Monday 12-31-18 Jive (NYE)

Good evening, it's Monday, December 31st, New Year’s Eve! This is the Jive at Five, our daily community calendar and rundown of nighttime programming here on 88.1 FM WESU Middletown. By day, WESU offers talk radio from NPR and Pacifica, as well as independent and local public affairs sources. Weeknights and weekends our student and community volunteers bring you the best in free-form programming.

In recognition of and to encourage community support for WESU, The Jewett Center for Community Partnerships at Wesleyan University is now matching all donations dollar for dollar until 1/1 to raise the money needed to meet our goal and close out our winter pledge drive.

Right now we are less than $2,500 away from closing this pledge drive!  Every dollar counts and if we take full advantage of this matching gift, we can close this drive with less than $1,250 in new donations. If our unique mix of programming keeps you coming back to WESU, please make a donation today and double your contribution online at www.wesufm.org/pledge  where you can also see our great thank you gifts or download a pledge form that you can send in the mail.

Thanks for joining us on this New Year’s Eve!

I'm Maria Johnson, producer and host of Reasonably Catholic: Keeping the Faith, which airs every first, third and fifth Tuesday, from 4 to right before the Jive at Five. Tomorrow, for the third year in a row, we devote our first episode to the birds! A few days before Christmas, I went out with members of the CT Audubon Society on their annual Christmas bird count, one of the nation's longest standing citizen science efforts. It was a magical experience. Make sure to tune in till the end, when a particularly wonderful bird and I have a long moment of spiritual communion! Can't listen live? Find the audio posted afterward at reasonablycatholic.com.

Here's some of what's happening in our area as we close out 2018 and take a peek at what 2019 has in store!

In New Haven, Café Nine’s "FULLY LOADED" NEW YEARS EVE CABARET WITH ROBIN BANKS and friends is SOLD OUT. The Nine is closed for news years day and reopens Wednesday with a night f Americana featuring CHARLIE STEVENS, STEPH SERENITA, and ROB GLASSMAN. Thursday at Café Nine, there’s a triple bill featuring DEATH SADDLE SYNDICATE, STRAWBERRY CHEESESTEAK, and OIL THROUGH THE BONES. Café nine’s 5pm Friday Happy Hour brings LONESOME BILLY'S NEW YEAR ROCK-A-THON. Café Nine’s weekly Saturday afternoon Jazz Jam Session is with MIKE COPPOLA AND FRIENDS and Saturday night at Café Nine, BAG presents Culture showcase featuring Tenzoten, Twin Bodega, Tazz, Legacy Rose and more. Sunday’s afternoon at 3pm,  AIM Productions, Cafe Nine and CygnusRadio.com present "The Sunday Buzz" Matinee LOCAPALOOZA 5 - PREVIEW WITH THE PODUNK THROWBACKS AND SISTER FUNK. Sunday night there’s more music at The Nine with PEARL SUGAR, Sinecera, and Xavier Serrano. http://www.cafenine.com/  

Russell Library in Middletown has closed early today and will not be reopen until Wednesday. Wednesday eve you can join the Scrabble Wednesday group and the Job group meets at 10am on Friday. In The Lobby and Second Floor Galleries, you can experience the art exhibit: New Land, New Art (Immigrant Artists), featuring the work of 7 immigrants.  www.russelllibrary.org

Up in Hartford The Black-Eyed Sally’s, New Years eve event features The MIGHTY SOUL DRIVERS with several options to particioate. On Tuesday nights Sally’s presents Michael Palin’s Other Orchestra live on stage. Friday night DIANE BLUE- FEAT. NEAL VITULLO take the Sally’s stage and Saturday night t=you can catch The FRANKLIN BROTHERS- STEELY DAN TRIBUTE http://www.blackeyedsallys.com/

Toad’s Place in New Haven invites you to celebrate NEW YEAR’S EVE with MAX CREEK and Creamery Station, before they close their doors for a week.  www.toadsplace.com

In Middletown, The Buttonwood Tree reopens on with Bob Gotta’s long running acoustic open mic. Friday evening Story City Troupe presents a program called “Storytellers Choice”. Saturday evening you can enjoy an evening of jazz with the Bad Slax Jazz Quartet. www.buttonwood.org

Middletown Arts & Culture Office wants you to know that the Skating Rink in Harbor Park is open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm. www.facebook.com/CityArtsOffice/

Throughout dowtown Hartford, The family-friendly First Night Hartford includes two fireworks shows in Bushnell Park at 6 PM and 12 AM, tons of multi-cultural activities at various venues, events, and performances, with a Grand Procession leading up to the 6pm firework display. The Hartford Jazz Orchestra performs at Arch Street Tavern tonight. WeHartford teams up with Republic at the Linden to bring you more NYE options featuring two floors of entertainment and two stages of live music, featuring The Professors of Sweet, Sweet Music -The POSSM, One Time Weekend, and an acoustic set by Mike Suddes and more! City Steam Brewery and the Brew HaHa Comedy Club Present: 2019 New Year Celebration tonight. More details and more Hartford events at www.hartford.com

Back down in New Haven, tonight, The Statehouse offers Flappers & Freaks: A New Year's Eve Masquerade Party. Thursday night at The Statehouse welcomes Legendary guitar player from the the NIGER desert, Mdou Moctar. Rob Noyes, Major Stars are also on the bill. Friday night, Falconeer, Stereo Off, Dj Darkglobe, & Dj Brancatt make for a night of Synth pop, electro rock, and 80s dance jams at The Statehouse and Saturday at you can catch Underground System, with Chad Browne-Springer. Sunday afternoon Pete Greco hosts a Sunday afternoon gathering of Blues n’ Brisket. https://statehousepresents.com/

Friday at 5pm at Perkatory Coffee Roasters in Middletown Providence based artist and CT native Jeremy Schilling will be hosting the opening for the new exhibit “The Overview Effect”. This event is Free to the public. Perkatory Coffee Roasters is located at 725 Main St Unit 23, Middletown, CT 06457 (adjacent to the Eli Canons parking lot ) perkatoryroasters.com for more info on upcoming events.

