Holiday Weekend Arts

Friday April 2:

Producer/composer/arranger/keyboard player Jason Miles presents "Stories to Tell - Behind the Scenes" tonight at 7:30 p.m. in The Buttonwood Tree.  Over the course of the past 30 years, Miles has appeared on CDs by Miles Davis, Luther Vandross, Michael Jackson and other while producing tributes to Weather Report, Ivan Lins, Marvin Gaye and Grover Washington Jr.  He also produced sessions with vocalists Suzy Bogguss and Cassandra Reed as well as a GRAMMY-nominated CD for saxophonist Gato Barbieri. Needless to say, Miles has been a very busy man, met many famous people and has plenty of stories.
And, that's what he'll do at The Buttonwood.  Give the audience a taste of his music and talk about the work he's done and the people he's made music with.  To find out more. go to www.jasonmiles.com - to reserve a spot, call 860-347-4957. 

Boney's Music Lounge presents the dance band "Players Club" at 9 p.m. The septet blends rock, soul, funk and more into a mix that won't let one sit still.  From Kid Rock to James Brown, Van Morrison to Bonnie Raitt, K.C & the Sunshine Band to Aretha Franklin, this band has got "it" covered.

Saturday April 3:
The trio known as Step In, composed of bassist Joe Fonda, drummer George Schuller and pianist Carlo Morena come to The Buttonwood Tree for an 8 p.m. performance. This project, started over 10 years ago by former Middletown resident Fonda, has roots in the classic Bill Evans Trio sound but is more exploratory, bringing in pianist Morena's love for traditional Italian fare, Schuller's encyclopedic knowledge of jazz and the bassist's love of melodic adventure.  Joining them will be vocalist Jasmine Labianco.  To reserve a seat, call 860-347-4957.

The Liviu Pop Group, or "LPG", returns to Boney's Music Lounge for a fun evening of funk and jazz.  Special guest Curtis T joins the bad for the 9 p.m. hit.  For more information, call 860-346-6000.

Monday April 5:

Readers Theater returns to The Russell Library for a 7 p.m. staged reading of "Art." First presented in 1994, the play tells the story of 3 friends who come to words and blows after one of them buys a piece of "modern art", a painting with 3 vertical lines (as shown in the "cover art" on the left.)  It's a comedy but a dark one that deals with how we build personal relationships and compromise.  Myron Gubitz directs and stars in this production along with Steve Liskow and myself with Naomi Kamins as narrator. The play, for mature audiences, takes place in the Hubbard Room - it is free and open to the public.  For more information, call 860-347-2528, extension 135.

Arts News & Other Events

Received a note from poet/playwright Jean Wertz, a Middletown resident, saying that her son, Joel Marsh Garland (pictured left), appears in the new Jennifer Aniston/Gerard Butler movie "The Bounty Hunter." Garland, a 1993 graduate of Middletown High and an Oddfellows Playhouse alumnus, has appeared in a number of television shows including the new FX series "Justified", which premiered last night, "Life on Mars", "Law and Order" and more. "The Bounty Hunter" opens nationally this Friday.

Friday March 19:
The Friends of the Russell Library holds its "bag book" sale Friday, Saturday and Monday inside the Library.  Bags are $3 on the first day and go down $1 each day.  Money raised by the sale of the books, VHS movies, CDs and more (many of which have been "best sellers") goes to help the Library purchase new books and sponsor quality programs.  For more information, call 860-347-2528, extension 135.

German-born singer/songwriter Jann Klose comes to The Buttonwood Tree to perform his acoustic "pop rock" at 7:30 p.m.  Along with an active music career, Klose has also toured with several Broadway shows including "Jesus Christ Superstar" and "Jekyll & Hyde" as well as some work in operatic chorus. What one will notice is his strong and facile tenor voice, his articulation and the poetry in his lyrics.  For more information, go to www.jannklose.com.  To make a reservation, call 860-347-4957.

Rock and roll rules the night when Fishbone Cafe/Boney's Music Lounge presents Tony Rome & Swagger at 9 p.m.

Saturday March 20:

The Russell Library's Spring Saturday Performance Series gets off to an impressive start with a 2 p.m. concert featuring flautist Claire Chase. Ms. Chase, co-founder of the International Contemporary Ensemble (ICE) in 2001, with whom she has performed, recorded and toured internationally, received her B.M. from the Oberlin Conservatory. Her 2009 debut solo CD, "Aliento", features music by Jason Eckardt, Edgar Guzmán, Dai Fujikura, Marcelo Toledo, Nathan Davis and Du Yun and displays her impressive use of electronics. She has also appeared on recordings by composers Ha-Yang Kim and Mario Diaz de Leon.  Her bio says that her repertoire ranges from "Bach and Brahms to Boulez, Saariaho, Zorn and beyond." Should be a fascinating afternoon of music.  The event, which takes place in the Hubbard Room, is free and open to the public.  For more information, go to www.clairechase.net.

The Buttonwood Tree welcomes the Ron Freshley Band for an evening of swing, bop, modal & latin-flavored compositions. The saxophonist's band features Karl Rausch (guitarist), Keith Rausch (drums) and Mark Dunlap (bass.)  The music begins at 8 p.m.


Boney's Music Lounge presents the return of Shakedown, the Grateful Dead tribute and Jam Band extraordinaire. They'll turn on their musical lovelight at 9 p.m.

Future Attractions:

Playdate, the quintet featuring Middletown resident Noah Baerman (piano), Wallingford native Amanda Monaco (guitar), former New Haven resident Wayne Escoffery (saxophones) and the rhythm section of Henry Lugo (bass) and Vinny Sperrazza (drums), will play 2 sets of original music on Friday April 16 at Firehouse 12, 45 Crown Street in New Haven.  The group's debut CD came out early this year on Posi-Tone Records.  In their teenage years, Baerman, Monaco and Escoffery were classmates at the ACES School in New Haven and have maintained a musical relationship ever since.  They'll play 2 sets, 8:30 and 10 p.m. - to find out more, go to www.firehouse12.com and click on the "calendar" link.
Here's a sweet taste of the band's "Copper Tone", courtesy of Posi-Tone Records and IODA Promonet.
Copper Tone (mp3)

First Look at a Busy Week (2/24-26)

Wednesday February 24:

The Russell Library presents "The Impact of Impressionism", the latest installment in its fine "Lunch & Learn" series.  Local artist Jackie Peterson will tell the story of the "Impressionist" movement, the group of artists who helped make their paintings popular and influential and display her own paintings.  Bring your lunch and the Library staff will provide beverages.  The event runs from 12noon - 3:30 p.m. and,, like all the Russell Library's arts offerings is free and open to the public.

