Celebrity Artist Shows Warmth and Beauty at The Buttonwood Tree

Middletown is fortunate to have a Performing Arts Center that is so well known around the world and so well situated. Not only is it located on Main Street, but also half way between New York and Boston, making it a convenient stop for many touring artists. World-class musicians, and now comedians too, have been increasingly discovering The Buttonwood Tree (TBT) and its positive reputation as an inviting, intimate and enjoyable place to perform that offers warm hospitality, attentive audiences and terrific acoustics.

Artists who have played at the White House, Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, Israeli stadiums and all over the world, come to TBT for a real, intimate experience. This weekend TBT features one of these artists, (a true celebrity who doesn't like to be called a celebrity), but by her talent and gentile manner, reveals her true nature as a super star. See what she says about this on her Facebook page.

This weekend The Buttonwood Tree offers two fine acts to watch: Friday night, the well known local band, Stanley Maxwell, takes the stage at 8 pm. They play jazz in their own funky style, all very talented musicians having a good time together.

Saturday night we welcome for her first concert at TBT, the "Beautiful and Electric" Phoebe Hemenway Legere. As a Multi-Format Artist she is a composer, soprano, pianist and accordionist; a painter, a poet, and a film maker. She also started and runs her own nonprofit agency, Foundation for New American Art, to educate, nurture and strengthen, the artistic and musical spirit of the children of low-income communities of New York City. She is graciously donating half of her art sales to TBT and half to her foundation.

On Wednesday night Phoebe entertained a small group at TBT, after driving four and a half hours in Trump traffic, for her Artist's Reception. She came out of the car, without an ounce of complaint, put down her guitar and accordion, put organic red wine on the table, and after brief introductions, started to sing and play piano. She was amazingly sweet, attentive to everybody individually, and sang like an angel. She told stories, educated us about Steinway pianos, explained her paintings and was as gracious as could be. After selling four paintings, as suddenly as she arrived, she left - with the promise to return Saturday. Her show is expected to sell out - reservations are recommended. For those who wish more roomy seating, TBT now offers a live video feed into the bookstore, thanks to McEwen Construction and local comedian and promoter, Paul Gregory.

TBT's Executive Director, Anne-Marie Cannata McEwen and granddaughter with Phoebe Legere.

Thanks to local restaurant partners, Typhoon, Keagan's Irish Pub, Cardinal Pizza and O'Rourke's Diner, for providing delicious refreshments. Phoebe and the audience were delighted to experience the Lobster Ravioli with Sherry cream sauce and Irish Lasagna specially prepared by Brian O'Rourke.

Reservations are recommended for both shows as seating is limited.
TBT is located at 605 Main Street, Middletown. Next to It's Only Natural market, where there is free parking for the show. Beer, wine and snacks are available.