A Mid-Summer Week's Happenings (Part 2)

Can you tell life has been busy? As was wisely pointed out, the dates on my previous post were "ferblunjit" (Yiddish for"confused") but smarter heads could figure that the days were correct.

We move on.

Thursday July 16:
The ARTFARM production of "The Taming of the Shrew" will begin with a 6 p.m. concert featuring Nancy Tucker followed by the play at 7. No reservations necessary-just show up at Middlesex Community College and prepare to chuckle. It's definitely rated PG (maybe even PG-13) but, from what I've seen from my vantage point in the Green Room, the show is pretty funny. There will be 8 performances, rain or shine, from July 16 -26. Call ARTFARM at 346-4390 or go to www.art-farm.org for more information. ARTFARM live music performers this week include Banning Eyre (Friday), Nzinga's Daughters (Saturday) and Lee "Mixashawn" Rozie (Sunday.)

"North End Nights" continues with a 5:30 African Drumming Workshop at the Green Street Arts Center featuring the fine young percussionist Jocelyn Pleasant. Everyone is then invited into the Luis Lopez Herb Garden (corner of Green Street & Main) for a concert at 6:45 p.m. featuring the Wesleyan African Drummers. These events are free and open to the public. Call 685-7871 for more information.

Harmonica virtuoso Hendrik Meurkens performs at 8 p.m. in Crowell Concert Hall. Joining him for the show of Brazilian favorites and handsome original works will be Misha Tsiganov (piano), Gustavo Amarante (bass) and Adriano Santos (drums.) For more information, call 685-3355.

Friday July 17:
The Buttonwood Tree presents Lost Acres String Band, a trio that plays traditional American folk music, bluegrass, jazz and more. The band features brothers Jon (bass) and Gordon (fiddle) Swift, sons of the late Wesleyan Professor of Religion David Swift, as well as Thom Sayers (guitar.) To find out more about the band, go to www.gswift.com/LASB.htm.

If blues is more your style, the Rich Badowski Blues Band will rock Boney'sMusic Lounge from 8:30 p.m. - 12 a.m. call 346-6000 for more information.

Saturday July 18:
"Games Night" returns to The Buttonwood Tree, except it's from 3 - 5 p.m. in the afternoon. Despite the slight misnomer, Tom & Abby will open the doors to anyone wishing to play chess, checkers, Pictionary, Scrabble or any games you wish to share. It's free and a great way to meet new folks.

Grab a bite to eat and head back to The Buttonwood for an 8 p.m. show featuring singer-songwriters Melissa Spencer and Tim Sparks. Nothing too heavy, maybe some topical songs, pieces with subtle humor and insightful looks at personal relationships. For more information, call 347-4957.

Boney's presents Toussaint the Liberator & Buru Style for an evening of reggae, funk and soul music. Vocalist Toussaint (pictured left) brings the energy of James Brown to his performances and Buru Style is led by Middletown resident Bill Carbone (drums), who also works with guitarist Melvin Sparks. Sitting still is not an option. They hit the stage at 8:30 p.m.