arts & culture - middletown, ct
TRANSCRIPT
ARTS & CULTUREMarch - April 2020&
MARCH March 2nd or March 5thAUDITIONS FOR WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE’S ROMEO & JULIETOddfellows Playhouse Youth TheaterOpen to ages 14-20, no preparation required. Directed by ARTFARM. For more info visit:www.oddfellows.org
IN HONOR OF NATIONAL WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH Totally Teen! @ The Russell Library Teen Area on the 1st floor. Ages 12-19, no registration necessary. March 4th @ 4pmTeen Book Discussion We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Introductory Meeting & Pick up Books!Continuing on March 25We Should All Be Feminists Group Discussion. For more info call the Teen Librarian @ 860-347-2528 x161
March 8th @ 2pmCONCERT: AMY GALLATIN AND THE HOT FLASHESThe Hubbard Room-Russell LibraryThe Hot Flashes are Amy Gallatin, who with her expressive, soulful singing has made a name for herself on the Americana music scene both in the USA and in Europe; award-winning singer/song-writer Gail Wade, and multi-instrumentalist Peggy Harvey. All three share a passion for acoustic music, and together they have amassed a wealth of beautifully performed songs drawn from the bluegrass, folk, vintage country, swing, jazz, and blues genres, with a few cowgirl and traditional tunes thrown in for good measure.
March 28th 2@pmA HISTORY OF JANE AUSTEN IN AMERICA IN 14 OBJECTS The Hubbard Room-Russell LibraryThe Jane Austen Society of North America, CT Region is happy to bring author & lecturer, Dr. Juliette Wells to the Russell Library. A dynamic speaker, Dr. Wells will be sharing her presentation A History of Austen in America in 14 Objects. Dr. Wells is also the author of two books—Every-body’s Jane: Austen in the Popular Imagination and Reading Austen in America. Register for this event by going to russelllibrary.org and clicking on the events tab. Everyone is welcome! Refreshments will be served.
March 29th @ 2pm READER’S THEATERThe Hubbard Room-Russell LibraryReaders Theater presents a staged reading of The Wild Women of Winedale, a very new comedy by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope, & Jamie Wooten. No registration required.
APRIL3rd @ 7:30pm CONCERT:EARL RANEY’S EPIC BRASS QUINTETPresented by The Greater Middletown Concert Assoc. The Quintet is comprised of two trumpets, a French horn, trombone and tuba, praised for its richly varied repertoire. @ Santo Fragilio Performing Arts Ctr. 200 Larosa Lane. For tickets contact 343-7555.www.greatermiddletownconcerts.org
4th @ 11am - 4pm WESU COMMUNITY RECORD FAIRFree and open to the public! Featuring dozens of vendors from across the Northeast selling new & used records, CDs, music memorabilia and more! @ Wesleyan University Fayerweather-Beckham Hall55 Wyllys Ave.www.wesufm.org
April 18th @ 6pm15TH ANNUAL MAYOR’S BALL Wadsworth Mansion at Long Hill Estates. Proceeds benefit Oddfellows Playhouse Youth Theater and New Horizons Domestic Violence Services. For tickets and more information contact the Mayor’s office no later than April 10th at 860-638-4801.
ON EXHIBIT
RADIO BROADCAST
MIDDLETOWN PUBLIC SCHOOLSCITY WIDE K-12 ART SHOWCelebrating 39 Years Schedule:March 7th Opening Reception 5-7 pm (Snow date: Mar. 8th, 2-4pm)March 8th Gallery Hours 1-4 pmMarch 9 th -13 th Gallery Hours 2-7pmMarch 14 th Gallery Hours 1-4pmMarch 15 th Gallery Hours 1-4pmMarch 18 – May 7, 2020
VALERY SUTHERLAND, “Diverse Landscapes”Pegasus Gallery and the Niche @ Middlesex Community College100 Training Hill Rd. Reception: 3/26, 5-7 pm
2ND ANNUAL EMPLOYEE ART SHOW A City of Middletown and Board of Education Collaboration On display @ The Russell Library for the month of March. To celebrate the expression of creativity and unknown talents of our co-workers and friends. ARTIST ENOX SHABAZZPortraits of prominent African-Amer-icans: abolitionists, civil rights leaders and activists, musicians; Also, Biblical themes. On display @ The Russell Library continuing into March!
