Busy Weekend in Town (not to mention Graduation)

Much to do around town, either musically, theatrically and comically - read on.

This from Oddfellows Playhouse, courtesy of Susan B:

Oddfellows Playhouse invites the public to celebrate the accomplishments in visual arts, writing, and theater of 17 talented Arts Explorers on Thursday, May 21 from 7-9 pm. Visual arts students in this innovative program will exhibit hand-dyed silk scarves, writing students will offer readings of their poetry, and theater students will give a short performance.

The Playhouse, in partnership with the Middletown Youth Services Bureau, received one of five statewide pilot grants from the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism to offer creative, nonschool arts experiences to underserved youth. Arts Explorers, with additional support from The Hartford Courant Foundation, was designed to help middle-school students, particularly low-income and minority youth, experience the arts under the mentorship of a professional artist. Students chose to specialize in the visual, literary or performing arts and then spent the past 9 months working under the guidance of Oddfellows’ artists William A. Foster, III, Renee Soares, and Enza Giannone to develop their skills. This event on May 21 is the culmination of their program, and students will have their colorful scarves and a book of collected writings for sale.

The Playhouse is located at 128 Washington Street. For more information, call 347-6143.

In other OP doings, the Second Stage Players present a mini-production of “Hansel and Gretel and the Big Woods.” Under the direction of Jane Harris, a cast of 13 young actors, ages 9-11, takes on this irreverent twist on the classic tale by the Brothers Grimm. This fun-filled production is appropriate for all ages and runs approximately 30 minutes. Shows are Friday, May 22 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, May 23 at 11 a.m. Call the number above for ticket prices and reservations.

Friday, The Buttonwood Tree hosts newly announced Democratic Senatorial candidate Merrick Alpert (on the left) in a "salon" setting at 5 p.m. Hosting the event will be Fred Carroll and John Kilian. This is an excellent opportunity to meet Alpert, who announced his intentions to run against incumbent and fellow party member this past Tuesday (5/19).

At 7:30 p.m., The Buttonwood welcomes percussionist/composer Tom Monaghan in an evening he's calling "Clams, Scams and Kilograms." Monaghan is an integral member of the local avant-jazz group A Probe Called Gnomes but this "surprise" event goes in a different direction. Call 347-4957 for more information.

The Green Street Arts Center is holding a Benefit Program for its after-school program Friday at 8 p.m. Dubbed "NPR Without the Dignity", the show features Doug Berman (class of '84), executive producer of "Car Talk" and Wait...Wait! Don't Tell Me!" chatting with and about the Brothers Magliozzi ("Click & Clack") from the former and Carl Kasell and Peter Sagal from the latter. If nothing else, this should be a funny event. For ticket information, call 685-3355 or go to www.wesleyan.edu/cfa.

A reminder - guitarist Melvin Sparks (an irrepressible guy as one can see from this older Lp cover) comes to Boney's Music Lounge (above Fishbone Cafe, 106 Court Street) with his constant cohorts, organist Paul Wolstencroft and drummer Bill Carbone. When pressed, Carbone describes the music the trio plays with the title of one of Sparks' CDs, "It Is What It Is!" and what it is is pretty funky. They'll start shaking the rafters at 8:30 p.m.

More funky music on Saturday night at Boney's when drummer Liviu Pop brings his Quartet for an 8:30 p.m. hit. Joining him will be Bill Harris (saxophone), Nick Bariluk (keyboards) and Steve Clarke (bass.) For more information about both shows, call 346-6000.

Saturday, The Buttonwood Tree welcomes Hartford-native Sean Clapis for an evening of jazz and more. Currently studying at the Hartt School of Music, the guitarist is already making a name for himself on the state scene and it won't be long before he'll start making waves on a national and international level. The music starts at 7:30 P.M.