Arts Around Town

The Russell Library, always a hub of activity, is featuring the action photography of Tony Donovan in its Information Area on the second floor through January.  Hoopfest 2010, an annual event organized by 1FamilyInc, brings together young athletes from a number of CT communities including Bloomfield, Hartford, Waterbury, Bristol, Meriden, New Haven, Cromwell, Middletown, and Portland, takes place on the campus of Connecticut Valley Hospital.  Most of the images show the players in action; one can see the intensity and determination on their faces. 

You probably already know about Oddfellows Playhouse presentation of David Sedaris's "The Santaland Diaries" taking place this weekend.  The one-elf show, starring Tony Palmieri, relates the "true" adventures of the author's stint as one of Jolly St. Nick's helpers in Macy's Department Store.  The show is quite funny but definitely not for suitable for young children or true believers - however, you will be able to pick out anyone in the audience who has ever worked retail by their knowing smiles and nodding heads.  Performances are 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday with a 9 p.m. Saturday show and 2 p.m. on Sunday.  Proceeds from ticket sales go to support the OP scholarship fund.  For more information and to make reservations, call 860-347-6143. 

The Buttonwood Tree has a busy weekend of music planned. On Friday evening, singer-songwriter Sandy Bailey brings her father Jim, brother Eric and sister Sharon to Middletown to celebrate the Holiday season with a concert of original music and traditional bluegrass and gospel tunes. If you love handsome harmonies and good melodies, the music starts at 8 p.m. 

On Saturday, guitarist Sean Clapis has invited pianist Noah Baerman for a duo concert at 8 p.m.  The Hartford native and recent graduate of the Hartt School of Music has performed throughout the state as a leader.  Clapis first met Baerman when he spent a summer as a student in the Center for Creative Youth at Wesleyan but, I believe, this is the first time they have worked together.  Expect melody to reign supreme while improvisational sparks light up the performance space.  For more information about both shows and to reserve a seat or 2, call 860-347-4957. To learn more about the young guitarist, go to http://seanclapis.com/.

Other events to capture you fancy this weekend include the "Holiday on Main Street" festivities from 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. There will be Hay Rides up and down Main Street, Story Time at Broad Street Books, Santa Claus in residence at It's Only Natural Market,  and a showing of "Frosty's Winter Wonderland" in the Goldsmith Family Cinema at Wesleyan -all free and open to the public.  Also, the Middlesex County Historical Society, 151 Main Street, will open its doors from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.  Check it out.

Sunday, the Middlesex Hospital Vocal Chords presents its 21st Annual Winter Concert at 2 p.m. in the main auditorium of Portland High School.  For more information, go to http://vocalchords20.org/contact.htm.

Still stumped for the right gift for this Holiday season.  Well, here's one for the music lovers in your extended family.  Buru Style, the septet led by drummer and Wesleyan grad student Bill Carbone, has issued "The Omnidenominational Holiday Experience" (Figbag Records), a short but exuberant set of seasonal treats that will you up and dancing in not time.  If you want to find out more and hear a tune or 2, go to http://burustyle.bandcamp.com/album/the-omnidenominational-holiday-experience.