The Buddhist Faith Fellowship of Connecticut presents Bernardo Bertolucci's 1993 movie, "Little Buddha" at 7 p.m. in The Buttonwood Tree. Starring Bridget Fonda, Keanu Reeves, and Chris Issak, the movie's storyline is described thusly by the Internet Movie Data Base (IMDB): Lama Norbu comes to Seattle in search of the reincarnation of his dead teacher, Lama Dorje. His search leads him to young Jesse Conrad, Raju, a waif from Kathmandu, and an upper class Indian girl. Together, they journey to Bhutan where the three children must undergo a test to prove which is the true reincarnation. Interspersed with this, is the story of Siddharta, later known as the Buddha. It traces his spiritual journey from ignorance to true enlightenment. The event is free and donations are welcome.  To find out more, go to www.bffct.net/. 

Thursday February 25:

"Unexpected: Voices of Incarcerated Women" is a collaboration between Wesleyan students and inmates of the York Correctional Institute in Niantic.  Directed by Ron Jenkins, the script has been created from the writings of the inmates, many of whom worked with novelist and UCONN professor Wally Lamb (who will read from his latest novel, "I'll Fly Away" during Thursday's show.) Performances are 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday amd take place in the CFA Hall (the former CFA Cinema.)  For more information, call the Box Office at 860-685-3355.

Friday February 26:

Professor Neely Bruce presents "Three Sopranos and Three Pianos" at 7 p.m. in Crowell Concert Hall. Using the poetry of e.e. cummings as his springboard (it's the final piece of the performance), Bruce has created a program that also utilizes the words of Emily Dickinson, Middletown resident John Basinger and the first public performance of “Five Songs From Fellowship Place”, a community in the New Haven area that works with people recovering from mental illness.  Joining Bruce will be vocalists Phyllis Bruce, Elizabeth Saunders and Laura Cook and pianists Erika Schroth and Nicholas Luby. To purchase tickets, call the Box Office number above or go online to www.wesleyan.edu/cfa. 

The Buttonwood Tree presents guitarist Robert Hill & Trio in concert at 8 p.m.  Joining him will be vocalist Joanne Lediger and bassist Mark Murphy for a program of blues, folk and more. To find out more, go to www.roberthillband.com. 

It will be a night of raucous blues at Boney's Music Lounge when Junior Krauss & The Shakes make their Middletown debut.  Krauss plays blues harp and is the vocalist while Andy MacDonald handles the electric guitar.  You'll hear influences from the heyday of Chicago blues as well as more modern players.  The joint gets "jumpin'" at 9 p.m.  To find out more, go to www.myspace.com/jrkraussandtheshakes.  

Arts Events January 7-9

Thursday January 7:
As he has done for the past bunch of years, Bob Gotta hosts the monthly Open Mic at The Buttonwood Tree.  Poets, singers, musicians and more are invited to sign up.  If you want to take part, sign-ups begin at 6:30 p.m. and the Mic "opens" at 7 p.m.

Friday January 8:

The Buttonwood Tree presents the "Songwriters' Circle" at 7:30 p.m. featuring Gale Gardiner, Eric Paradine and Bonnie Lee Panda (pictured left.)  Each performer will get a short set on her or his own and then they'll get together as a trio.  To learn more about Ms. Gardiner, go to www.myspace.com/fortunesgale.  To learn more about Mr. Paradine, go to www.Myspace.com/ericparadine and for more about Ms. Panda, go to www.bonnieleepanda.com/.  To reserve a seat, call 860-347-4957.

Saturday January 9:

Boney's Music Lounge welcomes the Dave Mack Band for an evening of soul, reggae, r'n'b and more.  Middletown music fans may remember guitarist Mack from his regular gigs several years ago at La Boca.  The music starts at 9 p.m.  To get a taste of the band's grooves, go to www.myspace.com/thedavemackband.  

The Arts Take a Back Seat to the Holidays (sort of.)

This will be a fairly quiet week until the day after Christmas.  Wesleyan's Center for the Arts is quiet for the break between semesters (although the Spring 2010 schedule has been announced - more on that later) and the Russell Library closes at 1 p.m. on Christmas Eve and does not reopen until 9 a.m. on Monday the 28th. 

One event that will take place before the holiday is the 4th and final Advent Organ Recital Wednesday (12/23) at 12:10 p.m. in South Congregational Church, 9 Pleasant Street.  Neely Bruce, music director for the Church, is the featured organist.  The event is free and open to the public - an offering will be taken for the Organ Fund.


The Buttonwood Tree gets back into action on Saturday (12/26) with an appearance by Tommy Monaghan, drummer and guitarist with the experimental jazz quartet A Probe Called Gnomes.  Opening the show at 8 p.m. in the jam band known as Frankpipe, another project involving Monaghan (a graduate of the Hartt School of Music).  For more information, go to www.buttonwood.org. 

Boney's Music Lounge welcomes the Liviu Pop Group with special guest Joe Grieco (keyboards, vocals.)  Grieco (pictured left) is a founding member of The Cartells and has worked with vocalist Phoebe Snow, singer-songwriter Al Anderson and Rex Fowler of Aztec Two-Step.  The music begins at 9 p.m. 

I mentioned above that the CFA Spring Semester 2010 lineup has been announced and tickets are now available online at www.wesleyan.edu/cfa/.  Among the highlights are 3 concerts in the Crowell Concert Hall Series including The Shanghai Quartet (Friday February 19), the Turkish music group Dunya (Saturday March 27) and the fine jazz saxophonist Bennie Maupin (Saturday May 1.) 

