THIS PERFORMANCE HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO PERSONAL HEALTH ISSUES

WE WILL ATTEMPT TO RESCHEDULE IN THE SPRING

EC-CHAP Acoustic Artist Series: Eric Sommer in Concert (Blues/Americana) - RESCHEDULED FROM 11/20/2021

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

50% Capacity | Socially Distanced Tables | Masks Required

EC-CHAP MEMBER DISCOUNTS & FREQUENT FLYER PROGRAM AVAILABLE

Singer/songwriter ERIC SOMMER is an unbelievable intersection of improbable influences and experiences channeled into an amazingly diverse catalog and a résumé that reads more like a musical adventure novel than a series of career bullet points.

Sommer emerged from the Boston music scene in the ’80s with a vengeance, a Folk guitarist with a percussive, open-tuning style adapted from the likes of David Bromberg, Steve Howe, Townes Van Zandt and Brit Folk legend Davy Graham. But Boston was also a hotbed of New Wave, Power Pop and Punk at that point, and Sommer absorbed those influences as well, creating a Byrdsian jangle sound that earned him opening slots for national touring acts and regular bookings at the renowned Paradise Theatre.

Sommer eventually relocated to Europe where he scored tours with Bram Tchaikovsky,
Wreckless Eric and Nick Lowe, calling Denmark and the Netherlands home for awhile. After honing his personal songwriting style and playing every conceivable club on the European circuit, Sommer returned to Boston homeless and broke.

Living on the streets and in abandoned squats, Sommer played every available open mic and picked up guitar tips from David Landau and Gary Burton/Steve Howe sideman Mick Goodrick, which led to the formation of a trio called The Atomics, which offered up an American version of Elvis Costello, Joe Jackson and Nick Lowe during its run. While The Atomics opened for the Dead Kennedys and Gang of Four and became one of Boston’s best local New Wave outfits, Sommer was finding constant inspiration in the works of Jeff Beck, Pat Martino, Joe Pass and Charlie Christian.

With The Atomics’ dissolution, Sommer’s wanderlust took him to New York, Atlanta and
finally the suburbs of Washington, D.C., where he founded the Georgetown Film Festival and embarked on a phase of independent film scoring. Since then, Sommer has been a troubadour with no fixed address, playing well over 250 gigs a year and slowing down just long enough to record a handful of brilliant albums, including Rainy Day Karma with his band, Solar Flares, and his latest solo effort, Brooklyn Bolero.

If there’s any lingering doubt about Sommer’s supernatural versatility, consider that he’s opened for Old 97’s, Nickel Creek’s Sara Watkins, Bluegrass icon Jerry Douglas, Mates of State, Dr. John, Leon Redbone and Built to Spill, to name a few - and Dead Kennedy’s, Mission to Burma, Gang of Four, and Elvis Costello, Wreckless Eric and Brahm Tchaikovsky...

Whether in band or one-man form (which nakedly showcases his amazing acoustic Blues guitar styling), Sommer is a living history of contemporary music and a musical force of nature.

 Join us for an evening of authentic blues and Americana flare with Eric Sommer! This program is hosted by the "Eastern Connecticut Center for History, Art, and Performance" (EC-CHAP). Doors 7:00pm / Show 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. 

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

EC-CHAP Acoustic Artist Series:

50th Year Celebration ~ Earth Day 2020

Free Virtual Performance

Eric Sommer in Concert

(Blues/Americana)

SPECIAL NOTE: In an effort to continue to support our mission during this difficult time, EC-CHAP is proud to host this Free Live Virtual Concert to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day. This live event will feature ERIC SOMMER, International Roots Americana artist, streamed directly to The Packing House Website from Chapel Hill, NC!

~ EC-CHAP - Committed to Feeding Souls ~

ERIC SOMMER is a singer, performer, rambler and one of the finest touring guitar players in the land, and on EARTH DAY 2020 you'll get to see something special: Eric Sommer on stage, singin' an' guitarin' like no tomorrow!

