February 2010 CalendarMarch 2010 CalendarMarch 10, Wednesday, Doors open at 7pm, 8 pm show, $5 suggested donation for TBT
Belly Dance Presentation
The Evening Oasis returns with beautiful dancers, traditional dress and music. All are welcome for this entertaining and empowering evening.
Refreshments available.
March 11, Thursday, ,
YOGA
No Yoga class tonight -
Special gathering for Middle City Stage Company and Creative Juice
March 11, Thursday, 7:30 pm, $10 suggested donation
Middle City Stage Company Presents 5Arts2010
5Arts2010 includes a melding of 5 art forms into three evenings of entertainment. The art forms include a short film, two one act plays, music, poetry and visual arts, all written, produced and/or performed by artists from Connecticut including our local Greater Middletown community.
The short film, entitled ONLY IN FICTION is a father/daughter production. The screenplay was written by Middletown native and Mercy High School graduate Samantha DiMauro, and is directed by Kelly DiMauro, Artistic Director of Middle City Stage Company.
The two One Act plays were written by Connecticut based playwrights. SOME KIND OF MODERN LOVE, written by David Ryan Polgar is directed by Michael Eck. BASIC FACTS ABOUT THE HUMAN HEART is written by Forrest Stone and directed by Stacey Dyer.
Kristen Graves teams up with Middle City Stage Company again (last seen with us as part of The Woolgatherer) to offer her magical style and voice, performing her original songs.
Cocomo Rock, Terri Klein and Suzanne Vick will read their original poems for your pleasure.
And works by local artists Stacey Dyer (Guache Figure Paintings) and Lisa Lennon (Photography) will be on display in an Art Exhibit that runs the entire month of March.
www.middlecitystage.org
March 11, Thursday, 5:00 - 6:30 pm, Free to Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce members or $10
Creative Juice Networking Social Hour and Opening Reception for 5Arts2010
An Artistic Networking Hour featuring 5Arts2010!
Indulge your senses with us for a casual evening of networking at the Buttonwood Tree for the debut of Middle City Stage Company's 5Arts2010.
Theater + Film + Poetry + Art + Music
Chamber Members—FREE
Non-Chamber Members—$10 payable in advance or at the door
(this fee can be put towards Chamber membership)
Contact Cathy Duncan at cathy@middlesexchamber.com
Or
Call Middlesex Chamber at 860-347-6924
Beginning March 11th, Connecticut's own Screenwriters, Playwrights, Directors, Actors, Poets, Musicians and Visual Artists will be brought together for three exciting evenings of diverse entertainment.
This will be a great opportunity to experience what The Buttonwood Tree has to offer as well as our very own local arts community! Everyone is welcome to stick around after the networking hour for the official opening of the art exhibit at 6:45. The show will begin at 7:30pm, tickets are a suggested donation of $10.
For more tickets and more information about the artists, please visit http://MiddleCityStage.org
http://MiddleCityStage.org
March 12, Friday, 7:30 pm, $10 suggested donation
Middle City Stage Company Presents 5Arts2010
5Arts2010 includes a melding of 5 art forms into three evenings of entertainment. The art forms include a short film, two one act plays, music, poetry and visual arts, all written, produced and/or performed by artists from Connecticut including our local Greater Middletown community.
The short film, entitled ONLY IN FICTION is a Father/daughter production. The screenplay was written by Middletown native and Mercy High School graduate Samantha DiMauro, and is directed by Kelly DiMauro, Artistic Director of Middle City Stage Company.
The two One Act plays were written by Connecticut based playwrights. SOME KIND OF MODERN LOVE, written by David Ryan Polgar is directed by Michael Eck. BASIC FACTS ABOUT THE HUMAN HEART is written by Forrest Stone and directed by Stacey Dyer.
Kristen Graves teams up with Middle City Stage Company again (last seen with us as part of The Woolgatherer) to offer her magical style and voice, performing her original songs.
Cocomo Rock, Terri Klein and Suzanne Vick will read their original poems for your pleasure.
And works by local artists Stacey Dyer (Guache Figure Paintings) and Lisa Lennon (Photography) will be on display in an Art Exhibit that runs the entire month of March.
www.middlecitystage.org
March 13, Saturday, 7:30 pm, $10 suggested donation
Middle City Stage Company Presents 5Arts2010
5Arts2010 includes a melding of 5 art forms into three evenings of entertainment. The art forms include a short film, two one act plays, music, poetry and visual arts, all written, produced and/or performed by artists from Connecticut including our local Greater Middletown community.
The short film, entitled ONLY IN FICTION is a father/daughter production. The screenplay was written by Middletown native and Mercy High School graduate Samantha DiMauro, and is directed by Kelly DiMauro, Artistic Director of Middle City Stage Company.
The two One Act plays were written by Connecticut based playwrights. SOME KIND OF MODERN LOVE, written by David Ryan Polgar is directed by Michael Eck. BASIC FACTS ABOUT THE HUMAN HEART is written by Forrest Stone and directed by Stacey Dyer.
