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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Sailfest July 12-13,2025

Sailfest is Southeastern Connecticut’s premiere summertime event, complete with a major fireworks display, amusement rides, free entertainment, boats, and over 200 vendors lining the streets. There will be plenty to see, buy, and eat, so make sure to come hungry and ready to try new food!

Visit www.sailfest.org or https://www.facebook.com/sailfest/ for a complete list of events and times.

Visit the Official Sailfest website- http://www.sailfest.org/

Like us on Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/sailfest

Follow us on Twitter- https://twitter.com/SAILFEST

Sailfest July 12-13,2025

Sailfest is Southeastern Connecticut’s premiere summertime event, complete with a major fireworks display, amusement rides, free entertainment, boats, and over 200 vendors lining the streets. There will be plenty to see, buy, and eat, so make sure to come hungry and ready to try new food!

Visit www.sailfest.org or https://www.facebook.com/sailfest/ for a complete list of events and times.

Visit the Official Sailfest website- http://www.sailfest.org/

Like us on Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/sailfest

Follow us on Twitter- https://twitter.com/SAILFEST

On this special evening, join artist John Boone to explore his exhibition John Boone– WHATSWHAT at the Lyman Allyn Art Museum. Learn about the inspirations and conceptual meanings behind the idioms showcased in his word-driven artwork.

Cost: Members $10 / Non-Members $15

Date & Time, Wednesday, July 16, Reception 5:30 pm, Talk 6 pm

RSVP to 860.443.2545 ext. 2129 or email us.

Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served.

Image: John Boone (American, born 1951), Hands – Its Out of My Hands, 2018, Acrylic on canvas, 40 x 40 inches. Image courtesy of the artist.

Websites for Women Artists 101

This professional workshop series is designed for women, non-binary, and women-identifying individuals working within the arts sector, Wednesdays 7/16-7/30, 6-8p (last session Artist Talk date/time TBA). Focusing on informative discussion on enhancing artistic skills and creative opportunities, this will be a 3-Part Series, by the Pattagansett Art Center, in collaboration with Spark Makerspace, and the Lyman Allyn Art Museum. Participants will learn from guest speakers covering essential topics in creative development. This program is generously sponsored by Breezeline.

The program aims to empower creatives by providing them with the tools and knowledge necessary to thrive in the competitive creative landscape, fostering a supportive community that encourages collaboration and growth. Sessions 1-3 are only open to 8 participants, so please please register early. The 4th session is optional and open to the Public.

Important:

Class Fee is non-refundable. Please plan accordingly. Ages 16+

The class requires a laptop. If you do not have a laptop, please contact make@sparkmakerspace.org in advance, and we will do our best to accommodate.

Session 1: July 16, 6-8p

About the Creative: Biography and Statements

(Creating an about section through interactive activities)

Every website has an about section. This session will explore and engage participants and the power of short, succinct personal biographies. This is an essential framework for a creative practice and provides insight into intentions, themes, accomplishments, and context for an audience or viewer to experience your work. Through guided individual and group activities, we will engage in the creation of a general creative biography and a more body of work-specific statement. We will learn to better understand our own vision and motivations, along with important recommendations, as our artist journey evolves.

Session 2: July 23, 6-8p

The Impact of Visual Branding for Creatives

(Look, Branding, Documentation, Photo cube, lighting, documentation, pricing of your work)

In a digital world, elevating your creative look or aesthetic is an essential part of visual language. This session will dive into the importance of documenting artwork, developing a story, contemporary pricing, demystifying, and building a professional brand, and a touch on contemporary market analysis. Participants will learn the basic principles of photographing artwork, creating a consistent style, and understanding the process of establishing an online identity.

Session 3: July 30, 6-8p

A Comprehensive Approach to Building Your Artist Website

(Building a website, and Digital Footprint)

Utilizing the skills and techniques from previous sessions, participants will learn how to build an effective artist website. This session will provide step-by-step instructions to navigate the process of website creation, uploading your artwork images, and promoting your practice. Websites can seem intimidating, but we will work to simplify and demystify this topic!

Session 4: TBA

Women in the Arts Open Community Forum

To celebrate this series, we are hosting a networking event and panel discussion at the Lyman Allyn Art Museum. This Community Forum will feature participation from Suzie Ferras of the San Francisco Arts Commission and Creative IQ Studio & Gallery, alongside a panel of both established professionals and emerging local artists. Centered on the shared goal of uplifting and connecting creative women, the event aims to foster meaningful dialogue, build professional networks, and strengthen community ties both locally and beyond.

