A Community Gathering Around Internationally Inspired Art

Our first event, A Trio of Solos will be held on Thursday, July 8 from 7-9pm and we hope that you will join us.

A Trio of Solos is a community event featuring three incredibly talented artists who will be displaying their work during our first North End Night event. Guests will enjoy live music from Ceol Go Maidin (formerly The O'Rourke's Irish Session Band), food and art (some of which will be available for purchase). Meredith Arcari, Susan Aranoff, and Jennifer Theokary will fill Green Street with their paintings, prints, jewelry, sculpture and collage work. For more information about the artists and the event, please visit our blog.


A Trio of Solos
Thursday, July 8, 2010
7-9pm
Regular Price $8; Member Price $5
For tickets call (860) 685-7871 or email gsac@wesleyan.edu
Tickets will also be available at the door.

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.

Out on the Town 8/04-08

The Russell Library is continually hopping and, while other venues in the city slow down or close during August, there's lots to see and do within its cozy confines.

Check out the "August Exhibits." In the first floor display case, you can see the work of Library staffers. Items range from needlepoint to painting to gardening and much more. In the Information Area on the 2nd floor, take your time to examine "Roots Music in Connecticut - A Celebration of Cultural Diversity", a photography exhibit of the work by Mike Michaels. Mr. Michaels has worked for Shoreview Newspaper, The Shoreline Times, INK Magazine and other local publications and has taken hundreds of photographs of musicians at events all throughout the state.

On Friday at 2 p.m. in the Hubbard Room, the Library's Children's International Film Festival presents "Children of Heaven", the 1997 movie written and directed by noted Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi. The film tells the story of a brother and sister who have to share one pair of shoes in a comic mishap that turns into an adventure. Recommended for children ages 5 - 12, the movie is shown with a Farsi soundtrack and English subtitles. To learn more about "Children of Heaven", go to http://filmsufi.blogspot.com/2008/05/children-of-heaven-majid-majidi-1997.html.

For more goings-on at Russell Library, go to www.russelllibrary.org.

The City of Middletown's "Summer Sounds" Series continues Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. with Joey Milardo & The Musical Cavaliers. The Portland-based bassist leads a band that specializes in polkas, waltzes and obereks and other forms music for dancing. In case of rain, the show moves indoors to South Congregational Church, at the corner of Main & Pleasant Streets.

At the same time on the same night, Jorge Arevalo Mateus leads a "Latin Jazz Workshop" in the Art Gallery of MAC 650, 650 Main Street. For more information, call 343-1516.

Boney's Music Lounge presents the LIVIU Pop Group on Friday at 8:30 p.m. Joining the energetic drummer will be the Boston-based keyboard player Amy Bowles (pictured, the Sam Kiniger Band.) Expect the music to be extremely funky with a cool jazz edge.

On Saturday evening, the Lounge presents the Varela-Laramie-Marshall Project at 8:30 p.m. Composed of Frank Varela (guitar), Bob Laramie (bass) and Rick Marshall (drums, vocals), the trio plays a mix of original tunes and jazz, blues and funk standards. If you wish to reserve a table, call Boney's at 346-6000.

July Goes Out Like a Lion (Arts-wise)

Tuesday July 28:
That's guitarist and vocalist Mark DeAngelis (a member of the faculty of UCONN teaching business law) who performs with the Gallant Sons of Erin, an ensemble that performs music and stories dealing with Irish immigrant soldiers and their experiences in the American Civil War. Joined by his brother Dave (banjo, vocals) and Todd Bryda (vocals, bodhran), he'll be on the South Green at 7 p.m. in a free concert co-sponsored by the Middlesex County Historical Society and the Middletown Commission on the Arts. The band, which (on occasion) also includes other DeAngelis family members and friends, bases its repertoire on the research members have done on Company K of the Irish Brigade's 28th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment. In case of rain, the concert moves indoors to South Congregational Church.