Tonight Infinity Hall Norfolk presents a New Year’s eve bash with NRBQ.  Ther’s an open mic in the bistro on Thursday and Friday brings a night of Americana with Driftwood. The Adam Ezra group performs at Infinty Norfolk on Saturday. Tonight, Infinity Hall NArtford brings in the New Year with Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals - NYE Celebration! Saturday at Infinity Hartford you can catch the cast of Beatlemania.

www.infinityhall.com

Now here's a rundown of cinema off the beaten track in Central Connecticut:

Hartford’s Real Art Ways continues screenings of three films through Thursday. “At Eternity’s Gate,” is a biopic of Vincent van Gogh. You can also catch Loving Vincent, the world’s first fully oil painted feature film as well as “The World Before Your Feet,” a documentary about walking through all five boroughs of New York City. Friday, Real Art Ways opens Feww Solos and Bathtubs Over Broadway. Real Art Ways is closed on Christmas Day. Check the website for details of upcoming events and screening times. www.realartways.org

Trinity College’s Cinestudio in Hartford is closed until mid-January for the installation of new seats. Check the website for updates.  http://www.cinestudio.org/

Here's the rundown of tonight’s lineup here on WESU 88.1 FM Middletown:

Right after the jive at Five, Stick around for Afternoon Jazz with Charles Henry.

At 630pm, stay tuned for the Rumpus Room with Lord Lewis for 90 minutes of contemporary and vintage Soul, Funk, Duub-reggae, and latin dance floor grooves.   

Chip Austin’s Unfocused folks takes over for 90 minutes from 8-9:30 before we clear the way for Franco’s Studio 54 New Year’s Eve special featuring Italian and American disco and dancefloor hits from the 70’s and 80’s with a live countdown to 2019!

Then at 2:30 it’s time for Rootsworld Radio offering an hour of music from around the world and sometimes our own backyard.

at 3:30 its time for original radio drama on Nutmeg junction.

each weekday at 4am WESU kicks off our public affairs programs with the BBC world report and followed by a mix of daily NPR and weekly specialty programs from Pacifica.

In recognition of and to encourage community support for WESU, The Jewett Center for Community Partnerships at Wesleyan University is now matching all donations dollar for dollar through 1/1! Right now we are less than $2,500 away from closing this pledge drive! That means that we can close out this pledge drive with less than $1,250 in donations! Every dollar counts and if you have yet to do your part, we need to hear from you!

If our unique mix of programming keeps you coming back to WESU, please make a donation today and double your contribution online at www.wesufm.org/pledge  where you can also see our great thank you gifts or download a pledge form that you can send in the mail.

Thanks for listening and stay tuned for afternoon Jazz with Charles Henry up next!

Be safe out there and Happy New Year!

Friday 12-28-18 Jive

Good evening, it's Friday, December 28th. This is the Jive at Five, our daily community calendar and rundown of nighttime programming here on 88.1 FM WESU Middletown. By day, WESU offers talk radio from NPR and Pacifica, as well as independent and local public affairs sources. Weeknights and weekends our student and community volunteers bring you the best in free-form programming.

I’m Ben Michael Thanx for joining us!

In recognition of and to encourage community support for WESU, The Jewett Center for Community Partnerships at Wesleyan University is now matching all donations until we raise the money needed to meet our goal and close out our winter pledge drive.

That means we need you to help us raise the final $3,750 dollars needed to wrap up this pledge drive and close out our calendar year on good footing.  

With a dollar for dollar matching pledge in effect right now, every dollar counts and we need to hear from you! If our unique mix of programming keeps you coming back to WESU, please make a donation today and double your contribution online at www.wesufm.org/pledge  where you can also see our great thank you gifts or download a pledge form that you can send in the mail. And if you've already donated, thanx!!

Here's some of what's happening in our area this week:

This evening at 6pm, Perkatory Coffee Roasters in Middletown invites you to catch The Cold East Sessions: An evening of vibrant folk music featuring Montana artist The Organism, and The Forest Room. Free to the public. Perkatory Coffee Roasters is located at 725 Main St Unit 23, Middletown, CT 06457 (adjacent to the Eli Canons parking lot ) www.perkatoryroasters.com  for more info

In New Haven, tonight at Café Nine, their 5pm Friday Happy Hour set spotlights The Buttondowns, and later tonight at Café Nine you can atch The Paul Collins Beat and The Right Offs. Café Nine’s weekly Saturday afternoon Jazz Jam Session is with Thomas Ice, and Saturday night David Wax Museum, Dr. Caterwaul’s Cadre of Clairvoyant Claptraps, and Brian Dunne share a bill at The nine. They round out the weekend on Sunday with the Seth Adam Band and Still Rivers for the Matinée show, followed by the Classic Café Nine Blues Jam with the George Lesiw Band Sunday evening. http://www.cafenine.com/   

Also happening tonight in New Haven, The Statehouse offer a benefit for LEAP Inc with Call It Arson, with Giles Corey, Planning For Burial, and Dirt Devil, raising money to increase education opportunities for New Haven youth. https://statehousepresents.com/

In Middletown, tonight at The Buttonwood Tree, The Anne Marie Menta Band takes the stage. Saturday morning’s weekly Aligned with Source Workshop theme is Being The One & Many. Saturday evening at The Buttonwood, you can enjoy jazz vocalist Deborah Davis. www.buttonwood.org

Up in Hartford at Black-Eyed Sally’s onight’s headliner is the blues/rock guitarist Murray the Wheel, featuring vocalist Cheryl Tracy.  You can enjoy blues harp burner Dave Robbins on Saturday when Kosher Kid & The Incredible Amplifires takes Sally’s stage. http://www.blackeyedsallys.com/  

Tonight Toad’s Place in New Haven features Riders On The Storm, Electric Lady Band, and more.  On Saturday, you can catch Badfish: A Tribute to Sublime, along with Roots of Creation and The Elovaters. www.toadsplace.com

