This Week at The Buttonwood Tree

 

605 Main Street / PO Box 71, Middletown, CT 06457
www.buttonwood.org / 860.347.4957

Orlando Baxter - Live Standup Comedy
Thursday, March 9 @ 8 pm $20


Orlando Baxter exploded onto the Boston comedy scene in 2005, and was quickly established as one of the areas hottest young comics. His fresh perspective and unique relatability soon made this former high school teacher a fan favorite and led to a string of finalist positions in a host of contests and festivals including The New York Comedy Contest, NBC’s ‘Stand Up for Diversity’, The Boston Comedy Festival, and The Montreux Comedy Festival in Switzerland.

Purchase tickets here
OR call 860 347 4957 to reserve your seat

Hiroya Tsukamoto 

with opening by Andrew Biagiarelli
Friday, March 10 @ 8 pm $12


Hiroya is a one-of-a-kind guitarist and composer. Born and raised in Kyoto, Japan and in 2000, he received a scholarship to Berklee College of Music and came to the US. Since then, he has been performing internationally including appearances at Blue Note in New York with his group and Japanese National Television. Hiroya has released six albums.

Andrew Biagiarelli spent his early 20s traveling the American West with just a backpack and a guitar. Jamming around bonfires from Alaska to Colorado, he absorbed all the varied influences of his friends on the road. With a sound ranging in style from folk and blues to jazz-infused, his music is as varied as the landscapes of the American West. While living on a sailboat in the Caribbean, he assimilated reggae and calypso rhythms into his approach to songwriting. A natural storyteller, he weaves a tapestry of songs and tales of his travels into his live performances. His first studio album is in the works at Dirt Floor Recording Studio. 

Purchase tickets here

OR call 860 347 4957 to reserve your seat

Eric Mintel Quartet
Saturday, March 11 @ 8 pm $20


Since 2011 The Buttonwood Tree (TBT) has been fortunate to host the EMQ in December for their special Charlie Brown Christmas concerts and Dave Brubeck pieces. For this encore performance, along with some Brubeck favorites, EMQ will “Play TV” for us – taking Classic TV show themes and playing them as Jazz pieces. Join us for an intimate evening with one of the most enthusiastic entertainers around!

As an added bonus, Lan Chi Restaurant, a first rate Vietnamese dining establishment just a bit down the street from TBT, is offering a 15% discount to ticket holders. Later, diners are entitled to a free beverage of their choice at The Buttonwood Tree (including beer and wine). Treat yourself to olfactory, visual and auditory delights!

The Eric Mintel Quartet has been thrilling audiences of all ages with their electrifying jazz for over 25 years including two performances at the White House by invitation of Presidents Clinton (1998) and Obama (2011), several concerts at the Kennedy Center, a special performance at the United Nations and countless accolades through the years. Featuring pianist and composer Eric Mintel, Nelson Hill sax/flute, Jack Hegyi bass and Dave Mohn drums. The EMQ is best known for their tribute to Dave Brubeck and performance of many Eric Mintel originals. The EMQ also has become a staple of the holidays with their highly successful “Charlie Brown Jazz” concerts delighting families across the country.

 

Purchase tickets here

OR call 860 347 4957 to reserve your seat

Other Great Events this Week

Aligned with Source: An Interactive Workshop & Meditation

Saturday, March 11 @ 10:30 am $5

Hosted by Annaita Gandhy.  Topic: Living the Law of Attraction 

NEAR and Far Storytellers

Sunday, March 12 @ 2 pm $10

This is a program of storytelling featuring an open mic opportunity for anyone in the audience during the first half with headliners for the second half.

 

Anything Goes Open Mic and Moments of Gratitude

Monday, March 13 @ 7 pm $5

Sign-ups at 6:30.  Come share your talent and gratitude with us! 

Intentional and Empowering Yoga

Tuesday, March 14 @ 1 pm Donations welcomed

A fun, accessible and supportive Hatha Yoga class with Theresa Govert that brings awareness to breathe, intention to movement and an emphasis on inner wisdom and body positivity.

 

CSA Song Development & Music Business Workshop

Tuesday, March 14 @ 7 pm $5

Bill Pere leads this informative, valuable, Song Development and Music Business workshop.

Learn more about these events and others at www.buttonwood.org
 

 

 

One Book on the Riverbend Announces 2017 Title

The title for the 2017 One Book on the Riverbend is The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics by Daniel James Brown.

Brown tells the story of the University of Washington’s 1936 eight-oar crew and how the team raced its way to the Berlin Olympics.   

The team of working class boys defeated the elite teams from other universities, and faced off with the German crew rowing for Adolf Hitler in the Berlin Olympics of 1936.

