This one-woman play addresses how Jews and Muslims worldwide face a sharp spike in Antisemitism and Islamophobia. In America, the issue is politicized in the streets and on campus, and the Middle East is re-made as the world watches. Sandra Laub grapples with emotions anyone can recognize in a swirling maelstrom of events. This project is part of the New London Rotary Club and Rotary District 7980's Opus for Peace series, signalling Jerry Fischer, Rotarian and producer of the tour:

6/16 Carmiel City Hall

6/17 Moshav Kfar Yehezkel

6/19 Kibbutz HaNaton, Beit Tamar

6/21 Kibbutz Yakum

6/23 Kibbutz Shomrat, Moadon

6/26 Mevakshei Derech, Jerusalem

6/28 Jaffa Theater, Old Jaffa

Bonsai Bar is a night of fun you don’t want to miss. Learn the fundamental skills and techniques behind the art of bonsai while enjoying a night out with friends! Our teachers will introduce core concepts and guide your experience as you pot, prune, and design your very own bonsai tree!

Purchase your ticket here.

The popular songwriting series returns to New London with a performance from the “Original Sinners” Hugh Birdsall, Jim Carpenter, John Fries and Ben Parent, in the Oasis Room

ABOUT THE SINNER’S CIRCLE

“To think it all began on an uneventful morn” –Bob Dylan

The Sinner’s Circle began circa 2010 with the idea of bringing a Nashville-style songwriters’ circle to southern New England; a safe space for area songwriters to try out and “swap” new songs in front of each other and a discerning listening audience, get to know each other’s music better and hone their individual crafts. Ben Parent (of the Rivergods) had heard fellow songwriter Jim Carpenter (the Hoolios) talk often of these types of songwriting circles in his travels to the south, and the two decided to team up with two other prolific area songwriters, local rock legend Hugh Birdsall (the Reducers, Dogbite) and the blues-oriented John Fries (the Heat) and the Sinners Circle was born with a well-received first show at an area coffee shop.

The series quickly caught hold in the community. One of the “original sinners” would host three other regional songwriters every six weeks or so, hosting circles at increasingly bigger venues. Soon they were filling larger stages across the region, including the Eugene O’Neill Theatre’s Rose Barn and the Hygienic Art Park. Audiences loved the intimate “song swap” format and enjoyed watching the spontaneous collaboration that would often happen at the Circles — one songwriter improvising a harmony vocal or playing a solo on another writer’s song. Many of the regions’s best and upcoming songwriters lobbied and were invited to play the series.

Initially, each circle was recorded and a limited run cd was released with recordings from the first dozen or so Circles. Released pre-streaming, the music now lives on in the collective memory of those who happened to be there.

Until now, dormant since COVID, the Sinners Circle returns with a brand new run for 2025, kicking off at the Garde Arts Center’s state-of-the-art Oasis Room on Friday, June 20 at 8pm., featuring an all-new in-house sound system and upstairs bar. Reconnecting for the first time in years will be the “original sinners” Jim Carpenter, Hugh Birdsall, John Fries and Ben Parent, showcasing new and rare material, and shining a new light on the local songwriting scene.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

Hugh Birdsall

Hugh Birdsall has been playing music in Connecticut for decades, literally. He is a founding member of The Reducers, Dogbite, The Three-Pack, The Original Sinners, SheSaidHeSaid, and more recently, Hugh and Dana, and The Ground Zero Boys.

Guitarist, singer, songwriter, producer, and bon vivant, he has toured extensively and has performed and recorded in some of the finest studios, basements, garages, dives, and farmers markets in the region, the country and around the world.

Heavily influenced by 30’s blues, 40’s hot jazz, 50’s rock n’ roll, the 60’s folk movement, and the 70’s punk rock explosion, his body of work includes songs as diverse as “Black Plastic Shoes,” “Bombs Away, Lock and Load,” “Grace,” and “Wailing City Girl.” Most recently, he has collaborated with his songwriting partner, Tom Deedy, on a full- blown musical, called War Orphans.

Hugh founded and organizes the annual Pass the Guitar benefit concert for The New London Homeless Hospitality Center, as well as the quarterly Hoot for Hunger to benefit the New London Community Meal Center, drawing together regional talents to raise money for these critical community services.