Websites for Women Artists 101

This professional workshop series is designed for women, non-binary, and women-identifying individuals working within the arts sector, Wednesdays 7/16-7/30, 6-8p (last session Artist Talk date/time TBA). Focusing on informative discussion on enhancing artistic skills and creative opportunities, this will be a 3-Part Series, by the Pattagansett Art Center, in collaboration with Spark Makerspace, and the Lyman Allyn Art Museum. Participants will learn from guest speakers covering essential topics in creative development. This program is generously sponsored by Breezeline.

The program aims to empower creatives by providing them with the tools and knowledge necessary to thrive in the competitive creative landscape, fostering a supportive community that encourages collaboration and growth. Sessions 1-3 are only open to 8 participants, so please please register early. The 4th session is optional and open to the Public.

Important:

Class Fee is non-refundable. Please plan accordingly. Ages 16+

The class requires a laptop. If you do not have a laptop, please contact make@sparkmakerspace.org in advance, and we will do our best to accommodate.

Session 1: July 16, 6-8p

About the Creative: Biography and Statements

(Creating an about section through interactive activities)

Every website has an about section. This session will explore and engage participants and the power of short, succinct personal biographies. This is an essential framework for a creative practice and provides insight into intentions, themes, accomplishments, and context for an audience or viewer to experience your work. Through guided individual and group activities, we will engage in the creation of a general creative biography and a more body of work-specific statement. We will learn to better understand our own vision and motivations, along with important recommendations, as our artist journey evolves.

Session 2: July 23, 6-8p

The Impact of Visual Branding for Creatives

(Look, Branding, Documentation, Photo cube, lighting, documentation, pricing of your work)

In a digital world, elevating your creative look or aesthetic is an essential part of visual language. This session will dive into the importance of documenting artwork, developing a story, contemporary pricing, demystifying, and building a professional brand, and a touch on contemporary market analysis. Participants will learn the basic principles of photographing artwork, creating a consistent style, and understanding the process of establishing an online identity.

Session 3: July 30, 6-8p

A Comprehensive Approach to Building Your Artist Website

(Building a website, and Digital Footprint)

Utilizing the skills and techniques from previous sessions, participants will learn how to build an effective artist website. This session will provide step-by-step instructions to navigate the process of website creation, uploading your artwork images, and promoting your practice. Websites can seem intimidating, but we will work to simplify and demystify this topic!

Session 4: TBA

Women in the Arts Open Community Forum

To celebrate this series, we are hosting a networking event and panel discussion at the Lyman Allyn Art Museum. This Community Forum will feature participation from Suzie Ferras of the San Francisco Arts Commission and Creative IQ Studio & Gallery, alongside a panel of both established professionals and emerging local artists. Centered on the shared goal of uplifting and connecting creative women, the event aims to foster meaningful dialogue, build professional networks, and strengthen community ties both locally and beyond.

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.

Explore the fascinating characters, adventures, and tales of early American and Chinese trade with award-winning history author Eric Jay Dolin at the Lyman Allyn Art Museum.

This talk derives from Dolin’s award-winning book When America First Met China. Dolin traces our fraught relationship with China back to its roots: the unforgiving nineteenth-century seas that separated a brash, rising naval power from a battered ancient empire. It is a prescient fable for our time that surprisingly continues to shed light on our modern relationship with China. 

Saturday, July 26, 1 – 2:30 pm

Members $5 • Non-members $10

RSVP to info@lymanallyn.org or 860-443-2545 ext. 2129. Walk-ins welcome.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Image: Book Cover for When America First Met China: An Exotic History of Tea, Drugs, and Money in the Age of Sail, by Eric Jay Dolin

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.

Websites for Women Artists 101

This professional workshop series is designed for women, non-binary, and women-identifying individuals working within the arts sector, Wednesdays 7/16-7/30, 6-8p (last session Artist Talk date/time TBA). Focusing on informative discussion on enhancing artistic skills and creative opportunities, this will be a 3-Part Series, by the Pattagansett Art Center, in collaboration with Spark Makerspace, and the Lyman Allyn Art Museum. Participants will learn from guest speakers covering essential topics in creative development. This program is generously sponsored by Breezeline.

