Mike Dawes has a torn tendon in his bicep, and it’s unfortunately too painful for him to perform for the next few months. As a result, his performance at the Garde Arts Center in the Oasis Room has been rescheduled to November 4, 2026.

Mike Dawes

Garde Arts Center

Inspired by the acclaimed documentary Join or Die, this special community event celebrates the power of connection, participation, and belonging.

The evening begins with a screening of the thought-provoking film, which explores how joining clubs, organizations, volunteer groups, and civic associations can enrich our lives while strengthening the communities around us.

Join or Die: Find Your People

The Garde Arts Center, Inc.

Hubby Jenkins is a talented multi-instrumentalist, historian, and interpreter of American roots music whose work shines a light on the African-American influence at the heart of country, blues, and old-time traditions. A gifted banjoist, guitarist, and fiddler, Jenkins first came to national prominence as a core member of the Grammy Award-winning Carolina Chocolate Drops, a group celebrated for reclaiming the Black string band legacy.

Hubby Jenkins of the Carolina Chocolate Drops

Barry Manilow, hailed as one of the most iconic pop artists ever, rose to global fame with hits that seamlessly combined emotional depth, poetic lyrics, and rich, harmonious compositions. Over his career, he recorded and released 51 Top 40 singles, including 13 that reached number one.

Daybreak

A festive program of beloved holiday favorites
Featuring Laura Darrell from Frozen and Local beloved Tenor Christopher Faison

The ECSO’s beloved Holiday Spectacular returns, and this year’s celebration promises to be more magical than ever. Gather the whole family for an afternoon of holiday cheer, gorgeous music, and the warmth of the season at the Garde Arts Center.

Holiday Spectacular 2026

When the curtain rises, professionally trained Eastern Connecticut Ballet dancers will share the spotlight with acclaimed guest artists—soon to be announced—in this dazzling nautical-themed live performance of The Nutcracker. Set in New London in the 1850s, the scenery celebrates southeastern Connecticut’s seafaring past and transforms the stage into a wintry day in the maritime city. Stage sets display tall ships in port, the New London Custom House, Whale Oil Row, lighthouses, and a sea captain’s Victorian home.

The Eastern Connecticut Ballet Presents: The Nutcracker

The Squirrel Nut Zippers return with their beloved Christmas Caravan Tour, bringing a festive blend of vintage jazz, New Orleans swing, folk traditions, and holiday spirit to audiences nationwide. Following a successful year celebrating the 30th anniversary of their platinum-certified breakthrough album Hot with a special anniversary tour, the band continues the celebration by bringing their singular musical magic to the holiday season.

An Evening with Squirrel Nut Zippers

The Oasis Room, on the mezzanine level, is a cozy 100-seat “living room” theater ideal for jazz and other intimate music, theater and comedy performances as well as conferences, speakers, dining and private events.

Victory Artist

Disney Channel’s smash hit movie musical comes to life on your stage! Troy, Gabriella and the students of East High must deal with issues of first love, friends and family while balancing their classes and extracurricular activities.

It’s the first day after winter break at East High. The Jocks, Brainiacs, Thespians and Skater Dudes find their cliques, recount their vacations and look forward to the new year. Basketball team captain and resident jock, Troy, discovers that the brainy Gabriella, a girl he met singing karaoke on his ski trip, has just enrolled at East High. They cause an upheaval when they decide to audition for the high school musical that is being led by Ms. Darbus. Although many students resent the threat posed to the “status quo,” Troy and Gabriella’s alliance might just open the door for others to shine as well.

Disney’s High School Musical

Having captivated audiences in the Garde’s Mezzanine Lobby before our annual A Night to Remember celebration, we are delighted to welcome back Arthur Migliazza, an award-winning pianist whose extraordinary talent brings the thrilling sounds of boogie woogie, blues, jazz, and early rock ’n’ roll to life. A performer since the age of 13, Migliazza has appeared on renowned stages around the world, including Tchaikovsky Hall in Moscow and Birdland Jazz Club in New York City, earning acclaim for his dazzling technique, infectious energy, and deep appreciation for America’s rich piano heritage.

Arthur Migliazza Boogie Woogie & Blues Piano

Goodnight Moonshine is a musical marriage—the guitar and vocal duet of renowned Red Molly singer Molly Venter and prolific producer/guitarist Eben Pariser. Their collaborative result is a sophisticated folk sound built around Molly’s enviable voice and Eben’s wide, imaginative harmonic sensibilities (NPR).

Goodnight Moonshine Quartet featuring Molly Venter of Red Molly

When the class gets lost on the way to the planetarium, Ms. Frizzle saves the day by blasting into outer space for an epic interplanetary field trip!  But when rivalries both old and new threaten to tear the students apart, our young heroes must learn to pull together or risk getting forever lost in the solar system.

Hop on the Magic School Bus for a ride in this new musical adaptation based on the original book series published by Scholastic.

The Magic School Bus: Lost in Space

In ethereal candlelit settings, this band of 14 classical musicians unleash effortlessly enchanting melodies alongside powerful walls of distortion. Witness the unexpected union of classical music and metal.

The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight

Join the internationally acclaimed Red Hot Chilli PIPERS (NOT the Peppers!) as they celebrate their 25th Anniversary World Tour—a milestone honoring a quarter century of electrifying audiences around the globe with their signature sound: Bagrock. It’s where the thunder of rock meets the soul of Scotland, blending iconic rock anthems with the timeless melodies of the Highlands in a concert experience unlike any other. 

Red Hot Chilli PIPERS 25th Anniversary World Tour

Emmy-Award® winning Actor and 2025 Theater Hall of Fame Inductee Richard Thomas brings to life “the nation’s one true comic genius” (The New York Times) in Mark Twain Tonight!, written and originally performed by Hal Holbrook. Join the millions who have cheered for the legendary one-man show, bursting with Twain’s “uproariously funny” and “pungently wise” (Time Magazine) humor.

Richard Thomas in Mark Twain Tonight! By Hal Holbrook

Maks & Peta Live! is the ultimate high-voltage dance extravaganza, exploding with jaw-dropping choreography and breath-taking moves, filled with infectious energy and irresistible charm, celebrating the pure joy of dance.

Maks & Peta Live!

The World’s MOST Iconic Ballet – Live on Stage!
The legendary tale of Swan Lake takes flight in a breathtaking production from World Ballet Company, as fate and magic entwine in a timeless battle between good and evil. Featuring a cast of 50 international dancers, over 150 radiant hand-sewn costumes, and stunning hand-crafted sets, this spellbinding performance captures every heart-pounding moment – from the Dance of the Little Swans to the Black Swan’s iconic 32 fouettés, and every pirouette in between.

Garde Arts Center

Nov 4, 2026

Mike Dawes

Nov 10, 2026

Join or Die: Find Your People

Nov 14, 2026

Hubby Jenkins of the Carolina Chocolate Drops

Dec 3, 2026

Daybreak

Dec 5, 2026

Holiday Spectacular 2026

Garde Arts Center