Friday, October 12, 2018
Thursday, October 11, 2018
FOI Requests for Confidential Information Escalates in Email Feud
The ongoing requests by Common Council member Gerry Daley for unredacted versions of communications concerning the recent investigation alleged harassment and discrimination in the mayor's and city attorney's office, has spawned a feud between the mayor and Republican Common Council member Sebastian Giuliano.
To recap, the investigation was originally launched by the Common Council after complaints that a female city employee was being treated differently than male counterparts in a job re-evaluation.
The investigation could not conclude that the mayor unduly influenced the process since testimony on both sides of the argument conflicted. However, the investigating attorney, Penny Mason noted that nearly two dozen City employees had voluntarily testified about problems in City Hall. Mason's report made several suggestions for improvements in process and communications at City Hall. In addition, the original complaint is still being considered by the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities.
Since the report was released, Common Council member Gerry Daley has relentlessly continued his pursuit of additional information about billing and communications during the probe He requested confidential information at the time the report was released, and later introduced resolutions at a Common Council meeting to demand the information. Those resolutions failed resoundingly. Most of Daley's Council colleagues believed that the information he has requested is confidential, and that revealing it would have a chilling effect on any future city whistleblowers.
Daley then filed a Freedom of Information (FOI) request for some of the information.
Daley's efforts to obtain the information continued this week with a new, sweeping FOI request for information to identify all those who communicated with the team investigating the Mayor's personnel actions:
Because the underlying investigation included the General Counsel's office, the city has hired an outside legal firm, Bill Connon and Mark Sammaruga of Pullman and Comley, to advise the city as to which documents can and should be released under the FOI statutes.
The mayor has now set a deadline of next Monday for the requests to be fulfilled.
Drew ordered the City Clerk Ashley Flynn, the Common Council Clerk Linda Reed, and the IT Director Bryan Skowera to provide all of the documents to all of the requestors.
This led to a heated email exchange between Giuliano and Drew.
Giuliano objects that fulfilling the request for confidential information was "contrary to the expressed will of the Council."
Drew tells Giuliano, "you cannot outrun the law."
Giuliano asks Drew, "When did your instructions evolve into 'state law'?"
To recap, the investigation was originally launched by the Common Council after complaints that a female city employee was being treated differently than male counterparts in a job re-evaluation.
 |
| Daley's latest request (click to enlarge) |
Daley then filed a Freedom of Information (FOI) request for some of the information.
Daley's efforts to obtain the information continued this week with a new, sweeping FOI request for information to identify all those who communicated with the team investigating the Mayor's personnel actions:
I am requesting ... all e-mails sent through City of Middletown e-mail servers between January 2, 2018 and October 9, 2018 to and/or from ... @leclairryan.com (the law firm hired by the council to investigate Mayor Drew and the General Counsel office). This includes all e-mails to and/or from any City of Middletown official or employee.See full request in image above.
Because the underlying investigation included the General Counsel's office, the city has hired an outside legal firm, Bill Connon and Mark Sammaruga of Pullman and Comley, to advise the city as to which documents can and should be released under the FOI statutes.
The Middletown Eye submitted two requests under FOI that are also related to the investigation. This includes a request for communications between the Mayor's office, the General Counsel's Office, and an outside attorney who was cited as claiming that there was no confidentiality in the communications between city employees and the firm hired for the investigation.
In addition, the Mayor submitted a FOI request for documents relating to the investigations.
All 5 of these FOIA requests are being evaluated by Connon and Sammaruga.
 |
| Drew demands a response (click to enlarge) |
Drew ordered the City Clerk Ashley Flynn, the Common Council Clerk Linda Reed, and the IT Director Bryan Skowera to provide all of the documents to all of the requestors.
This led to a heated email exchange between Giuliano and Drew.
 |
| Giuliano objects (click to enlarge) |
 |
| Drew attacks Giuliano (click to enlarge) |
Drew tells Giuliano, "you cannot outrun the law."
