*A reminder that AMORTAR (American Mortar Original Rock Band) will be playing right in their own neighborhood this weekend. The band will be playing its rock songs and covers at 100 Church Hill in Sandy Hook on Saturday, August 11.

Danny Jovanelly composed the music and plays lead guitar, Susan Washburn is the lead singer and lyricist, Paul Kelly plays bass, and Scott Deicas plays the drums.

“Come and dance on August 11 or just sit back and enjoy the festivities,” Susan said in an email.  “Celebrate American Artist Appreciation Month at 100 Church Hill on Saturday night because there will be an unusual art exhibition alongside the band performance,” her note continued. There will be a special showing of some of the lead singer and lyricist’s paintings.

“You can also have an excuse to celebrate Smile Week – the second week of August– Sons and Daughters Day, Peach Month, Catfish Month, and the band’s personal favorite, Romance Awareness Month on that day,” she added. Music will start around 10 or so.

*Tickets are still available for “An Evening with JAMES TAYLOR,” a special event coming up on Thursday, August 15, beginning at 5:30 pm, at the Chevrolet Theatre in Wallingford. The proceeds from this wonderful night will benefit thousands of Special Olympics Connecticut (SOCT) athletes from across the state. SOCT has limited tickets with the best seats available to this sold out concert.

Prior to the concert, SOCT will be honoring The Worx Group with the President’s Award. This prestigious award is given to a company or person who has shown tremendous support and dedication to SOCT. The Worx Group is a full-service integrated marketing company that has shown exceptional commitment to SOCT for over a decade including the creation of SOCT’s website, the annual report and all the marketing materials for SOCT’s new branding message, “changing attitudes. changing lives.”

For tickets and information about this event contact Bob Garguilo at SOCT, either by calling 203-230-1201 extension 223 or sending e-mail to RobertG@soct.org.

Those of you already lucky enough to get tickets to the show (which is officially sold out) already know that this is the first time Taylor is performing solo since his tour in 1976.

*Tickets for two just-announced shows at the Chevrolet Theatre go on sale this morning. THE SCORPIONS will be in Wallingford on Friday, September 28 (tickets are $35 and $45), and TORI AMOS will be there on Tuesday, October 16 (tickets $38.50 and $49.50).

Visit LiveNation.com, visit the Chevy’s box office, or contact any TicketMaster outlet for these tickets.

*Tickets for Rock The Sound, a concert to be played at Arena at Harbor Yard in Bridgeport on November 3, will be going on sale Saturday morning. The show will feature performances by JEREMY CAMP, JARS OF CLAY, SKILLET, GRITS and STORYSIDE: B, and prices for tickets will range from $25 to $55. The arena is a TicketMaster customer, so contact TicketMaster online, in person or over the phone. Tickets will also be available at the arena’s box office.

Until next week I’ll be seeing you... on the road.

Questions and comments should be sent to Shannon Hicks c/o The Newtown Bee, 5 Church Hill Road, Newtown CT 06470, or shannon@thebee.com, or call the office at 426-3141. Shows listed at clubs are for ages 21 and over unless specified.

 

UPCOMING SHOWS

AUGUST 10 — Taylor Hicks at The Warner Theatre, Torrington; Jeff Pitchell & Texas Flood at Fairfield Theatre Company;

August 11 — AMORTAR at 100 Church Hill, Sandy Hook; Justin Timberlake at Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, Good Charlotte opening; Kenny Rogers at The Chevrolet Theatre, Wallingford, Diamond Rio opening; Sol Dog at The Georgetown Saloon, Redding;

August 12 — O.A.R. at the Dodge Music Center, Hartford;

August 13 — Kenny Loggins at Ives Concert Park, Danbury;

August 15 — James Taylor at The Chevrolet Theatre (solo acoustic show, sold out event); The Beach Boys at Mohegan Sun Arena;

August 21 — Velvet Revolver at Mohegan Sun Arena, with special guests Alice in Chains and Kill Hannah;

August 24 — Rascal Flatts at Dodge Music Center, Jason Aldean opening;

August 26 — Projekt Revolution 2007 at Dodge Music Center featuring Linkin Park, My Chemical Romance, Taking Back Sunday, HIM, Placebo and Julien-K on the Main Stage, Mindless Self Indulgence, et al on second stage;

August 30 — Jimmy Buffett & The Coral Reefer Band at Mohegan Sun Arena; Merle Haggard at The Palace Waterbury, Johnny Lee opening.