Buttonwood Tree Welcomes Nefesh Mountain

There was a time not too long ago that Doni Zazloff (pictured left) was known as Mama Doni, touring synagogues and Jewish Community Centers throughout the United States (and beyond) playing music that would get children ages five through 11 up on their feet and singing along.  One of the musicians in her band was guitarist-mandolin player-banjo picker Eric Lindberg (on the right side of the picture).  The band played a style of music one could easily call "Jewish kids rock" with albums based around the Sabbath, Hanukkah, and food!

Today, Doni and Eric front a quintet known as Nefesh Mountain ("nefesh" being the Hebrew word for "spirit") – the five now tour the world playing concert halls, performance spaces, festivals, camps, and, yes, synagogues and Jewish Community Centers.  They  have been playing this music for the past four years and have recorded two albums. 2018's "Beneath the Open Sky", featured several guest artists including guitarist Sam Bush, dobro master Jerry Douglas (longtime member of Alison Krauss's Union Station), and banjo guru Tony Trischka.

This delightful ensemble – vocalist Doni and vocalist/guitarist/ banjo player Eric plus violinist Alan Grubner, mandolin player David Goldenberg, and bassist Max Johnson (the latter two joined the band earlier this year) – are performing on Friday at 8 p.m. in The Buttonwood Tree, 605 Main Street in Middletown.  NM's repertoire often includes traditional folk and country tunes mixed with Jewish folk songs as well as prayers.  The music really has a fire to it, the musicianship excellent, and Doni's vocals are heartfelt.  Nefesh Mountain doesn't get to this neck of the woods often and I recommend a trip to Middletown's North End should be on your schedule for August 9.

For more information, go to buttonwood.org/event/nefesh-mountain-bluegrass-2/.

To learn more about the band, go to www.nefeshmountain.com.

Give a look and listen:

Mario Pavone's Dialect Trio at The Buttonwood 6/30

I've been listening to, talking to, watching, and enjoying the music of Mario Pavone for over four decades.  His percussive yet melodic bass playing both anchored and freed up the music of the Thomas Chapin Trio. Before his 18 year run in the late saxophonist's ensemble (1980-97), he worked with pianist Paul Bley and trumpeter/ conceptualist Bill Dixon. Pavone has also led or co-led groups with Wadada Leo Smith, pianist Peter Madsen, guitarist Michael Musillami, and saxophonist Marty Ehrlich - his bands have featured drummer Michael Sarin, trumpeter Steven Bernstein, pianist Craig Taborn, and drummer Matt Wilson (among many others).  I have always admired how Pavone builds his music up from the rhythm section, his muscular playing and elongated melodies giving the musicians so much to work with.

Mr. Pavone, who turns 78 in November, remains active throughout the United States and Europe.  His latest album, "Chrome" (Playscape Recordings) features the Dialect Trio of pianist Matt Mitchell and drummer/Wesleyan Professor Tyshawn Sorey - they did a short tour around the release of the new album in May. The songs on the album are all originals, nine of the 10 composed solely by the bassist and one group improvisation.  As he has done in the past, Pavone reimagines pieces he wrote for larger ensembles to fit the dynamics, style, and creativity of his musical partners.  Not only did he produce the album (recorded at Firehouse 12 in New Haven) but also contributed the cover art.

The bassist is coming to The Buttonwood Tree, 605 Main Street in Middletown, on Saturday June 30.  He'll have his partner from the Chapin Trio, Michael Sarin, at the drum kit and a relative newcomer to his groups, pianist Angelica Sanchez, one of the finest interpreters of creative contemporary music.  They'll perform music from the new album as well as pieces from previous Trio albums.

For more information, go to buttonwood.org/event/dialect-trio-feat-mario-pavone/.

Here's an older piece by the Pavone-Mitchell-Sorey trio:

Danny Green 3 at The Buttonwood

The Buttonwood Tree, 605 Main Street in Middletown, presents the Danny Green Trio in concert at 8 p.m.  The Trio - Green (piano, compositions), Justin Grinnell (bass), and Julien Cantelm (drums) - began their musical journey together in 2010 (the association of Grinnell and Green started three years before that) and has released four albums together. The Trio was signed to OA2 Records in 2014 and, with the recent arrival of "One Day It Will", now have issued three CDs on the Seattle-based label.

The new album is what brings the San Diego, CA resident and his band to the East Coast.  The recording features a string quartet, an idea that Green brought to his previous album for three songs. The reception was so positive that the composer and arranger created a full program for the his band and the strings. And, this is not just a piano trio with strings for sweetening.  Green has created melodies especially for the two violins, viola, and cello in which the Trio supports, interacts, and creates new harmonic possibilities.  Also, Green's music has moved away from the strong Brazilian influence that one could hear on the first two recordings.  Now, one can hear hints of Chick Corea, Keith Jarrett, Bill Evans - nothing overt, mind you but truly a sign of growth, maturity, and curiosity.

