Holiday Vibes

Anchor Spa

Named after the Milford, Connecticut beach where it first opened in 1933, The Anchor Spa moved to its current location on College Street in 1939 where it  became a favorite watering hole for actors, artists, poets, writers and Yalies. In 1961, ownership changed - as did the name to simply The Anchor - and while it  went from a more swanky cocktail bar to a laid back, college dive bar, it remained a beloved institution up until its closing in January 2015. Enter Karl Franz Williams - current owner and operator of the reborn The Anchor Spa- who successfully reopened the bar in June of 2016. The current incarnation of the Anchor Spa boasts an outstanding cocktail program under the direction of Williams, a renowned mixologist, in addition to a menu committed to injecting new life into modern Caribbean cuisine.

Old Forester

Old Forester bourbon will be used in the Kentucky Refresher Cocktail Kit from the Anchor Spa. Old Forester is a brand of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey produced by the Brown-Forman Corporation. It is officially the longest-running bourbon on the market today, and was the first bourbon sold exclusively in sealed bottles.

Sandra’s Next Generation

About Sandra's Next Generation, from Zagat:

Southern cooking is what it's about at this New Haven stalwart; dishing up soul food classics like barbecue pork ribs, blackened catfish and fried chicken, plus sweet potato pie for dessert in a basic, brick-lined setting with a homey ambience.

Sandra Pittman

Sandra Pittman credits her career in creating incredible soul food to her mother: "It is said that cooking is an act of love. If that is true, then my career was born from my mother's heart. All that I am and all that I know as a cook I learned from her. It was at her knee that I learned how to infuse chicken and pork, fish and vegetables with love and a blend of seasonings to create Soul Food." From the age of 8, Sandra started cooking and learning, and soon she grew into her own, first mastering fried chicken and then expanding to cooking for neighbors and church groups. From there, starting with $5 dinners on Fridays and expanding into two restaurants, Sandra and her husband Miguel continue the familial tradition of serving delicious food heaped with love. "My business, my career, my life is my love letter to one Mrs. Mary Harris, the Best Soul Food Master and Mother in the World.

Chris "Big Dog" Davis

Two-time Grammy-nominated, Chris Big Dog Davis was born in Waterbury, CT to musical parents James, Sr. and Mary Davis. A musically gifted child, Chris studied with Yale professors and, by the age of 16, had recorded his first 45 gospel record with his church youth choir, featuring such songs as "Lord, Who Shall Abide." Chris began fusing gospel, funk, classical and jazz which he has perfected into an eclectic style all his own today. After brief periods serving in the Marines and then as a security guard, Chris returned to music. Working with such greats as Brian McKnight, saxophonist Kim Waters, and others, Chris found his true love in producing music. Chris has produced many major artists in the music industry such as Grammy-nominated Maysa, multi-Grammy nominated Gerald Albright, Will Downing, Phil Perry, Najee, Brian McKnight, Chante’ Moore, the late Vesta Williams, gospel giant Kim Burrell, Floacists, Glenn Jones, Marion Meadows, George Clinton, Kim Waters. Rick Braun, Dave Koz (Summer Horns,) Norman Brown, Althea Rene and many more. Chris has to his credit fifteen top #1 smooth jazz records beginning 2008 through 2018. In 2019, Chris debuted his first single as an artist on Shanachie Records. 

Dana Lauren

Dana Lauren is an American singer/songwriter on Sapphire Records and is currently working on an EP of original music. Dana has toured and recorded with legendary Grammy Award winning trumpeter Arturo Sandoval, singing at some of the nations most famed jazz venues. Her 2008 album release “Stairway to the Stars”(featuring and produced by Sandoval), hit the top of the jazz charts and received rave reviews from some of the most prestigious jazz publications in the country. Her second album release in 2010 “It’s You or No One”, was self produced and features Christian McBride on bass. That same year, Dana was selected as a semi-finalist in the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Vocal Competition.

Timmy Maia

Timmy Maia runs deep roots in Waterbury, Connecticut. Born and raised in the Brass City, he made his first stage appearance at age five – performing with his father and uncle's band, The Family Connection – and he's been fine-tuning his rapid-fire vocals ever since. He's known to cover everyone from Nat King Cole to Ne-Yo, and kindly compared to Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson.

Ace Livingston

Ace Livingston’s musical artistry creates a rich, passionate, and emotional journey inspired by his life. His current CD, My Metamorphosis (2014), and debut album, The Ace Livingston Project (2007), complement his extensive and successful musical career as a sideman and solo artist. Ace Livingston grew up in Jamaica and pursued twin passions of music and soccer; as he grew older Ace came into his own as a versatile bassist and collaborated with a huge variety of musicians. After his breakthrough performance at a music festival in Mexico, hosted by Sean "Diddy" Combs, Ace was presented with opportunities to tour as a bassist for many A-list artists. Ace Livingston's eclectic skills and versatility are especially outstanding during his live performances. He has gained national and inter-national notoriety for his musical and professional reputation. His dynamic musical resume includes tours and collaborations with Harry Connick, Jr., 98 Degrees, J. Lo, Pink, and Joe. Ace’s performance experiences include notable venues such as Radio City Music Hall, Madison Square Garden, The Apollo Theater, and Carnegie Hall. He has also performed in numerous jazz festivals including The Hartford Jazz Festival, A Smooth Jazz Affair, and The Impact Festival in Nashville, TN. 

Dawn Tallman

Dawn Tallman, The Queen of Gospel Energy was born and raised in Danbury, Connecticut, where she began singing in the house of God
from childhood. Later, she expanded her body of work into the R&B and Dance scenes. Dawn's voice and style have been compared to those of many great vocalists, like Chaka Khan, Karen Wheeler and Oleta Adams, yet her style is completely & audibly her own. Dawn has recently performed at
SOUTH BY SOUTHWEST, the nation's premier live music event with her electrifying show, 'House Unplugged with Dawn Tallman and Friends.' This show also enjoyed a SOLD OUT night at the Apollo Music Cafe in the world famous Apollo Theater, Harlem, NY. She has scored Billboard chart success with Bob Sinclar on the #1 international hit, FEEL THE VIBE and won the International Dance Music Award (IDMA) for Best House/Garage/Deep House Track. Her own rendition of the 80's Womack & Womack track TEARDROPS scored a top 10 Billboard Dance position. Dawn’s long awaited full length album entitled FOR ME is produced by Honeycomb Music boss Josh Milan. Dawn has toured throughout the EU and appeared before 200,000 in Milan for Radio Italia Live performing FEEL THE VIBE with Bob Sinclair. Clubs and Radio were the focus which surely helped to secure their #1 result and a Gold Record for sales. She also collaborates with Chris "Big Dog" Davis and a variety of other musicians. She is not to be missed! 

Al Taylor