Jim Carpenter

Jim Carpenter (aka James Waine Carpenter) is an award-winning singer-songwriter, author, and record producer. As chief songwriter for The Hoolios, The CarLeans, and Southern Fiction, as well as performing as a solo artist, Jim has twelve albums of original music to his credit. 

Carpenter’s myriad awards include winning the Chicago Songwriting Contest, being a finalist (twice) in the South Florida Song Competition and the Nashville Songwriter’s Contest, placing second in Boston’s Rose Garden Song Competition, and an honorable mention in CMT’s Music Songwriting Competition. Locally, he has Whalie Awards for Best Producer, Best Americana Song, Best Americana Band, Best Performance and Best Music Series.

As a fiction writer, he has published five collections of short fiction and the novella Black Narrows. A sixth collection of short stories entitled The Gecko Traveling Circus, as well as a new solo album, Tailights, are scheduled for release in June 2025.

Born in hometown Chincoteague Island, Virginia, he has lived in Norfolk, Cape May, Key West,

Miami, and Nashville. He currently resides in Niantic, and records, writes, and produces at LOCO DARE Productions. Jim’s breathtaking guitar-picking skills have inspired countless musicians in the region and beyond, including all of the other Original Sinners.

John Fries

John Fries’ songwriting seamlessly blends the raw emotion of blues with soul. Drawing inspiration from a diverse array of musical legends, including Amos Lee, John Prine, Martin Sexton, Eric Clapton, D’Angelo, the Black Crowes, Joey Landreth, and Chris Whitley, John has carved out a unique sound that captivates audiences and resonates deeply with listeners.

From a young age, John was immersed in the rich tapestry of musical influences that would shape his artistic identity. With a natural affinity for storytelling, he channels his personal experiences and observations into his songwriting, crafting lyrics that are both relatable and poignant. His powerful vocals and evocative guitar playing bring to life a technicolor array of songs exploring themes of love, loss, and societal climate.

Throughout his career, John Fries has garnered recognition for his compelling performances and his ability to connect with audiences on a personal level. Whether performing in intimate venues or gracing larger stages (Fries opened for blues legend Robert Cray on the Garde Arts Center’s main stage), his dynamic presence and heartfelt delivery leave a lasting impression. His authenticity and dedication to his craft have earned him a loyal following and accolades within the music community. 

Currently, John is in the studio working on a new album that will feature a fusion of his blues and soul influences, as well as collaborations with fellow musicians who share his passion for creating music that speaks to the heart. John’s commitment to his craft continues to drive him as he navigates the ever-evolving landscape of the music industry.

Ben Parent

Ben Parent is a founding member of the Rivergods, an original, award-winning act based in southeastern CT that has played its harmony-rich folk/roots/Americana-influenced music in venues large and small around southern New England since 1997. The Rivergods are fronted by Parent and his wife, Nancy, both singer/songwriters, who blend their voices with the sort of instinctual harmonies that are perhaps only achieved through blood, time or marriage. Parent also plays in the on-again, off-again surf/punk trio, Superbald, a guitar-driven combo which amps up the sound, but doesn’t skimp on the songwriting.

Parent casts a wide net with songwriting, from rock to roots, lately choosing to focus on topical storytelling and issue-themed songs that cut quick and deep. Parent enjoys almost all forms of music and songwriting; there is not a genre he will not borrow from if he feels it will serve a song. Parent is an ardent student of “the greats” but is just as influenced by anything he hears that’s interesting and packs an emotional punch.

The Rivergods have seven albums of original material out, primarily written by Ben, but are currently in the midst of mixing their latest album, recorded at Coffeehouse Studios in Middletown, CT, which will feature mostly songs written or sung by Nancy. Ever prolific as songwriters, Ben and Nancy started a Soundcloud page during COVID-19 for sharing demos and unreleased songs. Ben always has several “solo albums” in the works.

Parent prides himself on continuing to foster community in the regional music scene, particularly with and for artists that write and perform their own material. The Sinners’ Circle and his record label, Good Sponge Records, were born of that desire – to see area musicians/songwriters supporting each other and collaborating, rather than always competing for gigs and attention.

