Archives for August 2014

An update on the next fundraising events scheduled by the CharityChallenge.net:

1. Sunday September 14, 2014 —  1^st annual Poker Run and Block Party – registration begins at 10:am at Uncle Kranky’s Café – 37 Main St.  – Jewett City. Last bike out at noon or come in 4 wheels for the block party and to support a great cause!!!  Great Food, Fantastic Music, 50/50 Raffle
2. Saturday/Sunday November 1-2, 2014 – Flashback 5K –The only night that you can defy time, finish running before you start and make a difference in your community!  Registration begins at Midnight in the Olde Mistick Village—music, food, contests, FUN!

For more information, for early bird registrations AND TO PICK YOUR CAUSE, on either event, please visit our website:  www.thecharitychallenge.net  OR call Ceci Illif at 860.303.3387, founder of theCharityChallenge.Net.  Our Wine and Beer Tasting and Yard Sale were great successes!  Thanks to all those who supported, please know that your participation and donations were greatly appreciated, by the volunteers and Board for theCharityChallenge.Net, and all those in need that benefited from your generosity!!

Hope to see you at the next event!

http://www.theresident.com/16420/

FROM JERSEY BOYS TO MIDTOWN MEN
4 Stars From Broadway’s Original JERSEY BOYS Cast Reunite For ‘60s Celebration at Palace Theater

They took Broadway by storm in one of the biggest hits of all-time, and now on their fifth national tour, THE MIDTOWN MEN perform their favorite “Sixties Hits” from The Beatles, The Rascals, The Four Seasons and more at the Palace Theater in Waterbury, on Friday, September 26, at 8 p.m. Tickets for the one-of-a-kind concert experience, sponsored by Ion Bank, are$65, $55, $45 and $35 and can be purchased by phone at 203-346-2000, online atwww.palacetheaterct.org, or in person at the box office, 100 East Main Street.

Before the performance,Riverhouse Catering will prepare a 6 p.m. three-course dinner in the Palace’s Poli Club, located on the mezzanine level of the theater. Dinner is $40 per member/ $50 per non-member, which includes tax, service fees, coffee, and tea. A cash bar is also available. Seating is limited, and reservations can be made when purchasing tickets through the Box Office.

Formed in 2007, THE MIDTOWN MEN reunites four stars from the Original Cast of Broadway’s Jersey Boys. Following their storied run on Broadway, Tony Award-winner Christian Hoff, Michael Longoria, Daniel Reichard and Tony Award-nominee J. Robert Spencer have been selling out venues coast to coast bycelebrating the music that defined the ’60s with top-shelf choreography, incredible vocal performances and legendary onstage chemistry.

These talented entertainers shared the Broadway stage for over a thousand performances, and now, as THE MIDTOWN MEN, they have thrilled crowds on concert stages and symphony halls across the continent and have delighted television audiences with performances on “Good Morning America,” “Access Hollywood,” “Katie,” and “The Chew.” The Men recently released their first radio single, “All Alone On Christmas,” written and produced by rock icon and Sopranos and Lilyhammer star Steven Van Zandt and backed by Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band. They were honored to perform the song at the White House for the National Tree Lighting Ceremony in Washington DC.

The past few years have been a whirlwind for critically-acclaimed quartet. Not only have they continued to win over audiences of all ages at their performances, but their self-titled debut album, THE MIDTOWN MEN: Sixties Hits, was met with critical acclaim and garnered five-star album reviews across iTunes. The album was recorded in New York City and features the group performing such iconic ‘60s hits as, “Can’t Buy Me Love,” “Up On The Roof,” “Time Of The Season,” “Candy Girl” and more. It is once again a testament to what THE MIDTOWN MEN do best; helping keep iconic music alive from the ‘60s in the 21st century while giving it a new “twist.”

For more information on THE MIDTOWN MEN, visit www.themidtownmen.com or www.palacetheaterct.org.

Over 1,000 Athletes of All Abilities to Compete in Special Olympics’ Fall Sports Festival, September 6 & 7

 
Athletes from across the state will compete in the 2014 Special Olympics Connecticut Fall Sports Festival, presented by Mohegan Sun, on Saturday, September 6th and Sunday, September 7th. More than 1,000 are expected to participate, proving that athletes of all abilities possess the determination, drive and talent to make great achievements in sports. An additional 400 volunteers and 350 coaches will lend their support. The public is invited to attend at no cost to cheer on the athletes and witness great displays of sportsmanship and teamwork. For more information and to register to volunteer, visit www.soct.org, email specialolympicsct@soct.org or call 203-230-1201. Also, follow Special Olympics Connecticut on Facebook and Twitter.
Events will include:
 Softball at Connecticut Sportsplex, 150 Foxon Road, North Branford and Kennedy Memorial Field, 51 Maple Street, East Haven (only on Saturday in East Haven)
 Bocce at Savin Rock, 200 Oak Street, West Haven
 Sailing at The Wadawanuck Club, 196 Water Street, Stonington
 Croquet at The Ocean House in Rhode Island
 Golf (Sunday only) at Sleeping Giant Golf Course, 3931 Whitney Avenue, Hamden
The Fall Sports Festival will kick-off with opening ceremonies at each venue that include the ceremonial lighting of the Special Olympics Flame of Hope and a declaration of the Special Olympics Athlete Oath.
In addition to Mohegan Sun, sponsors include A.H. Gildersleeve at the Gold level. Bic, Special Angels and PGA, Connecticut Section are Bronze Sponsors and Connecticut Portable Storage, Dime Bank Foundation, Dominion Foundation, Moose Charities and People’s United Community Foundation are Supporting Sponsors. The New Haven Register is a media sponsor.