Photo: Sasha Israel

The Buttonwood date is one of several on this East Cast swing without the strings. Nevertheless, the music should be listened to for the melodic content and the intuitive interactions of the rhythm section.  What is great about the performance space is that you can really pay how the Trio creates its sounds, the communication taking place, and how they respond to the audience.

Danny Green is conducting a Master Class at 6:30 p.m. (with a separate admission charge).  The Danny Green Trio takes the stage at 8 p.m.  For tickets and more information, go to buttonwood.org/event/the-danny-green-trio/ or call 860-347-4957.

To learn more about the pianist, the Trio, and the music, go to dannygreen.net.

Here's an engaging piece from the new album:



(A slightly different version of this post appeared on steptempest.blogspot.com).

Hair! Sing-a-Long at the Buttonwood Tree this Sunday!!

Can you name this Middletown celebrity? 

On Sunday, April 29th, beginning at 6:30pm, we welcome the community to  a SING -ALONG celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Broadway opening of Hair! The Musical.
Come to sing, reminisce and have fun! 

The event is presented by the Russell Library, Oddfellows Playhouse, ARTFARM and The Buttonwood Tree. It features a live rock band and opening with some footage from the original Broadway cast.

Get out your love beads! Warm up your voices! Prepare to enjoy an evening of “mystic crystal revelation and the mind’s true liberation”!

“Hair” opened on Broadway at the Biltmore Theatre on April 29, 1968. 

The band includes: 

Keyboard - Matt Durland
Guitar 1: Matt Kerovac
Guitar 2: Tom Oh
Bass: Harper Liles
Tenor Sax: Alex Antaya
Drums: Zach Fontanaz

(Fun fact: Tom Oh was part of the national tour of the show and has worked with the writers of the show)

Refreshments are available, all are welcome.

In 1968, the production was directed by Tom O’Horgan, choreographed by Julie Arenal, with set design by Robin Wagner, costume design by Nancy Potts, and lighting design by Jules Fisher. The original Broadway ‘tribe’ (i.e., cast) included authors Rado and Ragni, who played the lead roles of Claude and Berger, respectively, and Lynn Kellogg as Sheila, Lamont Washington as Hud, Sally Eaton and Shelley Plimpton reprising their off-Broadway roles as Jeanie and Crissy, Melba Moore as Dionne, Steve Curry as Woof, Ronnie Dyson (who sang ‘Aquarius’), Paul Jabara and Diane Keaton (both Moore and Keaton later played Sheila). Among the performers who appeared in “Hair” during its original Broadway run were Ben Vereen, Keith Carradine, Barry McGuire, Ted Lange, Meat Loaf, La La Brooks, Kenny Seymour (of Little Anthony and the Imperials), Joe Butler, Peppy Castro (of the Blues Magoos), Robin McNamara, Heather MacRae (daughter of Gordon MacRae and Sheila MacRae), Eddie Rambeau, Vicki Sue Robinson, Beverly Bremers, Dale Soules and Kim Milford. The production ran for four years and 1,750 performances, closing on July 1, 1972.

Saturday Jazz (Up Close + Solo)

News@Wesleyan

Pianist, composer, educator, and author (he also plays guitar and sings) Noah Baerman is the curator of Jazz Up Close!, a program sponsored by the Russell Library, the Shoreline Arts Alliance, the Middletown Commission on the Arts (and others. This Saturday September 23, Mr. Baerman, alto saxophonist Kris Allen, and bassist Henry Lugo welcome Brazilian-born drummer and percussionist Rogério Boccato for the "Crossing Cultures" program to take place at 1:30 p.m. in the Hubbard Room of the Russell Library, 123 Broad Street.

Boccato, who has worked and/or and recorded dozens of contemporary musicians including bassist John Pattitucci, composer Maria Schneider's Orchestra, vocalist Michael Franks, and UCONN/Storrs Professor of Music Earl MacDonald, teaches at the Manhattan School of Music and has served on the Percussion Faculty at the Hartt School/University of Hartford.  He also has a long association with artists from his home country including Milton Nascimento, Dori Caymmi, Hermeto Pascoal, and the late Antonio Carlos Jobim.

This should be a fascinating concert, with good insights into the world of percussion and creative music.  Bring your questions!  For more information, go to russelllibrary.org.

Here's Senhor Boccato playing with Hartford natives Luques & Zaccai Curtis (The Curtis Brothers) on their "Completion of Proof" album:

Pianist, composer, and educator Laszlo Gardony returns to The Buttonwood Tree, 605 Main Street in Middletown, on Saturday (9/23) at 8 p.m. for a concert of solo piano music.  Professor Gardony, who is on the faculty of the Berklee College of Music in Boston, is a frequent visitor to The Buttonwood.  He's in town to celebrate the release of his latest Sunnyside Records album, "Serious Play", a delightful collection of works including a number of originals and standards such as "Georgia on My Mind" and John Coltrane's "Naima."  The pianist pays with great fire, great emotion and has a lifetime love for melody and improvisation. I know for a fact he loves playing in the intimate performance space because of the receptive audiences and how close people sit.  