"Cinefare in Middletown" comes to the end of its 4-Tuesday run with the last in the series of "Frank Capra Directs Hollywood's Leading Men" at 7:30 p.m. in the Goldsmith Family Cinema in the Center for Flm Studies at Wesleyan. Frank Sinatra, Edward G. Robinson, Eleanor Parker, Carolyn Jones, Keenan Wynn and the ever sardonic Thelma Ritter star in "Hole in the Head", the 1959 Capra comedy about a Miami Beach hotelier (Sinatra) whose wealthy older brother (Robinson) is tired of helping him through his financial and personal issues. There's a subplot about development of a theme park (virtually unheard of in Florida in the days before DisneyWorld) and other issues but, mostly, this is a light comedy and will have you whistling the tune "High Hopes" as you head home. Tom Santopietro, author of "Sinatra in Hollywood", will introduce the movie and also will be available for a Q & A following the screening. For more information about the movie and restaurant discounts/transportation before the showing, go to www.wesleyan.edu/filmstudies/summerfilmseries.html.

Wednesday July 29:
Celebrate the work created the children attending the 2009 Kids Arts programs from 5 - 7 p.m. in The Buttonwood Tree. The different presenters include members of the "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" class and "Artists of the Future" as well as the staff of Kid Current, the summer newspaper. It's impressive what these young people create during the 5-week daily program. The event is free and open to the public.

The "Music at the Mansion" series, held on the back lawn of the Wadsworth Mansion at the Long Hill Estate concludes with its opening show (originally scheduled for July 1 and postponed due to rain.) Eight to the Bar, the Connecticut-based "swing & blues" sextet, is known for its exciting "live" shows and impeccable musicianship. The grounds open at 5:30 p.m. for those who wish to stake out a good spot and have a leisurely picnic supper. The band "hits" at 6:30 - for more information, call 347-1064. To check out the band, go to www.eighttothebar.com.

Thursday July 30:
North End Nights concludes its July run with a breakdancing class taught by Byran Giles at 5:30 p.m. in the Green Street Arts Center followed by a 6:45 concert featuring guitarist's Melvin Sparks Trio with Bill Carbone (drums) and Matthew O. (organ) in the Luis Lopez Herb Garden. To find out more about these free events and "discount passes to North End businesses, go to www.neatmiddletown.org.

Middletown Teen Theater, a 4-week "theater camp" experience, comes to an exciting conclusion with a production of Disney's "Beauty & The Beast" Thursday through Sunday August 2 in the Auditorium of the Performing Arts at Middletown High School, LaRosa Lane. Staff members include Marco Gaylord (executive director), Ali Brandt (artistic and program director), Aaron Sinicrope (music director), Stella Demand (choreographer), Spencer Bazzano (assistant director), Jeanine Westbrook (vocal coach), Michael Gosselin (technical director), Larry Gaechter (set designer), Kim Everson (assistant technical director) and Tomas Viragdula (junior counselor.) Cast members range in age from 9 to 17 and, as you will see, there's a whole slew of them (73 children signed on for the summer.) Performances are 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday. The final dress rehearsal is open to the public as a "freeview" on Wednesday night. For ticket information, go to www.middletownteentheater.com.

Summer Fun (Part One: 7/20-22)

Monday July 20:
The Monday Night Jazz in Bushnell Park series continues with an exciting double bill. The free concert begins at 6 p.m. with Ed Fast & Conga Bop. The sextet plays exciting Latin-jazz that will have you off your blanket or out of your chair in no time. Headlining the event is pianist/composer Michelle Rosewoman & Quintessence. Rosewoman (pictured left) is a dynamic player, incorporating many different styles into her music. She's assembled a dynamite band, including drummer Tyshawn Sorey and saxophonist Loren Stillman.
To find out more, go to www.hartfordjazzsociety.com.

Tuesday July 21:
The final event in the Wesleyan Center for the Arts "Days" series features Music from China (the name of the group and its repertoire.) The concert/talk, led by MFC artistic director Wang Guowei, will concentrate on the work the quartet has accomplished since its inception 25 years ago. Though they incorporate many traditional Chinese instruments, the group has commissioned over 110 new works. The event, which takes place at 12:10 p.m. in the World Music Hall (Wyllys Avenue), is free and open to the public. For more information, go to www.wesleyan.edu/cfa.

