North East Digital Village

Community Events

FEBRUARY 2012

Friday, February 3, 2012, 7:30 PM
Open Mic
The Vanilla Bean Cafe CT
Hosts: Faith Montaperto & Kala Farnham. Featuring Jake Klar, a singer/songwriter from Amherst, MA performing Folk / Americana. Jake has shared the stage with Iris Dement and Brad Yoder among others. $7.

February 3, 2012, 8 PM
First Friday Live Sounds
Lisa and Steve Marien
The Norwich Arts Center, Donald Oat Theater, 62 Broadway, Norwich, CT
Combined with Lisa Marien's resonant, soulful vocals and Steve Marien's sophisticated saxophone style, this jazz duo delivers a riveting tour through music history as they perform classic favorites from the jazz era. Tickets available on the Norwich Arts Center BOWnet ticket site. Please feel free to call NAC with any questions, at 860-887-2789, Ext 3.

February 3, 4, 10, 11, 12 (matinee), 16, 17, 18, 2012
Doors open 7:30 PM or 1:30 PM (Matinee). Show 8 PM or 2 PM
The Boys Next Door
Windham Theatre Guild, Burton Leavitt Theatre, 779 Main Street, Willimantic, CT
An Off-Broadway success and 1996 television film featuring Nathan Lane, The Boys Next Door is a warm, touching and wonderfully funny look into the lives of four mentally disabled men sharing a communal residence in New England. It's a day in the lives of Jack, Norman, Lucien, Arnold and Barry. Who under the watchful eye of their sincere, but increasingly weary caregiver Jack, tackle the daily 'little things' in life with poignant and sometimes hilarious results. This tenderly written play is a heartwarming reminder that all of us, regardless of our abilities, want only to love, laugh and find meaning and purpose in our lives.

Saturday February 4, 2012, 1 PM
John Higby - World Champion Yo-yo Artist
Thornton Wilder Hall, Miller Cultural Complex, 2901 Dixwell Avenue, Hamden CT
John Higby won first place at the World Yo-Yo contest at Universal Studios in Florida, making him world champion. His performance, which includes both classic yo-yo tricks and others more amazing and bizarre, is set to swinging music, and showcases his deft skill, high energy and great humor. Handicapped-accessible. Admission is $2 for children; $3 for adults and are available at the door.

Saturday, February 4, 2012, 8 PM
Les Sampou
The Vanilla Bean Cafe CT
Les Sampou is a blues/rock musician, who got her start in the Boston folk scene and now has moved on to national prominence and acclaim. She has just released her new record “Lonesomeville” and it expands the range of her critically-acclaimed four previous efforts. Les has performed at Montreal Jazz Festival, Kerrville Folk Festival, where she won the New Folk Songwriting Award, made numerous appearances at Philadelphia Folk Festival, Toronto Blues Festival and Falcon Ridge to name a few. She has appeared on the top syndicated radio programs such as Acoustic Cafe, World Cafe and NPR. $15.

Sunday, February 5, 2012, 2 PM
Langston Hughes Poetry Reading Returns
Mystic Art Center, 9 Water Street, Mystic, CT
The MAC's fourth Langston Hughes Community Poetry Reading will feature poets, educators, artists, students and members of the community celebrating the legacy of the renowned African American poet with readings from Hughes' voluminous body of work. James Coleman, professor emeritus and chair of the humanities department at Three Rivers Community College, fiction writer and NEA Fellowship Recipient will give the keynote address. Langston Hughes came into prominence during the Harlem Renaissance period of the 1920's. His work dealt with issues related to the culture and experiences of African Americans. We look forward to welcoming you as we celebrate the life of a man whose work remains as relevant today as the day it was written. Free and open to the public. Contact: (860)536-7601.