For more about Sinner’s Circle

Make Music is a free celebration of music around the world on June 21st. Launched in 1982 in France as the Fête de la Musique, it is now held on the same day in more than 1,000 cities in 120 countries.

Students must have a basic knowledge of crochet stitches. They need to know how to chain stitch, slip stitch, and single crochet.

Ever wanted to make an amigurumi?

Then this class is for you!

Amigurumi is the Japanese art of knitting or crocheting small, stuffed yarn creatures.

Join us to learn how to work in a magic ring, increase and decrease stitched, change colors and attach different piece to your main body. Students will leave with a finished crochet bee.

Ages 16+

All materials will be provided.

Get Tickets Today! Class Fee is non-refundable. Please plan accordingly.

Hop aboard the Thames River Heritage Park's open-air, navy utility boat to experience the Thames River and discover the Park's 20+ heritage sites in both New London and Groton.

The Harbor Cruise starts at Fort Trumbull State Park, skips over to City Pier in Downtown New London, cruises across the river to Thames Landing in Groton and back around to Fort Trumbull.

Personalize your trip around visiting heritage sites, state parks, restaurants, or shopping! Well-behaved dogs and bicycles are welcomed on board.

Departure Sites:

- Fort Trumbull State Park in New London on the hour

- City Pier, New London 20 minutes after the hour

- Thames River Landing in Groton 40 minutes after the hour

Harbor Cruise Info:

- Your ticket is an All-Day Pass! Hop-on and off at your leisure at any landing site, as many times as you would like

- OR Sit back and relax to enjoy the one-hour loop

- Each cruise between sites is 15-minutes long

- Book online or in-person | Children 3 and under ride FREE

- Saturday & Sunday through September 7th | 11:00AM – 6:00PM

Join us in the taproom to celebrate the longest day of the year! Consider this our “kickoff to summer” party celebrating light beers and all things summer. There will be limited edition light beers, fun vendors, and more.

For more information, visit the Facebook Event Page.

Just Announced!

Honeycone Craft Ice Cream will be out on the patio scooping up delicious ice cream from 12-5

Emily from Obsessed Hair Tinsel will be in the taproom so you can get your summer sparkle on

This one-day course on the lathe will provide students with instruction on the intricacies of woodturning, from sharpening traditional woodturning tools to outside turning and inside turning. The course provides instruction on the lathe and grinder with a focus on spindle turning. Students will turn a goblet that they can take home after the completion of the course.

18+

For Spark Members: This class will provide lathe tool certification for Spark Makerspace Members who demonstrate safe usage of the tool. Thanks to the generous support from the Frank Loomis Palmer Foundation, these classes are reduced in price.

Please note that the class fee is non-refundable unless it does not meet minimum enrollment. If this happens, you will be contacted a week ahead of time, and the class will be canceled.

Hop aboard the Thames River Heritage Park's open-air, navy utility boat to experience the Thames River and discover the Park's 20+ heritage sites in both New London and Groton.

The Harbor Cruise starts at Fort Trumbull State Park, skips over to City Pier in Downtown New London, cruises across the river to Thames Landing in Groton and back around to Fort Trumbull.

Personalize your trip around visiting heritage sites, state parks, restaurants, or shopping! Well-behaved dogs and bicycles are welcomed on board.

Departure Sites:

- Fort Trumbull State Park in New London on the hour

- City Pier, New London 20 minutes after the hour

- Thames River Landing in Groton 40 minutes after the hour

Harbor Cruise Info:

- Your ticket is an All-Day Pass! Hop-on and off at your leisure at any landing site, as many times as you would like

- OR Sit back and relax to enjoy the one-hour loop

- Each cruise between sites is 15-minutes long

- Book online or in-person | Children 3 and under ride FREE

- Saturday & Sunday through September 7th | 11:00AM – 6:00PM

You will learn Parametric CAD basics in this class. Enjoy learning to design a 3D object! This class will take you through the basics of using Onshape CAD software.

Specific topics covered in the class:

• Basic 2D sketching with constraints
• Extrude
• Revolve
• Loft
• Solid boolean operations (union, subtract difference)

Don't worry if you don't know these terms; this is a fun entry-level class! We'll teach you the lingo.