At The Russell Library in Middletown, there’s Yoga in the Hubbard Room Saturday morning. Visit the website for kids’ events and details on offerings for patrons of all ages. www.russelllibrary.org

Middletown Arts & Culture Office wants you to know that the Skating Rink in Harbor Park is open on this this Saturday, and Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm. www.facebook.com/CityArtsOffice/

Tonight, It’s Michele’s Salsa Night at the Hartford Ballroom and you can catch The Nick De Maria Quartet performing at the Hanging Hills Brewery in Hartford, tonight as well.  There’s also free ice skating in Bushnell Park seven days a week.  Champions Skating Center offers free instructions on Saturdays. www.hartford.com for more info

Infinity Hall Hartford brings Big Al Anderson & The Floor Models to the stage tonight, featuring Jim Chapdelanie, Lorne Entress, and Paul Kochanski. Saturday, you can enjoy blues and rock with Southside Johnny and the Asbury Julkes. At Infinity Norfolk, you can catch the Big Al Anderson show on Saturday in case you missed it in Hartford. www.infinityhall.com

Cherry Street Station in Wallingford presents Mourn the Youth: Amanda Jean’s Birthday Bash tonight with performances by Continuum, Dark Ritual, Plague of Serpents, and Insano vision. Tomorrow/Saturday you can catch Jade Zero, Treebeard, and Hosemen. Details at www.facebook.com/CherryStreetStation

At the Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore in Middletown, there’s a Story Time Kids’ Event on Saturday morning, and on in the evening you’re invited to Philosophy Night. www.wesleyanrjjulia.com

Now here's a rundown of cinema off the beaten track in Central Connecticut:

Hartford’s Real Art Ways continues their run of “At Eternity’s Gate,” a biopic of Vincent van Gogh, along with a special return engagement of Loving Vincent, the world’s first fully oil painted feature film. Tonight, they open “The World Before Your Feet,” a documentary about walking through all five boroughs of New York City.  details of upcoming events and screening times. www.realartways.org

Trinity College’s Cinestudio in Hartford is closed until mid-January for the installation of new seats. Check the website for updates.  http://www.cinestudio.org/

Here's the rundown of tonight’s lineup here on WESU 88.1 FM Middletown:

right after the jive at Five, Jack Sullivan of Cruisers Radio show fills in for a 3 hrs of talk, music, and nostalgia.

After that from 7-8:30 it’s the Universal Sound Wave with Sista Queen T – a wide range of music 8:30-10 features Permanent Collection with Chris. Non-toxic.

From 10 - 11:30, DJ Cocomotion and the Music Mixologist present Strictly Off the Head. A live mixshow done on the fly or freestyle, no pre planned playlist mixes or blends. R&B, old school, hip hop, rap, and house.

from 11:30 3  OVERDRIVE with Clarence and Shantay Scott. present a unique mix of contemporary and triditional christian music.

Rounding out the night from 3-5 am it’s Louisiana Barn dance with classic country, western swing, hillbilly, rockabilly, and Americana music.

If you have yet to support the WESU Winter pledge drive, please consider giving the gift of WESU this holiday season, please consider joining the 200 listeners who’ve already stepped up to the plate.

In recognition of and to encourage community support for WESU, The Jewett Center for Community Partnerships at Wesleyan University is now matching all donations until we raise the money needed to meet our goal and close out our winter pledge drive.

That means we need you to help us raise the final $3,750 dollars needed to wrap up this pledge drive and close out our calendar year on good footing.

With a dollar for dollar matching pledge in effect right now, every dollar counts and we need to hear from you! If our unique mix of programming keeps you coming back to WESU, please make a donation today and double your contribution online at www.wesufm.org/pledge  where you can also see our great thank you gifts or download a pledge form that you can send in the mail. And if you've already donated, thanx!! That's all for today's Jive at Five. Join us every weekday at 4:55pm for a daily update of happenings in central CT!

That’s all for today’s Jive at Five. Thanks to those of you who’ve already made a donation and thanks in in advance to those of you who will help us close out this pledge drive, before the year’s end.

Thursday 12-27-18 Jive

Good evening, it's Thursday, December 27th. This is the Jive at Five, our daily community calendar and rundown of nighttime programming here on 88.1 FM WESU Middletown. By day, WESU offers talk radio from NPR and Pacifica, as well as independent and local public affairs sources. Weeknights and weekends our student and community volunteers bring you the best in free-form programming.

I’m Ben Michael Thanx for joining us!

In recognition of and to encourage community support for WESU, The Jewett Center for Community Partnerships at Wesleyan University is now matching all donations dollar for dollar until we raise the money needed to meet our goal and close out our winter pledge drive.

That means need you to help us raise the final $4500 dollars needed to wrap up this pledge drive and close out our calendar year on good footing.

Every dollar counts and we need to hear from you! If our unique mix of programming keeps you coming back to WESU, please make a donation today and double your contribution online at www.wesufm.org/pledge  where you can also see our great thank you gifts or download a pledge form that you can send in the mail. And if you've already donated, thanx!!

Here's some of what's happening in our area this week:

In New Haven, tonight at Café Nine, Christine Ohlman & Rebel Montez, take the stage along with The Bandidos. Café Nine’s 5pm Friday Happy Hour set spotlights The Buttondowns, followed and the Friday night main event features The Paul Collins Beat and The Right Offs. Café Nine’s weekly Saturday afternoon Jazz Jam Session is with Thomas Ice, and Saturday night brings David Wax Museum, Dr. Caterwaul’s Cadre of Clairvoyant Claptraps, and Brian Dunne to The nine. They round out the weekend on Sunday with the Seth Adam Band and Still Rivers for the Matinée show, followed by the Classic Café Nine Blues Jam with the George Lesiw Band Sunday evening. http://www.cafenine.com/   

Also happening tonight in New Haven, The Statehouse offer a mash-up of funk, 2nd line, jazz, blues, and soulful singing with support from local world beat heroes featuring Nardy Boy with The Lost Tribe. Friday night at The Statehouse you can catch a benefit for LEAP Inc with Call It Arson, with Giles Corey, Planning For Burial, and Dirt Devil, raising money to increase education opportunities for New Haven youth. https://statehousepresents.com/