Sunday, February 5, 2012, 7 PM
Bill Staines
The Vanilla Bean Cafe CT
Bill Staines travels across North America, singing his songs and delighting audiences at festivals, folksong societies, colleges, concerts, clubs and coffeehouses. A New England native, Bill became involved with the Boston-Cambridge folk scene in the early '60s. He quickly became a popular performer in the Boston area. Singing mostly his own songs, he has become one of the most popular singers on the folk music circuit today and averages around 200 concert dates a year. Bill weaves a magical blend of wit and gentle humor into his performances. $15.

Thursday, February 9, 2012, 5:30 PM-7:30 PM
Artini Hour: Valentangle
Mystic Art Center, 9 Water Street, Mystic, CT
With Carol Dunn. Mix cocktails and your creativity for your next happy hour! We provide instruction, supplies, a tasty beverage & plenty of time to socialize. Use the drawing method of Zentangle to create a love letter, Valentine's card, or other personalized correspondence. New tangles will be introduced for returning Zentangle students. Tonight's martini: The Flirtini $10 Members / $15 General Public. Call to reserve your place: (860)536-7601 x209.

Friday, February 10, 2012, 7:30 PM
Songwriter Sessions
The Vanilla Bean Cafe CT
Lisa Martin Hosts John Fuzek, Mardi Garcia $5.

Saturday February 11, 2012, 8 PM
Vance Gilbert
The Vanilla Bean Cafe CT
Vance Gilbert burst onto the singer/songwriter Boston folk scene in the 90's when buzz started about a former arts teacher knocking 'em dead at open mics. Shawn Colvin invited him on her Fat City tour. Gilbert's first 3 albums include guests Tuck and Patti, Jonathan Brooke, Patty Larkin, Vinx, and Jane Siberry.$15.

Sunday, February 12, 2012, 3 PM & 7:30 PM
SHREK THE MUSICAL
Garde Arts Center, 325 State Street, New London, CT
Based on the Oscar winning DreamWorks film that started it all, SHREK THE MUSICAL brings the hilarious story of everyone's favorite ogre to dazzling new life on the stage. Contact 860-444-7373 or gardearts.org.

Saturday, February 18, 2011, 12 PM
UCONN Men vs Marquette Golden Eagles
XL Center, (Hartford Civic Center), 225 Trumbull Street, Hartford, CT
SECTION 206. SPACE IS LIMITED. RESERVE YOUR SEAT TODAY. Advance Ticket Discount only $40 at CTPartyClub.com. Call (860) 386-5151.

Saturday February 18, 2012, 8 PM
Original Jelly Roll Soul
The Vanilla Bean Cafe CT
Based out of RI, a place far off the jazz map. OJRS, a 5 piece band started in 2010. They pride themselves on continuous musical and technical evolution. Collectively the band has over 170 years of professional experience in the music world. Their performances are diverse, humorous, high energy, and fun. They present their sound within the many sub-genres of jazz music, including New Orleans, swing, jump, hard bop, Afro-Cuban, as well as Ethiopian, and others. They also draw from genres such as blues, gospel, ragtime, calypsos and other Caribbean styles of music. So if you want an exciting, uplifting and educational musical experience, then this is the group to see. $10.

Thursday, February 23, 2012, 6 PM-8 PM
Family Night & Sneak Preview of Young at Art
Mystic Art Center, 9 Water Street, Mystic, CT
Games and art activities await you at MAC Family Night. Drop by for face-painting and hands-on art making in the galleries. Get moving with our Family Yoga class. And be the first to see Young At Art, and exhibition of artwork from local young people ages 0 to 18. A special discount on family memberships will be offered starting tonight through the run of the YAA exhibition. Free. Contact (860)536-7601 x209.

Saturday February 25, 2012, 8 PM
Grass Routes
The Vanilla Bean Cafe CT
Grass Routes has been performing on the New England bluegrass scene for 27 years and has appeared on radio and television pleasing audiences at concerts, coffeehouses, festivals and other venues. The band features the traditional bluegrass instruments of banjo, mandolin, fiddle, guitar and upright bass. Grass Routes performs a broad repertoire of songs ranging from straight-ahead traditional bluegrass to more contemporary folk and country material. Skillful instrumental work and strong vocals gives them their own distinctive sound. $12.

