinds of parking for you.
Another Octave: Connecticut’s Women Chorus Presents Karaoke!
On Sunday August 24th at 1pm, Join Another Octave: Connecticut’s Women Chorus for a night of Karaoke!
Tickets are $20 and include one drink and a pastry! There will be raffle prizes to win and so much fun to be had!
Film Screening: Just Another Girl on the I.R.T
On Tuesday, August 26 at 7:00pm we will be screening the 1992 Indie/Drama , “Just Another Girl on the I.R.T” dir. by Leslie Harris. Tickets are $5 for members and $10 for non-members.
Closing @ 12pm for Inventory & Cleanup!
Best Video Cafe will be open from 7:30am-12pm. We will then be closed for the rest of the day for Inventory and Clean up! Thank you and see you on Thursday!
The Secret Music Documentary Society hosted by Gorman Bechard and Dean Falcone
Please join filmmaker Gorman Bechard and musician Dean Falcone for their monthly screening series: THE SECRET MUSIC DOCUMENTARY SOCIETY on Wednesday, October 22nd. Doors open for beer/pizza at 6pm, and the film starts at 7pm. Each month, they will share an underseen or unknown music documentary. Tickets are $10 for tickets only, and $20 for a ticket, pizza, and a drink.
Amy Rigby at East Rock Concert Series
On Thursday October 23, 2025 Amy Rigby will be performing songs from her latest album “Hang In There With Me” and sharing stories from her New Book “Girl To Country”. Doors open at 6pm with the show starting at 7pm. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 day of show.
Amy Rigby has established herself as one of America’s enduring underground/cult/indie artists, combining the insight and humor of country and folk songwriting with classic rock craftsmanship and punk DIY spirit. Raised in Pittsburgh, schooled in late 70s lower Manhattan, she formed pre-Americana country band Last Roundup and Richard Hell’s favorite girl group the Shams in NYC's East Village before launching a solo career with 90s classic album Diary Of A Mod Housewife.
Amy’s honest, kinetic songwriting has earned her praise from critics (“pithy wisdom, acerbic pen and sterling American guitar classicism” MOJO) and other artists: “Think Randy Newman and Loudon Wainwright, at their best,” says Steve Earle. Her songs have been covered by Laura Cantrell, Ronnie Spector and John Flansburgh of They Might Be Giants. Her 2019 memoir GIRL TO CITY was called “an instant classic” by The Big Takeover. “You can smell the damp, see the clothes, hear the guitars!” says Goldmine. The follow up, GIRL TO COUNTRY, comes out later this year.
New album Hang In There With Me (2024), eleven up to the minute songs written by Amy and recorded by husband Wreckless Eric, is a bracing look at mortality, aging and youthful missteps, refracted through Amy’s insightful lyricism. Some people turn to the moon and stars for inspiration while Amy Rigby looks to creative heroes like Bob Dylan and Mike Leigh. She finds poetry in haircuts and live chat boxes. Her music is the sound of everyday people getting by, just like the classic country artists she loved and learned to write songs from.
Amy performs solo in the US and UK Autumn 2025, with stories/songs from Girl To Country + new and old classics.
Praise for Hang In There With Me:
“…still one of the true masters of her craft.” —No Depression
“…a triumph of wit, guts and perseverance over the forces of death, chaos, passing time and worldly misfortune.” —Shindig
“Nearly 30 years after the landmark Diary Of A Mod Housewife, Rigby’s ingenuity, pensiveness, and drollery are as intact as ever.” —ArtsFuse
GuitarTownCT Bluegrass Jam
The Hamden Bluegrass Jam—hosted by GuitarTown CT Productions takes place Sunday, July 27th from 3 - 5:30 PM.
There is a $5 suggested donation. Come on down, have a coffee, beer or glass of wine and enjoy the music. It’s all acoustic and mostly traditional. Any and all bluegrass players are welcome.
Bring your instrument or just bring your ears. Come to pick or just to listen.
