Archive for the ‘Local Talent’ Category

I know what you’re doing this summer

Friday, May 17, 2013 by:Jonathan Lucas
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Where are the fans of summer plans?

From Memorial Day to Labor Day, area residents will have just about 100 days to find ways to enjoy what this “unofficial” stretch of summer has to offer. Will you stay to play or travel some distance away to find your bliss?

Do you plan to take a hike, stroll along a main street, take in the sun and surf, hike up a mountain, listen to some music or give outdoor theater a try? Will you be sailing into the sunset or scaling a rock wall? Will you take to the roads, the rails or the water to arrive at your favored destination?

We want to hear from readers about their favorite summer activities and destinations, whether close to home or within a day or two away. Do these activities or places have special meanings? Are they part of a family tradition? Do you have plans to try something new this year?

Send your suggestions to localnews@scni.com by Wednesday, May 22. Please include your name and phone number. We plan to publish the entries during the Memorial Day weekend, which begins Saturday, May 25. Memorial Day is May 27.

Here are a few categories to get you thinking — or daydreaming — about where you’ll be putting your beach blanket or just chilling out this summer. Hit the comments link below to share your suggestions.

Summer, in waves

Fairfield County residents have no lack of waterways in which to play this summer. From the broad expanse of Long Island Sound to the many rivers and streams that crisscross the area, be ready to get your toes wet.

Making a day of it

Connecticut features a multitude of attractions and activities, and there are even more beyond the state’s borders. Whether you take to the roads, the rails or the water to achieve your destination, where are people going?

Having some fun, naturally

Trails, forests, parks, campgrounds and other open spaces will be feeling the tread of visitors’ feet this summer.

Entertaining evenings

Summer nights will be alive with the sound of music, stage craft and cinema.

Youthful pursuits

When the inevitable complaint of boredom crosses your youngsters’ lips, you will be well served to know there are more than a few activities and venues that can turn that frown upside down.

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

Friday, May 17, 2013 by:Christina Hennessy
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There are other events, of course, too, some of which stretch into the next week.

Aspiring illustrators plan to gather in Westport to enjoy the town library’s first comics convention. Musical fans have several year-end concerts to enjoy, including a performance by the Stamford Young Artists Philharmonic. Christine Lavin will make a return to the Edmond Town Hall in Newtown. Jean-Michel Cousteau will be at the Maritime Aquarium early next week. James McCartney (yes, Paul’s son) will be in New Haven. And, Melissa Ferrick will feature songs from her new record during an appearance in Fairfield.

Like the “American Idol(s)” of today, Jenny Lind captured the attention of America back in 1850, during a tour of the country organized by P.T. Barnum. The singer’s influence continues today with Saturday’s Jenny Lind competition that is part of the Barnum Festival. Meanwhile, Danbury band Standby hopes to attract some attention during a release party at Heirloom Arts Theatre. The Connecticut Choral Society delivers some music, as well.

On stage, A.R. Gurney’s “Black Tie” will receive its Connecticut premiere this weekend in Stratford. And community dancers will take to the stage to raise funds for Curtain Call.

Phew! But, wait …

You can see Pilobolus at the Shubert Theater in New Haven. There will be a full weekend for endangered species at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo. A parody of “Harry Potter” comes to Hartford. You can see the stars in Stamford or Danbury. Singer Summer Williams will entertain in Bethel. Westfair Singers will put on a concert in Greenwich. The Travelin’ McCourys and Karla Bonoff will be in Mamaroneck, N.Y. The Capitol Theatre will welcome Iron & Wine and Secret Sisters. Or, perhaps it is a spring doo wop you seek. Motley Crue anyone? Soundgarden? Rave On will be in Westport. And, Connecticut Playmakers will begin two weekends of popular hits.

“Connecticut Inventions and Innovations” will open in Bridgeport. Lidia Bastianich and Faith Middleton will be in Simbsury. And Boothe Memorial Park will mark the beginning of a season in style. You can help the Norwalk Seaport Association open its season on Saturday. You can check out Adopt-A-Dog and Westhill High School’s combined cause. Or, you can walk in support of breast cancer research.

Until next time …

P.S. The Bruce Hornsby show, originally scheduled for Sunday, May 19, at the Ridgefield Playhouse has been postponed because the singer is coping with a “persistent vocal issue,” according to the Playhouse. The show has been rescheduled to Sept. 29. A recent news statement indicated that previously purchased tickets will be honored.