Sunday, February 26, 2012, 2 PM
Sensational Sunday Performance Series
Joyous Sounds of the Caribbean
Thornton Wilder Hall, Miller Cultural Complex, 2901 Dixwell Avenue, Hamden CT
The popular St. Luke's Steel Band will return to the Hamden stage for a concert entitled "Joyous Sounds of the Caribbean." The high-energy, award-winning band, with 15 members of all ages, is hailed as one of the most unique and exciting performing ensembles in the state. Their repertoire includes calypso, reggae, popular, and island folk music. $7 general admission. $5 for senior citizens, students and children 12 and under. Handicapped-accessible. Tickets are sold at the door only. For information, please call the Arts Commission at (203) 287-2546.

Sunday, February 26, 2012, 3 PM
The Genesius Piano Quartet
Christ Church School of the Arts, 78 Washington Street, Norwich CT

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Monday, February 27 2011, 9 PM
UCONN Women vs Notre Dame Fighting Irish
XL Center, (Hartford Civic Center), 225 Trumbull Street, Hartford, CT
SECTION 203. SPACE IS LIMITED. RESERVE YOUR SEAT TODAY. Advance Ticket Discount only $35 at CTPartyClub.com. Call (860) 386-5151.

MARCH 2012

Friday, March 2, 2012, 7:30 PM
Open Mic
The Vanilla Bean Cafe CT
Pamela Means. $7.

Friday, March 2, 2012, 7 PM-11 PM
Urban Greenhouse Party
Knox Parks, 75 Laurel Street, Hartford, CT
Knox Parks is coaxing in the arrival of spring with a greenhouse party 75° in its greenhouse. The greenhouse will be heated to 75° degrees and decorated with lush plant life and an urban lighting landscape. Enjoy fresh eats and a stellar DJ. Tickets are $20 in advance; $25 at the door and may be purchased at knoxparks.org or by calling Knox parks at 860-352-2554, ext. 12. (Snow emergency reschedule date will be Sunday, March 4.)

March 2, 2012, 8 PM
First Friday Live Sounds
Nick Anderson and Shady Creek (tentative)
The Norwich Arts Center, Donald Oat Theater, 62 Broadway, Norwich, CT
Bluegrass returns to NAC! Always a local favorite, Nick Anderson and Shady Creek deliver passion and soul to a time-honored tradition in American music. Tickets available on the Norwich Arts Center BOWnet ticket site. Please feel free to call NAC with any questions, at 860-887-2789, Ext 3.

Saturday March 3, 2012, 2:30 PM
Sleeping Beauty
Thornton Wilder Hall, Miller Cultural Complex, 2901 Dixwell Avenue, Hamden CT
The Tanglewood Marionettes, a nationally touring marionette theater company based in Massachusetts, will return to Hamden to present "Sleeping Beauty." In the retelling of this classic tale, a painted story book opens to reveal each scene. Beautifully hand-crafted marionettes are brought to life by a master puppeteer as the dramatic events unfold. Handicapped-accessible. Admission is $2 for children; $3 for adults and are available at the door.

Saturday March 3, 2012, 8 PM
Atwater-Donnelly
The Vanilla Bean Cafe CT
The highly acclaimed husband-wife duo, Aubrey Atwater and Elwood Donnelly, present delightful programs of traditional American and Celtic folk songs, a capella pieces, oldtime gospel songs, dance tunes, and original works. Elwood and Aubrey blend gorgeous and unusual harmonies and play guitar, Appalachian mountain dulcimer, mandolin, tin whistle, harmonica, banjo, bones, spoons, limberjacks, and other surprises including Appalachian clog dancing, French Canadian footwork, and Tap. Their performance is appealing to all ages, and with humor, audience participation, and a relaxed stage presence, Aubrey and Elwood explain song origins to create a deeper understanding of the music and its cultural history. $15.