The program aims to empower creatives by providing them with the tools and knowledge necessary to thrive in the competitive creative landscape, fostering a supportive community that encourages collaboration and growth. Sessions 1-3 are only open to 8 participants, so please please register early. The 4th session is optional and open to the Public.

Important:

Class Fee is non-refundable. Please plan accordingly. Ages 16+

The class requires a laptop. If you do not have a laptop, please contact make@sparkmakerspace.org in advance, and we will do our best to accommodate.

Session 1: July 16, 6-8p

About the Creative: Biography and Statements

(Creating an about section through interactive activities)

Every website has an about section. This session will explore and engage participants and the power of short, succinct personal biographies. This is an essential framework for a creative practice and provides insight into intentions, themes, accomplishments, and context for an audience or viewer to experience your work. Through guided individual and group activities, we will engage in the creation of a general creative biography and a more body of work-specific statement. We will learn to better understand our own vision and motivations, along with important recommendations, as our artist journey evolves.

Session 2: July 23, 6-8p

The Impact of Visual Branding for Creatives

(Look, Branding, Documentation, Photo cube, lighting, documentation, pricing of your work)

In a digital world, elevating your creative look or aesthetic is an essential part of visual language. This session will dive into the importance of documenting artwork, developing a story, contemporary pricing, demystifying, and building a professional brand, and a touch on contemporary market analysis. Participants will learn the basic principles of photographing artwork, creating a consistent style, and understanding the process of establishing an online identity.

Session 3: July 30, 6-8p

A Comprehensive Approach to Building Your Artist Website

(Building a website, and Digital Footprint)

Utilizing the skills and techniques from previous sessions, participants will learn how to build an effective artist website. This session will provide step-by-step instructions to navigate the process of website creation, uploading your artwork images, and promoting your practice. Websites can seem intimidating, but we will work to simplify and demystify this topic!

Session 4: TBA

Women in the Arts Open Community Forum

To celebrate this series, we are hosting a networking event and panel discussion at the Lyman Allyn Art Museum. This Community Forum will feature participation from Suzie Ferras of the San Francisco Arts Commission and Creative IQ Studio & Gallery, alongside a panel of both established professionals and emerging local artists. Centered on the shared goal of uplifting and connecting creative women, the event aims to foster meaningful dialogue, build professional networks, and strengthen community ties both locally and beyond.

This is a week-long summer workshop (Mon 8/4- Fri 8/8, 1-4pm) at Spark Makerspace in collaboration with New London Community Boatworks for young woodworkers age 13-16. Guided by experienced instructor and boat builder Ben Ellcome, students will build a functional wooden toolbox using hand tools.

From reading plans and making precise cuts to assembling and customizing their own design, each participant will gain hands-on experience in the woodshop while developing practical skills that last a lifetime.

No prior experience is required – just curiosity and a willingness to learn.

Over the course of five days, students will master basic woodworking techniques, including sawing, fastening, and joint-making, culminating in a finished toolbox they can proudly take home.

All tools and materials are provided, and the final session will include a showcase and celebration of each student's completed project.

Parents will be contacted via email after ticket purchase and will be sent follow-up paperwork.

Please note that the class fee is non-refundable unless it does not meet minimum enrollment. If this occurs, you will be contacted a week in advance, the class will be canceled, and fees will be refunded.

This is a week-long summer workshop (Mon 8/4- Fri 8/8, 1-4pm) at Spark Makerspace in collaboration with New London Community Boatworks for young woodworkers age 13-16. Guided by experienced instructor and boat builder Ben Ellcome, students will build a functional wooden toolbox using hand tools.

From reading plans and making precise cuts to assembling and customizing their own design, each participant will gain hands-on experience in the woodshop while developing practical skills that last a lifetime.

No prior experience is required – just curiosity and a willingness to learn.

Over the course of five days, students will master basic woodworking techniques, including sawing, fastening, and joint-making, culminating in a finished toolbox they can proudly take home.

All tools and materials are provided, and the final session will include a showcase and celebration of each student's completed project.

Parents will be contacted via email after ticket purchase and will be sent follow-up paperwork.

Please note that the class fee is non-refundable unless it does not meet minimum enrollment. If this occurs, you will be contacted a week in advance, the class will be canceled, and fees will be refunded.