Bridgeport’s Downtown Thursdays line-up announced

Wednesday, May 15, 2013 by:Scott Gargan
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Live music is returning to McLevy Green this summer.

Downtown Thursdays, Bridgeport’s free annual concert series, kicks off on Thursday, June 6 and continues every Thursday — with the exception of July 4 — until Aug. 29. Concerts start at 6 p.m.

The 12-week series brings a mix of rock, reggae, funk and folk acts from across the Tri-State area to Downtown Bridgeport, creating a carnivalesque atmosphere that lures families and young professionals alike.

“Downtown Thursdays brings top local acts from a variety of musical genres to the heart of our walkable, vibrant downtown neighborhood in historic McLevy Green,” Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch said in a statement. “I invite Bridgeport residents and visitors from our neighboring towns to check out a concert this summer, have dinner at one of our excellent restaurants and enjoy a Thursday evening in downtown.”

Check out the line-up, below:

  • June 20 – Natural Wonder (Bridgeport/Stevie Wonder covers); The Chords

  • July 11 – Special guest to be announced…

  • Aug. 29 – Lovewhip (Boston/disco pop, world rock)

 

 

One more day to have your say in ‘revolutionary’ campaign

Tuesday, May 14, 2013 by:Christina Hennessy
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OpSailAt right, a flotilla of small craft fill Niantic Bay off East Lyme, Conn., as the USS Carter Hall is moored offshore Friday, July 6, 2012, to kick off festivities in OpSail 2012. Niantic currently tops the list of “Fan Favorite” towns in a contest sponsored by Connecticut’s Office of Tourism. Voting in the competition ends tomorrow. (photo/The Day, Sean D. Elliot)

It appears the smaller the better when it comes to the voting in Connecticut’s “still revolutionary” campaign to pick the top fan-favorite town or city in the state.

Voting ends tomorrow in the program, which is running on the Visit Connecticut Facebook page. As of this post, Niantic is at the top, followed by Mystic. The remaining towns within the top 15, in order, are Putnam, New Haven, Old Saybrook, Wethersfield, Essex, Hartford, New London, Newtown, Willimantic, Wallingford, Bridgeport, Waterbury and Milford.

The top 10 will enjoy a summer of promotion from the state’s office of tourism.

Niantic has been at the top since the contest began last month. The commitment is high in this small village. You can see that dedication in a video that was made with 34 local businesses and community groups (see below). The competition brings attention to the state’s tourism tagline, “Still Revolutionary,” by asking participants to vote for those places that are known for “original ideas, inspiration and innovation,” according to a recent news release. Further, specific businesses, destinations and attractions within those towns and cities can be designated as the best within the best.

This is the first year the state is seeking a top town. Last year, it only sought destinations and attractions, which enabled several Fairfield County sites to enter the top 10, including Stamford’s Curtain Call, Inc. and Westport’s Levitt Pavilion and Westport Country Playhouse.

For those who prefer the pen-and-paper route, you can mail in your vote by including a first and last name, date of birth, telephone number and email address on a 3×5 card. List a town and destination or business that inspires you and mail it by May 15 to “Connecticut Fan Favorite Town” Sweepstakes, 220 East 42nd St., New York, NY 10017 Attn: Jennifer Kohanim.

 

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

Friday, May 10, 2013 by:Christina Hennessy
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Growing up, Lucie Arnaz did not have far to go to be surrounded by great musicians and great songwriters, she said recently. Early on, this daughter of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz was exposed to the kind of music that teamed winning melodies with moving lyrics.

Arnaz, a Weston resident, is set to appear in Ridgefield on Friday to share some of these classics of the American songbook, but with a twist. She will deliver them with a Latin flavor, honoring her father’s roots. As she noted in a recent article:

He had such a great love of music that all he did was want us to enjoy it with him

Arnaz is not the only musical act set to entertain this weekend. The Fab Faux will be at the Capitol Theatre. Brian LaBlanc will bring out the Diamond on Saturday. Norwalk singer Tangela Smith gives a hometown show on Saturday, which happens to be the same day that Stanwich Congregational Church offers up a spiritual welcome to spring. Barry Manilow can be found at Mohegan Sun.

