La Grua Center announces the start of a search process to name a new Executive Director following the departure of Lori Robishaw after five years leading the cultural nonprofit based in Stonington. James Quinn, President of the Board of Directors, said “We’re pleased to have worked with Lori since her arrival in 2016. We wish her well in her future endeavors and look forward to naming her successor.” Robishaw is leaving Connecticut to become the next Executive Director of the Arts Council of York County in
Youth Art Workshop: Halloween & Dia de los Muertos
Saturday, October 23 from 10am-Noon
We're partnering with Expressiones Cultural Center, the Hispanic Alliance of Southeastern Connecticut, and Public Art for Racial Justice Education (PARJE) along with a few of our Youth Art Workshop veteran artists to present a variety of fall-themed art activities for children and teens of all ages. Come get spooky with some of our regions most talented artists! Drop in any time starting at 10am... we'll be creating The Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra is pleased to partner with the Lyman Allyn Art Museum for an entertaining afternoon of music. Enjoy the sounds of TECSO - the Trombones of the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra - in a beautiful garden setting on the grounds of the Lyman Allyn Art Museum.
Enjoy drinks and light refreshments, listen to music, and explore the museum grounds. Tickets are $5, with the link to purchase at www.ectsymphony.com.
Limited seating will be available. Guests are
September 26, 2021, 3-4 pm at the McCourt 9/11 Memorial Garden at the Lyman Allyn Art Museum; 625 Williams St., New London, CT 06320
$5 for the concert with complimentary museum access with ticket
The Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra is pleased to partner with the Lyman Allyn Art Museum for an entertaining afternoon of music. Enjoy the sounds of TECSO - the Trombones of the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra - in a beautiful garden setting on the grounds of the Lyman Allyn Art Museum.
Enjoy Homage to the Great Pianist Composers, featuring Eric Clark
Saturday, September 18 at 5pm
2018 Warsaw Chopin Original Instruments Competition finalist ERIC CLARK
1886 Chickering concert grand, Scale 77
Homage to the Great Pianist-Composers
Beethoven Fantasia in g, Op. 77
Franck/Bauer Prélude, Fugue et Variation
Franck Prélude, Chorale et Fugue
Godowsky Passacaglia after Schubert's Unfinished
Many great 19th-century pianists wrote towering, memorable works that remain popular and much-loved in Good Stories Well Told Series: Scenes from a Rock and Roll Life
with Jonathan Taplin
Thursday, August 26 at 6pm
Jonathan Taplin will be discussing his memoir, The Magic Years: Scenes from a Rock-and-Roll Life. His extraordinary journey has put him at the crest of every major cultural wave in the past half century: he was tour manager for Bob Dylan and the Band in the ’60s, producer of major films in the ’70s, an executive at Merrill Lynch in the ’80s, creator of the Internet’s first video-on-demand
Summer Concerts: Children's Concert with Ms. Bergin
Tuesday, August 17 at 6pm
Please note this concert takes place at Wadawanuck Square in front of the Stonington Free Library in Stonington Borough
There is no rain date for this concert; in the case of inclement weather, please check lagruacenter.org for cancellation information.
Major support for the summer Concerts on the Green has been provided by the Stonington Village Improvement Association.
Join Ms. Bergin, beloved local children’s musician Music Matters YouTube: Homage to Bach
Saturday, July 31 at 5pm
Jiayan Sun & Judith Gordon
piano four-hands and two pianos
HOMAGE TO BACH
J. S. Bach Concerto in C for two solo keyboards, BWV 1061
Bach-Kurtág Six chorale transcriptions
for piano duet & piano duo
Ferruccio Busoni Fantasia contrappuntistica, for two pianos
Our end-of-July duo recital by Smith College pianists Jiayan Sun and Judith Gordon will be this year's first (of three!) concerts with both of La Grua's exceptional grands.
Exhibit Opening: 12th Annual Stonington Artists ShowFriday, July 9 from 5-7pm
We're thrilled to be able to present our 12th Annual Stonington Artists show--our annual exhibit featuring the talented artists of Stonington, Mystic, and Pawcatuck!
Opening will take place on Friday, July 9 from 5-7pm.
Open to the public. Suggested donation $5.
Virtual Chat: Kyndra Joi on Gullah Folklore and Stories
Wednesday, June 23 at 6pm
Born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina, and currently residing in New Orleans, Kyndra Joi is affectionately known as “Gullah Girl” in the community and actively educates and creates awareness of the Gullah culture through her interactive workshops of language, dance, and song. In this presentation, she will introduce our audience to Gullah culture and share a series of stories and folklore.
Free but registration
Local Treasures: Sift Bakery's Adam Young
Wednesday, June 16 at 6pm
Sift Bakery owner and head pastry chef Adam Young talks about how he got started as a baker, the ups and downs of owning a family business, writing a new cookbook, as well as his experience on Food Network's Best Baker in America competition, which he won in 2018.