One Book on the Riverbend is composed of various organizations, schools, and public libraries of Cromwell, Portland and Middletown to promote literacy and community by the joy of sharing a good book.   

Books may be borrowed at one of the three public libraries, online or at the circulation desk. A wide range of programs are being planned to dovetail with the themes which are integral to the story.

For more information about how your book group or organization may get involved, contact Christy Billings, cbillings@russelllibrary.org or call (860) 347-2520.

Killer Hogs Soon to Wake From 77-Year Underground Sleep and Begin Bizarre, Violent, Destructive Mating Rituals in Urban Middletown; Public Safety Officials Trembling Too Much to Urge Calm--The Colonel Carries On #73

By Climate Chaos Affirmation Jones

Epigraph: “Duck Tape can’t fix Stupid, but it does shut him up.” --Mark Trail

Black walnut trees are often grown for their shade and edible nuts, but their buds, roots, and nut hulls release significant levels of juglone, a chemical that robs sensitive plants of needed energy. Remember that name: juglone.

Lori Brown Of CT League Of Conservation Voters To Speak March 16

Lori Brown, executive director of the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters will share information about environmental issues being discussed in the current legislative session at the next Meet Your Greens event presented by the Rockfall Foundation. The event takes place on Thursday, March 16 at 5:30 pm at Baci Grill, 134 Berlin Road, Cromwell.

The Connecticut League of Conservation Voters is a bipartisan, statewide, nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting Connecticut's environment by making it a priority for our elected leaders. “As our environment is under attack at the federal level, we have to hold the line in our state,” says Ms. Brown.

“Big efforts this session include protection of our state's public lands and public water, banning fracking waste, pesticide spraying, clean energy, and recycling of plastic bags and bottles. In anticipation of a closer look at some of the major environmental issues this session, people should not wait to jump in and help advocate for critical environmental legislation under debate right now.” Anyone interested in getting more involved can visit www.ctclv.org or email Lori Brown at lori.brown@ctlcv.org.

Meet Your Greens: Middletown Green Drinks, is a program of the Rockfall Foundation and an official location of Green Drinks International. Informal monthly gatherings offer networking for anyone interested in emerging environmental issues and keeping the Lower Connecticut River Valley communities green and growing. All are welcome with no advanced registration necessary. Meet Your Greens: Middletown Green Drinks is free, however, food and beverage purchases are the responsibility of the individual.

The Rockfall Foundation supports environmental education, conservation programs and planning initiatives in Middlesex County. Established in 1935, it is one of Connecticut’s oldest environmental organizations and annually awards grants to non-profits, schools and municipalities.

For additional information, please contact the Rockfall Foundation at 860-347-0340 or visit www.rockfallfoundation.org.

March 1-7 at The Buttonwood Tree

605 Main Street / PO Box 71, Middletown, CT 06457
www.buttonwood.org / 860.347.4957

Story City Troupe

Friday, March 3 @ 8 pm $10

Storytelling

Story City is a troupe of storytellers based in the Hartford, CT area and trained by Matt Dicks, one of The Moth’s champion storytellers. Story City Troupe uses The Moth Formula: all are true, personal stories, often funny, sometimes amazing, poignant or ironic and based on a single theme for the evening. The troupe members range in age from their 20’s to their 70’s, proving you can come up with a good story at any age.  You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll identify!

This month’s theme:
Wheels

This month’s cast:

Jill Wruble

Maire Greene

Wendy Marans

Mike Isko

Nina Lesiga

Catherine Conant

Saul Fussiner

 

Learn More

Purchase Tickets Here

OR Call 860-347-4957 to reserve your seat

 

Modern Riffs

Saturday, March 4 @ 8 pm $10, $5 students & TBT member

Jazz

Straight ahead jazz, in combination with 70’s and 80’s classic rock and funk. The group has 4 horns, a singer, and a powerhouse rhythm section.

The Modern Riffs is a high energy mentoring group where talented high school musicians perform alongside experienced musicians. They were formed in 2009 and frequently perform at concerts, dance clubs and civic events. Since its inception, the group has fielded over 30 young musicians, many of whom have made performing arts their career.

Learn More

Purchase Tickets Here

OR Call 860-347-4957 to reserve your seat 

Past Life Regression with Dan LaRosa

Sunday, March 5 @ 2 pm $20

For over 30 years Dan LaRosa has gained respect throughout the world as a Motivational Stage Hypnotist. His shows and workshops have been presented throughout the United States, Europe, the Caribbean, and most recently on the aircraft carrier USS NIMITZ for military personnel returning from the Persian Gulf. His theatrical hypnosis performances are captivating, thought provoking and fun for all! In addition to demonstrating the funny and dramatic side of hypnosis, LaRosa has taught other people how to banish unwanted habits, dramatically improve sales and athletic performance, reduce stress, and increase personal power, through his motivating Live Your Dream workshops, and through personal hypnosis sessions. Dan is a master hypnotist and a certified Hypnosis Trainer for the National Guild of Hypnotists.