THE SAWTELLES/SARAH DUNN: INDIE ROCK/SINGER-SONGWRITER
The Sawtelles and Sarah Dunn share the bill at Best Video Film & Cultural Center on Sat., July 26. The show starts at 7 PM and the cover is $10.
Fernando Pinto Presents: Beppe Gambetta in Concert
BEPPE GAMBETTA, alongside his persona as an acoustic guitarist and singer, Beppe Gambetta has brought to the fore a consistent songwriting vein, enthusiastically received by critics and audiences and for many months at the top of the U.S. independent charts.
Based on the artists' right to dream of a beauty that defies the grayness of reality, the program takes us to a world of stories and dreams linked to the motherlands of infinite possible itineraries. Dreams from different eras, inspired by the fathers of music, the voices of minorities, indigenous people, and fleeing peoples, where even "Woody and Pete" looks with horror at the land of today.
"Another treasure chest, colorful and sparkling, in which art is combined with civic engagement....So let's listen and enjoy these eight tracks that take us not only on a journey around the world, but also into the heart of man" Laura Bianchi - Mescalina
"From the very first note, a horizon of relaxed virtuosity opens up to the listener.... in the style of Tony Rice's best recordings, where fantastically relaxed guitar work ennobles already great songs.... everything is blended here with sensational sensitivity, a steady, lively, silky-clear sound flatters the listener's ears with ever-increasing enthusiasm" Michael Lohr - Acoustic
"Terra Madre is an enchanting continuation of his long catalog of recordings. It is bilingual, cinematic and reflective, but also passionate and sassy." Justin Hiltner - The Bluegrass Situation
Doors Open at 6:00pm, show will start at 7:00pm!
The Secret Music Documentary Society hosted by Gorman Bechard and Dean Falcone
Please join filmmaker Gorman Bechard and musician Dean Falcone for a new monthly screening series: THE SECRET MUSIC DOCUMENTARY SOCIETY on Thursday, July 24th . Doors open for beer/pizza at 6pm, and the film starts at 7pm. Each month, they will share an underseen or unknown music documentary. Tickets are $10 for tickets only, and $20 for a ticket, pizza, and a drink
THE HAYDUKES/XRAY LITE: AMERICANA
The Haydukes and Xray Lite share the bill at Best Video Film & Cultural Center on Fri., July 18. The show starts at 7 PM and the cover is $10.
Jazz Night: Allen Lowe & The All-Stars
Please join BVFCC and host Allen Lowe for our Monthly Jazz Night with Allen Lowe & The All-Stars on Wednesday, July 16th at 7pm. There will be a coterie of musical guests assembled by our host each month in a relaxed setting with tables and chairs to truly sit back, relax, and enjoy the great vibe. Of course, the BVCoffee Bar will be open for beer, wine, and café drinks. Cover charge is $10.
Screening @ Lyric Hall: A History of Violence 2005/R/1h35m)
We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Lyric Hall to help bring great cinema to New Haven!! On Tuesday, July 15th, we will be screening the 2005 action/thriller from David Croeneberg starring Viggo Mortensen and Ed Harris, A History of Violence.. Ticket prices are $10 (ticket only) or $25 (for popcorn and a drink). The show starts at 6:30 pm.
Lyric Hall is located at 827 Whalley Avenue in New Haven. Worried about parking?? Don’t be! Here’s a great map with all kinds of parking for you.
HAMELL ON TRIAL: FOLK PUNK
Presented by Little Acorn Productions, New York-based Hamell on Trial plays Best Video Film & Cultural Center on Fri., July 11. Hamell on Trial shares the bill with his son, Detroit Hamell. The cover is $12 in advance, $15 at the door.
SAMBELEZA: BRAZILIAN MUSIC
Sambeleza plays Best Video Film & Cultural Center Sat., July 5. The show starts at 7 PM and the cover is $15. The group will feature Jeff Fuller (bass), Joe Carter (guitar), and Isabella Mendes (vocals, piano).
