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March 2019
Weekend Paint Nights and Private Parties
Every Friday and Saturday night and Sunday afternoons. Guests can produce their own works of art while guided by the skilled hands of one of the many local artists on staff. As aspiring Da Vinci's paint scenes of the river, landscapes, or their own pet, they can enjoy a wide selection of wines and beer available during each session. Afterwards, guests can leave with a work of art in-hand and the knowledge that their leftover paint won't destroy the picturesque…
Find out more »April 2019
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 »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 »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 »June 2019
Connecticut River Artisans Artist of the Month of June
Pat Rist is Connecticut River Artisans Artist of the Month for June Connecticut River Artisans Cooperative welcomes the month of June and the start of Summer. Our Artist of the Month for June is our remarkable potter, Pat Rist. The question is, “how did Pat go from teaching chemistry at Drew University to a life of creativity with clay. Blame her husband! His new job required a move to Connecticut. It wasn’t long until “Clay Bodies Pottery was born. Pat…
Find out more »Mamma Mia!
Mamma Mia! Music and Lyrics by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus and some songs with Stig Anderson Book by Catherine Johnson - Originally Conceived by Judy Craymer Wednesday, June 26 - Sunday, July 28, 2019 Over 60 million people worldwide have fallen in love with the characters, the story and the music that make Mamma Mia! the ultimate feel-good show! Set on a Greek island paradise, the story-telling magic of ABBA's timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love,…
Find out more »“Out my Window” — Essex Art Association’s Summer 2019 Open Exhibition
The upcoming show at the Essex Art Association is an Open Exhibition and welcomes all area artists to submit up to two pieces of artwork for display. This type of show offers the public a viewing experience with a wide spectrum of subjects, styles and mediums. The show is juried for awards only, with the EAA distributing $1500 in eight categories. In addition, one artist will be awarded a solo exhibit in the EAA Gantner Gallery during the 2020 gallery…
Find out more »July 2019
Summer Concerts Middletown Symphonic Band
Middletown Symphonic Band - Essex Main Street Park, July 3rd Join Middletown Symphonic Band! This amazing orchestra has been together since 1979 and is always a summer concert favorite here in Essex.6:30-8pm
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Artisan of the Month July — Jean Burdaspar
As Connecticut River Artisans Co-op continues our Artisan of the Month program, we are delighted to present our July Artisan: Jean Burdaspar. Jean has spent her professional life in the arts and has recently retired from a career as a studio artist for the textile trade. She was also a co-owner of a designer finishing business for interiors and furniture. Jean likes to combine various disciplines and mediums. Acrylic paints, watercolors, dyes, encaustic wax, paper and fabric produce a variety…
Find out more »Kate’s Camp for Kids Summer Programming
The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center and Community Music School are partnering again for the seventh year under the umbrella of their performing arts summer camp, “Kate’s Camp for Kids,” to present a full summer of programming. This exciting program takes place at The Kate, 300 Main Street in Old Saybrook, and runs for five week-long sessions from 9am to 5pm beginning July 8, 2019. Launched in 2013, Kate’s Camp for Kids is a performing arts camp for children ages…
Find out more »July Fashion Camps
July Fashion Camps Arts Center Killingworth Fashion Week One, Monday-Friday, July 8-12, 2019 (9-5:30pm) for 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…
Find out more »Summer Concerts Java Groove
Java Groove – Ivoryton Green, July 9th New this year; from swing to Sinatra to Sting, Java Groove is a small 4-piece band with a big sound. 6:30-8pm
Find out more »Alfresco Thursday July 11th
"Party Alfresco!” July 11th, 2019 @ 5pm Main Street, Essex Village That’s the call to action for the Essex Board of Trade’s 2019 summer event on Main Street in Essex Village. Experience Essex in all its summer vibrancy – alfresco shopping, patio dining, live music, art, strolling, socializing and more. Participating shops will stay open until 8pm featuring fashion parties, discounts, and festive bites and sips! The village’s charming patios, decks and docks - Abby’s Place, Olive Oyl’s Cuisine, The…
Find out more »Free Yoga in the Park
Essex Parks and Recreation and Instructor Angela Stevens are again partnering this summer to offer free yoga in the park! Join us for free outdoor Yoga classes at Main Street Park Essex Village. Yoga practice reduces your stress and tension and improves your balance, flexibility, and core strength. Beginners to more experienced yogis are welcome to join in on this Alfresco Thursday’s wellness event in the park. DROP IN for class Thursday July 11 & Aug. 8 at Essex Village…
Find out more »Bead Embroidery
Instructor: Barb Richard Date & Time: Saturday, July 13, 10:00 am -1:00 pm Class Fee: $30.00 Kit: $5 Minimum of 3 for a class, maximum 6. If not filled we will book a new date or give you a refund.
Find out more »Fashion Week Camp II – Calling All Fashionistas
Fashion Week Two, Monday-Friday, July 15-19, 2019 (9-5:30pm) for ages 11-15, camp goers dig deeper and focus their designs on the influences of top fashion designers. Afternoons, they sew their creations and add details. The week ends with a portfolio-ready fashion illustration and their turn to make their way down the runway for family and friends. This year’s design muse is the feminine and rebellious, Miu Miu design house. Learn sketching from a live model and design your own Miu…
Find out more »Summer Concerts Old Dog New Trick
Old Dog New Trick – Essex Main Street Park, July 17th Also new this year; ODNT interprets classic rock, blues songs, roots, alternative, and R&B ranging from Van Morrison, The Band and the Allman Brothers to Amos Lee, Zac Brown, Grace Potter and Phish, as well as their own original songs. 6:30-8pm
Find out more »Painting on Tiles, Glass & Pottery
Instructor: Gay Petruzzi Ritter Date & Time: Saturday July 20, 1:00 - 4:00 Fee: $30.00 (Includes some materials, see below) Minimum of 5 for a class. If not filled we will book a new date or give you a refund.