This event will be in person at La Grua Center with a limited number of seats and masks required. It will also be live-streamed on our FaceBook page and recorded for later Summer Concerts on the Green: Latin Essence Jazz
Friday, May 21 at 6pmLa Grua Center
This dynamic group is comprised of some of the sassiest jazz players in the region who keep the room full of lively vibes. The band, featuring Ben Velazquez (bass), Chris Leigh (guitar), Miguel Rios (congas), Steve Marien (saxophone), Rufus Davis (piano), and Eric German (percussion), combines elements of traditional Latin music with an eclectic repertoire of jazz standards and pop/fusion classics. Please bring your own
New Exhibit and Talk: Architect & Artist Thomas A. Norton
featuring a talk by Lincoln Norton
Thursday, May 27 at 6pmLa Grua Center
This exhibit will feature the work of Thomas Akin Norton, a New England architect, artist, author and award-winning yacht designer. To kick off the exhibit, join us for a chat with Thomas' son, Stonington resident Lincoln Norton, on Thursday, May 27 at 6pm. Registration is free but space is limited. Visit lagruacenter.org to sign up. Audience members must be masked
On Our Minds Series: Virtual Chat with Nationally Recognized Big Data Expert Randy BeanWednesday, May 12 at 6pmLa Grua Center
Nationally recognized industry authority and thought leader Randy Bean will discuss how he came to publish his first book, Fail Fast, Learn Faster: Lessons in Data-Driven Leadership in an Age of Disruption, Big Data, and AI, which comes out in August. Randy writes and speaks extensively on data-driven organizations and data-driven business cultures and is known for his frequent As we dip our collective toes back into the re-opening pool, we’d like to give you an update on how we presently intend to “re-open” for performance and speaker events and the steps we are taking to keep you safe. (Because we are a multi-purpose arts and culture venue, we follow several different sets of requirements and have already been open for our art exhibits under the state’s museum guidelines three afternoons a week since October.) We certainly see light at the end of the tunnel, but in order to keep
The round-the-clock efforts of a largely remote workforce establishes Chelsea Groton as leader in PPP Loans, Mortgages and Places to Work in Eastern CTChelsea Groton Bank reported impressive financial, educational, technical and community-based accomplishments at its 166th Annual Meeting which was conducted over Zoom on Tuesday, April 27, 2021. President and CEO Michael Rauh presented the Bank’s 2020 results to Bank officers, Board members and Corporators.
“Our focus has always been on helping Music Matters YouTube: Bach & Britten Cello Suites
Saturday, May 22 at 5pm
Recorded in session at La Grua Center and aired on our YouTube channel. A private link to the concert will be shared with ticket holders and subscribers approximately 2 hours prior to the start of the event, and again 15 minutes before the start of the event. Please note, ticket sales end approximately 1/2 hour prior to air time.
Gabriel Cabezas
violoncello
Two solo cello suites
Bach Suite No. 4 in Eb, BWV
On Our Minds Series: Coping with COVID, with Counselor Kevin Sisson
Wednesday, April 28 at 6pm
Join us for this virtual chat with counselor Kevin Sisson. Kevin will be discussing how we have all built resilience during Covid, and how we can continue to do so as we move closer to normalcy.
Kevin Sisson is a psychotherapist who practices in CT and RI. She specializes in working with clients that are undergoing life transitions which include retirement, moving, divorce, illness, and empty-nesting, to
Music Matters YouTube: Brahms 3rd Violin Sonata
featuring Yury Martynov
Saturday, April 17 at 5pm
Recorded in session at La Grua Center and aired on our YouTube channel. A private link to the concert will be shared with ticket holders approximately 2 hours prior to the start of the event, and again 15 minutes before the start of the event. Please note, ticket sales end approximately 1/2 hour prior to air time.
Northeastern US début recital, recorded October 2018
Troisième Année de Pèlerinage Creative Flow Workshop with Phil Weaver Stoesz
Wednesday, March 24 at 5pm
No artistic skill required! Come as you are, bring your favorite material for making, and join the flow. This virtual workshop will be a lightly facilitated, meditative session focused on making things with other people. All art forms are welcome - visual, writing, movement, sound - anything that relaxes, motivates or centers you. Come spend an hour getting creative in a virtual group setting!
Free and open to the public. Space is
We invite you to participate in La Grua Center’s Mail Art Project with the theme of “A New World.” Create your own postcard/mail art on a standard (4x6) or oversize (5x7) postcard with paint, crayon, marker, or collage--anything goes! Then mail it to La Grua Center, P.O. Box 342, Stonington, CT 06378. OR make it a group project by beginning your own postcard art, and then sending it to a friend, colleague, or family member to add their own artwork and mail to La Grua Center.
(Be sure to secure proper New Exhibit: Fantastic Souls, Surreal World
Opening Friday, March 5 at 5pm
Fantastic Souls, Surreal World ~from Juan Balaguer, Juan Carlos Fernandez to Guido Garaycochea- Argentina, Honduras, and Peru.
Come explore the evocative artwork from artists of the Expressiones Cultural Center in New London. Art will be on display at La Grua Center during the months of March and April. Additionally, there will be a virtual gallery for those artists who are not able to travel to the US due to COVID
Music Matters on YouTube: Bach, Chopin & Shostakovich
with Michael Bahmann
Saturday, February 20 at 5pm
Prerecorded at La Grua Center and aired on our YouTube channel. A private link to the concert will be shared with ticket holders approximately 2 hours prior to the start of the event, and again 15 minutes before the start of the event.
MICHAEL BAHMANN, 1886 Chickering concert grand
Affinity Connecting Bach, Chopin, and Shostakovich
Bach Prelude No. 1 in C, WTC I
Shostakovich Prelude No. 1 in C,
On Our Minds Series: COVID Vaccine Virtual Q&A
Wednesday, February 17 at 6pm
with Marianne O'Hare and Dr. Marwan Haddad
Join us for this hour long Q&A where Marianne O'Hare, producer of the nationally syndicated health show Conversations on Health Care and Dr. Marwan Haddad, Medical Director of the Center for Key Populations, will answer your questions about the COVID vaccine.