The Summer Sounds Concert Series continues on Middletown's South Green at 7 p.m. with the brass quintet known as Five in Time. In case of rain (which seems to always be in the forecast lately), the concert moves indoors to South Congregational Church, corner of Main & Pleasant Streets.

Jorge Arevalo Mateus leads a Latin Jazz Workshop at 7:30 p.m. in MAC650, 650 Main Street. All musicians are invited to participate. For more information, call 343-1516.

Wednesday July 22:
The sextet known as Planet Zydeco is the 3rd show in the Music at Mansion series at the Wadsworth Mansion at Long Hill Estate - well, it was supposed to be the final show but the Eight to the Bar show had to be rescheduled from July 1 to the 29th. In any event, this rocking ensemble, based in Northern New England, is known for its rollicking versions of Louisiana Cajun dancehall music. Accordion player Rose Sinclair (who has worked with local heroes Rani Arbo & daisy mayhem) leads the ensemble that also features Peter Pettengill and Nick Keil on twin electric guitars and harmony vocals, Alan Bradbury on bass, Paul McTaggart on drums, and Suzanne Wozniak on rubboard. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 347-1064.

Here's a video taste of Planet Zydeco:


Planet Zydeco Hot Tamale Baby via Noolmusic.com

What"s Happening This Week (Part 1)

Monday July 6:
The Buttonwood Tree presents the "Anything Goes"Open Mic hosted by J-Cherry at 7:30 p.m. Poets, writers, musicians and singers are welcome to sign up and perform.

Tuesday:
The Center for the Arts at Wesleyan welcomes artist Dana Ellyn to the CFA "Days" series. She'll deliver a talk at 12:10 p.m. in the CFA Cinema titled "From Creative Youth to Creative Woman." She attended the Center for Creative Youth's (CCY) Visual Arts Program ay Wesleyan in the summer of 1987 and went on to earn her degree in Fine Arts and Art History from George Washington University. Her talk will also include examples of her art (that's her "Girl with Curls (Mary Pickford)", acrylic on canvas on the left.) The event is free and open to the public.

The Summer Sounds Series, held every Tuesday evening in Union Park (South Green), presents Party Boyz at 7 p.m. The group plays "pop" and "rock"tunes from the 1950s and 60s. In case of rain, the fun moves indoors to South Congregational Church.

Wednesday:
The Music at the Mansion Series, held on the expansive back lawn of the Wadsworth Mansion at Long Hill Estate, got off to a soggy start last week with the Eight to the Bar show canceled for fear of storms (that show will be held July 29.) This week, the focus is on traditional jazz from New Orleans, Dixieland and swing when the Galvanized Jazz Band comes to town. Joining the quintet (led by cornetist Fred Vigorito) will be trombonist Jim Fryer and vocalist Cynthia Fabian. The grounds open at 5:30 p.m. for those wishing to picnic. The music commences at 6:30. A splendid time is guaranteed for all. For more information, call 347-1064.

Thursday & Friday:
Tickets are still available for the 2 performances by Doug Varone and Dancers to take place at 8 p.m. in the CFA Theater at Wesleyan. Varone is one of the busiest choreographers and directors in modern dance. His commissions include works for Limon Company, Dancemakers (Canada), Batsheva Dance Company (Israel) and many others. His company has been in existence since 1986 and has performed throughout the world. The ensemble's residency programs bring dance and other activities to people of all ages, reaching out beyond dance to include math, science, literature, philosophy and more.

Varone's program in Middletown features 4 works, including the world premiere of "Egalité", a piece for 2 dancers featuring music by the American composer John Adams. For ticket information, call 685-3355 or go online to www.wesleyan.edu/cfa. To watch the troupe in action, go to www.dougvaroneanddancers.org/video.php.

