EC-CHAP Acoustic Artist Series: Belle of the Fall (Indie / Folk)

Tickets $25.00+Fees in Advance (ONLINE) / $30.00 at the Door

EC-CHAP MEMBER DISCOUNTS & FREQUENT FLYER PROGRAM AVAILABLE

Doors: 7:00pm / Show: 7:30pm

SPECIAL NOTE: We’re pleased to feature the return of Belle of the Fall (Tracy Walton and Julia Autumn Ford) to The Packing House! They were the first live performing artists at The Packing House in 2015 and continue to be a favorite. They hold a special place in EC-CHAP’s history, and honored in our 200’ mural that graces the exterior of our home at The Mill Works. If you’ve seen them before - please come back; if not - come along, as you’re in for a performance to remember!

Formed in 2015, Belle of the Fall quickly established themselves as a strong presence in the contemporary folk landscape. Within their first four years, the duo released three albums—an impressive output that showcased not only prolific songwriting, but a rare musical chemistry.

At the heart of Belle of the Fall are strikingly melodic songs and their two-part harmonies, which are both instinctive and intricate—proof that some musical partnerships feel less constructed and more uncovered. There is an ease between the two musicians that feels genuine and organic.

Julia Autumn Ford’s luminous voice is nothing short of heavenly. Her expressive delivery moves effortlessly from intimate whisper to soaring power. Tracy Walton’s upright bass work brings deep melodic sensibility and rhythmic command, anchoring each song with warmth and subtle authority.

 The duo has toured extensively throughout the United States and Canada, performing at festivals, theaters, and listening rooms, including a showcase at SXSW in 2018. Their nuanced arrangements and emotional depth resonate with diverse audiences.

In 2020, just as they released their third album, The Bending of Light, the global pandemic abruptly halted their momentum. A planned tour was canceled, and like so many artists, they faced the sudden silence of an industry on pause.

 In 2025, Belle of the Fall reunited with renewed perspective, sharpened artistry, and an unmistakable spark. Live dates are booked, and the joy of sharing songs in real time has returned. This powerful partnership continues to evolve. Belle of the Fall will introduce a special project in 2026, called “Garfunkel to Graceland”, a tribute to the songs of Paul Simon. Tracy and Julia are currently in the studio recording their fourth album, slated for release in 2027.

"Acoustic folk duo Belle Of The Fall has proven that musical soul mates do in fact exist." Vents Magazine

Join us for an evening of original harmonies by this acoustic duo! This program is hosted by the "Eastern Connecticut Center for History, Art, and Performance" (EC-CHAP). Doors 7:00pm / Show 7:30pm. Tickets $25.00 Advance Online / $30.00 at the Door.

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 Acoustic Artist Series: “I Feel the Earth Move: The Music of Carole King” — performed by Kala Farnham

Tickets $25+Fees.00 in Advance (ONLINE) / $30.00 at the Door

EC-CHAP MEMBER DISCOUNTS & FREQUENT FLYER PROGRAM AVAILABLE

SPECIAL NOTE: We are excited to have Kala Farnham return to The Packing House this season! Kala will be sharing a special solo performance filled exclusively with the works of Carole King. This exceptional singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist will provide an evening you will remember!

KALA FARNHAM is a multi-instrumentalist singer/songwriter hailing from the Quiet Corner of CT. Kala's signature songwriting has been described as a reinvention of the folk tradition made popular by artists such as Joni Mitchell and Joan Baez.

"I Feel the Earth Move: The Music of Carole King" is a captivating musical tribute by the national multi-award-winning Kala Farnham (Great American Song Contest, Mid-Atlantic Song Contest, Johnny Mercer Songwriters Project, Falcon Ridge Folk Fest, and more).

Farnham was identified as the 18th Connecticut State Troubadour by the Connecticut Office of the Arts for her outstanding work in promoting cultural literacy in the musical arts, Farnham has built up a tour history sharing the stage with the likes of Don McLean, Tower of Power, and Steve Katz of Blood Sweat and Tears, among other notables.

Named "one of New England's best voices" by Bill Copeland Music News, Farnham's voice effortlessly weaves through the timeless melodies of Carole King, bringing a unique and soulful interpretation to the iconic singer-songwriter's repertoire. From chart-topping hits to intimate ballads, "I Feel the Earth Move" is a celebration of King's influential career, paying homage to King's groundbreaking contributions to the music industry and capturing the essence of her remarkable journey as the most successful female songwriter of the latter half of the 20th century in the US.