Registration is free and open to the public. Space is limited. Visit our website to sign up. A link for the talk will be sent Virtual Chat: Writing, Reading, and Racism: Celebrating Today’s Best Mystery Authors
Tuesday, February 9 at 6pm
Walter Mosley, a great crime writer and recipient of the National Book Foundation Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters, said, “A man's bookcase will tell you everything you'll ever need to know about him.”
Come and expand your bookcase and join the La Grua Center for an exciting evening of readings and discussions around the creative life, and being an author of color in an
Music Matters on YouTube: Schumann Chamber Duos
Saturday, January 23 at 5pm
Prerecorded at La Grua Center and aired on our YouTube channel. A private link to the concert will be shared with ticket holders the day of the concert.
Maksim Shtrykov, 19th-century-style boxwood clarinet
Misuzu Tanaka, piano
MM 11 Recital I – Clara & Robert Schumann, on boxwood clarinet
Clara Schumann Drei Romanzen, Op. 22
Robert Schumann F-A-E Sonata 2. Intermezzo (boxwood)
Schumann Adagio & Allegro, Op. 70
Schumann Virtual Opening Friday, January 15 at 5pm with a recorded walk through on our YouTube channel. In-person gallery hours start Wednesday, January 20.Please note masks and social distancing guidelines remain in effect.
January & February 2021 at La Grua Center
Artists Respond to Crisis (ARC) is a collective group of artists united in their unique mission to raise money for relevant and important charities.
By promoting their artwork for sale on arclove.us , this group hopes to support causes during this Youth Holiday Greens Workshop
Sunday, December 13 at 10am and 11am
Space is limited! Join us as we partner with the Stonington Garden Club to offer this virtual youth art workshop where we will create a holiday greens centerpiece. This workshop is free, but registration is required. There will be two sessions, one at 10am and the second at 12pm. Both will last approximately 30 minutes. Materials will be provided at an arranged pick-up time.
Ages 6 and up (younger children may require parental The COVID Relief Fund for the Arts, administered by the Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA) within the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), was created to support arts nonprofits that
are performing arts centers, schools of the arts, or performing groups for whom grants will make a difference in terms of survival or rehiring; and have had to curtail operations for a period of time due to the COVID-19 pandemic and which have had limited ability to reopen due to pandemic restrictions
Wednesday, December 2 at 6pm
Registration is free and open to the public. Space is limited. Visit our website to sign up. A link for the talk will be sent to registrants approximately two hours before the start of the event, and then again approximately 15 minutes before the start.
In conjunction with our current exhibit, Stories of Resilience: Encountering Racism, La Grua Center and the Jewish Federation of Eastern CT are pleased to present the third in a three-part series of panel discussions focusing
Local Treasures: Film Makers Christopher Kepple & Cormac O'Malley ~ A Call to ArtsWednesday, November 11 at 6pm
Join us for a virtual chat with the local film
Join us for a virtual chat with the local film maker Christopher Kepple and local historian Cormac O'Malley as they discuss their new documentary, A Call to Arts.
This film explores Helen Hooker and Ernie O’Malley’s lives and their contributions to the arts in a newly independent Ireland. The film examines the photography and sculpture of Helen Music Matters on YouTube: Classical-era Chamber Music by Haydn & Mozart
Saturday, October 24 at 5pm
[Please note the previously scheduled concert for this date and time, Schumann Chamber Duos, has been rescheduled to November 21st.]
Prerecorded at La Grua Center and aired on our YouTube channel. A private link the concert will be shared with ticket holders the day of the concert.
Tickets $10 available through our website.Jesse Holstein, violinMiguel Vásquez, violoncelloMichael Bahmann, piano after Anton
Panel Discussion & Exhibit Opening: Stories of Resilience: Encountering Racism
Wednesday, October 7 at 6pmFree
Register at lagruacenter.org
For questions contact: La Grua Center at 860.535.2300
The Stories of Resilience: Encountering Racism exhibition will kick off at La Grua Center with a free hour-long panel discussion featuring exhibit contributors on Wednesday, October 7 at 6pm on Zoom; ticket reservations are necessary and available free of charge at lagruacenter.org.
The exhibit highlights Wednesday, October 14 at 6pm
Writer and Journalist Connie Shultz
Media Matters Series
Join us for a virtual chat with Pulitzer Prize-winning writer and journalist Connie Schultz, in conversation with former New York Times editorial writer Maura Casey.
Connie will discuss her first novel, The Daughters of Erietown, which came out in June, as well as reflect on current events and happenings in the world today.Tickets $40 (pick up book in-store at Bank Square after event) or $45 (ticket + shipping The Connecticut Office of the Arts is pleased to announce the recipients of the FY21 Supporting Arts grants program. We thank you for your interest in the program and send our best wishes for success! Congratulations!
The Supporting Arts grant program provides unrestricted funding to help support Connecticut's arts organizations and municipal arts departments as they pursue their mission. This type of grant is flexible rather than for specific projects or programs and gives the grantee the ability to use Thursday, September 17 at 6pm
Join us via Zoom for a virtual chat with puppeteer Pam, Arciero and her special friend Leona Lioness!
