Music and Crafts at New Britain Museum of American Art’s First Friday, May 12th.

Fans of legends such as Billy Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, or Frank Sinatra, can expect a very enjoyable evening at the May edition of New Britain Museum of American Art’s signature First Friday event.

Noted vocalist, Theresa Wright, who enjoys covering songs by such these musical legends, will give a live performance of jazz, gospel and R&B at First Friday, on May 12th, 5:30pm to 8:00pm. Wright was selected Best Gospel Vocalist 2016 by CTNOW, and tours the Northeast as a solo performer and as a featured vocalist with renowned musical groups. She specializes in both cover songs and original songs, and had recently released an album of her music.

Also performing at First Friday will be jazz duo saxophonist Mike Casey and pianist Jen Allen. Based in the Greater Hartford area, Casey released his first album in February to international acclaim. Allen, a member of faculty at Trinity College in Hartford, has released two albums since 2011 as well as an award-winning book.

A guided tour will be provided of the Museum’s featured exhibition, Nor’Easter: The 47th Annual Juried Exhibition. It celebrates work in a variety of media by artists from throughout the country, curated by Sarah Fritchey, Curator/Gallery Director of ArtSpace New Haven.

Guests at First Friday can enjoy Yuengling and Goose Island IPA, cocktails, and wine and dance to live R&B and jazz performances.  In addition, guests can shop handcrafted merchandise by Sea Elegance, owned and operated by Kim Ferraguto, offering a selection of jewelry and trinkets that highlight the natural beauty of sea glass, as well as quilted masterpieces and one-of-a-kind scarves by Melanie Johnston and Joan Blade Johnson, the duo behind M.J. Fiber Art.

Admission is $10 for Members and $15 for non-Members, and includes entrance to the Museum’s galleries, special exhibitions, activities, snacks, and soft drinks (including this month’s specialty drink: Spring Fling). Beer, wine, and cocktails will be served at a cash bar for $5. Please note: First Friday in May is being held on the second Friday of the month due to the Museum’s annual fundraiser being held the weekend before.