“Where the Arts bend with the river through Middletown” Featuring local artists and arts
organizations in a conversational setting with occasional
commentary and music.Hosted by:
Stephan Allison (2nd & 4th Thursdays)
Richard Kamins (1st, 3rd, and 5th Thursdays)
Airs every Thursday from 4-4:55 pm WESU, 88.1 FM and streaming live at
wesufm.org
FOR TICKETS TO MATILDA VISIT: www. middletownpac.ludus.com
ARTS & CULTURE NEWSLETTER SUBMISSION
To list your event in the Arts/Culture Newsletter each month, email your events, posters and logos to: [email protected]. There’s so much happening here in the City. You can
get connected to the most up to date listings of events taking place in
Middletown by visiting: www.facebook.com/cityartsoffice
Daily and weekly events at The Buttonwood Tree can be viewed at www.buttonwood.org and
at www.facebook.com/cityartsoffice
POET LAUREATE’S CORNER
ARTS & CULTUREMARCH - APRIL 2020
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2020 MUSIC AMBASSADORTHE CITY OF MIDDLETOWN COMMISSION ON THE ARTS PRESENTSA program highlighting local musical talent conferring the award of Music Ambassador to a resident musician/composer annually. This year the MCA honors Randy Moses and the House of Moses as the 2020 Music Ambassador. Each has her/his own style and each claims Middletown as home. Here is the selection featured as our music on hold when you call any City office.
“Out of the Shower ” by Randy Moses and House of MosesRandy Moses is the founder, singer and songwriter for his band House of Mo-ses. Randy is the composer of dozens of original songs dating from the 1970s to today. Established in Middletown, CT in the 1970s with his brothers Freddie Moses and Thomas “Jakula” Moses, House of Moses has been a Middletown mainstay, performing dozens of times and employing generations of local musicians from around the Middletown music scene. House of Moses music reflects a life of emerging social consciousness, but also a life of light,hope and joy amidst the struggle. ”. House of Moses is: Randy Moses, vocals, acoustic guitar, keyboard; Freddie Moses, vocals, percussion; Scott Kessel, vocals, drums; Eben Ross, harmonica; Tim Rankin, bass guitar; Matt Solak, electric guitar; Michael Arafeh, electric guitar.
2020 ARTS ADVOCACY AWARD
The City of Middletown’s Recycling and Art & Culture Coordinators thought it would be interesting to bring arts and recycling together and
offer tips, projects, news and crafts that combine arts and recycling together! There’s lots of ways we can explore connecting the two and
we wanted to start the conversation. Some columns may give an idea of what to do with your kids, others might be an interesting event, and an-other might give ideas for reusing objects. If you have an idea you want us to talk about or a recycled arts project you are particularly proud of,
let us know. We are happy to spread the word!
Let’s start with the basics… When thinking about doing crafts, try to incorporate used items that will end up in the trash or are hard to recycle. Glass jars are perfect for proj-ects. Glass jars are 100% recyclable and can be recycled over and over
again. However, when they are mixed with single stream recycling, they break and get mixed with paper, metal and plastic. Sadly, the glass is less likely to actually get recycled. If the glass is kept separate, (such as glass bottles returned through the bottle deposit system), the quality is good
and the glass will get recycled into new glass bottles.
SPECIAL PROJECTS:COFFEE OR WATER JAR
Who needs an expensive water bottle or coffee mug? By putting colorful rubber bands around a pasta sauce jar, I have a colorful grip for the
bottle to hold hot or cold liquids.JAR TERRARIUMS
Fill a jar with soil, rocks, moss, and succulents. This could be done upright or put the jar on its side. You could also use colorful sand, rocks
and fake plants, reuse items from an unused fish tank.JARS AS SNOW GLOBES
Jars as snow globes – Snow globes can be fun and calming. Smaller jars work best and here’s a step by step as to how to turn your regular glass
jar into a fun snow globe! PAINTED JARS
Jars can be decorated with tissue paper and mod podge, sharpie markers or chalk board paints and then use to store reusable make up wipes,
reusable cloths, (instead of paper towels), bobby pins or really anything! Contact us with your ideas to share at:[email protected] and
April Lament April’s a fickle time of year, incipience of trees in bud, both mud and snow within its sphere, and the river rises to a flood.