There’s plenty more music. The Sherman Chamber Ensemble performs Sunday. Nellie McKay comes to the Emelin. Huey Lewis and The News will be in Tarrytown, N.Y., along with Mary Chapin Carpenter and Shawn Colvin. The Fairfield County Children’s Choir will share “The Miracle of Singing,” while Musicians from Marlboro will share their talent in Greenwich. There also will be a tribute to Chet Baker in Westport.

Robert Dean, Tom Shillue, Mike Epps, Donnell Rawlings, Nazareth, Lily Tomlin and Jodi Weiner are some of the comics making their way to stages throughout the state. On stage you can find “Cirque Ziva,” “Seascape,” “The Dixie Swim Club,” “30! TAW Celebrates,” “Of Mice and Men,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “Showstoppers on Stage” all on area stages.

If you plan to go out, there is the Norwalk Regional Tree Festival and art exhibitions up on display at the Glass House grounds. There is a special evening of art and music planned at the site for Friday. Meanwhile, Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is hosting a Mother’s Day event (consider this a reminder: Mother’s Day is Sunday.) The Bartlett Arboretum will be hosting a plant sale, too. Or, even if you plan to stay in, you can hear from someone who has his eyes to the outside. Audubon Greenwich will welcome Alvaro Jaramillo, senior biologist at the San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory, for a talk about birder’s brains.

Dance events include the Center Stage showcase in Stamford, “Dance Across China” in Ridgefield and a performance of “Snow White” in Purchase, N.Y. The visual arts offer up a number of events, as well, including several openings and ongoing shows. These include new shows at the Loft Artists Association, New Canaan Library, Bruce Museum, and Flinn Gallery and Stamford’s Mayor’s Gallery.

If you are looking for a cool day trip, get yourself onto a train into Grand Central to check out the Parade of Trains, just one of many events scheduled this year to honor the terminal’s 100th anniversary.

Until next time …

 

 

A night out amid the art: Two exhibitions host openings May 9

Thursday, May 9, 2013 by:Christina Hennessy
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About 6 miles separate two art openings this evening, meaning, with hustle, you just might be able to catch both.

In Stamford, the Mayor’s Gallery, located on the 10th floor of the Government Center, will host an opening reception for “Visions” an exhibition that features the work of Claudio Altesor, Benjamin Casiano, Rosa Colon, Eddie Nino and Sandra Rossini, who are members of Liber-Art, a one-year-old collective of artists who are looking to foster emerging artists, increase opportunities for display and bring multiple creative disciplines together for events throughout the region.

Rossini, a Stamford artist, offered her thoughts about the group in a recent email:

Creatively, it helps me think outside my comfort zone. I have my favorite style of painting and subjects, but the public exposure has inspired me to explore new methods and be more experimental. …. Professionally, as an artist, I have been able to look at the broader picture, meaning how my art will be viewed in 20-60 years from now. I have been able to recognize styles and change of in my work which have associated with life’s milestones, that has been fun.

When the group gets together for social events, Rossini said it is a time to meet fellow artists and offer them guidance and support. She also meets fellow art enthusiasts who are there for the same reason that she is: “the love of art.”

Rossini will be at the opening and intends to work with the group to keep the community informed on additional upcoming events.

As to the group’s future, she noted:

(I hope) that the building blocks we are setting for artists will someday become the backbone to an influential and positive art movement and channel, within a fast paced modern environment. Advances in technology are wonderful, but creativity is in the core of all individuals.

The reception will run from 5:30 to 7:30 p..m. The show itself will be on display through June 28. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Playground 2Meanwhile, tonight marks the opening reception for ” Very Short Stories: Conceptual Illustration” at the Flinn Gallery at the Greenwich Library. The show features the work of four artists, including Roz Chast, Leslie Giuliani (see “Playground 2, right), Marc Rosenthal and Jackie Welsh. The show will run through June 19.

The reception will run 6 to 8 p.m. in the gallery, which is located on the second floor of the library. Regular gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Wednesday and Friday to Saturday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday; and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Early next week will begin a series of artists’ talks associated with the exhibition, beginning with cartoonist and illustrator Roz Chast, Monday, May 13, at 7 p.m. at the Cole Auditorium.

Museum’s baby goats named after Kathie Lee and Hoda

Wednesday, May 8, 2013 by:Scott Gargan
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Each week on “The Today Show,” Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb present their ‘Baby of the Week’ segment.

