The Chocolate Church Arts Center announces two new fundraisers to help continue the ongoing renovation phases. The first was a lovely evening called Once Upon A Jewel, which took place Friday October 23 from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. at the former Sewall House on Washington Street in Bath. In collaboration with Springer’s Jewelers, this fundraiser  featured displays of unusual and unique pieces from Springer’s, a very special raffle, and was a unique way to help the Chocolate Church. Patrons brought  in the jewelry they didn’t wear, didn’t need or didn’t know what to do with. While enjoying a special evening, Springer’s  evaluated  pieces and offered cash for them.  The first $100 was donated to CCAC – the rest was theirs to keep - and those who were feeling generous donated the entire amount. All proceeds of the evening are going towards the new gallery space being recreated in the Annex building. It was tax-deductible and a sparkling way to make room for new jewels and fairytales. Cocktails and hor d’oeuvres were served, and there was fabulous piano music by local Jesse Feinberg.  It was a very successful evening and is destined to become an annual event. 
The second fundraiser is a performance by a terrific local band, The New Rangers, on Saturday November 21st at 7:30 p.m. The New Rangers are an acoustic off-shoot of The Round Pond Rangers, who disbanded in 2006. Jim Nelson, John Reny and John Riley will rock the Chocolate Church as they play to help raise money for the GIMME SHELTER fundraising series, intended to put a new insulated roof on the performance building. Tickets are all $15 and tax-deductible.
Make plans now to enjoy these two special evenings and help keep the Chocolate Church Arts Center bright and thriving!

November 14 at 7:30 p.m. – Ronny Cox – CANCELED DUE TO ILLNESS

November 19 at 7:30 p.m. – Dan Hicks and The Hot Licks

Get ready to SWING!  Singer-songwriter Dan Hicks is truly an American original.  He has deftly blended elements of swing, jazz, folk and country music to create the appealing sound he sometimes calls “folk jazz”.  Dan’s irresistible sense of rhythm, hip lyrical styling, laid-back vocalizing, and infamous on-stage wit will make those who listen fans for life. $22 advance/$24 at door/$20 mbrs/seniors

November 21 at 7:30 p.m. – The New Rangers

The New Rangers are an acoustic off-shoot of The Round Pond Rangers, who disbanded in 2006. The new band features Jim Nelson on guitar, bass and voals; John Reny on guitar and vocals; and newcomer John Riley on guitar, vocals and tambourine. Jim Nelson was a past member of The Round Pond Rangers, as well as Innervasions and Power Loom. John Reny was an original Ranger, circa 1971 and now continues to be a Ranger in this century as well. John Riley comes to the band by way of Sarasota, Florida and Bremen, Maine. All three are very talented musicians and vocalists that know how to engage and please a crowd. The New Rangers are playing songs from yesteryear as well as current unes, developed over the last three years through constant practicing in the Ranger Station, located deep in the woods in Round Pond, Maine. The cover artists like Boby Dylan, New Riders of the Purple Sage, The Byrds, John Prine, Grateful Dead, Steve Earl and Slaid Cleaves. They are appearing by special request to help raise funds for CCAC’s fundraising series GIMME SHELTER, which is dedicated to putting a new roof on the big church building where performances are held. All tickets are $15

December 18 at 7:30 p.m. – The Don Campbell Band

This great band entertains audiences of all ages with a charismatic blend of adult contemporary, country and rock music.  Names Maine’s Best Singer-Songwriter from 2004-2009 in the Maine Sunday Telegram Readers’ Poll, Don has opened for Willie Nelson, Toby Keith, Carrie Underwood & Randy Travis, among others.  This concert will feature his newly-released Christmas CD. $15 advance/$18 at door/$13 mbrs/seniors

January 23 at 7:30 p.m. – Schooner Fare

Appearing for the 32nd year in a row at CCAC, Schooner Fare is regarded as the premier performing group of original and traditional songs in true “Down East” style.  $22 advance/$24 atdoor/$20 mbrs/seniors

