EC-CHAP Acoustic Artist Series: Singer/Songwriter, Multi-Instrumentalist & CT State Troubadour Kala Farnham and Jenna Nicholls (Indie / Folk)
Tickets $20.00 in Advance (ONLINE) / $25.00 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 after a long COVID Hiatus! Kala has graced our stage annually since 2017, and has brought with her an incredible instrumental talent and powerful lyrics. It was clear from the first time I heard her that she was a very special artist. With a long list of accolades and numerous awards to her name, she has achieved the State of Connecticut’s highest musical achievement in 2022 as CT State Troubadour, a title well deserved.
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.
She has been praised for her classical undertones and playful dose Broadway theatricality onstage, and a lyricism that springs to life with creative storytelling, cultural references, and rich metaphor. Her first full-length studio album, "Anahata: Wake Up Your Heart", was nominated for "Best Americana Album" in RI's Motif Music Awards alongside a nomination for "Best Female Americana Vocalist".
In 2015, she was selected to be an Official Showcase Artist in Folk Alliance International's SERFA Music Conference. October 2016 marked the release of her 2nd studio album, "Samadhi: Home Is Where You Are" as well as another Motif nomination for Best Americana Album. Kala is an alumni of the Johnny Mercer Songwriters Project and the winner of the 2017 Rhode Island Songwriters Association Performing Songwriter Contest.
Kala’s signature songwriting has been likened to a reinvention of the traditional folk with influences of pop, Broadway, and world music. Her affinity for poetry and creative writing is evident through lyricism that springs to life with heartfelt and creative storytelling, cultural references, and rich metaphor. Her work has garnered numerous awards and media attention, including 2020 Falcon Ridge Festival Emerging Artist, 2019 Rose Garden Performing Songwriter Contest winner, 2019 Rocky Mountain Folks Fest honorable mention
Farnham's 2020 album, "Your Spirit Is a Work of Art", is composed of thirteen musical vignettes exploring the imperfect beauty of the human condition; it has been described by Nick Noble of The Folk Revival as “a work of poetic insight… worth listening to again and again."
She 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.
As the new Connecticut State Troubadour, Kala plans to apply her foundations and strong background in music performance and human service in this honorary role to foster healing and community connection through music.
Kala will be joined by NYC based singer/songwriter Jenna Nicholls.
The music of Jenna Nicholls has been turning heads since she arrived on the door step of the Lower East Side of NYC.
Whether she’s crooning a jazz standard, belting out a New Orleans style dirge or plucking her 1920’s style original ballads on her Ukulele, she’s giving a vintage genre a new spin with her own lush nostalgic style and melodic sensibility.
Recently, Jenna has toured with Ingrid Michaelson, shared the stage with Oscar Winner Glen Hansard, Amanda Palmer, Lucius, Joan as Policewoman, Gerry Leonard (Spooky Ghost/David Bowie). She’s performed in venues all over the world including the Beacon Theater NYC, and Carnegie Hall.
Join us for an evening of original works by these incredible artists!
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" special! Click here for secret recipe.
For information, please call 518-791-9474.