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EC-CHAP Acoustic Artist Series: An Intimate Evening with David Wilcox
Sep
26
7:30 PM19:30

EC-CHAP Acoustic Artist Series: An Intimate Evening with David Wilcox

EC-CHAP Acoustic Artist Series: An Intimate Evening with David Wilcox (Folk)

Tickets 35.00+Fees in Advance (ONLINE) / $40.00 at the Door

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

EC-CHAP MEMBER DISCOUNTS & FREQUENT FLYER PROGRAM AVAILABLE

SPECIAL NOTE: We are pleased to present David Wilcox ‘s debut performance at The Packing House! Wilcox has been sharing his gift of music for more than three decades. As personal fans of this seasoned singer/songwriter, we embrace his lyrics, musical style and unique sound. This is a show not to miss!


There are songwriters who chronicle life, and then there’s DAVID WILCOX—an artist who metabolizes it. He has long been a quiet force in American folk music; a musician’s musician, a writer’s writer, and a seeker whose gift lies in making the personal feel universal.

Wilcox’s career began in earnest in the late 1980s, when his self-released debut The Nightshift Watchman caught the attention of A&M Records. His major-label debut, How Did You Find Me Here (1989), became an unexpected hit, selling over 100,000 copies largely by word of mouth and live shows alone—an unheard-of feat for a debut folk record. Critics took note of his deft guitar work and emotional clarity, but it was the unassuming wisdom threaded through his lyrics that truly set him apart. Rolling Stone praised his “soulful insight,” while The New York Times called his music “a kind of open-hearted therapy.”

What followed was a string of acclaimed albums—Big Horizon (1994), Turning Point (1997), What You Whispered (2000)—each one refining his reputation as a songwriter who knows how to say hard things in soft, lasting ways. Over the years, he’s shared stages and collaborations with artists like Shawn Colvin, Patty Larkin, Pierce Pettis, and John Gorka—fellow craftspeople committed to song over spectacle. But Wilcox has never followed the current. He’s followed the work, and in 2018 Wilcox won top honors in the 23rd annual USA Songwriting for his effervescent “We Make the Way by Walking” from his album, The View From the Edge.

That work has earned him quiet but enduring respect. His songs have been covered by k.d. lang and Tony Rice; his guitar work studied by those who understand that precision, when rooted in care, becomes its own kind of virtuosity. His influence runs deep, especially among younger artists trying to build something real in a world obsessed with surface.

Wilcox’s music still resonates, especially now, because it doesn’t try to outpace the moment. It meets it. In his world, craft is a form of care. Introspection is a public offering. And staying soft in a hard world isn’t a liability—it’s a kind of leadership.

The music he’s creating now comes from a place that can’t be faked. In recent years, Wilcox’s life has been shaped by his wife’s Parkinson’s diagnosis—a shift that reordered his priorities and redefined his sense of time, love, and presence. But rather than retreat, Wilcox leaned in. “Times get tough, and music gets good,” he says, and means it. These songs don’t dramatize. They don’t resolve neatly. They sit in the complexity of living—open-eyed, unafraid, quietly brave.

With the release of The Way I Tell the Story (2025), Wilcox proves, yet again, that resilience isn’t just a survival skill—it’s an art form. The record shimmers with musical sophistication but leaves just enough space for the listener to feel what Wilcox has always done best: tell the truth, gently but without apology.

For audiences seeking something more than noise, more than nostalgia, Wilcox’s songs remain a rare kind of company. Not flashy. Not loud. Just deeply, generously alive.


Join us for an evening of original music and stories with David Wilcox This program is hosted by the "Eastern Connecticut Center for History, Art, and Performance" (EC-CHAP). Doors 6:300pm / Show 7:30pm. Tickets $35.00 in advance online / $40.00 at the 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.