Kristen Graves teams up with Middle City Stage Company again (last seen with us as part of The Woolgatherer) to offer her magical style and voice, performing her original songs.
Cocomo Rock, Terri Klein and Suzanne Vick will read their original poems for your pleasure.
And works by local artists Stacey Dyer (Guache Figure Paintings) and Lisa Lennon (Photography) will be on display in an Art Exhibit that runs the entire month of March.
www.middlecitystage.org
March 14, Sunday, 7 pm, $15.
Jeff Blaney and Willie Larsen - Americana, Blues, Country
Jeff Blaney is a gifted musician and a hard working songwriter who relocated to Nashville in July 2008. He plays the guitar and mandolin and has been writing, recording and performing music for inspired audiences since the age of fifteen. Jeff's love for traveling the country has allowed him to perform in many venues from The Coconut Teaser on Sunset Blvd. to The Sidewalk Cafe in Manhattan. Jeff was lucky to land a gig after only two weeks living in Nashville, playing mandolin for the Nashville Dinner Theatre Company. Currently he is working on producing an album and playing his mandolin for talented Nashville songwriter Luke Amelang.
Jeff has been a part of musical projects which include:
- The Blaney Bros
- Pie (winner of best blues band 2004 in The Hartford Advocate)
- 19 Strings with Willie Larsen
- Backtalk
- Mike Tierney & Friends and many more...
Jeff's musical history songbook is deep, including songs of country, blues, Celtic, bluegrass, funk, reggae and rock. Jeff took the opportunity to record with Willie Larsen on a CD with 8 of Willie's original songs. These songs are funny and heartfelt - songs calling back to Willie's past and the loss of his wife, Beth. On the song, 'I'm Worried About You', "It is difficult to sing sometimes," Willie says. "I'm talking to her in heaven when I sing that song." When I sing, "I'm worried about you, are you worried about me," it could not come from anywhere but the heart. Other songs include 'Won't You Come Out Tonight','I Met A Girl' and 'Shut Up Girl' - all about lost loves from relationships wanting to work but never to be.
Willie Larsen has a long musical background in many areas such as acting, singing, songwriting, finger-picking guitar as well as square dance calling and teaching. Since the early 1970's when in high school in East Haven, CT, Willie has been traveling throughout New England, upstate New York and New Jersey - calling dances and singing and playing guitar when ever he has the chance.
www.myspace.com/jeffreyblaney
March 19, Friday, 8 pm, $10 / $8 students
Jann Klose - Acoustic 'Pop Rock'
Born in Germany, raised in Nairobi, Kenya and Johannesburg, South Africa, Jann spent his teenage years in Hamburg, Germany before coming to Cleveland, Ohio as an exchange student. He returned to Germany, to fulfill mandatory civil service, and then relocated to Northeast Ohio, where he studied voice with Emmy winner David Gooding, sang in the Cleveland Opera Chorus, and released two CDs on local label G21 Records.
In 2000 Jann relocated to New York. He has since performed in Broadway touring companies of JEKYLL & HYDE and JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR as well as a regional production of The Who's TOMMY (NJPAC).
In addition to radio airplay and extensive touring in the U.S. and Europe - over 200 shows since 2008 - Jann and his band have been receiving positive press for REVERIE:
“The first thing that's totally unmistakable about Jann Klose is that voice - which is just light years beyond that of the typical singer/songwriter … a sound that is classy, distinctive and often irresistible.” - Advance Newspaper Wire Service, MassLive.com
Since the release of REVERIE, Jann and his band have been on the road almost non-stop both in the U.S. and Europe, supporting Renaissance on its nine-date, 40th anniversary tour that included shows in prestigious venues including Atlantic City's Trump Taj Mahal, The Keswick Theatre in Philadelphia, The Birchmere in Alexandria, and NYC's Concert Hall. He collaborated on stage at New York City's B.B. King Blues Club with members of the Rolling Stones' horn section, Alan Parsons Project, and Dire Straits for its third annual salute to George Harrison's Concert for Bangladesh, raising funds to fight cancer. In September of 2008 Jann and his bassist Chris Marolf performed with Rosanne Cash, Marty Stuart and Roger McGuinn at the Martin Guitar 175th anniversary concert at The State Theatre in Pennsylvania.
www.jannklose.com
March 20, Saturday, 8 pm, $10 / $8 students
Saturday Night Jazz - Ron Freshly Band
Original compositions and a spectrum of swing, bop, modal & latin-flavored compositions.
Ron Freshly (reeds)
Karl Rausch (guitarist)
Mark Dunlap (bassist)
Keith Rausch (drums)
About Ron Freshley...