For ticket information, go to buttonwood.org/event/lazlo-gardony-cd-release-concert/ or call 860-347-4957. To find out more about the pianist, go to www.lgjazz.com.

Here is the title track of his splendid new album:

This Weekend: Jazz and Blues at The Buttonwood Tree

605 Main Street / PO Box 71, Middletown, CT 06457

www.buttonwood.org / 860.347.4957

The Charter Oak Jazz Quartet

Friday, February 10 

8 pm $10

Jazz

Charter Oak Jazz woodsheds and plays out in the Hartford, CT area. Straight Jazz classics – keeping the tradition alive, and loving the music! 

The group is currently a Quartet, including Alec McCandless on piano, Stephen Zulli on guitar, Cal McCandless on drums, and John Norton on bass.

https://soundcloud.com/charteroakjazz

Purchase Tickets Here

OR call 860.347.4597 to reserve your seat

Bop Tweed

Saturday, February 11

8 pm $10

Jazz / Blues

Stephen Roane, Jason Apostoleris and Tim Barry a.k.a., BOP TWEED, are very happy to be performing at The Buttonwood Tree again, and will be playing selections from their latest CD – “Flying Fish Sessions”- as well as preview some new songs they’ve been working on along with past favorites from previous CD’s.

Bop Tweed is a jazz/blues trio, comprised of Steve Roane of Madison on guitar and vocals, Jason Apostoleris of East Haddam on percussion and Tim Barry of Stony Creek on bass. They are all seasoned musicians, playing a mixture of original songs and jazz & blues standards.

https://www.reverbnation.com/boptweed

Purchase Tickets Here

OR call 860.347.4957 to reserve your seat

Other Events this Week

Saturday, February 11 @10:30 am

Aligned with Source

Sunday, February 12 @ 2:00 pm

NEAR and Far Storytellers

This is a program of storytelling featuring an open mic opportunity for anyone in the audience during the first half with headliner(s) for the second half. The featured tellers for the 2/12/17 performance will be Carolyn Stearns and Jim Harriman.

Monday, February 13 @ 7:00 pm

Anything Goes Open Mic & Moments of Gratitude

Tuesday, February 14 @ 1:00 pm

Intentional and Empowering Yoga

Thursday, February 16 @ 7:00 pm

Shaking the Tree Gong and Sound Meditation

To learn more about these great events and explore other happenings

 Visit www.buttonwood.org

Sean Clapis Trio with Henry Lugo and Noah Baerman

June 28, 2013
8 - 10 pm, $10


Jazz pianist, composer, educator and author Noah Baerman grew up in Connecticut, studying jazz at New Haven’s Educational Center for the Arts and at Jackie McLean’s Artists’ Collective in Hartford. In the 1990s, he earned B.M. and M.M. degrees in Jazz Studies from Rutgers University, where his mentor was Kenny Barron. Aside from Barron, his instructors included Ted Dunbar, Joanne Brackeen, Bill Fielder, Ralph Bowen, Larry Ridley and Michael Mossman. He also discovered a broad range of music through studies in jazz history with Phil Schaap and Lewis Porter. While at Rutgers, he performed extensively in and around New York with jazz artists including Bowen, Charles Fambrough, Stefon Harris, Rufus Reid, Akira Tana, Mark Turner and many others. From 1994-1999, he co-led the quartet Positive Rhythmic Force, performing throughout the east coast and recording two CDs.



Sean Clapis is a young jazz guitarist from Hartford, Connecticut. While attending the Academy of the Performing Arts High School in Hartford, and the Artist’s Collective, founded by the late, great Jackie McLean, Sean studied with prominent jazz figures such as Paul Brown and Jimmy Greene.
He graduated from the prestigious Hartt School of Music as a Jazz Studies Major. Under the intense tutelage of the illustrious Steve Davis, Nat Reeves, Randy Johnston, Rich Goldstien, Rene McLean and The Great Andy LaVerne, Sean has made a name for himself on the Connecticut jazz scene.
http://www.seanclapis.com/

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Great Live Jazz at The Buttonwood Tree in January

(A slightly different version of this post appears on my blog Step Tempest - steptempest.blogspot.com.)

As the New Year begins, The Buttonwood Tree celebrates its 24th Birthday.  The brainchild of poet Susan Allison and her husband Stephan (an arts maven and believer in the power of art),The Buttonwood has played host to concerts from myriad musical styles, plays, poetry readings, belly dancing workshops, yoga workshops and other types of performance art as well as being a gallery for the visual arts and a bookstore.  Plus, it's a gathering place, working with children in the summertime as well as having programs for adults.

