The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Buttonwood Tree offers live music this month
Contributed story
MIDDLETOWN — The Buttonwood Tree Performing Arts & Cultural Center has scheduled the following performances at 605 Main St., Middletown. Shows require tickets; advance reservations are encouraged. For information, call 860-347-4957 or visit www.buttonwood.org.
The club also offers numerous weekly programs including yoga, meditation, open mic nights, teen open mic nights, laughter yoga and storytelling. Visit the website for a complete schedule.
Sept. 13: Waberi Jordan, jazz, blues singer-songwriter, 8-10 p.m., $10.
Many have likened her to legends like Nina Simone, Roberta Flack, Cassandra Wilson, and contemporaries like Laura Mvula; but the comparison is not solely in the sound of Waberi Jordan’s voice, but in the legacy she exhibits.
Having begun her musical Journey in Los Angeles – specifically in Leimert Park – her mentors and influences include Billy Higgins, Horace Tapscott’s Pan Afrikan Peoples’ Arkestra and the Great Voice of U.G.M.A.A. and the inimitable Dwight Trible who admonished her to follow her heart with her music and voice when he was so moved by her haunting-yet-refreshed recording of Strange Fruit. Dwight “made it his life’s work to help the world to hear her voice.”
More than a beautiful voice and a guitar, Waberi performs music that is reflective of a complex narrative, gently sculpted around jazz, blues, and her own style that makes Jordan highly sought after as a featured vocalist and collaborator. Some of the most innovative and exciting new musicians, from multiple genres, has garnered Waberi a swiftly growing international audience from Los Angeles and New York to UK, France and Amsterdam.
Sept. 14: Eric Mintel Quartet, jazz, 8-10 p.m., $20.
With two performances at the White House by invitation of President’s Bill Clinton (1998) and Barack Obama (2011), several concerts at the Kennedy Center, a special concert at the United Nations and countless accolades, the Eric Mintel Quartet have been thrilling audiences of all ages with their electrifying jazz for over 25 years. Featuring pianist and composer Eric Mintel, Nelson Hill sax/flute, Jack Hegyi bass and Dave Mohn drums. The EMQ is best known for their tribute to Dave Brubeck and performance of many Eric Mintel originals. The EMQ also has become a staple of the holidays with their highly successful “Charlie Brown Jazz” concerts delighting families across the country.
Eric was a featured guest on Marian McPartland’s Piano Jazz on NPR, The Eric Mintel Quartet has opened for Dave Brubeck at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia, appeared on the QVC television network and has been featured in many jazz and newspaper publications including Down Beat, Jazz Times, Hot House Jazz and Jazziz Magazines as well as New York Times, Philadelphia Inquirer, Savannah Times, Baltimore Sun and others. Eric Mintel Quartet is also spreading their “Jazz Education” and “Entrepreneurship in Jazz” to colleges and Universities; Eric Mintel and Nelson Hill are Yamaha-endorsed performing artists, and Dave Mohn is endorsed by Sabian Cymbals, Vic Firth and Bucks County Drum Co.
Sept. 15: Teen Open Mic, 3-5 p.m., $5.
Be a part of Buttonwood’s first ever open mic specifically for teen performers ages 12-18. Perform any type of artwork: you can use our piano or bring a guitar, ukulele, or other instrument to play. Cover your favorite song or perform an original. Whether it is your first time performing or you are an experienced teen musician, poet, or artist, the Buttonwood Tree is a positive, supporting environment for teens to perform. Parents and friends are welcome
to come support. Thanks to Matt at the Middlesex Music Academy, a back line of a full drum kit, bass amp and guitar amp can be provided with advance notice. Email or call us to make arrangements. Free student passes can be picked up at Middletown and Portland libraries and music stores.
Learn more on Facebook: @tbt.teen.open.mic
Sept. 15: Krista Baroni, opening by Jack Zaino 8-10 p.m., $12.
Krista Baroni is an American singer-songwriter born and raised in the quiet Massachusetts suburbs, who has recently found a new home along the beautiful Connecticut
shoreline.
An artist with two full length, independently released albums under her belt; Krista released her sophomore album (The Alabaster Girl), to critical praise and national recognition.
To create the Laurel Canyon singer-songwriters of the 70’s inspired sound she was looking for, the songwriter turned to producer and owner of Dirt Floor Recording, Eric Lichter.
Victor Infante of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette called it “the most beautiful album I’ve heard in a long time.” And Boston blog Red Line Roots said “Warm textures, great songwriting, and a timeless quality define Baroni’s latest effort. This record just scratches the surface of how deep this songwriter’s
talent runs.”
A seasoned touring professional; Krista has performed extensively throughout the Northeast and Southeast U.S and concluded her first European tour in May of 2016. She has supported many notable acts over the years, including; Mark Erreli, Scott Sharrard, Dala, Heather Maloney, Ari Hest, Willy Mason, John Gorka and others.
Local music teacher, singer and piano player, Jack Zaino studied voice at the UCONN School of Fine Arts and Music Teaching and Learning at UConn Neag School of Education. With exuberant energy and finesse, he lights up the room with his wide range of vocal styling, dynamic personality and talented piano performances.