In Middletown, tonight, The Buttonwood Tree  hosts the Middlesex Drum Circle. The Anne Marie Menta Band takes the Buttonwood Tree stage Friday night, and Saturday morning’s weekly Aligned with Source Workshop theme is Being The One & Many. Saturday evening you can enjoy jazz vocalist Deborah Davis. www.buttonwood.org

Up in Hartford at Black-Eyed Sally’s, Liviu’s International comes your way on Thursday with Petey Hop. Friday’s headliner is the blues/rock guitarist Murray the Wheel, featuring vocalist Cheryl Tracy.  You can enjoy blues harp burner Dave Robbins on Saturday when Kosher Kid & The Incredible Amplifires takes Sally’s stage. http://www.blackeyedsallys.com/  

Toad’s Place in New Haven headlines Lloyd Banks on Thursday, and on Friday it’s Riders On The Storm, appearing with the Electric Lady Band, Just a Pipe Dream, and more.  On Saturday, you can catch Badfish: A Tribute to Sublime, along with Roots of Creation and The Elovaters. www.toadsplace.com

The Russell Library in Middletown, there’s Crafts for Adults on Friday morning, and in the afternoon you can enjoy a screening of the animated film “Sergeant Stubby: An American Hero.” Yoga in the Hubbard Room comes your way Saturday morning. Visit the website for kids’ events and details on offerings for patrons of all ages. www.russelllibrary.org

Middletown Arts & Culture Office wants you to know that the Skating Rink in Harbor Park is open on this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm. www.facebook.com/CityArtsOffice/

Tonight, Hartford Underground invites you to their Thursday swing dance throwdown at the Polish National Home of Hartford. It’s Michele’s Salsa Night on Friday at the Hartford Ballroom. The Nick De Maria Quartet performs at the Hanging Hills Brewery on Friday. There’s also free ice skating in Bushnell Park seven days a week.  Champions Skating Center offers free instructions on Saturdays. Details on these events and more at www.hartford.com

Friday 12/28 at 6pm at Perkatory Coffee Roasters in Middletown you can catch The Cold East Sessions: An evening of vibrant folk featuring Montana artist The Organism, and also featuring The Forest Room. Free to the public. Perkatory Coffee Roasters is located at 725 Main St Unit 23, Middletown, CT 06457 (adjacent to the Eli Canons parking lot )

perkatoryroasters.com  for more info on upcoming events.

Infinity Hall Hartford brings pop/rock to the stage on Friday with Big Al Anderson & The Floor Models, featuring Jim Chapdelanie, Lorne Entress, and Paul Kochanski. Saturday, enjoy blues and rock with Southside Johnny and the Asbury Julkes. At Infinity Norfolk, it’s Open Mic Night in the bistro on Thursday, and you can catch the Big Al Anderson show on Saturday in case you missed it in Hartford. www.infinityhall.com

Cherry Street Station in Wallingford presents Mourn the Youth: Amanda Jean’s Birthday Bash this Friday with performances by Continuum, Dark Ritual, Plague of Serpents, and Insano vision. On Saturdy you can catch Jade Zero, Treebeard, and Hosemen. Details at www.facebook.com/CherryStreetStation

At the Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore in Middletown, there’s a Story Time Kids’ Event on Saturday morning, and on in the evening you’re invited to Philosophy Night. www.wesleyanrjjulia.com

Now here's a rundown of cinema off the beaten track in Central Connecticut:

Tonight, Hartford’s Real Art Ways ends teir run of  “Mirai,” an animated film of love by Mamoru Hosada. tey continue thier run of “At Eternity’s Gate,” a biopic of Vincent van Gogh, along with a special return engagement of Loving Vincent, the world’s first fully oil painted feature film. Friday they open “The World Before Your Feet,” a documentary about walking through all five boroughs of New York City.  details of upcoming events and screening times. www.realartways.org

Trinity College’s Cinestudio in Hartford is closed until mid-January for the installation of new seats. Check the website for updates.  http://www.cinestudio.org/

Here's the rundown of tonight’s lineup here on WESU 88.1 FM Middletown:

Right after the Jive, stay tuned for Homegrown with Rob DeRosa, The award winning Connecticut Connected Music Show, Playing Connecticut connected artists of multiple genres ofen featuring pre-release material and in-studio interviews with artists as well as information about live shows in the area.

From 6 – 8:00 it's Imagine with Karen Stein. Offering Peace through music where you can Listen to the best music from around the world and around the block!

  

From 8 - 9:30 it's Evening Jazz with Bill Denert. A broad range of swing, be bop and avante garde with a sprinkling of new releases, where “Hearing is the best experience.”

And from  9:30PM-12:30AM  Unique Chiffon is in the house  with a mix of roots and contemporary reggae mixed with RnB.

From 12:30AM-3AM Franco Liseo is in the house for his studio 54 disco mix of italian and american dance music frmo the 70s and 80s.

From 3-4 it’s the hour of slack, featuring Church of the SubGenius radio and stage shows, bands, ranters, media barrage collage artists, and selections from the indie audio underground created by various subgenii and others.

The BBC World News comes on board at 4 followed by Morning Edition from NPR at 5.

In recognition of and to encourage community support for WESU, The Jewett Center for Community Partnerships at Wesleyan University is now matching all donations dollar for dollar until we raise the money needed to meet our goal and close out our winter pledge drive.

That means we are less than $5K away from closing this pledge drive!

Every dollar counts and we need to hear from you! If our unique mix of programming keeps you coming back to WESU, please make a donation today and double your contribution online at www.wesufm.org/pledge   where you can also see our great thank you gifts or download a pledge form that you can send in the mail.

 That's all for today's Jive at Five. Join us every weekday at 4:55pm for a daily update of happenings in central CT!

