The Outlet for the Arts "Raise the Roof" fund
Donation protected
Greetings!
My name is Chaz DeVito, and I am the owner of The Outlet for the Arts (formerly “Studio 59”) located in Downtown Torrington, CT. We opened in the spring of 2020 and host live performances to the local music scene and provide recording, mixing and various production services.
We are in the process of restoring the exterior of the building and raising funds to replace the roof. Local contractors have estimated the replacement at $25,000-$30,000 to cover new shingles, plywood and labor.
The historic building on Barber Street was built in 1886 and was home to the Advent Christian Church, located on New Harwinton Road in Torrington, CT. Over the years, the building has been used by various community members for music and art.
In April 2020, I purchased the building on foreclosure and started making improvements to repair and restore it. Over the years, I have been working as a freelance audio engineer doing events in local casinos, colleges and schools in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, and Rhode Island. The pandemic has caused complex challenges as many of us have not been able to work regularly in the industry as it has been disrupted. These challenges have created new opportunities and relationships that lead to a stronger network of musicians and performers.
On June 12, 2021 The Outlet for the Arts sponsored a Battle of the bands at the Torrington Skate Park. Bands from Connecticut and New York came out to play for the youth who frequent the park at the local high school. Local vendors and artists also set up tents and tables to display and sell their work and food. This was the first time since the pandemic that we could go outside and return to normal activities.
Over the past two years, we collaborated with the Northwest Connecticut Art Council for Make Music Day on June 21. We have had amazing performances by Adelaide Punkin, Abbie Lappen, Say Love, Ambrose, KNoWTe, Vera, Ysanne, Ian Mathew, T.J. Thompson Trio and Mighty Tortuga.
On November 11, 2022, we started the “Raise the Roof” concert fundraiser series to help raise funds to replace the roof that is losing shingles and is in need of repair. The four events featured performances by All That We Are, Heart Shaped Lakes, Shann-I, Raw Status, Almost August, Glen Very Close, Tone Deaf, The Sadists, 49 Feet High, Mike Hatfield, Cafe Pizzeria, KNoWTe, BoneyXO, VvsMadé, LI, Sober Bill and Not Another Nirvana.
Between these events and donations from the community, we raised $1,615!
Thank you to everyone who has supported The Outlet for the Arts and the artists!
As we continue the “Raise the Roof” series, we ask the public to spread the word about our fundraiser. If you have anything to donate, it is more than appreciated. If you cannot donate, please join us at our next event, have a good time!
-Chaz
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Organiser
The Outlet for the Arts
Organiser
Torrington, CT