I grew up in a musical family. I am mostly self-taught as ao composer. My initial saxophone instructor/mentor was Lee Konitz. My other major mentor/teacher was Yusef Lateef. I have also played and/or studied with a host of other incredible, creative musicians, including: my band mates on the 3 CDs, Tony Vacca, Tim Moran, Tom McClung, Lynne Meryl, David Muesham, Cliff White, Bob Markey, Jon King, Matt Waugh, Chris Bakriges, Bruce Diehl, Richard Downs, Ted Levine, Jon Messmer and many others. _____________________________________________________________________________ I have self-produced 3 CDs of original compositions: "Closing Time" (1998) with Paul Arslanian, piano; Dave Shapiro, bass; Claire Arenius, drums. - "Live at A.P.E." (2004) with Doug LaRosa, trombone; David Wertman, bass; Jay Alan Jackson, drums. - "Flights" (2008) with Karl Rausch, guitar; Jeff D'Antona, piano; Wertman & Jackson.
www.myspace.com/ronfreshley
March 23, Tuesday, 7 pm, FREE - DONATIONS WELCOME TO SUPPORT BUTTONWOOD
Free at Last Players - Theater / Stand-up / Improv
The Free at Last Players is a not-for-profit theater group dedicated to dispelling the myths and misconceptions that surround mental illness and substance dependency. Founded in 1989, the group has performed all over Connecticut and the United States with shows consisting of songs, poems and skits created by the group’s members. Perhaps the most difficult aspect of dealing with mental illness or substance dependency is overcoming the misunderstanding surrounding each malady. By showcasing their first-hand perspectives via performance art, the Free at Last Players combat this misunderstanding. The group consists of members who recognize that every person deserves to be seen as just that: a person. With strengths and weaknesses just like anyone else. As they celebrate their 20th anniversary, The Free At Last Players continue to reach out to new groups who might benefit from and/or appreciate the group’s message. Finding in performance art a labor of love, The Free at Last Players make the world a more accepting place – one audience at a time."
www.freeatlastplayers.org
March 25, Thursday, 5:10 - 6:30pm, see below for fees
Kundalini Yoga with Kay Lani
Experience peace within and work toward a healthier YOU here at The Buttonwood Tree! Yoga can benefit everyone. Come relax, breathe, meditate, and have fun in a warm group setting while stretching, strengthening, and energizing. No experience is needed and all are welcome. Wear loose clothing and bring a mat, cozy blanket, and water. (water available at TBT $1.) Please do not wear fragrances to class. For more information about certified yoga instructor Kay Lani and Kundalini Yoga, visit www.kyoga4life.com
Fees: Walk-ins: $12
6-class card: $60
12-class card: $98
Discounts also available for senior citizen and student class cards.
www.kyoga4life.com
March 26, Friday, 8 pm, $10 suggested donation
Grass Routes Bluegrass Band
Tonight Grass Routes brings us the added talent of guest banjo player, Dan Menzone.
Grass Routes is a Connecticut five-piece bluegrass band. Since 1980 they have been delighting audiences with a repertoire ranging from traditional bluegrass standards to folk and contemporary songs all performed in their own unique bluegrass style. Skillful instrumental work and strong vocals give Grass Routes their own characteristic sound. Showcasing especially tight harmonies, vocals include duets to four part harmonies. What make Grass Routes unique is that each member sings lead. With five lead vocalists, Grass Routes presents a different style and material with each vocal arrangement.
Members of the band include Joe Lemeris, banjo and dobro;
Bill Reveley, mandolin and fiddle; Marilyn Toback-Reveley, rhythm guitar; Dave ‘Tex’ Orlomoski, lead guitar; Joe DeLillo, upright bass. Grass Routes has appeared on radio and television and performed at major concerts and bluegrass festivals throughout the Northeast. Grass Routes currently has four recording projects. Their musical style appeals to audiences of all ages.
The band members enjoy each other as friends as well as musicians. Their latest music project, SOMETHING NEW, features a wide range of material from the likes of Bill Monroe, Nickel Creek and James Taylor, all done with that Grass Routes flair.
There are sound clips to preview at: http://cdbaby.com/cd/grassrts2 .
SOMETHING NEW can be ordered by mail through CD Baby.
A download of SOMETHING NEW is available from DiGSTATION at: www.digstation.com/GrassRoutes.
Tonight Dan Menzone joins the group as Joe Lemeris will be unavailable.
www.grassroutesbluegrass.com
March 27, Saturday, 6:30 pm, $3. and a non-perishable food item
Riverwood Poetry Series
Viso Ngozi has been writing poetry since 1989, and recording and performing spoken word poetry since 1993. He has performed throughout much of the east coast; Atlanta , DC , NY , MA. and throughout CT. He has published two books of poetry: VOICES of the VIRTUOSO a collection of expressions and “2” - voices of the virtuoso-prequel. He says, “It is not my intent to be famous – but relevant.”
www.riverwoodpoetry.org
March 31, Wednesday, 7 pm, Free - Donations welcome
FILM - "Cherry Blossoms"
2009 film called "Cherry Blossoms" - by Buddhist film director Doris Dorrie who also directed "How to Cook Your Life."
The film is beautifully filmed in Japan and explores with humor and compassion what can happen when people just drop their story line and connect.
2 hrs. 4 minutes
Sponsored by the Buddhist Faith Fellowship with
refreshments.
www.bffct.net/
April 2010 CalendarApril 1, Thursday, 6:30 sign up 7:00 start. ... Meets EVERY First Thursday, $5
Open Mic with Bob Gotta
EVERY FIRST THURSDAY Come play and be heard. Bring your own instrument or play our piano or congas... join the fun!