January 30 at 7:30 pm. – Dave Mallett

Maine’s premier singer/songwriter returns to the stage with a mix of American folk song, New England Scotch, Irish and maritime influences. $20 advance/$22 at door/$18 mbrs/seniors

February 20 at 7:30 p.m. – Sophie B. Hawkins

With two gold albums, a Grammy nomination and gutsy honesty , Sophie B. Hawkins creates nuanced arrangements that echo Nina Simone, Laura Nyro and other influences that enhance her unique sound.  $20 advance/$22 door/$18 mbrs/seniors

March 5 at 7:30 p.m. – Maeve Gilchrist

Born in Edinburg, Scotland, Maeve began playing piano at seven and picked up the Celtic harp a couple of years later.  Now based in New York City, she blends her Scottish roots and jazz influence with Latin American rhythms, creating a unique, amazing and multicultural sound.  $12 advance/$14 at door/$10 mbrs/seniors

March 13 at 7:30 p.m. – Battlefield Band

This band returns to the CC stage with Scottish music of a rare passion and joy.  Their music is a fusion of ancient and modern instruments – bagpipes, fiddle, synthesizer, guitar, flutes, bodran and accordion.  $25 advance/$28 at door/$22 mbrs/seniors

April 24 at 7:30 p.m. – Richie Havens

Gifted with one of the most recognizable voices in popular music, Richie Havens has a soulful singing style that remains as unique and ageless as when he first emerged from the Greenwich Village Folk Scene in the early 1960’s.  It’s a voice that has inspired and electrified audiences, most notably as the first act at Woodstock in August of 1969. $35 advance/$39 at door/$32 mbrs/seniors

May 1 at 7:30 p.m. – Diana Fanning

Diana Fanning has toured extensively as a solo performer and chamber musician throughout the eastern US and Europe.  She is known for her beautiful interpretations of Janacek, Chopin and Debussy.  Opening for Ms. Fanning is local talen Jesse Feinberg, an accomplished pianist with a wide range of offerings from Cole Porter to Gershwin. $15 advance/$17 at door/$13 mbrs/seniors

May 8 at 7:30 p.m. – The Sweetback Sisters

The rollicking country swing of the Sweetback Sisters is as infectious as it is heartbreaking.  Their charismatic charm harkens back to the golden era of both the silver screen cowgirl and the ersatz cowboy stars of old TV.  That whimsical exterior is wrapped around a core of deeply-felt love for traditional country music styles and a palpable joy in playing and singing together.  $12 advance/$14 at door/$10 mbrs/seniors

May 15 at 7:30 p.m. – The Holmes Brothers

The Holmes Brothers have a vision of American roots music that is masterful and convincing.  Their chilling harmonies resonate with a passion and conviction matched only by their inspired musicianship and their ability to perform sanctified gospel, low-down roadhouse blues, deep soul, Americana/country and pure pop – all in one set.  $20 advance/$22 at door/$18 mbrs/seniors

June 12 at 7:30 p.m. – C.J. Chenier

C.J. is the Creole son of the Grammy Award-winning  “King of Zydeco”, Louisiana musician Clifton Chenier.  He followed in his father’s footsteps and mixed in his own taste with soul, Cajun, Funk and jazz.  $25 advance/$27 at door/$23 mbrs/seniors

 

We’re on the move – but not far!

The Chocolate Church Arts Center Box Office is now located in the Annex building.

Our new address is:

Chocolate Church Arts Center
804 Washington Street                                                                                           Bath, ME 04530
(207) 442-8455
Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10am to 4pm.  Thursday from noon to 7 p.m.  Saturday from noon – 4 pm day of performances only. 

Our new mailing address is:

Chocolate Church Arts Center
PO Box 252
Bath, ME 04530-0252

Please pardon our ‘dust’ as we work to renovate the Annex and the Curtis Room. The second floor of the Annex will house the new Chocolate Church Gallery beginning in May of 2010.

Please follow these directions to buy tickets in person for all of our wonderful shows and look for more information about the Gallery’s grand re-opening coming soon.

Thank you for your support of the arts in mid coast Maine!

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