Pam Arciero is the Artistic Director of the National Puppetry Conference at the O'Neill Theater Center. Pam performs for film, television and theater, notably as a puppeteer with Sesame Street (Grundgetta Grouch, Oscar's girlfriend, and assorted characters) and for the Muppets for over 30 years. She is the Secretary of the Board of Directors for the Jim Henson Foundation.
Win! Win! SUPPORT LA GRUA
Bidding Monday, August 10 to Saturday, August 22 at 10amAuction website for ticket purchase and bidding via this link.FREE ONLINE AUCTION VIEWING & BIDDINGGarden party for 20 at Stone Acres, a weekend at a private Vermont home, fine dining gift cards, experiences to learn new skills, and more!
$100 OCEAN HOUSE RAFFLE, ONLY 200 E-TICKETS AVAILABLE2 nights, exclusive 2-bedroom condo at Watch Hill’s Ocean House, chance of a lifetime!
$150 MYSTERY COCKTAIL PARTIES, PRICE Debuting Friday, July 24
11 Annual Stonington Artists Show Online
We are pleased to be presenting our Annual Stonington Artist show, now in its 11th summer, this year online! On Friday evening, July 24, a gallery of the images will be posted on our Facebook page, along with prices and information about the pieces. We hope you enjoy this new and temporary format, and look forward to when we can invite patrons back into our space again.
Saturday, July 25 at 5pm
This harpsichord concert will be pre-recorded at La Grua Center and aired on our YouTube channel.
J. C. F. Fischer Harpsichord suites Euterpe & Terpsichore
G. F. Handel Harpsichord suite in g & Chaconne in g
This July, Music Matters's own Elena Zamolodchikova will record brilliant harpsichord suites of the German High Baroque in the otherwise empty La Grua Center. The great German harpsichordist-composers brought about a deeply appealing, joyous union of Italian, French, and
Youth Summer Art Video on La Grua's YouTube ChannelJuly /August 2020
In place of our usual in-person summer art workshops, this year we're excited to offer weekly youth art projects via our YouTube channel, starting on July 6th. We'll debut several for the first day, to give you a sampling of the variety we have in store; subsequent videos will be released on Mondays through the end of August.
If you follow one of the tutorials and want to share, show us yours by tagging @lagruacenter or
Take a break from all-things-COVID and join us for this engaging talk about boating with author Tom Verde.
Every boat has a story to tell, says the author in his new book, In A Class of Their Own: Unique and Classic Boats of New England (Globe Pequot Press, 2020). The book features nearly forty such stories, including the fabled history of the cat boat; the first fiberglass sailing yacht; a NY ferry boat repurposed as a houseboat; the oldest working fishing boat in Stonington, CT; racing rivalries in the Virtual Happy Hour with Kristoff the Magician
Friday, June 12 at 5pm
Kristoff has been doing magic since he was 6 years old, working his way through college and law school performing in bars and restaurants. He is a member of the famous Magic Castle in Hollywood, California, where he performed late last year. This show is geared toward adults but suitable for all ages. Pour yourself a beverage and join us for a virtual table side, close up view of world-class magic!Tickets $10. Visit our website to Join us for a virtual chat with Wall Street Journal reporter and Waterford native Julie Wernau, in conversation with former New York Times editorial writer Maura Casey.
Julie returned from China last month and continues to write on the coronavirus from Chicago. She will discuss her recent work reporting from Beijing, as well as her career in journalism. Both speakers are former reporters for The Day.
Tickets $10 - ($5 from every ticket will go to The Day’s COVID-19 Local News Fund)
The conversation will
Music Matters: Music from Scandanavia & the Shetlands
with Nordic Fiddlers BlocSaturday, March 21 at 5pm
Olav Luksengård Mjelva (NO)
hardanger fele, octave fiddleAnders Hall (SE)
fiddle, violaKevin Henderson (Shetland Isl.)
fiddle
Folk music from Scandinavia & the Shetlands
There's no richer fiddle tradition than that of Sweden, Norway, and the Shetland Islands. Join us to hear how this deft, rhythmically enchanting music has charmed the whole world. Olav, Anders, and Kevin – three Food, Fitness, & Fun Series: Cookbook Author Dorie Greenspan in Conversation with Oyster Club Executive Chef James WaymanWednesday, March 18 at 6pm
Join us "in conversation" as Oyster Club's executive chef James Wayman talks with award-winning cookbook author Dorie Greenspan about her passion for food. Dorie has written 13 cookbooks, including her latest, Everyday Dorie and Dorie’s Cookies. This intimate talk will also include audience Q&A, as well as a book signing. Ticket price includes a copy of Exhibit Opening: Monika Agnello of SETRA ARTES Gallery
Friday, March 6 from 5-7pm
For the month of March, we are delighted to present the work of local artist Monika Agnello of Setra Artes gallery in Westerly in this exhibit titled, I'll Be Right Back.... Opening reception Friday, March 6, from 5-7pm. Exhibit will run through the end of March.
From the artist:These are all the starts.
An accumulation from over the years.
Not one body of work.