Giuliano asks Drew, "When did your instructions evolve into 'state law'?"
 |
| Giuliano responds (click to enlarge) |
In The Buttonwood Tree ART GALLERY
"The Middletown Series" by Janine Janaki
Held over until December 1
Middletown artist, Janine Janaki, offers an introspective,
passionate and heartfelt caption to each of her paintings on display at
The Buttonwood Tree, allowing the viewer a deeper understanding and
appreciation for the visual art. There is such spirit in the paintings
that if you've been to the places she's painted such as O'Rourke's
Diner, Wadsworth Falls, Wild Bill's Nostalgia (which recently closed),
Eli Cannon's or Smith & Bishell Hardware, you're likely to be taken
back there in your mind, and feel just like you did when you were there.
Or perhaps you'll identify with one of the special people she has
drawn, like the Meditation Man, Bob Vinci, or the Sweeper, Fred Carroll.
Each piece is a masterpiece and prints are available for very
reasonable prices.
I have never not painted. As early as I can recall, I’ve
spilled colors and patterns onto paper... sometimes mere
scraps, with whatever implement I could find.
As does the sun that rises... as do the birds that sing... I paint because I must. I disappear into the realm of the unseen and return with a translation of a soul-felt reality.
Is there a plan? Somewhat – a rudimentary outline of a subject at hand. Then I depart... my hands move. Compelled, I work in minute detail, an inch at a time, pushing colors inexplicably upon the pastel board. When I step back, I am always surprised to see the world, larger than life.
Middletown is a special place... the only place I’ve ever truly felt at home. It has a certain vitality... a certain edge that cannot be contained by the status quo. The North
End is alive. Wesleyan breathes dreams. The CT River is a steady friend. From the colorful exchanges outside the soup kitchen, to the quiet beauty of Wadsworth Park, to the happy Saturday morning queue outside O’Rourke’s, to the world music at The Buttonwood Tree, to the Mug Club at Eli’s, to the multinational restaurant scene... Middletown speaks of originality and authenticity. I simply had to paint it!!
Janine Janaki
JaninesArt.com
As does the sun that rises... as do the birds that sing... I paint because I must. I disappear into the realm of the unseen and return with a translation of a soul-felt reality.
Is there a plan? Somewhat – a rudimentary outline of a subject at hand. Then I depart... my hands move. Compelled, I work in minute detail, an inch at a time, pushing colors inexplicably upon the pastel board. When I step back, I am always surprised to see the world, larger than life.
Middletown is a special place... the only place I’ve ever truly felt at home. It has a certain vitality... a certain edge that cannot be contained by the status quo. The North
End is alive. Wesleyan breathes dreams. The CT River is a steady friend. From the colorful exchanges outside the soup kitchen, to the quiet beauty of Wadsworth Park, to the happy Saturday morning queue outside O’Rourke’s, to the world music at The Buttonwood Tree, to the Mug Club at Eli’s, to the multinational restaurant scene... Middletown speaks of originality and authenticity. I simply had to paint it!!
Janine Janaki
JaninesArt.com
Join us at The Buttonwood Tree for a cup of tea
Shaman Wisdom Group – Trio
October 12 @ 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
The Shaman Wisdom Group is coming to town!
Catch their performance at the Buttonwood Tree in
Middletown CT! There will be two musical sets from 8:00 to 10:00, with
Emile de Leon is one of the worlds leading performers of Tibetan Singing
Bowls, and he’ll play a rare set of 200 year old Tibetan Bowls, as well
as complementary percussion. Also featuring Richard McGhee 111: a
master of Jazz and New Age woodwinds, who will be playing a Native
American Flute and other woodwinds as well. Margaux Hayes is a Jazz and
Mystical vocalist extraordinaire and will be singing/toning for your
auditory pleasure!
Experience what happens when 3 Jazz/New Age
musicians embrace the Ancient music of Tibetan Mysticism and
abstraction, bringing in a new music to the world rarely if ever heard
before! Tickets may be purchased for $20 at the door or @ http://buttonwood.org/event/shaman-wisdom-group-trio/ for $15!
