The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Live jazz and new art show opening
Staff reports
MIDDLETOWN — The Buttonwood Tree, 606 Main St., Middletown, is welcoming live musical artists and a new artist’s work to the club on Labor Day weekend.
Tickets are required for all shows and reservations are encouraged.
For tickets and information, call 860-347-4957, or visit www.buttonwood.org.
Aug. 31: Deborah Davis And A Few Good Men, 8 p.m. $20. A jazz vocalist fused with Texas blues, gospel, and soul, she has a natural flowing charm and flawless stage presence that draws you into her show. A native of Dallas, Texas, Davis’ musical development lead her to New York City, where she has carved out a niche for herself on the international jazz scenes.
Davis’ distinct style of phrasing, extraordinary singing ability and professionalism has earned her invitations to perform with legendary jazz greats, Ray Brown, Lionel Hampton, Clark Terry, Randy Brecker, Delfeo Marsalis, and countless others.
Davis has been praised for her powerful voice and the passion with which she sings her stories. Learn more at https:// www.deborahdavissings.com/
Sept. 1: B’s Bees, 8-10 p.m., $15. B’s Bees is a jazz group known for their writing of compelling original music and performing high energy versions of previous musical masterpieces. This group is in high demand, so we are incredibly lucky to get such a lauded ensemble! The B’s Bees are touring as a quartet (guitar, piano, bass, drums), playing some compelling music for this tour. The program could not be more topical.
The first set is a tribute to Charlie Haden, where they’ll play original arrangements of his compositions. The second set will be original music that is inspired by Haden, Although it is inspired by him, this set of original music has its own eclectic sound. The music is adventurous and straightahead, and much of it is part of a suite that was written by Brandon Goodwin titled Kanata Suite. The band includes Brandon Goodwin (drums/ bandleader), “Killer” Joe Ferracuti (piano), Julien Sandiford (guitar).
In the gallery: Janine Janaki, “The Middletown Series” opening Sept. 6, runs through Sept. 29. Meet and greet Sept. 9.
She says, “Middletown is a special place… the only place I’ve ever truly felt at home. It has a certain vitality… a certain edge that cannot be contained by the status quo. The North End is alive. Wesleyan breathes dreams. The CT River is a steady friend. From the colorful exchanges outside the soup kitchen, to the quiet beauty of Wadsworth Park, to the happy Saturday morning queue outside O’Rourke’s, to the world music at the Buttonwood Tree, to the mug club at Eli’s, to the multinational restaurant scene… Middletown speaks of originality and authenticity. I simply had to paint it.” Learn more at www.JaninesArt.com.
All proceeds from this showing go directly to The Buttonwood Tree.