Fireplace Cafe Performances Showcase Local Talent

Collinsville's Fireplace Cafe Features Up-and-Coming Talent

Staff at The Fireplace Cafe on River Street have outdone themselves booking and supporting numerous popular local musicians over the years. 

Acoustic Open Mic Night, hosted by singer-songwriter "GrimFacts" Ed Hoyer, Jr., continues each Tuesday starting at 8:30 p.m., and attracts a regular crew of musicians from right here in town.

On Thursday, Jan. 19, young local acoustic solo artist Dan Prado, a regular at all the Open Mics in town, will play his own set of originals and covers featuring his guitar and vocal skills.  

Flatbread Company

The  hosts live entertainment each Thursday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., often hiring their best customers and favorite bands to play. This week is no exception, as Torrington's The Frantic Blue, one of manager Erich Kronschnabel's all-time favorite bands, brings their funk-infused classic rock to go with your organic pizza dinner.

Dish 'n Dat 

Tonight, Friday rock band Nightcap provides the entertainment at  from 8 to 11 p.m., and bar manager Myles provides the nightcaps. 

On Wednesday, solo acoustic artist Chris Lynch will be there to entertain with a set of his signature "folk 'n' roll."

Rice Fields

After an entertainment break for the holiday weekends, Asian restaurant and lounge has resumed their weekly Karaoke Nights. It's now on Fridays from around 8 to 11:30 p.m. in the special events room.

Crown & Hammer Restaurant & Pub

Popular local singer-songwriter and pianist Andre Balazs returns to the Crown & Hammer tonight, Friday, with his band Bipolar Jukebox. Joined by Dave Shuman on bass guitar, Dennis Fancher on guitar and Charlie Dye on drums, Andre has gathered some of the best jazz musicians around for this monthly gig, occurring each second Friday of the month at 9:30 p.m. 

Bipolar Jukebox is hard at work mixing its second full-length CD, which was recorded in Collinsville and mixed at Dave Shuman's studio in Bloomfield. The highly anticipated CD, featuring Andre's original songwriting and arrangements, will be released within the next few months. Stay tuned! 

On Saturday, another singer-songwriter, this one a guitarist, performs at the Crown. Brandt Taylor's set starts around 9:30 p.m.

According to the restaurant's e-newsletter and management, the Crown will be closed Jan. 16 through Jan. 19 for "Winter Break" and will reopen on Jan. 20 at 5 p.m.

The newsletter adds, "For the weekends of Jan. 20-22 and Jan. 27-29, we will feature an abbreviated menu for dinner that will include the full Pub Menu along with dinner specials.

Open Spin Jam at Downright's 'Upright' Location

In the auditorium of the school building at 13 Spring St., where many of 's instrumental lessons take place, a special Open Spin Jam is happening on Thursday, Jan. 19, from 6 to 9 p.m. Open to the public, the informal event's organizers welcome jugglers, spinners of poi, hula hoopers and spectators. 

LaSalle Market 

The popular Open Mic Night held at  each Friday night at 6 p.m. is hosted alternately by Eric Paradine and Con "Coyote" Doty, and the sign-up sheet fills up fast.

La Trattoria Restaurant 

At , members of jazz band Swing 39 play as a trio on Fridays from 7 to 10 p.m., and return as a duo Thursdays from 7 to 10 p.m. On Saturdays pianist John Lomartra from Cromwell entertains from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Photography at the Canton Public Library

An ongoing exhibition of photography by Tom Cameron, "The Farmington River Collection," is on display at the and available for viewing during regular hours. 

The library will be closed on Monday in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr., holiday.

New Work at Gallery on the Green

Canton's 's newest show, the "New Work Exhibition," will be up in the galleries from Jan. 13 through Feb. 5. 

An opening reception, open to the public, is planned for Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m.