The “Dance Party” hosted by the Watts Hall Band in Thomaston on Friday, October 14 was a “rousing success” and was one of the best events that Managing Director Kendray Rodriguez has ever had there. The dance floor was full and moving to the sounds of the beat. People also enjoyed sitting, watching, and listening to the band from the tables that surrounded the dancers. People enjoyed a beverage and an hors d’oeuvre while they chatted and enjoyed the music of the Watts Hall Band.

The “Dance Party” kicked off a “first season of events” and shows for musical and theatrical productions since some Thomaston town government was relocated. Bill Hahn, keyboard player for Watts Hall Band and Thomaston Select Board Vice Chair as well as Ben Griffin, Watts Hall Community Arts Board Chair and Watts Hall board member Charles Grover recognize the value of the hall being a major draw for visitors and a driver of economic success for the community. Kendray advised over 160 people were in attendance at the “Dance Party” according to ticket sales. The new incarnation of the hall and the money earned from ticket sales was a great indication of the success the hall can achieve as a destination for visitors.

The Watts Hall Band formed in January 2022 and the “Dance Party” was their Watts Hall debut. Attendees of the dance party enjoyed blues, rock and R&B from a full horn section, keyboards and guitars, who played favorite tunes from Fleetwood Mac to Stevie Ray Vaughan, Black Crowes to Van Morrison, Linda Ronstadt to the Eagles, Talking Heads to Eric Clapton, Rolling Stones to the Allman Brothers and more. The Watts Hall Band is also available for private events both at Watts Hall and at event locations. The “Dance Party” was a fundraising event for Watts Hall Community Arts.

Watts Hall Community Arts oversees the leadership of the Hall. Watts Hall has maintained its historic ambiance however it is expensive to maintain the building’s character. The “Dance Party” was a fundraiser for the Watts Hall Community Arts. The Watts Hall Community Arts board is looking towards the future and the benefit that Watts Hall can bring to the community. Creation of a second floor art gallery and renovations to the balcony are items of consideration for the arts board as well.

Ben Griffin took the stage early in the evening and welcomed everyone to “Dance Night” at Watts Hall with the Watts Hall Band. Ben took the opportunity to advise attendees that the Watts Hall Community Arts Organization was formed in September 2021 as a nonprofit organization. The Town of Thomaston has tasked the organization with the mission of managing and operating the second floor space of Watts Hall which includes the auditorium with stage, a green room, the renamed Gallery room and a kitchen. The organization is tasked with scheduling and bringing in as many entertaining and educational events as they can, starting with “Dance Night”.

Ben took the opportunity to promote the book signing scheduled for 2pm on Saturday, October 22. Lavinia and the Sailmakers is a love story set in 1865; the story is woven into the fabric of Thomaston and the Dunn and Elliot families.

Ben next introduced the best thing that Watts Hall Community Arts has done is hire Kendray Rodriguez as the Managing Director. Ben explained Kendray is a “Fireplug” and Kendray next took the stage to give a sampling of upcoming events at Watts Hall. Saturday, October 29 Watts Hall is hosting a 1920’s Speak Easy Theme Murder Mystery Dinner catered by the Midcoast School of Technology, an upcoming comedy night, and on December 2 & 3 Scott Moreau will be Walkin’ The Line with three members of the Watts Hall Band. Bill Hahn, Art Grinnell and Tommy Hanna will accompany Scott in his original Johnny Cash tribute concert. Information
on Scott Moreau can be found at https://www.scottmoreau.com/johnny-cash. A 2017 recording of the show can be found here: Walkin' The Line LIVE at Cortland Rep - YouTube. Scott is “VERY excited to be playing with all of you for the first time in December, and even more excited to be on an historic stage in my home state!” Scott, Tommy, Art and Bill are in preparation for the upcoming concert.

Follow the events calendar at Watts Hall Home - Watts Hall Thomaston in order to find out about featured and upcoming events. Murder Mystery Dinner tickets are purchased in advance. The Watts Hall Band is the house band for Watts Hall and is also available to hire for events.

Contact Alan Hinsey at alan@wattshallband.com to book the Watts Hall Band for your next event. For more information on Watts Hall contact Managing Director Kendray Rodriguez at 207-542-8449, wattshallcommunityarts@gmail.com.

See You At Watts Hall!!