April 2, Friday, 7:30 pm, $8 suggested donation $5/students with ID
Stories To Tell - Jason Miles - "Behind The Scenes"
From Miles to Luther and more - a journey in words and music.......
Producer, Arranger, Composer, Keyboardist, Author, Grammy Winner - Jason Miles will take us on a journey through his adventures in and behind the music scene.....
From a young guy hanging out at the NYC jazz clubs in the early 1970's to performing on some of those same stages and more.... Personal stories of the music he's done with Miles Davis, Luther Vandross, Whitney Houston,Michael Jackson, Sting....
Jason will perform music from his career as a performer and producer. His stories are funny and revealing - told by someone who was there for all of this......
Expect an interesting and intimate evening.
www.myspace.com/jasonmilesmusic
www.jasonmilesmusic.com
April 3, Saturday, 8 pm,
Saturday Night Jazz - Joe Fonda
Step in with:
Joe Fonda bass
Carlo Morena piano
George Schuller drums
with guest vocalist Jasmine Labianco Vocals
An accomplished international Jazz artist, Fonda has performed with his own ensembles throughout the United States and Europe, and as a side man with Archie Shepp, Ken McIntyre, Lou Donaldson, Bill and Kenny Barron, Leo Smith, Perry Robinson, Dave Douglas, Curtis Fuller, Mark Whitecage, Marion Brown, and Bill Dixon. Fonda was the bassist with the renowned Anthony Braxton sextet, octet, tentet, from 1984 through 1999. Fonda also sat on the Board of Directors from 1994 to 1999, and was the President from 1997 to 1999 of the newly formed Tri-Centric Foundation. He has also performed with the 38-piece Tri-Centric orchestra under the direction of Anthony Braxton, and was the bassist for the premiere performance of Anthony Braxton's opera, Shalla Fears for the Poor, performed at the John Jay Theater in New York, New York, October 1996. "There is more to creative mastership than the surface of satisfaction and political certainty. The music of Joe Fonda is part of a living tradition of belief and dedication. Future historians will be surprised at the breadth of Mr. Fonda's offerings. This is a real virtuoso and composer of the highest order." - Anthony Braxton, 1996
www.joefonda.digitalspace.net/
April 6, Tuesday, 7:00 - 8:30 pm, $5 suggested donation
Developing Your Psychic Ability – Communications with the Body
Travel through your body like never before. Learn about what the mind does with an injured body part and how that part responds. Have a conversation with an injured body part. Learn what the injured part knows. Conversing with someone else's injured part. When the mind doesn't want to hear, being a bridge to get help.
Instructor: Paul Rice
April 9, Friday, 8 pm, $10 / $8 students
The YaYas - Acoustic Folk Rock Opening Performer - Ben Rabb
"Singer Catherine Miles' vocal style is simultaneously voluptuous and ethereal, drawing the listener into the full emotion of the stories she sings. Guitarist Jay Mafale and keyboard player Paul Silverman deftly weave their instruments together in a richness that belies the fact that there are only two instruments in the band. Their original material showcases their considerable talent, exquisite melodies, and intelligent lyrics." Amy Tuttle - Folk Music Society of Huntington;
. What remains constant are well-crafted songs with deceptively simple lyrics about people you feel you might know, people who view themselves and the world with both honesty and compassion.
The YaYas feel most at home is in front of an audience. After all, seeing these three perform is like spending an evening with them in their living room – inviting, entertaining, and a little goofy.
BEN RABB is a young and emerging singer/songwriter and acoustic guitarist; a folk artist who weaves stories about life based on personal experience. Ben’s easy listening style has been compared to James Taylor and Amos Lee.
www.myspace.com/benrabb
www.myspace.com/theyayasmyspace
April 10, Saturday, 8 pm,
Saturday Night Jazz - The Mike Augeri Jazz Quintet
Here's a stellar group you won't want to miss!
Mike Augeri - drums
Sinan Bakir - guitar
Warren Byrd - keys
Paul Fuller - bass
Very special guest Maxine Martin on sax/clarinet.
Mike Augeri, a Middletown native, has been a drummer/ percussionist for over forty years. He has played with Teddy Pendergrass, Joe Lovano, American folk artist Pete Seeger , and many local jazz artist as well. Mike has studied with such drumming greats as Joe Porcaro, Ed Blackwell and the late great drummer/precussionist Richie Lepore. Mike leads his own jazz groups, "MA JAZZ/FUNK PROJECT", and The Mike Augeri jazz quartet. He also plays with Sinan Bakir, Dave Dana, Joey Sexton and percussion with the classic rock band "TIME MACHINE". Mike is also a drum /percussion teacher and advisor to the Vic Firth drumstick Co. and Premier Percussion drums in London, England.
Pianist/Composer/Vocalist Warren Byrd is a Hartford native with an international touring schedule after many fruitful years playing Jazz throughout Connecticut, Southern New England, and New York.