This is a week-long summer workshop (Mon 8/4- Fri 8/8, 1-4pm) at Spark Makerspace in collaboration with New London Community Boatworks for young woodworkers age 13-16. Guided by experienced instructor and boat builder Ben Ellcome, students will build a functional wooden toolbox using hand tools.

From reading plans and making precise cuts to assembling and customizing their own design, each participant will gain hands-on experience in the woodshop while developing practical skills that last a lifetime.

No prior experience is required – just curiosity and a willingness to learn.

Over the course of five days, students will master basic woodworking techniques, including sawing, fastening, and joint-making, culminating in a finished toolbox they can proudly take home.

All tools and materials are provided, and the final session will include a showcase and celebration of each student's completed project.

Parents will be contacted via email after ticket purchase and will be sent follow-up paperwork.

Please note that the class fee is non-refundable unless it does not meet minimum enrollment. If this occurs, you will be contacted a week in advance, the class will be canceled, and fees will be refunded.

August 7th – Let Loose Thursday Touch -a- Truck, Petting Zoo, Live Music and Fireworks !

Join us at the Parade Plaza in New London, and don't forget to bring your chairs to enjoy live music. Families can also take part in Touch-a-Truck, explore food vendors, experience face painting, and engage in various other family-friendly activities.

Carly's Critters - Petting Zoo

New London Police Department - Meet New London K9 officer.

New London Fire Department

Live music

 Fireworks - Sponsored by Foxwoods Resort Casino

 Food Trucks

Vendors

New London Youth Affairs- Free children's activities

New London Recreation- Free activities for families

This is a week-long summer workshop (Mon 8/4- Fri 8/8, 1-4pm) at Spark Makerspace in collaboration with New London Community Boatworks for young woodworkers age 13-16. Guided by experienced instructor and boat builder Ben Ellcome, students will build a functional wooden toolbox using hand tools.

From reading plans and making precise cuts to assembling and customizing their own design, each participant will gain hands-on experience in the woodshop while developing practical skills that last a lifetime.

No prior experience is required – just curiosity and a willingness to learn.

Over the course of five days, students will master basic woodworking techniques, including sawing, fastening, and joint-making, culminating in a finished toolbox they can proudly take home.

All tools and materials are provided, and the final session will include a showcase and celebration of each student's completed project.

Parents will be contacted via email after ticket purchase and will be sent follow-up paperwork.

Please note that the class fee is non-refundable unless it does not meet minimum enrollment. If this occurs, you will be contacted a week in advance, the class will be canceled, and fees will be refunded.

Anchor of Hope

Compassionate care when you need it the most

Anchor of Hope is a life-affirming pregnancy center dedicated to serving women, men, and families facing unplanned pregnancies. We provide free and confidential services including pregnancy tests, limited ultrasounds, options counseling, parenting support, and material resources. With compassion at the core of everything we do, Anchor of Hope walks alongside clients with grace, truth, and hope—empowering them to make informed decisions and build strong futures.

Mike Donehey:

Mike Donehey has seen his fair share of the unexpected. Following a potentially fatal car crash as a teen, Mike learned to play the guitar while still in bed recovering from his injuries. Learning the guitar quickly gave birth to songwriting, and that songwriting soon led to the formation of a band.

That band, Tenth Avenue North, became one of the most loved and successful artists in Christian music. At the beginning of 2020, despite widespread notoriety and a devout following, Tenth Avenue North’s members began to sense they each had their own unexpected and unique roads to follow. Mike seized this opportunity, reveling in the excitement to expand as a storyteller, communicator, and thought instigator wherever his voice could be heard.

Mike’s acclaimed book, Finding God’s Life for My Will, was an immediate best-seller. Mike’s newest book, Grace In The Gray, reveals a four-stage process to help people in relationships, professional settings, and social situations discover how to focus on the person before them more than the argument set against them.

Perhaps most exciting has been Mike’s writing and producing new music. His acclaimed solo album Flourish is just the beginning of the flow of new music coming our way.

The unexpected has a way of disrupting our lives in ways we might not have ever chosen. For Mike, learning to embrace the unexpected has been the very thing that continues to bring encouraging and soul-healing art. Looking forward, Mike is trusting to be led in any way that will allow him to continue to serve and inspire.