Each student must bring a laptop computer running modern Windows, Linux, or Mac OS and a real mouse. Doing CAD with a touchpad is next to impossible. Students must have Google Chrome browser installed.

This class is intended for students ages 16+

Get Tickets Today! The class Fee is non-refundable. Please plan accordingly.

This one-woman play addresses how Jews and Muslims worldwide face a sharp spike in Antisemitism and Islamophobia. In America, the issue is politicized in the streets and on campus, and the Middle East is re-made as the world watches. Sandra Laub grapples with emotions anyone can recognize in a swirling maelstrom of events. This project is part of the New London Rotary Club and Rotary District 7980's Opus for Peace series, signalling Jerry Fischer, Rotarian and producer of the tour:

6/16 Carmiel City Hall

6/17 Moshav Kfar Yehezkel

6/19 Kibbutz HaNaton, Beit Tamar

6/21 Kibbutz Yakum

6/23 Kibbutz Shomrat, Moadon

6/26 Mevakshei Derech, Jerusalem

6/28 Jaffa Theater, Old Jaffa

Searching for a partner can be horrifically painful. But board games are always awesome. So what if you combined board games and finding a partner?

Picture this: You sit down for a night of games. A gaming concierge walks you through several games over the course of the night. You play classics you love and discover brand new games you've never heard of, playing each with a different group of fun singles. All while in a great establishment with plenty of delicious options on tap. At the end of the night, you give your gaming concierge a list of the folks you met that you'd like to date and a list of those you met that you'd like to just hang out with as friends. If any two people put down the same name as each other in either column, then your gaming concierge will make sure you get each other's e-mail address and you can coordinate a time to hang out.

Best case scenario: You find true love, discover some awesome board games, and make some new friends.

Bad case scenario: You accomplish only one of those three things, which is still pretty great.

Worst case scenario: There will be alcohol.

Space is limited- grab your spot here!

Join Michelle from Sips of Saffron in the taproom to create your own custom tea blend!

Come together and blend your own custom creation to take home, along with some goodies that pair perfectly. (You'll have over 30 herbs to choose from) 

Workshop includes:

Custom Tea Blending 

Tea Steeper

Charm Bar for your tea steeper

Tea Serving Spoon

Complimentary Tea during event 

Tea Cheat Sheets & Info Cards

Your first Tox pour!

Purchase your ticket here.

** Please note that this event may take place in our lower level which is only accessible via stairwell***

Calling all entrepreneurs! If you’re building a business and have a bold idea that can spark growth, apply to Ledge Light Launch’s first ever pitch competition sponsored by seCTer.

Join us on Thursday, June 26, 2025, in the taproom, for an exciting Pitch Competition designed to spotlight the region’s most promising businesses. Whether you’re just starting out or already making waves, we want to hear your vision. The winner will receive $7,500, one year membership to the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut, as well as, other prizes to be announced.

Applications are open now and will be accepted until June 16, 2025. Businesses of all stages and sizes are encouraged to apply—from idea-stage startups to seasoned operations.

For more information or to apply to compete, click here.

Hop aboard the Thames River Heritage Park's open-air, navy utility boat to experience the Thames River and discover the Park's 20+ heritage sites in both New London and Groton.

The Harbor Cruise starts at Fort Trumbull State Park, skips over to City Pier in Downtown New London, cruises across the river to Thames Landing in Groton and back around to Fort Trumbull.

Personalize your trip around visiting heritage sites, state parks, restaurants, or shopping! Well-behaved dogs and bicycles are welcomed on board.

Departure Sites:

- Fort Trumbull State Park in New London on the hour

- City Pier, New London 20 minutes after the hour

- Thames River Landing in Groton 40 minutes after the hour

Harbor Cruise Info:

- Your ticket is an All-Day Pass! Hop-on and off at your leisure at any landing site, as many times as you would like

- OR Sit back and relax to enjoy the one-hour loop

- Each cruise between sites is 15-minutes long

- Book online or in-person | Children 3 and under ride FREE

- Saturday & Sunday through September 7th | 11:00AM – 6:00PM

Spark Makerspace is turning 10!

Join us for an enchanting evening celebrating a decade of making!

