The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
This week’s New Year’s Eve parties bring plenty of blues to Connecticut
The big happenings this week are the New Year’s Eve parties across the blues spectrum. And with the eve being on a Sunday, there is some extra blues this week. Let’s take a look at the ways one can celebrate.
NYE at Infinity Hall with Tower of Power is a Hartford tradition. The do early and late shows ad both were sellouts last year. The schedule has the Bistro opening at 4 p.m. Doors to the Music Hall open at 5:30 p.m. Music from Brian Dunne starts it off and Tower Of Power is on f Tower Of Power from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The second show follows the same schedule beginning at 9:30 p.m.
If you want some preNYE shows, Infinity Music Hall in Hartford on Friday has Roomful of Blues. Then Saturday, Big Al Anderson & the Floor Models will be joined byChristine Ohlman. Infinity Music Hall Norfolk has that show on Friday.
41 Bridge Street Live has its own New Year’s Eve tradition of the big party show. Eight to the Bar brings in the music; Collinsville. It is their lavish Gatsby New Years Eve Party. Ring in 2018 the 1920s way with a gourmet dinner catered by our farm-totable speakeasy. They encourage 1920s/30s dress. Dinner is at 7 p.m., or just stop by for dancing at 9 p.m.
The Mighty Soul Drivers will be helping you start your New Year off at Blackeyed Sally’s with a night chock-full of rockin’ soul dance numbers, down-inthe-alley testifying and some funky Blues. Friday, Sally’s has Special Sauce. They are four seasoned musicians and friends who came together after each playing in successful musical projects over the years. They play an incredible selection of Rock, Soul, Blues and Funk music.
Up for some BBQ on NYE? Smokin’ With Chris has Grayson Hugh & Polly Messer.
Café 9 is doing a fully loaded New Years Eve Cabaret with Robin Banks. Friday, you can catch the Jr. Walker Blues Band with DJ B The T Jr.
Also in New Haven, Toad’s Place has the ageless Max Creek. Added is special guest Creamery Station.
Hosting NYE celebrations are The Pub with Jeff Pitchell. Harbour House has Chris MacKay & The ToneShifters. With a Friday show by the Chris Leigh Band.
The Stomping Ground has the Eric Ducoff Band for NYE and Saturday it is Chris Stovall Brown.
Both Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun have various acts in their entertainment venues.
Up for some early NYE blues, head to The Brass Horse Café Sunday at 3 p.m. to see Rich Badowski Band.
On New Year’s Day Bill’s Seafood puts Johnny & The East Coast Rockers on the stage.
The Maple Tree Café has a weekend double header with Tommy Whelan & The Ragged Edge on Friday and Saturday, it is the D. Smith Blues Band.
Friday, it is time for Otis and the Hurricanes Annual Holiday Party at Las Vetas Lounge. Saturday, Howie (Eldridge) & The Soul Potatoes with Paul Gabriel will be playing the Greater Danbury Irish Cultural Center.
If you out Rhode Island way, The Knickerbocker Café has the Duke Robillard Band for NYE and Cav Restaurant is with Danny Draher B3 Trio featuring Lonnie Gasperini in Providence. Neal and the Vipers will be at Courthouse Center for the Arts NYE in West Kingston.
Christine Ohlman & Rebel Montez are at Pinz Live, 8 p.m. NYE, in Kingston, Massachusetts.
The Fez on Saturday, has TNT Dyn-o-Mite Band. This will be the Stamford club’s last night. Then they will close. Join them in saying farewell and get out and party. They will have some serious rhythm and blues on this night before the New Year’s Eve festivities begin. The Fez has promoted a variety of entertainment and will be missed on the state scene.
Other Saturday blues events include Popa Chubby at FTC Stage One and the early show at The Hungry Tiger features Richie & the Red Hots at 6 p.m. June’s Outback Pub has The Incredible Ampslifires.
One of the mid week shows Blues Beat looks forward to is Wednesday at the Tipping Chair Tavern when The Royal Din Duo plays.
Dino Pelletier ‘s Mother, Concetta celebrated her 99th birthday Christmas Day. Dino and Scott from The Curl Daddys will be performing New Years Eve Day at Litchfieldwoods where his Mom resides. She gets a kick out of seeing Dino sing some of her old songs and likes to sing along. A nice way to start the year.
Blues Beat would like to remind blues fans of upcoming Connecticut Blues Society activities. On Sunday, Jan. 7, it is the start of the monthly jam the Pine Loft. The guest guitarist will be Gene Donaldson along with the CTBS All Stars. Then in March, it is the legendary Connecticut Blues Society Blues Blizzard (Dance Party). It is scheduled for March 10 at the VFW in West Hartford.
Best wishes for a happy and health New Year filled with blues!
Get the complete Blues Beat schedule on Thursday at the blog http://bluesbeatnews.word
press.com. Any questions or comments should be sent to Domenic Forcella at TWBlus@aol.com.