The Breaking Ground Dance Series presents Reggie Wilson/Fist & Heel Performance Group and its production of "The Good Dance--dakar/brooklyn" to the CFA Theater on Friday April 23 and Saturday April 24.  Described by choreographer Wilson as "post-African/Neo-Hoodoo modern dance", the piece is a collaboration with choreographer Andreya Ouamba and his Company, 1er Temps, based in Dakar, Senegal.  The reviews have been excellent and the performance is quite exciting.


That's just a smattering of the offerings at the University - don't forget the Distinguished Writers series and the free concerts at The Russell House as well as the fine exhibitions at the Davison Art Center, the Zilkha Gallery and the Mansfield Freeman Center for East Asian Studies.  Those programs and exhibitions will be announced soon.

Have a safe and peaceful Holiday week.  

Post-Turkey Day Fun

Friday November 27:
The 54th Annual Wesleyan Potters Exhibit & Sale begins on this day at 10 a.m. Not sure if this work pictured on the left created by Priscilla Palumbo will be on sale but it's pretty to look out. Works by over 200 artists will be on display and on sale for the next several weeks and the show is truly a highlight of this (or any) Holiday season. To find out more, go online to www.wesleyanpotters.com/events.shtml or give at call at 860-347-5925. Regular hours are Thursday and Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. as well as Saturday through Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Middletown's "Holiday on Main Street" begins this weekend with a slew of events for people of all ages. During the early afternoon on Friday, there will be free Fun Train rides for the young ones while at 4 p.m., you can start taking free hayrides. At 5 p.m., Mayor Sebastian Giuliano heads down to the South Green to dedicate the new gazebo, to light the Christmas tree and to announce the "One Book, One Middletown" selection for 2010 (more on that in a later posting.) Joining him will be Ronald McDonald and Santa Claus with emcee Don DeCesare from WMRD & WLIS. At 6 p.m., there will be a parade heading to the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce office for the lighting of the second tree (atop the building.) That's not all - at 8:15, there's yet another Tree Lighting in front of Eli Cannon's Tap Room in the North End (a perfect time for hot chocolate and mulled cider, though, by this time, Santa and his helpers might prefer a Samuel Smith's Winter Welcome.) All these events are free - for more information, call 860-347-6924.

There are those people who say "If you can't come to Collinsville, Collinsville will come to you!" (I'm not at liberty to say who "those people" are.) The Buttonwood Tree heeds that call and presents a intriguing double bill at 7:30 p.m. Singer-songwriter Jason Krug bring his acoustic folk ensemble Citizen Spy to the performance space. Krug's recent electric endeavor, DayDrug, released a very fine CD last year - his songs are witty, sardonic, and makes one ponder on the foibles of everyday life (really.) Also on the bill is poet-author-essayist David Leff. I have his latest book, "Deep Travel", by my bedside and it's a fascinating true story of the author (and several companions) retracing Henry David Thoreau's trip on the Merrimack and Concord Rivers. The book pictured on the left, "The Last Undiscovered Place", is Leff's loving portrait of his adopted hometown (yes, it's Collinsville.) His book of prose-poems, "The Price of Water", was issued in 2008 by Antrim House Books. For more information about this event, go to www.buttonwood.org. Below is a piece from Leff's book of poems (printed courtesy of Antrim House.)

SPRING IN HELL’S KITCHEN

The dark stone canyon walls of Hell’s Kitchen are fractured horizontally, in cracks that grin and leer at hikers. Laurel clings to life on the precipitous ledges where plump mosses drip alongside the last fading tusks of winter ice. Water seeps invisibly through the jumbled rocks beneath the trail, briefly revealing itself as a sparkling stream and disappearing again. It echoes in rocky chambers, trickling and percolating in multiple voices. I bend and listen to the liquid speech suddenly joined by the melodic weet, weet, weet, weet, tsee, tsee of a flagrantly yellow warbler perched in the leafless brush like a light bulb. Other birdsong and the hum and buzz of insects will soon harmonize in an accidental orchestra prophesizing a season of the migrant, temporary, and intermittent.

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Perhaps the only thing that can rouse you from your turkey leftovers is a healthy dose of "the Dead." You're in luck because Shakedown, "New England's Premier Grateful Dead Cover Band", returns to Boney's Music Lounge for several sets of Garcia/Lesh/Weir/Robert Hunter-inspired rock and soul (the quintet also plays music by The Meters, Bob Marley, Bob Dylan and others.) They'll start "rocking the room" at 9 p.m. For more information, call 860-346-6000.

Things to Do or Ponder the Next 2 Days

Today November 19:
Need an escape from the onslaught of 24-hour news cycles? Bemoaning the loss of the warmer weather? Bored? Today at 12noon, The Russell Library has the cure for the symptoms above and more. The "Gutter to Penthouse" Film Series presents "Gold Diggers of 1933", a movie musical extravaganza starring Dick Powell, Ruby Keeler, Joan Blondell, and Ginger Rogers as well as a slew of dancers. Directed by Mervyn LeRoy, choreographed by the legendary Busby Berkeley, and songs by Harry Warren and Al Dubin (including "We're In The Money" and "Pettin' In The Park"), "Gold Diggers.." is truly a classic of early (talking) cinema and, for its day, fairly risque. Most of all, it's a "hoot" and worth spending time in the Hubbard Room. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 860-347-2528, extension 135.

Performance artists Eiko & Koma are the subjects of "Time is Not Even, Space is Not Empty", a retrospective of their (nearly) 4 decades of creating dace and theater pieces, works that often look at political, environmental and social issues. Eiko has been a fellow with the Center for Creative Research (CCR) and has served as a Visiting Instructor in Dance and East Asian Studies, as well as teaching Delicious Movement workshops in various curricular contexts for the past several years while maintaining an active performance and residency schedule. The retrospective is an ongoing installation in the Zilkha Gallery (today through December 20) and the artists presents an "Opening Reception" today at 5 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. To find out more about this fascinating couple, go to www.eikoandkoma.org/.