Normally, it’s a human baby in the spotlight. But Gifford and Kotb might want to consider making an exception for a pair of furry, four-legged, “baaa”-ing newborns.

That’s because these infants — baby goats born this month at the Stamford Museum & Nature Center — were named after the chatty network co-hosts.

Kathie Lee (pictured on left) was born May 1 to mom Delilah, and Hoda (right) was born May 3, along with a twin brother, to mom Butterscotch.

“We thought it would be fun to name our new kid girls after two women who are always ‘kiddin’ around,” said Victoria Marr, co-manager of Heckscher Farm at the Stamford Museum & Nature Center. “Kathie Lee and Hoda immediately came to mind.  We hope they’ll all get to meet each other sometime soon.”

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

Friday, May 3, 2013 by:Christina Hennessy
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Above, the Stamford Museum and Nature Center’s Model Ts to Mustangs outdoor antique and classic car display will take place Saturday, May 4, 2013, and feature many makes and models. However, special attention will be given to Fords this year. For more information, call 203-322-1646 or visit http://www.stamfordmuseum.org. Contributed photo

With the spring blooms having sprung and nice weather on tap for the weekend, it appears to be the time to check out a number of outdoor events planned over the next few days.

Car fans can see how the Model T eventually gave rise to the Mustang, and later Ford models, during the 10th annual classic and antique car show at the Stamford Museum and Nature Center. About 70 cars are expected to roll their way onto the meadow on Saturday, and perhaps pick up a few honors in the process. Flora will be the focus in Fairfield when the 78th annual Dogwood Festival gets under way. There will be music, blossoms, outdoor items to purchase and food to enjoy. KidsFest will bring vendors, activities and inflatables to Ridgefield’ Ballard Park. And Wilton will enjoy a Go Green festival in this season of green.

Of course, there will be music, too, including a special concert at Sacred Heart University in honor of the late actress and singer Patricia Hemenway-Cook. The Greenwich Choral Society will be spreading a bit of “Eternal Joy,” and welcoming back Greenwich native Holly Sorensen. Pacifica Quartet will be in Westport and Rodgers and Hammerstein will be honored with a show in Bridgeport. The Connecticut Master Chorale will put on “A Hungarian Rhapsody” in Newtown. Joni Mitchell’s “Blue” tribute will be staged in Hamden. And, Yale’s Redhot and Blue will perform at the Coastal Chordsmen Barbershop Chorus’ annual show in Stratford.

The weekend continues into next week, with a melding of film and music when the Fairfield Theatre Company hosts a screening of “Stop Making Sense,” the 1984 Talking Heads concert movie. It will help to raise funds for the theater company and WPKn 89.5.

Live productions aimed at a younger audience include “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” and “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” in Fairfield, “Little Mermaid Jr.” in Ridgefield and the “Wizard of Odds” in Bridgeport. Children and families may also want to check out the Victorian tea party that is taking place in Norwalk.

The stage is not just for children’s fare. “American Idiot” comes to the Shubert, while Albee’s “Seascape” comes to New Milford. “Looped” arrives in Hartford; “Clybourne Park” settles in to New Haven run; “The Dixie Swim Club” will be presented in Stamford and “The Dining Room” continues in Westport. “Of Mice and Men” will open in New Canaan and “The Little Dog Laughed” will play in Newtown.

There are several art events, as well, including an opening reception for Steven Miller’s work in Greenwich, an ongoing show of Philip Trager’s work, a First Fridays event at the Aldrich, the 14th annual Vivian and Stanley Marine Show opens at the Stamford Art Association galleries.

Tomorrow also marks Free Comic Book Day. Several shops around the area will be hosting the day with special events, including Stamford’s A Timeless Journey. At Heroes Comics & Cards in Norwalk, Jeff Marsick and Kirk Manley will be there signing their books (“Dead Man’s Party” and “Z-Girl and the 4 Tigers”), making art and giving away items. Rogue Comics of Bridgeport will be involved, as will Alternate Universe of Milford and New Haven.

Rounding out the weekend (and into next week), Florence Henderson, a star of theater and television, will be at the Sacred Heart University’s Edgerton Center this weekend to talk about her career. You can see her before she attained her “Brady Bunch” fame in performance below. Dennis Elsas of WFUV will present “Rock ‘n’ Roll Never Forgets” at the Avon Theatre in Stamford and comedian Elaine Williams comes to Ridgefield.

Get on out there. Until next time …

 

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