LOUNGE NIGHT
May
2

LOUNGE NIGHT

Please join us for First Friday Lounge Night from 5:30 - 7:30 pm on Friday, April 4th, featuring Wes O’Brien’s jazz piano. There is no cover charge, and the Best Video Coffee Bar will be open throughout for all your beverage needs, with Happy Hour pricing on beer and wine.

5:30 - 7:30 pm Come on by Best Video for a nice glass of wine with a friend or a cup of tea and your book. Sit back, relax, and enjoy as Wes O’Brien delights with his great anecdotes and wonderful selection of jazz standards, show tunes, and ballads.

Tonight's all about good vibes, great music, and having a blast together. Let's make it a night to remember, everyone! 🎹

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May
5

Where We Are Today: Rabbi Benjamin Scolnic & Hank Paper Present 4 Great Films You Probably Haven’t Seen

On Monday May 5th , 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.

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Movie Trivia Night hosted by Michael Domangue
May
7

Movie Trivia Night hosted by Michael Domangue

Please join us for Movie Trivia Night, hosted by Best Video member Michael Domangue, on Wednesday, May 7th, 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!

NEW: RSVP'S ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED!!!!

A word to the wise…this event has become very popular (yay!) so you may want to get here a little early to grab a table!

The Best Video Coffee Bar is open for beer, wine, and café drinks throughout the evening.

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May
12

Where We Are Today: Rabbi Benjamin Scolnic & Hank Paper Present 4 Great Films You Probably Haven’t Seen

On Monday May 12th , 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.

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Jazz Night: Allen Lowe & The All-Stars
May
14

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, March 12th 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.

Allen Lowe is a composer, saxophonist, and music historian. He was voted Artist of the Year in the 2021 Jazz Times Readers’ Poll. He has recorded as a leader with: Julius Hemphill, Gary Bartz, Marc Ribot, David Murray, Nels Cline, Matt Shipp, Roswell Rudd, Don Byron, Doc Cheatham, and others.

“This fall, the jazz composer, saxophonist, and music historian Allen Lowe released what I consider to be his magnum opus, a four-cd set  containing 69 tracks exploring almost every musical element and style that could be subsumed under the expansive rubric of "jazz." One can hear elements of blues, R&B, bop, funk, rock, punk, avant guard, and much more, all beautifully composed and magnificently played (by Lowe himself and his colleagues). I've been digesting this music slowly, gradually, and repeatedly, and it just sounds better with each listen.
It's Allen's unequaled grasp of the entire history of American music that emerges in such idiosyncratic and creatively beautiful ways throughout this collection. I can't think of anyone else who could have pulled off such a remarkably ambitious undertaking. He is a genius, without question." -Professor Jon Karp, SUNY Binghamton

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Sleeping Giant Reading Series
May
15

Sleeping Giant Reading Series

The Sleeping Giant Reading Series brings writers and book lovers together on the third Thursday of the month. In the long shadow of Hamden’s Sleeping Giant, writers of every kind gather to hear professional readings, raise a glass, network, and support one another’s work. All are welcome, whether you’re a scribbler who hasn’t yet dared to call yourself a “writer” or an experienced published author.

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SHAWN TAYLOR: SINGER/SONGWRITER (RECORD RELEASE CONCERT)
May
16

SHAWN TAYLOR: SINGER/SONGWRITER (RECORD RELEASE CONCERT)

Shawn Taylor presents the songs and stories, from his brand new, 5th original CD, “The Last One,” in an intimate listening room setting at best Video Film & Cultural Center in Hamden.

It’s a musical and thematical culmination of a lifetime of wandering roots, with songs that speak to the moment. He poured everything he had into it, as if it was the last one, because we never know when the last one will be.

Please join us for a musical celebration of life in the now. CD's and downloads available. This 'record' will not be released to streaming until a later date.


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May
19

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.

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Screening @ Lyric Hall: ALL ABOUT MY MOTHER (1999/R/1h41m)
May
20

Screening @ Lyric Hall: ALL ABOUT MY MOTHER (1999/R/1h41m)

We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Lyric Hall to help bring great cinema to New Haven!! On Tuesday, MaY 20th, we will be screening the 1999 Almodovar film ALL ABOUT MY MOTHER. 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.

PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS HERE

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Robert Messore: Children's Music!
May
24

Robert Messore: Children's Music!

Robert Messore brings his Toddler Tunes kids’ music show to Best Video Film & Cultural Center Sat., May 24. The event starts at 10:30 AM. Suggested donation is $5-10 per family but nobody will be turned away for lack of funds.

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BAD CEREAL AND CARTOONS
May
31

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.

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Léo Meléndez w/special guests Val Ramos & Yohanna Escamilla: Flamenco
Jun
22

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).

PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS HERE

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BAD CEREAL & CARTOONS
Apr
26

BAD CEREAL & 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.

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Screening @ East Rock Brewery
Apr
22

Screening @ East Rock Brewery

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Sleeping Giant Reading Series
Apr
17

Sleeping Giant Reading Series

The Sleeping Giant Reading Series brings writers and book lovers together on the third Thursday of the month. In the long shadow of Hamden’s Sleeping Giant, writers of every kind gather to hear professional readings, raise a glass, network, and support one another’s work. All are welcome, whether you’re a scribbler who hasn’t yet dared to call yourself a “writer” or an experienced published author.

