The EC-CHAP Talent Showcase represents a platform for anyone of any age to share their talent before a live audience. We are much more than an “Open Mic”- as we encourage talent sharing across any genre; and provide the time and opportunity to do so.

We respect and support the talent of ALL participants. Since we initiated our Talent Showcase in 2016, there have been three individuals that have continued to support this program over the years, contributing and sharing their musical talent with all of us. As a result, we wish to honor them and feature their talent trough this new event.

We invite you to join us for the “Talent Showcase Senior All Stars” for EC-CHAP’s 2016-2024 performance Seasons!

The music of CURTIS BRAND starts with the words. In the tradition of singer songwriters like Harry Chapin, Jim Croce, and Willie Nelson, Curtis playfully jabs the listener with the existential absurdity of our everyday life. He tells tales of the human condition--the lost souls, the wounded veteran, the let down lover--and blends them with delightful ditties and love songs in a performance which not only touches the sensibilities but also lifts the spirit. From Older than Dirt, a tongue in cheek celebration of the aging process which is the title song from his first album, to Dust on the Water, which memorializes the World Trade Center tragedy, Curtis' songs pull the listener across the full range of human emotions. Whether performing solo in coffee shops and house concerts or joining with the On Call Band in full concert shows, the songs of Curtis Brand reach out and speak of the people around us.

RICH DEBRITO came late to singing and performing. He liked and was inspired by the music he heard on the radio by the likes of Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and TV and motion picture themes, like: Henry Mancini – “Peter Gunn” ,“Moon River”, “Charade” and Burt Bacharach “Alfie”, “The Look of Love”, etc.

Rich claims he used to sing along with the radio (and still does sometime). When he was about 25 he was introduced to the guitar, and though he didn't take formal lessons, he was able to hold his own. He learned from friends who showed him chords to pop songs along with strums and finger picking styles.

He starTed playing at open mics back in the 70’s though not that often. In the mid 90’s Rich began to play regularly at open mics and would seek them out over a 30 mile radius. Through the open mics he got to hear and sometimes know people who love to sing. The rest is history... Rich loves to sing and learn songs - and once in a while he'll create a song.

DEAN BOLT is a singer songwriter who grew up in Willimantic CT surrounded by local garage bands, Shaboo bands and other great musicians who went on to successful music careers. He wasn’t one of them. Many years later he found his way to acoustic guitar finger picking style and it clicked. His influences ranged from Leo Kotke, Doc Watson and Bonnie Raitt to James Taylor. There have been plenty of new and old influences. With songs spanning from the 1970’s to last week, it is likely he has written and will be singing about something that connects with your experience. From poignant to thought provoking to off beat, he has written for weddings, funerals, graduations and parties. He explores subjects from crop circles to suicide and, of course, love: good and bad.

He has played at The Sounding Board, Heartstone Winery, The Packing House and many other venues. Give him a listen at a show or download a song from Bandcamp. Enjoy the ride!

Please join us for an evening of acoustic arrangements by these Talent Showcase Senior All Stars! This program is hosted by the "Eastern Connecticut Center for History, Art, and Performance" (EC-CHAP). Doors 7:00pm / Show 7:30pm. Tickets $15.00 Advance (Online) / $20.00 Door.

Soft drinks and snacks available. We are pleased to offer our exclusive "BYOB&F" TM model - Bring Your Own Beverage & Food (Wine & Beer Only - I.D. Required). You can also bring your paid ticket to Willington Pizza House (or WP Too) for eat-in or take-out the night of the show and receive 15% off your meal purchase. Ask for "The Packing House" pizza! Click for secret recipe.

For more information, please visit: or call 518-791-9474.