He's been everywhere and done just about everything: Tours with Nick Lowe, Steve Earl, David Bromberg, and British Pop icons Wreckless Eric and Bram Tschicovsky plus, as the frontman for the ATOMICS, Eric guided the band through three national tours with Mission of Burma, Gang of Four and The Dead Kennedys - putting the ATOMICS squarely in the center of the Post Punk and New Wave cyclone...

Eric never left his folk/pop roots behind, and has recorded numerous records, songs, showcases and guitar compilations around his Boston roots. Working for Don Law for 10 years and touring with Little Feat, John Mayall, John Hammond Jr., and Leon Redbone, Eric's acoustic sound was heavily influenced by Davy Graham, Pat Martino and Steve Howe(YES), which has given this guitar ace a solid blues and jazz foundation going forward.

He currently tours all year long, and with this current blight upon the land Share the new record "TURNING POINT" on your playlists and check-in at www.ericsommer.com

"How do you call this sidekick to unique personalities ranging from Nick Lowe to John Koerner an underachiever? This multi-instrumentalist bad boy could easily be a superstar in his own right..." Midwest Record, Lake Zurich, IL

“Eric Sommer is an astounding guitar player, a virtuoso on acoustic and electric... Eric has worked with everybody who is anybody; His resume’ reads like a musical encyclopedia...” Nashville Music Reviews, Don & Sherry’s Blog

“It’s a wonderful evening whenever Eric Sommer is part of it... Not to be missed!” Austin Record, Steve Barron

Join us for an evening of authentic blues and Americana flare with Eric Sommer! This program is hosted by the "Eastern Connecticut Center for History, Art, and Performance" (EC-CHAP). Show 7:00pm - Instructions for Free pass to follow.. 

"BYOB&F" - Bring Your Own Beverage & Food to your own Living Room! Locals can also order from Willington Pizza House (or WP Too) for take-out / delivery the night of the show. Ask for "The Packing House" pizza! Click here for secret recipe. 

For information, please call 518-791-9474.

THIS EVENT IS CANCELLED.

EVERY ATTEMPT WILL BE MADE TO RESCHEDULE THIS PERFORMANCE.

Tickets $15.00 in Advance (ONLINE) / $20.00 at the Door / Special Senior ($18.00) & Student Price ($10.00) at the Door.

EC-CHAP “Frequent Flyer” Rewards Program Now Available

After opening for TOM RUSH and MATT NAKOA last year, HORIZON BLUE returns to The Packing House!

About Horizon Blue:

• A dynamic and entertaining acoustic quartet"

• "Unique songs, sung from the heart”

• "Fantastic over the top" 

HORIZON BLUE is an acoustic Americana (folk, country and blue grass) musical group.  Our performances are family friendly, conversational, and inviting. The original and well-known songs they perform have a storytelling aspect and are well received by audiences of all ages. 

Horizon Blue features Monique Hill (vocals, guitar, mandolin, banjo and dulcimer), Peter Hill (guitar and mandolin), Mark Annulli (bass) and Rich Johnson (dobro).  Monique is the principal songwriter. Monique's songwriting credits include a charting international release in England, Germany, and Japan.

Join us for an opportunity to celebrate this collection of original folk music and experience these accomplished musicians in an historic intimate setting! This concert is hosted by the "Eastern Connecticut Center for History, Art, and Performance" (EC-CHAP). Doors 7:00pm / Show 7:30pm. $15.00 Advance / $20.00 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" pizza! Click here for secret recipe. 

For information and table reservations, please call 518-791-9474.

THIS EVENT IS CANCELLED.

EVERY ATTEMPT WILL BE MADE TO RESCHEDULE THIS PERFORMANCE.

Tickets $15.00 in Advance (ONLINE) / $20.00 at the Door / Special Senior ($18.00) & Student Price ($10.00) at the Door.

