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.)
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.
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 Cypress Restaurant & Grill, South Main Street, welcomes the Moody/Blossom Band on Friday evening for an 8 p.m. performance as part of the eatery's "Party on the Patio" series. Composed of Travis Moody (guitar, vocals) and Peter Blossom (guitar, vocals), the duo plays an inspired repertoire of acoustic blues, bluegrass, folk and country music. They have fun performing and make sure the audience has fun listening. For more information about the band, go to www.peterblossom.com/MusicP1.htm. To reserve a spot on the Patio or find out more about the music series, call 346-3367.
I read today about the passing of pianist Eddie Higgins (pictured left) at the age of 77, one of the classiest jazz players of the last 50 years. Most Middletown folks won't know him but long-time residents may remember his brother Jon (1939-1984) and his association with the Ethnomusicology Department at Wesleyan. Jon graduated from Wesleyan in 1962 and returned to get his Master's Degree in 1964 and and Ph. D in 1973. He went to be acclaimed as the first non-Indian to master and perform South Indian Karnatak Music. He was a brilliant singer whose performances drew critical appreciation around the world. After his untimely death in 1984, the Jon B. Higgins Memorial Fund was established at Wesleyan to support study and performances in South Indian Music and Dance. You can see for yourself how the Higgins Fund brings world-class musicians and dancers to campus during the annual Navaratri Festival, held September 30 - October 4 (see here.)
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
