The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Live music, jams all weekend long
The weekend begins with great music at the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center Friday with The Weight Band, which originated in 2013 inside the famed Woodstock, New York barn of Levon Helm. JimWeider and Randy Ciarlante, both former members of The Band, performed “Songs of The Band” with Band founder, Garth Hudson, alongside Jimmy Vivino and Byron Isaacs.
Inspired to carry on the legacy of the unforgettable rock group, Weider, Ciarlante and Isaacs began performing fan favorites from The Band catalog to audiences across the country, inviting Brian Mitchell to complete their sound. The Weight Band later added Albert Rogers, Michael Bram and Matt Zeiner to make up their current lineup.
Composed of members of legendary roots rock acts, they forge ahead in the tradition of classic Americana.
Together, after four years of touring, The Weight Band has recorded a new album of original material, capturing The Band’s musical tradition and packaging it for today’s vibrant Americana base. Released in February 2018, “World Gone Mad” is a masterpiece of the Woodstock sound. The Kate show will feature original songs off the new record, as well as hits from The Band’s catalog.
Saturday, Chris Smither is at The Kate. Honing a synthesis of folk and blues for 50 years, Smither is truly an American original. His music has gone around the world, and fans agree that he continues to be a profound songwriter, a blistering guitarist, and intense performer as he draws deeply from the blues, American folk music, modern poets and humanist philosophers.
On Saturday, Black-Eyed Sally’s plays host to Willa & Company. Singer/songwriter Willa Vincitore has been building a fan base across the Hudson Valley for nearly two decades. Now she is coming into Connecticut. While her songwriting is an eclectic mix of blues, soul, rock, funk and (occasionally) pop, there’s one thing that ties it all together, her voice. It is a voice that one remembers and will stay with you long after the show is over.
Blues, soul, R&B and more each flow easily from this songstress. She’s an exceptional songwriter with a diverse style that will see her singing blues one minute and funk, or even pop the next. Vincitore has a vocal range that goes from fiery to gentle and even passionate.
The Pulaski Club has a big show Friday night: Steve Hatch & the Redliners Band along with the Rich Badowski Band will provide the entertainment.
Hatch is this year’s winner of the Connecticut Blues Society Solo/Duo Challenge. He is representing the state of Connecticut in Memphis at the International Blues Challenge in January. This fundraiser is intended to help him with the cost of the Memphis trip. Musicians are encouraged to come and jam during the night. The Pulaski Club is in the heart of Little Poland’s section of New Britain with access to some ethnic dining.
In neighboring New York, Daryl’s House has Albert Cummings on Saturday. While the Towne Crier Café brings in the Chris O’leary Band. The Falcon has a pretty full slate. Friday, it is Scott Sharrard. At the Sunday Brunch, Big Joe Fitz & The Lo-Fis start playing at 11 a.m. Wednesday, the Myles Mancuso Band has the stage, and Thursday, NRBQ performs, with opener Restless Age.
Rocky Lawrence is opening for Charlie Karp & The Name Droppers at Cafe Nine Saturday.
Also on Saturday, the Chris Leigh Band will be at the East Lyme Community Center for a Shoreline Swing dance.
The Redding Roadhouse is back in action. The iconic neighborhood restaurant and pub on Redding Road, which closed in the summer, has Otis and the Hurricanes Saturday.
Also on Saturday, Creamery Station is involved in Smile Anyway: A Fundraiser.
A new venue has opened in Southington, Que Whiskey Kitchen. They are bringing in a variety of music. Wednesday, it is Brandt Taylor and Chris Cirullo.
A couple of nice doubleheaders are on tap. The Maple Tree Café has Tim McDonald & The Ghostones with Liviu Pop on Friday. This is followed by the monthly Connecticut Blues Society show featuring Tom “The Suit” Frost on Saturday.
Over at Donahue’s on Saturday, it is The Kathy Thompson Band. Sunday at 4:30 p.m., Johnny and the East Coast Rockers keep the music going.
The Tipping Chair Tavern has a Monday show: Liviu Pop brings in Neal Vitullo.
Breweries and vineyards are also hosting many blues acts. Often of the solo/duo, size thay provide a look at many acoustic acts and sometimes larger groups. This week, the Kinsmen Brewing Co. has Orb Mellon on Friday, while Dan Stevens is up in Sturbridge at Rapscallion Brewery. Maugle Sierra Vineyards showcases Sue Menhart on Friday; and Saturday, Veracious Brewing has Elle Sera. Sunday, Elle Sera plays The Acoustic Café with Benny Mikula.
Since the holiday season is already upon us, a gift that gives double are tickets to a show at an area club. You’ll help a local business, and keep live music on the entertainment scene. Many venues and festivals are offering tickets.
New Year’s Eve preps are already taking shape. Many good acts will be on display to kick off 2019.
Get the complete Blues Beat schedule on Thursday at the blog http :// blues beat news. word press.com/. Any questions or comments should be sent to Domenic Forcella at TWBlus@aol.com.