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.

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

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.

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.

Join us for the bimonthly membership meeting held on the first Wednesday of every other month beginning Feb. 5, 2025 at different member locations.

2025 schedule:

• Wed. Feb. 5, 2025 | Location: Kent Memorial Library, 32 North Main St., co-hosted by The Kent Dispatch
• Wed. April 2, 2025 | Location: 109 Cheese Market, 6 Kent Green Blvd.
• Wed. June 4, 2025 | Location: Kent Art Association, 21 South Main St.
• Wed. Aug. 6, 2025| Location: Hudson Valley Preservation, 27 Maple St.
• Wed. Oct. 1, 2025 | Location: Wilson’s Café, 8 North Main St.
• Wed. Dec. 3, 2025 | Location: TBD

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

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.

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.

Introducing SPARK an event by TradesUP. This event, formerly Touch a Trade, will return to the grounds of the Connecticut Antique Machinery Association and the Eric Sloane Museum on October 25th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 31 Kent Cornwall Road in Kent, CT.

TradesUP's goal is to SPARK interest in working with one’s hands and the FREE event will offer both youth and adults the opportunity to safely participate in trades, crafts, and self-sufficiency skills with their own hands.

Planned activities include carpentry, woodworking, masonry, welding, plumbing, electrical wiring, and planting a garden, along with arts, crafts, and other activities for younger attendees.

Music will be performed and local food and beverages will be on offer for participants of all ages to purchase and enjoy.

TradesUp is a non-profit organization, based in Kent, with a mission to support the development of the next generation of trades and craftspeople. Presenters, sponsors and volunteers are currently being sought for the event.

Join us for the bimonthly membership meeting held on the first Wednesday of

every other month beginning Feb. 5, 2025 at different member locations.

2025 schedule:

• Wed. Feb. 5, 2025 | Location: Kent Memorial Library, 32 North Main St., co-hosted by The Kent Dispatch
• Wed. April 2, 2025 | Location: 109 Cheese Market, 6 Kent Green Blvd.
• Wed. June 4, 2025 | Location: Kent Art Association, 21 South Main St.
• Wed. Aug. 6, 2025| Location: Hudson Valley Preservation, 27 Maple St.
• Wed. Oct. 1, 2025 | Location: Wilson’s Café, 8 North Main St.
• Wed. Dec. 3, 2025 | Location: High Watch Recovery Center, 62 Carter Rd