Boys, Boys, Boys

We could argue over our preference for New Kids on the Block vs. Backstreet Boys. But why? The boys are playing nice together.

The two boy bands have teamed up for an album and tour that drops at Mohegan Sun Thursday, June 2, at 7:30 p.m. Their collaboration is being marketed as the easy-to-spout NKOTBSB. The mega guy group is releasing tracks and some fan-selected picks in this boy tour to beat all boy tours.

Tickets are $75 to $95. For information, call 888-226-7711 or visit mohegansun.com.

All is Not Glee for Fans…

We thought sports trumped the arts only in high school, but it appears a Boston Bruins march to the Stanley Cup finals has prompted a swap of dates that has moved the “Glee” cast appearance at Mohegan Sun from June 7 to Monday, June 6. Fans of the popular Fox TV high school musical show are resourceful. We’re certain they can move their hair-washing plans or even an important audition to make the concert on June 6. If not, refunds are available at the original purchase site.

But it’s still irritating. Only Sue would approve of this kind of power play.

‘Guys and Dolls’ Opens CRT Series

Connecticut Repertory Theatre kicks off its Nutmeg Summer Series with a preview tonight, June 2, of “Guys and Dolls,” the 50-year-old Broadway favorite that made Damon Runyon stories musical, with the muscular oomph of composer/lyricist Frank Loesser.

Who can deny the dames, goons and saints in this theater great doing tunes such as “Luck Be a Lady,” “I’ll Know When My Love Comes Along,” and “Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat.” Just the turns of phrase in “Adelaide’s Lament” alone are stellar: “In other words, just for wondering whether the wedding is on or off, a person can develop a cough.”

The show, which runs June 2-12 at the Harriet S. Jorgensen Theatre located below Jorgensen Center on the UConn campus, headlines the summer series. “Seussical the Musical” will run June 16-26, and “My Fair Lady” will be up July 7-17. Series packages are still available for $30 to $90. Single tickets range from $10 to $39, but the Thursday preview regular price is only $28. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. for matinees on Saturday and Sunday.

For tickets and information, call 860-486-4226 or visit crt.uconn.edu.

Swing with the New England Jazz Ensemble

First the New England Jazz Ensemble made a live recording – “It’s a Grand Night for Swinging!” – to celebrate its 20th anniversary, at the Polish National Home in Hartford. Now, on Sunday, June 5, they return to the same site to celebrate the CD’s debut with a live concert. Giacomo Gates is guest artist.

This group, formed by trumpeter Mike Jones and directed by pianist Walter Gwardyak, is the region’s best effort for showcasing the American jazz orchestra style, with much of the creative work coming from the members themselves.

Jazz enthusiasts, don’t delay. Tickets are $20, $10 for seniors and students, and free for children under 18. Doors open at 3:30 for a 4 p.m. downbeat. Drinks are available in the theater. Call 860-243-9964 or visit neje.org.

Don’t hesitate to lunch first at the Polish National Home, 60 Charter Oak Ave., for some quintessential eastern European fare. For reservations, call 860-247-1784.

Landscapes on Display in Tolland

The artworks of award-winning artist Jan Blencowe will be on display on Saturdays in June at the  on the town green. An opening reception will be held from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 4, and the gallery will be open until 4 p.m. 

Blencowe, who calls visual art her first language, was trained in New York and New Jersey in painting, color and art history. She has been a four-time finalist in the Paint America Competition, was selected by the U.S. Department of State for participation in the Art in Embassies Program and currently has two paintings hanging in the U.S. Embassy in Honduras.

20th Century Fox recently purchased her painting, “Bauer Farm Barns,” to use in its upcoming movie, “We Bought a Zoo,” starring Scarlett Johansson and Matt Damon. 

Blencowe follows the path of American landscape painters who sought to combine the beauty of nature with sublime spirituality.

The reception and the exhibit are free. Regular viewing is available Saturdays in June from noon to 4 p.m.

The Herbs are Having a Fest in Somers

Fresh herbs enjoy rain or shine, and so it’s fitting that the Herbfest of Connecticut 2011 will take place in either circumstance Saturday, June 4, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Pleasantview Farms in Somers.

Demonstrations, herb walks, workshops and family activities will fill the day at the farm at 452 South Road. Keynote speaker Chris Marano, clinical herbalist, will speak about "Deep Medicine – Plants, Earth-Wisdom and Human Awareness."

A bake sale, lots of fresh plants and entertainment will be on hand. The event is sponsored by Connecticut Herb Association of Newington.

Admission is $10 (or $8 with a non-perishable food item and/or pet food, blankets, towels, paper towels and pet toys). People younger than 12 or older than 70 will be admitted for free. Pets are not allowed.  For information, call 860-763-5206 or 203-634-3686 or visit the Herbfest site.