Beneath grey skies and angry clouds,sits a girl with petrichor hair— in swirling fog, thick as shroudscaught between raindrops and despair.
She knows to wait where daffodils growlike Apollo’s glowing collar;like gathered hopes, while chill winds blow, to banish winter’s final pallor.
By Cheryl Anne Hale, 2019City of Middletown Poet Laureate
Previous Ambassador Awardees:
2014 Ambassador Rani Arbo & Dave Downs
2015 AmbassadorJay Hoggard
2016 AmbassadorKitty Kathryn
2018 AmbassadorTerry Woolard
2019 AmbassadorNeely Bruce
____2020 AmbassadorHouse of Moses
Photo by Heidi Washburn
Photo by Kate TenEyck
Recycling & Arts +
The City of Middletown Commission on the Arts (MCA) presents an Arts Advocacy Award annu-ally to an individual or organization which sig-nificantly contributes to the cultural and artistic enrichment of the arts in Middletown. In 2020, the MCA would like to acknowledge Mr. Richard Kamins and Mr. Noah Baerman to be the 2020 recipients of the Arts Advocacy Award for the City of Middletown. They will honored of their accomplishments with an official proclamation at an awards ceremony on March 31, 2020. Please stay tuned the city’s website and arts facebook page for event location and time in Middletown. Stay tuned!
March 30-31, 2020 in Washington, D.C.www.americansforthearts.org
Noah Baerman
CITY ARTS OFFICEUP TO DATE EVENT LISTINGSFor the most up to date listings of events taking place in Middletown, please visit www.facebook.com/cityartsoffice
GET NOTIFIED & CONNECTEDSIGN UP FOR ARTS & CULTURE NOTIFICATIONS Visit and sign up at: https://www.middletownct.gov/955/Notifications
ARTS GRANTS MCA MATCHING FUNDS GRANT PROGRAMThe City of Middletown Commission on the Arts (MCA) welcomes grant applications from organizations, businesses & individuals with programs and/or projects that enrich the lives of Middletown resi-dents through the arts. Commission funded programs and projects include, but are not limited to: performances, exhibitions, children’s arts programs, arts education, public art, and other arts activities that benefit Middletown residents, with particular interest in pro-grams that reach residents in all of the community’s diversity. Next Deadline for Project Grants is September 15, 2020. Forms and guidlines are available at www.middletownct.gov/arts
THE MIDDLESEX HOSPITAL VOCAL CHORDS 2020 SCHOLARSHIPSSpring scholarships are awarded to high school seniors pursuing music or nursing careers. Applications must be postmarked by Friday, March 24, 2020. For more information visit www.vocalchords20.org/scholarships
YOUTH OPPORTUNITIESSEASONAL EMPLOYMENTApplications for the summer are available online at:www.middletownct.gov/331/Seasonal-Employment and are due by Friday, March 13, 2020. Positions are available to those 16 years of age and older. Applications must be returned to the proper department: *Rec & Community Services @ 61 Durant Terrace*Kids Arts @ Arts & Culture Office, City Hall *Youth Services Bureau @ 372 Hunting Hill Ave.*Parks Division of Public Works @ 319 Butternut St.
