Author & Professor Victor Triay in The Hubbard Room 2/18

Story of Cuban Underground Freedom Fighters to be Topic of Historical Society Program

Havana, Cuba, 1960. The euphoria following the nation’s successful revolution the previous year has waned among large sectors of the population.  Cuba’s new leader, Fidel Castro, after having promised to restore democracy to the troubled island, is moving the country toward a Communist dictatorship.  In response, democratic forces launch an anti-government insurgency to save Cuba from totalitarian darkness.  This struggle forms the basis of the trilogy of historical fiction that is The Unbroken Circle series.  The story centers on the middle class Leon family who is caught up in a world of warfare, betrayal, and separation during the early years of the Cuban Revolution.

In Book I, The Struggle Begins, Goyo Leon, a devoted teacher and family man, is recruited into the anti-Castro underground after his father is killed at the hands of Castro’s henchmen.  He and other family members subsequently become more deeply involved in the pro-democracy struggle every day.  Told with heart-pounding suspense of a Cold War saga and the poignancy of a family drama, The Struggle Begins sets the stage for Book II, Freedom Betrayed, the story of the Goyo’s and other family members’ participation in the Bay of Pigs invasion.  After the invasion, the two youngest members of the Leon family are separated from the family after being sent away on an airlift of Cuban refugee children.

In a program sponsored by the Middlesex County Historical Society, Victor Triay, the author of these spellbinding books, will speak about how he came to write the series, about the characters, and about the history behind the fiction at a program to be held on Tuesday, February 18 at 7:00 pm in the Hubbard Room at Russell Library.  He will also recount his experiences researching the many events depicted in the books.  

Triay, the son of Cuban exiles, was raised in Miami, a center of the Cuban exile community.  He received his PhD. in History from Florida State University in 1995 and has been a professor in history at Middlesex Community College since 1992.  His first book, Fleeing Castro: Operation Pedro Pan and the Cuban Children’s Program, was followed by Bay of Pigs: An Oral History of Brigade 2506, which received the 2001 Samuel Proctor Oral History Prize of the Florida Historical Association.  Copies of Books I and II in the Unbroken Circle series will be available for purchase and inscription.  Russell Library, located at 123 Broad Street, Middletown, is handicap accessible.  This program is free and open to the public.  For further information, contact the Historical Society at 860-346-0746.

The Weekend the Music Did Not Play

Here's something "groovy" from the Middlesex County Historical Society .

For a blistering hot weekend at the end of July 1970, the eyes of the entire country were on the Powder Ridge ski area in Middlefield, Connecticut, where a group of New York promoters planned to stage a youth festival and rock concert that would capitalize on the karma of the previous summer’s Woodstock Festival.  Youth culture was one of the burning issues of society and the divisions of America were symbolized in many ways by the massive gatherings that focused on music but promised to change the pattern of human interaction.   

Time magazine ran a feature article on the Powder Ridge event, while The New York Times and many other newspapers produced a series of lengthy stories on the gathering of nearly 30,000 young people that took place despite a court injunction that prohibited the 30 advertised artists, including some of the biggest names in the world of rock music, from attending.  The only musician who appeared was Melanie Safka, who was smuggled on site in disguise and performed with a sound system jerry-rigged from a generator on a Mister Softee truck.    

You can learn more about Melanie’s performance and many other unusual incidents at the Hubbard Room of the Russell Library on March 10 at 7:00, when Society member Bill Ryczek will make a presentation and lead a group discussion on the festival.  

If you attended the event, bring your memories and join in.  For more information about this free event, call the MCHS at 860-346-0746.


(top photo courtesy of the Tribune Company/Hartford Courant.)

Follow Your Art (2/09-12)

Tuesday February 9:
Lindsay Wright presents her Senior Recital at 7 p.m. in Wesleyan's Memorial Chapel.  Titled "A Violin Recital", the concert will feature works from Baroque to contemporary. The event is free and open to the public.

Wednesday February 10:

The Middlesex County Historical Society presents Diana Ross McCain at 7 p.m. in the Hubbard Room of the Russell Library.  Ms. McCain will talk about her book "It Happened in Connecticut: From Witchtrails to the Invention of Modern Football, Twenty-Five Events That Shaped the Nutmeg State" - in fact, you'll find out why Connecticut is named the "Nutmeg State." The author earned her Master' Degree in History from Wesleyan, has been a regular contributor to The Hartford Courant, Connecticut magazine and others, and currently head of the Research Center at the Connecticut Historical Society.  Her talk is free and open to the public.