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EC-CHAP Acoustic Artist Series: An Evening with Songwriter & Musician Kenny White
Oct
24
7:30 PM19:30

EC-CHAP Acoustic Artist Series: An Evening with Songwriter & Musician Kenny White

EC-CHAP Acoustic Artist Series: An Evening with Songwriter & Musician Kenny White

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

EC-CHAP MEMBER DISCOUNTS & FREQUENT FLYER PROGRAM AVAILABLE

Doors: 6:30pm / Show: 7:30pm

Special Note: We are honored to have Kenny White return to The Packing House stage this fall! His authentic lyrics and musicianship will make this a night to remember. Join us for an intimate musical experience.


KENNY WHITE comes to the world of the touring singer-songwriter following a long and successful musical journey.

An accomplished pianist, who also performs on guitar, Kenny has now become more known for his clever lyrics. LONG LIST OF PRIORS, his aptly named current album, is the latest collection of original songs: snapshots of the human condition. Audiences often comment that a Kenny White concert moves them to laughter and tears — sometimes within the same song! Kenny recently completed an 18-month tour performing his original songs while traveling as the opener for Stephen Stills & Judy Collins, and has toured for many years with Cheryl Wheeler. He is looking forward to returning to the road to perform his own full-length shows.

Born in New York City and raised across the river in Fort Lee, NJ, Kenny White began his career in the 1970s, touring exclusively as the keyboard player for Jonathan Edwards and later with Livingston Taylor, on Linda Ronstadt’s legendary, “Living in the USA” tour.

He became a fixture in the NYC studio scene throughout the 1980s and 1990s, producing and arranging hundreds of commercials for TV and radio, beginning with “The Unsinkable Taste of Cheerios,” nearly seven years of Chevrolet’s “Heartbeat of America” campaign, countless ads for Coca Cola and many others.

“Songs of tragedy, comedy, life and death…Kenny White is the troubadour of our sometimes sweet, often troubled times. ‘Carry You Home’ is the big song I’ve been waiting for. Bravo, Kenny, in all categories…writing, playing, singing. Could I have some more, please?”
— Will Jennings - Multi Oscar & Grammy Winning Songwriter

Commercial work enabled White to direct artists as renowned and varied as Linda Ronstadt, Gladys Knight, Mavis Staples, Ricky Skaggs, and Aaron Neville. White contributed to film soundtracks as writer/musician including Message in a Bottle, Where the Heart Is and four films by Indie-director laureate, John Sayles. Kenny also appears on dozens of recordings of other musicians, including Marc Cohn’s platinum debut.

“Kenny the artist, the songwriter, the troubadour, is winning hearts everywhere and often to my good fortune, joins me in concerts. It is always a gift to see him and hear him sing his amazing songs.”
— Judy Collins - (liner notes, BOHEMIAN)

Kenny White’s record producing credits include Shawn Colvin’s Grammy-nominated song, “I Don’t Know Why,” as well as the last four solo CDs for Peter Wolf, formerly with the J. Geils Band, with a new album anticipated for 2022. Their second album, SLEEPLESS was named one of Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Albums of All Time.” The productions with Wolf, enabled Kenny to work with an array of guest artists including Merle Haggard and Keith Richards.

LONG LIST OF PRIORS, his aptly named recent album, is the latest collection of original songs: indelible snapshots of the human condition, from heart-wrenching to hilarious and observed with the precision of a diamond cutter. As on his past recordings, Kenny White’s work in the studio enabled him to assemble a who’s who of musicians and guest artists, including David Crosby, Peter Wolf, Larry Campbell, Amy Helm and Catherine Russell, along with his regular band featuring the dexterous Duke Levine on guitar, shape-shifting Shawn Pelton (Saturday Night Live) on drums, and the masterful Marty Ballou on bass. Now add the horns, strings, and other surprising arrangements, and LONG LIST OF PRIORS is a refreshingly original and multi-layered singer-songwriter recording.

