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Helen S Kaman Rose Garden

Eight to the Bar in Concert

Eight To The Bar (ETTB) was founded in 1975 by Cynthia Lyon, principal songwriter and arranger. The band is known for its swing, boogie-woogie, and close vocal harmonies, but they also perform country, pop, and jazz. They were voted Best Overall Band in the CT NOW 2018 Readers’ Poll. Come hear their very special musical presentation!

    CYNTHIA LYON - BAND LEADER, VOCALS, KEYBOARD
    Cynthia started Eight to the Bar in 1975 and had her three sisters join her in the band’s early days. She is ETTB's band leader, keyboard player and primary songwriter and arranger and has also played with Amyl and the Icons and the Dirty Blondes of New York City.

    COLLIN TILTON - TENOR AND ALTO SAXOPHONES, FLUTE.
    Best known for his sax and flute playing on Van Morrison's quadruple-platinum selling Moondance album, Collin went on to play in Etta James’  band which included being on the Rolling Stones' 1978 U.S. Tour (“Some Girls”). His eclectic resume also includes being a member of the Caldwell-Winfield Blues Band, a member of legendary bluesman James Cotton’s band, Johnny Tillotson, Robbie Dupree (“Hot Rod Hearts”), and making a jazz record with Carla Bley. Most recently, his flute solo on Van Morrison's epic song "Mondance" was selected to be in a book called "25 Great Flute Solos."

    BRINNA JONES - VOCALS, PERCUSSION
    Brinna started singing professionally in 2002, working with a Boston-based show band followed by backing vocal gigs with many different tribute artists. In 2005, she opened for Bob Newhart, backed by a 10-piece orchestra. The following year she joined the Northeast-renowned group Souled Out, singing background vocals, and opening for The Drifters, The Pointer Sisters and The Temptations.

    KEVIN JOHNSON - GUITAR, VOCALS
    Kevin holds a Masters of Music Degree from Portland State University where he studied with world-renowned guitarist and composer Brian Johanson.  He fronted the lively duo Celtic Corner in Portland, Oregon and appeared aboard Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas. He also plays bass, fife, flute, and saxophone.

    ERIC KUHN - BASS GUITAR, VOCALS
    Eric has been a bassist, vocalist, and composer in Connecticut since the late 1970s. In 1988 he formed The Bus, beloved Middletown, (CT) rock trio, with Michael Cleary and Paul Bozzi. Eric is known for a voice that can range from do-wop bass to swing soprano in the vocal trio.

    JUSTIN BLACKBURN - DRUMS, VOCALS
    A versatile drummer and soulful singer, Justin holds a degree in Music from Eastern Connecticut State University. He has performed with many local and national acts including Dave Costa and Peter Tork as well as his pursuing his own projects. Justin currently resides in the quiet corner of CT where he can be found teaching drums and jamming with the local musicians.

    Concert is FREE and takes place on the John G. Martin Foundation Stage, located on the Helen S Kaman Rose Garden Lawn.

    Rain Date is July 7.

    Visit eighttothebar.com for more information.

    Support for the 2022 Summer Concert Series comes from: 

    • The Edward C. and Ann T. Roberts Foundation
    • The Evelyn W. Preston Memorial Fund
    • Musicians Performance Trust Fund
    • West End Civic Association (WECA)
    • Legrand