Manet Tickets Are Going Quickly

Good news from my vantage point as a member of Vintage Players - the production of "Chasing Manet" that we are presenting this weekend (11/16-18) at the Green Street Arts Center is rounding into shape and looking darned good (writer's note - I am part of the cast and am really enjoying what my fellow actors are bringing to life in the black box theater space of GSAC.)

The 7 p.m. show on Saturday as well as the 3 p.m. Sunday matinee are sold out.  There are some tickets remaining for Friday night's 7 p.m. show.  Call 860-685-7797 to make a reservation or to add your name to the waiting list.

Farm Hill Interim Principal Delivers On District Promise

On Thursday, January 12th, 2012, then Superintendent of Schools Michael Frechette told the parents gathered at the Farm Hill PTA meeting that he was "committed to turning this around...we need to be transparent with our outcomes and clear with parents, clear with students, clear with staff, and we need to talk about the issues we face. Communication here really needs work....Quite frankly, it has gone on too long." Frechette's comments were of course made in the context of the "scream room" controversy, and by Monday, January 30th, Farm Hill Principal Patricia Girard had stepped out on an indefinite leave of absence.

Girard's replacement, a former principal at both Spencer and Lawrence Elementary Schools, was called out of the classroom and back into the principal's office. Citing a need to better balance his work/life responsibilities, Mark Proffitt had previously stepped out of administrative duties with an eye toward retirement along side his wife, a veteran teacher of 35 years in the Torrington School District.

So when Dr. Frechette called and asked Proffitt to step in as interim principal, Proffitt was very upfront about his plans to retire this summer: "If I were in a different place in my life, I would love to stay here. I'm having a great time working with teachers, parents and children here at Farm Hill." Because he agreed to stay only though the end of the year, Proffitt hopes a new principal is found before the end of the year so there is time to begin the transition process while students are still in school to see what's happening.

In the meantime, in just five short weeks, parents and PTA President Apryl Dudley agree that Farm Hill is "a completely different school." Dudley commented,

I have been at the school all morning. I find it hard to leave because it is now such a happy, positive environment. I can't stress to you how much happier the staff and students seem to be now that Mr. Proffitt has been here! I just met with him this morning about more exciting and fun events he is planning for the school and our 5th graders. I look forward to working with him for the remainder of this school year and hope his positive behavior and great ideas continue next year with a new principal. The school which once had a "Black Cloud" lingering over it now has "sunshine."

Mark Proffitt obviously is excited about the positive direction he sees the school moving in. “My big issue and primary focus at this point is to gain as much positive press about the school as we can.” His secondary focus is to reach out to parents to engage in a meaningful dialog, and a third priority is to maintain open communications. To accomplish these goals, Proffitt has turned to some "old school" techniques to build community:

[Author's note: I say "old school" because it's stuff I remember from my elementary school days, and I'm fairly old, so that counts as a legitimate descriptor as far as I'm concerned.]

• There's a new white board in the main hallway at the foot of the stars that lists all the events/important information happening at the school in one place.
• All the school events between now and the end of the year are posted on the school's website.
• Morning announcements occur each morning over the intercom, including the Pledge of Allegiance*, a time for silent meditation, updates on activities, student reminders (including behavior expectation reminders), and acknowledgement of student accomplishments outside of school functions.
• Mr. Proffitt gets on each bus every morning to greet students and gets back on at the end of the day to say good-by.
• Mr. Proffitt is very visible during the day in the cafeteria, the playground, the hallway, and even in classrooms.
• On Fridays, Mr. Proffitt's Reflections go home with students, and all of the weekly letters are posted here on the school's website.
• A DATTCO bus has been arranged to pick up families from Traverse Square and Green Street for all PTA activities through the end of the year.
• The Partnership Committee has met and is ready to roll out a new Social Compact at parent conferences during the week of March 28. Parents will also get a fridge magnet listing the STARR behaviors (Safe, Trustworthy, A+ Attitude, Respectful, Responsible) the school teaches and enforces in the social curriculum.
• Mr. Proffitt personally visits Traverse Square and the Green Street Art Center as part of his after school routine to conduct parent outreach and to support the after school programs in those locations.
• The student survey on school climate, set into motion by the Superintendent's Farm Hill Support Plan, has been conducted and is awaiting final review.

While concrete evidence of changing attitudes satisfies even the most serious doubters, also noticeable was a language change: Mr. Proffitt used words like positive, caring, responsive, pro-active, vigilant, firm, respectful, and visible to describe his job and his focus. He also spoke confidently of his "menu" of choices to address student behavioral issues as they arose, and easily rattled off more than half a dozen options available to him when students act out. Not coincidentally, no phone calls have been made to the police since Proffitt's arrival more than five weeks ago, and he insists that the atmosphere on the buses has changed for the better.

"When you expect kids to misbehave, of course they do. When you expect a high standard of behavior out of kids, then they rise to your expectations and behave well, " Proffitt explained. This pro-active focus, instead of a reactive one, seems to have won over the hearts of Farm Hill students and parents, and many are already wishing Proffitt would stay. Assistant Superintendent Barbara Senges confirmed that the search for a new principal is underway, with the "in-house" posting closing this week. This means that by contract, Senges has to post the job opening to district administrators first. Senges also talked about the selection process itself:

There will be parents on the Committee and the plan is to have finalists meet parents and staff prior to the Board making its choice. It is also our hope to have someone chosen before the end of the year, so that there will be an opportunity for the community to meet the new principal.

In the end, Proffitt admitted that a school is "only as successful as our parents' involvement," meaning that he needs parental wisdom, support, and thoughts on how to challenge and support all Farm Hill students. He went on to say, "I need to let parents know 'we need you,' and if we have their unconditional support, that's key!" Proffitt also credited Donna Merino, the District's Parent Resource Coordinator, as a key player in the effort to reach out and engage parents in the school's mission.