Thanx for listening! Now stay tuned for homegrown with Rob DeRosa

Weds 12-26-18 Jive

Good evening, it's Wednesday, December 26th. This is the Jive at Five, our daily community calendar and rundown of nighttime programming here on 88.1 FM WESU Middletown. By day, WESU offers talk radio from NPR and Pacifica, as well as independent and local public affairs sources. Weeknights and weekends our student and community volunteers bring you the best in free-form programming.

I’m Bill Denert, producer and host of Thursday night's Evening Jazz where "hearing is the best experience" and Connecticut's number 1 Washington Nationals fan! Thanx for joining us!

In recognition of and to encourage community support for WESU, The Jewett Center for Community Partnerships at Wesleyan University is now matching all donations dollar for dollar until we raise the money needed to meet our goal and close out our winter pledge drive.

That means we are less than $5K away from closing this pledge drive!

Every dollar counts and we need to hear from you! If our unique mix of programming keeps you coming back to WESU, please make a donation today and double your contribution online at www.wesufm.org/pledge  where you can also see our great thank you gifts or download a pledge form that you can send in the mail. And if you've already donated, thanx!!

Here's some of what's happening in our area this week:

In New Haven, Café Nine presents their monthly Words & Music, event tonight/Wednesday. Thursday at the Nine, Christine Ohlman & Rebel Montez, take the stage along with The Bandidos. Café Nine’s 5pm Friday Happy Hour set spotlights The Buttondowns, followed and the Friday night main event features The Paul Collins Beat and The Right Offs. Café Nine’s weekly Saturday afternoon Jazz Jam Session is with Thomas Ice, and Saturday night brings David Wax Museum, Dr. Caterwaul’s Cadre of Clairvoyant Claptraps, and Brian Dunne to The nine. They round out the weekend on Sunday with the Seth Adam Band and Still Rivers for the Matinée show, followed by the Classic Café Nine Blues Jam with the George Lesiw Band Sunday evening. http://www.cafenine.com/  

The Russell Library in Middletown hosts the monthly Connecticut Poetry Society meeting this evening/Wednesday at 5. Their weekly Scrabble session also happens this evening/Wednesday. There’s Crafts for Adults on Friday morning, and in the afternoon you can enjoy a screening of the animated film “Sergeant Stubby: An American Hero.” Yoga in the Hubbard Room comes your way Saturday morning. Visit the website for kids’ events and details on offerings for patrons of all ages. www.russelllibrary.org

Up in Hartford at Black-Eyed Sally’s, their weekly Wednesday night Blues Jam features Tim McDonald. Liviu’s International comes your way on Thursday with Petey Hop. Friday’s headliner is the blues/rock guitarist Murray the Wheel, featuring vocalist Cheryl Tracy.  You can enjoy blues harp burner Dave Robbins on Saturday when Kosher Kid & The Incredible Amplifires takes Sally’s stage. http://www.blackeyedsallys.com/ 

Toad’s Place in New Haven headlines Lloyd Banks on Thursday, and on Friday it’s Riders On The Storm, appearing with the Electric Lady Band, Just a Pipe Dream, and more.  On Saturday, you can catch Badfish: A Tribute to Sublime, along with Roots of Creation and The Elovaters. www.toadsplace.com

In Middletown, The Buttonwood Tree opens on Thursday to host the Middlesex Drum Circle. The Anne Marie Menta Band takes the Buttonwood Tree stage Friday night, and Saturday morning’s weekly Aligned with Source Workshop theme is Being The One & Many. Saturday evening you can enjoy jazz vocalist Deborah Davis. www.buttonwood.org

Middletown Arts & Culture Office wants you to know that the Skating Rink in Harbor Park is open on this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm. www.facebook.com/CityArtsOffice/

The Holiday Light Fantasia drive-through at Goodwin Park in Hartford is open, and there’s free ice skating in Bushnell Park seven days a week.  Champions Skating Center offers free instructions on Saturdays. Hartford Underground invites you to their Thursday swing dance throwdown at the Polish National Home of Hartford. It’s Michele’s Salsa Night on Friday at the Hartford Ballroom. The Nick De Maria Quartet performs at the Hanging Hills Brewery on Friday. Details on these events and more at www.hartford.com

Thursday night in New Haven, The Statehouse offer a mash-up of funk, 2nd line, jazz, blues, and soulful singing with support from local world beat heroes featuring Nardy Boy with The Lost Tribe. Friday night at The Statehouse you can catch a benefit for LEAP Inc with Call It Arson, with Giles Corey, Planning For Burial, and Dirt Devil, raising money to increase education opportunities for New Haven youth. https://statehousepresents.com/

Friday 12/28 at 6pm at Perkatory Coffee Roasters in Middletown you can catch The Cold East Sessions: An evening of vibrant folk featuring Montana artist The Organism, and also featuring The Forest Room. Free to the public. Perkatory Coffee Roasters is located at 725 Main St Unit 23, Middletown, CT 06457 (adjacent to the Eli Canons parking lot )

perkatoryroasters.com for more info on upcoming events.

Infinity Hall Hartford brings pop/rock to the stage on Friday with Big Al Anderson & The Floor Models, featuring Jim Chapdelanie, Lorne Entress, and Paul Kochanski. Saturday, enjoy blues and rock with Southside Johnny and the Asbury Julkes. At Infinity Norfolk, it’s Open Mic Night in the bistro on Thursday, and you can catch the Big Al Anderson show on Saturday in case you missed it in Hartford. www.infinityhall.com

Cherry Street Station in Wallingford presents Mourn the Youth: Amanda Jean’s Birthday Bash this Friday with performances by Continuum, Dark Ritual, Plague of Serpents, and Insano vision. On Saturdy you can catch Jade Zero, Treebeard, and Hosemen. Details at www.facebook.com/CherryStreetStation

At the Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore in Middletown, there’s a Story Time Kids’ Event on Saturday morning, and on in the evening you’re invited to Philosophy Night. www.wesleyanrjjulia.com

Now here's a rundown of cinema off the beaten track in Central Connecticut:

Hartford’s Real Art Ways continues “At Eternity’s Gate,” a biopic of Vincent van Gogh, along with “Mirai,” an animated film of love by Mamoru Hosada. There’s a special return engagement of Loving Vincent, the world’s first fully oil painted feature film. All run through Thursday. On Friday they open “The World Before Your Feet,” a documentary about walking through all five boroughs of New York City. Real Art Ways is closed on Christmas Day. Check the website for details of upcoming events and screening times. www.realartways.org

Trinity College’s Cinestudio in Hartford is closed until mid-January for the installation of new seats. Check the website for updates.  http://www.cinestudio.org/

Here's the rundown of tonight’s lineup here on WESU 88.1 FM Middletown:

Right after the Jive, stay tuned for the Latin Music Hour with Isabel. Latin music from the 80's, 90's and early 2000's.

