Last night was a night to remember, like many other nights wandering the dimly lit streets of Middletown. Last night wasn’t just any night in Middletown though. Not only was the Green Street Arts Center hosting a dance party, Safety Word, The Buttonwood Tree was also hosting a reggae jam session! My night began at the Green Street Arts Center, where I helped set up Safety Word, a dance party designed to promote understanding against cross-cultural and social barriers and ended at The Buttonwood Tree just in time to catch High Voltage Reggae Band, a local troupe of artists, preform their last songs.
I thought I knew the true meaning of inner peace… that is until I heard the music of High Voltage Reggae Band! The sweet melodies and funky tunes of reggae reverberated off the brick walls of The Buttonwood Tree, sending soothing chills down my back. The organic, soulful music penetrated my busy mind, washing my worries and thoughts away like a heavy rain on a midsummer night. The music was both physically and emotionally moving; I have not seen many live performances that have provided the same much needed break from a long week. As I nodded my head to the beats and managed to think of only the present, I scoped the scene. It became evident: I was not alone in my music induced trance; the room was packed with many fellow community members in good spirits, some holding liquid spirits too! Nearly 50 community members came to The Buttonwood Tree that night and I was happy to be one of them!
I never cease to be amazed by a night of entertainment, music and drink at Green Street and The Buttonwood Tree. If you need some music for the soul, used books, a time to let go and relax or just want to appreciate some local artists, The Buttonwood Tree is the place for you!
Feel free to share your experiences with The Buttonwood Tree and Green Street Arts Center below in the comments section; I would like to hear some more local perspectives on community arts. Don’t have any stories to share? Be sure to check out The Buttonwood Tree’s website and the Green Street Calendar in the links below to find some awesome events happening in your own backyard.
