Our History
We’ve been rooted in the arts for over 35 years!
Founded in 1989, The Buttonwood Tree has served for more than three decades as a cultural venue for live music, performing arts, and creative activity in central Connecticut. The organization was established by local artists and community members who saw a need for an intimate performance space that could support both emerging and established artists within the region. Pictured: Buttonwood Tree co-founder Susan Allison.
“If you build it, they will come…”
From the beginning, founders Stephan and Susan Allison believed the physical space itself should inspire creativity. One of their earliest priorities was ensuring the venue included a grand piano, even when it required significant investment and logistical effort. They felt that a professional instrument was essential for attracting serious musicians and encouraging a wider range of performances. Today, the grand piano remains a defining feature of The Buttonwood Tree and continues to draw artists who might otherwise be forced to import a keyboard or limit their programming. Pictured: Merganser. Photo by Branden Grant.
Hospitality is in our roots.
The venue is located in the historic Arrigoni Building, a former hotel situated on a visible street corner in downtown Middletown. Large plate glass windows allow passersby to see directly into the performance space, making artistic activity part of the surrounding street life. The building’s brick walls and period architectural details contribute to an atmosphere that reflects New England’s long tradition of small town cultural spaces. Photo: Jason Neely
The creativity here has never run dry.
In its early years, The Buttonwood Tree operated as a grassroots initiative focused on acoustic music, open mics, and small-scale performances. With strong community support, it quickly developed a reputation for artistic quality and for creating an environment where performers and audiences could engage closely with one another. Over time, The Buttonwood Tree expanded into a multidisciplinary performing arts center, presenting jazz, folk, classical, world music, theater, dance, and spoken word. Pictured: El Vee
We remain committed to uplifting local artists.
Today, more than thirty years after its founding, The Buttonwood Tree remains a well-established part of Middletown’s cultural landscape and continues to operate as a long-standing space for live performance and creative work. Pictured: Ashley Hamel