MIDDLETOWN PRIDEBECOME A SPONSOR, VENDOR, MARCHER OR PERFORMERFor more information call 860-347-6924 or visit www.middletownpride.org
23rd ANNUAL CRUISE NIGHT ON MAINCRUISE NIGHT SPONSORSIP OPPORTUNITIESFor more information visit www.cruisenightonmain.com
SPRING CLASSES & WORKSHOPSPOTTERY, JEWELRY, WEAVING, YOUTH and EVENTS!For more information visit www.wesleyanpotters.com
GENEALOGY THE GODFREY MEMORIAL LIBRARYServices offered: 24/7 online access, onsite research help, educational & volunteer opportunities and membership options. Ongoing research help provided! 134 Newfield St., www.godfrey.org or call 860-346-4375
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ARTS & CULTUREOPPORTUNITIES
CAMP INFORMATION FULL-DAY programming affords greater opportunities for kids to try new skills, work with guest artists, create original performance pieces, build community and play! This program is a unique blend of traditional summer camp with the excitement of an immersive, arts-based environment. Circus camp is rewarding and fun for everyone!
WHERE:Macdonough School66 Spring StreetWHEN:June 29 - July 315 Weeks, MONDAY-FRIDAY(No Camp July 3rd) TIME:9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
PERFORMANCE DATE:Friday, July 31, 5 p.m.(Raindate: Sat., August 1st, 5 p.m.)
REGISTER:CITY ARTS & CULTURE OFFICE 245 Dekoven DriveRoom B-11, Municipal BuildingMiddletown, CT 06457Contact 860-638-4511 or email [email protected] more information visit: www.middletownct.gov/arts
Photo credit: Bill DeKine
CULTURAL CONNECTORS THE CONNECTICUT FREEDOM TRAIL The Underground Railroad: To learn more and to view the Underground Railroad Map visit www.ctfreedomtrail.orgMiddletown Sites:*Benjamin Douglas House 11 South Main Street*Cross Street A.M.E. Zion Church 160 Cross Street*Leverett Beman Historic District Cross & Vine Streets*West Burying Ground Washington & Vine Street
LOCAL HISTORY Middlesex County Historical SocietyLocated in the General Mansfield House at 151 Main St.For appointments call 860-346-0746 or email [email protected]
Art Credit: Melissa Zorn
Art Credit: Melissa Zorn
GALLERIES,LIBRARIES & MUSEUMSCity Art Collection Municipal Bldg., City Hall 245 deKoven Dr.www.middletownct.gov
Godfrey Memorial Librarywww.godfrey.org
Kidcity Children’s Museumwww.kidcitymuseum.com
MAC 650 Gallery & ArtistCo-OpFacebook@mac650gallery
Middlesex Community College • Pegasus Gallery, Chapman Hall• The Niche Gallery, Founders Hall www.mxcc.edu/art-exhibits
Middlesex County Historical Society www.mchsct.org
Russell Library www.russelllibrary.org
Wesleyan University, CFA• Davison Art Center• Ezra & Cecile Zilkha Gallery • Mansfield Freeman Ctr., College of East Asian Studieswww.wesleyan.edu/cfa
ART INSTRUCTION,MIXED MEDIA &WORKSHOPSWesleyan Potters, Inc. Craft School and Co-opwww.wesleyanpotters.com
Middletown Art Academy www.middletownartacademy.comThe Art Guild of Middletown www.artguildofmiddletown.org
FAMILY &SENIOR SERVICESRECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES 61 Durant Terrace860-635-4500/[email protected]/recreation
SENIOR SERVICES DIVISION61 Durant [email protected]
MIDDLETOWN YOUTH SERVICES BUREAU372 Hunting Hill Avenue860-854-6030www.middletownct.govwww.middletownyouthservices.org
DANCE, MUSICPERFORMANCE THEATER & VISUAL ARTARTFARM www.art-farm.orgCT Gilbert & Sullivan Societywww.ctgands.orgCT Heritage Productions www.chproductions.orgCT Poetry Society www.ctpoetry.netJCherry Foundation, Inc. www.jcherrypresents.com Middlesex Hospital Vocal Cords www.vocalchords20.orgMiddletown Scottish Country Dancerswww.nhrscds.comMiddletown Stage Company www.middletownstagecompany.org Middletown Symphonic Band www.middletownsymphonicband.org