Summer Season Starts (Tuesday - Thursday)

Summer Days, a series of lectures and performances sponsored by Wesleyan's Center for the Arts, begins its 4-Tuesday run this week (June 30.) Scheduled to speak at 12:10 p.m. in the CFA Cinema (the older one, not the Goldsmith Family Cinema) is Marilyn Nelson. Nelson, who was the CT State Poet Laureate from 2001-06, is the author or translator of twelve books and three chapbooks. Her latest, "The Freedom Business", is a poetic look at the life of Venture Smith, an 18th Century slave who purchased his own freedom (and that of his family) - in fact, her poetry sits on the opposite page from selections from Smith's memoirs. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, go to www.blueflowerarts.com/marilyn-nelson.


It's a busy week for the Middletown Symphonic Band. The ensemble, led by Marco Gaylord, plays the first of Middletown's Summer Sounds Series this Tuesday at 7 p.m. on the South Green. The following day (July 1), ,the MSB inaugurates Cromwell's Summer Sounds Series, the concert taking place at 7 p.m. in Pierson Park, West Street. The Band comes back to Middletown the very next day to perform at 8:30 p.m. on the lawn of the City Hall, right before the Fireworks Display.

The Music at the Mansion Series, held on the back lawn of the Wadsworth Mansion/ Long Hill Estate, begins its 4-week run this Wednesday. Perennial favorite Eight to the Bar plays its sweet sounds of swing at 6:30 p.m. The grounds open at 5:30 for those who wish to bring a picnic dinner. For more information, call 347-1064 or go to www.wadsworthmansion.com.

Speaking of the Fireworks Display, the Middletown Common Council put money back into the city's budget and the entertainment returned to the event. Musical guests include Kwaku Kwaakye Obeng & Band (5 p.m. at Riverview Plaza), the Middletown High Jazz Band at 6:30 at City Hall followed by the r'n'b/soul sounds of Mass-Conn-Fusion (7:30 p.m.at City Hall) and the afore-mentioned Middletown Symphonic Band. Food vendors and restaurants will be open and, who knows, maybe the weather will finally cooperate. In case of rain, the event will take place on July 9.

The opening concert of Wesleyan's CFA Summer Nights series is, sadly, scheduled for the same time as the events down by City Hall. Nevertheless, the free concert, to be held at 7 p.m. in the CFA Courtyard (off High Street) looks to be a winner. Nation Beat, a sextet that melds Brazilian rhythms with American "roots" music, will absolutely get you off the blanket and dancing around. In case of rain, the concert moves indoors to Crowell Concert Hall. To find out more about the band, go to www.nationbeat.com/.

Russell Library Announces Summer Concert

The Homegrown String Band Courtyard Concert
The Homegrown String Band will perform on Thursday, June 4 at 7 pm in the Russell Library Courtyard, 123 Broad St., Middletown. Georgianne and Rick Jackofsky and their daughters Erica and Annalee are a 21^st century incarnation of the traditional family band. They have been performing at bluegrass, folk and blues festivals, coffeehouses, schools, and libraries throughout the Northeast since 1997. Their repertoire consists of traditional and original music inspired by the rural string bands that recorded during the 1920’s and 30’s. Their concert includes a wide range of American folk music, from the driving rhythms of old-time dance tunes to the mournful sounds of mountain ballads and blues. You will be treated to the sounds of fiddle, guitar, mandolin, clawhammer banjo, banjo ukulele, mountain dulcimer, and jawharp, as well as some percussive flatfoot dancing. www.homegrownstringband.com In the case of bad weather, the event will be held in the library’s Hubbard Room.

Classical Guitar Concert with Neal Fitzpatrick
Classical guitarist Neal Fitzpatrick will perform on Saturday, June 13 at 2pm in the Hubbard Room at Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Mr. Fitzpatrick is both an active soloist and chamber musician. He has performed in such diverse venues as The CT Classical Guitar Society, The Yale Center for British Art, the 92^nd Street Y in New York City, and at Woolsey Hall with the New Haven Symphony Orchestra. He maintains a thriving private studio where he teaches both classical and jazz guitar. He earned his master’s at The Yale School of Music in 1998.

