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May 2020
Online Class: The Art of Collage
In this five week class you will create a main subject (birds, fish, flowers, trees) to collage from start to finish. You will learn how to choose your main focal point, the pros and cons of various substrates and the preparation of the background. You will learn how to create an interesting paper palette through color, values, pattern and texture. Your instructor will guide you in the placement and paper preparation as well as how to adhere them to the…
Find out more »Native Gardens
By Karen Zacarias A fence divides two backyards. An older white couple has lived for a long time on one side of the fence. On the other side, a young Latino couple has just moved in. Both couples are avid gardeners. One garden has lush grass and very symmetrical garden beds. The other is unkempt, natural and organic. Gardens and cultures clash, turning friendly neighbors into feuding enemies in this hilarious new comedy of good intentions and bad manners.
Find out more »Psychedelic ’60’s at The Gris
Every Friday, 8:30pm - 12:00am Psychedelic ’60’s, a power trio that pays tribute to the ground-breaking musical super groups of the sixties, plays the Tap Room at The Griswold Inn every Friday night. Take this nostalgic trip and listen to the music of the Kinks, the Beatles, the Animals, Creedence Clearwater Revival... ROCK N' ROLL!
Find out more »Sunday Hunt Breakfast at The Gris
Sunday Hunt Breakfast / Every Sunday (except holidays) Enjoy the thrill of the hunt each Sunday when a bountiful spread is laid out buffet-style. This sumptuous offering includes a wide array of breakfast and lunch entrées with made-to-order Belgian waffle and omelet stations, breakfast breads, freshly prepared salads, and assorted desserts. The brunch gets jazzier with Dixieland by Freight Train beginning at noon! Reservations recommended. For more information visit http://www.griswoldinn.com 11am to 1pm $24.95/adults; $12.00/children between 7-12; under 6/complimentary
Find out more »June 2020
Sea Chanteys at The Gris
FREE! Every Monday. 8:00pm - 11:00 pm Join us every Monday as the Jovial Crew brings the Tap Room to life with this old seafaring tradition, extremely popular today. "Jovial Crew" is a good description for both performers and patrons, a very spirited bunch making a very spirited evening indeed!
Find out more »“Shadow Dance” Exhibit Extended Until July 5th!
Spectrum Art Gallery and Artisan Store will re-open to the public on June 4th with new hours of Thursday to Saturday, 12 – 6pm and Sundays, 12 – 5pm. Spectrum’s newest exhibit, Shadow Dance, has been on view in the Gallery space since March 27th (via our on line gallery, www.spectrumartgallery.org) . An exploration of original artwork that showcases the imagery of shadows in a variety of mediums, the show includes works by representational and abstract painters, collage artists, sculptors and photographers…
Find out more »Summer Cabaret Series: As We Stumble Along
Our Broadway Journey featuring Joseph Dellger and Stacia Fernandez stars of Native Gardens. Les Mis, Ragtime, Phantom, The Drowsy Chaperone, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast – these are just some of the musicals Joseph and Stacia have performed in either on Broadway, Off-Broadway or on National Tours. Meet and greet after the show. Summer Cabaret Tickets: $40 all ages Buy tickets for all three cabarets for $100.00 all ages – call box office to purchase 3-show package
Find out more »Shanties & Sails: Rick Spencer and Dawn Indermuehle
Tuesday, June 9, 2020 Rick Spencer and Dawn Indermuehle 5:30-6:30 Shanties: FREE 7:00-8:00 Onrust: More details to come! Click Here to Register for this Event! Join us for CRM’s newest concert series, Shanties & Sails! You want to be on the deck to hear talented shanty and sea-song musicians for a FREE one hour live performance. Add onto your evening to continue the fun. Book a trip on the Onrust! Seating on board the Onrust is limited for this one-of-a-kind event. Rick Spencer…
Find out more »Shanties & Sails: Marc Bernier
Tuesday, June 16, 2020 Marc Bernier 5:30-6:30 Shanties: FREE 7:00-8:00 Onrust: More details to come! Click Here to Register for this Event! Join us for CRM’s newest concert series, Shanties & Sails! You want to be on the deck to hear talented shanty and sea-song musicians for a FREE one hour live performance. Add onto your evening to continue the fun. Book a trip on the Onrust! Seating on board the Onrust is limited for this one-of-a-kind event. Marc Bernier is a Chanteyman,…
Find out more »Shanties & Sails: Johnson Girls Band