Now, if only Public Works could make some headway on the parking lot situation, Farm Hill might just be well on the road to sunnier days!

*In case you're curious...

I'm from the Midwest originally, and I've never experienced a school that didn't have morning announcements and a collective Pledge of Allegiance to start the day. Eighth graders at my school had the honor of reading morning announcements and leading the Pledge. It was a nerve-racking rite of passage, but an awesome one at the same time. I have to admit I was a little shocked to hear that the pledge wasn't part of the morning routine at Farm Hill. Here's what I found out after a review of state law and BOE policy:

C.G.S. Sec. 10-230. Flags in schoolrooms and schools. Policy on the reciting of the "Pledge of Allegiance".

(c) Each local and regional board of education shall develop a policy to ensure that time is available each school day for students in the schools under its jurisdiction to recite the "Pledge of Allegiance". The provisions of this subsection shall not be construed to require any person to recite the "Pledge of Allegiance".

Middletown Public Schools Policy 6115 (a) Pledge of Allegiance

Each school within the district shall provide time each school day for students to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Such recitation is voluntary.

I'm not trying to start an argument about whether or not the Pledge forces religion on those not wishing to have it, I'm simply trying to point out that simple rituals have immense power to create community. I suppose someone could also call it brain-washing if he or she were really anti-government, but please try in good faith to see what I'm after. There was no magic used at Farm Hill to make a huge difference in a small amount of time...no pixie dust, nothing in the water, no secret formula. It was simply good customer service, plain old common sense, and a man who loves children and teachers leading in a job he absolutely adores. So let's replicate those efforts everywhere we can! We can get behind all the other fine teachers and administrators in our town, collectively expect the leadership that brings the results we desire, and push hard in the direction of the change we want [and yeah for the Pledge of Allegiance too]!

Flute Master

While the focus this week is on Sunday's graduation (and the Commencement Address by Dr. Paul Farmer), there are a slew of events taking place this weekend.

The Benefit Concert for the After-School Programs at the Green Street Arts Center features Wes grad (1986) Tierney Sutton, one of the finer contemporary jazz vocalists. The show takes place Friday at 8:30 p.m. in Crowell Concert Hall.  Tickets are available online at www.wesleyan.edu/cfa or by call the Box Office at 860-685-3355.

Joining Ms. Sutton is the fine flutist Hubert Laws (pictured left) and guitarist Larry Koonse.  Laws, recently honored as one of the NEA's 2011 Jazz Masters, has been active on the contemporary music scene for 5 decades, ever since moving to New York City to study at Juilliard School of Music. He would study classical technique during the day and play jazz gigs at night.  Within a decade, Laws was one of the most in-demand musicians for studio dates and live performances.  The recordings he made for CTI in the early 1970s combined jazz and classical music ("The Rite of Spring", Satie's "Gymnopedie No. 1", JS Bach's "Brandenburg Concerto") with works by Sonny Rollins, John Coltrane and Chick Corea.  His tone is just gorgeous, his creative choices intelligent and he is a consummate professional. 

So, it makes sense for Wesleyan to tout Ms. Sutton's appearance - after all, she is an accomplished graduate and a very involved alumna.  Having musicians such as Mr. Laws and the very accomplished Mr. Koonse (his CV is stellar) only makes this concert even more attractive.

Tyshawn Soars

This is a very busy week for percussionist/composer/pianist/trombonist and Wesleyan Graduate Student Tyshawn Sorey.  Not a new issue for the young man from Newark, New Jersey, as he is often flying around the country or the world as a member of different musical ensembles.  He's been travel doen to New York City for an evening gig and be back in Middletown for class the next day. I've seen him play drums in a jazz band one night and trombone in a klezmer ensemble the next.  His own music channels modern Classical music, especially the Minimalism of Morton Feldman.  He can "drive" a "creative music" ensemble such as Fieldwork (featuring the brilliant pianist Vijay Iyer and saxophonist/conceptualist/Wesleyan graduate Steve Lehman.

Equally as impressive is that Tyshawn Sorey is unassuming, quiet, and approachable.

As I stated above, this is a very busy time for the 30-year old musician/student. Tonight (April 28) at 9 p.m., he and an impressive ensemble of friends and fellow students present "Selected Works (2009-11)" in Memorial Chapel on the Wesleyan campus.  Prepare to be surprised, challenged and impressed.

Tomorrow night, heads to New Haven and Firehouse 12 (45 Crown Street) to perform with Iraqi-American Amir ElSaffar's Two Rivers ensemble.  Sorey replaces scheduled percussionist Nasheet Waits in the sextet.  For more information, call 203-785-0468 or go to www.firehouse12.com.

On Sunday (May 1), Sorey is back in town taking part in "The Peacock and The Turtle Dove: Exploring Yiddish and Anglo-American Song Traditions" to be held at 2 p.m. in the Green Street Arts Center. Go to middletowneyenews.blogspot.com/2011/04/peacock-and-turtle-dove.html to read more about the event created by Amanda Scherbenske and Tim Eriksen.  Call 860-685-7871 to make reservations.

Becoming Home

Playwright-actress-educator Janis Astor del Valle (pictured left) returns to Middletown this Friday night to perform her latest play, "Becoming Joaquin", at 8 p.m. in the Performance Space of the Green Street Arts Center.  It's a homecoming of sorts in that Ms. Astor del Valle served as the Executive Director of Green Street for several years before leaving to concentrate on her theatrical endeavors.  