The Elia Kazan Centennial Celebration continues tonight at 8 p.m. at the Center for Film Studies at Wesleyan with "Splendor in the Grass." The 1961 film stars Natalie Wood, Warren Beatty, Pat Hingle and Phyllis Diller (yes, the comedienne as a sarcastic nightclub owner), the script written by William Inge and the score composed by David Amram. Set in Kansas in the late1920s, the plot revolves around a young woman (Wood) whose involvement with her boyfriend (Beatty) is quashed when he insists they have sexual relations. She refuses, he moves on, marries and she ends up institutionalized. There's more to it than that with issues around the Depression and life in the Mid-West. Steve Collins, Assistant Professor of Film Studies at Wesleyan, will introduce the film. The event, taking place in the Goldsmith Family Cinema, is free and open to the public. For more information, call 860-685-2220.

Friday November 20:
Pianist Nicholas Luby, winner of the 2009 Elizabeth Verbeer Tischler Piano Competition and Wesleyan University Concerto Competition, is featured in a recital of works composed by Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, and Shostakovich at 7 p.m. in Wesleyan's Memorial Chapel. Joining him o several pieces will be cellist Lucy Strother, a former Concerto Competition winner. This concert is free and open to the public.

The Buttonwood Tree presents a double bill of Connecticut-based singer-songwriters at 8 p.m. Frank Critelli (pictured) and Shandy Lawson both combine pithy lyrics with memorable melodies, songs that can touch your soul but also make you want to move your feet. The former leans more towards a "rock" feel in his music while Ms. Lawson blends acoustic country elements into her works. Her music has been described as "folk-noir." Call the music what you please, this should be a fun evening. For more information, call 860-347-4957.

Toussaint the Liberator & Buru Style brings its infectious "dub/funk" sound into Boney's Music Lounge for several sets of funk, reggae, and soul. The band, featuring Middletown-based drummer Bill Carbone, creates an infectious and extremely danceable sound for the smooth and soulful vocal stylings of the Liberator. Both Buru Style and Toussaint released CDs this past summer (the cover of the group's debut EP is pictured on the left) and you can find out more by going to http://toussaintandburu.com/fr_index.cfm. You can find how much fun their music is by going to Boney's - the music starts around 8:30 p.m. For more information, call 860-346-6000.

More Music (11/13-11/15)

Besides the premiere of Noah Baerman's "Know Thyself" at Crowell Concert Hall tonight at 8 p.m., (nice writeup in today's Channel 61/Hartford Courant by Chuck Obuchowski - read here) it's a busy and varied weeked of musical offerings in Middletown.

Tonight (Friday the 13th):
They call their band Amalgamated Muck (great name) and they're coming to The Buttonwood Tree for a 7:30 p.m. show. Muck members include vocalist Lauren Agnelli, Brian Wolfe (stringed instruments), Rodney Maxwell (more stringed instruments) Rose Bengston (vocals, bass) and Matthew Male (percussion.) The music is a sweet hybrid of folk and acoustic country, pretty harmonies and a healthy dose of "pickin' and pluckin'." For more information, call 860-347-4957.

Boney's Music Lounge welcomes The Scissormen, a hard-hitting blues band that'll raise a ruckus starting at 8:30 p.m. For more information, call 860-346-6000.

Saturday November 14:
The Buttonwood Tree presents jazz guitarist/composer Sean Clapis in concert at 8 p.m. Clapis, a graduate of the Hartt School of Music, is slowly and steadily getting out into the jazz world. In his return trip to The Buttonwood, he bring his new trio, the rhythm section of Steve Porter on bass and Jonathan Barber on drums. To find out more about this fine young musician, go to www.seanclapis.com.

The East Coast Blues Band comes to Boney's Music Lounge to play classic "Chicago-style Blues", meaning heavy shuffle rhythms, wailing guitar and hard-edged vocals. They'll begin the first set at 8:30 p.m.

Sunday November 15:
The 3rd Sunday of the month means it's Dave Downs performing his soft and sweet folk/pop at Brew Bakers, 169 Main Street. Downs is on the verge of releasing his first recording of children's songs and he might throw a few into the mix. He begins at 11 a.m.

The Buttonwood Tree has a busy day, starting at 2 p.m. with an Opening Reception for artist Faith McCann, whose mixed-media acrylics will grace the walls of the performance space through the month of November.

At 7 p.m., bassist-composer Joe Fonda comes "home" to The Buttonwood to play his rousing brand of creative contemporary music. Joining him will be the effervescent guitarist (and long-time associate) Michael Musillami, Tom Monaghan (drums), Alvin "Abu" Carter (percussion) and veteran Hartford-area musician Ricky Alfanso (trumpet.) Call 860-347-4957 for more information.

More Words, Music and Images: October 21-24)

Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) wrote some of the most macabre stories in the history of literature and, this being both the year of his 200th birthday and the Halloween season, The Russell Library presents actor and poet Timothy Ross Whelan on Wednesday October 21 at 7 p.m. in the Hubbard Room. Whelan, a chiropractor by day, will read and perform “The Bells”, “The Raven”, “The Tell-Tale Heart”, and “The Cask of Amontillado” as well as give details about Poe's short but productive career and, ultimately, sad life. Whelan's performance is free and open to the public - bring the young ones as Whelan is quite entertaining. For more information, call 347-2528, extension
135.

Also on Wednesday, The Buttonwood Tree presents its monthly Open Theatrical Improvisation Workshop at 7:30 p.m. The focus this time is on "comedy." For more information, email topher@thediversion.com and put "workshop" in the subject line.

Thursday October 22:
"Soul of a People: Writing America's Story" continues at 11 a.m. with "Oral Histories from the 1930's." The event, featuring readings and a discussion with Dale Griffith, takes place in Room 808 of Chapman Hall of Middlesex Community College, 100 Training Hill Road. For more information, call 343-5830.