PAUL FULLER,
BASSIST PAUL FULLER HAS BEEN ON THE HARTFORD JAZZ SCENE FOR MANY YEARS. PAUL HAS PLAYED WITH DAVE PALLA, WARREN BYRD, STEVE DAVIS, NORMAN CAGE AND SINAN BAKIR AS WELL AS MANY APPEARANCES AT THE HARTFORD JAZZ FESTIVAL AND LOCAL HARTFORD JAZZ CLUBS.
Sinan Bakir is one of the most unique and exciting young jazz guitarists in the scene today. The sound that Sinan is striving for described often as fresh, clean and lively yet intense and full with emotion. Sinan Bakir is hailed not only as a virtuoso player, but also a masterful composer.
Clarinetist and Tenor Saxophonist Maxine Carol Martin grew up in Connecticut and moved back recently, after living and working in New York for over twenty years.
www.warrenbyrd.com/
April 13, Tuesday, 7 pm,
Free at Last Players - Celebrating Middletown's One Book
details coming ...
www.freeatlastplayers.org
April 14, Wednesday, 7:30 for dancers, 7:45 show, $5 suggested donation for TBT
Belly Dance Presentation
The Evening Oasis returns with beautiful dancers, traditional dress and music. All are welcome for the entertaining and empowering evening. Beautiful women, in beautiful traditional dress. Music and dance to empower and delight. All are welcome.
April 16, Friday, 8 pm, $8. / $5 students
The Jolly Beggars - Celtic 6 piece band!
The Jolly Beggars bring the rich tradition of Celtic music to audiences all over Connecticut. Made up of students from the Hartt School of Music in West Hartford, CT, their traditional songs and musical arrangements have exposed many music lovers to the joys of Celtic music. They tell traditional stories from Irish folklore or daily life and intersperse their musical arrangements with traditional reels and jigs. Characterized by their tight harmonies and use of mandolin, pennywhistle, guitar, bass, bodhran, spoons, and more, The Jolly Beggars have quickly built a solid following and continue to spread their music around the Hartford area and beyond.
Jeff DesRosier (Vocals/Mandolin/Guitar)
Matt Torcellini (Vocals/Percussion)
Dave Uhl (Vocals/Bass)
Chris Vece (Vocals/Whistles)
Greg Wilfrid (Vocals/Guitar/Piano)
Chris Jasinski (Vocals/Percussion)
To see and hear the band, please copy and paste:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Jolly-Beggars/250048945920?ref=ts
April 17, Saturday, 8 pm, $10. / $5 -students
Giovanni Almonte - Special Opening performer: Fernandito Ferrer
World Music: Salsa, Rock, Afro-Cuba, Jazz and Electronica.
Giovanni Almonte is a composer and vocalist born in New York City, the son of a Dominican family. His experience as the front man for the band brokenMadison has garnered him a
reputation as a powerful performer with a sincere and passionate stage presence.
Giovanni Almonte continues on his musical career as a solo artist embracing his Latin heritage and the influence of New York City's diverse culture. He is recognized for blending elements of Salsa, Rock, Afro-Cuba, Jazz and Electronica. His unique yet diverse style and inspired writing has allowed him to perform and record with a wide range of musicians including hip-hop producer King Solomon, who featured Giovanni on the acclaimed 2009 release, “The Big Picture”. The Latin Jazz group The Curtis Brothers also featured Giovanni Almonte on another 2009 release.
Joining Giovanni:
Trumpet: Julie Acosta
Tenor: Albert Rivera (tentative)
Piano: Zaccai Curtis
Bass: Luques Curtis
Congas: Reinaldo DeJesus
Drums: Kenny Grohowski
The album “High vs. Low” is scheduled for release in March 2009 and includes 12 original compositions written, arranged and produced by Giovanni Almonte and Julie "Jewls" Acosta. The album is bi-lingual English and Spanish and is an eclectic and sophisticated production with global appeal.
Fernandito returns to TBT to perform a few songs before each of the 2 sets for tonight. He first appeared on stage in 1997 and has since made himself known throughout the island, the Caribbean, the US and Mexico. His percussive guitar technique and impressive vocal abilities, together with the good use of subtle, yet powerful melody and poetic imagery, put his music in a much wider context. His style is best compared to the works of Tracy Chapman, Ani DiFranco, Silvio Rodriguez & Nick Drake. His music merges his prior influences as a drummer, his love for jazz, and his passion for folk music from around the globe.
www.myspace.com/fernanditoferrer
www.giovannialmonte.com
April 23, Friday, 8 pm, $12.
Lara Herscovitch and Glenn Roth - Double Bill
Lara, the 2009 CT State Troubadour, returns for her second appearance at TBT. Echoes of personal, individual issues as well as global themes of equity and social justice resonate throughout her music.
Lara has played at notable venues including A Prairie Home Companion (American Public Radio), the Bitter End, CBGBs, Towne Crier, Club Passim, WFUV On Your Radar at the Living Room, The Sanctuary Concerts, Minstrel Coffeehouse, Connecticut Folk Festival, Godfrey Daniels and Stone Soup among others.