FUNDRAISER for CATALES feat. Derek Knott
October 13 @ 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Derek, who played at Buttonwood many moons ago, is making a comeback and he’s better than ever! And this time, he comes with a goal in mind, wherein money earned will be given to Cat Tales, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping our feline friends who’ve none else to defend them. Help Derek combat animal abuse, just by showing up! Click the link to reserve a seat!
http://buttonwood.org/event/derek-knott-2/
NEAR and Far – STORY WORKSHOP
October 14 @ 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
$5
NEAR and Far Story Workshop
Calling
all storytellers, all those knowing deep down inside that there are
stories waiting to flow to the surface and bubble up and, sometimes,
gush out. Calling all storytellers, beginners, intermediates and
seasoned pros, all those that need to brainstorm and perform in front of
other story aficionados. The NEAR and Far Story Workshop is designed to
provide guidance, help and affirmation of an art form truly
entertaining and thought provoking. Come ready with ideas, story
snippets or polished pieces.
After the workshop, there will be an energetic open mic session. All of this for a suggested donation of $5.
Tuesday, October 9, 2018
Engage Today: Bridging the Ballot and the Block
Engage Today: Bridging the Ballot and the Block is a half day conference designed to highlight local leaders activating voters on the ground, as well as students engaged in political activism on campus and beyond.
Wesleyan has a long history of providing opportunities to enhance the political education of our students through community engagement. Wesleyan’s Civic Action Plan underscores our goal to “prepare our students to engage in civic participation throughout their lives.” The elections of 2018 are a crucial moment for our country and the Jewett Center for Community Partnerships aims to bring community members together to discuss issues affecting our local electoral landscape.Register Here: https://bit.ly/2Rfc1Bv
See more info here
Engage Today: Bridging the Ballot and the Block
October 27th, 10:00-1:30 pm
Daniel Family Commons, 45 Wyllys Ave.
Free, and open to the public
October 27th, 10:00-1:30 pm
Daniel Family Commons, 45 Wyllys Ave.
Free, and open to the public
Opinion: Is Len Suzio Worried about Mary Abrams? That’s what he told me.
The following was submitted by city resident Kellin Atherton. The Eye welcomes all signed opinion and news pieces. Submit by email.
----------------
“Good Morning, Senator.”
“Good Morning.”
At this year’s Daffodil Festival in Meriden I approached Senator Suzio to say hello and hopefully ask him some questions. My wife grew up in Meriden and bringing our children to the festival is one of the highlights of our year. Although I am in the 9th district and a Democrat – I knew that Senator Suzio represents part of Middletown. Later, I checked the district map and was shocked to see that the line separating me from being Senator Suzio’s constituent is pretty much the other side of the street.
“Do you mind if I get a picture or video?”
“No thank you, I don’t have my person here with me and they need to be the one to make that decision.”
This guy’s good, I think to myself. In hindsight I don’t even know what my plan was.
“Fair enough. How are you feeling about November – what do you think about the Democrats in the primary?”
At this point my I’m wishing I could be more bold and set aside politeness, but Mama raised me right. I don’t feel great about public confrontation and if it’s going to happen I like to be prepared with something written out. The right time and place. With the traffic of shuttle buses, the smell of food, bands warming up, children with faces painted hustling and bustling around – I can recognize moments and this isn’t it.
And as it’s happening and he’s starting to talk about the primary I am regretting this whole thing. I’m thinking about the women of the 13th district and of Connecticut who have been so disrespected by this man’s beliefs. I’m thinking about the path that runs through the woods near my house along the Mattabesset River and how poor this man’s policies have been for our local environment. I’m thinking about all the people impacted by his vote against prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity or expression. I’m thinking about how I’m arrogant and unprepared. I think I’m letting people down.
Then he says something interesting.
“I’m worried though. Mary Abrams is running, she’s a good candidate and it’s going to be a tough year.”
And there it is.
It wasn’t until later I thought more about his answer and its importance – how self-aware and telling it was about the state of the radical right here in Connecticut.