These images are the first words of sentences...some may On Our Minds Series: Planned Giving, with Nick Kepple & Beth Leamon
Wednesday, January 29 at 6pm
Join local estate planning attorneys Nicholas Kepple and Elizabeth Leamon to explore how you can create a planned giving strategy that meets your financial and philanthropic goals, maximizes tax benefits, and leaves a meaningful legacy of charitable giving. The program will focus on a discussion of opportunities and gift plans such as wills, revocable trusts, charitable trusts, life insurance, and retirement More Music Series: A Winter's Evening~Romantic TriosFriday, February 7 at 7pm
Join NYC-based chamber musicians violinist Hilary Castle, cellist Ani Kalayjian and pianist Milos Repicky for an evening of romantic, lush and indulgent music for piano trio. This program is the perfect preparation for Valentine’s Day as the incredible works delve into the essence of romanticism in classical music!
Tickets $20. Age 18 and under admitted for free. Cash, check, or credit card accepted at the door.
18 and under More Music: James HarrisFriday, January 31 at 7 pm
Join us for a performance by local guitarist and vocalist James Harris. James is known for his unique and interesting interpretations of well know acoustic classics: Beatles, Stones, Dylan, Neil Young; 80’s and 90’s rock with a jazz influence, and a variety of his own compelling original works.
Tickets $15
18 and under admitted free. Cash, check & credit card accepted at the door.
Cash or check accepted at the door, or visit our website for advance Music Matters: Irish Music in North America
Saturday, January 11 at 5pmShannon Heaton, vocals, wood flute, whistles
Matt Heaton, vocals, guitar, bouzouki, bodhránIrish Music in North AmericaLovely Annie • Mountain Road
Galway Rambler • Lover’s Lament
First Date • Pick the Lock
Cabin Boy • Giant of the Road
LuAnn's Jig • Paulline O'Neill's
Sailing Down Fulton Street • Lily of the West
Botany Bay • 900 Miles • Ormond Sound
Maids of Mitchellstown
McFadden’s Handsome Daughter
Just ten months after Youth Holiday Art Workshop at La Grua CenterSunday, December 15 from 10am-NoonFor the sixth year in a row, La Grua Center and the Stonington Garden Club are pleased to host our Kid’s Holiday Art Workshop! Local artisans will be on hand to help children create ornaments, cards, wreaths and other holiday treats, including a special table with our friends from Yellow Farmhouse Education Center!Drop in from 10am - noon. Open to the public; no registration needed. Younger children must be accompanied by an Music Matters: Cafe Lisboa
Portuguese Fado with Sonia Bettencourt & Guitarras do AtlanticoSaturday, December 14 at 5pm
In what has become a much beloved tradition, Sonia Bettencourt and Guitarras do Atlantico return to delight us with a December Fado performance. Fado is the folk music of Portuguese urban cafés and the ancient ports. It’s a haunting, wistful amalgam of Portuguese, Iberian, North African Arab and black, Moorish, Roma, and Atlantic islands roots. This is more than just the music of the Music Matters: Heartfelt Salon, Intimate Stage
Saturday, November 23 at 5pmSonja Du Toit Tengblad, sopranoEmily Marvosh, contraltoJoseph Turbessi, pianosHearfelt Salon, Intimate StageMiddle-English love song Bryd one brere
Elizabethan songs by Thomas Morley
Handel arias from Ariodante & Judas Maccabeus
trad. Northumberland Blow the Wind Southerly
Jacques Offenbach Barcarolle
Gustav Mahler from Rückert-Lieder
Amy Beach Three Browning Exhibit Openings
Friday, November 8 from 5-7pm (remarks and short video at 5:45)
Saturday, November 9 from 2-4pm (remarks and short video at 3:45)
“Pawcatuck Remembers: 80 Years at the 40 Field Street School”
Pawcatuck Remembers is a student-developed art exhibition and book project capturing snapshots and stories of the school since 1939.
Remarks and short video viewing at 5:45 on Friday and 2:45 on Saturday.
Wine, soft drinks, nibbles, and cafeteria “Candy Cookies.”
Share your own memories and
11th Annual Fine Arts & Crafts FairSaturday, November 16 from 9:30am-3pmNew and returning artisans join us for our 11th annual Holiday Fine Arts and Crafts Show. Bring a friend and get a start on your holiday shopping! Cool Nights Warm Jazz: The Packer Trio with Ian KellyFriday, October 25 at 7pm
The Packer Trio featuring Ian Kelly on drums, Tom Latawiec on bass, and Fred Fagan on guitar, has developed a very eclectic repertoire over the last 19 years. They specialize in jazz standards with a modern approach and a chemistry that only comes from time. The Trio will delight us with Latin, traditional, and some original pieces.
Visit our website for advance ticket sales. Cash, credit card, and check accepted at the door. World Comes to La Grua Series: Lessons Learned from a Year Abroad: Teaching, Traveling, and Learning in Southeast Asia
With Tim FlanaganWednesday, October 16 at 6pm
From teaching poetry in Vietnam to living with Burmese refugees in Thailand, Tim will share photos, stories and lessons learned from a year abroad. Learn how to travel cheaply while immersing yourself in another culture. Ask questions and get inspired to take your own adventure!
Cost: Suggested donation $5
Tim Flanagan teaches social For immediate release:
Sep. 26, 2019
Military Matters: Tidewater Screening and Panel Discussion
as part of the Mystic Film Festival
at La Grua Center
Thursday, October 3 at 6:30pm
As part of the Mystic Film Festival, La Grua Center presents a screening of Tidewater, which explores how rising sea levels affect military readiness
and national security.