From 6 - 6:30 Spoiler Alert Radio.

At 6:30 it's Fusion Radio with James Fusion. The original... and still the best damn Techno mix on the radio!

From 8 - 9:30 it's The Warehouse with Mike Nyce. The best of underground house music mixed live for your listening pleasure.

up next at 9:30 stay tuned for NE Tempo  with DJ Berk for 90 minutes of heavy duty turntabilism featuring raga/jungle, drum and base, techno, and more mixed live.

From 11 - 2am stay tuned for Franco as he plays all of those disco hits from the 70's and 80's

And from 2 - 3am it's Maximum Rock and Roll followed by Noize in the Attice from 3 - 4.

The BBC World News comes on board at 4 followed by Morning Edition from NPR at 5.

 That's all for today's Jive at Five. Join us every weekday at 4:55pm for a daily update of happenings in central CT!

Thanx for listening! Now stay tuned for the Latin Music Hour!

Monday 12-24-18 Jive (Christmas Eve)

 Good evening, it's Monday, December 24th, Christmas Eve! This is the Jive at Five, our daily community calendar and rundown of nighttime programming here on 88.1 FM WESU Middletown. By day, WESU offers talk radio from NPR and Pacifica, as well as independent and local public affairs sources. Weeknights and weekends our student and community volunteers bring you the best in free-form programming.

I’m Maria Johnson, producer and host of Reasonably Catholic: Keeping the Faith, which airs every first, third and fifth Tuesday, from 4 to right before the Jive at Five. Next week, on New Year's Day, we'll again devote our first episode of the new year to the birds. I went along on one segment of the National Audubon Sociedty’s s 119th Christmas Bird Count, the nation's longest-running community science bird project.  It was a magical experience. Can't listen live? You can find the audio posted later that evening on the reasonblycatholic.com site. Speaking of counts, WESU is counting on you to do your part to support this amazing community radio station. If you haven’t done so yet, please go to wesufm.org/pledge or mail your check to the station’s Broad St., Middletown, address. Take a look at the list of books I’ve posted on reasonablycatholic.com. For a donation of any amount – in addition to what the station offers – I’ll send you the book of your choice. 

In recognition of and to encourage community support for WESU, The Jewett Center for Community Partnerships at Wesleyan University is now matching all donations dollar for dollar until we raise the money needed to meet our goal and close out our winter pledge drive.

That means we are less than $5K away from closing this pledge drive!

Every dollar counts and we need to hear from you! If our unique mix of programming keeps you coming back to WESU, please make a donation today and double your contribution online at www.wesufm.org/pledge  where you can also see our great thank you gifts or download a pledge form that you can send in the mail.

Thanks! And thanks for joining us on this Christmas Eve!

Here's some of what's happening in our area this week, bearing in mind most venues are closed tonight and tomorrow for the holiday.

In New Haven, Café Nine reopens after Christmas with their monthly Words & Music, event on Wednesday. Thursday at Café Nine, Christine Ohlman & Rebel Montez, take the stage along with The Bandidos. Café nine’s 5pm Friday Happy Hour set spotlights The Buttondowns, followed and the Friday night main event features The Paul Collins Beat and The Right Offs. Café Nine’s weekly Saturday afternoon Jazz Jam Session is with Thomas Ice, and Saturday night brings David Wax Museum, Dr. Caterwaul’s Cadre of Clairvoyant Claptraps, and Brian Dunne to The nine. They round out the weekend on Sunday with the Seth Adam Band and Still Rivers for the Matinée show, followed by the Classic Café Nine Blues Jam with the George Lesiw Band Sunday evening. http://www.cafenine.com/  

The Russell Library in Middletown hosts the monthly Connecticut Poetry Society meeting on Wednesday at 5. Their weekly Scrabble session also happens Wednesday evenings. There’s Crafts for Adults on Friday morning, and in the afternoon you can enjoy a screening of the animated film “Sergeant Stubby: An American Hero.” Yoga in the Hubbard Room comes your way Saturday morning. Visit the website for kids’ events and details on offerings for patrons of all ages. www.russelllibrary.org

Up in Hartford at Black-Eyed Sally’s, their weekly Wednesday night Blues Jam features Tim McDonald. Liviu’s International comes your way on Thursday with Petey Hop. Friday’s headliner is the blues/rock guitarist Murray the Wheel, featuring vocalist Cheryl Tracy.  You can enjoy blues harp burner Dave Robbins on Saturday when Kosher Kid & The Incredible Amplifires takes Sally’s stage. http://www.blackeyedsallys.com/ 

Toad’s Place in New Haven headlines Lloyd Banks on Thursday, and on Friday it’s Riders On The Storm, appearing with the Electric Lady Band, Just a Pipe Dream, and more.  On Saturday, you can catch Badfish: A Tribute to Sublime, along with Roots of Creation and The Elovaters. www.toadsplace.com

In Middletown, The Buttonwood Tree opens on Thursday to host the Middlesex Drum Circle. The Anne Marie Menta Band takes the Buttonwood Tree stage Friday night, and Saturday morning’s weekly Aligned with Source Workshop theme is Being The One & Many. Saturday evening you can enjoy jazz vocalist Deborah Davis. www.buttonwood.org