For old fogies, such as myself, it's a great place to hear live music. I have seen and heard numerous musicians from around the world playing (literally) in my living room.  For several years after coming to Wesleyan, Professor Anthony Braxton would workshop material in the performance space.  David Chevan and Warren Byrd utilized the space to kickstart the Afro-Semitic Experience and I've watched Noah Baerman grow as a performer and composer in that very room.

So, I am so pleased to see the schedule in January includes a goodly number of jazz concerts.  This Saturday (January 5), tenor saxophonist Russ Nolan (pictured) brings his Organ Trio to The Buttonwood for an 8 p.m. show. Nolan just issued his third CD as a leader, "Tell Me" (Rhinoceruss Music), and will be bringing 2 of the musicians on the disk with him, organist Art Hirahara and drummer Brian Fishler. Inspired by his great love of salsa dancing, the recording has several Latin-influenced tunes (including a splendid version of Stevie Wonder's "Creepin') but, in his liner notes, Nolan writes "..this is anything but a dance record." Yet, it is hard to keep one's feet from tapping on a majority of tracks.  There are also intelligent arrangements of Lennon-McCartney's "Nowhere Man" and Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror" (composed by Siedah Garrett and Glen Ballard.) Nolan's warm tenor sound, his enjoyment for playing and the excellent rhythm section will warm those who come see the Trio play.

The following Friday (January 11), drummer/composer George Schuller (he of the ubiquitous chapeaux and constant smile) returns to Middletown with his Trio, this time composed of Frank Kimbrough (piano) and Matt Pavolka (bass).  Mr. Schuller's list of accomplishments since he turned professionally 3 decades is mighty astounding, including gigs with saxophonist Joe Lovano, pianist Myra Melford, bassists Mario Pavone and Joe Fonda, guitarist Michael Musillami and a slew of others as well as producing numerous recordings and leading his own bands. He is a sensitive and adventurous composer and an accomplished percussionist.  Frank Kimbrough leads his own Trio and is, honestly, one of my favorite musicians - he works with the Maria Schneider Orchestra, vocalist Kendra Shank, is an original  member of the Jazz Composers Collective (having just celebrated its 20th anniversary) and teaches at the Juilliard School in New York City.  Matt Pavolka is a busy musician, working with numerous ensembles (including his vocalist wife Akiko's band) and leading his own Horns band.

All told, should be another fine evening of exploratory music - the music starts at 8 p.m.

The very next night (January 12) at 8 p.m., the Dan DeChellis Trio plays an evening of original music.  Mr. DeChellis has just issued his 10th CD as a leader, "The Age of Anxiety", and will be bring bassist Mitch Shelley and drummer Zack Martin with him to Middletown to play those tunes and more. He's a fine improviser and composer, writing songs that, at times, have more structure and depth than one might expect from a Piano trio.  The interplay of the musicians is very important, how they listen to each other, pushing, prodding and moving the music forward.

To find out more, go to www.dandechellis.com.  To find out more about The Buttonwood Tree, its complete January schedule and beyond, go to www.buttonwood.org.

Harmonies Happening Now

It's not too late to jog on down to The Buttonwood Tree - there's plenty of parking half a block away at It's Only Natural's lot. Show in progress has Brianne Chassanoff at the piano with a guests accompanying her on vocals and viola. Next up after Brianne is Bella Voce from New Haven Academy of Music - we caught them warming up before the show - take a lookat the video below. Of course, if you're reading this too late, you can always check out the next great show a The Buttonwood Tree. The calendar is online at www.buttonwood.org/events

Click here to watch video in YouTube

This Weekend at The Buttonwood Tree

Saturday Night is Dance Night
Richard Ruotolo & Meadowe Music!

The Buttonwood Tree
605 Mail Street
Middletown, CT

It's Saturday Night!
Everyone get up on the dance floor!

One of the hottest bands in the area, Richard Ruotolo & Meadowe Music generates energy and excitement everywhere and every time they perform.

This dynamic band comprises anywhere from three to eleven very talented musicians: Ruotolo is featured on the vibraphone and percussion. The group performs Jazz, classical favorites, Italian, R&B, funk, fusion swing, soul, latin/salsa and pop songs. And Richard Ruotolo & Meadowe Music also perform Ruotolo’s original compositions.

Come dance the night away, tonight, at 8 p.m.

There's always something happening at the Buttonwood Tree, just across the street from It's Only Natural market, at the corner of Main and Liberty in Middletown. On New Year's Eve, the lights were lite, The Tree was packed, and spirits were high.


Exit 43 Performs Inspiring Sing-Along Tunes

On Friday night, Exit 43 entertained energetically. Executive Director Anne-Marie Cannata reports, "we had a small audience, but those who were here had a great time! One regular patron said he was at home, nice and comfortable, but decided to come to the show. He said it was 'well worth coming out for.' Three people joined as new members, and folks came from all over the state--Derby, Burlington, Meriden, Fairfield, and Westport."

