La Grua Center

06/17/2026

This Weekend at La Grua Center!

Friday, June 19th at 6pm: Amanda Pascali

As the rising voice of America’s most ethnically diverse generation of young people, singer-songwriter Amanda Pascali writes music that speaks to the experience of growing up as a first-generation American. After her songs went viral on social media, she amassed hundreds of thousands of fans around the globe. Now, her long-awaited new record, Roses and Basil, has been praised by NPR, the Bluegrass Situation, and numerous international outlets. This concert is FREE. Bring a blanket or chair and come join us on the Stonington Commons green!

Major support for the Concerts on the Green is provided by the Stonington Village Improvement Association (SVIA).

For important information on what policies will be in effect for the concert, visit LaGruaCenter.org

Saturday, June 20th at 5pm: Music Matters~Zaccai Curtis Duo

Grammy Award-winning pianist Zaccai Curtis joins forces with acclaimed tenor saxophonist Javon Jackson for a special duo performance in Connecticut — an intimate evening bringing together two generations of masterful jazz storytelling.

Known for his explosive blend of Afro-Cuban rhythm, bebop language, and modern harmonic textures, Curtis has emerged as one of the most exciting pianists of his generation following his 2025 Grammy win for Cubop Lives!

Jackson, celebrated for his powerful tone and deep roots in the lineage of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, brings decades of artistry shaped alongside legends including Elvin Jones, Ron Carter, and Freddie Hubbard.

Together, the duo setting creates a rare opportunity to hear spontaneous musical conversation at its purest — fearless improvisation, deep swing, and soulful interaction from two artists connected by a profound respect for jazz tradition while continuously pushing the music forward.

Tickets are $25 and available online only at LaGruaCenter.org.

06/04/2026

It’s official: La Grua Summer Soirée tickets have sold out. We’re looking forward to a celebration for the books - see you soon!!

06/03/2026

Oooh la la, La Grua’s Summer Soirée is just a couple days away! Scroll to see more items that make up our silent auction AND get ready to bid and engage in a little friendly competition for one of these amazing experiences (all in support of the arts, culture and community).

💐 Thank you to our generous sponsors and donors for helping to make this auction and soirée possible.

06/01/2026

Take a peek at some of the absolutely incredible items and experiences that make up the silent auction at this year’s Summer Soiree (this Friday, June 5th). 💝 And then be sure to make a bid, treat yourself, and support La Grua’s mission!

As always, thank you to our generous sponsors and donors who have helped make this auction possible.✨

05/30/2026

As we get ready for this year’s Summer Soirée on Friday, June 5, we want to pause and recognize the generous sponsors who help make the evening possible.

Platinum Sponsors
Cove Ledge
Dodson Boatyard
UBS

Gold Sponsors
Anonymous
Dime Bank
Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP
Dog Watch Catering
Duncklee Cooling & Heating
Expertivity Technologies

Silver Sponsors
Charter Oak Federal Credit Union
Chelsea Groton Bank
Conway, Londregan, Sheehan & Monaco, P.C.
Densmore Oil Company
Grover Insurance / Ferguson & McGuire
Legacy 7 Financial Group of Wells Fargo Advisors
N Kepple Law, LLC
Pappas MacDonnell, Inc.
Poor Morgan, LLC
Prosperity Home Mortgage, LLC
Robinson+Cole
Stonington Consign to Design
Veritable Distillery

We are deeply grateful for their support as we celebrate and raise critical funds for La Grua Center’s year-round programming, including concerts, art exhibitions, talks, youth programs, and community gatherings.

Join us for the Summer Soirée on Friday, June 5, from 6:00 to 8:30 PM. Ticket sales end on Monday!

05/27/2026

05/20/2026

This Friday, May 22nd 6-7pm

We’re excited to open this year’s Concerts on the Green series with perennial favorite, Ed Fast, this time accompanied by the Conga Bop Supertet! This group features Afro-Cuban influenced rhythms and hard-bop harmony fused to create unique, soulful originals and creatively arranged jazz standards. The repertoire reflects a tribute to the genre’s most celebrated practitioners. Bring a blanket or chair and come join us on the Stonington Commons green!

This concert is FREE.

Major support for the Concerts on the Green is provided by the Stonington Village Improvement Association (SVIA).

For important information on what policies will be in effect for the concert, visit LaGruaCenter.org

05/13/2026

Friday, May 15 at 6pm
Special Event:
Resonant Minds
with Sara Sherman

This is not your typical book talk!
Resonant Minds: The Transformative Power of Music, One Note at a Time explores how music can be used as a practical, everyday tool for emotional regulation, focus, and connection—grounded in neuroscience, brought to life through storytelling, and felt through shared experience.

In this interactive event, author Sara Leila Sherman—musician, educator, founder of Mozart for Munchkins—brings together two generations of insight into how music supports mental wellness across the lifespan through the book she wrote with her father, longtime educator and national leader in public education Mort Sherman. 

Through live piano and voice, guided listening, audience reflection, and science-backed strategies, Sara leads participants through a live, immersive experience—inviting you to experience music not simply as performance, but as a resource you can carry into daily life.
No musical background required—just curiosity, a willingness to listen, and an openness to experience how music can support focus, calm, and connection in everyday life.

Books will also be available for sale at the event.
Suggested donation $5.
Sponsored by CT Humanities

05/11/2026

We’re counting down to this year’s Concerts on the Green series! Mark your calendar for Friday, May 22, at 6pm - when we’ll kick off the series - and for the following Fridays:

June 19
July 24
Aug 21
Sept 18

Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and picnic baskets to the Stonington Commons green, and head into the weekend with a fun, fresh soundtrack.