Movie Trivia Night hosted by Michael Domangue
Please join us for Movie Trivia Night, hosted by Best Video member Michael Domangue, on Wednesday, July 2nd, at 7 pm. Entry is $5/person. Teams of up to 4 members will enjoy 5 rounds of movie-themed trivia questions. The winning team will receive a $25 Best Video Gift Card!
RSVP'S ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED!!!!
GuitarTownCT Bluegrass Jam
The Hamden Bluegrass Jam—hosted by GuitarTown CT Productions takes place Sunday, June 29th from 3 - 5:30 PM.
There is a $5 suggested donation. Come on down, have a coffee, beer or glass of wine and enjoy the music. It’s all acoustic and mostly traditional. Any and all bluegrass players are welcome.
Bring your instrument or just bring your ears. Come to pick or just to listen.
LYS GUILLORN & THE VOID KITTENS/KEN CORMIER: INDIE ROCK
Lys Guillorn & the Void Kittens share the ill with singer-songwriter Ken Cormier at Best Video Film & Cultural Center on Sat., June 28. The show starts at 7 PM and the cover is $10.
BAD CEREAL AND CARTOONS
Please join Best Video for the time-honored tradition of Saturday morning cartoons and bad cereal! Best Video will supply the bad cereal, bowls, spoons, and milk. You just bring your bad selves and the kiddos (or not). Feel free to stay in your pj’s! $5 suggested donation.
FUSELAJE: SKA/SURF/WORLD BEAT
Fuselaje is a high-energy worldbeat ensemble based in New Haven, CT, blending the twang and reverb of surf rock, the kinetic energy of ska, and the Afro-Latin rhythms of cumbia with psychedelic grooves and punk rock swagger.
The Secret Music Documentary Society hosted by Gorman Bechard and Dean Falcone
Please join filmmaker Gorman Bechard for a new monthly screening series: THE SECRET MUSIC DOCUMENTARY SOCIETY on Thursday, June 26th at 7pm. Each month, Gorman will share an underseen or unknown music documentary. Tickets are $10 for tickets only, and $20 for a ticket, pizza, and a drink.
SOLD OUT: Léo Meléndez w/special guests Val Ramos & Yohanna Escamilla: Flamenco
Best Video Film & Cultural Center is proud to present a special program on Sunday, June 22, at 7 PM with Flamenco guitarist Léo Meléndez. Melendez will be joined in this program by international Flamenco guitarist Val Ramos and Flamenco dancer Yohanna Escamilla. The cover is $10 ($5 for students 18 and younger and $5 for senior citizens 60 and older).
THE FURORS: ROCK 'N' ROLL
New Haven rock ‘n’ roll legends The Furors play Best Video Film & Cultural Center on Sat., June 21. The show starts at 7 PM and the cover is $10. Furors performances are somewhat rare these days—it's been over a year since they have played out—so every one is a joyous occasion.
Mayoral Candidate Townhall: DOMINIQUE BAEZ
MEET THE CANDIDATE: Dominique Baez will hold a meet-and-greet on Saturday, June 21st, from 9 to 11 a.m. This event is free, open to the public, and provided as a public service. The Best Video Coffee Bar will be open for coffee, espresso, tea, and pastries.
*THESE EVENTS ARE A PUBLIC SERVICE AND DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN ENDORSEMENT OF ANY CANDIDATE*
Viva La Dan Tour: Comedy Show with Dan Licata!
Dan Licata is a NYC-based comedian and high school senior. He's written for shows such as Joe Pera Talks with You (on which he also produced and appeared as "radio DJ"), SNL (on which he appeared as "thug" in one sketch that he did not write) and Teenage Euthanasia. In 2019, he was one of the New Faces of Comedy at the Just For Laughs festival in Montreal, where his set was described as "a hyper storm of unbridled manic hilarity..."
He's one of the co-hosts of the long-running stand-up show Dan + Joe + DVD Show (formerly Dan + Joe + Charles Show). He also once jumped off a 2 story church & broke both his legs.
