Buttonwood Tree Celebration Extravaganza - Don't Miss It!

NORTH END ARTS RISING PARTY -

A TRIBUTE for OUR FOUNDER, SUSAN ALLISON

Friday May 8th 7-9pm

A Tribute to Susan Allison, Fundraiser, a four-venue indoor/outdoor

North End Arts Rising Party Extraordinaire to be held at:

The Buttonwood Tree - 605 Main Street

MAC 650 An Art Space - 650 Main Street http://mac650.blogspot.com/ (860)347-0834

Realto Cafe - 50 Rapallo Ave (860) 346-4569

Gatekeeper Tavern - 73 Ferry Street (860) 347-2883

It has been 20 years since Susan Allison opened the Ibis Bookstore which became The Buttonwood Tree and North End Arts Rising, Inc. and it's time to recognize her and all the hard work and dedication she has given to the arts community! Also, due to challenging economic times and changes in policy, city funding is no longer SECURE for 2009. While the hope and expectation is that the city government and Middletown's Commission for the Arts will still fund NEAR as best they can, it is now necessary to take steps to raise funds. This Party is part of The Buttonwood Tree's efforts to remain viable: To thank and recognize our beloved founder, to demonstrate to city leaders that there is great community support for the arts and our organization, to raise money for operating expenses eligible for matching funds, and to HAVE A REALLY FUN TIME TOGETHER!!

Entertainment Highlights:

* Guest speakers and poets

* Musical guests including Noah Baerman, David Davis, James Burr and lots more.

* Traveling Poetry Troupe

* Live and Silent Auctions

* Ongoing showing of DVD-video film of our early days at the Ibis, including Richard Kamins, Peter Loffredo, Anthony Braxton, Wesleyan folks, and many more. A real treat to see!

* Food provided by The Bridge, Typhoon, It's Only Natural Restaurant, Iguanas Ranas, Fusion Bakery, Public Market, O'Rourke's Diner, La Boca, Pho Vietnamese & others

* Door Prizes

* Special after-party MINI-CONCERT featuring KRISTEN GRAVES...

Call to reserve your tickets which are required at some but not all of the venues. 860-347-4957 Tickets are limited. Please note, as always, The Buttonwood Tree can only take checks and cash and is a nonprofit organization so general donations are tax-deductible and ALL supoprt is welcome