Tuesday, June 23, 2020 Johnson Girls Band 5:30-6:30 Shanties: FREE 7:00-8:00 Onrust: More details to come! Click Here to Register for this Event! Join us for CRM’s newest concert series, Shanties & Sails! You want to be on the deck to hear talented shanty and sea-song musicians for a FREE one hour live performance. Add onto your evening to continue the fun. Book a trip on the Onrust! Seating on board the Onrust is limited for this one-of-a-kind event. The Johnson Girls have…
Find out more »Flashdance: The Musical
Music by Robbie Roth; Lyrics by Robert Cary & Robbie Roth Book by Tom Hedley and Robert Cary Dance like you’ve never danced before! Flashdance: The Musical tells the inspiring and unforgettable story of 18-year-old Alex, a welder by day and ‘flashdancer’ by night, who dreams of becoming a professional dancer. When a romance complicates her ambitions, she harnesses it to drive her dreams. Based on the Paramount Pictures film, Flashdance boasts an iconic score and pop hits including…
Find out more »Shanties & Sails: Geoff Kaufman
Tuesday, June 30, 2020 Geoff Kaufman 5:30-6:30 Shanties: FREE 7:00-8:00 Onrust: More details to come! Click Here to Register for this Event! Join us for CRM’s newest concert series, Shanties & Sails! You want to be on the deck to hear talented shanty and sea-song musicians for a FREE one hour live performance. Add onto your evening to continue the fun. Book a trip on the Onrust! Seating on board the Onrust is limited for this one-of-a-kind event. For the past twenty-eight…
Find out more »July 2020
Casey Carle’s BubbleMania: Comedy…With A Drip!
Casey Carle, award-winning, international performer brings his BubbleMania: Comedy…With a Drip! back to the Ivoryton Playhouse with jaw-dropping bubble sculptures, funky funny foam, jazz inspired bubble choreography and eye-popping giant bubbles. Come see this guy combine soap, slapstick and showmanship to amaze and amuse all ages! Tickets $15 all ages
Find out more »Thursdays on the Dock: USCG Dixieland Band
USCG Dixieland Band Thursday, July 9 5:30 – 7:30 pm FREE Now in its 11th year, Thursday’s on the Dock continues to rock the River! Each Thursday night in the summer, the foot of Main Street in Essex is the place to be from 5:30 –7:30 pm. We have a fabulous lineup this year thanks to our presenting sponsor, Prive Swiss Wellness. The United States Coast Guard Dixieland Jazz Band was organized in 1970 to perform classic jazz, blues, and…
Find out more »Haunted Connecticut Jr: Spooky Stories For The Whole Family
Presented By Dr Stephen Gencarella. Musical Accompaniment By Frank Natter. Dr. Gencarella is a tenured professor at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and a folklorist whose research examines the myths, legends, and cultural traditions of New England. He teaches classes on humor and comedy studies and on the global folklore of alcoholic beverages. This new show of storytelling and music is suitable for ages 5 +. In association with the Connecticut Cultural Heritage Arts Program. Tickets $15 all ages
Find out more »Design This Summer – Fashion Camp I
FASHION WEEK I July 13-17, 2020 | Ages 11-15 Mornings are spent working with a professional illustrator learning to draw the fashion silhouette as live models pose for your sketches. End the week of illustration with a portfolio ready piece. Afternoons are spent with professional seamstresses learning to read, pin and cut a pattern of your choice. Construct and finish your garment by sewing and adding accessories. Professional hair and makeup stylists help prepare you for the end of the…
Find out more »Online Class: Writing Poems About Art
The Art of Writing Poems about Art is an on line Zoom class being offered by Spectrum Art Gallery. Steven Ostrowski, a published poet, painter, and professor, will offer an online Zoom workshop in which participants engage in the art of writing poems about artworks. Using the “Permission to Play with Language” model that Professor Ostrowski developed for the Central Connecticut Writing Project, participants will create new, imagistic poems about an artwork or several artworks of their choice—whether that be…
Find out more »Thursdays on the Dock: Small Pond All Stars
Small Pond All Stars Thursday, July 16 5:30 – 7:30 pm FREE Now in its 11th year, Thursday’s on the Dock continues to rock the River! Each Thursday night in the summer, the foot of Main Street in Essex is the place to be from 5:30 –7:30 pm. We have a fabulous lineup this year thanks to our presenting sponsor, Prive Swiss Wellness. This week’s band is the Small Pond All Stars, a popular local music group that has played…
Find out more »Design This Summer – Fashion Camp II
FASHION WEEK II July 20-24, 2020 | Ages 15-18 During Fashion Week II, fashionistas dig deeper and focus their designs on the influences of top fashion designers. This year, Anna Sui will be our muse. For her innovative work, Sui has been called a designer who “never panders” by The New York Times, and earned the distinction of being named to Time magazine’s list of the decade’s top five fashion icons. Learn sketching as live models pose for your Sui…