“I’d have to say that Kenny White has earned a place among my favorite singer/songwriters…and particularly, lyricists. As we say in the trade “he goes deep.” A true wordsmith AND musician who reveals a fine sense of humor, as well. Put on your headphones and listen carefully.”
— David Crosby

Join us for a very special evening of original music and stories by this legendary artist! 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.

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.


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EC-CHAP Acoustic Artist Series: Belle of the Fall! (Indie / Folk)
Nov
21
7:30 PM19:30

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

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!

Originally invited to our venue after hearing Julia’s original “Don’t Give Up On Me”, BOTF returned to our stage annually through 2019.


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.


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EC-CHAP Jazz Series: A Special Holiday Performance with Grammy Winner Nicole Zuraitis
Dec
4
7:30 PM19:30

EC-CHAP Jazz Series: A Special Holiday Performance with Grammy Winner Nicole Zuraitis

EC-CHAP Jazz Series: A Special Holiday Performance with Grammy Winner Nicole Zuraitis

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

DOORS: 6:30PM / PERFORMANCE: 7:30PM

Special Note: It is an honor to feature two time Grammy Nominated artist, and Grammy Winner Nicole Zuraitis back to The Packing House stage! Over the past few years, Nicole has zoomed to the top of the Jazz Vocalist world as a National and International sensation, performing at the most prestigious jazz venues across the globe.

A Connecticut native, Nicole remains true to her beginnings with a big heart and tremendous talents. As a member of the EC-CHAP Board of Directors, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to support our mission as a nonprofit cultural destination. This is the 2026 Holiday Show to be a part of.


NICOLE ZURAITIS is a 2X GRAMMY® winning and 6X GRAMMY-nominated jazz singer-songwriter (nominated in 4 distinct categories: Best Jazz Vocal Album, Best Large Jazz Ensemble, Best Jazz Performance and Best Arrangement), pianist, producer, arranger and winner of the prestigious American Traditions Vocal Competition Gold Medal. With a “heart as big as her remarkable voice,” (Jazz Police), Nicole has positioned herself as one of the top artists and "prolific songwriters" (Broadway World) to watch in jazz and beyond, coining The Modern Songbook.

Nicole's arrangement of Dolly Parton's Jolene, co-written with renowned drummer and bandleader Dan Pugach, was nominated for a 2019 GRAMMY®, spring boarding her career and making her a household name in the modern-day jazz landscape. In 2020, she was named in the top 40 under 40 for 2020 in Connecticut Magazine, and her weekly live stream during the Covid-19 crisis, "Virtual Piano Lounge," was featured in Forbes Magazine.

As a recording artist, Nicole has released seven albums as leader, and her sixth album, How Love Begins, co-produced with eight-time GRAMMY-winner Christian McBride, won BEST JAZZ VOCAL ALBUM at the 2024 GRAMMY® awards and features all original music. She is the only person ever to have earned this award who wrote and arranged the entire album herself.


A stunning singer with an equally adept pen.
— — New York City Jazz Record

In addition to leading her quartet, Nicole performed and recorded with the Birdland Big Band as the premier vocalist before taking off as a large ensemble leader of her own, co-producing the Dan Pugach Big Band and guesting for major big bands around the globe. She has headlined at Newport Jazz Festival, Melbourne International Jazz Festival, Caramoor, Saratoga Jazz Festival, Ronnie Scott’s, and Tanglewood, along with iconic NYC jazz clubs like Dizzy’s Club at Lincoln Center, Birdland, the Blue Note, the Carlyle, 54 Below and the late, great 55 Bar. She also has appeared as a featured soloist with the Savannah Philharmonic, Asheville Symphony, and Macon Pops as well as the Danish Radio Big Band. Her original song “Always” closed the 2025 Teyana Taylor album Escape Room (Def Jam Records).