“…The abundance of singer-songwriters on the scene today
requires a musician to really shine to rise above the crowd, and Herscovitch does that from the first line of
the first song…” — Taconic Press
GLENN ROTH- After seeing the master guitarist, Tommy Emmanuel, perform in 2002, Glenn began composing and playing fingerstyle guitar exclusively. Influenced both by talented fingerstyle artists such as Emmanuel, Michael Hedges, and Preston Reid and the bombast and melodicism of bands like Tool and 311, Glenn has developed a style of solo acoustic guitar playing that’s uniquely his own: aggressive, emotional, vibrant, melodic, in turn and often within the same song. Anyone who has marveled at Glenn’s brilliant acoustic interpretation of Iron Maiden’s Run to the Hills, a YouTube hit and a tribute to those early days of air-guitar, can attest to Glenn’s imaginative and virtuosic guitar playing.
Glenn performs regularly throughout the Tristate area and and has toured in support of his two releases to date: 2005’s Innovations and 2007’s Busker, named for Glenn’s experiences as a musician in New York City’s “Music Under New York” program, in which Glenn performs in NYC subway stations and other transportation centers. A highly anticipated new CD is slated for release in 2010.
www.glennroth.com
www.laraherscovitch.com
April 24, Saturday, 6:30 pm, $3. and a non-perishable food item
Riverwood Poetry Series
Stay tuned for details ...
www.riverwoodpoetry.org
April 28, Wednesday, 7 pm, FREE - DONATIONS WELCOME TO SUPPORT BUTTONWOOD
FILM - Enlightenment Guaranteed
Enlightenment Guaranteed- also directed by German Buddhist film director Doris Dorrie this film is a humorous romp about the many detours one can encounter on the way to enlightenment when one seeks enlightenment at a Buddhist retreat at a monastery.
www.bffct.net/
April 29, Thursday, 5:10-6:30 pm, See below for fees
Kundalini Yoga with Kay Lani
Experience peace within and work toward a healthier YOU here at The Buttonwood Tree! Yoga can benefit everyone.
Kundalini yoga has been called "the fastest acting" yoga as it targets the glandular system to improve the whole body.
Come relax, breathe, meditate, and have fun in a warm group setting while stretching, strengthening, and energizing. No experience is needed and all are welcome. Wear loose clothing and bring a mat, cozy blanket, and water. (water available at TBT $1.) Please do not wear fragrances to class.
For more information about certified yoga instructor Kay Lani and Kundalini Yoga, visit www.kyoga4life.com
Fees: Walk-ins: $12
6-class card: $60
12-class card: $98
Discounts also available for senior citizen and student class cards and special offers for first time students.
www.kyoga4life.com
April 29, Thursday, 7:00 pm - Join us for tea after Kundalini and stay for Laughter!, $10 or by arrangement with instructor
Laughter Yoga
Laughter Yoga for courageous people! All levels invited!
Besides being lots of fun, laughter has great health benefits both mental and physical. It stimulates a cardiovascular workout producing endorphins, which counteract the production of stress hormones. It appears to optimize the immune system. It reduces self-consciousness and boosts self-confidence. It relaxes muscles and helps fight chronic pain associated with muscle tensions. A laughter session includes deep breathing, stretching, and laughter exercises and relaxation. Hasya yoga does not involve a traditional humor or comedy. We laugh for no reason, just for pleasure, to have fun and feel invigorated.
Mylène Poitras is a Certified Laughter Yoga Leader affiliated with the Laughter Yoga Institute of Laguna Beach and The Dr. Kataria School and a Certified Laughter leader (CLL) the World Laughter Tour. She also uses therapeutic laughter in her practice of Expressive Arts, Expressive Puppetry and Massage therapy in working for CT VNA Partners, Hospice and Palliative Care . She also has her own private practice at the Facilitated Healing Center and in Middletown.
Please write or call Mylène to register and for more info: dancelavie@yahoo.com (860-538-4724)
http://www.c4pt.org/Events/laughteryoga.htm
April 30, Friday, 8 pm, $10 / $8 students w/ ID
Gail Wade Band - Turning Point
GAIL WADE and TURNING POINT has been raising a stir around New England for quite some time now. Comprised of some of Connecticut’s finest acoustic musicians, they bring an eclectic blend of Americana, Bluegrass and Blues to some of the areas most sought after coffee houses and festivals.
Performing and touring for the past 20 years, Wade brings her soulfully crafted originals and fresh interpretations of tradition to audiences throughout the USA, Europe and Ireland.
Bluegrass Now Magazine says: “Gail’s enticing vocal range permits her to move with ease from sultry and mischievous to poignant and heartwarming”.
Multi-instrumentalist Peggy Ann Harvey, brings an abundance of musical virtuosity to the band’s forefront. Backing Turning Point with fiddle, saxophone, harmonica and brilliant vocal arrangements, Ms. Harvey’s talent is unmistakable.
