DANBURY, CONN. — In its seventh semester, the ever-popular Western Connecticut State University Midtown Coffeehouse will host a variety of musical performances, ranging across genres from past favorite performers to new, up-and-coming artists.

Every Thursday at 8 p.m. in Alumni Hall on the university’s Midtown campus, 181 White St. in Danbury, students can escape the monotony of dorm life to enjoy an evening of free coffee, food and sodas while listening to the featured artists at the spring 2008 Midtown Coffeehouses. The public also can attend. The Coffeehouse is free but donations to sustain it will be accepted.

Each Coffeehouse begins with a one hour open mic session for students, faculty and staff interested in contributing. Typically, features from solo artists, bands and student combos from WCSU’s jazz groups follow.

Acts at the Coffeehouse this spring will include:

• Jan. 31: Christian Marrone – Alternative/Acoustic/Ambient
  
  Christian Marrone released his first CD “Hope Hangover Now” in October 2007 and is currently touring the East Coast. Performing solo or with a band, he aims to make every show unique with a variety of sets and guest performers. www.myspace.com/christianmarronemusic
• Feb. 7: Last Fair Deal – Acoustic/Folk/Bluegrass
  
  “Last Fair Deal redraws the map of American roots music with … an eclectic repertoire drawing on old-time string-band, bluegrass, swing and popular music. Their new CD, ‘True Tales,’ serves up 12 original and three re-grooved, traditional tunes. LFD’s live performances, with stellar vocals and unique acoustic synergy, will captivate any audience.” www.lastfairdeal.com
• Feb. 21: WCSU Jazz Quartet – Jazz
  
  Led by coordinator of jazz studies Jamie Begian, the group features alumnus Jonathon Blanck on tenor saxophone, Begian on guitar, alumnus and adjunct faculty member Chris DeAngelis on bass and alumnus Tim Walsh on drums. A program of all-original music is planned with each member of the band contributing one composition.




• Feb. 28: Timothy Daniel – ArtPop
  
  “Timothy Daniel has earned a reputation for his catchy melodies, clever lyrics, off-the-wall stage banter and refreshingly genuine delivery. Appearing solo or with his full band of all-star studio session players, Tim has been touring major cities throughout the United States and the United Kingdom since the spring of 2004. … Discover a rare musical blend of the whimsical and the contemplative from one of today’s most talked-about young songwriters on the scene today.” www.timothydaniel.com




• Mar. 5: Derek Waldron – Piano/Vocals
  
  Recent WestConn graduate Derek Waldron returns to the Coffeehouse, having been a feature act during the first two years of its existence. Waldron, a self-proclaimed “writing fiend,” is currently working on a CD of original material. www.myspace.com/dwaldron




• Apr. 3: Tyler Cohen – Acoustic
  
  Tyler Cohen is a music education major at WCSU, student teaching for his last semester. Cohen is the lead singer of the group Forget Paris, which has performed at a previous Coffeehouse. Cohen will take the stage solo to perform acoustic songs.




• Apr. 24: Take October – Rock/Pop/Jam Band
  
  Proud to say their first official performance was at a WCSU Coffeehouse in November 2005, Take October has since performed at many other venues, including Toad’s Place in New Haven. www.myspace.com/takeoctober




• May 1: WCSU Student Jazz Ensemble – Live Jazz
  
  One of the outstanding small jazz groups from WCSU’s jazz program will give a performance of original compositions and jazz standards.

For more information, call the WCSU Office of Student Affairs at (203) 837-9700 or the Office of University Relations at (203) 837-8486.

Western Connecticut State University offers outstanding faculty in a range of quality academic programs. Our diverse university community provides students an enriching and supportive environment that takes advantage of the unique cultural offerings of Western Connecticut and New York.  Our vision: To be an affordable public university with the characteristics of New England’s best small private universities.