The Mansfield Freeman Center for East Asian Studies at Wesleyan, Washington Terrace, presents Sari Kawana at 4:30 p.m. Kawana, Assistant Professor of Modern Languages at University of Massachusetts/Boston, will deliver a talk titled " Little National Subjects and Wartime Reading Practice", a look at wartime reading practices in Japan from the late 1930s - 1945. The talk is free and open to the public - for more information, call 685-2330.

The Common Ground International Film Festival presents the First Nations/Native American film "Dance Me Outside" at 7 p.m. in the Center for Film Studies at Wesleyan, Washington Terrace. The 1995 movie, based on a book by British Columbian writer W. P. Kinsella ("Field of Dreams"), is set on a reservation where a pair of friends are trying to figure out how to get into school and away from their daily routine. Things change drastically when a young Indian woman brings her white husband to a dance on the reservation and someone is killed. The screening is free and open to the public. For more information, call 347-2528, extension 135.

The Buttonwood Tree presents an evening of poetry and music at 7 p.m. Hosted by Colin Haskins of Riverwood Poetry, the event features the poems and stories of Jack McCarthy and the solo acoustic fingerstyle guitar work of Ronnda Cadle. To find out more about McCarthy (and read some of his fine writings), go to www.standupoet.net. To hear a sample of Ms. Cadle's playing, go to www.ronndacadle.com.

Friday October 23:
Shawn Persinger is Prester John is the name of guitarist/vocalist Persinger's program and he brings his unique music to The Buttonwood Tree for a 7:30 p.m. program. There is a legend behind the name of Prester John which may or may not play into Persinger's program. His music blends numerous influences, from hard-rock to traditional American folkthe tunes, and he has issued several fine solo CDs. He has added David Miller (mandolin, vocals) to the mix and that has moved the music in new directions. To find out more, go to www.persingermusic.com.

Boney's Music Lounge, College Street, welcomes back NuDirexion, the Hartford-based blues/jazz/fusion trio, for an evening of adventurous jams and melodic excursions. They'll begin playing at 9 p.m.

Saturday October 24:
(If this next entry feels and looks like deja vu, well...it's because it was mistakenly put in last week.)
The Russell Library presents the duo (in the picture) of Emil Altschuler (violin) and Jerome Mouffe (guitar) at 2 p.m. in the Hubbard Room. Altschuler, a graduate of both the Juilliard School and the Yale School, has performed on concert stages around the world. The Belgian-born Mouffe is a splendid guitarist who has studied at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels and at the Mozarteum University of Salzburg and is now working with the legendary Eliot Fisk at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. The duo's repertoire includes music by Albeniz, Beaser, Piazzola, Paganini, Bach and others. The music should be quite impressive and enjoyable plus the concert is free and open to the public.

At the same time, the Center for the Arts at Wesleyan presents the premiere of "Ranky Tanky", the new and long-awaited family CD by Rani Arbo & daisy mayhem. Rani (fiddle, vocal), her husband Scott (Drumship Enterprise, vocal), Anand (guitars, banjo, vocal) and Andrew (bass, ukulele, vocal) have created an album that combines their love of Americana music (blues, folk, New Orleans and more) with their desire to connect with people of all ages (and let everyone know that it's fun to sing and play.) For ticket information, call 685-3355. To find out more about this fine quartet, go to www.raniarbo.com.

To catch a preview of the concert and the new CD, listen to this week's edition of "Eye on the Air" Friday at 1 p.m. on WESU-88.1FM or online at www.wesufm.org. Rani will be in the studio ad give us all the stories behind the "Ranky Tanky" project.

The Buttonwood Tree presents the quartet known as B Flat Tin Hat at 7:30 p.m. Comprised of Ted Paulsen (guitar, vocal), Jose Miguel Pasini (saxophones), Chris Graves (bass, vocal) and Joe Harris (drums), the band blends its myriad influences into a musical stew that is quite appealing. To find out more, go to www.myspace.com/bflattinhat.

Drummer/percussionist Liviu Pop returns to Boney's Music Lounge for a 8:30 p.m. gig featuring guitarist/vocalist Chris McDermott. Call 346-6000 for more information.

Noah B and His Buds + Live Music (9/19-20)

Middletown resident Noah Baerman, pianist/composer/author/educator and all-around "mensch" (look it up), is part of a quintet called "Playdate." Composed of his regular trio mates Henry Lugo (bass) and Vinnie Sperazza (drums), the band reunites Baerman with his high-school musical pals Amanda Monaco (guitar) and Wayne Escoffery (saxophones.) The triumvirate studied at the Educational School for the Arts in New Haven before heading off into the great world of creative music/jazz. Noah's now on the Jazz Ensemble Coach at Wesleyan University, Amanda leads several groups in the New York City area, and Wayne has a busy career as a bandleader and sideman (the Mingus Dynasty band, the Tom Harrell Quintet.)

They've played together on and off over the years, coming together on CD in 2005 as part of Baerman's "Soul Force", his heartfelt tribute to the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King. So far, I have only heard excerpts from "Playdate" but the music has a "mainstream" feel, with strong melody lines and tight interplay. (Check out those excerpts here.)

It would be nice to see this band play "live" in the area but the schedules for all the contributors are pretty busy. To make a date with this fine band, you have to go to iTunes or emusic.com. Those who shun digital downloads should be able to find the CD at Integrity 'n' Music, Silas Deane Highway in Wethersfield (a real "record" store.) (Photo above courtesy of allaboutjazz.com.)

Saturday, September 19:
"Party on the Patio" at the Cypress Restaurant & Grill, South Main Street, features the music of The Remainders. They'll get started at 7 p.m. For more information, call 346-3367.

Jazz fans can enjoy the music of the Dave Palla Trio at 8 p.m. in The Buttonwood Tree. Joining Guitarist Palla for the evening of smartly played melodies and improvisations will be Paul Fuller (bass) and Dan Scheer (keyboards.) For more information, call 347-4957.

The name of the ensemble playing Saturday in Boney's Music Lounge should tell you all you need to know about its repertoire - Basic Blues Group. They'll hit the stage at 8:30 p.m.

