Hidden Gems of North-Central Connecticut

STAFFORD, CT — Our latest installment of a periodic series on Patch sites in north-central Connecticut highlighting "hidden gems" throughout the region features an entertainment venue located on a major roadway in the heart of Stafford Springs which you may miss if you don't look carefully - the Palace Theater.

Built in 1900 as the Comique Theater, the former vaudeville house at 75 Main Street was purchased by David Bacchiochi in 2010 and transformed into a tremendous showplace for singers, musicians, comedians and actors, from seasoned veterans to up-and-coming performers.

Since re-opening in 2012, the Palace has hosted nationally-known acts such as Todd Rundgren, Leon Russell, the Marshall Tucker Band, Rick Derringer, Blackfoot, Drowning Pool, Aaron Carter, James Cotton, NRBQ and Marty Stuart.

Longtime regional favorites who have played the theater include Eight to the Bar, Roomful of Blues, Max Creek, John Valby and Jeff Pitchell & Texas Flood, while tribute acts performing favorites by the Rolling Stones, Johnny Cash, Billy Joel, John Denver, Steely Dan, Bob Dylan and the Eagles have also proved popular.

A 50th anniversary production of "Hair (The Musical)" is currently being performed Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through April 14. Singer/songwriter David Allan Coe is slated to play on May 9, and Uncle Kracker is scheduled for July 18.

Three great tribute acts are scheduled in the next six weeks: Physical Graffiti (Apr. 26), Riders On the Storm (May 4) and Back In Black (May 10).

The theater is also available for weddings and private parties. More information may be obtained at www.thestaffordpalacetheater.com.

This series features out-of-the-way mom and pop restaurants, small specialty stores you may have never heard of, little-known historical markers or beautiful nature spots that may be a bit off the beaten path. Do you have a favorite "hidden gem" in the area that you wish to see featured in this column? Email your ideas to tim.jensen@patch.com.

Other recent columns in this series:
Mansfield Hollow State Park
Old Tolland County Jail and Museum
Hill-Stead Museum
Mark's Restaurant