Exit 43's sing-alongs got people singing and clapping. The group played a song for the solstice and other familiar folk and folk-rock song, including their version of Richie Havens' "Freedom," which generated lots of energy.

Photos by Anne-Marie.

Serious (But Fun) Lessons From A Clown

For a world-renowned professional clown, Jef Johnson can be a pretty serious guy. He smiles and laughs with ease, but sounds at times more like a philosopher.

Johnson, who has performed on Broadway and taught workshops to Cirque du Soleil performers, will give a free talk entitled "Q&A: Expectation, Hope and Promise" at The Buttonwood Tree at 8pm Thursday night.

Then he’ll lead a 3-day workshop this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. . The cost is $50 per person for the 3 days - down from $200 thanks to a grant from the Middletown Commission on the Arts.

“Making it affordable, we’re hoping to attract a wider range of people”, said Johnson.

That wide range of people includes not only clowns, actors, and performers, but anyone else with a creative urge, or anyone who wants to get closer to what they enjoy doing. “We get actors, olympic athletes, painters, florists” he said.

Johnson’s workshops are not just about clowning. They’re also about eliminating the pre-judgment and self-expectations that often hinder the creative or spiritual flow. That’s where the clown comes in, although a more Eastern/European idea of the clown than that presented by Ringling Bros., et al. (Click here to see an example of Johnson's performance.)

“The clown - not the circus clown - is a pure being encountering the world naively.” That naive state is where Johnson tries to lead people in his “Creative Awakening” workshops. The idea is to react to the world in a more direct way, not only as a performer but even as audience. “We’ve lost the ability to be [just] witnesses. We go in as critics. Why does this exist?” Johnson asks. “I’m investigator as much as teacher--more of guide.”

That guidance includes exercises that are really games. “Play” is a key concept, trying to tap into that child-like wonder. “Play is what happens when there is no social consideration,” he says. “Play can emulate social relationships but can be more primary than that, can be just about experience. When we play, even as strangers, [people] can in 5-10 minutes find a very balanced way of presenting a solution to a problem. I can provoke them into creative problem solving.”

Middletown resident Aryn Kyer is one of the people responsible for bringing Johnson to town (he lives in Mexico and teaches worldwide.) She also helped get the grant from the MCA. “I wanted to share the work with everyone that I love, share it with my friends. I wanted to make it the world I live in everyday.”

Jef Johnson Middletown Workshop receives MCA Grant

Creative performance pioneer Jef Johnson returns to Middletown with a new workshop titled "Expect Nothing" December 16-18 with supplemental funding provided by the Middletown Commission on the Arts, sponsored by The Buttonwood Tree. Regularly $200, with support from the MCA, Jef is able to offer this 20-hour workshop at a reduced rate of $50.

Creative Awakening Workshop: EXPECT NOTHING

"Man's nature is to establish predictable circumstances and to hold tight to the daily manner of maintaining that predictable 'reality'. The desire to attain the approval of others has resulted in a society motivated by judgment and fear. Creativity requires freedom from rigid constructions and formulas. It requires presence and participation...without the guarrantee of any special benefit. To offer myself to the world, I must first remember how to experience the world without expectation, without arrogant assumption and without fear of rejection." - Jef Johnson


Who is Jef Johnson?

Jef Johnson is a leader in the field of performance theory. His research focuses on naive experience, consciousness, play, patterned behavior and social identity. He is a principle artist in the Broadway and International touring company of Slava's Snowshow. He has also worked with Cirque du Soleil as clown, special artistic consultant and workshop director. He has been investigating personal perception, performance and play for the last 25 years and has more than 20 years of experience working in live performance. He has given Master Classes, Conferences and Workshops to many organizations, theaters and universities including Cirque du Soleil, Slava's Snowshow, Circo Sentido, Circo de Mente, Camp Broadway, University of Houston, University of Pennsylvania, Colombia University, University of Minnesota, CUNY, SUNY, NYU, UNAM, UDEM, UQROO, and CENART. He is director of Mascara/Clown and is on the faculty of the Nouveau Clown Institute in Barcelona, Spain. Currently he is in Mexico, conducting research into the nature of human consciousness, creative association and social performance. Drawing from Clown, Mask and Butoh, his work has initiated deeper investigation into the primary essence of human experience, character and performance.

Workshop Details

The workshop runs Friday, December 16 from 6-10 pm, Saturday and Sunday, December 17 & 18 from 10 am – 6 pm, at 100 Riverview Center, Lower Level. This space has been generously donated by Harding Development Group in Middletown. Regularly $200, with support from the MCA, Jef is able to offer this 20-hour workshop at a reduced rate of $50. For more information contact Aryn Kyer at Arynky@gmail.com.

Talk at The Buttonwood Tree

In addition, Jef Johnson will give a talk entitled "Q&A: Expectation, Hope and Promise" that is free and open to the public at The Buttonwood Tree at 8pm on Thursday, December 15th. The Buttonwood Tree is located at 605 Main Street in Middletown.

