Arts & Entertainment
The Week in Arts and Entertainment
A weekly round-up of events around Canton in art, music, theater, film, dance and more.
Crown and Hammer Restaurant & Pub
Along with Open Mic Night on Wednesdays and Trivia Night on Thursdays at the , free live music is scheduled there every Friday and Saturday night. This week features two artists who are new to the schedule since the restaurant reopened under new management in April.
Tonight, Friday, self-taught local singer-songwriter Brandt Taylor, who also plays guitar, will perform in a variety of styles with drummer and percussionist Bill McManus, who hails from Western Massachusetts.
On Saturday, local legend Con "Coyote" Doty will treat listeners to a long set of originals and covers at the Crown. Coyote writes:
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"Collinsville is one of the cooler places to play, because the folks there are so receptive to original music. It makes it easy to try new stuff. When they like something, you know instantly, and then, when they don't, well, there's no question. It's great. The Crown has gone through some good changes recently, and we'll be pleased to play there. My full band, Bloodbrother, won't fit on the stage, so I'm doing the show with my pal, keyboardist Dale "Doc" Adams. It'll be a mix of 'blues 'n rock 'n boogie 'n twang,' something, I think, for everyone. "
Live music at the Crown is free and starts around 9:30 p.m.
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Collinsville Social Club at Gallery 101 Main
Con "Coyote" Doty is also playing a more informal early gig on Saturday night at 8 p.m. as a featured artist at 's monthly Collinsville Social Club "Speakeasy," a relaxed event designed as a celebration of the local artistic community.
Other performers include Mike Ledrich, "Speakeasy" host Chris Sheehan and a few surprise guests, followed by what Chris describes as "the soon-to-be-legendary Collinsville Trainwreck Jam at the end of the show."
The event is open to the public with a few "rules" for all: it's BYOB, and please bring "a dessert or appetizer to share, a sense of humor and a couple of bucks to donate to the musicians' fishbowl."
The Fireplace Cafe
Local realtor Ellen Knowlton is bringing a special event to The Fireplace on River Street this coming Thursday. In honor of her birthday, one of her favorite bands, Funk Brokers, Inc. (FBI), of Hartford, will visit Ellen in Collinsville to play classic funk tunes arranged to showcase their own signature sound. This not-to-be-missed dance party starts at 8 p.m. The show is free, but bring a tip for the bucket; this money goes directly to the band.
Collinsville Farmers Market
On Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., visitors to the Collinsville Farmers Market will be treated to an acoustic performance by New Haven-based singer-songwriter Hannah Fair in the parking lot near .
The Shoppes at Farmington Valley
Tonight, Friday, Stanley Maxwell continues their weekly summer residency, "Jammin' on Jim Brook," on the courtyard at the from 7-9 p.m.
Later in the evening, step inside the bar at for free live music by Kevin & Pete.
On Thursday, folk/rock singer-songwriter Nate Day returns to The for a dinnertime performance.
D.A.N.C.E. by Kristin
On Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., will hold an open house celebration. This is an opportunity for interested students to meet the teachers, see the space and ask questions about the 2011-2012 dance season. There will be free demo classes, prizes and open registration for the upcoming season.
31st Annual Lobsterfest
This weekend, Friday through Sunday, it's time for an annual Canton tradition, the popular , a benefit for the Canton Volunteer Fire Co., Inc., on the fire company's grounds off Canton Springs Road. Along with lobster, clam chowder, native corn from the Pickin' Patch in Avon, several other food choices, desserts and drinks, there will be live music from 6-10 p.m. each night, with 4th Time Around playing dance hits on Friday and, on Saturday, Flipper Dave jamming with special guest Scott Murawski of Max Creek.
Bridge Street Live
Tonight, Friday, at , blues harmonica fans will be treated to a performance by legend James "Superharp" Cotton, a Grammy winner and Blues Hall of Fame inductee.
Boston-based Eilen Jewell, "Queen of the Minor Key," performs at Bridge Street on Saturday night.
Purchase tickets in advance at www.41bridgestreet.com. All shows this week are scheduled for 8 p.m. with doors open at 7 p.m.; the venue is all ages.
Free Weekly Events
The sign-up list fills up fast for the popular Open Mic Night held at each Friday night at 6 p.m. hosted alternately by Eric Paradine and Coyote. Be sure to call ahead or arrive early if you'd like to play.
Open Mic Night at the Fireplace Cafe continues on Tuesdays at 9 p.m. Regulars and new participants alike are welcome to join in the jam.
The (192 Albany Turnpike, Canton) hosts weekly Karaoke Nights on Wednesdays at 9:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 p.m.
Entertainment at Restaurant features classic jazz by Swing ’39 with a guitar and upright bass duo on Thursdays from 7-10 p.m. and a trio, including a clarinet and saxophone player, on Fridays from 7-10 p.m.
At Gallery 101 Main, artist Jim Koplar hosts an "Art Jam" on Wednesdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. For a $10 cover charge, art supplies and instruction are provided in a casual, supportive, fun environment.
