Fans of original Connecticut music can now add another venue to the list of joints to feed their mojo. Thanks to Bristol postman Matt Chirsky, who is also the drummer for original metal band Livintrust and bar band favorites Darik and the Funbags, Public at 337 Main St. in Middletown is hosting a night of all original music each week. Chirsky said “Live and Local,” which will feature music with a rock feel (from adult contemporary to modern rock), was launched because the owners at Public wanted to add to their existing live music menu. Chirsky said the facility, which has an upscale friendly atmosphere, already had cover bands on the weekend, karaoke on Mondays, jazz on Tuesdays, and Wesleyans bands on Wednesday. “The Thursday night seemed like a perfect fit for ‘Live and Local.’” Chirsky said he got involved with Public’s plans when “local legend and grandfather of agents Archie D’Amato had approached me. Knowing that if the club wanted to put together an original band night, and do it correctly, that I would be guy to do it.” Chirsky explained the logic behind the statement. “I’m in an original band, play in a cover band, done tours, have booked bands before, etc. so I have a good feel for putting together a successful night,” said Chirsky. To help him with “Live and Local,” Chirsky brought in Scott White, his band mate in Darik. Chirsky said White runs Whitehouse Productions, a recording studio in Shelton. Now, Whitehouse provides the live sound at the venue (Chirsky owns Bandroom Rehearsal Studios in Beacon Falls, which provides professional rehearsal space for bands.) Chirsky said Middletown was a good location for a night of original Connecticut music. He said the city is centrally located. Plus, he said, the town’s Main Street— with its restaurants, shops, and movie theater— is a “little hidden gem of an area. “You park in one spot and can hit dinner, movies, and live music all in one (night),” said Chirsky. The bands booked for “Live and Local” are pulled from Chirsky’s assorted contacts in the music scene. He also finds the artists from MySpace, referrals and a couple of home grown shows in the area. (If you’re interested in being part of “Live and Local,” write to Chirsky at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .). “Live and Local” joins a growing scene that nurtures original talent in the Nutmeg State. “There are actually quite a few venues and radio stations that support local bands, and of just about any style, all over Connecticut,” said Chirsky. The eventual goal of “Live and Local” is “to establish a quality night of original music that will bring people back and get them talking,” said Chirsky. “Live and Local” is a 21

and up event. For more information, call (860) 343- 9940 or go to PublicCt.com.