Of course he’s worried. He and his equally radical colleague, Lt. Governor Candidate Joe Markley, like to film chats where they chuckle and reject important and valuable issues like Paid Family Medical Leave suggesting that they’re, “really not crucial at this moment.” My wife and I, and our 3rd child due in March, disagree with these men. My mother, who had to care for my Grandfather after a recent open-heart surgery, disagrees with these men. This is a crucial benefit and if Massachusetts and New York can pass laws saying so then we should too.
Of course he knows Mary is a good candidate. A Connecticut school teacher for over twenty years and first-time candidate is exactly what this region and state need now.
Of course he knows it’s going to be a tough year. It’s due to his terrible values and his inability to justify them to a constituency that has already rejected him once in his political career.
Len Suzio has every reason to be worried about Mary Abrams.
But don’t take my word for it. Go and ask him yourself.
------------------
Kellin Atherton is a Millennial father of two (with one on the way) and Supply Chain Professional from Middletown
----------------
“Good Morning, Senator.”
“Good Morning.”
At this year’s Daffodil Festival in Meriden I approached Senator Suzio to say hello and hopefully ask him some questions. My wife grew up in Meriden and bringing our children to the festival is one of the highlights of our year. Although I am in the 9th district and a Democrat – I knew that Senator Suzio represents part of Middletown. Later, I checked the district map and was shocked to see that the line separating me from being Senator Suzio’s constituent is pretty much the other side of the street.
“Do you mind if I get a picture or video?”
“No thank you, I don’t have my person here with me and they need to be the one to make that decision.”
This guy’s good, I think to myself. In hindsight I don’t even know what my plan was.
“Fair enough. How are you feeling about November – what do you think about the Democrats in the primary?”
At this point my I’m wishing I could be more bold and set aside politeness, but Mama raised me right. I don’t feel great about public confrontation and if it’s going to happen I like to be prepared with something written out. The right time and place. With the traffic of shuttle buses, the smell of food, bands warming up, children with faces painted hustling and bustling around – I can recognize moments and this isn’t it.
And as it’s happening and he’s starting to talk about the primary I am regretting this whole thing. I’m thinking about the women of the 13th district and of Connecticut who have been so disrespected by this man’s beliefs. I’m thinking about the path that runs through the woods near my house along the Mattabesset River and how poor this man’s policies have been for our local environment. I’m thinking about all the people impacted by his vote against prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity or expression. I’m thinking about how I’m arrogant and unprepared. I think I’m letting people down.
Then he says something interesting.
“I’m worried though. Mary Abrams is running, she’s a good candidate and it’s going to be a tough year.”
And there it is.
It wasn’t until later I thought more about his answer and its importance – how self-aware and telling it was about the state of the radical right here in Connecticut.
Of course he’s worried. He and his equally radical colleague, Lt. Governor Candidate Joe Markley, like to film chats where they chuckle and reject important and valuable issues like Paid Family Medical Leave suggesting that they’re, “really not crucial at this moment.” My wife and I, and our 3rd child due in March, disagree with these men. My mother, who had to care for my Grandfather after a recent open-heart surgery, disagrees with these men. This is a crucial benefit and if Massachusetts and New York can pass laws saying so then we should too.
Of course he knows Mary is a good candidate. A Connecticut school teacher for over twenty years and first-time candidate is exactly what this region and state need now.
Of course he knows it’s going to be a tough year. It’s due to his terrible values and his inability to justify them to a constituency that has already rejected him once in his political career.
Len Suzio has every reason to be worried about Mary Abrams.
But don’t take my word for it. Go and ask him yourself.
------------------
Kellin Atherton is a Millennial father of two (with one on the way) and Supply Chain Professional from Middletown
Monday, October 8, 2018
Buttonwood Extraordinaire
 |
| Chris Bakrige at piano; Henri Matisse at his art. The Matisse Project. |
The Matisse Project:
Extraordinary Performance
at the Buttonwood Tree
The Buttonwood Tree features jazz groups quite often, and I have not seen them all. But Sunday night's performance by The Matisse Project left me ecstatic.
Christopher Bakriges' inspired compositions, reflecting some of Henri Matisse's papercut collages, spiraled to tonal heights and dove to lilting solemnity, with images of the Matisse works projected on a screen.
