Yum-Yum, Classical Piano and More

How quickly time flies by - the annual CT Gilbert & Sullivan Society production is upon us this weekend (10/15-17.) Now in its 30th year, CGS&S has done a tremendous job keeping the often brilliant and hilarious work of Messrs. Gilbert (book and lyrics) and Sullivan (music) in the public's ears and eyes. 
You have 3 opportunities to see "The Mikado" in the Performing Arts Center at Middletown High School, LaRosa Lane.  Performances are 8 p.m. tonight and Saturday with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday. For ticket information, call 1-800-866-1606 or online at www.ctgilbertandsullivan.org.

The Buttonwood Tree presents singer-songwriter Mary Ann Rossoni & Band in concert tonight at 8 p.m. Her music is described thusly: "cross-generational, original, acoustic rock n’ roll-or in today’s terms, Americana-ish." Her bio reads "Mary Ann grew up outside of Providence in Johnston, graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design and now lives in Providence. She runs a successful design firm and is also an accomplished painter." Should be a good night for this kind of music and The Buttonwood is a good venue to watch music.

On Saturday at 2 p.m., The Russell Library presents internationally acclaimed pianist Andrew Armstrong. He will perform a variety of classical compositions including works by Beethoven, Liszt, Schubert, Prokofiev, Gershwin, Debussy, Chopin and Bartok. Praised by critics for his passionate expression and dazzling technique, he has delighted audiences around the world. He has performed solo recitals and appeared with orchestras in Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the United States, including performances at Alice Tully Hall, Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, the Grand Hall of the Moscow Conservatory, and Warsaw's National Philharmonic. Andrew has also performed with such conductors as Peter Oundjian, Itzhak Perlman, and Stanislaw Skrowaczewski.   He has appeared with the Alexander, American, and Manhattan String Quartets, as a member of the Caramoor Virtuosi at the Caramoor International Music Festival, and as a member of the Jupiter Symphony Chamber Players in New York City.

The concert takes place in the Hubbard Room and, like all the great concerts at the Library, is free and open to the public.

Also on Saturday, The Buttonwood Tree presents Mr. Isaac Allen who is celebrating the release of his new CD, "Don't Smoke", a collection of tunes with roots in jazz and blues.  Accompanying the pianist/vocalist will be Steve Klunk on upright bass, Dave Boskello on trumpet, Jeff Gittleman on  guitar, Matt Oestreicher on organ, Scott Lebish at the drums and Sara-Joy on vocals. Might be a bit crowded but the music should be worth squeezing in the space.