“Fred Carroll’s Middletown” by “Dr.” Freddy H. Carroll.  Show runs from May 9 – 30

A collection of stick figure cartoons that puts the “un” in animation, and the “is” in minimalism. Not a real doctor, Fred has referred to himself as a “drug-addled street bagger” and a “poor, hapless dope”.  Some of his perceptions are however, without a doubt, crystal clear, razor sharp and/or pinpoint accurate.  A former college radio talk show host, Fred lets his stick figures and their New Yorker magazine-reading dogs do his talking for him these days.

Opening reception Sunday, 5/9 from 5-9 pm.  Free.

Saturday, May 22   1-6 pm  Free! Donations to support The Buttonwood Tree’s Music and Art Programs

The Buttonwood Tree  is happy to join Jen and John Halfinger to present an afternoon of flowers, food and fun at their farm in Higganum. Easy to find at 489 Candlewoodhill Road, Higganum, CT 06441   860-345-4609  www.halfingerfarms.com. For directions or more info see their website or call The Buttonwood Tree at 860-347-4957.

3 bands - The Sophisticats, Tractor NV and B Flat Tin Hat
Wonderful, talented artists donating their time to support The Buttonwood Tree.

The Sophisticats
Audiences enjoy the surprise of the eclectic styles and infectious energy of SophistiCats.  Their upbeat repertoire features original compositions and creatively arranged standards in many styles, including jazz, swing, rockabilly, country, Celtic folk, and blues.  Band members are Lorraine Liswell, Lead Vocalist and Composer; Bill Liswell, Guitars, Vocals, Bass, Composer; Steve Hodgetts, Drums, Vocals; Louis Chatey, Bass, Guitar, harmonica. Lorraine and Bill recorded a CD of original compositions, ”Wisdom’s Pearls”, featuring jazz guitar virtuoso Frank Vignola.  For more information please go to: www.bandlmusic.com

Tractor NV
This band rocks with classic selections drawn from The Beatles, Elvis, Buddy Holly, Carl Perkins, and Patsy Cline, as well as original material.   The addition of dobro and mandolin adds a fresh sound to the Classic Rock material Tractor NV performs.  Band members are Lorraine Liswell, Vocals; Bill Liswell, Guitar, Arranger, Vocals; Frank Busse, Drums, Vocals; Kevin Gallagher, Dobro, Mandolin, Guitar; Lou Chatey, Bass.  Please see www.bandlmusic.com for more information.

B Flat Tin Hat
This band combines seasoned musicians from around the world. Members include a California dude, an Italian raised in Chile, a real New Englander, and a Utahan of questionable lineage. Each bringing their own musical bag of tricks to the band. They got together in the summer of 2008.The influences of the band are many, such as Miles Davis, Cab Calloway, Thelonious Monk, Fats Waller, and even the Doors. This gives them an eclectic mix of tunes that are entertaining when performing either covers or originals.The members include: Ted Paulsen: Singer, Guitarist and Harmonica player, Jose Miguel Pasini; saxophonist, Chris Graves; bassist and Joe Harris; drummer.

3 Raffles – Come see what surprises we have for you – including music, art, jewelry from Mallove’s Jewelers, Restaurant gift certificates and more!  Winner need not be present. Raffles drawn at 5 pm.

3 Greenhouses – Beautiful flowers, hanging baskets, innovative growing techniques, vegetables and animals – Bring the kids!!

COME OVER FOR SOME GREAT MUSIC AND SUPPORT THE BUTTONWOOD TREE. HELP US TO CONTINUE TO BRING QUALITY ENTERTAINMENT CENTRAL CONNECTICUT, SUPPORTING ARTISTS AND THE KIDS ARTS SUMMER CAMP!

The Buttonwood Tree is operated by North End Arts Rising, Inc.; a nonprofit organization dedicating to keeping the arts alive in Middletown, CT and beyond.

Local political hack, John Kilian, and Buttonwood’s own artist of the month, “Dr.” Freddy H. Carroll, host a political discussion; preceded by an hour of very serious listening to “Talk for Your Rights” a radio show which airs on WESU 88.1 fm from 6-7 pm on Saturday nights.

Free. Donations for TBT are suggested.