Wine and a Musical Concept at Buttonwood Tree

From Ann Marie Cannata

Oh what a night we had at The Buttonwood Tree Friday night!  We didn't have a large crowd, but all here had a truly excellent time. Richard Kamins has a wealth of knowledge about wines and the group was fascinated with the information he imparted. Everyone attending told me they really enjoyed themselves and were glad they came. Richard has a way about him that's easy to like and it was evident; he's personable, witty and honest. Many people love the atmosphere here, whether it be for a lesson on wine or an intimate concert, the air is light, casual and easy. I predict that these days of concerts with only 10 or 20 in the audience are numbered, so I'm enjoying the intimacy and relaxed atmosphere while I can.

The wine-tasting fundraiser was followed by a concert featuring Rupert Wates who presented his music in a unique format of "Joe's Cafe". Mark Rosenberg from Madison opened the show and delighted us with his unique finger-picking and eclectic rapid-fire vocal delivery. Rupert and his lovely wife, Stacey Lorin, came from Brooklyn to harmonize along with other fine musicians he hand-picked to sing his often somber, thought-provoking songs. Joining him onstage were Jon Doll on the upright bass, and singers ArleneWow, Jen Lowe, Alli Millstein and Jim Paradis. Especially wonderful was when ArleneWow, Stacey and Rupert sang a song together whose chorus went: "Hold on tight my Mother said. Keep your eyes upon the sun. Put your faith in the road ahead. Days of mercy are sure to come." It was truly touching and again, I was so grateful to be at The Buttonwood with dedicated, talented musicians singing their hearts out.

We are so grateful for those who supported this fundraiser: Richard Kamins, Eric at The Bottle Shop on South Main Street, Typhoon Restaurant, O'Rourke's Diner, Malloves Jewelers and the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival. We will be raffling off a $100 gift certificate to Malloves on Saturday night, along with (2) 3-day camping passes for the festival which is July 23-25 and features Gandalf Murphy and The Slambovian Circus of Dreams. Thanks also to Dottie and Barry Ten Eyck for getting this whole event off the ground and running - we had a great night! Thanks to everyone involved!

We look forward to Ricky Alfonso's jazz band Saturday night.   www.rickyalfonso.com/