The Beat and the Heat Goes On (8/18-8/23)

The Summer Sounds Series, held every Tuesday evening on the South Green, welcomes the John Valerio Band performing music ranging from jazz to blues to country to rock 'n' roll. You can be assured that the Green will not look like the picture on the left but, if it does (or if it rains), the 7 p.m. concert moves inside to South Church.

On Thursday evening at 7 p.m., the Cypress Restaurant & Grill, South Main Street, presents Duo Bravo on the Patio. On Saturday, New Haven-based blues & jazzman "Guitar George" Baker comes to town and will rock the patio from 8 - 10 p.m. The Louisiana-born Baker has been a mainstay on the Elm City scene since he moved to the state in 1985. You can hear excerpts from his latest CD, "Mojo Lady", by going to his website at www.guitargeorgebaker.com/. For more information about the Cypress, call 346-3367.

Boney's Music Lounge gets busy again this weekend. On Friday, it's the smoking blues sounds of Sweet Daddy Cool Breeze wafting from the windows and over the back deck starting at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, drummer Liviu Pop returns and his special guest is trumpeter Saskia Laroo (pictured left.) Ms. Laroo, born in and still a resident of Amserdam, has been playing trumpet since the age of 8 and also is proficient on the acoustic bass. She's issued 5 CDs as a leader, playing a funky fusion of jazz, soul music and "acid jazz." You can get a taste of her music by going to www.saskialaroo.nl/wb/. If you wish to make a reservation for the 8:30 gig, call 346-6000.

This coming Sunday (8/23), it's the 7th Annual Open Air Market & Arts Festival, held on the grounds of the Wadsworth Mansion at the Long Hill Estate. From 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. (rain or shine), you can check out over 80 vendors, 3 musical acts and even get a tour of the Mansion. Lots of art & crafts, artisanal cheese, fresh fruit, pies, home-made baked goods, horse-drawn carriage rides, face painting and much more is on tap. Music will be provided by the Middletown Symphonic Band (9:30 a.m.), Tune Chic & the Fantastic Cadillacs (that's Ms. Chic on the left and she & the guys play at 11:45 a.m.) and The Bluelights (2 p.m.) During the intermissions, Ms. Barbara will present music for children. You can honestly say that there's "something for everyone" (except, perhaps, for lovers of opera or "death metal." ) For more information, call 347-1064.