You may remember "Trans-Plantations", her autobiographical one-woman show she performed here in 2008. Her new one-woman play tells the story of a transgendered Latino and coming to grips with his sexuality.  Ms. Astor del Valle plays the title role as well as the girlfriend and family members.  Through the characters, the playwright talks and teaches about confusion, realization, acceptance and rejection as well as the conditions people often place on love.  The play, directed by Middletown resident Carolyn Kirsch, is being presented as part of Green Street's "Queer Art Series."  To find out more, go to www.greenstreetartscenter.org.  To make a reservation, call 860-685-7871.  For more information about the playwright/performer, go to http://janisastor.com.

Sherlock Holmes' London

If you're looking for some intellectual and aesthetic stimulation this afternoon, head over to the Sunday Salon at the Green Street Arts Center. Wesleyan English Department Professor Stephanie Weiner will be discussing London as seen through the eyes of Arthur Conan Doyle, James Abbot McNeill Whistler, Oscar Wilde, and others (including, no doubt, Robert Downey Junior and Jude Law). More detail here. The Salon begins at 2 p.m.

[A curious pair inspecting the interior of 221B Baker Street, London, ca. 2007. Photo by Pearse Saines Pinch.]

Music Outdoors and In

Tuesday July 27:
The MCA-sponsored "Summer Sounds" series presents The Ken Morr Band at 7 p.m. on South Green.  Expect to hear folk and folk/rock, sweet sounds for a Summer evening.  In case of rain, the show moves indoors to South Church. The event is free and open to the public.

Wednesday July 28:

The United States Coast Guard Band (9 of whom are pictured here on a Japanese tour) are this week's musical offering in the "Music at the Mansion" series at Long Hill Estate, 421 Wadsworth Street. If you've never heard the USCGB, what a treat - these fine musician can and do play just about any kind of music you could imagine, from Broadway to folk music to classics to flag wavers. The event is free and open to the public.  The grounds open at 5:30 and the band begins to play at 6:30 p.m.  If you want a taste of the ensemble's music, go to www.uscg.mil/band/.  For more information about the Mansion, go to www.wadswortthansion.com. 

Thursday July 29:

This is the poster for "Guys and Dolls", the Middletown Teen Theater production opening on this night and running through Sunday August 1 at the Performing Arts Center in Middletown High School, 200 LaRosa Lane.  Performances are 7 p.m. through Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday.  The youthful cast is working hard and the show should be loads of fun.  For ticket information, go to www.middletownteentheater.com.

"Writers Out Loud!: Cream of the Crop" features a number of writers from the Middletown area who have been in a workshop, submitted their best work and will be presenting these pieces at 7 p.m. in the Green Street Arts Center. Cocomo Rock and Al Bowers have been working with the writers and I have the honor of presenting the best pieces to come from their efforts.  For more information, call 860-685-7871.

The Russell Library continues its "Courtyard Concerts" series with the Indra Jazz Trio at 7 p.m. Originally from New York City, vocalist Indra Rios-Moore began working with bassist Thomas Sejthen and saxophonist/clarinetist Benjamin Traerup in 2006 and moved to Denmark the following year. The trio's eclectic repertoire ranges from jazz standards to classic blues tunes to folk and "r'n'b." Indra has a rich voice, husky, dark, with a fine range and dramatic presence.  Joining them on several tunes will be vocalist/fiddler/Middletown resident Rani Arbo.  To find out more about Indra and her music, go to http://indra.dk.  The concert is free and open to the public.

Running, Jumping or Standing Still

Another week in July with plenty to do, outside and in.

Today July 20:

"Why Theater Today?" is the provocative title of a talk to be delivered at 12:10 p.m. by Eric Ting as the final program in the Summer 2010 "CFA Days" series. Ting, Associate Artistic Director at the Long Wharf Theatre in New Haven, has directed several of the LWT's most successful productions including "Underneath the Lintel", "The Old Man and the Sea" and "Sylvia."  He's also directed works at Hartford Stage, in Boston and and on the West Coast. Recently named as one of American Theater Magazine's "25 to Watch" (along with HartBeat Ensemble's Steven Ginsburg and Hartford-area native Anika Noni Rose), Ting will discuss the future of live theater in the 21st Century.  The talk takes place in CFA Hall and is free and open to the public.

The Summer Sounds Series continues this evening on Middletown's South Green with the music of the John Valerio Band.  Valerio's ensemble plays music that spans the decades from Duke Ellington to the Rolling Stones to Willie Nelson. The free performance begins at 7 p.m.  In case of rain, the show moves indoors to South Church, on the corner of Main & Pleasant Streets.  

Wednesday July 21:

Scroll down the page a bit and you'll read about the 6th Annual Citizens Band 5K Summer Fun Run.  If you would rather pack a picnic and hear some funky rock music, the "Music at the Mansion" Series (on the expansive back lawn of the Wadsworth Mansion on the Long Hill Estate) presents the Michael Cleary Band at 6:30 p.m.  The MCB, led by vocalist/guitarist Cleary (pictured left, courtesy of Seeing Spots Photography), is a dynamic sextet also featuring Lee Sylvestre (guitar), Vince Delaria (keyboards), Jedd Chlebowski (bass), Edmund Peart (drums) and Frank Bauer (percussion). Cleary assembled the band nearly 20 years ago and they are one of the busiest and most popular ensembles in the state. Check out the MCB and its music at www.michaelclearyband.com. 
The grounds open at 5:30 p.m. for those wishing to enjoy an early supper and stake out a shady spot. To learn more, go to www.wadsworthmansion.com. 

Thursday July 22:

The Luis Lopez Herb Garden Series continues with the New Haven-based Downshift Blues Band.  The quintet plays a saucy blend of Chicago blues, Southern Rock and classic Soul Music.  Composed of Steve Plaziak (guitar), Tom Knapp (saxophone, flute, harmonica), Dan Rausch (keyboards, vocals), Ed DuBose (bass, vocals) and Russell Tolson (drums), Downshift is fun to listen to.  The event takes place at 6:30 p.m. in the Herb Garden, located on the corner of Main & Green Streets, and is free.  The rain date is July 29.