Sunday morning, head down to Brew Bakers, 169 Main Street, for coffee, brunch, and healthy portion of the music of Dave Downs. Middletown's "folk crooner" will keep you company starting at 11 a.m.

The Music at the Russell House series begins this Sunday with "Charlie Suriyakham: Clarinet Pointillism." Suriyakham, born in Thailand, is a member of the United States Coast Guard Band and an accomplished soloist, whose repertoire stretches from classical to jazz to ethnic musics. Joining him will be John Metz (piano), Megan Sesma (harp) and Lisa Williamson (soprano.) The concert is free and open to the public. For more information, go to www.wesleyan.edu/cfa.



The Buttonwood Tree presents a Native American Music and Lecture Sunday at 6 p.m. The evening features a lecture delivered by David Swallow Jr., Lakota Spiritual Leader and flute music performed by Joseph FireCrow, raised on a reservation in Southeastern Montana. This looks to be a fascinating evening with much to learn about this Native American culture. For more information, call 347-4957.

Saturday in the Burg (9/12)

Much to do on this day and the events range from book sales to fundraisers to jazz and rock music.

The Friends of the Wesleyan Library "Book Sale" takes place from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. in Olin Library, Church Street. Read here for more information.

As I wrote earlier this week, the Friends of the Russell Library is holding its "Bag Book Sale" Friday, Saturday and Monday (9/11-14). Saturday hours are 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Both events feature fine reading material and both are worth perusing.

The 2nd Annual Ryan Woods Autism Foundation Music Festival takes place on the South Green from 11 a.m - 6 p.m. Plenty of music and dance for the whole family including a petting zoo, "moon bounce", face painting, bubble machine, raffle prizes, food and craft vendors and speeches from local dignitaries including the Mayor and members of the Common Council. Musical guests include Folk Summit, the A.M.E. Praise Dancers, Ian Woods, Mr. Keys and Little Miss Jacqueline Gordon, along with the Oddfellows Playhouse Circus & Roving Performers. Not sure what the contingencies are in case the day is rainy. For more information, call 346-8777 or email to terrigwynn@sbcglobal.net.



The Buttonwood Tree presents the trio of Joe Fonda (bass), Michael Jefry Stevens (piano), and Emil Gross (drums) at 8 p.m. Fonda, a former Middletown resident and frequent collaborator with Anthony Braxton, is one of the more melodic and muscular bassists on the contemporary jazz scene and works often with Stevens (their new Quartet CD, just released on the Playscape label, is pictured above.) Gross is a young (19) percussionist from Austria that Stevens and Fonda met on one of their many journeys overseas. The music should be exploratory, challenging yet also approachable. FYI - Fonda's website (www.joefonda.digitalspace.net/) lists saxophonist Cliff White as the 3rd member of the Trio - for more information, call 347-4957.

The Aquatudes return to the Cypress Restaurant and its "Patio Music Series" for an 8 p.m. "luau." The weather may force the "surf music" trio indoors but the beach party will still go on. Call 346-3367 for more information.

Boney's Music Lounge welcomes back the Tom Sanders Band for an 8:30 p.m. gig. Featuring the dual guitar attack of Sanders and Jim Shepley, the quintet plays classic rock and American roots music. For more information, go to www.myspace.com/tomsandersband.

September Songs, Sights & Sounds (9/01-06)

The final concert in the City of Middletown's Summer Sounds Series takes place tonight at 7 p.m. on the South Green. The Middletown Symphonic Band, Marco Gaylord, music director, will present an exciting program of music, ranging from classical works to jazz to popular standards to the music of John Williams (and much, much more.) The weather looks like it will cooperate so bring your chairs, blankets, jackets, light sweaters, and appetite for good music - you won't be disappointed.

Perhaps singing is more to your liking - rehearsals begin tonight at 7 p.m. for the Middlesex Hospital Vocal Chords and you neither have to an employee nor a patient to join. Show up at the Reverend Monsignor M. Davitt Fox Parish Center of St. Francis Church, Elm Street, sign up and start singing. For more information, call 342-3120.

Then again, one may wish to spice up their musical experiences by attending the Latin Jazz Workshop tonight at 7 p.m. in the MAC650 Art Gallery, Main Street. Conducting the workshops (the 2nd one takes place 9/15) is musicologist Jorge Arevalo Mateus. For more information, call 343-1516.

On Friday, MAC650 celebrates the opening of a new exhibition at 7 p.m. "Art Without Judges Gallery Show" is the name of the show and will be "up" throughout the month of September. Call the number above for more information.

The Buttonwood Tree reopens this Friday for its new season (after a brief respite in August) with a program titled "POSITIVITY! - A Hiphop Celebration" at 8 p.m. The musical program, which works hard to negate the image of negativity and self-hatred that often infuses this music. Live musicians work alongside turntablists to create this truly upbeat program. For more information, call 347-4957.

Also on Friday night, drummer Liviu Pop returns to Boney's Music Lounge with a group that features vocalist Toni Lynn Washington. The Massachusetts-based Washington is comfortable in both the blues and jazz idioms and this should be a fun gig. The music starts at 8:30 p.m.

On Saturday, The Buttonwood Tree welcomes the sextet known as Dani Jazz. Led by vocalist and keyboard player Danielle Elliot (a Connecticut native and recent graduate of the New School of Jazz & Contemporary Music), the ensemble features Kevin Smith (bass), Simon Kafka (guitar), Adam Jackson (drums), Tyler Greenblatt (trumpet) and Dylan Heaney (tenor saxophone) with special guest Jerrod Cattey (percussion.) There's been a lot of chat on the Internet lately about the inevitable "death of jazz" (as a commercial entity) but there are so many fine young musicians involved in the music that, instead of dying, one is tempted to say the music is "evolving" and onto new possibilities. Here's an opportunity to see and hear a fine young leader and ensemble. The music starts at 8 p.m.

At 8:30 p.m. in Boney's Music Lounge, Nu Direxion returns to play an evening of smooth jazz, reggae, r'n'b and more. The guitar, bass and drums trio plays throughout Central Connecticut and Southern Massachusetts, often with a guest saxophonist to round out the sound. One thing is for sure - they know how to "find the groove and make it move." For more information, go to http://nudirexion.com/ or call 346-6000.