Find out more »Nature Art Camp for Young Artists
Dive into our fun and inspiring summer nature art camp! July 22-26, 2019 (Mon-Fri 9am-4pm) for ages 7-11. Explore sketching floral and landscape drawing as you create a diverse selection of pieces. Use your developing observational skills and beginning basic drawing and sculpting techniques for this year’s fun projects: Busy Little Beehive Sculpture, Nature Rocks, Magic Tree Collaborative, Birds & Branches/Nature’s Paint Brushes. Leave your cares behind and enjoy learning new skills as you make lasting friendships. Participants spend fun summer days…
Find out more »Nature Art Camp for Young Artists
Dive into our fun and inspiring summer nature art camp! July 22-26, 2019 (Mon-Fri 9am-4pm) for ages 7-11. Explore sketching floral and landscape drawing as you create a diverse selection of pieces. Use your developing observational skills and beginning basic drawing and sculpting techniques for this year’s fun projects: Busy Little Beehive Sculpture, Nature Rocks, Magic Tree Collaborative, Birds & Branches/Nature’s Paint Brushes. Leave your cares behind and enjoy learning new skills as you make lasting friendships. Participants spend fun…
Find out more »Summer Concerts U. H. F.
U. H. F. – Ivoryton Town Green, July 23rd Join U.H.F for an evening of soulful music. U.H.F is comprised of three members dedicated to creating the best soulful music they can. 6:30-8pm
Find out more »Summer Concerts Leaf Jumpers
Leaf Jumpers – Essex Main Street Park, July 31st Leaf Jumpers is classic rock meets modern adult alternative. Great songs sweet harmonies and solid musicianship, Leaf Jumpers are the real deal. 6:30-8pm
Find out more »August 2019
Summer Concerts Long Island Sound
Long Island Sound – Ivoryton Town Green, August 6th Long Island Sound offers a wide variety of the most popular music including Swing, Motown, Oldies Rock, Funk, Disco, Latin, Country and Top 40. The Long Island Sound features three horns, a full rhythm section and recording artist -vocalist Mary Beth Sippin. 6:30-8pm
Find out more »Cabaret
Cabaret Music by John Kander, Lyrics by Fred Ebb, Book by Joe Masteroff Wednesday, August 7 - Sunday, September 1, 2019 "There was a cabaret and there was a master of ceremonies and there was a city called Berlin in a country called Germany. It was the end of the world … and I was dancing with Sally Bowles and we were both fast asleep.” So begins the international classic musical and winner of 8 Tony awards - Cabaret.…
Find out more »Alfresco Thursdays August 8th
"Party Alfresco!” August 8th, 2019 @ 5pm Main Street, Essex Village That’s the call to action for the Essex Board of Trade’s 2019 summer event on Main Street in Essex Village. Experience Essex in all its summer vibrancy – alfresco shopping, patio dining, live music, art, strolling, socializing and more. Participating shops will stay open until 8pm featuring fashion parties, discounts, and festive bites and sips! The village’s charming patios, decks and docks - Abby’s Place, Olive Oyl’s Cuisine, The…
Find out more »Summer Concerts Blues on the Rocks
Blues on the Rocks – Essex Main Street Park, August 14th Blues on the Rocks has been performing since 2004 and never disappoints. They are comprised of four lifelong passionate musicians. Their music will get you off your feet, sing, swing and dance. 6:30-8pm
Find out more »27th Annual Arts and Crafts Fair
For the past 26 years, the First Baptist Church in Essex has sponsored this juried Annual Arts and Craft Fair on the Essex Town Green. Both locals and visitors to the area enjoy shopping the 60+ booths that fill the Town Green with unique, handcrafted artwork. Admission is free to the public. Essex is located on the Connecticut River, about four miles north of Long Island Sound. Easy to reach from any direction, Essex is also the home of the…
Find out more »2ND ANNUAL CORNHOLE CHARITY CHALLENGE
CENTERBROOK – Community Music School will present its second annual Cornhole Charity Challenge on August 19, 2019 at 5 pm on beautiful Essex Island. Local charities will face off in this friendly cornhole competition. Join us for live music and southern BBQ! BYOB and family friendly! Event proceeds will benefit scholarships and outreach programs at Community Music School. Event tickets include live music and all food: $25/adult, $12/kid, ages 5 and under free. Teams of two can enter the cornhole…
Find out more »September 2019
Shear Madness
Shear Madness Written by Paul Portner Wednesday, September 18 - Sunday, October 6, 2019 Shear Madness is one of the most popular productions in the world, delighting audiences with its blend of madcap improvisation and spine-tickling mystery. This unique comedy-whodunit takes place today in the "Shear Madness" hairstyling salon and is chock full of up-to-the-minute humor. A murder is committed and the audience gets to spot clues, question suspects, and solve the mystery. Voted "Best Comedy" seven times by…
Find out more »October 2019
Woody Sez
Woody Sez– The Life and Music of Woody Guthrie Devised by David Lutken with Nick Corley and Darcie Deaville, Helen J. Russell and Andy Teirstein Wednesday, October 23 - Sunday, November 10, 2019 David Lutken and his trusty band of musicians return to the Playhouse in a show featuring Woody Guthrie – the original folk hero and an iconic American troubadour. Tap your feet and sing along with Woody Sez in this uplifting musical portrait. You will be transported…
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Contact Us
Essex Board of Trade, Inc., P.O. Box 322
Essex, CT 06426 860-767-3904 or email message@experienceessex.com