Panel discussion immediately following with Roger Sorkin, director; Bob Ross, executive director of the Connecticut Office of Military Affairs;
Friday, September 20 at 7pm
This dynamic group is comprised of some of the sassiest jazz players in the region who keep the room full of lively vibes. The band, featuring Ben Velazquez (bass), Chris Leigh (guitar), Miguel Rios (congas), Steve Marien (saxophone), Rufus Davis (piano), and Luis Rivera (percussion), combines elements of traditional Latin music with an eclectic repertoire of jazz standards and pop/fusion classics.
Tickets $20
18 and under admitted free. Cash, check & credit card accepted at Exhibit Opening: The Whimsical World of Samuel Austin
Friday, September 13 from 5-7pm
Come explore the whimsical world of Colorado artist Samuel Austin in this special partner exhibit with our friends at Curated gallery in Mystic. Exhibit will run through October 2019. Enjoy two openings, one at Curated gallery in Mystic on September 6th from 5-7pm and the other at La Grua on September 13th, 5-7pm. We’ll have bubbly, nibbles, and rum tasting with Real McCoy Rum founders Bailey and Jennifer Pryor. Music Matters: Pianist Olga Vinokur
Saturday, September 14 at 5pmThe Heart & Soul of Russia Program:
Scriabin Etudes, Preludes & a Sonata
Rachmaninoff Études Tableaux, Moments Musicaux
Prokofiev Sarcasms, Op. 17
Kreisler-Rachmaninoff Liebesleid
We often think of Russian pianism as being virtuosic. Russian Late Romantic music does require ferocious technical mastery, but the heart of this celebrated style is its deep lyricism. Among Russian performers gracing the American concert stage today, there is The Town of Stonington will be conducting a Community Conversation 6:30 pm on Thursday, August 29, 2019 at the La Grua Center (32 Water Street, Stonington; lagruacenter.org), about various design solutions to address needs for the South Pier at the Town Dock in Stonington Borough. Community leaders initiated a project to evaluate the condition of the South Pier and develop plans to ensure that this asset is in good repair for the future. The South Pier currently is leased by the Southern New England Music Matters: Meshulan-Kraft, Two PianosSaturday, August 24 at 5pm
Benita Meshulam & Edith Kraft
1886 Chickering concert grand
& 1922 Mason & Hamlin grandBrahms Haydn Variations
Manuel Infante Tres Danzas Andaluzas
Manuel de Falla Danzas españolas, from La Vida Breve
It's taken us a decade to present our first Music Matters piano duo recital: two superb pianists at two exceptional grands. Acclaimed New York pianists Benita Meshulam and Edith Kraft have their own solo and teaching careers, of Stonington Sounds Summer Music Festival Saturday, June 22, starting at 11 a.m.Stonington Sounds is a FREE music festival with concerts happening throughout the day in various outdoor/indoor locations in Stonington Borough anchored at La Grua Center and the Stonington Commons Green adjacent to La Grua Center.
The festival will feature a diverse lineup of musicians from classical to jazz and is scheduled so that audiences can stroll, shop, and dine during breaks in the music.
Audiences are encouraged to
On Our Minds Series: Code Blue Author Mike MageeCo-presented with Bank Square BooksWednesday, June 12 at 6pm
A doctor, medical historian, and former head of Pfizer’s global medical affairs relies on his experience inside the medical establishment to offer a searing and persuasive exposé of the American health care system. Books will be available for sale. Cost: Suggested donation $5
How has the United States, with more resources than any nation, developed a healthcare system that delivers much poorer After a long and cold winter, opening day for guided tours of the Avery-Copp House Museum is Friday, May 24th from 11 am to 3 pm.
We have a full season of events that include a Sea to Table series, Groton Bank Day, Plein Air Painting, a Garden Workshop, a Garden Fairy Tea and a Politics & Fashion lecture.
Our first major event, Sea to Table, is a four-part series focused on Sea Scalloping. There will be three public lectures at the La Grua Center followed by a unique sunset cruise aboard a working Local Treasures Series: The Mohegan Tribe~25 Years Since Federal Recognition, with Mark BrownWednesday, March 6 at 6pmJoin us for an evening with Mark Brown, the only member of the Mohegan Tribe who has served on its Tribal Council continuously since 1995, in conversation with community leader Bill Stanley (Yale-New Haven L+M Hospital). How has the Mohegan Tribe’s growth contributed to our local and state economy, as well as the Tribe’s health and welfare? What does it mean to be a sovereign nation? What
Cool Nights, Warm Jazz: Epitome Jazz BandFriday, January 18 at 7pm
Led by Cedric Mayfield (U.S. Coast Guard Band), this newly formed ensemble, including two other members of the U.S. Coast Guard Band, reaches into a wide range of directions and genres, performing jazz from a variety of styles. In addition to their own originally composed music, Epitome plays everything from Bach to traditional jazz, Stevie Wonder to Coldplay, James Bond to Sesame Street, and everything in between—all with their own
Special 10th Anniversary Event
Acclaimed Russian Pianist to Perform at La Grua Center
Saturday, October 13, at 5 p.m.
Sunday, October 14, at 3 p.m.
Tickets: $25 available online and at the door. Open to the public.
Celebrating 10 Years of Performances
In celebration of the tenth anniversary of its signature Music Matters Concert Series, La Grua Center welcomes acclaimed Russian pianist Yury Martynov for two concerts on October 13 and 14.