Mr. Bakriges' fingers enlivened the Buttonwood Tree's Steinway piano most of the night. While at his side, virtuoso violinist Zach Brock created breathtaking and wild-flying passages, then swerved into smooth and deep tones. Appearing as a special guest, Farmington oboist and English hornist Peter Wortmann added to the mix with his robust solo improvs.
It was a night to remember. My hope is that the trio will return to Middletown, where Mr. Bakriges and his family lived during the 1990s while he was completing a master's degree in ethnomusicology at Wesleyan.
Saturday, October 6, 2018
Winner of the Great American Jazz Piano Competition, Laszlo Gardony, Leads a Stellar Weekend at The Buttonwood Tree
The Buttonwood Tree is honored to present two world-class jazz concerts this weekend, Saturday and Sunday nights, both at 8 pm. Reservations are recommended as seating is very limited.
Join Christian Artmann (“a composer with great vision,” AllAboutJazz, and a flutist of “stunning virtuosity”,JazzTimes) and Laszlo Gardony (“a great pianist,” Dave Brubeck, and “formidable improviser”, JazzTimes) for an exciting duo performance in celebration of Artmann’s new album “Our Story” (Sunnyside Records, 2018). Inspired by Gardony’s unique musical spirit, Artmann asked his idol personally for lessons at Berklee College of Music almost 20 years ago. Out of a student-teacher relationship grew a beautiful kinship and a blossoming musical conversation, culminating in a series of concerts and the recording of Our Story about which Artmann says: “The idea that we all interrelate, that whatever I do has an effect on you and vice versa, that’s a powerful concept that I really believe in. The music on Our Story isn’t so much about me as it is about camaraderie in challenging times, and about all of us as eternal beings living together on this precious planet.”
“A formidable improviser who lives in the moment” (JazzTimes), Laszlo Gardony has performed in 27 countries and released a dozen albums on the Sunnyside, Antilles, and Avenue labels during his distinguished, decades-long career. Winner of the Great American Jazz Piano Competition, Gardony has been noted for his “fluid pianism” by The New York Times. The legendary Dave Brubeck called him “a great pianist.”
His latest solo piano album “Serious Play” (Sunnyside) was named one of the Best Jazz Albums of 2017 by DownBeat Magazine: “Serious Play combines spontaneity and intent. Improvised in the studio, it’s a harmonious, emotionally intense whole that sounds like a concert rather than an arbitrary collection of tunes. No matter how busy Gardony becomes, there’s a stillness at the center of his music, a distinctive amalgam of central European folk strains, majestic classical piano and improvisational fearlessness.”
Both Serious Play and Gardony’s 2015 live sextet album Life In Real Time were named by the Boston Globe as one of the “10 Best Jazz Releases of the Year.”
See more at his website: www.LGJazz.com Reserve seats here
A New York-based flute player and composer, his passion about bridging musical boundaries and showcasing the flute in jazz began as a childhood immersed in classical music in his native homes of Germany and Austria. Artmann was invited to the prestigious Aspen Music Festival as a teenager where he performed under world-renowned conductors Claudio Scimone and Lawrence Foster and gave solo recitals of Debussy, Hindemith and Bartók. Increasingly fascinated with composition and improvisation, he realized that jazz was his true calling and committed to developing his own musical voice. Website: www.artmannjazz.com
October 7 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
"Teaching the Eye to Hear: Musical Reflections on Henri Matisse’s Jazz"
The Matisse Jazz Project is, as the name suggests, Jazz music inspired by the iconic cut paper collages of Henri Matisse, published in 1947. The twenty pieces composed by pianist Christopher Bakriges correspond to each of the Matisse Jazz cutouts and his writings. Matisse viewed jazz as a “chromatic and rhythmic improvisation” and evoked the idea of a structure of rhythm and repetition broken by the unexpected action of improvisations. Matisse wrote, “There are wonderful things in real jazz, the talent for improvisation, the liveliness, the being at one with the audience.” Bakriges leaves his own stunningly touching and virtuosic homage to the legacy of a leading figure in modern art.
