Submitted by Anne-Marie Cannata McEwen
The Buttonwood Tree (TBT) is pleased to transition back to in-person events. We remain dedicated to bringing music and art to our community in a safe manner, in person and through our ongoing Zoom programs which can be accessed via our website buttonwood.org. All programs listed are held at TBT unless noted. Seats can be reserved at Buttonwood.org. or by calling (860) 347-4957. At TBT masks are required while not performing or eating/drinking.
Feeling gratitude is key to a happy and successful life. We include “Moments of Gratitude” in our Buttonwood programs. It’s simply a short time of sharing the things we feel grateful for to increase the positive energy among us and help us all feel a bit better.
Sundays 6:30 p.m.
Admission $5 per class / $10 monthly pass
Join Jen O’Looney, Topher Polack and others in this all-level workshop for improv performances. All are welcome to participate in improv games in a supportive environment, learn new skills, listen, and have fun! At TBT, Sundays at 6:30 p.m.
The Happiness Project 202 – Chats with AM
Mondays 5:00-6:00 p.m.
Why is it important to be happy? Discover new ways of “pivoting to the positive”. We could also discuss what we came to “college earth” to “study.” This space is offered for free, but we appreciate any and all donations, as they help keep the Buttonwood Tree operating.
Mondays. 7:00-10:00 p.m.; Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Admission $5
This is our weekly open mic that welcomes performers of all kinds. Share your original music, poetry, prose, stand-up, or just say what is on your mind. Anything goes!
Bob Gotta’s Acoustic Open Mic
First Thursdays in person at TBT, other Thursdays on Zoom. See Buttonwood.org for details.
7:00-9:00 p.m. $5.
Align with Source Workshop with Annaita Gandhy
Saturdays 10:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. (Held on Zoom)
$10; Please register in advance (1st session is free!)
Our weekly meetings are unique, offering a special place where you will find many answers that help unlock hidden truths and your direction. Each meeting has different topics, announced on Buttonwood.org and closes with a meditation. Sharing during meetings is strongly encouraged and is held in confidence.
Our meetings are open to all. Forward this to others, or email us at thebuttonwoodtree@gmail.com with their email ID to request an invitation.
$10 per week, first week is complimentary.
November Art Exhibition: The Art Center at Futures Inc”Art from the Heart”.
Available for viewing during Open hours and by appointment.
Mondays 5:00-10:00 p.m., Tuesday – Thursdays 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Sat 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Reiki Level 2 Class with Eileen Anderson RN
November 6 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
$160 Non-member/$150 Member
Register online; classes held at The Buttonwood Tree
For Reiki Level 1 practitioners who want to deepen their practice.
-Will learn the use of the three Usui symbols to use for inpatient or remote treatment
-Requirements: Reiki Level 1 Certificate and practice on self or others
-Small classes with individualized instruction
-A certificate is received upon completion of class
A Tale of Two Brians: Brian Wolfe and Brian Larney
November 6 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Admission $15
BEPW (Brian Ebin Parker Wolfe) has been writing and performing original music on acoustic and electric guitar since the late Sixties. His earliest gigs at The Exit Coffeehouse shaped his ambition to do little more than hang out on the New Haven Green for most of his young adult life. Little has changed since then, beyond the weight of time. BEPW is a solo effort, though he is often joined on stage and in the studio by his wife Rose on vocals and their compatriot Bobo Lavorgna on bass- the nucleus of the Ebin-Rose Trio. Brian Larney is an eclectic, non-stop music making machine. The Connecticut native splits his time performing as a solo acoustic act and as the front-man of the Brian Larney Band.
November 11 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Come meet the artists!
Futures Art Center provides guidance and opportunities in the arts to inspire, create, and build confidence for individuals with disabilities through artistic espression.
Nov 12. 8-10 $15 advance, $18 at the door.
The Lost Tribe is a drum-centered Afro-funk fusion ensemble, led by multi-percussionist, Jocelyn Pleasant. Their sound winds through many genres that are rooted in West African rhythms and sensibilities, with performances that are full of energy and groove.
November 14 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Donations to TBT
A new Paradigm Art Project. Held on every second Sunday on Zoom. Open Mic, followed by the opportunity for Non profits to share their mission, followed by a time for individuals to share personal thoughts and views. No judgement, only benebolent sharing.
November 16 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. (Held on Zoom)
Learn how to practice laughter when life gets difficult. Held every third Tuesday from 7 to 8 pm. This program is free however, donations are appreciated and can be sent via PayPal.
Meeting ID: 849 9094 3524
Password: 085178
November 17 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Admission: $25 All materials included
Max. number of attendees: 15 students
Get your hands dirty and learn about the different textures and the complexity of soils!
Learn how soils are formed, how to build compost to enrich the soil in your own neighborhood, and how you can improve the health of the soil in your neighborhood.
Workshop includes a fun art activity; students will create artistic layers using different baking flours, each layer representing different types of soil beneath our feet. Recipe included!
Hosted by Arcari Flora (arcariflora.com). Any questions, please email arcariflora@gmail.com.
November 19 8:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Admission: $10
House of Moses is honored to return to The Buttonwood Tree for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, having last performed at TBT just weeks before the global crisis.
Randy and Freddy Moses are the surviving co-founders of House of Moses. Randy Moses is the composer of dozens of original songs dating from the 1970s to today. Established in Middletown, CT in the 1970s with his brothers Freddy and Thomas “Jakula” Moses, House of Moses has been a Middletown mainstay, performing dozens of times and employing generations of local musicians from around the Middletown music scene. Randy and Freddy are Veterans of Foreign Wars. Randy is a cancer survivor and a notable public figure.
Following the Moses family’s long tradition of civic engagement set forth by their parents, James A. and Lillian Reba Moses, House of Moses’ music appeals to the mind, body, and soul of audiences. The buoyant rhythms and love-lorn ballads share the message that love is the answer to whatever vexes us- and you can dance to it. House of Moses’ music reflects a life of emerging social consciousness, but also a life of light, hope, and joy amidst the struggle.
For more info on House of Moses, their music, and upcoming show, visit their Facebook page.
The Belmont-Kurtz Jazz Quartet
November 20 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Admission: $15
The Belmont-Kurtz Jazz Quartet has been performing in venues in the Pioneer Valley for 15 years. Their music features jazz standards and music from Cuba and Brazil. Their approach to the music has evolved over the years, and includes elements of R&B, gospel, and funk. Dan Belmont plays piano and keyboards. He moved to the Valley in 2002 from New York City, where he worked as the musical director of the Castillo Theater for 10 years. Steve Kurtz plays tenor and soprano saxophone. His musical involvements have included working in jazz, funk, R&B, Brazilian, and Afro-Latin groups. Alan Kurtz is a drummer and percussionist. He is comfortable and fluent in many styles and eras of music, and is involved in several musical projects. Zach Scoble plays acoustic and electric bass. He is involved in a number of musical projects.
The Buttonwood Tree Performing Arts Center
605 Main Street / PO Box 71, Middletown, CT 06457
www.buttonwood.org / 860.347.4957 CELL: 860-205-4303