Sunday, March 4, 2012, 2 PM
Sensational Sunday Performance Series
Giacomo Gates
Thornton Wilder Hall, Miller Cultural Complex, 2901 Dixwell Avenue, Hamden CT
Featuring Giacomo Gates, the renowned American Jazz vocalist known for "scatting" or "vocalizing as an instrument". His current CD, "The Songs of Gil Scott-Heron: The Revolution Will be Jazz," was recently number 1 on the National Jazz Weekly Radio Charts for over three weeks. $7 general admission. $5 for senior citizens, students and children 12 and under. Handicapped-accessible. Tickets are sold at the door only. For information, please call the Arts Commission at (203) 287-2546.

Friday, March 9, 2012, 7:30 PM
Songwriter Sessions
The Vanilla Bean Cafe CT
Lisa Martin Hosts. Jan Luby, Nancy Broussard Parent, Ben Parent. $5.

Friday, March 9, Friday & March 16, 2012 at 7 PM
Saturday, March 10, Sunday, March 11, Saturday, March 17, & Sunday, March 18, 2012 at 2 PM
Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing
Hartford Children's Theatre, Carriage House Theatre, 360 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, CT

Play, Rated G / All Ages. Oh, brother! Sibling mischief and best pal escapades are the problems Peter Hatcher faces in his attempts to deal with his impossible little brother, Fudge. Based on the popular title by perennial favorite Judy Blume, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing is a humorous look at family life and the troubles that can only be caused by a younger sibling. Adapted by Bruce Mason. Based on the popular book by Judy Blume. Run Time: 1 hour

Ticket Prices: Adults $22. Seniors & Children 17 and under $17. $10 for all currently enrolled HCT students or HCT teachers. Please note: A processing fee of $2.50 per ticket will be added to all web and phone orders. Purchase your tickets online at hartfordchildrenstheatre.org or by calling our Box Office at 860.249.7970.

Saturday March 10, 2012, 8 PM
Delta Generators
The Vanilla Bean Cafe CT
As their name implies, The Delta Generators combine the urgency and soulfulness of delta blues with the power and energy of early rock 'n' roll. While, in the broader sense, they could be classified as a blues band, there is room on that big blue canvas for brush strokes of Memphis soul, LA funk, and classic rock 'n' roll. The combination of clever songwriting and inspired performances on their new CD "Devil in the Rhythm" shows why critics and audiences are calling them the best new blues band in New England. Taking top honors at the Blues Challenge last summer was no small achievement: The Delta Generators bested seven of the most popular bands in the region to earn the right to represent the Hub in the Blues Foundation's prestigious 2009 International Blues Challenge in Memphis. $15.

March 16, 17, 23, 24, 25 (matinee), 29, 30, 31, 2012
Doors open 7:30 PM or 1:30 PM (Matinee). Show 8 PM or 2 PM
Plaza Suite
Windham Theatre Guild, Burton Leavitt Theatre, 779 Main Street, Willimantic, CT
One of Neil Simon's most popular and celebrated plays, Tony Award winning Plaza Suite ran for over 1,000 performances and was turned into a highly successful film starring Walter Matthau. Set in the same hotel room of New York's spectacular Plaza Hotel; follow the misadventures of three very different couples as they face crucial moments in their lives. A couple celebrating their anniversary with a return to their honeymoon suite, a Hollywood producer who arranges a rendezvous with his old high school flame and a manic couple hosting an expensive wedding reception for their daughter who refuses to come out of the bathroom, tie together in three hilarious acts. Plaza Suite is Neil Simon at his best: witty, clever and relentlessly funny!

Saturday March 17, 2012, 8 PM
Cashel Rock
The Vanilla Bean Cafe CT
Cashel Rock is a fluid configuration of friends and musicians from CT's northeast corner who lead a great evening of singalongs and Irish tunes. According to Victor Infante of the Worcester Telegram + Gazette, "If you want straight-ahead traditional music with a vibrant feel, then it's hard to do better than Cashel Rock. There's a great spirit about this band, a joyous energy that makes listening to them a great occasion." $10.

