On Tuesday, April 17, the Mystic Arts Center will kick off the first of six after-hours events: Art After Dark, featuring live music by local musicians, Green Tea and live art from Jake Hertzler.

These talented musicians and artists transform MAC’s patio into a festival atmosphere complete with audience participation and dancing children; with attendees of all ages enjoying entertainment, atmosphere and the wonderful view from MAC’s patio. From 6 - 8:30 pm, guests can enjoy Cottrell beer and pizza while lounging on the patio, listening to music, and watching amazing artists.

Green Tea was formed eleven years ago when a group of local musicians, artists & friends got together to jam. Since the inception, Green Tea has been about songwriting, improvisation, musicianship & sharing that energy with a live audience. Like most jam bands today, Green Tea thrives on extended improvisation and interplay between the members, but never at the expense of the song itself. Green Tea is fronted by two outstanding vocalists in Toby Kniffin and Jason Jarvis. The line-up includes Toby Kniffin on lead vocals and guitar, Jason Jarvis on lead vocals, percussion, harmonica & flute, Jamie Conroy on guitar, John Grady on drums, Marty Moroney on bass, Mike Chicoria on keys and Gino Mairano on percussion.

Over the years Green Tea has had the good fortune of performing with some very talented and seasoned acts such as Max Creek, Hot Tuna, The Outlaws, Miracle Train, Shockra, Young Neil & The Vipers, Liquid Dead, The Adam Ezra Group, Uncle Billy’s Smokehouse, The Casual Fiasco, The Attic, Funk Nugget, Named By Strangers, James Montgomery Band, Physical Graffiti, The Brides of Jesus.

Green Tea is currently in the process of releasing their third album, recorded in Vermont called Break or Bend due out this fall.

Jacob Hertzler is a Mystic bred local artist, hailing from the mean streets of Groton Long Point. A 2001 graduate of Fitch High School and member of the fraternity of lifelong Falcons, Jake’s many works have been featured in cities ranging from Boston to New York, and can be seen in living rooms across Mystic, as well as in the cozy confines of the Sand Bar in his very own GLP. Jake's art has a uniqueness to it, in that he combines a quintessential mix of hip hop culture with the quaint small town vibe. He can often be found wheeling about town, or venturing off on night time summer swims in search for inspiration.

Art After Dark is designed to bring together art forms and showcase the Mystic Arts Center’s role as a community hub for new creative expression and young artists. This family-friendly series is held the third Tuesday of each month, April through October (excluding July) and features different musicians and artists each month. Tickets, available at the door: $12 (non-members); $10 (members); $2 (children 6-12) Children 5 and under are free. Guests should dress for the weather. The event will move indoors if weather is inclement. Free parking is available with a Mystic Arts Center voucher.

The Mystic Arts Center (MAC) supports culture and creativity in Southeastern, CT. MAC's historic location houses an education wing, five art galleries and a permanent collection. The MAC is open daily from 11 am – 5 pm and is located at 9 Water Street in downtown Mystic. Visit MAC on the web at www.mysticarts.org and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mysticartscenter or call 860.536.7601 for more information.