Sunday September 6, The Buttonwood hosts an Artist's Reception for the opening of its latest exhibition, the very colorful paintings of Pierre Sylvain. His work has been featured in the lobby of Liberty Bank/Main Street, NOMA Gallery, and can be seen in the Imperial Caribbean Restaurant and Fishbone Cafe. The event takes place from 3 - 5 p.m.

August Arts (8/25 - 29)

One might be tempted to "cakewalk" down Main Street Middletown this evening, especially because the "Summer Sounds" series presents bassist Roy Wiseman & Elite Syncopation in concert at 7 p.m. on the South Green.

The quintet, in existence since the early 1990s, specializes in "early jazz", the music of Scott Joplin, the young Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington, "Jelly Roll" Morton, George Gershwin, Irving Berlin and others. They play with great feeling, imbuing the music with soul and joy. Besides Wiseman (who is a member of the music faculty at Wesleyan), the group includes Liz Smith (reeds), Perry Elliot (violin), Ettie Luckey (cello) and Gary Chapman (piano.)

In case of rain, the concert moves inside to South Church. To find out more about the group, go to www.elitesyncopation.org.

By the way, here's a definition of "cakewalk" - "The Chalk Line Walk, as it was originally known in 1850 in the southern plantations, later became very popular from 1895-1905 as the Cakewalk with a resurgence around 1915. It originated in Florida by the African-American slaves who got the basic idea from the Seminole Indians (couples walking solemnly). Many of the special movements of the cake-walk, the bending back of the body, and the dropping of the hands at the wrists, amongst others, were a distinct feature in certain tribes of the African Kaffir dances. The African Ring Shout has a certain tie to this dance as well." Read more here.

Boney's Music Lounge continues to present blues, jazz and funk on the weekends in the space above Fishbone Cafe on Court Street. This Friday (8/28), the Melvin Sparks Trio returns to the Lounge for an evening of high-energy "acid-jazz along with his usual compatriots, Matthew O. (organ) and Bill Carbone (drums). On Saturday, the Tines welcome the Kathy Thompson Band for an evening of blues and blues-rock. The guitarist/vocalist usually tours with an 8-piece band (including 3 saxophonists and a trumpeter) so the Lounge certainly should be "hopping ." The music starts both nights at 8:30 p.m. For more information, call 346-6000.

Also on Saturday night, the Cypress Restaurant & Grill, South Main Street, welcomes the Dayton Rich Band for an evening of good music (rock, soul, and original songs.) Long-time Middletown residents will recognize Joe Cannata (bass, vocals) and Dean Coutsouridis (lead guitar, saxophone, flute, vocals) from the many different bands they've worked with (or , in the case of Coutsouridis, his years of teaching at Coginchaug High School.) Leading the band is vocalist/guitarist/composer Dayton Rich and rounding out the sound is drummer John Morello. They'll play on the Patio at 8 p.m. For more information, call 346-3367.

The Beat and the Heat Goes On (8/18-8/23)

The Summer Sounds Series, held every Tuesday evening on the South Green, welcomes the John Valerio Band performing music ranging from jazz to blues to country to rock 'n' roll. You can be assured that the Green will not look like the picture on the left but, if it does (or if it rains), the 7 p.m. concert moves inside to South Church.

On Thursday evening at 7 p.m., the Cypress Restaurant & Grill, South Main Street, presents Duo Bravo on the Patio. On Saturday, New Haven-based blues & jazzman "Guitar George" Baker comes to town and will rock the patio from 8 - 10 p.m. The Louisiana-born Baker has been a mainstay on the Elm City scene since he moved to the state in 1985. You can hear excerpts from his latest CD, "Mojo Lady", by going to his website at www.guitargeorgebaker.com/. For more information about the Cypress, call 346-3367.

Boney's Music Lounge gets busy again this weekend. On Friday, it's the smoking blues sounds of Sweet Daddy Cool Breeze wafting from the windows and over the back deck starting at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, drummer Liviu Pop returns and his special guest is trumpeter Saskia Laroo (pictured left.) Ms. Laroo, born in and still a resident of Amserdam, has been playing trumpet since the age of 8 and also is proficient on the acoustic bass. She's issued 5 CDs as a leader, playing a funky fusion of jazz, soul music and "acid jazz." You can get a taste of her music by going to www.saskialaroo.nl/wb/. If you wish to make a reservation for the 8:30 gig, call 346-6000.

This coming Sunday (8/23), it's the 7th Annual Open Air Market & Arts Festival, held on the grounds of the Wadsworth Mansion at the Long Hill Estate. From 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. (rain or shine), you can check out over 80 vendors, 3 musical acts and even get a tour of the Mansion. Lots of art & crafts, artisanal cheese, fresh fruit, pies, home-made baked goods, horse-drawn carriage rides, face painting and much more is on tap. Music will be provided by the Middletown Symphonic Band (9:30 a.m.), Tune Chic & the Fantastic Cadillacs (that's Ms. Chic on the left and she & the guys play at 11:45 a.m.) and The Bluelights (2 p.m.) During the intermissions, Ms. Barbara will present music for children. You can honestly say that there's "something for everyone" (except, perhaps, for lovers of opera or "death metal." ) For more information, call 347-1064.

This & That (Aug 11-16)

Summer Sounds series, sponsored by the City of Middletown Commission on the Arts, continues this Tuesday with Bange's Jazz Jents playing music from the 40s and 50s at 7 p.m. in Union Park/South Green. The event, as always, is free and open to the public and, in the case of rain (always possible this summer), the event moves indoors to South Church.

Wednesday & the weather is supposed to be very nice. Good, because it's the evening of the 4th Annual Motorcycle Mania, held on Main Street from 5 - 9 p.m. The street will be filled with hundreds of motorcycles of all shapes and sizes, there will be live music from the Southern Comfort Band, plenty of food and fun for the entire family. Should there be rain, the event will be held on August 19. For more information, call the hard-working Cathy Duncan at the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce - her number is 347-6924.