This month’s featured writers are Peter Trachtenberg and Rebecca Brock.

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Sister City Film & Best Video present: Amelie
Apr
16

Sister City Film & Best Video present: Amelie

International Festival of Arts and Ideas is presenting a screening of “Amelie” (2001/R) for their Sister City Film Series on Wednesday, April 16th at 6:00pm. Entry to the screening is free and Best Video Coffee Bar will be open for beer, wine, and cafe drinks.

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BEST VIDEO BENEFIT CONCERT AT TRINITY BAR & GRILLE: IRISH MUSIC
Apr
6

BEST VIDEO BENEFIT CONCERT AT TRINITY BAR & GRILLE: IRISH MUSIC

Come join us for an Irish Music Benefit for Best Video Film & Cultural Center at The Trinity Bar, the glorious authentic Irish pub on Orange Street in New Haven, Sun., Apr. 6th. The event runs from 2:30-6 PM. Entrance by donation—pay what you can to support Best Video, Greater New Haven's unique film archive, performance and film screening venue, and cafe.

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Lounge Night
Apr
4

Lounge Night

Please join us for First Friday Lounge Night from 5:30 - 7:30 pm on Friday, April 4th, featuring Wes O’Brien’s jazz piano. There is no cover charge, and the Best Video Coffee Bar will be open throughout for all your beverage needs, with Happy Hour pricing on beer and wine.

5:30 - 7:30 pm Come on by Best Video for a nice glass of wine with a friend or a cup of tea and your book. Sit back, relax, and enjoy as Wes O’Brien delights with his great anecdotes and wonderful selection of jazz standards, show tunes, and ballads.

Tonight's all about good vibes, great music, and having a blast together. Let's make it a night to remember, everyone! 🎹

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Queer Film Club Presents: THE BIRDCAGE (1996/R/1h57m)
Apr
3

Queer Film Club Presents: THE BIRDCAGE (1996/R/1h57m)

Queer Film Club (QFC) is proud to present THE BIRDCAGE on Thursday, April 3rd. The event begins at 6:30 pm for mingling, reconnecting, and general merriment, with the film starting around 7 pm. Entry to the screening is free with a suggested donation of $5. The Best Video Coffee Bar will be open for beer, wine, and café drinks.

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BVFCC MUSIC BENEFIT @ SPRING GLEN CHURCH
Mar
28

BVFCC MUSIC BENEFIT @ SPRING GLEN CHURCH

Support Best Video Film & Cultural Center and enjoy some great music from an awesome lineup of New Haven area singer-songwriters on Friday, March 28, from 6-10 PM at Spring Glen Church (1825 Whitney Avenue, across the street from Best Video)!

6:00 Little Silver
6:30 Derek Holcomb
7:00 Sarah Dunn
7:30 Stephen Peter Rodgers
8:00 Lys Guillorn
8:30 Shellye Valauskas & Dean Falcone
9:00 Folk the Patriarchy
9:30 The Bargain

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THE SECRET MUSIC DOCUMENTARY SOCIETY hosted by GORMAN BECHARD & FAITH MAREK
Mar
27

THE SECRET MUSIC DOCUMENTARY SOCIETY hosted by GORMAN BECHARD & FAITH MAREK

Please join filmmakers Gorman Bechard & Faith Marek for a new monthly screening series: THE SECRET MUSIC DOCUMENTARY SOCIETY. Each month, Gorman & Faith will share an underseen or unknown music documentary on Thursday, February rd at 7pm. Tickets are $10 for tickets only, and $20 for ticket, pizza, and a drink.

PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS HERE

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GuitarTownCT Bluegrass Jam
Mar
23

GuitarTownCT Bluegrass Jam

The Hamden Bluegrass Jam—hosted by GuitarTown CT Productions takes place Sunday, March 23rd 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.

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Sleeping Giant Reading Series
Mar
20

Sleeping Giant Reading Series

The Sleeping Giant Reading Series brings writers and book lovers together on the third Thursday of the month. In the long shadow of Hamden’s Sleeping Giant, writers of every kind gather to hear professional readings, raise a glass, network, and support one another’s work. All are welcome, whether you’re a scribbler who hasn’t yet dared to call yourself a “writer” or an experienced published author.

This month’s featured writers are Rebecca Chace and Gabi Coatsworth.

Join us for first-hour readings by our featured guest writers, including some of the great voices of our day, followed by Writers’ Happy Hour, a chance to meet fellow writers, ask questions, lend your support, and have fun together!

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BAD CEREAL & CARTOONS
Mar
15

BAD CEREAL & 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.

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MICHAEL'S MAGICAL MYSTERY MOVIE: VOL. 8
Mar
13

MICHAEL'S MAGICAL MYSTERY MOVIE: VOL. 8

Back for a third year, BVFCC member and trivia host Michael Domangue brings us a crazy film screening for a good cause.  Admission to this special event is FREE, but donations will be taken for NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness. This year's mystery movie has never been available on a streaming service, but is currently available to rent at Best Video. The mystery movie starts at 7pm and admission is free (see above).  The café will be open for beer, wine, and cafe drinks.  FREE popcorn will be served. This film is rated R.

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Jazz Night: Allen Lowe & The All-Stars
Mar
12

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, March 12th 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.

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

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