The Buttonwood Tree presents the musical showcase of Middletown-local singer/songwriter Vicki Gagliardi, with Hartford open-mic veteran Ken McManus. Vicki and Ken will be singing their favorite original songs behind the piano, in a round-robin style rotation.
Vicki Gagliardi is a Contemporary style Singer / Songwriter from Southington, Connecticut. Her sound is influenced by classic artists including The Carpenters, Carol King, Patsy Cline, Adele.
The Path”, Vicki’s debut EP, was created in 2O21 with Co-Producer Jimmy Clark of JC Music & Wellness, and released in 2O22, featuring introspective, atmospheric songs that speak intimately to her life experiences. She also released 3 Christmas cover songs in December of 2022, “Christmas Wishes”. She currently has three new songs out, one composed on the Mountain Dulcimer, “There Was A Time”, one features a kazoo solo, “Miss Communication” and “Same Train Different Cars” was just released on 9/5/24.
In addition, she is one of the open mic hosts at The Buttonwood Tree in Middletown (Every 2nd Monday) She also continues to work full-time as an Occupational Therapy Assistant working with young adults with mental health issues for the past 13 years.
Ken McManus is a veteran of the CT open mic scene. He's played at New London Custom House, 150 Prospect in Wethersfield, and Art in The Park at Open Studio Hartford. Ken’s music combines elements of soul, folk, jazz and rock music. His core influences include Al Green, Sly & The Family Stone, Stevie Wonder, Joni Mitchell, and Clearance Clearwater Revival, amongst others.
Prior to his start in music, Ken wrote and published poetry and nonfiction principally as a member of the Still Rivers Writing Group. Ken has been a past member of the music groups EKKG, The Earthtones and the duo Keys + Breeze. He is currently at work with Producer Ira Sakolsky (Riverway Studio) recording a collection of songs, working title “Simple Dreams,” due for release in early 2025.
This concert and other TBT events brought to you by generous donors and patrons of The Buttonwood Tree, as well as the following organizations: Middletown Commission on the Arts, Community Foundation of Middlesex County, Department of Community and Economic Development.