Don't forget about the numerous events at the Green Street Arts Center (go to www.greenstreetartscenter.org to see the list) and the Oddfellows Playhouse Summer Shakespeare production of "Twelfth Night" (read it about here) running Thursday through Saturday.


Friday July 23:

The duo of Eiko & Koma present "Raven" at 8 p.m. in the World Music Hall of Wesleyan University, Wyllys Avenue. The work, part of the duo's 3-year retrospective, is described on their website thusly: "The earth is precious in part because it can be unyielding. The landscape does not squander its riches on us; we have to negotiate our survival. Thinking this way, and remembering the pungent street smells from their childhood in post-war Japan, Eiko & Koma add this dimension by scorching the set. The odor of burnt material becomes an aspect of the work and reminds us that it is not only we humans who are hungry; the animals and spirits and the earth itself are hungry for nourishment and for intimacy." The front page of the website - eikoandkoma.org - features an excerpt from the work.  For ticket information, go to www.wesleyan.edu/cfa or call the Box Office at 860-685-3355. 

Playwrights Seek Actors!

The Floating Theater Company will presents its 4th Annual "New Works" Festival on Thursday July 15 at 7 p.m.  in the Green Street Arts Center. The event features staged readings of new plays by Connecticut writers - this year's event is titled "In Your Face - Untamed and Unapologetic" This are adult plays concerned with political and social issues and contain adult language. Therefore, leave the young ones at home.

Well, you can not put on a festival without players.  To that end, the FTC is holding auditions this Monday (June 21) in the main auditorium of Congregation Adath Israel, 8 Broad Street.  No "head shots", no prepared monologues, just show up at 7 p.m. - the playwrights and directors will share scripts and talk about the event.  To find out more, call 860-685-7860 or go to www.newhaventheatercompany.com/email/950/field_producer_email
and drop them a note.

January (Arts) Thaw (Mon - Fri)

Even if the temperature is not moving upwards (the promise of 40 by Thursday), the arts calendar in town is starting to fill out. 

Monday January 11:
The "Anything Goes Open Mic", hosted by J-Cherry, takes place at 8 p.m. in The Buttonwood Tree (right after the Wing Chun Martial Arts study group, scheduled for 6 - 7 p.m.) For more information, go to www.buttonwood.org. 

Last Friday afternoon on WMRD-AM's "Best of the Valley-Shore", I spoke with Sarah-Jane Ripa, artistic and educational coordinator for the Green Street Arts Center, about the GSAC's very busy Winter Schedule.  On this day, the "Balinese Dance" and "Yoga" classes begin while, on Tuesday, the "Flash Forward Photography Meetup" and "World Music Passport" series commence.  Call them at 860-685-7871 or go online to www.greenstreetartscenter.org/ to find out about these and the other exciting offering for January and February.

Wednesday January 13:
The monthly Belly Dance performance/workshop takes place at 7:30 p.m. in The Buttonwood Tree. For more information, call 860-347-4957.

Thursday January 14:
Also appearing with Sarah-Jane Ripa last Friday was Bente Petersen, curriculum director for the Middlesex Institute for Lifelong Education (MILE), a 3-semester (Winter, Spring & Fall) program held at Middlesex Community College. It's open to active adults 50 years and older - you can see their offerings at www.mileonline.org.  On this day at 1 p.m., Howard Wright (pictured left) presents "Simply Lincoln" - in the performer's words,

"The purpose of “Simply Lincoln” is for the audience to measure Abraham Lincoln’s greatness by listening to his actual words and unique use of the English language. The program’s accuracy and authenticity is dependable; all selected speeches, letters, and quotes are taken from Roy P. Basler’s definitive eight-volume set, The Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln. "  

To find out more about Wright's lifelong passion, go to http://.simplylincoln.com. 

 Friday January 15:

The Green Street Arts Center presents Vintage Notion, a trio based on Moodus composed of Chris DiSalvo, Johnny Barbi and Massimiliano Nikita Barbi.  They play an exciting brand of progressive and will do just that at 7 p.m.  For more information, call 860-685-7871.

The Buttonwood Tree hosts "POSITIVITY - HipHop by ConnectBeats" at 8 p.m.  3 performers - Elvee, DJ Berk and N.E.B - play live and mix beats, jams and raps for an evening of exciting music and fun.  Call 860-347-4957 for more information.

What's Going On This Week (9/24-9/26)

Thursday September 24:
2 Movie series vie for your attention this evening. "Common Ground: An International Film Festival" is a collaboration of Middlesex Community College, the Russell Library, the Middletown Commission on the Arts, Wesleyan University and the Green Street Arts Center. 6 movies will be shown from 9/24 - 11/5, films produced in Eastern Europe, Asia, Italy and a Native American feature. On this night, head down to the Green Street Arts Center to watch the 2007 Mexican film "Under the Same Moon" ("La Misma Luna".) Directed by Patricia Riggin from a script by Ligiah Villalobos, the story centers on a young boy's journey across the U.S./Mexico border to be reunited with his mother who is an illegal alien. He had been living with his grandmother who has died unexpectedly. The film follows both the son and mother as they desparately seek each other. The screening, free and open to the public, begins at 7 p.m. For more information, call the Russell Library at 347-2528, extension 135.