Yury Martynov, professor at the prestigious Moscow Steve Benjamin: A Lifetime Of Sailing Around the World
Join New England Science & Sailing Foundation for an evening with 2015's Rolex US Yachtsman of the Year and Olympic Silver medalist, Steve "Benj" Benjamin. Benj has competed at the highest level in international sailing competitions and will share his experiences and life lessons from his journey.
Benj has spent the past five decades sailing in the front of the fleet. Having sailed in boats of all sizes, he has spent his life sailing around the
Wednesday, September 12 at 6 p.m.
$5 Suggested Donation
Native Americans in SE New England, with Jason Mancini
Beyond Reservation: Indian Survival in Southern New England
There are roughly nine million acres of land in southern New England. The process of colonization by Europeans was so rapid and thorough that by the American Revolution, Indians in this region collectively possessed less than 30,000 acres. This presentation provides an overview of how Indians and their communities responded to land 2015's Rolex US Yachtsman of the Year/Olympian Steve Benjamin Comes to Stonington
Stonington, CT – Join New England Science & Sailing Foundation for an evening with 2015's Rolex US Yachtsman of the Year and Olympic Silver medalist, Steve "Benj" Benjamin. Benj has competed at the highest level in international sailing competitions and will share his experiences and life lessons from his journey.
Benj has spent the past five decades sailing in the front of the fleet. Having sailed in boats of all sizes,
As I write, I’m feeling the dog days of August, a phrase that comes from the sultry weather associated with Sirius, the Dog Star, which usually rises with the sun during the hottest days of summer. Happily, respite can be found on a few select evenings this month here at La Grua Center.
Create the Vote: The above image shows WTNH-TV’s Ann Nyberg moderating a forum with five gubernatorial candidates discussing the arts, culture, and the economy sponsored by the CT Arts Alliance (La Grua was among the
Stonington Sounds Summer Music Festival Saturday, June 23 starting at 11amStonington Sounds is a free music festival with concerts happening throughout the day in various outdoor/indoor locations in Stonington Borough anchored at La Grua Center and the Stonington Commons Green adjacent to La Grua Center.
The festival will feature a diverse lineup of musicians from classical to jazz and is scheduled so that audiences can stroll, shop, and dine during breaks in the music.
Audiences are encouraged to park
Thursday, April 26, at 6 p.m.
Suggested Donation: $5
Celebrating 150 Years of Naval Submarine Base New London
As part of its Military Matters Lecture Series, La Grua Center presents a talk with Capt. Paul Whitescarver, commanding officer of Naval Submarine Base New London. He will discuss a little of the base’s history, but even more importantly, bring us up to date with the base’s mission and role today in an ever-changing world of budget appropriations and shifting foreign allegiances. Q&A and Alexis Dudden, PhD, UConn, presents Northeast Asia at the Crossroads?
When: Thursday, April 12, 2018, 5:30pm reception, 6:00pm presentationWhere: Lyme-Old Lyme Middle SchoolThe Topic: Today’s fluid and complex situation in Northeast Asia with a special emphasis on Korea.Presenter: Alexis Dudden, PhD, Professor of History at the University of Connecticut Dinner: Following the presentation, join Alexis, guests, and fellow members for a delicious meal at Old Lyme Country Club. $35/person.
A reservation for
Stonington, CT – As part of our Military Matters Lecture Series, on Wednesday, August 16, at 6 p.m., La Grua Center will present a talk with CT Office of Military Affairs Executive Director Bob Ross, who will give an overview of Connecticut’s partnerships, programs and investments to support the state’s defense industries, prepare for the next round of Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) and enhance quality of life for service members and their families. Q&A to follow.
This new lecture series launched in Stonington Sounds Summer Music Festival Saturday, June 3 starting at 10am
Stonington Sounds is a free music festival with concerts happening throughout the day in various outdoor/indoor locations in Stonington Borough anchored at La Grua Center and the Stonington Commons Green adjacent to La Grua Center.
The festival will feature a diverse lineup of musicians from classical to jazz and is scheduled so that attendees can shop and dine during breaks in the music.
Audiences are encouraged to park in public Eastern CT – Participants of the newly established C.O.R.E. (Calendar of Regional Events) project announce outreach meetings to be held on May 24, 25, 31 and June 1 at various venues across the region to provide information about and a demonstration of this new regional calendar tool. Representatives of the participating agencies will be on hand at each meeting to preview the regional calendar and answer questions.Informational Meetings:Norwich: May 24, 4 PM Otis Library Community Room, NorwichStonington: SECT Women's Network Presents Wendy Bury,
Director of SECT Cultural CoalitionMay 20th Luncheon
The Southeastern CT Women’s Network will hold its May luncheon at 11:30 am, Wednesday, May 20th at the Holiday Inn on Governor Winthrop Boulevard in New London. The program will feature the Southeastern Connecticut Cultural Coalition’s Executive Director, Wendy Bury. Reservations required. For more information and to register, visit www.sectwomensnetwork.org.
