Apricot Brandy marks 50th with fundraiser

TORRINGTON — Apricot Brandy has been playing soul music all around Northwest Connecticut since 1968. Through the years, band members have come and gone, but James “Moon” Maraia and Jim “Schultz” Buonocore play on and are currently joined by Robert Grillo on drums, Allen Gunn on vocals, Greg Dolecki on sax, RJ Avalone on trumpet and Jeff Shea/Joe Bouchard on keyboards.

On Sept. 14, the band invites all to celebrate 50 years of playing music with them at the 50th Anniversary Bash, an outdoor concert being held at Wright’s Barn in Torrington. Gates will open at 6 pm and the concert will begin at 7 pm, rain or shine. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Warner Theatre. Guests are welcome to Bring Your Own Brandy and picnic on the grounds. Food will be available for purchase at Wright’s Barn Café and Pizzeria Marzano. handicapped parking only will be available at Wright’s Barn. All others should park at the former UConn Torrington Campus at 855 University Drive in Torrington. Guests will then be transported via bus to Wright’s Barn for the event. Transportation will be provided between the two locations.

“We are very excited to be a part of this event and grateful to Apricot Brandy, Jim and Carol Wright of Wright’s Barn and the committee for the Anniversary Bash for choosing the Warner as the recipient of the proceeds. Wright’s Country Club was a rite of passage for a decade of teenagers in the Northwest Corner, as was the music of Apricot Brandy and so many other area bands that were a constant at Wright’s,” said Lynn Gelormino, Warner Theatre.

Tickets are $35 in advance, or $40 at the door (cash only night of event). To purchase tickets, call the Warner Box Office at 860-489-7180 or visit www.warnertheatre.org