EC-CHAP Acoustic Artist Series: The Patty Tuite Band (Blues/Indie)

$20.00 in Advance (ONLINE) / 25.00 at the Door

Doors: 6:30pm / Performance: 7:30pm

Special Note: We are excited to have The Patty Tuite Band return to The Packing House this season! This local/regional band with award winning musician, Patty Tuite at the helm, has been turning heads in our area with a blues vibe that just doesn’t quit. It’s a pleasure to have these exceptional artists grace our stage!

PATTY TUITE is a singer/songwriter who embraces the genre of blues, jazz and rock music. Patty started at a young age listening to her mom’s piano playing of hymns, musicals and Boogie Woogie and began playing piano before the age of 5.  Patty began playing guitar at 17 years old focusing on fingerpicking and rhythm and learning Folk music and singing.

Patty played with and led numerous bands and ensembles since those early days,honing her chops in the blues, jazz, and rock arena. The rest is history!

When Covid lockdown requirements started, Patty continued writing new songs and started “back-yard” practices in the summer of 2020 performing the new material and sharing videos with her fan base. This was the group that then went into the studio in December 2020-January 2021 to complete the new music for Patty Tuite “Consider This.” The recording features a fantastic array of new material all written and composed by Patty. Produced by Grammy award winner Paul Nelson, who also plays electric, slide and acoustic guitar on the album, to the excited expectations of her ever growing, world-wide fan base.

“Consider This” has been featured in numerous magazine reviews, including “Making a Scene,” Blues in The South and charting for 6 weeks on Roots Music Reports top contemporary blues albums as well as charting # 171 for 2021.   “Consider This” also charted on the Independent Blues Broadcasters Association’s top 40 in the UK.  This year Patty went back into the The Music Room, West Yarmouth's studios and worked again with Grammy Award winner PAUL NELSON and recorded a Blues Oriented Album featuring an All Start Cast, including 2021 Grammy Award winner BOBBY RUSH as well as many other notables in the music industry.  This album received praise from Frank Rozack,Gold and Platinum Manager and now Patty's publicist, who stated, "Wonderful album.  What’s to say? Just fantastic, fabulous."  It has gone on to chart on Roots Music Report's top 50 Blues Albums and top 50 Contemporary Blues Albums, reaching a high of number 3 in early September 2022.

Join us for an evening of original music by these outstanding artists! This program is hosted by the "Eastern Connecticut Center for History, Art, and Performance" (EC-CHAP). Doors 6:30pm / Performance 7:30pm. Tickets: $20.00 Advance (Online) / $25.00 Door.

Soft drinks and snacks available. We are pleased to offer our exclusive "BYOB&F" TM model - Bring Your Own Beverage & Food (Wine & Beer Only - I.D. Required).  You can also bring your paid ticket to Willington Pizza House (or WP Too) for eat-in or take-out the night of the show and receive 15% off your meal purchase. Ask for "The Packing House" pizza! Click HERE for secret recipe. 

 See Artist Profiles below.

For more information, please visit: www.thepackinghouse/upcoming or call 518-791-9474.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS:

PATTY TUITE

In the 1980’s she began listening to blues musicians and emulating their styles.

Patty began playing guitar out in public and singing at open mic sessions in Springfield, MA during the early the early 1990’s.  This led to her first well received live recording in 1996 “Live At The Tic Toc.”  

Her first blues-based band, The Patty Tuite Band, formed in 1999, playing throughout the Southern New England region, gaining fans at clubs, functions, and summer concert festivals.  This experience led to her second recording “Girls Night Out” in 2001 and then “Blond and Blue” in 2007.

The band competed in the finals of the Connecticut Blues Society (CTBS) “Blues Challenge” in 2001 and 2005. Due to her showing at the CTBS statewide competitions, two of Patty’s originals were included on the CTBS compilation CDs, “Local Flavor” (2003) and “Blue State Blues” (2007). She also became a judge for the CT Blues Challenge on two occasions.

As well as playing blues from 2007-2017 with two more bands, the Boilermakers and the Percolators, Patty branched out into jazz and played with an eastern CT band, Blue Steam, in 2012. It was a creative and expansive collaboration together, not only playing standards, but reinterpreting popular songs with a jazz bent.

In 2016, Patty created The Patty Tuite Group, playing a mix of originals, blues, jazz and rock favorites.   They played some of her original material live for the Northeast CT Musicians Collaborative which was aired on Spectrum TV in 2018.  The band became very active playing local clubs throughout Southern New England.

In 2021 Patty and her husband Jim formed a new independent record label, Thread City Productions, which the past two releases came out on.