EC-CHAP “Frequent Flyer” Rewards Program Now Available

Singer/songwriter ERIC SOMMER is an unbelievable intersection of improbable influences and experiences channeled into an amazingly diverse catalog and a résumé that reads more like a musical adventure novel than a series of career bullet points.

Sommer emerged from the Boston music scene in the ’80s with a vengeance, a Folk guitarist with a percussive, open-tuning style adapted from the likes of David Bromberg, Steve Howe, Townes Van Zandt and Brit Folk legend Davy Graham. But Boston was also a hotbed of New Wave, Power Pop and Punk at that point, and Sommer absorbed those influences as well, creating a Byrdsian jangle sound that earned him opening slots for national touring acts and regular bookings at the renowned Paradise Theatre.

Sommer eventually relocated to Europe where he scored tours with Bram Tchaikovsky,
Wreckless Eric and Nick Lowe, calling Denmark and the Netherlands home for awhile. After honing his personal songwriting style and playing every conceivable club on the European circuit, Sommer returned to Boston homeless and broke.

Living on the streets and in abandoned squats, Sommer played every available open mic and picked up guitar tips from David Landau and Gary Burton/Steve Howe sideman Mick Goodrick, which led to the formation of a trio called The Atomics, which offered up an American version of Elvis Costello, Joe Jackson and Nick Lowe during its run. While The Atomics opened for the Dead Kennedys and Gang of Four and became one of Boston’s best local New Wave outfits, Sommer was finding constant inspiration in the works of Jeff Beck, Pat Martino, Joe Pass and Charlie Christian.

With The Atomics’ dissolution, Sommer’s wanderlust took him to New York, Atlanta and
finally the suburbs of Washington, D.C., where he founded the Georgetown Film Festival and embarked on a phase of independent film scoring. Since then, Sommer has been a troubadour with no fixed address, playing well over 250 gigs a year and slowing down just long enough to record a handful of brilliant albums, including Rainy Day Karma with his band, Solar Flares, and his latest solo effort, Brooklyn Bolero.

If there’s any lingering doubt about Sommer’s supernatural versatility, consider that he’s opened for Old 97’s, Nickel Creek’s Sara Watkins, Bluegrass icon Jerry Douglas, Mates of State, Dr. John, Leon Redbone and Built to Spill, to name a few - and Dead Kennedy’s, Mission to Burma, Gang of Four, and Elvis Costello, Wreckless Eric and Brahm Tchaikovsky...

Whether in band or one-man form (which nakedly showcases his amazing acoustic Blues guitar styling), Sommer is a living history of contemporary music and a musical force of nature.

 Join us for an evening of authentic blues and Americana flare with Eric Sommer! This program is hosted by the "Eastern Connecticut Center for History, Art, and Performance" (EC-CHAP). Doors 7:00pm / Show 7:30pm. Tickets $15.00 in advance online / $20.00 at the door. Senior and Student pricing available. 20% Discount at Door for EC-CHAP Members.

Soft drinks and snacks available. "BYOB&F" - 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 information and table reservations, please call 518-791-9474.

EC-CHAP Acoustic Artist Series: Grace & Grit- Kala Farnham & Jeff Prezch (Folk/Americana)

Tickets $15.00 in Advance (ONLINE) / $20.00 at the Door / Special Student Price ($10.00) at the Door.

EC-CHAP “Frequent Flyer” Rewards Program Now Available

Grace & Grit is the musical pairing of Connecticut songwriters Kala Farnham and Jeff Przech. The combination of Kala's beautiful, folk-tinged melodies and Jeff's broken-in, country/rock tendencies yields a wonderfully harmonious union of distinct styles and voices. After talking about the possibility several times, the two finally came together at the 2019 Rose Arts Festival and their partnership was born. Though the two come from very different places, their interpretations of each other's songs, as well as a number of duets, make Grace & Grit a true collaboration.

The Grace…

the Grit

… and the duo, Grace & Grit.