With two solo releases under his belt, newest band member Dan Menzone’s banjo playing is inspirational. Over the past 30 years, Dan has developed his own unique banjo style incorporating traditional Scruggs style with the more fluid melodic style. “Dan Menzone has the type of talent that one can only achieve from a lifetime love affair with the banjo” –Dan Tyminski.
An accomplished acoustic bassist, Rob Rainwater is no stranger to virtuosity. Trained in jazz and the classics, Rob’s diverse musical background enables him to bring just the right amount of soulful energy to Turning Point’s sound.
Bringing rock-steady tempo and drive to Turning Point, is veteran mandolin player Tim St.Jean. Well versed in traditional music, Tim is right at home the many different musical genres of Turning Point.
www.gailwade.net
May 2010 CalendarMay 1, Saturday, 8 pm,
Saturday Night Jazz - Sinan Bakir
Sinan Bakir is one of the most unique and exciting young jazz guitarists. The sound that Sinan is striving for described often as fresh, clean and lively yet intense and full with emotion. Sinan Bakir is hailed not only as a virtuoso player, but also a masterful composer. His album "On My Way" with Thomson Kneeland and Mark Ferber is described by Richard Kamins of Hartford Courant as a solid debut." It's easy to put this music on and just let it play. One can hear the influences of Holdsworth, John Scofield and Bill Frisell but Bakir is no imitator. The voice of the guitar one hears on the opening cut never wavers or falters throughout." Dan Barry of Hartford Advocate describes Sinan's playin' as quietly elaborate, informed by a good sense of when to crescendo and when to lean back and let it rip. Dither Schmidth of Radio Resita tells that the album transforms a common day into a perfect day and calls it magical. On My Way - Sinan Bakir (self-released) - Bakir, born and raised in Turkey, came to the United States to study guitar after completing his college studies in engineering. His studies brought him to Hartford and he has slowly but steadily begun to make a name on the Connecticut jazz scene. "On My Way" is a solid debut. It's easy to put this music on and just let it play. One can hear the influences of Holdsworth, John Scofield and Bill Frisell but Bakir is no imitator. The voice of the guitar one hears on the opening cut never wavers or falters throughout. The rhythm section is impressive in their support and creativity. Sinan Bakir is a good young composer and player worth your attention." Richard Kamins - Hartford Courant
www.sinanbakir.com
May 14, Friday, 8 pm, $10 / $8 students
Occidental Gypsy Jazz
OCCIDENTAL GYPSY JAZZ QUARTET are a refreshing extension of European café music, better known as Jazz Manouche, or gypsy swing. Their well rehearsed and lightning fast swing make Occidental Gypsy Jazz Quartet “ the Archetype of authenticity” and “ the Best Acoustic Gypsy Jazz Band in New England” (Emmanuel Vincent).
Brett Feldman(Gypsy guitar soloist)
Scott Külman (Gypsy Vocalist and Guitar Rhythmist)
Jeff Feldman(Bass Guitar)
Joel Beauchemin( Violin, Trumpet)
The OGJQ is over the moon about it’s latest member Scott Kulman (pronounced Koolman for a good reason). Scott is a graduate of the Berkley School of Music with a vast repetoire of skills. He is a composer, an accomplished muscian and a crooner of the first class. His voice is elegant, smooth and perfectly in pitch, while still exuding a masculine confidence reminiscent of John Mayer and Michael Buble.
Joel Beauchemin( Violin, Trumpet) Began playing violin at the age of four. Subsequently, he studied classical music and performed in the R.I. Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. At age 13 Joel began playing trumpet and jazz in high school. He wrote his first jazz composition when at the age of sixteen.
Brett's aptitude and talent with the guitar awarded him the attention of and tutelage under some of New York's finest musicians. In 2007 Brett travelled to Holland where he obtained a Nympheas Selmer copy by World Renowned Luthier Leo Eimers. Leo was so impressed with Brett’s playing and authenticity of his gypsy style he brought Brett to meet Stochelo Rosenberg and The Rosenberg Trio at a performance in Breda, Holland.
Jeff offers the bottom to the acoustic band with warmth and a delicate approach.
www.occidentalgypsy.com
June 2010 CalendarJune 04, Friday, 8:00 PM, $10 Suggested Donation
"Joe's Cafe" presented by singer/songwriter Rupert Wates
"Joe's Cafe" is the new CD and live show from singer-songwriter and Buttonwood regular Rupert Wates. It comprises fifteen original songs, all based on true stories, retelling the experience of ordinary American people from the Civil War, the dust bowl, the struggle for Civil Rights, the war in Vietnam, right up to the present day. At The Buttonwood, "Joe's Cafe" will be performed by an ensemble of local singers put together specially for the performance. Come to Joe's Cafe, where the door is always open to anyone with a true story to tell'
http://www.myspace.com/rupertwates
June 11, Friday, 8:00 PM, $10 or $8/students with ID
Kenn Morr Band
Kenn's gifts to the rest of us are his songs, which push boundaries while recalling a time when the world was a simpler place. His music has a dreamy, simple quality that hearkens back to a time when American music and life was less complicated yet just as strongly felt. Bob Dylan's brand of acoustic rock is referenced by Kenn's low persuasive tones, and traces of John Mellencamp are recognizable in the songs' heartfelt quality and accessibility. The lyrics address universal themes such as love, fear, cautiousness and curiosity and speak to everyman. Even Kenn's newest songs feel like they've existed forever and embody the time transcending quality of art that is truly organic. Never are Kenn's talents more palpable than in his live show. Often accompanied by his band manning a revolving lineup of instruments including violin, mandolin, organ, banjo and drums, Kenn performs triple duty on guitar, piano & harmonica. An evening spent with Kenn Morr feels intimate no matter what size the venue and he has performed with such kindreds as John Wesley Harding and Aztec Two-Step. The latter are such big fans they recorded a version of Kenn's song "Follow The Moon." Kenn's songs echo that uncomplicated kindness and the resilience of the human spirit. A master of metaphor, he shines at making broad gestures with the tiniest of phrases and exemplifies that the fewest words and simplest melodies often offer the most sweeping images and emotional resonance.