Matt Hammitt:

Matt Hammitt is a singer, songwriter, author, and speaker. Matt was the lead singer for the band Sanctus Real from 1996-2016. He has been the recipient of three Dove Awards and has been nominated for two Grammy Awards for his work with Sanctus Real. Matt has written over fifteen chart topping songs, performed by Sanctus Real and other musical artists.

An Ohio native, Matt now lives in Nashville with his wife, Sarah, and their four children. Passion for family is what led him to step away from Sanctus Real in 2016, to spend more time at home. Matt details this difficult transition in his book Lead Me: Finding Courage to Fight for Your Marriage, Children, and Faith. Matt holds nothing back in this unfiltered story of his life, so far.

In 2022, the Hammitts released a documentary called Bowen’s Heart. This feature length documentary film follows (then) eight-year-old Bowen Hammitt through his third major open heart surgery, his family caught in the tension between hoping the surgery will make his life better and knowing it could make things much worse

A man like Dave Mason never leaves touring. Yet, at 78, there are no guarantees…so now is the moment to experience a legend! Don’t miss your chance to see this iconic artist live and may these 2025 performances become treasured memories that last a lifetime.

Dave Mason returns to touring in 2025 with ‘Let It Flow’, which isn’t just the name of a song but it’s his philosophy in life. As a guitarist, singer, songwriter and a producer, Dave has always put forth that great songs come from a state of being quiet enough to hear the flow of the music before it ever hits the page. He has devoted his life to developing a deep sense of inner listening and the gifted capacity to bring it all to life.

You don’t want to miss this legendary artist as he performs deep cuts and classic favorites that have been loved by legions of fans for more than half a century. Fans can expect a unique concert experience as all songs are interwoven with Dave’s rich storytelling of a history that encompasses over five decades in rock n’ roll.

Anyone who’s listened to Dave’s music, or has seen him in concert, knows that he’s playing because he loves it. He is authentic. You wouldn’t know that he’s shy and introverted by nature if you’ve seen his powerful performances. Dave has been described as a ‘gunslinger’, and what you’ll witness firsthand is a man dedicated to preserving the vitality of music, staying genuine and faithful to the spirit of excellence.

Join the Lyman Allyn Art Museum for a virtual discussion to explore China from China with collectors H. Richard Dietrich III and Edward Tiedemann, in partnership with Lyman Allyn curator Tanya Pohrt.

A collaboration between the Lyman Allyn and the Dietrich American Foundation, China from China showcases the Dietrich collection of Chinese export porcelain and paintings, a portion of which was exhibited at the Chinese American Museum in Washington, D.C. in 2022. Expanding on this material, the exhibition also features objects from the Lyman Allyn’s own collection and loans from Edward Tiedemann and other regional public and private collections.

Wednesday, August 20, 6:00 pm

Virtual Conversation: Register here on Zoom

Free

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/3BqVleC7QDKoIafoDUwF9A

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Image: Lam Qua (Chinese, 1801–1860), A Hong Merchant, ca. 1835–40, oil on canvas in the original Chinese gilded frame, 28 7/8 x 21 ¾ inches, Collection of Ginger H. and H. Richard Dietrich III.

Ahoy there, mateys! Embrace the legend of Captain Kidd and the joy of pirate play. Don your pirate attire and gather with us at Parade Plaza by the Pirate Ship for a delightful photo session. Mingle with the swashbuckling crew, enjoy a shanty or two, and engage in conversations about seeking hidden treasures as we unveil hints on the exciting New London Pirate Adventure Map.

Ahoy, me hearties! The boisterous Bawdy Buccaneers are charting a course for the New London Pirate Festival on August 17th, right at Parade Plaza!

Embark on a musical voyage with Captain Lance D. Boyle of the Picaroon Princess and his trusty First Mate & "Cruise Director," Truly Scrumptious. They'll dock their vessel, The Picaroon Princess, at New London Parade Plaza, ready to welcome fellow pirates. Join in the merry exchange of tales and treasures, raise a chorus of beloved pirate melodies, or even learn a fresh tune or two.

Join the fun at the Parade Plaza!

6:30 PM**: Kids are invited to show off their best pirate costumes in our "Dress Like a Pirate" contest.

8:00 PM**: Adults can strut their stuff in the Pirate Pageant, also at the Parade Plaza.

Don't miss out on the swashbuckling excitement!

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.