Please join us for an evening of original acoustic works by these talented artists!! You may even experience a seasonal sampling… This program is hosted by the "Eastern Connecticut Center for History, Art, and Performance" (EC-CHAP). Doors 7:00pm / Show 7:30pm. Tickets $15.00 in advance online / $20.00 at the door. Senior and Student pricing available. 20% Discount at Door for EC-CHAP Members.

Soft drinks and snacks available. "BYOB&F" - 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 information and table reservations, please call 518-791-9474.

Acoustic Artist Series: Horizon Blue (Americana)

Tickets $12.00 in Advance (online) / $15.00 at the Door

Horizon Blue is an acoustic Americana (folk, country and blue grass) musical group.  Our performances are family friendly, conversational, and inviting. The original and well-known songs they perform have a storytelling aspect and are well received by audiences of all ages. 

Horizon Blue features Monique Hill (vocals, guitar, mandolin, banjo and dulcimer), Peter Hill (guitar and mandolin), Mark Annulli (bass) and Rich Johnson (dobro).  Monique is the principal songwriter. Monique's songwriting credits include a charting international release in England, Germany, and Japan (www.horizonblueband.us).

Join us for an evening of original music with Horizon Blue! This program is hosted by the "Eastern Connecticut Center for History, Art, and Performance" (EC-CHAP). Doors 7:00pm / 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" pizza - you won't go wrong! Click here for secret recipe. 

For information and table reservations, please call 518-791-9474.

TALENT SHARING TALENT

FREE ADMISSION

Our Talent Showcase is designed as a platform for local and regional performers to share their talent. Showcases are scheduled on the 2nd Thursday of the month, September through June.

Acoustic musicians, film makers, poets, comedians, jugglers, puppeteers, and creative artists of all ages are invited to perform at The Packing House. Here is an opportunity to showcase your work in an intimate historic venue before a live audience. Test ideas and concepts and solicit feedback. PA / sound reinforcement, video projection, and up to 3 microphones provided. Invite everybody you know!

If you're interested in performing, please call 518-791-9474 in advance to sign-up (recommended), or sign-in at the door (time available). Not performing? No problem! Come join us for an evening of great talent.

The "Talent Showcase" at The Packing House is hosted by the Eastern Connecticut Center for History, Art, and Performance (EC-CHAP). Open to the general public. Free admission / Donations accepted. Doors open 6:30pm / Show 7:00pm. Soft drinks and snacks available. "BYOB&F" - Bring Your Own Beverage & Food (Wine & Beer Only - I.D. Required).

For information, or to register in advance, please call 518-791-9474.

The Packing House is located at The Mill Works, 156 River Road, Willington, CT

Acoustic Artist Series: Jeff Przech with Dennis Fancher (Alternative Country /Americana)

Tickets $12.00 in Advance (online) / $15.00 at the Door

Jeff Przech likes to tell stories. Musical stories. Influenced by contemporary artists like Jason Isbell, Ryan Adams, and Sturgill Simpson, along with classic artists like Kristofferson, Jennings, and Dylan. Przech's 2015 debut release, "Sounds Like Fresh," is his first, though certainly not last entry into the canon of Americana music. The record is carried by classic songwriting and led by Przech’s deep, soulful vocals and acoustic guitar work. [www.jeffprzech.com]

Jeff will be joined by Dennis Fancher, seasoned guitarist and musical colleague - a part of Przech's new band, "The Outfit". Dennis's guitar licks will just leave you wanting more...

Join us for original works from these talented musicians This program is hosted by the "Eastern Connecticut Center for History, Art, and Performance" (EC-CHAP). Doors 7:00pm / Show 7:30pm. Soft drinks and snacks available. "BYOB&F" - 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 and table reservations, please call 518-791-9474.

Acoustic Artist Series: Horizon Blue (Americana)

Tickets $12.00 in Advance (online) / $15.00 at the Door

Horizon Blue is an acoustic Americana (folk, country and blue grass) musical group.  Our performances are family friendly, conversational, and inviting. The original and well-known songs they perform have a storytelling aspect and are well received by audiences of all ages. 