Seinfeld-esque: free lecture on Nothing

Jef Johnson returns to Middletown with a new workshop focused on awakening the creative spirit August 26, 27, and 28. A leader in the field of performance theory, Jef has been investigating personal perception, performance and play for the past 25 years. He is a principal artist in the Broadway and International touring company of Slava’s Snowshow. He has also worked with Cirque du Soleil as clown, special artistic consultant and workshop director. Drawing from Clown, Mask and Butoh, his work has initiated deeper investigation into the primary essence of human experience, character and performance. On Thursday, August 25th, Jef will give a free lecture on "Nothing" at The Buttonwood Tree at 8pm. For additional information, contact Aryn Kyer at arynky@gmail.com.

Meet Your Middletown Neighbor: Brian Schroth

Introducing a new feature to the Eye: “Meet Your Middletown Neighbor.” This column aims to highlight regular people living, working, or otherwise being in Middletown who spend time on creative, interesting, or noteworthy pursuits. If you'd like to see this continue as a regular feature, we need to hear from you. Tell us about someone you know who is doing interesting things and who you'd like to see featured in “Meet Your Middletown Neighbor.” We can be reached at middletowneye@gmail.com

Brian Schroth is a soft-spoken, intelligent, and modest guy. A few years ago, in his early twenties, he decided to learn how to play piano. He started lessons at Joe Riff's on Main Street, where he met his teacher of the past three years, Brian Avery of East Hampton. Schroth says he was never very musically inclined, although his two siblings play instruments. In his late teens, he tried to learn to play the harmonica, but didn't get engrossed with it and gave it up quickly. He blames his failure at harmonica on a lack of patience, but he has certainly found some patience within himself when it comes to piano. He plays a range of styles, from rag to classical to modern rock songs. In contrast to his mild mannered demeanor, he has a powerful singing voice, although he uses it somewhat timidly, or maybe in an intentionally controlled way. Some of Brian's music is available on his YouTube channel, as are several piano playing video tutorials that he has uploaded in order to share knowledge freely with other musicians, potentially budding or otherwise. He is a strong believer in free and open sharing of music and information. He explains, “If I've gone to the trouble, or more accurately, if my piano teacher has gone to the trouble to help me learn how to play a song, then I'll take the time and try and share that.“ His dream job is working at a piano bar similar to Keys to the City at Terminal 110 in New Haven, though he recognizes that it would take a lot more work and a decade or two before he may be at the point where he would want to attempt to pursue a career in music. For now, he is exploring the possibility of becoming a high school math teacher, true to his philosophy of transparency and knowledge sharing.

Before living in Middletown, Brian lived in New Britain to be close to his job, but he didn't much like it there. He found himself in Middletown by accident and circumstances more than by conscious decision, though Middletown was an appealing choice. It made sense for him at the time, and he says he likes it here and it has worked out well, in that he is happy to be closer to his family. He's also happy to have found the open mic night at The Buttonwood Tree, where there is a piano available to play, which is likely out of the ordinary for a typical open mic setting. He enjoys the wide range of styles exhibited at The Buttonwood's open mic, and he likes to see people practicing and working on their talents and passions. He says that the Buttonwood is a very supportive atmosphere. “I like to see the different things people are working on there, and it's good to just experience that and hear other people's perspectives and get encouragement from other people.”

In addition to learning and practicing piano, Brian plays three days a week in an ultimate frisbee league, and he volunteers at Epoch Arts in East Hampton. The mission of Epoch Arts is to enrich lives with experiences in the arts, and it is an "arts for youth organization dedicated to helping young people learn to communicate, collaborate, create and celebrate by experiencing, hands-on, the arts.” Epoch has strong ties with the home schooling community, of which Brian Schroth was a part. At Epoch, Brian now teaches an improvisational acting class to kids. He revealed that the main criteria for being able to get involved with improv is a willingness to do so, and says that playing music in front of an audience is a lot more nerve wracking than doing improv, because with improv you can't really make a mistake.

Brian says that a big goal of his is to write his own music. For now, he'll continue to work on becoming proficient at piano playing until he feels ready to start writing his own pieces.

In terms of music happenings and an arts-friendly atmosphere, he says that Middletown is “a good place to be.”

Brian Schroth playing a song by favorite band of his Hey Rosetta! on July 18th at the Monday night Buttonwood Tree open microphone.

Dancing Spotlight

Last month you may have seen the first dancing spotlight winner, 83 year-old Antonia Velez doing her thing at an outdoor concert. If you missed it, it's available here.

This time around, the dancing spotlight goes to this happy couple spotted at the Michael Cleary Band performance Wednesday night at Music at the Mansion at Wadsworth Long Hill Estate.

The dancing spotlight runner-up goes to retired litigation attorney Bob Dutcher who was seen enjoying himself to the enchanting sounds of Occidental Gypsy at The Buttonwood Tree.