Performing:
Christopher Bakriges, Ph.D., (piano), Visiting Professor, Massachusetts College of Art and Design; Lecturer, Elms College
Zach Brock, (violin), M.A. (violin), Artist in Residence, Temple University
Oboist, English hornist Peter Wortmann, a long time principal of the Farmington Valley Symphony Orchestra, will appear as guest artist on several of the pieces
ORIGINS:
In 1941 the artist Henri Matisse found himself ill, bedridden, and unable to pick up a paint brush. He found, however, that he could maneuver scissors through prepared sheets of brightly colored paper. He referred to this technique as “painting with scissors.” Among his first adventures with paper cutouts was a book called Jazz, which Matisse prepared in 1942 and published in 1947. The book containing twenty color plates as well as his written thoughts was initially only printed in a hundred copies. Matisse viewed jazz as a “chromatic and rhythmic improvisation.”
Reviews:
“I was almost breathless as I listened to the works, sometimes melodious, other times, cutting edge like the blades of scissors… to this day, I carry the music with me, still not believing the work was improvisational.”
–Carol Dine, Author, Van Gogh in Poems
The Buttonwood Tree Performing Arts Center is located at 605 Main Street. Ample, FREEE parking is next door behind It's Only Natural market on weekends and after 6 pm Mon-Fri. Refreshments are available and a free beverage of your choice is offered to patrons who show their dinner receipt to a Main Street restaurant from that day. www.Buttonwood.org (860) 347-4957
Every Saturday join Annaita Gandhy in her workshop for personal development called Aligned with Source. 10:30-noon. $10. suggested donation (Give what you can). Topic this week:
This Weeks Topic: What is Truth; What is Love; What AM I?
As we continually search for answers & the truth and meaning of everything, what exactly are we missing? Who holds this information and when I find it what do I do with it?
Laszlo Gardony and Christian Artmann
October 6 @ 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
$18Join Christian Artmann (“a composer with great vision,” AllAboutJazz, and a flutist of “stunning virtuosity”,JazzTimes) and Laszlo Gardony (“a great pianist,” Dave Brubeck, and “formidable improviser”, JazzTimes) for an exciting duo performance in celebration of Artmann’s new album “Our Story” (Sunnyside Records, 2018). Inspired by Gardony’s unique musical spirit, Artmann asked his idol personally for lessons at Berklee College of Music almost 20 years ago. Out of a student-teacher relationship grew a beautiful kinship and a blossoming musical conversation, culminating in a series of concerts and the recording of Our Story about which Artmann says: “The idea that we all interrelate, that whatever I do has an effect on you and vice versa, that’s a powerful concept that I really believe in. The music on Our Story isn’t so much about me as it is about camaraderie in challenging times, and about all of us as eternal beings living together on this precious planet.”
“A formidable improviser who lives in the moment” (JazzTimes), Laszlo Gardony has performed in 27 countries and released a dozen albums on the Sunnyside, Antilles, and Avenue labels during his distinguished, decades-long career. Winner of the Great American Jazz Piano Competition, Gardony has been noted for his “fluid pianism” by The New York Times. The legendary Dave Brubeck called him “a great pianist.”
His latest solo piano album “Serious Play” (Sunnyside) was named one of the Best Jazz Albums of 2017 by DownBeat Magazine: “Serious Play combines spontaneity and intent. Improvised in the studio, it’s a harmonious, emotionally intense whole that sounds like a concert rather than an arbitrary collection of tunes. No matter how busy Gardony becomes, there’s a stillness at the center of his music, a distinctive amalgam of central European folk strains, majestic classical piano and improvisational fearlessness.”
Both Serious Play and Gardony’s 2015 live sextet album Life In Real Time were named by the Boston Globe as one of the “10 Best Jazz Releases of the Year.”
