The Week in Arts and Entertainment: Re-openings, Openings and More

Downright's Grand Re-Opening Concert

On Saturday night starting at 8 p.m., the public is invited to a party at 's renovated performance and event space, which includes an elevated stage area with built-in storage for the music store's permanent collection of gig gear. 

Opening the show is Canton's own Vortex, made up of three teachers at Downright who also live in town. All jazz-trained and talented improvisers who are versed across music genres, the band members are: co-owner Andrew Decker on bass and other instruments, Jeffrey "Axlovin" Howard on guitar and Jeff Kozlowski on drums.  

Vortex will be followed by the Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, a touring band from Tulsa, OK, who have played big shows in Collinsville several times before, including at Downright's annual festival. JFJO will perform selections from their latest project, Race Riot Suite, which the band says "pays tribute to Tulsa's Greenwood community, destroyed in a 1921 race riot, while evoking the creative output of 1920s Oklahoma."

The show is open to music fans of all ages. There will be a modest cover charge requested at the door to help compensate the musicians. 

Bridge Street Live Launching New Restaurant

, a new restaurant opening this Wednesday within Collinsville concert venue , gives diners the opportunity to enjoy the venue's new porch seating overlooking the Farmington River. 

Executive Chef David Tolly's culinary philosophy of simplicity and ingredient-driven food informs his vision for Tolly's 41. The menu features classic and unique dishes, such as the "41" Chopped Salad, Lobster Penne, the Axe Handle Ribeye and a Seafood "Martini" with sweet blue crab, lobster and scallops. Chef Tolly also promises specials occasionally inspired by the genre of music being performed at Bridge Street Live on a given night, such as Jambalaya offered during a Zydeco show. 

Tolly's 41 will be open at 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays, starting on the 19th, whether or not there is a show scheduled. Dinner and cabaret menus will be available.

Bridge Street Live

Two comedians, Alabama-born Vic Henley and Long Island-born Kenny Zimlinghaus, perform tonight, Friday, at Bridge Street Live. 

On Sunday, the Gerry Beaudoin Trio with Harry Allen on tenor saxophone will give a performance celebrating the collaborative spirit of jazz. Gerry, a jazz guitarist who got his start as a band leader recording with the Boston Jazz Ensemble, writes and performs songs self- described as "easy, bluesy swing-inspired jazz." He is joined in the trio by longtime bandmates Jesse Williams on bass and Les Harris, Jr., on drums. Their collaboration with Harry began upon meeting at a concert in 2009 and continues with joint performances and a recording session that resulted in the album Gerry Beaudoin Trio: The Return with Harry Allen. 

On Thursday (Oct. 20), nine comedians will be donating their time to perform a benefit show for a fellow comedian, Spanky, who suffered serious injuries after a careless driver ran a red light and hit him as he crossed the intersection on a motorbike. Spanky, who like many in the entertainment industry is not covered by full medical insurance, performed at Bridge Street Live this summer, before the accident, during the "Eat. Drink. Laugh." show.

The night is billed as "Spanky's Medical Bills Benefit Show: the Best Damn Comedy Show Ever!" Participating comedians are Andy Pitz, DJ Hazard, Geno Bisconti, Buddy Bolton, Keith Anthony, Carole Montgomery, Ross Bennet, Mark Riccadonna and Tom Cotter.

All shows this week begin at 8 p.m. with doors open at 7 p.m. The venue is all-ages. Guests may purchase tickets for all events in advance at www.41bridgestreet.com. 

Speakeasy at Gallery 101 Main

This month's "speakeasy" event at takes place on Saturday at 8 p.m. 

On the bill so far are Michael Companik, Ed Hoyer Jr., and "Master of Mischief" Chris Sheehan, along with the traditional Collinsville Trainwreck Jam at the end of the evening. The usual B.Y.O.B. and optional potluck (appetizer, dessert or main dish) policies apply.

Also known as the Collinsville Social Club, this party, designed to celebrate community and the village's rich and varied musical and artistic talent, is open to the public. But be sure to remember the password just for fun: "The pearl is in the river."

Opening Reception at Gallery on the Green

The "44th Annual Open Juried Show" at , which opened this past weekend and runs through Nov. 6., celebrates the show with an opening reception and awards presentation this Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m. 

There will also be an informative critique session on Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. led by Jaclyn Conley, an artist and assistant professor at the Hartford Art School who is this year's juror.

Both events at the gallery are open to the public.

The Shoppes at Farmington Valley

Tonight, Friday, at Dish 'n Dat, acoustic rock solo artist Colt Steel will perform from 8 to 11 p.m. Originally from Bridgeport and now based in West Hartford, Colt's website promises a blend of creatively arranged covers and unique originals. According to his Facebook page, this artist is also looking for potential bandmates. 

On Thursday (Oct. 20), the  weekly live entertainment series continues with a performance by Nate Day. 

Roaring Brook Nature Center Concert Series

Saturday night at 7:30 p.m., the next event in the Concert Series features a split bill of talented—and nationally renowned—Hartford musicians.

Stan Sullivan, a singer-songwriter, blues musician and finger-style guitar champion, celebrates 50 years of playing music and 25 years of volunteering at RBNC. 

Jim Mercik, a songwriter, guitarist and banjo player, will be accompanied by Abu Alvin Carter on percussion. The duo are also educators, traveling around the state with congas, guitars and banjo introducing students to some of music's roots and history.

Tickets are $15 in advance and $17 at the door.   

The Fireplace Cafe

Popular local act Sweetheart Mountain plays tonight, Friday, at the Fireplace on River Street at 9 p.m. "Our sound combines bluegrass, old-time, Celtic and country, with an emphasis on harmonies and traditional rhythms," the band writes. 

Regular band members Sean MacDonald (guitar), Arlene DeMaris (fiddle) and Kevin Gallagher (dobro and mandolin) will be joined for this show by Charlie Newcomb (upright bass). 

Musicians at this cozy venue play for tips, so plan to bring your dollar bills "for the bucket."  

The Crown & Hammer Restaurant & Pub

Kristen Graves performs tonight, Friday, at the starting around 9:30 p.m.

On Saturday, two respected Connecticut guitarists return to the Crown to join forces for a duo performance at 9:30 p.m. John Mayock, a singer-songwriter in the roots-rock tradition, shares the stage with special guest Dennis Fancher. Both are members of the popular band John Mayock and the Homesteaders, so this not-to-be-missed acoustic duo has been dubbed The Halfsteaders. 

Live entertainment at the Crown is free of charge. 

Free Weekly Events

The popular Open Mic Night held at  Friday nights at 6 p.m. is hosted alternately by Eric Paradine and Con "Coyote" Doty. Call ahead or be early, as the sign-up sheet fills up fast.

Open Mic Night at the Fireplace Cafe, hosted by singer-songwriter "GrimFacts" Ed Hoyer Jr., continues each Tuesday starting at 8:30 p.m.

The  hosts weekly Karaoke Nights on Wednesdays at 9:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 p.m. 

 also has a weekly Karaoke Night on Saturdays. 

The Crown & Hammer's Trivia Night occurs each Thursday night at 9 p.m.

At , artist Jim Koplar hosts an "Art Jam" on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. For a $10 cover charge, art supplies and instruction are provided in a casual, supportive and fun environment.