Executive Director Wendy Bury will speak about
Special Announcement Regarding La Grua Executive Director Departure
Halloween/ Dia de los Muertos Youth Art at La Grua Center
ECSO / Lyman Allyn Art Museum Garden concert featuring the Trombones of the ECSO (TECSO)
ECSO/ Lyman Allyn Art Museum Garden Concert
Music Matters: Pianist Eric Clark
American Writer Jonathan Taplin at La Grua Center
Children's Concert with Ms. Bergin at Wadawanuck Square
Music Matters: Homage to Bach Piano Duos at La Grua Center
La Grua Center: 12th Annual Stonington Artists Show
Speaker Kyndra Joi on Gullah Folklore and Stories from La Grua Center
Local Treasures Series Sift Bakery's Adam Young at La Grua Center
Summer Outdoor Concerts on the Green at La Grua Center
La Grua Center Exhibit & Talk: Architect and Artist Thomas Norton May 27
Virtual Chat with Author Randy Bean from La Grua Center on May 12
La Grua Center: Reopening- What you need to know
Chelsea Groton Bank Marks Year Defined by Pandemic As ‘Record’ In Every Way
Music Matters YouTube ~ Bach & Britten Cello Suites featuring Gabriel Cabezas from La Grua Center
On Our Minds Series Virtual Chat: Coping with COVID from La Grua Center
Music Matters YouTube ~ Liszt, The Years of Pilgrimage from La Grua Center
La Grua Center presents: Creative Flow Workshop with Phil Weaver Stoesz
La Grua Center Mail Art Project
Expressiones Culture Center to Exhibit at La Grua Center
Music Matters on YouTube: Bach, Chopin & Shostakovich from La Grua Center
Virtual Q&A on the COVID Vaccine from La Grua Center
Virtual Chat: Crime Writers of Color from La Grua Center
Music Matters on YouTube: Schumann Chamber Duos from La Grua Center
New Exhibit: Artists Respond to Crisis (ARCLove)
Free Virtual Youth Holiday Greens Workshop from La Grua Center
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154 non-profit arts organizations to receive $9 million
Virtual Panel Discussion Dec 2: Race Relations & Religion: The Faith Community Responds
Virtual chat with A Call to Arts filmmakers from La Grua Center November 11
Music Matters on YouTube: Classical-era Chamber Music by Haydn & Mozart October 24
La Grua Center Presents Stories of Resilience: Encountering Racism October 7
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In Conversation with Writer & Journalist Connie Shultz from La Grua Center
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The Connecticut Office of the Arts announced the recipients of the FY21 Supporting Arts grants program
Sesame Street Puppeteer Pam Arciero at La Grua Center
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La Grua Center presents: Support the Arts WIN WIN Online Auction
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La Grua Center's Annual Stonington Artist Show Goes Virtual
Music Matters on YouTube: Harpsichord Concert with Elena Zamolodchikova
Brahms & Shumann Concert at La Grua Center begin July 6
Good Stories Well Told: Journalist Tom Verde at La Grua June 24
Virtual Happy Hour with Kristoff the Magician at La Grua June 12
Live stream chat with Julie Wernau, Wall Street Journal
Music from Scandanavia & the Shetlands at La Grua Center
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Cookbook Author Dorie Greenspan at La Grua Center
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Exhibit Opening- Monika Agnello of SERTA ARTES Gallery at La Grua Center
Planning Giving Talk With Nick Kepple And Beth Leamon at La Grua Center
Romantic Trios Concert at La Grua Center February 7
An Acoustic Evening with Guitarist and Songwriter James Harris at La Grua Center
Shannon & Matt Heaton at La Grua Center January 11
Youth Holiday Art at La Grua Center
Portuguese Fado Concert at La Grua Center December 14
Soprano, Contralto, and Piano concert at La Grua Center
Exhibit: Pawcatuck Remembers - 80 Years of the Field Street School
11th Annual Fine Arts & Crafts Fair at La Grua Center
Packer Trio at La Grua Center
Lessons Learned from a Year Abroad: Teaching, Traveling, and Learning in Southeast Asia
Tidewater: Screening and Panel Discussion at La Grua Center
Cool Nights, Warm Jazz with Latin Essence Quartet at La Grua Center
Colorado Artist Samuel Austin at La Grua Center
Pianist Olga Vinokar at La Grua Center
South Pier Alternatives Considered
Two Piano Concert at La Grua Center
Free Stonington Sounds Summer Music Festival This Saturday, June 22
Pfizer's Former Head of Global Medical Affairs Takes a Searing Look at America’s Health Care System at La Grua Center
Avery-Copp House Museum 2019 Season Begins May 24
Mark Brown of The Mohegan Tribe to Speak at La Grua Center March 6 - 25 Years Since Federal Recognition
La Grua Presents Epitome Jazz, Featuring 3 U.S. Coast Guard Band Members
La Grua Center Presents Acclaimed Russian Pianist Oct. 13-14
NESS Hosts Yachtsman Steve Benjamin Sept 20 in Stonington
CT Humanities Director Jason Mancini to Speak at La Grua Center September 12
World Class Sailor Giving Presentation in Stonington
Notes from the La Grua Center's Director's Desk - Aug 2018
4th Annual Stonington Sounds Free Summer Music Festival Saturday, June 23
Naval Submarine Base Commander to Speak at La Grua Center April 26
SECWAC Presents 'Northeast Asia at the Crossroads' April 12 in Old Lyme
CT Office of Military Affairs Executive Director Bob Ross to Speak at La Grua Center August 16
3rd Annual Stonington Sounds Free Summer Music Festival - Saturday, June 3
Introducing CORE: A Shared Calendar of Regional Events
SECT Women's Women's Network to Host May 20 Luncheon
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