Middletown Arts & Culture Office wants you to know that the Skating Rink in Harbor Park is open on this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm. www.facebook.com/CityArtsOffice/

The Holiday Light Fantasia drive-through at Goodwin Park in Hartford is open, and there’s free ice skating in Bushnell Park seven days a week.  Champions Skating Center offers free instructions on Saturdays. Hartford Underground invites you to their Thursday swing dance throwdown at the Polish National Home of Hartford. It’s Michele’s Salsa Night on Friday at the Hartford Ballroom. The Nick De Maria Quartet performs at the Hanging Hills Brewery on Friday. Details on these events and more at www.hartford.com

Thursday night in New Haven, The Statehouse offer a mash-up of funk, 2nd line, jazz, blues, and soulful singing with support from local world beat heroes featuring Nardy Boy with The Lost Tribe. Friday night at The Statehouse you can catch a benefit for LEAP Inc with Call It Arson, with Giles Corey, Planning For Burial, and Dirt Devil, raising money to increase education opportunities for New Haven youth. https://statehousepresents.com/

Friday 12/28 at 6pm at Perkatory Coffee Roasters in Middletown you can catch The Cold East Sessions: An evening of vibrant folk featuring Montana artist The Organism, and also featuring The Forest Room. Free to the public. Perkatory Coffee Roasters is located at 725 Main St Unit 23, Middletown, CT 06457 (adjacent to the Eli Canons parking lot )

perkatoryroasters.com for more info on upcoming events.

Infinity Hall Hartford brings pop/rock to the stage on Friday with Big Al Anderson & The Floor Models, featuring Jim Chapdelanie, Lorne Entress, and Paul Kochanski. Saturday, enjoy blues and rock with Southside Johnny and the Asbury Julkes. At Infinity Norfolk, it’s Open Mic Night in the bistro on Thursday, and you can catch the Big Al Anderson show on Saturday in case you missed it in Hartford. www.infinityhall.com

Cherry Street Station in Wallingford presents Mourn the Youth: Amanda Jean’s Birthday Bash this Friday with performances by Continuum, Dark Ritual, Plague of Serpents, and Insano vision. On Saturdy you can catch Jade Zero, Treebeard, and Hosemen. Details at www.facebook.com/CherryStreetStation

At the Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore in Middletown, there’s a Story Time Kids’ Event on Saturday morning, and on in the evening you’re invited to Philosophy Night. www.wesleyanrjjulia.com

Now here's a rundown of cinema off the beaten track in Central Connecticut:

Hartford’s Real Art Ways continues “At Eternity’s Gate,” a biopic of Vincent van Gogh, along with “Mirai,” an animated film of love by Mamoru Hosada. There’s a special return engagement of Loving Vincent, the world’s first fully oil painted feature film. All run through Thursday. On Friday they open “The World Before Your Feet,” a documentary about walking through all five boroughs of New York City. Real Art Ways is closed on Christmas Day. Check the website for details of upcoming events and screening times. www.realartways.org

Trinity College’s Cinestudio in Hartford is closed until mid-January for the installation of new seats. Check the website for updates.  http://www.cinestudio.org/

Here's the rundown of tonight’s lineup here on WESU 88.1 FM Middletown:

Right after the jive at Five, Stick around for Afternoon Jazz with Charles Henry.

At 630pm, Jack Sullivan Fills in for Michael Benson’s 75% Folk.

Chip Austin’s Unfocused folks takes over for 90 minutes from 8-9:30 before

after that, Jack Sullivan returns for a Christmas Eve special edition of Cruiser’s Radio full of nostalgia from the 50s and 60’s from 9:30-11pm

At stick and stay for Jimmy Z’s Hits of the 60’s and 70’s.

Sir Jon of Pint of Comics, sits in for a special Christmas eve fill in set from 12:30 -3am tonight.

Then at 2:30 it’s time for Rootsworld Radio offering an hour of music from around the world and sometimes our own backyard.

at 3:30 its time for original radio drama on Nutmeg junction.

each weekday at 4am WESU kicks off our public affairs programs with the BBC world report and followed by a mix of daily NPR and weekly specialty programs from Pacifica.

In recognition of and to encourage community support for WESU, The Jewett Center for Community Partnerships at Wesleyan University is now matching all donations dollar for dollar until we raise the money needed to meet our goal and close out our winter pledge drive.

That means we are less than $5K away from closing this pledge drive!

Every dollar counts and we need to hear from you! If our unique mix of programming keeps you coming back to WESU, please make a donation today and double your contribution online at www.wesufm.org/pledge  where you can also see our great thank you gifts or download a pledge form that you can send in the mail.

Thanks for listening and stay tuned for afternoon Jazz with Charles Henry up next!

Be safe out there and Merry Christmas!

Friday 12-21-18 Jive

Good evening, it's Friday, December 21st. This is the Jive at Five, our daily community calendar and rundown of nighttime programming here on 88.1 FM WESU Middletown. By day, WESU offers talk radio from NPR and Pacifica, as well as independent and local public affairs sources. Weeknights and weekends our student and community volunteers bring you the best in free-form programming.

I'm Ben Michael, Thanks so much for joining us on this rainy friday before Christmas! Be safe out there on the roads and take your time. Thanx for tuning in!

If you have yet to support the WESU Winter pledge drive, please consider giving the gift of WESU this holiday season.

We are just about $1,000 away from unlocking a $5,000 matching gift.

In recognition of and to encourage community support for WESU, The Jewett Center for Community Partnerships at Wesleyan University will match match all donations dollar for dollar until we raise the $5k  needed to meet our goal and close ou our winter pledge drive.
Every dollar counts and we need to hear from you! If our unique mix of programming keeps you coming back to WESU, please make a donation today online at www.wesufm.org/pledge where you can also see our great thank you gifts or download da pledge form that you can send in the mail.

