http://easthaddam.patch.com/articles/tuned-in-to-the-local-beat

Tuned in to the Local Beat

Celebrating the notes of the multi-generational lively music scene in East Haddam.

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Thoughts of East Haddam often conjure up images of the majestic Goodspeed Opera House as it perches over the spectacular vistas of the Connecticut River.

Or the Swing Bridge, the iconic gateway to town where one can sometimes wait in the seemingly endless traffic to enter or leave town on daily missions. When locals explain the precise location of where town is located, they mention the well-known Gillette Castle or recount the eerie tales of the haunted Devil's Hopyard.

Rarely outsiders hear of the vibrant local music scene happening within this sleepy rural town.

Outsiders and locals alike may be surprised to discover the talented musicality that spans generations residing in town. From a drum circle to a teen jam night to an open mic and live weekly performances, East Haddam pulsates to the beat of local talent.

Musical happenings around town include the following displays:

• Teen Jam Night: Organized through Youth and Family Services, it is open to all students in grades six through 12. Offered twice a month, Teen Jam Night takes place from 7-9:30 p.m. at the Grange Hall on Town Street. Teens are free to express themselves through their music, or just listen  in a safe and supervised open-mic environment. Contact YFS for information at (860) 873-3296. 
  
• Local Charity Open Mic Night at Susan's Fine Salon: On the second Saturday of each month, Susan Pagnano hosts an open mic night with local musicians at Susan's Fine Salon and Gathering at 338 Town St. from 7-11 p.m. Shows are for age 21 and over and the $5 donation at the door goes to support local charities. Call (860) 873-3339 for information.
• Community Music Circle: Pete Govert, creator and author of the Community Music Jam Network, hosts a community music circle on the fourth Monday of every month through Parks and Recreation. From 7-9 p.m. at the Grange Hall on Town Street, the sounds of acoustic instruments and voices can be heard "making music in the moment." For information, contact Pete Govert at swahilipete@sbcglobal.net.    
• The Sanctuary at Shepardsfields hosts a variety of musical endeavors throughout the year. In addition to a drum circle on the first Friday of every month from 7-9 p.m., the Sanctuary also hosts a songwriters' group, Kirtan performances (musical call and response between performers and audience) and local music tribal submits at 59 Bogel Road. For information, call (860) 319-1134. 

• Restaurant Entertainment: Restaurants in town including La Vita Gustosa at 9 Main St. and Hilltop BBQ and Steakhouse at 2 Ray Palmer Road in Moodus host a variety of musical entertainment weekly. On Tuesday evenings at La Vita (860-873-8999) rock out from 7-10 p.m. with live classic rock with T-Rex and Thursday nights are the La Vita Dance Party with DJ Audio Trauma from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. Hilltop BBQ (860-873-1234) features live local music every Friday night in its sports bar.