Our local Historical Society also has a new website and it's an impressive upgrade. Go to www.middlesexhistory.org and take virtual tours of several exhibits, travel the Heritage Trail, and check the myriad ways to support the many activities of the group.

"The Evening Oasis" is the name of the monthly Belly Dance presentation at The Buttonwood Tree.  The demonstration and performance begins at 7:30 p.m.

Thursday February 11:

The Ring Family Israeli Film Series at Wesleyan continues with 2 episodes of the award-winning Israeli television series "A Touch Away" at 8 p.m. in the Goldsmith Family Cinema.  That's located inside of the Center for Family Studies on Washington Terrace.  The most-watched series in the history of Israeli television, the program is best described as "a contemporary Romeo and Juliet story which centers on two neighboring families in the Orthodox suburb of Bnei Barak: one ultra orthodox and the other secular Russian. Beautiful, religious Rochele is about to enter into an arranged marriage with a wealthy young bridegroom from the right family.  But then she meets handsome Zorik from Russia who moves into the neighbouring apartment while awaiting the arrival of his secular family from Russia. The forbidden love that soon develops between the young neighbors threatens the two families' deeply rooted cultural assumptions and beliefs." Preceding the screening, Professor Olga Gershenson (University of Massachusetts/Amherst)  will talk titled "Aliya to the Movies: Russian-Israelis On and Off Screens." The event is free and open to the public. 

Friday February 12:
This is the weekend for the Young Organ Virtuosi at Wesleyan, 3 concerts featuring both guest artists and students.  The opening concert takes place at 8 p.m. in Memorial Chapel and features Adam Pajan, who will perform works of Tournemire, Franck, Demessieux, Bach and Reger.  Pajan, Director of Music and Organist at Christ Episcopal Church in Guilford, is currently a Master of Music candidate in organ performance at the Institute of Sacred Music at Yale. The event is free and open to the public.  

Singer-songwriter Heather Maloney, whose CD "Cozy Razor's Edge" was issued late last year, brings her original sound to The Buttonwood Tree for an 8 p.m. show.  Trained as a jazz singer, Maloney has a facile voice and is developing into a top-notch songwriter - the tunes on her new release have a "rockish, Americana" feel.  Joining her are guitarist Joe Boyle and bassist Wes Brown (Wesleyan graduate and fine jazz player.)  To find out more, go to www.myspace.com/heathermaloneymusic. To reserve a seat or 2, call 860-347-4957.

Violinist Kersten Stevens (pictured here with President Obama) is the featured performer in the "Haiti Relief Gospel Extravaganza" taking place at 8 p.m. in Crowell Concert Hall.  Joining the fine musician will be the Yale Gospel Choir as well as a company of talented dancers and a variety of performers from Wesleyan University.  Her music blends jazz, funk, r'n'b, hip hop and more into an exciting and inspiring performance.  For ticket information, call the University Box Office at 860-685-3355. To learn more about Ms. Stevens, go to www.kerstenstevens.com. 

Boney's Music Lounge present the Liviu Pop Group featuring Dan Cipriano (saxophone) and Petey Hop (guitar) at 9 p.m.  The word "funky" would best describe the sounds emanating from the bandstand on this night. 

  

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.

And Me Without My Camera

I attended 2 of the myriad events in Middletown on Thursday night (June 11.)

At 5:30 p.m., the Middlesex County Historical Society celebrated the introduction of Attorney Deborah Shapiro as its new Executive Director. There was a good-sized crowd (65 at its height) and Deb delivered a gracious speech about her love of the subject of history and how much she enjoys working in the General Mansfield House, the people she meets and all the amazing artifacts she comes in contact with. MCHS Board President Bill Ryczek spoke about the launch of the Society's Capital and Endowment campaign. A lovely spread of finger foods, cheese, fruit and desserts along with a nice selection of wines was enjoyed by the group. For more information about the MCHS, stop down to 151 Main Street - it's quite impressive.