Saturday, June 28, 2025

7 PM to 10 PM

an evening filled with magic, artistry, and community spirit

Theme & Attire: A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Let your imagination run wild! We encourage guests to dress in costume inspired by the whimsical and mystical world of Shakespeare’s beloved play. Whether you’re a fairy, a flower, or a donkey, you are bound to have a good time!

A Night of Delight Awaits:

Food & Drink: Delicious tapas and delectable desserts with a cash bar run by the Garde.

Live Entertainment: Immerse yourself in music and theatrical performances.

• The Musical Talents of Alpacha Lunch
• Performances by FLOCK Theatre

Maker & Art Silent Auction: Bid on a diverse showcase of creativity, each made with care by our Spark artists and makers.

Norwich Camera Company will be producing “Mini” tintype. Each plate will have 2 images and will be cut in half. We are able to fit 2 people on one side of the plate making it perfect for couples. All plates will be ready for pickup a week following the event at Spark.

Each exposure will be $60. $15 of each booking will go directly to Spark Makerspace.

Tin Types- Created in 1850, tin types were considered the first widely available photographic process to the public. It was the standard process until the 1880s.

Spaces are limited and will sell out.

An open mic will begin the evening, followed by a performance by Jennifer Munro. Recipient of the National Storytelling Network’s Circle of Excellence Award, Jennifer Munro tells original stories about rogues and heroes that resonate with the frailty and courage of the human condition. She also puts modern spins on ancient tales, often combining them with personal experience. She has produced three award-winning CDs and a collection of short stories, Aunty Lily and other Delightfully Perverse Stories, also an award winner. Jennifer has performed at the National Festival and the Timpanogos Festival. Her most recent project, a tour-deforce performance of Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, has been hailed by critics as “dazzling and spellbinding”.

Space is limited. To reserve your seat: ctstorytelling234@gmail.com

Join NM Sweets for Cookie Decorating in the taproom!

Whether you're a seasoned decorator or a beginner, this event is perfect for all skill levels. Ticket includes one beverage from the Tox Brewing Company Tap Room or Coffee Shop as well as 5 cute patriotic themed cookies and royal icing to decorate. Impress your friends and bring these cookies to any 4th of July celebration!

Don't miss out on this fun and tasty experience! Grab your friends and family and make some sweet memories together.

Purchase your ticket here!

Hop aboard the Thames River Heritage Park's open-air, navy utility boat to experience the Thames River and discover the Park's 20+ heritage sites in both New London and Groton.

The Harbor Cruise starts at Fort Trumbull State Park, skips over to City Pier in Downtown New London, cruises across the river to Thames Landing in Groton and back around to Fort Trumbull.

Personalize your trip around visiting heritage sites, state parks, restaurants, or shopping! Well-behaved dogs and bicycles are welcomed on board.

Departure Sites:

- Fort Trumbull State Park in New London on the hour

- City Pier, New London 20 minutes after the hour

- Thames River Landing in Groton 40 minutes after the hour

Harbor Cruise Info:

- Your ticket is an All-Day Pass! Hop-on and off at your leisure at any landing site, as many times as you would like

- OR Sit back and relax to enjoy the one-hour loop

- Each cruise between sites is 15-minutes long

- Book online or in-person | Children 3 and under ride FREE

- Saturday & Sunday through September 7th | 11:00AM – 6:00PM

Join us for Mitchfest, an unforgettable day of music and community at the Hygienic Art Park, honoring the late great Mitch! This all-star lineup brings together powerhouse talent for one epic afternoon and evening of amazing music.

Headlining the event:

 Curtis Salgado – Legendary soul singer, harmonica master, and true force of nature on stage.

Bobby Christina’s Caravan Presents:

 A Tribute to Matt “Guitar” Murphy featuring:

The First Lady of Blues Toni Lynn Washington

The Beehive Queen Christine Ohlman

Texas guitar slinger Willie J. Laws

Dual drummers Fran and Bob Christina

The one and only Johnny Blue Horn (he needed the money!)

 Al Staehley Band

 Johnny and the East Coast Rockers

 Roy McLean

Hosted by the incomparable Ali Kaufman!

Bring your friends, grab a drink, and soak in the summer sounds. This is one you don’t want to miss.