Middletuners The Senior Chorus of MiddletownContact Barbara Arafeh/347-4887
Oddfellows Playhouse Youth Theater www.oddfellows.orgResonant Motionwww.resonantmotion.orgThe Buttonwood Tree Performing Arts Centerwww.buttonwood.orgThe Greater Middletown Chorale www.gmchorale.orgThe Greater Middletown Concert Association www.greatermiddletownconcerts.org
Vinnie’s Jump and Jivewww.vinniesjumpandjive.com
Wadsworth Mansion at Long Hill Estatewww.wadsworthmansion.comWesleyan University, CFA • Crowell Concert Hall • Ring Family Performing Arts Hall • World Music Hall www.wesleyan.edu/cfa
FILM, MEDIA ARTS,RADIO, & SOUND PRODUCTION The Coffeehouse Recording Studio www.thecoffeehouse.net
Wesleyan University• WESU 88.1 FMwww.wesufm.org•Center for Film Studieswww.wesleyan.edu/cfilm
IN OUR CITYCity of Middletown245 DeKoven DriveMayor Ben Florsheimwww.middletownct.gov
Downtown Business District (DBD)Dining, Shopping & Business Directorywww.downtownmiddletown.com
Middlesex County Chamber of Commercewww.middlesexchamber.com
Wesleyan ENGAGEStay connected with all things Wesleyan! Sign up for the Wesleyan ENGAGE newsletter to learn about events that are open to the public, K-12 programming, and local job and volunteer opportunities. www.wesleyan.edu/jccp/
COMMUNITY BASED &SOCIAL SERVICEArtist for World Peace (AFWP)www.artistsforworldpeace.orgFamily Wellness Center (CHC)familywellness.chc1.com North End Action Team (NEAT)www.neatmiddletown.org
ARTIST & ARTS ORGANIZATION RESOURCESAmericans for the Artswww.americansforthearts.org
Community Foundationwww.middlesexcountycf.org
Connecticut Arts Alliancewww.ctartsalliance.org
CT Department of Economic & Community Developmentwww.portal.ct.gov/DECD
Connecticut Humanitieswww.cthumanities.org
Connecticut Valley Federation of Musicianswww.ctvalleymusicians.org
Connecticut Songwriters Assoc. www.ctsongs.com
National Endowment for the ARTSwww.arts.gov
New England Foundation for the Artswww.nefa.org
Shoreline Arts Alliancewww.shorelinearts.org
ART ON VIEW, LESSONS, PERFORMANCES & LIVE MUSIC @ COFFEE SHOPS, RESTAURANTS &RETAIL STORESFred Astaire Dance Studioswww.fredastaire.com/middletown
ION Restaurant www.ionrestaurant.comKlekolo World Coffee www.klekolo.com
Laboca Restaurantwww.labocamexican.com
Middlesex Music Academy www.middlesex-music-academy.com
Middletown Framingwww. middletownframing.com
Pamela Roose Specialty Hand Knits & Yarnwww.pamela-roose.comOffering knit & crochet classes.
Perkatory Coffee Roasterswww.perkatoryroasters.com
R.J. Julia Bookstore www.rjjulia.com
Stage Left Dance Studiowww.empowermovement.org
Tesoro Unique Gifts www.tesorouniquegifts.com
Mattabessett Canoe Club www.canoeclubmiddletown.com
Ursel’s Web www.urselsweb.com
ARTS & CULTURE OFFICECity of MiddletownRoom B-11, Municipal Bldg. 245 deKoven DriveMiddletown, CT [email protected]
ARTS & CULTURERESOURCES
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Mayor Benjamin D. FlorsheimMCA Commissioners Cassandra Day, ChairCharlotte McCoid, Vice ChairPamela Steele, SecretaryBarbara ArafehJohn BasingerDavid BauerFranca BialesJulia FaraciLee GodburnJoyce KirkpatrickCrystal LaffanEdward Ford, Jr., Council MemberEdward McKeon, Council MemberKisha Michael, Arts CoordinatorPoet Laureate 2019 - 2022Cheryl Anne HaleMusic Ambassador 2020Randy Moses and the House of MosesUP-TO-DATE EVENT LISTINGS
www.facebook.com/cityartsoffice