The Elia Kazan Centennial Celebration at Wesleyan continues with a showing of his 1950 classic "Panic in the Streets." No, it's not about government health care option but the story of a government health official and a New Orleans police captain who work together to thwart an outbreak of the bubonic plague. Starring Richard Widmark, Paul Douglas, Barbara Bel Geddes, and Zero Mostel, the movie was the film debut of Jack Palance and is also Kazan's homage to the "film noir" techniques of post-World War II European directors. Introducing the film will be Scott Higgins, Associate Professor of Film Studies at Wesleyan. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, go to www.wesleyan.edu/filmstudies/specialevents.html or call 685-2220.
The Buttonwood Tree welcomes singer/songwriter Jenn Freidman for a 7:30 p.m. show. Joining her will be the rhythm section of Seth Faulk (drums) and Steven Himmelstein (bass.) For more information, call 347-4957.

Friday September 25:
The Breaking Ground Dance Series at Wesleyan begins its 2009-10 season with the Stephen Petronio Dance Group. Now in its 25th season, the troupe presents "I Dance the Air Before Me", a evening-length work that is, according to the choreographer, inspired by extreme weather. The title comes from Williamm Shakespeare's "The Tempest." It's quite the collaboration, featuring costumes created by Cindy Sherman and Adam Kimmel and a score from the "hot" young classical composer Nico Muhly. Making a cameo appearance will be the Middletown High School Chamber Choir. Performances are 8 p.m. both Friday and Saturday nights, with a 7:15 pre-Concert Talk on Friday only. For tickets, call 685-3355 or online at www.wesleyan.edu/cfa. To find out more about Stephen Petronio and his dancers, go to http://stephenpetronio.com/.

There's a double-bill of singers-songwriters at The Buttonwood Tree. The evening begins at 7:30 p.m. with Eric Paradine, a veteran of the Connecticut folk music scene. Headlining the concert is Hartford-native Alli Millstein (pictured left) who got her start at the Hartford Academy of the Performing Arts. Millstein began her career as a jazz singer and has since moved into an "indie-folk-rock" style. She now performs throughout the Northeast and in New York City. Click here to hear of her tunes. For reservations, call 347-4957.

Boney's Music Lounge welcomes the Kathy Thompson Blues Band for a return engagement. The joint starts jumping at 8:30 p.m. For more information, call 346-6000.

Saturday September 26:
The gentleman pictured on the left, Jason Duckles, presents "Cello All Alone" at 2 p.m. in the Hubbard Room of the Russell Library. Middletown residents know Jason as an educator and member of the Amelia Piano Trio and he has had a busy career as a soloist and member of chamber ensembles. His program features music by J.S. Bach, John Harbison, and Augusta Read Thomas. The concert is free and open to the public. For more information, call 347-2528, extension 135.

The Middletown Symphonic Band, Marco Gaylord, conductor, celebrates its 30th Anniversary with a gala concert to be held at 7 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center at Middletown High School, LaRosa Lane. The evening also honors MSB founder Santo Fragilio, long-time teacher and advocate for the arts in Middletown as well as a fine violinist. He'll bring along that violin and perform the 2nd Movement from the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto. For ticket information, go to http://middletownsymphonicband.org/ or call 342-4363.

The Riverwood Poetry Series presents an Open Mic at 6:30 p.m. in The Buttonwood Tree. Bring a poem or 2 as well as a non-perishable food item for the St. Vincent de Paul Place.

Boney's Music Lounge seems to be the new home for the Liviu Pop Group. The drummer will be back there this evening with an ensemble featuring guitarist Chris McDermott. The fun and funk starts at 8:30 p.m.

Turned the Corner and Heading for a Busy Autumn

Labor Day's over, school has started, Wesleyan is revving up and Vecchitto's is closing (sigh...) but the local arts venues are already into their Fall season. Hopefully, you're checking out Oddfellows Playhouse "Around the World in 80 Days" promotion (as they say..."Brilliant!)

On Thursday evening (9/10), The Green Street Arts Centers offers 2 separate events, both at 7 p.m. It's the opening session for "Flash Forward Photography", an opportunity to meet to GSAC's Artistic & Education Coordinator Sarah-Jane Ripa and discuss the focus (no pun intended) and direction of the upcoming workshops. The other event taking place features Al Bower and Cocomo Rock as the co-hosts of "Writer's Out Loud: Literary Open Mic." Writers, essayists and poets have up to 10 minutes to present their works (excerpts are fine) and there will be time for feedback. For more information about both programs, call 685-7871 or go to www.greenstreetartscenter.org.

Also on Thursday, The Buttonwood Tree resumes its monthly Open Mic. Hosted by guitarist and vocalist Bob Gotta, musicians are welcome to try out new material in front of an appreciative audience. Sign-ups begin at 6:30 p.m. and the music at 7.

Friday September 1 is a busy day. The Friends of the Russell Library holds its "bag book" sale this weekend (Friday - Monday but not Sunday), an opportunity to find some great bargains on your autumnal reading. The sale goes on during regular Library hours. Call 347-2528, extension 135, for more information.

The Middlesex Institute for Lifelong Education (MILE) holds its Fall Orientation Program at 10 a.m. in Chapman Hall on the campus of Middlesex Community College, Training Hill Road. To find out more about this fine program for "Senior Adult Education", go to http://mileonline.org/id17.html.


The first exhibition of the Fall 2009 season at Wesleyan's Zilkha Gallery comes on the heels of the 4th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina's deadly attack on New Orleans and the Gulf Coast region. "Emergency Response Studio" is the work of Paul Villinski and is based on his belief that artists should be deployed as "part of the mix of disaster workers, medical personnel, NGO’s, architects, and urban planners – those people charged with responding to, repairing, and re-envisioning disaster sites like New Orleans.” To that end, Villinski took a 30-foot Gulfstream Trailer, identical to the ones sent to the Gulf area replaced its innards with "entirely “green” technology and building materials, including recycled denim insulation, bamboo cabinetry, compact fluorescent lighting, reclaimed wood, and natural linoleum floor tiles made from linseed oil. It is powered by eight mammoth batteries that store energy generated by an array of solar panels and a “micro” wind turbine atop a 40-foot high mast. Not only practical, Emergency Response Studio is a visually engaging structure with an expansive work area featuring a wall section that lowers to become a deck. A ten-foot, elliptical geodesic skylight allows extra headroom and natural lighting in the work area." (the quotes are from an interview with the artist on the website, offcite.org - read the entire article at http://offcite.org/2009/01/08/paul-villinskis-emergency-response-studio.)