Come Join us on June 20th at 7:00pm for an evening of laughs and fun! Doors open at 6:30pm and the show will start at 7:00pm. Tickets are $15!
Jazz Night: Allen Lowe & The All-Stars
Step right into Hamden’s very own monthly jazz club…
Please join BVFCC and host Allen Lowe for our Monthly Jazz Night with Allen Lowe & The All-Stars on Wednesday, June 18th at 7pm. There will be a coterie of musical guests assembled by our host each month in a relaxed setting with tables and chairs to truly sit back, relax, and enjoy the great vibe. Of course, the BVCoffee Bar will be open for beer, wine, and café drinks. Cover charge is $10.
Screening @ Lyric Hall: BLOW OUT (1981/R/1h48m)
We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Lyric Hall to help bring great cinema to New Haven!! On Tuesday, June 17th, we will be screening the 1981 DePalma thriller starring John Travolta and Nancy Allen, BLOW OUT. Ticket prices are $10 (ticket only) or $25 (for popcorn and a drink). The show starts at 6:00 pm.
Lyric Hall is located at 827 Whalley Avenue in New Haven. Worried about parking?? Don’t be! Here’s a great map with all kinds of parking for you.
Where We Are Today: Rabbi Benjamin Scolnic & Hank Paper Present 4 Great Films You Probably Haven’t Seen
On Monday May 19th , Rabbi Benjamin Scolnic and Hank Paper present the first screening of their Where We are Today Series. They will present 4 great films you probably haven't seen that invite reflection and discussion. The screening will being at 7:00pm. Tickets are $7 for individual tickets or $20 for the entire series. Free for members of Temple Beth Shalom.
STEVE NYSTRUP: ACOUSTIC MUSIC
Join Steve Nystrup and Aaron Nystrup for an Acoustic Guitar evening as they play the entire "DRIVING RAIN" album and more... Special Guest: Maureen Wasik (She will not be playing guitar)
Movie Trivia Night hosted by Michael Domangue
Please join us for Movie Trivia Night, hosted by Best Video member Michael Domangue, on Wednesday, June 11th, at 7 pm. Entry is $5/person. Teams of up to 4 members will enjoy 5 rounds of movie-themed trivia questions. The winning team will receive a $25 Best Video Gift Card!
LIGHTS OUT CONNECTICUT:BIRD CRAFTING
Make a small soft- sculpture bird based on a real bird for a community conservation art project. We’ll learn about migratory birds in CT & some perils they face while we bird craft. Our sculptures will become part of a travelling art exhibit of 10,000 birds.
LightHouse Lens Film Festival
There is a new Film Festival in the New Haven area, which replaces the now shuttered NHdocs Film Festival. Welcome to the inaugural Lighthouse Lens Film Festival. It runs from June 5-June 8, all in the New Haven area. Please take a moment to look at the lineup and consider attending an event…or multiple events! A lineup you do not want to miss! There may not be a cinema anymore in New Haven, but we are bringing in the films that will enlighten you and bring forth all the emotions,from laughter to tears, sometimes in the same movie. We hope to see you at the shows.
JAMES LIMERICK KERR: ACOUSTIC DOBRO
James Limerick Kerr plays Best Video Film & Cultural Center Sat., June 7. The show starts at 7 PM and the cover is $10. Kerr will play solo classical guitar—including some pieces for Renaissance lute he has transcribed for hybrid picking guitar—and resonator guitar (also known as dobro).
LightHouse Lens Film Festival
There is a new Film Festival in the New Haven area, which replaces the now-shuttered NHdocs Film Festival. Welcome to the inaugural Lighthouse Lens Film Festival. It runs from June 5 to June 8, all in the New Haven area. Please take a moment to look at the lineup and consider attending an event…or multiple events! A lineup you do not want to miss! There may not be a cinema anymore in New Haven, but we are bringing in the films that will enlighten you and bring forth all the emotions,from laughter to tears, sometimes in the same movie. We hope to see you at the shows.