In the summer of 2022, Patty has been sitting on the judges panel for the 2022 Connecticut Blues Society, Blues Challenge.

Since 2004 Patty has enjoyed playing in a children’s band called the Kidsville Kuckoo Revue, led by Bruce John, one of the founders of the famed Shaboo Inn. She thinks it is a fun and rewarding way to get children to appreciate and participate in music-making.

JAN JUNGDEN

Jan Jungden has been performing regionally for over 30 years. She developed her R&B roots with the eclectic “Jake and the Family Jewels” touring the Northeast and playing such clubs as the Bottom Line and Lonestar in NewYork City and Toad's Place in New Haven. In addition to performing regularly with the Patty Tuite Band, Jan currently plays jazz with the Jan Jungden Trio and funk with the band FUSE. Jan has recorded two albums of primarily original material – “Smooth Ride” with the Jan Jungden Trio and “Light it Up” with FUSE Funk Band.

Her early blues influences stem from hearing live concerts by many of the great blues bands at Willimantic’s legendary club, The Shaboo, including Muddy Waters, Freddie King, and Bonnie Raitt. She studied jazz at the University of Bridgeport, and has written music for musical theater. With Patty Tuite, Jan's keyboard versatility keeps things interesting whether she’s playing a funky rhythm on clavinet or or burning up a solo on piano or organ. Then she’ll surprise audiences by soaring on the flute or rockin’ out on the keytar. Jan & Patty have been friends for many years and continue to enjoy collaborating on new, original music.

MARK ANNULI

Mark Annulli, a versatile musician, brings the heartbeat to Patty Tuite's rhythm section as the bassist and backup vocalist since the 2016 season. His distinctive touch resonates on Patty Tuite's 2021 album "Consider This," showcasing his studio prowess.

Beyond this collaboration, Mark's musical journey unfolds through diverse projects with Eastern CT artists since 2008, spanning genres from original acoustic Americana with Horizon Blue to the rock and progressive sounds of Drop City, and the unique alt-Americana stylings of SepiaTone. Explore the rich tapestry of Mark's contributions to the regional music scene.

JUDI THOMPKINS

Judi Thompkins, drumming for the past 55 years. Starting at just 7, I knew I had what it takes. I came into this world pre-wired for drumming. So I fine tuned all thru school and found myself with "Landslide" a local Southern-Rock band. Drumming on and off for the next few decades finally finding my place in 2017 with Patty Tuite Band. Completely feelin' her style of music, I fit right in!

PEGGY ANN CONTOS HARVEY

Peggy Ann Contos Harvey is a multi-instrumentalist and harmony vocalist who brought a new dimension to the sound of the Patty Tuite Band beginning in 2022. Her musical journey began with classical piano and clarinet during the 60's and 70's and drifted through genres of big band music and a 25 year journey fiddling and singing with The Traver Hollow Bluegrass Band.

Peggy met Patty through solo artist Bruce John, who she credits with developing her knowledge and interest in rock music. In addition to more than10 recording projects, Peggy Ann has toured throughout the Northern, Southern and Midwestern USA and Canada, as well as several European tours. She continues to perform with The Hot Flashes , The Shady Creek Bluegrass Band and a dynamic duo with Bruce John and The Music Vault.

Her contribution to the distinctive sound of The Patty Tuite Band is expressed with her characteristic electric violin style, sassy soprano sax, and rock and blues style alto sax and harmonica. "Being able to contribute to the performance of Patty's fabulous original tune repertoire and dynamic cover tunes along with the very talented members of Patty's band is challenging, rewarding and a great pleasure".

RESCHEDULED FROM FEBRUARY 15, 2025.

EC-CHAP Acoustic Artist Series: An Intimate Evening with Grammy Nominee Guy Davis (Blues / Americana)

Tickets $30.00 in Advance (ONLINE) / $35.00 at the Door

EC-CHAP MEMBER DISCOUNTS & FREQUENT FLYER PROGRAM AVAILABLE

SPECIAL NOTE: It’s an honor to have two-time Grammy Nominee Guy Davis share The Packing House stage! In addition to his Blues vocals and memorable stories, this accomplished multi-instrumentalist will be hailing 6 & 12 string guitar, harmonica, 5 & 6 string banjo, didgeridoo. This debut performance will just have you wanting more!…Join us for an intimate experience to remember!