Kala studies Music Performance and Composition while also pursing Human Services and Mental Health. Together, these interests drive her passion for the healing and transformative power of musical storytelling. Kala also serves as a certified Crisis Counselor, and works with an array of populations such as at-risk youth, those who suffer from mental illness, and survivors of trauma. She has taught, performed for, and worked with youth programs, students with learning disabilities, individuals recovering from addiction, and those who have lost loved ones to suicide. Kala is currently studying sound healing and Nada Yoga and plans to She incorporate elements of the practice into her work.

Get ready to be transported through the decades as Farnham brings Carole King's music to life with passion, authenticity, and a touch of modern flair. https://www.ifeeltheearthmovetribute.com/

Join us for an evening of the music of Carole King as performed by this incredible artist! This special program is hosted by the "Eastern Connecticut Center for History, Art, and Performance" (EC-CHAP). Doors 6:30pm / Show 7:30pm. Tickets $25.00 (+fees). Advance (Online) / $30.00 Door.

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 Acoustic Artist Series: Bastards of Fine Arts (Indie/Folk/Rock)

Tickets $25.00+Fees in Advance (ONLINE) / $30.00 at the Door

EC-CHAP MEMBER DISCOUNTS & FREQUENT FLYER PROGRAM AVAILABLE

NOTE: I had the opportunity to meet Steve Mayone, founding member of the Bastards of Fine Arts twice - when he accompanied Kate Taylor at The Packing House pre and post pandemic. Our most recent encounter led to his return with his acoustic duo including Matt Keating, the other original “Bastard”. It is with great pleasure that we present Steve and Matt as the Bastards of Fine Arts! Join us for these incredibly talented musicians as they fill our intimate listening room with their original acoustic works!

BASTARDS OF FINE ARTS are a new band with old roots: MATT KEATING and STEVE MAYONE are songwriting veterans, singularly releasing multiple albums and garnering rave reviews from around the world.

Matt and Steve, two acclaimed solo artists, met at a dinner party hosted by Ringo Starr's publicist, Elizabeth Freund of Beautiful Day Media, and began an artistic collaboration that has evolved into a formidable musical partnership. Both began their careers in the 1990’s with bands and as solo artists, sharing the studio and stage with Levon Helm, David Bowie and Larry Campbell. NPR says of Keating "In a career spanning 20 years, Keating has established himself as one of America's great under the radar songwriters. His work is rife with clever incisive tunefulness." Of Mayone Americana UK says "The stark truth is Mayone is a master songsmith. He crafts and molds his stories eloquently and intelligently and there's not many that you can say that about".

Keating and Mayone joined forces in 2014 and began a productive songwriting collaboration. Joined by Jason Mercer on Bass (Ron Sexsmith, Ani DeFranco) and Greg Wieczorek on Drums (Norah Jones, Autumn Defense) they began playing gigs and creating a weekly music video series “New Song Forward Friday”. Their debut album A GOOD SIGN was released in 2022 to early rave reviews. Stereo Embers The Podcast calls it “… A joyous and jangly blast of hook-laden indie pop” while Dirty Rock proclaims A GOOD SIGN to be “one of the best albums of the year”.

“The band has filled out their sound with rhythm stalwarts bassist Jason Mercer (Ron Sexsmith, Oh Pep) and drummer Greg Wieczorek (Norah Jones, Autumn Defense). Fans of the Jayhawks, the Flying Burrito Brothers, and singer-songwriters in the vein of Lyle Lovett, Freedy Johnston, Lowell George and Michael Penn will find something to enjoy on A GOOD SIGN.” -ROCK CELLAR MAGAZINE

“Matt Keating and Steve Mayone met in New York in 2016, since then they haven't stopped playing together and call themselves Bastards of Fine Arts. The fruit of that friendship is a lush debut album called A GOOD SIGN. The result is a superb 14-song album of catchy American rock jam packed with fabulous melodies balancing power pop and upbeat folk with perfect arrangements to remote woods, perfect for casting an intimate campfire glow from New York. The band that accompanied Bastards of Fine Arts is bassist Jason Mercer (Ron Sexsmith, Oh Pep) and drummer Greg Wieczorek (Norah Jones, Autumn Defense) to make one of the best albums of the year.” - DIRTY ROCK

“… A joyous and jangly blast of hook-laden indie pop” - STEREO EMBERS THE PODCAST

Please join us for an evening of original acoustic music from these outstanding”Bastards”! A show not to miss! This program is hosted by the "Eastern Connecticut Center for History, Art, and Performance" (EC-CHAP). Doors 6:30pm / Show 7:30pm. Tickets $25.00 (+fees) Advance (Online) / $30.00 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. 

 For more information, please call 518-791-9474.