The Cypress Restaurant & Grill continues its Patio Concerts series this Thursday evening at 7 p.m. with Basically Blues, a septet whose repertoire lives up to its name. This particular gig will be a little different as the ensemble will be joined for part of the evening by jazz vocalist and Middletown resident Kitty Kathryn. Sounds like fun - call 346-3367 for more information.

Friday evening at 7:30 p.m. in Yerberg Chapel on the campus of CT Valley Hospital (56 Holmes Drive), the Excellent Way Ministries presents the "Youth Hip Hop Explosion" featuring the "Rap Evangelist" Living Proof as well as Blood Brought, Diamond D.O.G., Dream Grizz and other local groups. For more information, call Pastor Lucille Clegg at 346-9451.

Boney's Music Lounge has a busy weekend planned. Friday evening, the Hartford area ensemble known as Nudirexion brings its smooth jazz/funky sounds to town. Formed by the trio of Lionel Lee (bass), Edmund Peart (drums, lead vocals) and Winston Fisher (guitar), they often add a keyboard player, saxophonist and/or second vocalist to fill out their already impressive sound. The music starts at 8:30 p.m.


Saturday evening, bassist Joe Fonda returns to town as part of the quartet known as KLARO!. The band is built around the trio of Karolina Strassmayer (pictured left, saxophone), Cary DeNigris (guitar) and Drori Mondlak (drums.) The Austrian-born saxophonist and DeNigris are long-time associates of legendary drummer Chico Hamilton and also perform in Mondlak's quartet. Ms. Strassmayer has worked with the DIVA Jazz Orchestra, Five Play, and trombonist Wycliffe Gordon. The quarter will be going into the studio 2 days after their Middletown appearance to record KLARO's 2nd CD. The music starts at 8:30 p.m. and goes until 12midnight. For more information, call 346-6000.

Places to Go, People to See and Hear (7/31-8/02)

Friday July 31:
There are 3 major music festivals going on in Connecticut, each within easy driving range. No specifics here but there will be links to get you to each website.

The Great CT Traditional Jazz Festival takes place from Friday evening through Sunday afternoon at Mountain Ridge on High Hill Road in Wallingford. Scheduled is pianist Jeff Barnhart (pictured), Louis Ford & His New Orleans Flairs, Cornet Chop Suey, Wolverine Jazz Band, Galvanized Jazz Band, Blue Street, Festival favorites Igor's Jazz Cowboys and many other fine purveyors of jazz and swing. For more information including prices, directions and to discover how the Festival aids the Horns 4 Kids program, go www.greatctjazz.org.

If you like your jazz with a bit more "modern" feel (but not "avant-garde") you could head for the Litchfield hills for the 2009 Litchfield Jazz Festival, to be held Friday through Sunday on the grounds of the Kent School in Kent, CT. This year's lineup ranges from the traditional sounds of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band to the brilliant Cuban-born drummer Dafnis Prieto & his Si O Si Quartet to vocalist/pianist Dena DeRose (pictured) to the lush sounds of vocalist Jane Monheit to the "world jazz" guitarist from Benin, Lionel Loueke, to the mainstream saxophone sounds of Houston Person (and much more.) Go to www.litchfieldjazzfest.com for the complete lineup, directions, and to learn more about the Festival's Jazz Camp. It's also the weekend for the the Connecticut Wine Trail's 2009 Wine Festival, to be held on the nearby Goshen Fairgrounds in Goshen. A good number of the wineries are located in the Litchfield hills - you can check out more at www.ctwines.com.

The Podunk Bluegrass Music Festival actually starts tonight (Thursday) and runs through Sunday. Held on the grounds of the spacious Martin Park in East Hartford, this year's program features Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, the Allison Brown Quartet with Joe Craven, Goldheart, the James King Band, the Lovell Sisters, Natalie MacMaster, the Steep Canyon Rangers and many more. Headlining the show on Friday evening will be the Del McCoury Band (pictured) whose 2008 CD "Moneyland" brought together many different artists for a true social commentary on the foibles of the economic downturn and the culture of greed. Del is celebrating 50 years as a performing artist and is a true bluegrass legend. To find out more about the festivals and the fine lineup, go to www.podunkbluegrass.net/.

Meanwhile in Middletown, Friday afternoon at 5 p.m. at Spencer School, Westfield Street, the 21st Annual Children's Circus of Middletown, created by Oddfellows Playhouse and sponsored by the Middletown Commission on the Arts, presents "In Your Dreams." From the press release, "The show features over 200 young stilters, jugglers, clowns, unicyclists, dancers, and acrobats. Live music is performed by a 15-piece Circus Band, led by well-known local musician Dirck Westervelt. Come early and enjoy the offerings of the Pre-Show Carnival presented by Middlesex County Non Profit Organizations. Popcorn and pirates, crafts and music will keep you busy before the Circus begins."

For more information, call 347-6143. Rain date in Saturday August 1 at 12noon in the same location.

Saturday August 1:
The Middlesex Academy of the Performing Arts, located on the campus of Independent Day School, Laurel Brook Road in Middlefield, presents "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" at 5 p.m. Based on the characters created by the late Charles Schulz, the musical is light-hearted and features a catchy score by Clark Gesner. Tickets should be available at the door. For more information, go to www.middlesexacademy.org.


The Buttonwood Tree presents a bluegrass show of its own Friday at 8 p.m. 19 Strings, a quartet featuring Rob Blaney (banjo), his brother Jeff (mandolin, bass), Marianne Vogel (violin) and Willie Larsen (guitar), plays country standards, a bit of folk music, waltzes, spirituals, Bob Dylan tunes and even an Irish jig or 2. Call 347-4957 to reserve a seat for this, the last show of the Buttonwood's 2008-09 season.

Boney's Music Lounge welcomes back the very popular Melvin Sparks Trio for an evening of incendiary jazz/funk and r'n'b. Guitarist Sparks, drummer Bill Carbone and organist Matthew O. will play from 8:30 to 12midnight and, no matter, the temperature outside, the Lounge will be "smokin."