GUY DAVIS is a two-time, back-to-back Grammy nominee for Best Traditional Blues, a musician, actor, author, and songwriter. Guy uses a blend of Roots, Blues, Folk, Rock, Rap, Spoken Word, and World Music to comment on, and address, the frustrations of social injustice, touching on historical events, and common life struggles. His background in theater is pronounced through the lyrical storytelling of songs “God’s Gonna Make Things Over” about the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, “Welcome to My World”, and “Got Your Letter In My Pocket”. His storytelling is sometimes painful, deep, and real, an earthy contrast to modern-day commercial music, meant to create thought, underlined by gentle tones from his guitar or banjo fingerpicking.

Among hundreds of newspaper appearances, he's also been featured in articles or reviews by New York Times, Village Voice, Boston Globe, Pulse Magazine, Blues Magazine, Acoustic Guitar, Dirty Linen, Songlines, Blues Blast Magazine, Living Blues, Down At the Crossroads, The San Francisco Chronicle, Association For Independent Music (formerly NAIRD), Playboy Magazine, National Public Radio (NPR), "Folk Alley", and Sirius.

When asked about his experience as a performer, Guy has replied, “There is no tale so tall that I cannot tell it, nor song so sweet that I cannot sing it.”

Join us for an evening of original works by this Grammy Nominated Blues artist!

This program is hosted by the "Eastern Connecticut Center for History, Art, and Performance" (EC-CHAP). Doors 6:30pm / Show 7:30pm. Soft drinks and snacks available. We are pleased to offer our exclusive "BYOB&F" model - Bring Your Own Beverage & Food (Wine & Beer Only - I.D. Required).  You can also bring your paid ticket to Willington Pizza House (or WP Too) for eat-in or take-out the night of the show and receive 15% off your meal purchase. Ask for "The Packing House" special! Click here for secret recipe. 

For information, please call 518-791-9474.

EC-CHAP Special Event: "Songs for Ukraine II" - A Benefit Concert for the People of Ukraine

Tickets: $40.00

Doors: 7:00pm / Performance: 8:00pm

*** THIS IS NOT A “B.Y.O.B.&F.” EVENT ***

NO FOOD OR BEVERAGE ALLOWED INTO THE VENUE

FULL BAR - SOFT DRINKS - PACKAGED SNACKS AVAILABLE WITH TICKETS

Tickets for Alcoholic Beverages, Soft Drinks, and Snacks may be purchased in advance below or at the event.

If you are unable to attend the concert, or would like to make an additional donation, please click below!

The People of Ukraine Need Your Support!

On September 24, 2022, EC-CHAP planned and executed a benefit concert, “Songs for Ukraine” at The Packing House. 100% of all proceeds raised were provided directly to support the people of Ukraine. We felt a need to support these people then; and with the recent issues and developments, we feel a need to respond again in these uncertain times.

As a result, we are offering a second benefit concert, "Songs for Ukraine II" featuring performances by five past CT State Troubadours including: Kala Farnham, Kate Callahan, Lara Herscovitch, Pierce Campbell, and Thomasina Levy.

During the evening, resident artist Jack Broderick will be creating a drawing of the performance “live”. This original drawing will be given to a raffle winner at the end of the concert.

We are grateful for these incredible performing and visual artists sharing their creative talents for this important cause.

Please join us for an evening of original acoustic works and arrangements by these talented artists. This program is hosted by the "Eastern Connecticut Center for History, Art, and Performance" (EC-CHAP). 100% of ALL proceeds generated through Ticket and Merchandise sales, Donations, Sponsorships, and Raffle will be forwarded to our partner Direct Relief for distribution to Ukraine.

MEET THE TROUBADOURS (click their photos for more information):

Kala Farnham crafts folk songs with roots and wings, weaving age-old truths into modern grooves. Drawing on a background in classical piano and musical theater, she reimagines the folk tradition, infusing fairytales, historical fiction, and mantra-based narrative medicine into vivid portraits of the familiar world. Her intimate, fireside-style sonic tapestries—featuring soul-stirring vocals and mystical folk harp, piano, and guitar—invite listeners on a transcendent journey that lingers long after the final note fades.

Kate Callahan is an American singer-songwriter and member of In Trine, a vocal harmony trio based in Connecticut. Her latest album, Lay it Down, is a welcome reprieve for anyone who needs a deep breath. She takes listeners through the mountains of China, to the front lines of the climate crisis, and into a state of compassion as only Kate knows how: by embodying her songs with every cell.

Lara Herscovitch is a singer-songwriter-poet-performer-author gem. As described in The Boston Globe, she brings "a luminous voice and a buoyant stage presence... big-hearted lyrics embrace the sum of life...Herscovitch's music blows on the embers of a lagging spirit or a dormant creative life." Lara leads with authenticity, integrity, humor and heart. Sound Waves Magazine described her music as "expertly written prose... songwriting at its best... good for your ears AND your soul."