Horizon Blue features Monique Hill (vocals, guitar, mandolin, banjo and dulcimer), Peter Hill (guitar and mandolin), Mark Annulli (bass) and Rich Johnson (dobro).  Monique is the principal songwriter. Monique's songwriting credits include a charting international release in England, Germany, and Japan (www.horizonblueband.us).

Horizon Blue will be releasing their debut album Solstice at this concert! Join us for a fun evening of acoustic pleasure! This program is hosted by the "Eastern Connecticut Center for History, Art, and Performance" (EC-CHAP). Doors 7:00pm / Show 7:30pm. Soft drinks and snacks available. "BYOB&F" - Bring Your Own Beverage & Food (Wine & Beer Only - I.D. Required).

For information and table reservations, please call 518-791-9474.

ACOUSTIC ARTIST SERIES: AMERICANA / ALTERNATIVE COUNTRY

TICKETS $12.00 IN ADVANCE (ONLINE) / $15.00 AT THE DOOR

Jeff Przech likes to tell stories. Musical stories. Influenced by contemporary artists like Jason Isbell, Ryan Adams, and Sturgill Simpson, along with classic artists like Kristofferson, Jennings, and Dylan. Przech's 2015 debut release, "Sounds Like Fresh," is his first, though certainly not last entry into the canon of Americana music. The record is carried by classic songwriting and led by Przech’s deep, soulful vocals and acoustic guitar work. [www.jeffprzech.com]

Jeff will be joined by Dennis Fancher, seasoned guitarist and musical colleague - a part of Przech's new band, "The Outfit". Dennis's guitar licks will just leave you wanting more...

Join us for a great show in an intimate historic setting. This concert is a part of The Packing House Acoustic Artist Series hosted by the Friends of The Mill Works. Cabaret and theater seating available. Snacks and soft drinks available. "BYOB" - Beer and Wine ONLY (I.D. Required).

Call 518-791-9474 for information and table reservations.

Dan Stevens, protege of Dave Van Ronk, and Clayton Allen are winners of the CT Blues Challenge Competition and represented the state in the International Blues Challenge on Beale St. in Memphis TN, advancing to the semi-finals . 

In a melding of diverse blues styles,  Dan and Clayton have forged a unique sound, representing a wide variety of traditionally based fingerpicking with a tinge of primitive blues and early blues rock and roll.  Clayton’s raw energy and emotional delivery contrast with Dan’s soulful approach creating a dynamic mix. A dose of Diddly Bow and Cigar Box guitar backed with a driving rhythm and gospel influenced vocals convey an engaging rock bottom authenticity.  Be prepared for an occasional twist as the duo adds spice with an addition of popular classics as well as some chestnuts from their deep well of roots country music [http://ramblindan.weebly.com].

Experience Ramblin' Dan Stevens - American Bluesman live in our intimate historic setting. This concert is a part of The Packing House "Acoustic Artist Series" hosted by the Friends of The Mill Works. Snacks and soft drinks available. "BYOB" (Beer and Wine ONLY).

Call 518-791-9474 for information and table reservations.

Acoustic Artist Series: Americana/Alternative Country

TICKETS $10.00

AVAILABLE ONLINE OR CASH AT THE DOOR

Jeff Przech likes to tell stories. Musical stories. Influenced by contemporary artists like Jason Isbell, Ryan Adams, and Sturgill Simpson, along with classic artists like Kristofferson, Jennings, and Dylan, Przech's 2015 debut release, "Sounds Like Fresh," is his first, though certainly not last entry into the canon of Americana music. The record is carried by classic songwriting and led by Przech’s deep, soulful vocals and acoustic guitar work. [www.jeffprzech.com]

This concert is a part of The Packing House Acoustic Artist Series hosted by the Friends of The Mill Works. Snacks and soft drinks available. "BYOB" (Beer and Wine ONLY please) with $5.00 corkage/bottle fee.

For information and table reservations, please call 518-791-9474.