The trailer/studio will be set up on the lawn of the CFA Courtyard while, inside the Gallery, one can read about the project and about "green" technology. The opening reception takes place Friday at 5 p.m. and the Trailer will be in situ until November 8. For more information, go to www.wesleyan.edu/cfa.

Cathy Kreger, Marci Geller and Susan DeVita are 3 fine singer-songwriters who have banded together to form "Lucky 13" and they bring their show to The Buttonwood Tree this Friday evening at 7:30 p.m. Their music blends folk, rock, jazz, blues and pop influences imto an entertaining program filled with bright harmonies and sweet melodies. To find out more about the trio, go to www.lucky13.fm. To reserve a seat, call 347-4957.

Boney's Music Lounge presents the Liviu Pop Group with special guest Chris Vitarello (guitar) for a evening of powerful rock and funk. The music starts at 8:30 p.m.

We'll look at a very busy weekend in a future posting.

Jewelry Making Tonight!

(Click on poster to enlarge it)

Enjoy the pleasure of a summer evening during North End Nights, a free night of for people of all ages.

This weekly series of participatory arts workshops held outdoors the Luis Lopez Herb Garden (corner of Green and Main Streets) continues tonight, Thursday, July 23rd with Jewelry Making, led by Cookie Quinones at 5:30pm.

Afterward, enjoy the music of R & B Band, Shaded Soul in the Luis Lopez Herb Garden or stop by the Buttonwood Tree book sale or the MAC650 Gallery to see The As Yet Un_named Show featuring Tracy Lynch, Andre Rochester, James Day, Melissa Williams, Matt Graham, Dan Rubenbauer, Mark Robinson, Corey Pane, Kasia Gawkoska, Anjre Kerr and Caitlyn Nadolny. You can also stop by the Buttonwood Tree from 5:00 on for the book sale. For more information on North End Nights, visit www.neatmiddletown.org.

Also, click here to download your North End Pass for discounts at North End restaurants and retailers.

This Pass is good at any and all participating businesses on any of the four Thursdays in July. Light refreshments will be served; in the event of rain, the 5:30 workshops will take place indoors at the Green Street Arts Center.

These events are Co-sponsored by the North End Action Team, the Green Street Arts Center, the Community Health Center, the Buttonwood Tree and the MAC 650 Gallery with support from the Middletown Commission on the Arts.

What's Happening This Week (Part 2)

Thursday July 9:
Besides the first of 2 shows by Doug Varone and Dancers (8 p.m. Thursday and Friday in the CFA Theater at Wesleyan - see here) and the opening evening of North End Nights (read here), one can attend the Graduate Liberal Studies Program's Open House/Gallery Talk at 6: 30 p.m. in Zilkha Gallery. For the past several weeks, the Main Gallery has hosted a teacher/student display that is quite impressive. Works by Professors or instructors John Frazer, Keiji Shinohara, Peter Waite and Marion Belanger hang alongside works by students David Beveridge, Dean Passanesi, and Charlice Culvert (her work is particularly striking.) Ms. Belanger will deliver the talk - the event is free and open to the public. The show closes this weekend, so head on over. For more information, call 685-3338.

Also tonight, the Green Street Arts Center has a busy schedule with 3 separate events. At 5:30 p.m., there is an "Arts in the Garden Photo Scavenger Hunt" followed at 7 p.m. by a meeting of the "Flash Forward" photography group. Also at 7 p.m., the GSAC Writers Out Loud group holds a "Literary Open Mic." For more information about any or all events, call 685-7871.

Friday July 10:
There will be a Songwriter Circle event 8 p.m. at The Buttonwood Tree. Scheduled to appear are Lisa Lawrence, Emma Weiss and Krizta Moon (pictured left.) All 3 are based in Connecticut and bring different influences and styles to the program. For more information, go to www.myspace.com/lisalawrence, www.myspace.com/emmaweissmusic, and www.kriztamoon.com. To reserve a seat, call 347-4957.

Boney's Music Lounge, atop Fishbone Cafe, presents the bluesy sounds of Sweet Daddy Cool Breeze at 8:30 p.m. Led by harmonica player/vocalist Wally Greaney and guitarist Mark Easton, the quartet specializes in Chicago-style electric blues. For more information about the band, go to www.myspace.com/sweetdaddylive. For more information about Boney's, call 346-6000.

Saturday July 11:
The Buttonwood Tree welcomes back the Collin Wade Jazz Quartet for an evening of mainstream music with fine improvisations. Joining alto saxophonist Wade will be Matt Smith (guitar), Ian Tait (bass) and Colleen Clark (drums.) To learn more about the band, go to www.myspace.com/collinwadejazz.

Jazz/funk returns to Boney's Music Lounge when the exciting and electrifying Melvin Sparks Trio comes back to town. Guitarist Sparks is ably assisted by organist Matthew O and drummer Bill Carbone (currently a Middletown resident and graduate student at Wesleyan.) They'll "rock the lounge" from 8:30 p.m. to 12 midnight.

On The Town June 16-19

Every week in Middletown brings the opportunity to get out of the house and into a performance space - this week is no exception.