 
About Special Olympics Connecticut
Special Olympics Connecticut provides year-round sports training and competitions for over 14,000 athletes of all ages with intellectual disabilities and Unified Sports® partners – their teammates without disabilities.
Through the joy of sport, the Special Olympics movement transforms lives and communities throughout the state and in 170 countries around the world by promoting good health and fitness and inspiring inclusion and respect for all people, on and off the playing field. (www.soct.org – facebook.com/SpecialOlympicsCT – twitter.com/SOCTconnecticut)
Partner Sponsors: Adams Hometown Markets/IGA Hometown Supermarkets, Connecticut Light & Power/Yankee Gas/Western Massachusetts Electric (Northeast Utilities Companies), Law Enforcement Torch Run, NBC Connecticut, TD Bank, United Technologies and WWE.
Year-Round Suppliers: Adams Hometown Markets/IGA Hometown Supermarkets, Campus Customs/Cymplify, The Coca-Cola Bottling Company of New England, Crystal Rock Water and Coffee Company, Dunkin’ Donuts, Graebel Connecticut, Guida’s Milk and Ice Cream, Lamar Outdoor Advertising, Marcus Communications, State of Connecticut Judicial Branch Community Service and Worx Branding & Advertising.

Associates Rappel off the 22-Story Hilton Hartford to Raise Awareness for Addiction

Photo caption: General Manager Farouk Rajab (top) and Director of Guest Services Elizabeth Barber participate in the Shatterproof Challenge, held on July 29 at the Hilton Hartford.

GROTON, CT (August 19, 2014) – On July 29 two team members from the Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa in Groton participated in the Shatterproof Challenge by rappelling off of the 22-story Hilton Hartford. General Manager Farouk Rajab and Director of Guest Services Elizabeth Barber raised more than $2,500 for a chance to rappel, adding to the more than $300,000 that was raised at the event making it the most successful Shatterproof Challenge to date. Shatterproof, a national organization committed to protecting children from developing addiction to alcohol or other drugs and ending the stigma and suffering of those affected by this disease, co-partnered on the Hartford challenge with Waterford Group Charitable Foundation, an extension of one of the nation’s top hotel and convention center management companies, Waterford Hotel Group, which manages the 285-room Mystic Marriott.

“It was an amazing experience for Elizabeth and me and something that our hotel team was very passionate about supporting,” commented Rajab. “The funds raised at this event will help us to support addiction awareness and treatment not just nationally, but here in the Southeastern Connecticut community, something that is very important to our associates.”

A total of 115 individuals rappelled down the Hilton Hartford during the event, raising vital funds to prevent and treat addiction, raise awareness and breakdown stigma about the disease. The Shatterproof Challenge is currently supporting key addiction policy initiatives at the federal and state levels and educating Americans through events, public service announcements and digital and social media.

About Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa
The Mystic Marriott & Spa is a beautiful, architecturally stunning property located right on the Connecticut coastline. With a resort feel and personalized customer service, the Mystic Marriott invites all groups, business and leisure travelers alike. The hotel consists of 285 rooms, including five luxurious suites, 25,000 square feet of meeting and pre-function space including: two ballrooms, Octagon restaurant, a bar and lounge, a Starbuck’s coffee bar, an incredible fitness center and the region’s only Elizabeth Arden’s Red Door Spa. For more information, visit http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/gonmm-mystic-marriott-hotel-and-spa/.

About Shatterproof
Shatterproof is a national organization committed to protecting children from developing addiction to alcohol or other drugs and ending the stigma and suffering of those affected by this disease. In the U.S. alone, addiction to alcohol and other drugs claims more than 135,000 lives every year — 370 people every day, 15 every hour. A well-funded, large-scale movement can alter the course of this disease and save countless lives. It has worked for cancer, heart disease and diabetes. And it can work for addiction by bridging serious gaps in funding and resources. Gary Mendell, a member of the Clinton Global Initiative, founded Shatterproof to educate, empower and equip families, educators, health care providers, legislators and others to address addiction on a national scale. His son, Brian, passed away at the age of 25 after struggling with addiction for nearly ten years.

For more information about Shatterproof, please visit www.shatterproof.org, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @ShatterproofHQ.

About Waterford Group Charitable Foundation
In 2006, Waterford Group and its affiliates formed the Waterford Group Charitable Foundation, a registered 501c3 nonprofit, which supports the communities in which their associates live and work. The Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life of others through monetary and gift-in-kind donations, as well as volunteering at various events. Waterford associates donate to the Foundation through voluntary payroll contributions, as well as participate in numerous fundraising events each year. This allows the Waterford Group Charitable Foundation to support many charitable causes, both on a national and regional level.

