The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Big acts and live music at FTC StageOne
Big activities are coming to FTC StageOne this week. Big acts are ready to please audiences with a variety of tastes.
Friday, it is the Prisoners of 2nd Ave, featuring Jimmy Vivino, John Conte and Rich Pagano. With experienced professionals like Vivino, they recreating the spirit of Bill Graham’s Fillmore East. Prisoners of 2nd Avenue (PO2A) perform classic blues-rock from the mid-60s through the early 70s and then stretch it with their own personalities injected.
After developing a loyal following in New York City, the band became more popular garnering recognition among noted players dropping by to sit-in. A typical setlist includes songs by Cream, Blind Faith, The Band, Blodwyn Pig and more.
His resume is full of a musical who whos. He has written and performed with Dr. John, B.B. King, John Scofield and Taj Mahal. A member of Bonnie Raitt’s band for ten years, and also appearing alongside Norah Jones, Ben Harper, Alison Krauss and more. His show runs the full gamut from second line street beats to old school rhythm and blues. Cleary’s vocals and dazzling piano chops bring the evening to the party level.
Then on Thursday, the young women take the stage. Vanessa Collier and Heather Gillis are much in demand performers.
Collier is a multi-talented blues performer who charms and passion to add her fiery, soulful performances. At 27, she’s toured 11 countries with her 5-piece band. Collier is a Berklee College of Music graduate and has already been honored with multiple Blues Music Award nominations.
You might have seen Gillis at FTC when she fronted the late Butch Trucks Freight Train in 2016. Now a 23-year-old, she returns complete with a full band to perform original rock n roll, soul, roots, and blues. Gillis is the complete package as a guitar player, lap steel player, songwriter, singer, and arranger. She and her band have the stage presence and confidence to appeal to a variety of musical tastes be it blues, rock, soul, jazz, roots or gospel.
Sunday, Jon Cleary Trio comes in. With a Grammy Award for Best Regional Roots Music Album, GoGo Juice, New Orleans funk master Jon Cleary plays hard driving, soulful, and funky pop tunes.
Daryl’s House has Jon Cleary on Friday. Saturday and Sunday, the Blues Brunch has the Peterson Brothers. The Brothers will be at the Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts, Saturday evening. Sunday, Cynthia Sayer & Her Joyride Band will be there.
The Peterson Brothers possess a modern blend of blues, soul and funk. Glenn Jr., 20 on guitar and lead vocals, and his brother Alex, 18, on bass and background vocals, have been playing together since they were young kids. Rising stars in Austin, Texas, the Peterson Brothers have appeared at festivals throughout the United States, including the Chicago Blues Festival
Jeff Daniels with the Ben Daniels Band will be in state for a couple of shows this week. On Saturday, they will be at Infinity Music Hall Norfolk and then Sunday, at The Ridgefield Playhouse.
Daniels has been playing music for about as long as he has been acting. Known for roles in diverse films and along with his Golden Globe Award-winning role on the TV show “The Newsroom,” Daniels is a bona fide movie star.
Music was one of his first passions and it shaped his future. In 1976, Daniels bought a guitar and moved from Michigan to New York City. That guitar became a creative outlet, a solace, a road into the artist that he didn’t know existed. Now, he has eight solo records and a tour history that has seen him share the stage with Guy Clark, Keb Mo’, and more. He’s earned a reputation as an accomplished singer-songwriter, one that transcends the actor-turned-musician stereotype.
He will be joined onstage for a portion of his set by the Ben Daniels Band, featuring his son. From their opening song to the finale of their set, the Ben Daniels Band cuts through with a sound that spans Americana, Blues, Jazz, and Rock.
Central Connecticut fans of delta blues get a chance to see Rocky Lawrence at Witchdoctor Brewing on Saturday.
For guitar fans the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center has icon Duke Robillard on Thursday.
Also on Thursday, The Acoustic Café has the Grand Opening of Music Palace, a 12 Month Music Competition. It will feature Mojo Dojo, Barbara, Blake Ford, Noah Feldman & Corey Rieman and the Dilemma. Cash prizes and other great incentives to the winner and runner up will be given.
Peaches Southern Pub and Juke Joint has a double header with a Friday show featuring The Mojomatics and Saturday, it is Otis and the Hurricanes.
The New Haven East Rock Concert Series features Sylvia Tyson & Scarlet Rivera on Saturday. Sunday, Cheryl Wheeler & Anne Marie Menta will provide the entertainment.
Thursday starts Instrument-Head with Paul Nelson acoustic duo with guest at Hygienic Art Park. Michael Weintrob’s incredible fine art photographs will be on display in the main gallery and in the Art Park during the 3 dates of the engagement, with three nights of music under the brand new amphitheater. Instrument-Head continues with two more concerts next Friday and Saturday.
Springfield Jazz & Roots Festival takes place Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Court Square. The 350 Grill will host an after party.