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

Friday, August 5, 2011 by:Christina Hennessy
Comment
Comments
|
|

Above: The Connecticut band Forget Paris‘ video of ‘Jail Has a Meal Plan,’ off its album ‘My Light, My Armor.’ The band will kick off the SoNo Arts Celebration, which begins at 6 p.m., Aug. 5, and runs through the weekend. The band will perform at 7 p.m., followed by performances by Remember September and Juicy Grapes.

For the 35th year, the SoNo Arts Celebration will return to the streets of South Norwalk this weekend, Aug. 5-7, with a packed schedule of art, music, food, children’s activities and its longstanding giant puppet parade. All along Main and Washington streets, artists’ booths will reveal a diverse offering of paintings, sculpture, photography, jewelry and other creative works.

During the weekend, make sure to stop by the information booth under the train trestle where the two streets intersect. Not only can you purchase water and a special celebration T-shirt to support this free event, but you can find out more about the activities and your chance to participate, including the Giant Puppet Parade that takes place Sunday afternoon.

Information on hours, activities and the celebration’s history can be found on its website.

Or, perhaps this is the weekend you will be checking out some music. “The Voice,” Javier Colon, a Stratford native, will be bringing his tour, “The Voice: Live on Tour,” through Connecticut. He will appear Friday, Aug. 5, in Wallingford. At Caramoor, in Katonah, N.Y., you have a full weekend to enjoy some jazz, jazz and more jazz during its Jazz Festival. It kicks off Friday night, Aug. 5, with pianist Renee Rosnes and her quartet. The Litchfield Jazz Festival also takes place this weekend. Maroon 5 will be pulling into Foxwoods with Train on Sunday, Aug. 7. Also at Foxwoods through Sept. 4 is “Legends in Concert.” Through Aug. 8, New Haven drummer Mike Streeto will be playing the part of Ringo Starr in the Beatles tribute band the MopTops. After Aug. 8, East Haven resident Carmine Grippo will resume his seat with the band.

And the kids are not to be left out of the music scene, either. On Wednesday, Aug. 10, Vanessa Trien and the Jumping Monkeys will perform a free cocnert at the Levitt Pavilion in Westport.

Several theater productions focus on the talents of area youth, including “Les Miserables” at Curtain Call in Stamford, Disney’s “Camp Rock: the Musical,” by Music Theatre of Connecticut’s Mainstage Kids’ in Weston, Aug. 5-6 (call 203-454-3883 for tickets). And a show on the challenges of the last year of high school, “The Unauthorized Autobiography of Samantha Brown,” now showing in Chester, may appeal to teens and those who are older. Or, you may want to head up to Hartford, Monday, Aug. 8, when the Hartford Stage Young Company puts on “Breakdancing Shakespeare: The Tempest.” In Fairfield, the Missoula Children’s Theatre will be putting on “Robin Hood,” Friday, Aug. 5. And, the Off-Beat Players in Greenwich will be putting on  “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” through Saturday, Aug. 6.

The summer also is synonymous with outdoor festivals, such as the Italian Festival in Danbury, which runs Aug. 5-7. In Ansonia, the Holy Rosary Church will be hosting its 44th annual Italian festival, which also runs through the weekend. but, if you are more about green corn, or “the first corn of the season,” you will want to make your way to the Institute for American Indian Studies in Washington on Saturday, Aug. 6. And, the 13th annual Walnut Beach Arts Festival will take place in Milford, Sunday, Aug. 7.

With its eclectic mix, this weekend is sure to have something or everyone to enjoy. Until next time …

Categories: Art , Event , General , Local Talent , Music | More

Come meet the ‘real’ Gidget

Wednesday, August 3, 2011 by:Pat Quinn
Comment
Comments
|
|

Photo: Kathy Kohner Zuckerman, above and below right, who was the inspiration for the character Gidget, will be at Mystic Seaport on Aug. 18.

The Frank C. Munson Institute of American Maritime Studies at Mystic Seaport will host the New England premiere of the documentary “Accidental Icon: The Real Gidget Story” in the museum’s Greenmanville Church on Thursday, Aug. 18. at 7 p.m.

The film explores the largely untold story of Kathy Kohner Zuckerman, who inspired the iconic character. She is expected to be on hand for the screening, according to a release from the Seaport.

The Seaport says that as a teenager in the 1950’s, Zuckerman spent several summers in Malibu with a group of young surfers. They nicknamed her “Gidget,” meaning “girl midget.” Zuckerman told many of her beach exploits to her screenwriter father, Frederick Kohner, who was inspired to write the novel “Gidget,” which spawned a series of movies and TV shows that gave Oscar-winning actress Sally Field her big break.

The hour-long documentary was directed by Brian Gillogly and is narrated by Jorja Fox, star of the CBS series “CSI.” Many of the actors, writers and directors who brought Gidget to the big and small screens share their behind-the-scenes perspectives, including Sally Field, Cliff Robertson, and James Darren. Surf legends such as Layne Beachly, Mike Doyle and Mickey Munoz.