Sunday, March 18, 2012, 3 PM
Celticity Trio: All Irish
Central Baptist Church, 2 Union Street, Norwich, CT
The Celticity Trio performs their All Irish Program. Celticity combines cutting-edge artistry, passion, and a contemporary touch to traditional Celtic music. With a unique blend of instrumental sizzle, vocal beauty, and captivating arrangements, Celticity puts forth an immensely exciting and highly musical performance. Celticity is Sylvie Harris on guitar; Megan Sweeney on flute and piccolo; and Phred Mileski, voice, psaltery, the Bodhran drum, and accordion.

Saturday March 24, 2012, 8 PM
Poor Old Shine
The Vanilla Bean Cafe CT
Foot stomping, mind racing, fast flinching music-day in and day out, Poor Old Shine is the Roots-Americana collaboration of Chris Freeman and Will Leet. Traveling with an assortment of instruments including guitars, banjos, pump organ, string bass, cello, a swarm of harmonicas, and a yard-sale-scrapmetal drum set, it's old songs with a new feel, banjos with paint peeled, shoes with holes and treadless soles, and music that is real. Poor Old Shine's music is rooted in the folk and Appalachian mountain music tradition and fits in well at bluegrass festivals and sticky rock clubs alike. They have been compared to The Avett Brothers, Mumford and Sons, Langhorne Slim, and The Low Anthem because of the changing instrumentation and harmonies. Poor Old Shine also features six UCONN graduate musicians Antonio Alcorn (mandolin, guitar), Scott Thomas McColl (upright bass), Malachai Madden (cello, guitar), and David Norman (organ). $10.

Sunday, March 25, 2012, 3 PM
Jesse N. Glaude, Organist
Christ Church School of the Arts, 78 Washington Street, Norwich CT

Saturday March 31, 2012, 8 PM
Big Jump
The Vanilla Bean Cafe CT
Big Jump is a local R&B neo-soul band who has been tearing up the crowds at Fred's Brick Oven in Willimantic. Led by the charismatic vocalist Perry Mandanis, the group also features the swampy lead guitar of Mark Davis, the soulful bass of Lou Chatey and the rock-steady drumming of Frank Busse. From the classic hits of Aretha Franklin and Wilson Pickett to the modern soul sounds of Duffy and Seal, this band will have you on your feet and dancing your blues away! Especially for The Vanilla Bean, the band will present an unplugged performance of their music for a fresh take on the R&B classics you know and love. $10.

APRIL 2012

April 6, 2012, 8 PM
First Friday Live Sounds
Washboard Slim and the Bluelights
The Norwich Arts Center, Donald Oat Theater, 62 Broadway, Norwich, CT
The music Washboard Slim and the Bluelights perform is at the very root of traditional American music. Ranging from early jazz, blues, swing, jug band, and rock, this band challenges the concept of what a Jug Band can sound like. Tickets available on the Norwich Arts Center BOWnet ticket site. Please feel free to call NAC with any questions, at 860-887-2789, Ext 3.

Sunday, April 22, 2012, 2 PM
Sensational Sunday Performance Series
The Trumpet in Your Life
Thornton Wilder Hall, Miller Cultural Complex, 2901 Dixwell Avenue, Hamden CT
Roland Chirico, known as The Trumpet Man, will present a special program, "The Trumpet in Your Life." Chirico is a gifted trumpet player who toured with Judy Garland; accompanied Tony Bennett and Aretha Franklin at the Inaugural Balls of President Clinton, and performed with such luminaries as Paul Anka, Perry Como and Liberace. His program will range from semiclassical to military and popular big band music, with an emphasis on popular, and will include vocals, audience participation and sing-alongs. $7 general admission. $5 for senior citizens, students and children 12 and under. Handicapped-accessible. Tickets are sold at the door only. For information, please call the Arts Commission at (203) 287-2546.

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Saturday, April 28, 2012, 7 PM
HARRY CHAPIN TRIBUTE CONCERT
East Hartford Community Cultural Center, East Hartford CT
LUNCH Ensemble - with the Voices For Hope finalists.