Sometimes, there's nothing more fun and cathartic than getting out there and shakin' your booty. I'll be looking for the next dancing spotlight winner, so get out and get down and enjoy what Middletown has to offer.

Hog River Revival

The Buttonwood Tree is having a very cool art show this month, and the best part will be tonight - come here the story of the river under Hartford, how it got there and why it was created!

Wednesday, July 6th, 2011
7-9pm

ART SHOW RUNS JULY 6 – 31

Reception’s Music by Carles Lombardo and The Hog River Revival Band

A collection of works inspired by the first voyages through the subterranean river system under Hartford Connecticut.

On Earth there are few unshakable forces. Water is one of them. Rivers can be channeled but not clotted. As the veins of this planet, they enrich the banks of this Earth with the nutrients that make life possible. The Park River now runs 50ft beneath Hartford, CT in over nine miles of concrete conduits.

Its in man’s nature to explore the unexplored and then make it familiar. This artery of Hartford was explored, buried, and ignored. It was referred to as “Hog River” by the Dutch, and “Little River” by the Native Americans.

Today Park River is hardly referred to at all. It runs below Hartford quietly and unannounced.

Our ultimate goal isn’t to only explore The Hog River, but to revive it. It passes by daily life unbeknown to the world above, but not for long.

These findings are the products of our first four journeys into the heart of Hartford’s subterranean river way.
This body of work is our initial exploration of The Hog River.

Throughout this year, we will continue to breath life back to The Hog River as it has quietly been breathing life into our Capital City. Our mission is not yet complete, this is not the end.

This is The Hog River Revival.

http://thehogriverrevival.com/

http://palbano.com/

Volunteers Get Some Love

O'Rourke's Diner treats Buttonwood volunteers to special dinner!

After O'Rouke's Diner officially closed for the day, Brian O'Rourke kept going to show his support for his North End neighbor. Gracious as ever on the Summer Solstice, he laid out a beautiful dinner party for the volunteers of The Buttonwood Tree. Anne-Marie Cannata, Executive Director of North End Arts Rising / The Buttonwood Tree, returned to the kitchen to help prepare and serve the meal.

Brian made special accommodations for vegetarians on the spot, but he warned everybody that there would be no cheesecake for anyone who didn't eat their brussels sprouts. And never so tasty a tiny cabbage was there ever served up in a Middletown dining establishment. Salad was fresh with house made dressing and fresh herbs, soup was rich, and everything was delicious. It really was a special way for the Buttonwood to say thanks to the people who have, in testament to the importance of The Buttonwood, donated their time, talent, energy, and services over the years. Anne-Marie would like to thank each and every person and hopes she has remembered everyone when she says that The Buttonwood Tree IS:

Eileen Albrizio | Mike Arafeh | Francine Augeri | Reverend Ronnie Bantum | John Basinger | 
Ed Biofore | Bill Biski | Abe Bobman | Lisa Bosco | Brian Burness | J- Cherry | Breanne Coates | Tom Cushing | Matt Donahue | Brad Devlin | Kelly DiMauro & daughter Kelsey | Mike D'Amico | Matt Earls | Matthew Evangelisti | Brad Devin | Deb Flynn | Ambur Fulse | Annaita Gandhy | Bill George | Bob Gotta | Tom Hahn | John and Jen Halfinger | Colin Haskins | Joe Hoyadilla | Ty Hunter | Jim Keating | Terri Klein | Kunle Mwanga | Kay Lani | Isaac Lichter | Roy Lisker | Topher Polack | 
Ian LaForce | Suzy Lampson | Laura Lawton | Roy Lisker | 
Dr. Maryott | Ted Paulsen | Topher Polack | Abby Reynolds | Paul Rice | Cocomo Rock | Erin St. Pierre | Phill Salafia | Ann Smith | Rev. Sandra Steele | Tim Sparks | Melissa Spencer | James Stoetzle | Dave Stott | Karen Swartz | Elizabeth Thomas | Ken Villines | Ashley & Sheryl Wescott | Terri Johnson & Martha Johnson | Dottie & Barry Ten Eyck | Fred Carroll

Here Stephan and Susan Allison talk about the origins of The Buttonwood Tree (TBT), now also called NEAR. The Allisons are pleased that TBT is thriving under Anne-Marie Cannata's leadership, and were delighted to receive the new TBT mug! The Allison's talk also focused on the original goals of The Buttonwood and some history and reminiscing. It was a great opportunity for the volunteers to learn some of the stories of the people and events and changes over the years.

As always, The Buttonwood has a full slate Thursday night and throughout the weekend with lots of great music scheduled. The details can be found at www.buttonwood.org

3 Days of 3 + Noah B. and Chris D. (not together this time)

It's a busy weekend at The Buttonwood Tree starting Friday night with a visit from The Electric Trains, a "roots music" trio based in Connecticut.  All their songs deal with travel, the people one meets along the way and the things that can happen.  They'll begin at 8 p.m.