http://www.kennmorr.com
June 18, Friday, 8 pm, $15. suggested donation
Anne and Pete Sibley
For Anne and Pete it is the simplicity of the music: the words, the vocals, the harmonies. The storytelling and intimate nature of their originals has drawn in fans and encouraged the husband and wife duo to keep delivering. They aren’t afraid of making music that is personal, paring it down, being true to their instincts. The audiences and the communities and the correspondence from their fans in five short years has made it so rewarding for the couple. Raised in New England singing in choirs, studying all types of music except folk and bluegrass, the Sibleys stumbled upon their true calling when they moved out West to the land of the Tetons. They consider this music the people’s music, nature’s music and they sing it freely and graciously.
In the past five years they have released many well-received albums (including one for Christmas) and just celebrated their newest release Coming Home in April 2009 at the same time as winning A Prairie Home Companion’s Duet Sing Off on National Public Radio.
Of Will You Walk With Me, Bluegrass Now writes, “What emerges front and center are the couple’s transcendent harmonies, vocal renditions that embellish already artful songwriting." They have also self-published a songbook of their original music.
CD Baby editors reviewing Coming Home think the Sibleys voices go together like milk and honey saying, “this duo makes a strong case for the argument that
there's nothing better than unadorned, unaffected human voices.”
www.anneandpetesibley.com
June 19, Saturday, 8 pm, Reservations suggested
Double Bill - Noah Baerman and Sunna Gunnlaugs Quartet
Noah Baerman is once again gracing our space with his immeasurable talents on the piano. Noah is a prolific composer, having earned honors from the Billboard Song Contest (First Prize, jazz category), the Unisong Contest (First Prize, jazz category), and ASCAP (“ASCAPlus Awards” every year since 2004). SEE MORE at: www.noahjazz.com
Equally influenced by such American pianists as Bill Evans and Keith Jarrett, and Scandinavians like Bobo Stenson and Jon Balke, Sunna has found a way to make music to which people on both sides of the Atlantic can relate. Her own charming brand of romantic lyricism soaring over a driving American rhythm section appeals to jazzers and non-jazzers alike.
The Washington Post described her music as possessing "such timeless virtues as lyricism and grace… elegantly bridges soul-searching passages with uncluttered swing." On her latest CD, "Songs from Iceland" she confirms that assessment by re-imagining 5 Icelandic folk-songs for jazz quartet, adding new perspective to Time Out New York's statement that Gunnlaugs is "proof that jazz is as much a part of the picture as the pop of Björk or SigurRos." Her next recording is scheduled for June in New York amidst US tour-dates.
The latest incarnation of her quartet includes drummer (and future husband), Scott McLemore, Norwegian bassist Eivind Opsvik and saxophonist Loren Stillman. "This is a band that I've wanted to record for some time, but which I made the decision to put off and instead moved back to Iceland to have children." Gunnlaugs will be touring the US with the quartet this summer and recording her next album in NY.
"... a pianist with Evans-like tendencies and a rock-solid jazz sensibility. Her compositional sense comes more from Keith Jarrett and Chick Corea than Evans, but the combinations work out well. To call Gunnlaugs a thoughtful player is not faint praise. She thinks, but she swings too."
— Hartford Advocate
http://www.sunnagunnlaugs.com/
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The Buttonwood Tree
605 Main Street, PO Box 71
Middletown, CT 06457
860-347-4957
thebuttonwoodtree@gmail.com
www.buttonwood.org
LOOK!!
You can now reserve seats for our performances by using the DONATE button here on our site.
YOU MUST SEND US AN EMAIL, OR CALL BY PHONE to give us the details: what show you'd like to reserve tickets for, how many and your name.
You can also make a general donation to NEAR / The Buttonwood Tree to assist us in furthering our mission.
North End Arts Rising, Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit and your general donations are tax-deductible.
THANK YOU!!
Tickets for all shows available at the door.
Door and Cafe/Bookstore open half hour before performance time.
Bookstore and Art Gallery Hours:
Sundays 1 - 2 pm, Mondays 12 - 3 pm, Tuesdays 11 - 3 pm,
During all events and at various other times
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