First Friday | Eight to the Bar

Our signature social event features live music, art, food, spirits, and good friends. New Britain’s best Happy Hour, since 1995!

About Eight to the Bar: 

Drawing its musical influences from American roots music—swing, boogie-woogie, and Motown—Eight to the Bar is known for its outstanding instrumentalists and sophisticated musical and vocal arrangements, highlighted by female vocals. 

COLLIN TILTON - TENOR AND ALTO SAXOPHONES, FLUTE.
Best known for his sax and flute playing on Van Morrison's quadruple-platinum-selling Moondance album, Collin went on to play in Etta James’ band which included being on the Rolling Stones' 1978 U.S. Tour (“Some Girls”). Before joining ETTB in the late eighties, he served as horn arranger/section leader with Clarence Clemons and the Red Bank Rockers. His eclectic resume also includes being a member of the Caldwell-Winfield Blues Band, a member of legendary bluesman James Cotton’s band, Johnny Tillotson, Robbie Dupree (“Hot Rod Hearts”), and making a jazz record with Carla Bley. Most recently, his flute solo on Van Morrison's epic song "Mondance" was selected to be in a book called "25 Great Flute Solos", released on Hal Leonard Publishing, along with other heavyweights such as Jethro Tull.

CYNTHIA LYON - BAND LEADER, FOUNDER, VOCALS, KEYBOARD
Inspired by the legacy of her mother (who sang with her two sisters in a vocal trio during WWII), Cynthia started Eight to the Bar in 1975 and had her three sisters join her in the band’s early days. She is ETTB's band leader, keyboard player and primary songwriter and arranger and has also played with Amyl and the Icons and the Dirty Blondes of New York City.

BRINNA JONES - VOCALS, PERCUSSION
Brinna started singing professionally in 2002, working with a Boston-based show band followed by backing vocal gigs with many different tribute artists. In 2005, she opened for Bob Newhart, backed by a 10-piece orchestra. The following year she joined the Northeast-renowned group Souled Out, singing background vocals, and opening for The Drifters, The Pointer Sisters and The Temptations. Brinna has written some songs for ETTB, notably the cool, Latin-flavored "September Blue" from the band's 11th CD "The Romper Room".

ERIC KUHN - BASS GUITAR, VOCALS
Eric Kuhn – Bass guitar, vocals. Eric has been a bassist, vocalist, and composer in Connecticut since the late 1970s. In 1988 he formed The Bus, beloved Middletown, (CT) rock trio, with Michael Cleary and Paul Bozzi. Eric is known for a voice that can range from do-wop bass to swing soprano in the vocal trio.

JUSTIN BLACKBURN - DRUMS, VOCALS
A versatile drummer and soulful singer, Justin holds a degree in Music from Eastern Connecticut State University. He has performed with many local and national acts including Dave Costa and Peter Tork as well as his pursuing his own projects. Justin currently resides in the quiet corner of CT where he can be found teaching drums and jamming with the local musicians.

Cash bar available; access to Museum galleries is included with your ticket.

Event doors will open at 5:30 p.m.

Please note: The venue has capacity for several hundred with limited seating available and a full dance floor. The rest of the space is dedicated for standing room only. Please arrive early for a better chance of securing chairs.

First Friday is a 21+ event. For the safety of all patrons, the attendance of children at First Friday is prohibited.