Pierce has been playing guitar and singing most of his life, receiving high praise for his dazzling guitar work, superb songwriting, and powerful vocals. His performances are versatile, humorous and engaging as he jumps from guitar instrumentals, to vocal ballads, to Irish sing-alongs, all of which take the listener down a road of unexpected twists and turns. Pierce is a full time musician and has released five solo CD’s. He plays over 260 shows a year throughout the Northeast at municipalities, libraries, festivals, Irish pubs, coffeehouses, and senior centers.

Thomasina Levy, is an award-winning songwriter, poet, and internationally recognized mountain dulcimer player whose performances weave together the best of traditional and contemporary folk music. She is a popular virtual workshop leader whose workshops frequently sell out. Her music has been aired in over twenty countries across the globe. Described as a charismatic performer, she touches audiences with a simplicity, humanity, and strength drawn from the deep roots of the folk tradition.

Thank You For Your Support!

EC-CHAP Acoustic Artist Series: An Intimate Evening with Musician and Actor Alicia Witt

Performance Tickets: $30.00 Advance (Online) / $35.00 Door

Doors Open: 6:30pm - Performance: 7:30pm

“Meet & Greet” Tickets Also Available!

5:30pm - 6:30pm - $50.00 (additional)

SPECIAL NOTE: We are honored to have Musician and Film Actor Alicia Witt grace The Packing House stage this season! Her career as a TV/Film Actor and musical Performer spans nearly 4 decades. My recollection of first seeing Alicia in film was her portrayal of the high school clarinetist (Gertrude) in “Mr. Holland’s Opus”. This is a very special evening, and as such, we are offering an additional Ticket for a Special “Meet & Greet” session for a private session with Alicia from 5:30pm to 6:30pm - prior to doors opening to the public. This is certainly a show not to miss!

TDB

 Listen to Alicia Witt’s March 7th interview with Mark Ramone, host of “Something Different” WECS Radio 90.1FM

Witt's full length self-produced Christmas album, “I Think I'm Spending Christmas With You”, came out in November 2024. Witt has performed on film, TV and stage for four decades. A classically trained competitive pianist, Alicia's music has been described as 'sharply personal, boldly melodic pop originals in the Carole King/Billy Joel vein' (Philadelphia Inquirer).

 In 2023, Witt appeared on Fox's The Masked Singer, winning her first episode with her rendition of Over The Rainbow. She is also a familiar face to Hallmark Christmas movie fans, with 9 original Christmas movies (2013-2020), many of which feature her original music.

 Alicia was on the Billboard Top 30 chart for 5 weeks with 2021's piano power ballad Chasing Shadows, off her album The Conduit, which she co-produced. A competitive classical pianist as a child, she supported herself by playing piano in the restaurants and bars from the age of 10, including in the lobby lounge of the famed Beverly/Wilshire Hotel from ages 16-19. The Nashville Scene said of her Ben Folds produced album Revisionary History: "... a piano-pop gem that sounds by turns like Grey Seal era Elton John, an alt-universe Fiona Apple and a film-noir chanteuse notching her nights in cigarette burns on the fallboard."  She has played all over the world, including at Nashville's Grand Ole Opry, and has opened for Ben Folds Five, Rachel Platten, Bob Schneider, Jimmy Webb and John Fulbright. 

Alicia has performed her original piano-driven pop music all over the world, including at the renowned Grand Ole Opry. She has also opened for Ben Folds Five, Rachel Platten, and Jimmy Webb, to name a few. Her 2018 release, 15000 Days, was produced by Grammy-winning producer Jacquire King (James Bay, Norah Jones, Kings of Leon, Dawes). Witt’s previous album, Revisionary History, was produced by Ben Folds and was described as ‘Grey Seal era Elton John, an alt-universe Fiona Apple, and a film noir chanteuse notching her nights in cigarette burns on the fallboard' (NASHVILLE SCENE).

Alicia's career as a TV/film actor began with David Lynch's DUNE at age 7. Her over 100 credits include Netflix's 2022 hit I Care A Lot; Orange Is The New Black; The Walking Dead; ABC's Nashville; FX's Justified; Twin Peaks; Two Weeks Notice; Mr Holland's Opus; The Sopranos; Cybill; Urban Legend; and Fun, which earned her acting awards at the Sundance Film Festival and the Gijon International Festival, and an Independent Spirit Award nomination. She has also been nominated for Screen Actors' Guild and Saturn Awards. 