Following the screening, Zuckerman and director Gillogly will take questions from the audience. The novel “Gidget” will be available for purchase and Zuckerman will sign books at the conclusion of the evening.

Tickets are $18, $15 for museum members, and can be purchased by calling 860-572-5322, or visiting here.

Categories: Film, General, Movies

Alive@Five rocks it out with B-52s for final concert

Wednesday, August 3, 2011 by:Christina Hennessy
Comment
Comments
|
|

Above: The B-52s will be the finale headliner for this year’s Alive@Five season.

Earlier this year, the readers of this blog made B-52s, above,  the clear winner in our survey question, “What act are you most excited to see at Alive@Five this summer?”

Well, the wait will soon be over.

The B-52s are expected to take the stage Thursday night, Aug. 4, for the final concert in the 2011 Alive@Five season in downtown Stamford.

Getting the crowd warmed up will be two openers, Brooklyn-based MiniBoone, top, and New Jersey’s The Mungers, bottom.

Since forming in Athens, Ga., in 1976, the B-52s has created a string of hits that have become mainstay party classics, such as “Rock Lobster,” “Loveshack,” “Roam,” (my favorite) and others.

Three years ago, the band released is first album in 16 years, “Funplex,” whose final track is appropriately enough “Keep This Party Going.”

The concert, which takes place on the stage at Columbus Park, begins at 5 p.m. There is a fee of $10 to enter. For more information, visit the Stamford Downtown Special Services District’s website.

Here’s another classic to tide you over before Thursday’s concert:

Categories: Art, Event, General, Music

World War II ‘Songbook’ draws the crowds

Tuesday, August 2, 2011 by:Christina Hennessy
Comment
Comments
|
|

Above: The ‘American Songbook, The Music of World War II’ team includes stage manager Juli McGrath, the show’s director and originator Rich Mancini and music director and arranger Stan Wietrzychowski. The music revue runs through Aug. 14. Contributed photo/Cindy Ording

It appears the music of World War II continues to draw in the crowds more than 60 years later. The Town Players of New Canaan recently added an extra matinee performance for its production of “American Songbook, The Music of World War II.”

The final show will be a 2:30 p.m. show Sunday, Aug. 14. Additional shows are Friday and Saturday, Aug. 5-6, 12-13 at 8 p.m. There also is a matinee at 2:30 p.m., Aug. 7.

The show  has been running since July 29 to sold-out audiences at the Powerhouse Theatre in Waveny Park. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors (62 and older) and students.

Featuring 53 songs, this original music revue was conceived by Stamford resident Rich Mancini, who also directed the show.

If you decide to check out the show, don’t forget to bring some nonperishable food to donate to the New Canaan Food Pantry. It is the fourth summer the theater group is asking guests to fill the basket by the box office window.

For more information, check out the Town Players.

Categories: Art , Event , General , Local Talent , Music | More

Set to impress: Miniature print exhibit continues in Norwalk

Tuesday, August 2, 2011 by:Christina Hennessy
Comment
Comments
|
|

Above: Norwalk resident Mark Pikul, above and below right, works on a print Sunday, July 31, as part of a series of demonstrations at the Center for Contempoary Printmaking at Mathews Park as Anthony Kirk. artistic director and master printer, left, explains the process. Pikul’s print, ‘Rules of Thumb,’ won third prize in the eighth biennial International Miniature Print Exhibition now on display through Sept. 4.

As the crowd moved in expectantly, New York artist Emily Trueblood, bottom photo, slowly revealed a version of her miniature print, “Quiet City,” an award-winning work currently on display at the Center for Contemporary Printmaking’s eighth biennial International Miniature Print Exhibition.

On Sunday, July 31, the center hosted an “Afternoon with the Artists,” in conjunction with the juried exhibit, which features prints that are 4 square inches or smaller.

Trueblood was one of several artists who offered demonstrations and revealed their creative processes and the techniques that go into making their prints. Other artists participating on that recent afternoon included Michael Arike, Nina Jordan and Mark Pikul.

Pikul, who is a Norwalk resident, graduated from Norwalk Community College in May and is headed to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

He first learned to make prints in the months leading up to his graduation, during a class offered by the center through the college. One of his assignments for that class, “Rules of Thumb,” an etching in aquatint, ended up earning him third place for the entire show.

“It actually blew my mind,” he said, considering he was in the running with artists from around the world.
The show is worth a visit to see the many mini prints that line the walls of the center. As a perk, visitors can even see the works that just did not make the cut, but display an artistry just the same. The show runs through Sept. 4.

You can see more images of the day by visiting the center’s website.