The most popular hit songs of the 80s and 90s

GIRLS NIGHT: THE MUSICAL has been thrilling audiences and earning raves from critics throughout North America since it began touring after its sensational Off-Broadway debut. This touching and hilarious ‘tell-it-like-it-is’ musical takes audiences on a journey into the lives of a group of female friends.

Audience members can’t help but laugh, cry and even find themselves singing and dancing in the aisles as some of the most popular hit songs of the 80s and 90s make this musical a fan favorite!

Follow five friends as they visit their past, celebrate their present, and look to the future on a wild and hilarious night out … and you’ll recognize a bit yourselves in every one of them!

It is described as “Desperate Housewives meets Mamma Mia” (Applause Magazine), “A boisterous, bust-out, bawdy musical revue” (Wisconsin State Journal), “An infectious, exhilarating sense of intoxication (Hollywood Reporter) and “As funny and outrageous as Sex and the City!” (The Advocate).

GIRLS NIGHT is bursting with energy and is packed with hits “Lady Marmalade,” “It’s Raining Men,” “Man I Feel Like A Woman,” “I Will Survive,” “We are Family” and many more.

Whether you’re a sushi newbie or a seasoned pro, this hands-on class is perfect for anyone looking to roll up their sleeves and dive into the art of sushi.

The 2-hour experience includes:

– Step-by-step instructions on how to make sushi

– All the ingredients and tools to create your sushi masterpieces

– Personal time with the chef

– Entertainment and engagement for all

– Tips on presentation and Instagram-worthy sushi

– Sauces and garnished for your sushi

– Fresh and quality Ingredients

– 1st Glass of Beer

This class is perfect for sushi beginners and enthusiasts! No experience necessary! 

Come solo, bring a friend, or make it a date night—everyone’s welcome! Reserve your spot today and get ready to roll!

*Please note that this workshop may be held in our downstairs event space which requires entrance via a flight of stairs*

Hop aboard the Thames River Heritage Park's open-air, navy utility boat to experience the Thames River and discover the Park's 20+ heritage sites in both New London and Groton.

The Harbor Cruise starts at Fort Trumbull State Park, skips over to City Pier in Downtown New London, cruises across the river to Thames Landing in Groton and back around to Fort Trumbull.

Personalize your trip around visiting heritage sites, state parks, restaurants, or shopping! Well-behaved dogs and bicycles are welcomed on board.

Departure Sites:

- Fort Trumbull State Park in New London on the hour

- City Pier, New London 20 minutes after the hour

- Thames River Landing in Groton 40 minutes after the hour

Harbor Cruise Info:

- Your ticket is an All-Day Pass! Hop-on and off at your leisure at any landing site, as many times as you would like

- OR Sit back and relax to enjoy the one-hour loop

- Each cruise between sites is 15-minutes long

- Book online or in-person | Children 3 and under ride FREE

- Saturday & Sunday through September 7th | 11:00AM – 6:00PM

Join us in the Hygienic Art Park on Saturday July, 5 for the 4th Annual Multiplier Summer Party with support from Sky Island and DJ Ben Jammin.

Doors open at 7pm. Be sure to check out our array of local artisan vendors, hosted by ONA. Tickets are $15 online pre-sale and $17 at the door. Hope to see you there!…

MULTIPLIER

New London based live electronic band Multiplier creates a sonic landscape that is unequivocally club, but with a psychedelic flair. Multiplier’s sound is derived from house, edm, dub, electro funk, regular funk, breakbeat, hip hop and trip hop. Multiplier’s music is peppered with unexpected twists and turns inside of an unrelenting groove.

www.multiplierband.com/

Multiplier Instagram

SKY ISLAND

Sky Island is a live/electronic fusion of sounds, shimmering Hendrix-esque guitar and heavy bass. Frontman mason Lucas has collaborated with Random Rab, Aya Nereo, Wildlight, Leah Song, and Zach Velmer (of STS9). The bands current lineup features drummer J Curland, vocalist Matia Kali (formerly of the Hanuman Project) and Anna Lucas (poster girl of the Gigolo Aunts)

skyisland.bandcamp.com

Videos:

Birds2Fly

Stars Align

DJ BEN JAMMIN

DJ Ben Jammin' Instagram

ONA

https://www.instagram.com/annastarrlucas/