Her live album Live at Vic’s Las Vegas, which she produced, wrote and arranged featuring Tom Scott, Keyon Harrold, Rachel Eckroth, Idan Morim, Sam Weber and Dan Pugach, was nominated for 2 GRAMMYS in 2026.

Her newest album The Devil I Knew, produced by the legendary Larry Klein, released July 17th, 2026 and was featured on NPR Jazz Night in America as an “introspective epic”.

A heart as big as her remarkable voice.
— — Jazz Police

Join us for this Special Holiday Show with this INCREDIBLE Musician! 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.

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.


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EC-CHAP Acoustic Artist Series: Singer/Songwriter & Season 8 Winner of "The Voice" - Sawyer Fredericks in Concert
Mar
13
7:30 PM19:30

EC-CHAP Acoustic Artist Series: Singer/Songwriter & Season 8 Winner of "The Voice" - Sawyer Fredericks in Concert

EC-CHAP Acoustic Artist Series: Singer/Songwriter & Season 8 Winner of "The Voice" - Sawyer Fredericks in Concert (Folk/Blues)

Tickets 35.00+Fees in Advance (ONLINE) / $40.00 at the Door

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

EC-CHAP MEMBER DISCOUNTS & FREQUENT FLYER PROGRAM AVAILABLE

SPECIAL NOTE: We are pleased to present Singer/Songwriter Sawyer Fredericks debut performance at The Packing House! Fredericks gained national recognition at 16 when he won Season 8 of “The Voice”. Fredericks continues to evolve as an artist, blending folk, rock, and blues influences to create music that is authentic. This intimate performance will have you wanting more!


Americana singer-songwriter, SAWYER FREDERICKS, hailing from a farm in central New York, began playing local farmers markets, open mics, and iconic New York venues at the age of 13. With his deep, beyond-his-years original lyrics and melodies, soulful vocals, and powerful live performances, Sawyer seemed an unlikely match for reality tv, but he won over audiences to win season 8 of NBC's The Voice.

Fredericks released his major label debut, A Good Storm, with Republic Records, an impressive blend of soulful Folk, blues, and rock, entirely self or co-written. He chose to go independent for Hide Your Ghost (2018). Fully written and produced by Fredericks, HYG sheds the high gloss major label treatment and stays true to his honest stripped-down style.

With premieres in People Magazine, American Songwriter and Billboard, Fredericks released his 4th album, Flowers For You in May 2020. Two songs from Flowers For You won top awards from the 18th annual Independent Music Awards, "Born" in the Folk/Singer-Songwriter category and "Amen" the Vox Pop award in the Social Action Song category. “Born” was in rotation on SiriusXM’s Coffee House channel and included in Amazon Music's editorial 'Fresh Folk and Americana' playlist.

Fredericks continues to evolve as an artist, blending folk, rock, and blues influences to create music that is authentic. He’s been featured in People Magazine, American Songwriter, and Billboard, and has showcased at Folk Alliance, SxSW, Americana Fest and BMI Island Hopper Songwriter Fest.

In January 2021, Sawyer released his rendition of the iconic “What A Wonderful World” with an accompanying animated video.

Sawyer released The Golden Tree EP in March 2023, featuring his band and Sav Buist and Katie Larson of The Accidentals. On Earth Day 2025, Sawyer released his folk-rock album, No Need To Wonder, that explores themes of home, environmental responsibility and social change. His fourth independent album reflects his deep connection to nature and personal storytelling.

Whether performing solo or with his band, Sawyer remains committed to creating music that resonates deeply with listeners.


Join us for an evening of original music and stories with Sawyer Fredericks! This program is hosted by the "Eastern Connecticut Center for History, Art, and Performance" (EC-CHAP). Doors 6:300pm / Show 7:30pm. Tickets $35.00 in advance online / $40.00 at the 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.


More Videos of Sawyer Fredericks journey on The Voice



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The Packing House  |  156 River Road, Suite 1301Willington, Connecticut 06279  |  (518)791-9474