Born at the Sherman Song Swap nearly 20 years ago, The Red Dirt Girls (RDG) are all about harmonies. Inspired by the classic trio work of Emmy Lou Harris, Linda Ronstadt, and Dolly Parton, as well as Red Molly and the Wailin’ Jennys, these neighbors got together for the sheer joy of singing. Susy Marker and Missy Alexander trade off on the lead vocals and high harmonies. They are the songwriters of the group, crafting lyrics that are sometimes poignant, sometimes funny, and often both. Pat Walker is the chief arranger, with a perfect ear, a passion for the unexpected, and a smoky bass line. Best described as Americana (a blend of country & folk), their repertoire is an eclectic mix of original music and unexpected covers. Whether singing around the kitchen table or on local stages, this trio of friends aspires to share the magic that a perfect chord creates.
The Red Dirt Girls
Inspired by the big band swing era, musical theater and early American folk music, with an upright bass, violin, an occasional accordion and any other willing participant recruited along the way, that's the amazing - Caravan of Thieves. This is the night, not to be missed.
Caravan of Thieves
Do you know the stories of how your ancestors came to America? What about the ones left behind? NOTES TO THE MOTHERLAND is a spellbinding psychological thriller that unearths the hidden experiences of Paul Rajeckas’ family during WWII, turning one son’s search for his immigrant past into a gripping theatrical journey.
Playing a multitude of characters in this riveting one-man show, Kent-resident, Paul Rajeckas, blends physical theater with a darkly incisive portrait of the 21st-century immigrant experience. This transformative performance brings the audience center stage into a powerful exploration of identity, history, and the secrets that shape us—an unmissable experience for anyone seeking to understand who we are and how we got here.
Funding for this performance provided by Dow Integrative Institute
Notes to the Motherland
Laurie MacAllister co-founded the beloved Americana trio Red Molly, which released seven acclaimed albums and toured both the U.S. and internationally, including appearances at MerleFest, Cayamo, and Boston Symphony Hall. jingle for a national TV commercial.
In 2024 Laurie MacAllister embarked on an exciting new chapter, launching a solo career with a sold-out performance at the legendary Club Passim.
Laurie MacAllister - of Red Molly
Michael Ford's compositional and improvisational style draws on many influences, but it is rooted in a classical music aesthetic that stems from a life dedicated to the piano.
Ford describe his music as having hints of impressionism, progressive rock, jazz and Americana. He loves a good melody and enjoys rhythmic explorations. His music ranges from sadness to jubilant.
Michael Ford - Contemporary Piano
How to Hew Log Hewing Workshop
October 4th 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Join us as we explore hand-hewing techniques and methods through a hands-on workshop at the Eric Sloane Museum. Have you ever wondered how hand-hewn beams are created? This hands-on class will be taught by preservation carpenter, Nevan Carling. Students will learn the basics of timber selection and beam layout all while using traditional tools and methods to create a hand-hewn finished product. Pre-Registration is required. Registration Information
How to Hew- Log Hewing Workshop
What is Expressing Motherhood?
Expressing Motherhood is a gathering of voices and stories all about the journey of motherhood. Since 2008 #ExMoShow has showcased women (and men) sharing their personal stories on stage. Initially created and produced in Los Angeles by “two moms who had never done anything like it before.” Since, Expressing Motherhood has been taken on the road to an Off-Off-Broadway theater in New York City and to numerous other cities from Boston to Tacoma.
The Merryall Center is thrilled to be its next stop in bringing these stories to our stage for our Litchfield County community. It’s an opportunity to share with one another in spoken word, monologue, skit, or song all the nuances and experiences that are forever attached to motherhood.
To find out more information, see Merryall Center’s Call for Submission
Deadline is 6/30/25.
Expressing Motherhood
A blended family from the city buys a house sight unseen in an isolated backwoods hamlet. Things get rocky when the locals aren't as welcoming as expected and a dangerous urban legend turns out to be true. In their struggle to put down roots, they find their sanctuary in peril-and their lives threatened-by the land's haunted past.
Join director, Myke Furhman and cast members, Jeff Solomon and lisann Valentin, for post-screening talkback.