Learn More

Purchase Tickets Here

OR Call 860-347-4957 to reserve your seat

 

Other Events this Week

Acoustic Open Mic with Bob Gotta

Thursday, March 2 @ 7 pm $5

Sign-ups at 6:30 - come play and be heard!

Aligned with Source - An Interactive Workshop and Meditation with Annaita Gandhy

Saturday, March 4 @ 10:30 am $5

Topic: Being Still, Being in Your Heart

Woman Scream International Poetry and Arts Festival Event

Saturday, March 4 @ 2:00 pm Donations welcomed

Colin Haskins and Free Poets Collective

Cloud 9 and Friends Improv

Sunday, March 5 @ 7 pm $5

Short-form and long-form improv comedy for the pure joy of it!

Anything Goes Open Mic and Moments of Gratitude

Monday, March 6 @ 7 pm $5

Sign-ups start at 6:30, come share your talent and gratitude with us! 

Intentional and Empowering Yoga

Tuesday, March 7 @ 1 pm Donations welcomed

A fun and supportive Hatha Yoga class with instructor Theresa Govert

 

Laughter Yoga

Tuesday, March 7 @ 6 pm Donations welcomed

 Laugh your stress away with instructor Mylene Poitras 

Learn more about all of these great events and more at www.buttonwood.org

 

Cat Tales - Seeking Volunteers to Help Feed Feral Cat Colonies in Middletown

Seeking Volunteers to Help Feed Feral Cat Colonies

Cat Tales Non Profit Rescue manages several feral cat colonies in Middletown and is 

actively seeking volunteers to help feed the cats in these managed colonies.    

You can make a difference in the lives of these cats and the community. As a Feral Colony Caretaker you will:

· Need to have a minimum of 1 day/week available to volunteer

· Need to dedicate 1 hour per morning on designated day(s)

· Have a car and valid driver’s license

· Ability to drive in inclement weather and shovel snow to access the colonies in the winter

· Communicate with Cat Tales Feral Colony Coordinator after each visit

Optional: learn how to trap feral cats for spay/neuter/release

Cat Tales provides all food and supplies.

To volunteer, leave a message for Becky C at Cat Tales by phone 860-344-9043 or by email: Info@CatTalesCT.org 

Cat Tales ~ Spay-ghetti Dinner - this Friday!!

Cat Tales ~ SPAY-GHETTI DINNER!!

Friday Mar 3, 2017 - 6:30PM to 9:00PM

Fox Parish Center ,10 Elm St, Middletown, CT

Join us for our semi-annual spaghetti dinner

Seating at 6:30 / Dinner served at 7:00

$12.00 per person – Ticket includes pasta, meatballs, salad, bread and dessert

Raffle items and Door Prizes

For every three cans of Friskies or two rolls of paper towels you will receive a ticket for the door prize drawings (i.e. 12 cans of Friskies = 4 tickets)

To purchase or reserve your tickets please email info@CatTalesCT.org or call 860-344-9043

Cat Tales ~ Cat of the Week ~ MOSES!!

Cat Tales ~ Cat of the Week ~ MOSES!!

Meet Moses!

Gender:  Male

Breed: DSH

Color:  Grey Tabby

Age:  5 years old

I'm Moses! I lived in a feral colony the past few years. Someone must have dumped me there when they no longer wanted me. I'm now safe and I am feeling much better! The volunteers here at Cat Tales are the best. They pet me, love me, feed me, and the list goes on. I must say that I hate to be held so please do not try to pick me up. But I do LOVE attention and love to be pet. I will roll over on my belly when you scratch my head to show you how much I enjoy it. I'm a super affectionate guy! Dogs and children scare me, maybe something to do with my past life. I want all of your attention to myself so I'd love to be the only pet. I am looking for a quiet home with a patient person who will love me forever. Please adopt me today!

No Cats / No Dogs / No Children

Web:  http://www.CatTalesCT.org/cats/MOSES

Phone:  (860) 344-9043                                

Email:  ​​ Info@CatTalesCT.org​

See our commercial!  https://youtu.be/Y1MECIS4mIc

Notes from the Road -- The Colonel Carries On #72

By Narya Whisper

“Vacations are good for a change and a rest. The bellboy gets the change and the hotel gets the rest.” --Henny Youngman

Truck stops have the most wonderful assortment of electronic gadgets and connectors, all overpriced.

In many states, gasoline is around or under $2 a gallon.

Those high-velocity hand-dryers are effective, but noisy.