Tuesday, join the Russell Readers as they discuss "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglas" and "American Slave" by Frederick Douglas" at 7 p.m.in Meeting Room 3 of The Russell Library. Even if you haven't read the books,you are welcome to attend the sessions. Click here to read more about the Russell Readers.

Wednesday, The Buttonwood Tree presents an "Open Theatrical Improvisation Workshop." Sign-ups begin at 7:30 p.m. and the workshop starts at 8. For more information, email Topher at topher@thediversion.com with the subject: "Workshop".

Thursday, the Floating Theater Company begins the first night of its Second Annual Festival of New Work at Oddfellows Playhouse. Friday, the scenes shift (so to speak - each night has a different program) to The Green Street Art Center. Both shows begin at 7:00 p.m., and will be followed by a reception and talk-back with the actors and playwrights of The Floating Theater Company. Jenny Lecce sent the following information about the event:
Several of the plays, including Anne Cassady's "The Session" and Michael Ennis' "The Tyrrany of Mammals", represent very different interpretations of the challenge to write a play about "the beast within."

Donagh Gleason's play, "Boys Night Out (Gods Playing Pool)", was sparked from a membership writing prompt about placing mythical gods in contemporary settings.

A few of the plays are samples of larger works currently being developed. Jean Wertz, who has just returned from attending nearly month-long workshop of Noh Theater in Japan, will be presenting just a taste of this particular theatrical art in her current work called "Traprock."
Poet and playwright Terri Klein turned her skewed view of things to a prompt that simply gave the words "Not So Fast", which is also the title of her comic piece.

Other participating playwrights are Erin Striff, Rachelle Minkoff, Jenny Lecce, Forrest Stone and Tony Palmieri. Many of the participating actors are well known to area audiences and include playwright Cassady, Michael Eck (who is also a writing member of FTC), John Basinger, Kristin Flyntz, Courtney Antonioli, Virginia Wolf, Matthew Pollack, John Calderbank, Ann Marie Sataline and Richard Kamins. For more information, send an email to floatingchallenge@gmail.com.

Also on Thursday, Rani Arbo & daisy mayhem will perform their "free-wheeling, folk-rocking, swinging, lovely balladeering" and more at 7 p.m. as part of The Russell Library's Courtyard Concert Series. Fiddler/vocalist Rani is joined by husband Scott Kessel ("Drumship Enterprise", assorted percussion), Andrew Kinsey (bass, vocals, maybe a bit of ukulele) and Anand Nayak (guitars, vocals.) In case of inclement weather (which seems to be the norm around here lately, the concert moves indoors to the Hubbard Room. The event is free and open to the public. The following day, Rani et al perform another free concert, this time at 12noon on The New Haven Green as part of the International Festival of Arts & Ideas. Following that show, Scott moves over to the Family Stage on The Green for a workshop he calls "Recycled Rhythms." Thanks to the ingenuity of Scott, young folks of all ages can make an instrument out of "found objects" or recycled items. For more information, go to http://artidea.org.

Also on Friday, The Buttonwood Tree welcomes vocalist/guitarist Miche Fambro for a 7:30 p.m. show. Fambro, a native of West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, plays a unique blend of folk, jazz, Latin music, popular standards and soul music, with an emphasis on original tunes. He's an excellent guitarist, sticking to the acoustic classical guitar and has a handsome voice. For more information, go to www.miche.com. For reservations, call 347-4957.

Boney's Music Lounge, 106 Court Street, presents trombonist/composer Jeff Albert & Quartet in concert Friday at 8:30 p.m. Albert, a resident of the New Orleans-area, plays in numerous settings, from classical to big band to blues and mainstream jazz. It's the latter genre he and the band will work out of at Boney's. Joining him will be Dave Cappello (drums), Ray Moore (alto saxophone) and Tommy Sciple (bass.) For more information, go to www.jeffalbert.com. For a complete schedule of events at Boney's, go to www.fishbonecafe.com and follow the links.

Busy Busy Week (Part 1: 6/09-6/11)

Tuesday Jazz at Public will take the summer off but not before its final show on June 9. Florida native Ellen Whyte (now a resident of Portland, Oregon) brings her blues-soaked music to Middletown for a 6 p.m. show. Joining her for this East Coast appearance will be the versatile pianist Don DePalma, tenor saxophonist Jimmy Biggins, bassist Bob Laramie and drummer Trevor Davis (all familiar names to Tuesday Jazz fans.)


Should you decide to catch just the first set of Ms. Whyte's show, you can then head over to KidCity on Washington Street for the ARTFARM Shakespeare Sonnet Slam and Elizabethan Bash. Performers of all ages will take part in reciting, acting out, shouting, whispering, etc., a 14-line work by the Bard of Avon. Special guest host is Middletown resident and Channel 3-WFSB News anchor Al Terzi. Proceeds will go to underwrite the "Shakespeare in the Grove" production of "The Taming of the Shrew" to be performed July 16-26 at MxCC. For more information, call 346-4390.

Wednesday, Main Street goes "car crazy" for the 12th Annual Cruise Night from 4:30 - 8 p.m. The street is closed off from Washington Street to the South Green, there's entertainment, food vendors and some pretty neat looking cars. Rain date is 6/17.

Thursday, the Middlesex County Historical Society holds an Open House at General Mansfield's handsome domicile, 151 Main Street, to introduce its new executive director Deborah Dickson Shapiro. Many local know Deb as an attorney and President of the Russell Library Board, but she was a history major in college and loves the subject (and, especially, Middletown history.) The Historical Society Board will be on hand to launch its capital & endowment campaign. The event is free and open to all (plus you can walk through the fine Civil War exhibition.)

The Green Street Arts Center presents an "Evening of Screenplay Readings" Thursday at 7 p.m. The program will includes excerpts from works by Michael Ennis, Sara Hallisey, Kristen Kuzcenski, Guy Russo, and Mark Sabo. Both Hallisey and Ennis have been accepted into the 2009 CT Film Festival Screenwriters Immersion Program. For more information, call 685-7871.