Afterwards, I walked up to Congregation Adath Israel where the Veterans Memorial Theatre Organization presented "American Warriors: Scenes from Plays about 20th Century Wars." Many of the actors in the troupe have never participated in organized theater activities but all acquitted themselves admirably. The works chosen ranged from humorous to shocking to very serious to Ron Winter's recollections of his time in Vietnam and, especially, his boot-camp instructor and the leader of the his helicopter group. (His talk came from his book "Master of the Art: A Fighting Marine's Memoir of Vietnam." ) Most effective was the opening piece, a selection from Major Andrew Olmstead, the letter he left behind in case of his death while he was serving in Iraq (the Major was a victim of sniper fire.)

The organizers stressed that the pieces were neither anti- or pro-war and truly the work was apolitical. What was important is the majority of the selections exposed the audience to the different conditions our men and women face as soldiers, not only as they spend time in foreign lands and war zones but back here at home.

You can find out more about the Company by going to www.vetstheatre.org.

Events This Week (Part1)

The following item takes place Tuesday March 24 at 7 p.m. in the Hubbard Room of The Russell Library, 123 Broad Street.

“The Life and Times of William Webb: An African-American Civil War Soldier” will be presented by Kevin Johnson. Mr. Johnson will portray Private Webb who was from Hartford and was recruited in 1863 to serve in the Twenty-Ninth (Colored) Regiment, Connecticut Volunteer Infantry. Johnson’s portrayal of Webb is told from an emotional and exciting first-person perspective that vividly illustrates the struggle of the African-Americans in the Colored Infantry during the Civil War. The presentation is based on extensive research in the collections of the Connecticut State Library and the Museum of Connecticut History in Hartford.

Mr. Johnson is an employee of the State Library’s History and Genealogy Unit. The program is co-sponsored by Russell Library and the Middlesex County Historical Society in conjunction with the Society’s exhibit “Hard & Stirring Times—Middletown and the Civil War.” The program is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call 347-2528, extension 135.

Also on Tuesday, Jazz at Public, 337 Main Street, presents vocalist Charmagne backed by a quartet featuring Steven Porter (bass), Doug Porter (guitar), Tim Porter (drums), and Middletown resident David Davis (saxophone). The music starts at 6 p.m. and goes until 9:30.

Words, Jazz, Words, Party!

Much to do this week and it all starts tonight (Monday February 9.)

The Center for the Humanities at Wesleyan continues its weekly Lecture Series tonight at 8 p.m. in The Russell House, 350 High Street, with Gretchen Bakke. Ms. Bakke, Andrew Mellon Postdoctoral Fellow at the Center, will deliver at talk titled "Self in Sloven Society", a critical look at how the changes in the core politics of Slovenia have affected its populace. The talk is free and open to the public.

On Tuesday, Jazz at Public, 337 Main Street, presents an all-star quintet led by Rob "The Drummer" Gottfried, from 5:30 - 9 p.m. Joining him will be one of the busiest musicians in the Hartford area, Don DePalma (piano), as well as Burt Teague (guitar), Bob Laramie (bass) and Jose Goico (percussion.) For more information, call 343-8850.

The Distinguished Writers Series at The Russell House, sponsored by the Wesleyan Writing Program and the Center for the Arts, welcomes Rebecca Brown for an 8 p.m. reading. Ms. Brown, author of "The Gifts of the Body", "The Last Time I Saw You" and 1o other books of prose, has won the Lambda Literary Prize and a Washington State Governor's Award. The reading, followed by a reception, is free and open to the public. For more information, go to www.wesleyan.edu/writing/distinguished_writers/.

The Middlesex County Historical Society, 151 Main Street, is having a party on Lincoln's Birthday. It is the 200th anniversary of our 16th President's birth and the Society will be serving his favorite foods and a variety of libations. In addition to the fine Civil War exhibition currently on display in the General Mansfield House, there will be a special exhibit of Lincolm memorablia from the Society's collection and items on loan from several private collectors. The party takes place from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. For more information, call 346-0746.

The MCHS is also proud to announce the appointment of Deborah Shapiro, Middletown attorney, as its new Executive Director. Attorney Shapiro, a long-time member of the Society's Board of Director (as well as the Chair of the Russell Library board), was a history major at Connecticut College and has continued her love for the subject throughout her distinguished law career. The Society is quite thrilled by her appointment - she replaces Donna Baron, who will continue her association with the MCHS by volunteering as Program Chair.