Now, here's some of what's happening in our area this week:

This evening, Here in Middletown,  you can enjoy the Ken Serio Jazz Trio. The Aligned with Source workshop happens tomorrow morning, and Saturday evening you can blend a visual and auditory experience with Landscapes while experiencing Paintings by Kathleen Smits & Piano by Ben Cosgrove. On Sunday, Connecticut Heritage Productions presents Dylan Thomas’ holiday classic, A Child’s Christmas in Wales. www.buttonwood.org

In New Haven, right about now, Café Nine's 5pm Happy Hour set features Snake Hill Blues  Hot lash Christmas Show. Later tonight, The Nine features Left On Scarlet Street, One and Done, and Frank Nerkowski.  Saturday’s weekly afternoon Jazz Jam Session is with Billy Cofrances AND KICKS OFF AROUND 4PM. Saturday night Cafe nine Presents Possm and Audio Jane. They round out the weekend Sunday night with Shake ‘n’ Vibrate. http://www.cafenine.com/  

Up in Hartford at Black-Eyed Sally’s, tonight you can catch the eclectic sounds of Vitamin B-3, and on Saturday it’s the Blues/Jazz Project with special guests Mathew Kos and Savana Jones.  http://www.blackeyedsallys.com/
Tonight, Toad’s Place in New Haven features the Kung Fu 8th annual Toys for Tots event featuring TAUK and Nigel Hall. The Dirty John Valby Annual X-Mas Show happens Saturday night.  www.toadsplace.com

Middletown Arts & Culture Office wants you to know that you can bring the family and enjoy Brunch with Santa & Mrs. Clause every Sunday before Christmas at the Lyman Orchards Homestead and that The Middletown Skating Rink is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am to 3 pm. www.facebook.com/CityArtsOffice/
In New Haven, tonight, The Statehouse  presents a night of local avante pop, dream pop, & guitar driven indie rock with Mickey Blurr, Glambat, & Daniprobably. Saturday at The Statehouse spotlights neo-soul artists in CT featuring Denise Renee, Paul Bryant Hudson, & Phat A$tronaut. www.statehousepresents.com  
At Infinity Norfolk, tonight you can catch Natural Wonder, a Tribute to Stevie Wonder. They bring you Bless the Rains, a Tribute to Toto, on Saturday. You’re invited to the Bistro on Sunday evening to catch Kate Callahan or check out the Open Mic.  Infinity Hall Hartford invites you to enjoy Roomful of Blues on Saturday. www.infinityhall.com
Cherry Street Station in Wallingford features Garbage Barge, Javier & Los DishDogs, and The Sparkomatics tonight. Saturday is Day 2 of the PunX Xmas eXtravanganza, with The Hempsteadys, The Copacetics, and more. The celebration continues on Sunday with Mickey Rickshaw, Zombii, Down with rent, World game, and more. Details at www.facebook.com/CherryStreetStation

The Holiday Light Fantasia drive-through at Goodwin Park in Hartford is open, and there’s free ice skating in Bushnell Park seven days a week. It’s Music Mondays during skating throughout the month. You can skate to non-Christmas themes from 5-8 pm, with this week’s theme of The Best of Broadway. Champions Skating Center offers free instructions on Saturdays, and you can also get a free photo with Santa Saturdays and Sundays. Naturally Dogs and Cats holds a pet picture with Santa event Saturday at their Hartford location. Details on these events and more at www.hartford.com

Now here's a rundown of cinema off the beaten track in Central Connecticut:

Tonight, Hartford’s Real Art Ways opens “Mirai,” an animated film of love by Mamoru Hosada. There’s also special return engagement of Loving Vincent, the world’s first fully oil painted feature film. Check the website for details of upcoming events and screening times. www.realartways.org

Trinity College’s Cinestudio in Hartford is showing the holiday classic “It’s a Wonderful Life” through the weekend.   There’s also a one-time screening of “Baraka,” a celebration of life on six continents, on Saturday. The Sunday matinée Bolshoi Ballet offering is Tchaikovsky’s classic “The Nutcracker.” Check the website for times.  http://www.cinestudio.org/

Here's the rundown of tonight’s lineup here on WESU 88.1 FM Middletown:
right after the jive at Five, Jack Sullivan of Cruisers Radio show fills in for a 3 hr holiday drivetime show and Jack wants to hear from you! What's the best Christmas gift you ever received? Give JAck a call at 8630-685-7700 and let him know. He'd be glad to hear from you and put you on air!
After that from 7-8:30 it’s the Universal Sound Wave with Sista Queen T – a wide range of music including African, reggae, gospel, r&b, latin, and blues. Plus health, nutrition, and stress reduction tips.
At 8:30 Grand Central Station (1.3.5) with DJ Jeny Doll – invites you to travel back in time to the 1940s and 50s with a swinging upbeat show filled with big band jazz, swing, and rockabilly, and some new releases.

From 10 - 11:30, DJ Cocomotion and the Music Mixologist present Strictly Off the Head. A live mixshow done on the fly or freestyle, no pre planned playlist mixes or blends. R&B, old school, hip hop, rap, and house.

from 11:30 3  OVERDRIVE with Clarence and Shantay Scott. present a unique mix of contemporary and triditional christian music.
Rounding out the night from 3-5 am it’s Louisiana Barn dance with classic country, western swing, hillbilly, rockabilly, and Americana music.
That's all for today's Jive at Five. Join us weekdays at 4:55 for a daily rundown of area happenings a rundown of evening programming on WESU Middletown!
If you have yet to support the WESU Winter pledge drive, please consider giving the gift of WESU this holiday season.
We are just about $1,000 away from unlockinmg a $5,000 matvhing gift.
In recognition of and to encourage community support for WESU, The Jewett Center for Community Partnershops at Wesleyan Universwity will match match all donations dollar for dollar until we raise the $5k  needed to meet our goal and close ou our winter pledge drive.
Every dollar counts and we need to hear from you! If our unique mix of programming keeps you coming back to WESU, please make a donation today online at www.wesufm.org/pledge where you can also see our great thank you gifts or download da pledge form that you can send in the mail.

Thanks for listening. Now stay tuned for a special holiday drive time edition of cruisers radio with JAck Sullivan up next on WESU Middletown. Take it away JAck!