Nellie McKay, Americana Fest, and In The Pink

New London Main Street has October getting off to a slow start, according to their events calendar. But as always, there are some interesting things to check out and they kick off with a rare Wednesday night art opening.

“In The Pink” recognizes National Breast Cancer Awareness Month with an opening reception from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Atrium at 165 State Street. Artwork is available for viewing at the Gallery at Firehouse Square, Provenance Gallery, Studio 33, and the TSETSE Gallery. The event also includes information on nutrition and holistic healing, a book signing, refreshments, and entertainment. Spirit Gallery has a separate opening at 6 p.m. on Saturday, showcasing the portrait work of Blaze Schwaller in "People I Know." In other displays, the “Italian Visions/Visioni Italiane” exhibit is up at Hygienic Art until Oct. 13. You’ve got some more time to see the “Dinotopia” display at the Lyman Allyn Art Museum; this illustration art has a place in the galleries through Feb. 2.

In the music world, Nellie McKay takes the stage in the Oasis Room at the Garde Arts Center for an 8 p.m. show on Friday; tickets are $35. Hygienic Art Park brings back a variety of folk and Americana performers over the weekend for the annual New London Americana Fest. Four bands perform beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, and admission is $7; seven bands play on Saturday starting at 2 p.m., and admission is $10. Captain’s Pizza is expanding its musical offerings on Sunday, debuting a set called “Originals and Traditionals” on Sunday. From 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., anyone who signs up may play a short set while a featured musician will close out the evening.

Finally, the Garde Arts Center is joining venues across the world on Sunday as it participates for the fourth year in the Manhattan Short Film Festival. Viewers pick their favorite from a series of 10 international short films, and their vote will be included among those from hundreds of other places in determining a winner. The show starts at 3 p.m., and admission is $10.

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