July 27: Pirate-Themed Fun at the Library; Plus the Return of the 1980s

1. It will be sunny today with a high temperature of 84 °F. The wind will come from the north at speeds between 6 mph and 10 mph. It will be partly cloudy tonight with an overnight low of 62 °F. The wind will come from the northwest at a speed of 6 mph, according to the National Weather Service.

2. Argh all ye buccaneers! Come to the Kent Memorial Library today at 1:30 p.m. to celebrate the lore and life of pirates with Papillion: Purveyor of Positive Pirating. Hailing from the great port of New Orleans, Papillion strikes a chord with rambunctious rhymes, songs and tales of adventure. For details, visit the above link. You can also check out Papillion on his official Web site.

3. Picture yourself 22 to 30 years ago… Waking up to Thundercats on TV, or maybe the Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers, or, if you were brave enough, you’d watch the Sleestacks on Land of The Lost. If you’re a teen, maybe you pull out your super stiff hairspray and style your newly-permed hair as big as humanly possible before you jump into your AMC Pacer for a ride down to the roller skating rink, or maybe to the 99-cent matinee to watch Ghostbusters or the Karate Kid.

On the way, Culture Club and Pat Benatar are blasting through your giant car speakers. Come night time, maybe you hang out in your room with your Alf plush, watching Ponch and Jon solve some crimes. Perhaps play with your Atari or Coleco Vision. You check your Swatch a couple times, then rotary dial some friends. Yes, this is an attack of the 1980s! Whether it makes you smile or cringe, the 80s are definitely an era that is melted into our minds.  

If you’d like to travel a bit further down memory lane, check out these top hits of thirty years ago, 1981:

1. "Bette Davis Eyes" by Kim Carnes

2. "Endless Love" by Diana Ross & Lionel Richie

3. "Lady" by Kenny Rogers

4. "(Just Like) Starting Over" by John Lennon

5. "Jessie's Girl" by Rick Springfield

6. "Celebration" by Kool & The Gang

7. "Kiss On My List" by Daryl Hall & John Oates

8. "I Love A Rainy Night" by Eddie Rabbitt

9. "9 To 5" by Dolly Parton

10. "Keep On Loving You" by REO Speedwagon

Here are the top songs of each year:

1980 – "Call Me" by Blondie

1981 – "I Love Rock ‘n Roll" by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts

1982 – "Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson

1983 – "Every Breath You Take" by the Police

1984 – "When Doves Cry" by Prince

1985 – "Money for Nothing" by Dire Straits

1986 – "Walk This Way" by Run DMC

1987 – "Sweet Child O’ Mine" by Guns & Roses

1988 – "Fast Car" by Tracy Chapman

1989 – "Fight the Power" by Public Enemy

4. On Saturday night, July 30, Deju Vu will be performing at a Back to the at Marco Polo Restaurant & Banquet Hall in East Hartford. Fluff the mullet, and come on out and dance to your favorite 80s hits. Visit Deju Vu on their Facebook page.

5. Still want more 80s? You’re in luck, as several artists will be performing at the Mohegan Sun. Survivor, of Eye of the Tiger fame, will hit the stage on August 7 at 7 p.m. Visit this link for details.

Mullett, a group that will appeal to “big hair band” fans, will be playing the best of the 80s, including tunes by artists Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, Loverboy, Poison and others. Their show takes place on Monday, August 15 at 8 p.m. Click here for details.

U Got the Look’s Sheena Easton will be performing on August 30 at 8 p.m. Click here for tickets and other information.