Find out more »Summer Cabaret Series: The Simon & Garfunkel Songbook
The Simon & Garfunkel Songbook: Songs, Stories and multimedia featuring Aztec Two-Step 2.0 Uniquely entertaining music, narration and multimedia event which chronicles the extraordinary career of Simon & Garfunkel. The music speaks for itself and a sing-along is always in the mix. Summer Cabaret Tickets: $40 all ages Buy tickets for all three cabarets for $100.00 all ages – call box office to purchase 3-show package
Find out more »Thursdays on the Dock: Butter Jones
Butter Jones Thursday, July 23 5:30 – 7:30 pm FREE Now in its 11th year, Thursday’s on the Dock continues to rock the River! Each Thursday night in the summer, the foot of Main Street in Essex is the place to be from 5:30 –7:30 pm. We have a fabulous lineup this year thanks to our presenting sponsor, Prive Swiss Wellness. Butter Jones, with a unique blend of indie rock, americana, and a dash of jam band, it’s the sound…
Find out more »Nature Art Camp
For the young artist, Nature Art Camp runs July 27-31 (9am-4:30pm) for ages 7 to 12. Spend summer days drawing en plein air, and painting and sculpting on the Center grounds. Sketch floral and landscape drawings, and, as a special treat, enjoy a Guest Artist Session on Painting Trees and Foliage in Watercolor! Develop observational, drawing, and sculpting techniques working on projects like Air Dry Clay Impressions, Bubble Painted Florals (mixed media), Nature’s Windows Clings, and Sun Painted Sun Catcher. Nature will inspire, as will…
Find out more »Thursdays on the Dock: Tiny Ocean
Tiny Ocean Thursday, July 30 5:30 – 7:30 pm FREE Now in its 11th year, Thursday’s on the Dock continues to rock the River! Each Thursday night in the summer, the foot of Main Street in Essex is the place to be from 5:30 –7:30 pm. We have a fabulous lineup this year thanks to our presenting sponsor, Prive Swiss Wellness. Tiny Ocean is a mixture of americana, indie folk, folk rock, indie folk. Kierstin Sieser, Jeremy Coster, Jon Morse,…
Find out more »August 2020
Ring of Fire
The Music of Johnny Cash Created by Richard Maltby, Jr. Conceived by William Meade The Man in Black is Back! From the songbook of Johnny Cash comes this unique musical about love and faith, struggle and success, rowdiness and redemption, and the healing power of home and family. More than two dozen classic hits—including “I Walk The Line,” “A Boy Named Sue,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” and the title tune—performed by a multi-talented cast, paint a musical portrait that is a…
Find out more »Thursdays on the Dock: Little Big Band
Little Big Band Thursday, August 6 5:30 – 7:30 pm FREE Now in its 11th year, Thursday’s on the Dock continues to rock the River! Each Thursday night in the summer, the foot of Main Street in Essex is the place to be from 5:30 –7:30 pm. We have a fabulous lineup this year thanks to our presenting sponsor, Prive Swiss Wellness. The Little Big Band includes Piano, Bass, Drums, 3 Trumpets, 3 Trombones, 5 Saxophones and a Vocalist, for…
Find out more »Summer Cabaret Series: Champagne & Moonshine
Champagne & Moonshine: A Jersey Girl’s Journey to Patsy Cline featuring Jacqueline Petroccia star of our 2012 hit production Always...Patsy Cline. Hear Jackie’s story of how she was discovered to play Patsy, the music that influenced her childhood and the songs she sings now. Meet and greet and CD signing after the show. Summer Cabaret Tickets: $40 all ages Buy tickets for all three cabarets for $100.00 all ages – call box office to purchase 3-show package
Find out more »Thursdays on the Dock: John Spignesi Band
John Spignesi Band Thursday, August 13 5:30 – 7:30 pm FREE Now in its 11th year, Thursday’s on the Dock continues to rock the River! Each Thursday night in the summer, the foot of Main Street in Essex is the place to be from 5:30 –7:30 pm. We have a fabulous lineup this year thanks to our presenting sponsor, Prive Swiss Wellness. New Haven based quartet “JSB” (shortened for The John Spignesi Band) is a group you don’t want to…
Find out more »Paper Heart Puppets Presents: Tall Tales
Have you ever wanted to sing along with a sea shanty? Or dive deep into a fox’s den? Then come along on this whirlwind tour of New England’s tallest tales! Along the way, you’ll make Thomas Jefferson the world’s largest wheel of cheese, sail the ocean with the legendary giant sailor Alfred Bulltop Stormalong, and meet a very fashionable bear by the name of Jenny Jenkins. Drawing from three hundred years of stories, songs, and local history, there is sure…
Find out more »Paper Heart Puppets Presents: Cardboard Explosion!