 Witt has played multiple roles combining her skills as a musician and an actor, including as country singer Autumn Chase on ABC's Nashville. She can be seen playing the piano in David Lynch's original Twin Peaks in 1990 - a role she reprised in the return in 2018. Alicia's skills on the piano were also worked into her character, Zoey, on the sitcom Cybill (1995-1998) and in the film Playing Mona Lisa (2000). She also sang on the hit series Ally McBeal, including a performance with Randy Newman, and twice portrayed singer-songwriters in her Christmas movies, including Christmas Tree Lane, which she wrote the story for and produced, as well as contributed two original songs.

Join us for a special intimate evening with Alicia Witt! This program is hosted by the "Eastern Connecticut Center for History, Art, and Performance" (EC-CHAP). Doors 6:30pm / Show 7:30pm. Tickets $30.00 Advance (Online) / $35.00 Door.

Private “Meet & Greet” segment with ALicia Witt - 5:30pm to 6:30pm. Additional ticket $50.00.

Soft drinks and snacks available. We are pleased to offer our exclusive "BYOB&F" TM model - Bring Your Own Beverage & Food (Wine & Beer Only - I.D. Required).  You can also bring your paid ticket to Willington Pizza House (or WP Too) for eat-in or take-out the night of the show and receive 15% off your meal purchase. Ask for "The Packing House" pizza! Click HERE for secret recipe. 

 For more information, please visit: www.thepackinghouse/upcoming or call 518-791-9474.

EC-CHAP Acoustic Artist Series: Singer/Songwriter Frank Viele (Americana)

Tickets $20.00 in Advance (ONLINE) / $25.00 at the Door

EC-CHAP MEMBER DISCOUNTS & FREQUENT FLYER PROGRAM AVAILABLE

New England musician FRANK VIELE’S authenticity and road-tested storytelling is redefining and revitalizing heartland rock.

Raised in a single-parent household and inspired by America’s greatest rock n’ rollers like Bruce Springsteen, Bob Segar, and Tom Petty, Viele composes songs that tug at the heartstrings. His music pulls the listener in with poignant lyrics, soulful guitar playing, and an expansive vocal range that segues between gravelly digs and high-stamina belt-outs. Viele is the rare artist who is not afraid of wearing his heart on his sleeve, blending elements of folk, blues, and rock into a unique sound that feels relevant and relatable.

Viele’s latest full-length album, The Trouble With Desire, encapsulates the heart and soul of a road warrior chasing his dreams, while reflecting on his hardships and hopes. Written and cultivated over several years between his Hamden, Connecticut, home base and the rock n’ roll mecca of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, The Trouble With Desire is the culmination of a years-long writing-and-recording journey with Jimmy Nutt (Jason Isbell, American Aquarium) and James LeBlanc (Travis Tritt, Will Hoge, Tim McGraw) of Nutthouse Studios.

After a number of bands, Viele now a national touring artist as a solo act, is supporting multiple artists, including Allen, Mack, Myers, Moore (featuring Zach Myers of Shinedown), Howie Day, Tony Luca, Lee DeWyze, and Pat McGee. Living on the road and sleeping in hotel rooms for two years, 2017 brought Viele’s sophomore solo album, “What’s His Name?” a transitional album that ultimately bridged Viele’s horn driven, jam/soul-infused past with the Americana, Southern Rock, and folk music that Viele had begun to gravitate toward. Earnest ballads like “Pomegranate” and “If You Could Only Read My Mind” — combined with blues-rock-infused drivers like “’Til The Bourbon’s All Gone” and “It” — pushed this album onto the Americana Radio Charts and garnered Viele his first “Songwriter of The Year” Award from the New England Music Awards.

In January 2024, Viele founded Bigger Beast Records, a full-service boutique independent record label and management company striving to promote music that inspires the world around it and leaves a lasting impact. In conjunction with the label, Viele also launched All Boats Rising Entertainment, a concert promotion outlet. Bigger Beast Records’ first major event, the 21 Songwriters Music Festival in September, highlighted emerging Connecticut artists, while benefitting Musical Intervention, a 501C3 organization that uses music and songwriting to help create a safe environment for the recovery of mental health and addiction.

In 2025 and beyond, Viele hopes to unleash more new material, including collaborations from some of his closest musical comrades and unexpected guests, while touring and working to give back to the music communities that have supported him throughout his journey.

Viele’s album The Trouble With Desire hits all digital music platforms early in 2025, followed by live performances throughout the U.S. in the Spring.