A Smashing hit
As a millennial, I hear “Smashing Pumpkins,” and I think of the internet sensation involving striking a baseball bat against the hard, orange outer shell of a pumpkin, clobbering it to smithereens. But, wait, how could I forget the musical sensation Smashing Pumpkins? The band has been around long before my time as one of the great alternative rock acts.
2018 commemorates the 30-year anniversary of the rock group, which evolved during the era of Nirvana and Pearl Jam. Despite falling to the woes of drugs and the loss of band members like their counterparts, the Smashing Pumpkins are back in the spotlight. The band is in the midst of the “Shiny and Oh So Bright” tour and just released the new single, “Solara,” at the end of June. What's particularly special about this tour is that it features founding members Billy Corgan, James Iha and Jimmy Chamberlain all together for the first time in nearly two decades.
The reunion will continue Sunday when the Smashing Pumpkins perform at the Mohegan Sun Arena and feature songs from their beloved albums, such as “Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness” and “Siamese Dream,” that made fans fall in love CHRIS PIZZELLO, INVISION/AP with them 30 years ago. Smashing Pumpkins, 7 p.m. Sunday, Mohegan Sun Arena; $55$95; 1-800-745-3000. EVAN AGOSTINI, INVISION/AP Dark Netflix
“Dark,” simply put, is the German version of our “Stranger Things” — another sci fi-horror series that seeks to bring its audience into the dark (yes, they really play on this idea both visually and thematically) and twisted world of a fictional town somewhere in Germany. The show, which was released in December, opens in a way much like its American counterpart: Kids go into the woods on Halloween. One disappears. And, uh, the nuclear plant overlooking town seems to have played a part. Though not as happy-go-lucky as “Stranger Things,” this is still a high-quality production. The set design and cinematography are fantastic, as is the acting. The plot, on the other hand, could have been scaled back. As Season 1 goes on, you'll start to realize that things get far too convoluted to keep up with (or that maybe the writers are trying a little too hard). And for your patience, the season finale won't offer much in return. So here's to hoping that Season 2, which is currently in production, will tie all that up. Otherwise, enjoy Season 1 for its strong points and for being able to watch a TV series in another language (which I think is pretty cool). Andy Timmons Band
Friday, Main Pub, Manchester, Conn.
Here's a very rare opportunity. On Friday, you can drive to Manchester, about an hour away, to the Main Pub, and see one of the without-question greatest guitarists in the world. His name's Andy Timmons. Disclosure: yes, he's a good pal of mine. But that relationship enables me to tell you that, in addition to his well-established reputation as a phenomenal player — melodic, textured, great songwriter, criminally fast for the shredheads but never at the expense of the song — he's one of the nicest, kindest and funniest people I've ever met. Ditto for his band mates, bassist Mike Daane and drummer Mitch Marine. Oh, and this is a Big Event tour: the 25th anniversary of Timmons' “ear X-tacy” album, which is regarded by fans and musicians as occupying the same musical solar system as anything out there by Satriani, Vai, Johnson, Stern, Morse, Keneally, et al. The very fine Travis Larson Band opens. Showtime's 9 p.m. Main Pub, 306 Main St., Manchester; $18-$20; mainpub.com. In Bruges
After the Oscars ceremony each year, it's fun to explore the back catalogs, if you will, of the nominated filmmakers. With writer-director Martin McDonagh's “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” up for Academy Awards earlier this year, I tried his “In Bruges” — and I was so happy I did. This 2008 release — about two hitmen sent to the quiet and historic town of Bruges, Belgium, to wait till the fallout over a murder dissipates — melds sardonic comedy, dark drama and bloody violence with a fluidity “Three Billboards” never quite achieved. Yes, I said it: “In Bruges” is better than “Three Billboards.” “In Bruges” leans more to the comic side of the equation, and it's infinitely entertaining. Colin Farrell has never been better than he is here, playing one of the hitmen, and Brendan Gleeson makes for the perfect sidekick as Farrell's mentor, a big bear of a guy with a kind heart.