MAY 2012

May 4, 2012, 8 PM
First Friday Live Sounds
Gail Wade (tentative)
The Norwich Arts Center, Donald Oat Theater, 62 Broadway, Norwich, CT
An original songcrafter and guitarist, Gail Wade simmers together a concoction of American genres, melding bluegrass, folk and blues with her soothing vocals and introspective lyrics. Tickets available on the Norwich Arts Center BOWnet ticket site. Please feel free to call NAC with any questions, at 860-887-2789, Ext 3.

Saturday, May 5, 2012, 9 AM-12 PM
Workshop: The Art of Hymn Playing
Central Baptist Church, 2 Union Street, Norwich, CT
Celticity On May 5th, 2012, Charles Callahan will be leading a workshop on "The Art of Hymn Playing". Dr. Callahan is one of America's leading organist-composers as well as noted educator and author. Workshop fee: $15. Registration form available HERE.

Friday, May 11 & Friday, May 18, 2012 at 7 PM
Saturday, May 12 & Saturday, May 19, 2012 at 10 AM
Saturday, May 12 Sunday, May 13, Saturday, May 19, & Sunday, May 20, 2012 at 2 PM
Peter Pan
Hartford Children's Theatre, The Wadsworth Atheneum, 600 Main Street, Hartford, CT

Musical Fantasy, Rated G. Peter Pan, the classic story of the boy who would not grow up, is one of the world's most celebrated musicals. This timeless high-flying masterpiece, complete with the evil Captain Hook, a crafty crocodile and the enchantment of Never Never Land will touch, inspire and dazzle every generation. Lyrics by Carolyn Leigh, Betty Comden and Adolph Green. Music by Mark Charlap and Jule Styne. Based on the book by James M. Barrie. Run Time: 2 hours

Ticket Prices: Adults $22. Seniors & Children 17 and under $17. $10 for all currently enrolled HCT students or HCT teachers. Please note: A processing fee of $2.50 per ticket will be added to all web and phone orders. Purchase your tickets online at hartfordchildrenstheatre.org or by calling our Box Office at 860.249.7970.

May 6, 2012
Gavin Black Returns
Christ Church School of the Arts, 78 Washington Street, Norwich CT
Gavin Black, Princeton Harpsichordist will perform again this coming spring.

May 18, 19, June 1, 2, 3 (matinee), 7, 8, 9, 2011
Doors open 7:30 PM or 1:30 PM (Matinee). Show 8 PM or 2 PM
Blithe Spirit
Windham Theatre Guild, Burton Leavitt Theatre, 779 Main Street, Willimantic, CT
Noel Coward's high-class, smash comedy hit of the London and Broadway stages follows socialite novelist Charles Condomine and his paranormal predicament: He's being haunted by the ghost of his first wife Elvira, and his new wife is not amused! Wacky psychics, wounded wives, and sparkling dialogue abound in this wonderful evening of classic comedy. The great Noel Coward considered Blithe Spirit to be his finest work. It is supernatural British wit at its best!

Sunday, May 20, 2012, 2 PM
Celticity Trio
First Congregational Church, Madison, Connecticut
Celticity combines cutting-edge artistry, passion, and a contemporary touch to traditional Celtic music. With a unique blend of instrumental sizzle, vocal beauty, and captivating arrangements, Celticity puts forth an immensely exciting and highly musical performance. Celticity is Sylvie Harris on guitar; Megan Sweeney on flute and piccolo; and Phred Mileski, voice, psaltery, the Bodhran drum, and accordion.

JUNE 2012

June 1, 2012, 8 PM
First Friday Live Sounds
d'Allegro
The Norwich Arts Center, Donald Oat Theater, 62 Broadway, Norwich, CT
Vocalist Laura Delgado accompanied by Bob Shea on keyboard take to the stage as music duo d'Allegro, delivering their own twist to classic, R&B and jazz hits. Tickets available on the Norwich Arts Center BOWnet ticket site. Please feel free to call NAC with any questions, at 860-887-2789, Ext 3.

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