For more information about Waterford Group Charitable Foundation, please visit www.waterfordhotelgroup.com, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @WaterfordPR.

THE MEMPHIS PROJECT                

Dual Drive                            

Icehouse Records

Dual Drive is a project spearheaded by veteran Memphis musicians Garry Goin (guitarist) and Patrick Register (sax and flute), whose sessions credits include work with the Bar-Kays, Rufus Thomas, Isaac Hayes, Mavis Staples, et al. On this mostly instrumental outing the duo pays its love and respect to the Bluff City’s rich musical history, covering songs originally recorded in Memphis or by Memphis-based artists such as Al Green, Charlie Rich, Otis Redding, Elvis, Aretha Franklin, Sam & Dave, Booker T. & the MG’s, the Staples Singers and Bobby “Blue” Bland.

It’s Funky with a capital “F,” this Memphis Project, but it’s not all in service to the groove—soulful expressiveness is the standard here, and it’s pervasive and deriving from multiple sources: Embracing his starring role on most of the tracks, Register fashions textures on soprano-alto-tenor saxes and on flute reminiscent of the rich sound signatures we have heard on those instruments through the years from brothers Hubert and Ronnie Laws; but when you hear the heartfelt tenderness of his alto soloing on a midtempo treatment of “Suspicious Minds” or the epic hurt he emotes on Bland’s “Ain’t No Love in the Heart of the City,” it’s all Register.

Goin demonstrates impeccable taste and feel on the guitar throughout, whether he’s taking the stinging lead on “Respect Yourself”; slicing up those “Green Onions” with a razor-sharp attack way up the neck while Register goes wailing into the stratosphere over a robust horn section; or crafting a soft, dreamy lead on nylon-stringed acoustic on “Never Can Say Goodbye.”

But it’s not all Register and Goin in the spotlight. Their bandmates in Dual Drive are fabulous in acquitting themselves more than admirably at every turn: Chris Carter on various keyboards is every bit as striking a presence as Register and Goin—you’ll sit up and take notice of his work pretty much any time he shows up, but he’s especially affecting with his moody piano on “Who Will the Next Fool Be”; with his wistful piano complement to Register and Goin on the moving take on “Suspicious Minds” in which the band slows the tempo and finds a new, temperate way into the song’s howl of betrayal; and certainly with his tender glissandos and light, romantic punctuations on “Never Can Say Goodbye,” perfect textural contrasts to Register’s smoky sax and Goin’s romantic nylon-string monologues. And too praise cannot attend James Sexton’s drumming, he who brings the thunder when it’s needed (he bookends the album with powerhouse, muscular attacks on the opening cut of “Take Me to the River” and the album closer, a propulsive, horn-fueled romp through “Green Onions,” also featuring a rousing popping bass by the Bar-Kays’ James Alexander) but also knows how to reign in the intensity when the lights go down low (“Never Can Say Goodbye”).

As mentioned above, this a mostly instrumental album, which would seem to mean there is some singing on it. Oh, yes, and how. There have been some fine versions of Charlie Rich’s “Who Will the Next Fool Be” (notably by one Bobby “Blue” Bland) but Rich’s soul searing original remains king of the hill. It gets a run for its money here, however, when Register and Goin (with a tasty assist from Jason Clark’s spare, bluesy piano fills) deliver some of their finest supporting work behind Wendy Moten’s scorching, gospel-rooted testimony of falling prey to a heartless player—it all comes together on this cut, and if you don’t remember the Memphis-born Moten from her 1994 hit “Come In Out of the Rain,” you will remember her for what she does to this Charlie Rich classic and want to hear more of her. On “Ain’t No Love in the Heart of the City” Marcus Scott is wailing on vocals, but doesn’t have a spotlight moment a la Wendy Moten’s nor does Kesha Cook in his perfectly serviceable vocal turn on “Rock Steady,” but then neither of the latter two songs are arranged with lead vocals in mind.

Further emphasizing their commitment to Memphis, Register and Goin, with producer Johnny Phillips (brother of Sam), recorded the album in various studios around the city, including some where the original, legendary cuts were realized, such as the Stax Museum, on the site where the Stax studio once stood (for “[Sittin’ on] The Dock of the Bay” and “I Thank You”); Phillips Recording Studio (for “Who Will the Next Fool Be”); and the Royal Studio (formerly Hi Records, for “Take Me to the River”). Chips Moman’s American studio no longer exists, so “Suspicious Minds” went down, appropriately enough, at Phillips Studio. Hats off to Register, Goin, Phillips and all the dramatis personae of Dual Drive. The Memphis Project succeeds mightily in finding its own voice in reimagining its chosen repertoire, but at the same time does right by the history informing its music, by the city these musicians love, and by the gift each one brings to the party.

VISIT the Deep Roots website here:

http://deeprootsmag.org/2014/08/11/memphis-now-memphis-tomorrow-memphis-forever/

For more information, to schedule an interview with Patrick or Garry, for hi-res art or for a review copy, contact:

Lance Cowan • LCMedia

(615) 331-1710

lcmedia@comcast.net