With a simple snip of the scissors, adventures unfold for a one-of-a-kind puppetry experience! “Cardboard Explosion’” brings five original stories to life using nothing but cardboard and the power of your imagination. In each story audience members help puppeteer, Brad Shur, transform simple cardboard shapes into elaborate puppet characters right before your eyes. Get ready to outsmart dragons, choose-your-own superpower, and train adorable animal sidekicks in this fun, energetic, participatory show. Recommended for ages 4 and up Tickets $15 all…
Find out more »Thursdays on the Dock: Mama Train Band
Mama Train Band Thursday, August 20 5:30 – 7:30 pm FREE Now in its 11th year, Thursday’s on the Dock continues to rock the River! Each Thursday night in the summer, the foot of Main Street in Essex is the place to be from 5:30 –7:30 pm. We have a fabulous lineup this year thanks to our presenting sponsor, Prive Swiss Wellness. Jazz/Blues band, Mama Train, blends the warmth of rich female vocals with smooth expressive piano. Their sound embodies…
Find out more »Thursdays on the Dock: Old Dog New Trick
Old Dog New Trick Thursday, August 27 5:30 – 7:30 pm FREE Now in its 11th year, Thursday’s on the Dock continues to rock the River! Each Thursday night in the summer, the foot of Main Street in Essex is the place to be from 5:30 –7:30 pm. We have a fabulous lineup this year thanks to our presenting sponsor, Prive Swiss Wellness. Old Dog New Trick is an increasingly popular local talent that sprang onto the vibrant Lower Connecticut…
Find out more »September 2020
Thursdays on the Dock: Local Honey
Local Honey Thursday, September 3 5:30 – 7:30 pm FREE Now in its 11th year, Thursday’s on the Dock continues to rock the River! Each Thursday night in the summer, the foot of Main Street in Essex is the place to be from 5:30 –7:30 pm. We have a fabulous lineup this year thanks to our presenting sponsor, Prive Swiss Wellness. Born out of a mutual respect for all things auditory and a humble appreciation for an organic evolution, lifelong…
Find out more »Ghost the Musical
Book & Lyrics by Bruce Joel Rubin Music & Lyrics by Dave Stewart & Glen Ballard A romantic stage adaptation of a modern classic film, Ghost the Musical follows Sam and Molly, a young couple whose connection takes a shocking turn after Sam’s untimely death. Trapped between two worlds, Sam refuses to leave Molly when he learns she is in grave danger. Desperate to communicate with her, he turns to a storefront psychic, Oda Mae Brown, who helps him protect Molly…
Find out more »October 2020
The Mousetrap
By Agatha Christie Agatha Christie, the Mistress of Mystery, brings you her most popular creation, The Mousetrap. When a group of strangers are trapped together at a manor house during a snowstorm, they soon discover one of them is a murderer! Is it the newlyweds whose rampant suspicions nearly wreck their marriage? Maybe it's the spinster with the curious background. It could be the architect, the retired Army Major or maybe the odd man who claims his car overturned in…
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Essex, CT 06426 860-767-3904 or email message@experienceessex.com