Rani Arbo and daisy mayhem Courtyard Concert
Rani Arbo and daisy mayhem will perform in the Courtyard on Thursday, June 18, 7pm at Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. All of roots music is a stage for daisy mayhem, and this four-piece string band loves nothing more than choreographing a jubilant mix of traditional, original, and contemporary sounds. With Arbo's bewitching alto at the helm, stunning vocal harmonies, a 100% recycled drum set, fiddle, guitar, and bass, daisy mayhem "has a grand knack for pumping new blood into old music" (The Boston Globe).

Daisy mayhem celebrates America's rich musical past and brings it into the present with good humor, impeccable musicianship, powerful songwriting, and a clear love of playing together. Here are four musicians who pick up what's lying around - from tin cans to old songs and wry observations of modern life - and create something new. In the case of bad weather, the event will be held in the library’s Hubbard Room.

Courtyard Concert by JUST HARMONY
JUST HARMONY, an inspiring folk singing group, will perform on Thursday, June 25 at 7 pm in the Courtyard at Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Their music draws from many cultures, but is rooted in the folk revival of the 1960's and the American Jewish folk movement. Songs include new arrangements of familiar songs as well as newer and original compositions. The group -- Rick Calvert and Amy, Steve, Sarah, and Rebecca Eppler-Epstein -- use guitar, keyboard, banjo, flute, quena, and a wide assortment of rhythm instruments to drive their music. Their intricate harmony and musical arrangements alternately excite, intrigue, and soothe, and audiences are often drawn into singing along with the group. But JUST HARMONY's mission goes beyond the songs: their music is ultimately a conversation with their audiences, a discussion of what remains broken in our world and how to approach the work of repair with joy and energy. Share an evening with JUST HARMONY – and rediscover the link between music and life! In the case of bad weather, the event will be held in the library’s Hubbard Room.

Relax Your Mind (for one night)

Don't worry - the picture is not one of a new weapon, it's a flute. If you head over to Middletown's South Green for the Summer Sounds concert this Tuesday evening (8/26), you'll hear one of this area's finest practitioners of the instrument performing alongside 4 of his good friends. Peter Standaart, who's been teaching students at Wesleyan for several decades, is that flautist and he's quite an impressive musicians. The ensemble, known as Five In Time, also features Libby Van Cleve (oboe), Thomas Labadorf (clarinet), Rebecca Noreen (bassoon) and Robert Hoyle (French horn), will play contemporary classical music and more from 7 p.m. until (approximately) 8:30 p.m.

It's a bit of a departure from the usual Summer Sounds fare and that's okay. Stephan Allison, coordinator for the Middletown Commission of the Arts, has expanded the offerings this summer and reaction has been quite positive. The concert is free so bring your family and friends, your beach chairs and blankets, because the weather is supposed to be sparkling. And the music should sparkle too.

For one night, let the Army Base fiasco and the Democratic Convention take a back seat to the joy of artistic collaboration.

Party Band at the Mansion

When last we checked in on the Centennial Music at the Mansion Concert Series, the rains had washed out the July 23rd appearance of Prelude. Happily, the weather looks favorable for this Wednesday (August 6) and the band expects to set up on the patio behind the Mansion for a 6:30 p..m. performance.

Like Rani Arbo & daisy mayhem, who played the series on July 9, this ensemble has Middletown and area connections. Like Elite Syncopation (July 2) and Souled Out (July 16), they are all excellent musicians. Like the last group, they are strong vocalists. Composed of Joe Cannata (bass, vocals), Dean Coutsouridis (guitars, alto saxophone, flute, EWI, vocals), Renee Verrillo (vocals, pictured on the left), Peter Niedman (keyboards, vocals) and John Morello (drums), the quintet has played weddings, parties and corporate events for over 20 years. Their songlist must contain, at least, 200 songs and ranges from Stevie Wonder to Duke Ellington to Madonna to Andrea Bocelli to The Beatles to Elvis Presley to Glenn Miller.

Grab your blankets, babies, lawn chairs, picnic baskets, favorite beverages and head over to The Wadsworth Mansion at Long Hill Estate, 421 Wadsworth Street. If the weather looks questionable, call 347-1064 or log on to www.wadsworthmansion.com. If the weather is good, there's going to be some kind of party.