Archive for January 25th, 2013

Out and about: Things to see and places to be this weekend

Friday, January 25, 2013 by:Christina Hennessy

The area will soon be filled with singers, musicians, actors, authors, artists and other performers, ready to provide an eclectic mix of entertainment. It begins tonight with several musical performances, including the Pink Floyd tribute band The Machine, Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds, Michael Dunham Trio, What Up Funk Band, Dylan Connor and the Epic Poets, The Fred Eaglesmith Traveling Steam Show, Groove Time, City Express Band, Marilyn Manson and others.

On Saturday, the music continues with Greenwich Symphony, Bang on a Can All-Stars, Chris Trapper, Great American Ghost, Tom Crowley and the Speakers, Aaron Lewis, a Johnny Mercer tribute, Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, Lita Ford, Jeremy Denk, Kashmir, Wynton Marsalis and a Hot & Cool jazz session.

On Sunday, one can check out Kate Liu, Christine Ebersole, the Mendelssohn Choir of Connecticut, Tokyo String Quartet and others. And, one can see the intersection of jazz and art during a special performance at the Old Town Hall Museum (175 Atlantic St.) in Stamford, Sunday, 2 to 5 p.m.

There are some tasty treats in store as well, including a “Chocolate World Expo” in Norwalk on Sunday. The 10th annual Winefest will take place in Uncasville.

On stage, “Next to Normal” comes to Downtown Cabaret Theatre in Bridgeport. “Almost Maine” visits for a spell in Hartford. The Clockwork Repertory Theatre takes on a murder-mystery. And next Wednesday, stage fans can get a behind-the-scenes view of Broadway with the one-night only screening of “One Night Stand: Creating a Play in a Day.”

Author Fran Lebowitz will come to share her view of things during an evening at Fairfield University on Monday. A celebration of the lunar new year will kick off on Sunday. Graveyard shift tours are set at the Mark Twain House. The artist William Wegman will show work in Westport inspired by his travels (see right). Bruce Museum’s Chinasaurs opens this weekend. And “Texas Chainsaw” fans will be gathering in Norwalk.

Kids may want to check out “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” at the Emelin Theatre. “Yo Gabba Gabba Live” comes to Port Chester, N.Y. Stepping Stones Museum in Norwalk hosts a night for “The Lorax.” Trumbull Library will host a concert for the whole family. “Fancy Nancy” comes to Westport and the “Jungle Book” will be in Waterbury. Several night hikes also are planned in Ansonia and New Canaan.

There’s plenty to do, as always. Plan ahead, get started early and enjoy!

Until next time …

Underground fete brings ‘Beautiful Spectacle’ to Norwalk

Friday, January 25, 2013 by:Scott Gargan

Pictured: (Above) burlesque dancers led by Michelle Abbruzzese of Work It Dance and Fitness in Norwalk; (right) Norwalk rock band Edisun. (Photos/Bob Albert)

The air around Isaac Street Plaza in Norwalk was cold and hushed, but it was just a short elevator ride away to a sizzling subterranean fete that brought a burst of energy to Fairfield County's arts and culture scene.

The party, A Beautiful Spectacle 2, tapped burlesque and pole dancers, musicians and deejays, artists and filmmakers for a rapid fire series of live performances at the Factory Underground, a 7,000-square-foot studio and event space that evokes the subtle grit and urban vibe of a Greenwich Village gallery.

Attendees -- a mix of young professionals and middle-aged art lovers -- noshed on oysters, ceviche, meatballs and crab cakes (all generously donated by local vendors) while watching the performances and eying artwork from painters Gordon Skinner and Frank Foster Post. The beer, wine, margaritas and moonshine (Onyx Moonshine makes a mean cocktail!) flowed copiously throughout the evening.

Tickets to A Beautiful Spectacle 2 ($20) sold out 10 days before the event, which was held on Jan. 23, a Wednesday. Wendy Logan, editor-in-chief of The Fairfield County Beat and host of the party, took that as a sign of a community fiending for more arts and culture.

"People are starving for it," said Logan, who launched The Fairfield County Beat five years ago.

Such satiation can come from New York City, of course. But to attend an event that's close to home and involves members of your own community -- it engenders a unique sense of pride and excitement that can't be replicated.

"I feel like more of this needs to happen," said Latanya Barrett, a Bridgeport resident and burlesque dancer who goes by the name "Temp La Boom" on stage. "It's good to bring out that craziness, that weirdness. Around here, that's very necessary."