Zaccai Curtis, Irish Music and More at The Buttonwood Tree This Weekend

"Middletown's Living Room", as many have dubbed The Buttonwood Tree's intimate listening room and bookstore on Main Street, will be the site for fantastic concerts, a Teen Open Mic and workshops coming up this week.

It's been said repeatedly, "I wish my town had a Buttonwood Tree".  Have you been there?

See info on our 30th Anniversary Event here - A 30 Hour Marathon of Performances Oct 18-19.

Shaking the Tree – Gong and Sound Meditation

September 19 @ 7-9 pm   $10. suggested donation

 

Gongs, bells, ocarinas, drums, horns, Shakers, Singing bowls and many other meditation items to create a soundship for you to take off in and travel to and from meditation land.

This will indeed be a night to remember! So tell a friend, bring the family, bring a blanket and pillow to lay down on. Bring your zero gravity chair if you have one and as always please bring good intentions. This is YOUR time – to relax, refresh your soul and leave your worries behind. Come connect to your highest Self …    Read more here

New Leaf Irish Band CD Release Party

Friday, September 20 @ 8-10 pm     $15.

 

New Leaf is a traditional Irish trio playing tight, rollicking jigs and reels, new spins on traditional songs, and some of the more unusual and beautiful tunes of the Irish repertoire.  They’ve been compared to great trios such as Andy McGann, Joe Burke and Felix Dolan.
Listen here:
newleafirishband.com

New Leaf is John Tabb on button accordion, Kira Jewett on fiddle and Adam Braunschweig on guitar, vocals and anything else he happens to bring on a typical evening – could be harmonica, tenor banjo or even an octave mandolin.  Together they play traditional tunes with tight, driving rhythm, interspersed with Adam’s unique take on Ireland’s song repertoire.
 See more and reserve your seats here

Aligned With Source: Empowering Workshop for Self Awareness

September 21 @ 10:30 am - 12:00 pm $10.

Hosted by Annaita Gandhy
This week's topic: Being A Warrior of LoveWhat does Love mean? How can we be Love and apply it to all aspects of our lives?

Life is never easy and change must come from within. In today’s environment of hardship, ill-health, corruption and inequality it is often difficult to see the Light. The purpose of this workshop is to empower you to see yours.

Teen Open Mic

September 21 @ 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Third Saturdays are the opportunity for young people to gather together to share their skills and aspirations as performers.  For free student passes go to Middlesex Music Academy, CT Valley School of Music, Portland or the Portland and Middletown libraries.  Jack Zaino hosts.

Hola Pops! A Night of Originals and A Tribute to Louis Armstrong

September 21 @ 8-10 pm  $20.

Vincent Hsu & Soy La Ley Afro-Cuban Jazz Trio
featuring Victor Lewis & Zaccai Curtis

Vincent Tsung-Yu Hsu is an award-winning bassist and composer whose music is infused with Afro-Cuban influence and the spirits of the post-bop generation. Born and bred in Taiwan, he launched his musical career in New York City and was mentored by legendary musicians, including Cecil McBee, Victor Venegas, John A. Schaeffer, Andy González, John Patitucci, and Marc Johnson. Hsu has been touring worldwide, including Madrid International Jazz Festival, Busan Jazz Festival, Taichung Jazz Festival, National Theater & Concert Hall Summer Jazz Festival, and Macau Jazz Festival, among others. Vincent Hsu & his band aim to reflect their Taiwanese roots with the practices of jazz and Afro-Cuban music style, leading audiences to experience the unpredictability of jazz improvisation through their original work and stories.

 Hsu invites the master musician Victor Lewis and the outstanding pianist Zaccai Curtis to join him for this special project, bridging the collaboration between musicians from Taiwan and U.S., in hopes of expanding the understanding and aesthetics of both cultures and creating a new musical possibility. The drumming of Mr. Victor Lewis was not only recognized internationally but has widely influenced the generations to come. His album ‘Know It Today, Know It Tomorrow’ has become the must-have for jazz musicians and audiences alike. Mr. Zaccai Curtis has also established himself as one of the best pianists who can flawlessly express himself through both styles of jazz and Afro-Cuban music.

Read more here and reserve your seats

 

Reiki Level 1

September 22 @ 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm

This is a two part class. 2nd part is Sept 29, same time.
Cost: $150 Buttonwood Tree members
$160 non-members  (Cost includes manual)

Eileen practiced as a critical care nurse at Yale New Haven Hospital for over three decades.  Her life had always been devoted to helping the sick and the needy, even beyond 1999, when she became a Reiki Practitioner. Reiki is a Japanese practice which heals the body and soul, and promotes a more restful, relaxed state of being.

  The Buttonwood Tree is located in the former Arriwani Hotel at 605 Main Street. Free ample parking after 6 pm and on weekends next door, behind It's Only Natural market. Refreshments are available. TBT is a nonprofit, donations are tax deductible. Donate here.