See more at his website: www.LGJazz.com Reserve seats here
A New York-based flute player and composer, his passion about bridging musical boundaries and showcasing the flute in jazz began as a childhood immersed in classical music in his native homes of Germany and Austria. Artmann was invited to the prestigious Aspen Music Festival as a teenager where he performed under world-renowned conductors Claudio Scimone and Lawrence Foster and gave solo recitals of Debussy, Hindemith and Bartók. Increasingly fascinated with composition and improvisation, he realized that jazz was his true calling and committed to developing his own musical voice. Website: www.artmannjazz.com
Matisse Jazz Project
October 7 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
$15.
The Matisse Jazz Project is, as the name suggests, Jazz music inspired by the iconic cut paper collages of Henri Matisse, published in 1947. The twenty pieces composed by pianist Christopher Bakriges correspond to each of the Matisse Jazz cutouts and his writings. Matisse viewed jazz as a “chromatic and rhythmic improvisation” and evoked the idea of a structure of rhythm and repetition broken by the unexpected action of improvisations. Matisse wrote, “There are wonderful things in real jazz, the talent for improvisation, the liveliness, the being at one with the audience.” Bakriges leaves his own stunningly touching and virtuosic homage to the legacy of a leading figure in modern art.
Performing:
Christopher Bakriges, Ph.D., (piano), Visiting Professor, Massachusetts College of Art and Design; Lecturer, Elms College
Zach Brock, (violin), M.A. (violin), Artist in Residence, Temple University
Oboist, English hornist Peter Wortmann, a long time principal of the Farmington Valley Symphony Orchestra, will appear as guest artist on several of the pieces
ORIGINS:
In 1941 the artist Henri Matisse found himself ill, bedridden, and unable to pick up a paint brush. He found, however, that he could maneuver scissors through prepared sheets of brightly colored paper. He referred to this technique as “painting with scissors.” Among his first adventures with paper cutouts was a book called Jazz, which Matisse prepared in 1942 and published in 1947. The book containing twenty color plates as well as his written thoughts was initially only printed in a hundred copies. Matisse viewed jazz as a “chromatic and rhythmic improvisation.”
Reviews:
“I was almost breathless as I listened to the works, sometimes melodious, other times, cutting edge like the blades of scissors… to this day, I carry the music with me, still not believing the work was improvisational.”
–Carol Dine, Author, Van Gogh in Poems
The Buttonwood Tree Performing Arts Center is located at 605 Main Street. Ample, FREEE parking is next door behind It's Only Natural market on weekends and after 6 pm Mon-Fri. Refreshments are available and a free beverage of your choice is offered to patrons who show their dinner receipt to a Main Street restaurant from that day. www.Buttonwood.org (860) 347-4957
Every Saturday join Annaita Gandhy in her workshop for personal development called Aligned with Source. 10:30-noon. $10. suggested donation (Give what you can). Topic this week:
This Weeks Topic: What is Truth; What is Love; What AM I?
As we continually search for answers & the truth and meaning of everything, what exactly are we missing? Who holds this information and when I find it what do I do with it?
Friday, October 5, 2018
Tonight: Connecticut Premiere of Becca Blackwell's "They, Themself and Schmerm" at Wesleyan University
Becca Blackwell: They, Themself and Schmerm
Friday, October 5, 2018 at 7:30pm and 10pm
World Music Hall, 40 Wyllys Avenue, Middletown
$28 general public; $26 senior citizens, Wesleyan faculty/staff/alumni, non-Wesleyan students; $6 Wesleyan students, youth under 18
The Connecticut premiere of New York City-based trans actor Becca Blackwell's disturbingly hilarious one-person show They, Themself and Schmerm. Visit the Center for the Arts website for more information.
Listen to an interview with Becca Blackwell by Associate Director for Programming and Performing Arts Fiona Coffey on the Center for the Arts Radio Hour (please be advised that the graphic content of this segment may not be suitable for all audiences).
Wednesday, October 3, 2018
Whose Streets? Screening
Monday, October 8, 2018, 7:00 pm
Wesleyan University's Center for Film Studies, 301 Washington Terrace, Middletown
Screening followed by a Q&A with Director Sabaa Folayan and special guest Precious Price, Director and Community Organizer at the Middletown Racial Justice Coalition.
Tuesday, October 2, 2018
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