Saturday, it's the "electro-acoustic improvisations" of 9:55, another Connecticut-based trio but one whose members create music "in the moment" that is to say totally improvised.  The musical adventure starts at 8 p.m.

Sunday, the "Trio" theme continues when pianist-composer-educator Noah Baerman brings his Trio to The Buttonwood for a 3 p.m. show.   Bassist Henry Lugo and drummer Vinnie Sperrazza join Mr. Baerman for a program of classy originals, fine standards and smart improvisations - the Trio has been performing the "Fulfillingness Project", the music of Stevie Wonder and, hopefully, will  treat the audience with plenty of that music as well.

For more information, call 860-347-4957 or go to www.buttonwood.org. 

Vibraphonist/composer Chris Dingman, Wesleyan graduate and collaborator with Noah Baerman on the latter's wonderful "Know Thyself" project, has just issued his debut CD. "Waking Dreams" (self-issued) features an impressive cast of young musicians on a program of original pieces (save for Joe Chamber's "Nocturnal" ) dedicated to the composer's creative process that continues into his sleeping time.  Joined by the fine trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire, pianist Fabian Almazan, saxophonist Loren Stillman, bassist Joe Sanders and drummer Justin Brown with guests Ryan Ferriera (guitar), Mark Small (bass clarinet) and West Hartford native Erica von Kleist (flute - she, too, appeared on Baerman's project.)
There certainly a dream-like quality to the opening pieces but there are also moments when the band and music takes flight. The solos are uniformly excellent and the rhythm section strong, supportive as well as catalysts for rhythmic adventure.

In the liner notes, Dingman (who has also performed and recorded with fellow Wesleyan grad Steve Lehman) gives credit to a good number of people, including the afore-mentioned Mr. Baerman and Wesleyan Professor Jay Hoggard.  At a time when jazz continues to be ignored in most of the mainstream media, it would be a crime for people who love creative music to miss this impressive music.  For more information, go to www.chrisdingman.com.    A more comprehensive review of the CD will appear on my music blog - steptempest.blogspot.com - in the next few weeks.

One Love, One Heart

submitted by The Buttonwood Tree:

It was Don Minott's High Voltage Reggae Band at The Buttonwood Tree last night and the love was flowing freely! People sang along, swayed to the fabulous Marley tunes and smiles were plentiful! The music soared, the house was filled, the band rolled with 6 guest singers and everyone had a blast!

They played til 11pm and didn't even stop for a break! Couldn't have asked for a better night!

But wait - there's more tonight ...

Saturday night (6/4) John Funkhouser brings his jazz trio to Buttonwood and after his last visit here, we know this man can tickle the ivories! I've been waiting for this since last time they were here! Show starts at 8pm. $10 - it's a bargain for this Brooklyn-based group!

Funk to Punk to Bebop to Free to Poetry

Buttonwood Tree Friday and Saturday - 605 Main Street, plenty of parking at It's Only Natural parking lot just steps away.

JOE FONDA with Special Guest: Lilly White and Trio Generations

Friday, May 27th, 2011
8pm
$10

The Music of Trio Generations is a combination of compositions and musical
influences of its three members.

Tonight we welcome a special guest: Lilly White on saxophone

From Funk to Punk to Bebop to Free
improvisation this is the musical ground on which we stand . http://www.myspace.com/triogenerations

Michael Jefry Stevens – Piano

Emil Gross from Austria – Drums

Joe Fonda – Bass

Riverwood Poetry Series “Poetry on the Grill” with Opening musical performance by Cameron Blake

Saturday May 28th, 2011
6:30pm

Donations accepted

Poetry on the Grill

Opening performance by Cameron Blake

Come roast and toast your favorite poetry and songs as Riverwood Poetry Series closes its 2011 season with a mega-open mic of poetic homages or parodies, paeans or satires, and general metaphoric mayhem. What better way to start the barbecue season than by raking Wordsworth over the coals? If you’d rather toast Teasdale, or other favorite poets, bring some of their poetry, or some they’ve influenced of your own.

Cameron Blake is a classically-trained Baltimore-based singer/songwriter with an eclectic style variously described as “art house folk rock,” “experimental” and “melodic folk.”
www.cameronblakemusic.com

The artistry and charisma of Cameron’s live performances have enabled him to perform in numerous venues throughout the East Coast, Texas, Michigan and even Paris, France. Known for constantly changing the arrangements of his songs in concert, Cameron has collaborated with various musicians from the Peabody Conservatory, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, and local rock, country, and Dixieland performers. Performances have earned him accolades including the 8×10 Club’s August 2008 Artist of the Month in Baltimore’s City Paper and 1st place among 36 competitors in Philadelphia’s renowned World Café Live ‘Philly Rising’ Open Stage.