Connie Crothers has had a long and busy career as an improvising musician. The pianist studied with the legendary Lennie Tristano (1919-1978) and has performed or recorded with drummer Max Roach, saxophonists Lee Konitz and Warne Marsh and a host of fine musicians. Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m., Ms. Crothers will sit down at the piano in the performance space of The Buttonwood Tree and be joined by percussionist/composer Kevin Norton. For ticket information, call 347-4957.


The cast of "Harvey" returns to the stage at Oddfellows Playhouse this coming weekend for 5 more performances of Mary Chase's subtly funny 1944 comedy about Elwood P. Dowd, his sister and her daughter and the 6'6" Pooka rabbit named Harvey that isn't really there (or is it?) This Connecticut Heritage Productions and Advocate Performing Arts Association joint presentation, directed by Peter Loffredo, has several strong performances (Michael Eck as the protagonist is but one of the stalwarts.) For those of you who know that CHP and Mr. Loffredo have a long history of presenting thought-provoking shows that often challenge audiences prejudices, "Harvey" is a fun diversion. Yes, there is a message here but it's handled with plenty of humor and a touch of tenderness. Performances are 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday with 2 p.m. matinees on Saturday and Sunday. For reservations, call 347-7771.

One Very Busy Weekend (After Another)

The Center for the Arts at Wesleyan presents the Montreal-based ensemble RubberBanDance Group (2 members pictured above) Friday and Saturday (4/24 & 25) at 8 p.m. in the CFA Theatre. Led by co-Artistic Directors Anne Piamondon and Victor Quijada (also choreographer and breakdancer, RBDG will perform "Punto Ciego." They describe the piece for 6 dancers thusly: "This work is the continuing development of a vocabulary that intermixes contemporary dance with the techniques and textures of various street dance forms. Refined over the last decade, this movement style coils tight and strong in the solar plexus, as arms and legs move freely through space. The three-dimensional surfaces of the body push and carve through the space - taking the body out of the upright position and into horizontal and inverted planes." To find out more about this ground-breaking troupe, go to www.rubberbandance.com/. For tickets, call the Box Office at 685-3355 or online at www.wesleyan.edu/cfa.

The Buttonwood Tree has a slew of events each day this weekend. Friday night, the performance welcomes back the Fran Curley Group for an evening of jazz improvisations. Joining the fine drummer and Waterbury native for the 7:30 p.m. show is Dave Christopolis (bass), Ted Murray (saxophone) and Ben Kohn (piano.) To find out more about the group, go to www.francurleyjazz.com/.

Saturday (4/25), The Buttonwood and the Riverwood Poetry Series presents "TEACHER'S POeT" at 5:30 p.m., a late afternoon and evening of poetry featuring several fine student poets and the teachers that have inspired them. Scheduled to read are students Celeste Kurz, Jordan Hutensky, Brendon Anderson, and Shacoya Harts along with teachers Elizabeth Thomas, Kathryn Kelly, Ginny Lowe Connors and Rafael Oses. To find out more about this event and others in the Riverwood Poetry series, go to www.riverwoodpoetry.org/.

Elizabeth Thomas returns to The Buttonwood on Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. to host the "CT National Youth Poetry Slam Team 2009 Team Practice." The talented young poets are practicing for their participation in "Brave New Voices" taking place this July 15-19 in Chicago. The 12th annual Brave New Voices International Youth Poetry Slam Festival convenes the top young poets and spoken word artists, aged 13-19, from across the United States and beyond. Brave New Voices is a one-of-a-kind festival that truly engages everyone involved; from the participants, to the adult mentors and the audience members.
Come give them support and encouragement.

At 5 p.m. on Sunday, Martin Glover will host and facilitate the "Junk Percussion Community Circle." If you wish to take part, bring a bucket, pot, pan or anything you think might sound good when you hit it (no baby brothers or sisters - only inanimate objects), bring a drumstick or suitable mallet, and a set of earplugs and listen to the joyous cacophony. For more information about this and all Buttonwood events, call 347-4957 or go to www.buttonwood.org.

This Saturday at 7 p.m., Vinnie's Jump & Jive moves its monthly "Cheek to Cheek Swing Club Dance" to Beckham Hall on the Wesleyan campus (Wyllys Avenue.) Providing the music will be the Boilermaker Jazz Band and the evening also includes an "East Coast Swing" lesson. For more information, call 347-6971, extension 3777.

The Sunday Salon Series at the Green Street Arts Center welcomes Gina Ulysse and Kerry Kincy at 2 p.m. for a program called "Telling Voices: Movement, Words and Life History." The program features Wesleyan professor and anthropologist Ulysse with Movement Teaching Artist Kincy (Green Street instructor and TA in residence at Children's Home of Cromwell and also a member of choreographer Judy Dworin's Performance Project Inc., Moving Matters!) in a conversation "about the challenges and joys using the arts to tell stories of survival that would otherwise remain untold and explore the healing power of the arts in diverse communities." For more information, call 685-7871.

There are 2 Sunday evening concerts on the Wesleyan campus. At 7 p.m. in the World Music Hall (Wyllys Avenue), the Wesleyan Chinese Music Ensemble, Guowei Wang, music director, will present "Hearing China: Chinese Music Concert", a program of classical and contemporary works. Tickets are available by calling the Box Office at 685-3355 or online at www.wesleyan.edu/cfa.

At 7:30 p.m. in Crowell Concert Hall, "Music for Piano and Cello" features Carolyn Halsted (piano) and Julie Ribchinsky (cello) performing works by Ravel, Rorem, Moeran, and more. The concert is free and open to the public.