Categories: Art, Event, General, Local Talent

Enter contest to design First Night Danbury button

Monday, August 1, 2011 by:Linda Tuccio-Koonz
Comment
Comments
|
|

As First Night Danbury enters its 22nd year as the city’s popular family friendly, alcohol free New Year’s Eve celebration, it’s “Looking Up & Moving Forward.”

That’s this year’s theme, a nod to the fest’s venerable history, its artistic and community regrowth, and to the Danbury Main Street Partnership, for which it serves as a year-end acknowledgement of the ongoing excitement of what’s happening downtown.

 This year, the First Night Night Danbury 2011-2012 edition returns to the tradition of creating its buttons and advertising campaign using an original and  thematic image created by a regional artist, whether amateur or pro. 

Contest rules are simple:
  • Anyone may enter, from toddlers to seniors, living down the street or regionally;
  • The image must be original, eye catching, easily reproducible, and reflect this year’s theme, “Looking Up & Moving Forward,” and may be produced in any medium – crayon, oil, photo, collage;
  • Submissions must be 8-1/2 by 11 inches only – on paper, canvas, cardboard, tin or other material;
  • The artist may choose to include the words “First Night Danbury 2011-2012″ and/or “Looking Up & Moving Forward,” but it’s not necessary;
  • Submissions may be hand delivered or mailed (Do Not Bend)  to First Night Danbury, CityCenter, 186 Main Street, Danbury, CT 06810, no later than September 1st, 2011;
  • All submissions become the property of First Night Danbury and will be exhibited during this year’s new year’s eve celebration.
A jury of noted Danbury artists and officials will select this year’s button design, and the winner will be named from the stage at “Taste of Danbury” on Sunday, Sept. 11. Besides the artist’s button design serving as the visual ambassador for First Night, the winning artist will receive a follow-up media release and photo blast, and eight buttons to bring family and friends to  First Night Danbury 2011-2012.  
First Night Danbury is presented at many CityCenter venues from
4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., with fireworks to follow at 8:30 p.m. The celebration is sponsored in part, by the Danbury Cultural Commission, Union Savings Bank, CityCenter Danbury, and many local businesses.
Categories: General

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

Friday, July 29, 2011 by:Christina Hennessy
Comment
Comments
|
|

Above: Latin Grammy nominee bandoneonist Juan Pablo Jofre will be among the performers at the Connecticut Tango Festival’s final night of entertainment, Saturday, July 30, in Milford. In addition to providing music for the dancers, Jofre will perform several musical numbers with his band. Contributed photo/David F. Gasser

We may be into the dog days of summer, but there is nothing restful about the lineup of entertainment in the area waiting to do just that.

Josh Groban will be making them swoon at Mohegan Sun on Saturday, July 30.  The soundtrack of World War II will be playing out in New Canaan this weekend. And Connecticut Ballet will be bringing a free show to Danbury on Saturday, July 30. And, Bach will be meeting the boys of summer over in Fairfield on Saturday, July 30. Later in the week, the Ives Concert Park welcomes Guster.

Families can find a place to express their creativity this weekend, as well as get in touch with nature. You can take a shot at a sunflower maze at Lyman Orchards in Middlefield. Or, enjoy natural landscapes and seasonal flavors in Old Lyme on Saturday.

Dramatically, there are more than enough stories to keep audiences entertained, from the multiple offerings over at Summer Theatre of New Canaan to the last weekend of “Lips Together Teeth Apart,” at the Westport Country Playhouse. Shakespeare continues at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport and “Show Boat” remains docked at the Goodspeed in East Haddam.

The sounds and moves of Argentine tango will be making their way to Milford on Saturday, July 30. Don’t miss a chance to see the dynamic bandoneon player and composer Juan Pablo Jofre will not only be accompanying the dancers, but performing a musical set.

Finally, for the tribe that follows A Tribe Called Quest, a Michael Rapaport documentary about the musicians, is playing in Stamford and Norwalk this weekend, and will open a week later in New Haven.

Until next time ….

Categories: Art , Event , Film , General , Movies | More

‘Hooray for Hollywood’ in Bridgeport

Thursday, July 28, 2011 by:Pat Quinn
Comment
Comments
|
|

The Bridgeport Theatre Company is ready to enter its second season,“It Takes 2: 2011/12 Season,” with this year’s annual benefit concert, “Hooray for Hollywood.”

The one-night-only gala takes place on Friday, Aug 26, at 8:30 p.m. on the stage in the troupe’s new home, Downtown Cabaret Theatre, 263 Golden Hill St., downtown Bridgeport.

The show will feature music from Hollywood movies and movie musicals. There also will be a silent auction, complimentary food from popular local restaurants and a band. 

The show features a cast of 50-plus performers from in and around Fairfield County, including Heather Abrado, Bill Adams, Ricky Altamirano, Scott Bartelson, Michelle Beaulieu, Taylor Berlin, Jim Buffone, Christian Cardozo, Maxine Carrion, Elayne Cassara, Lisa Dahlstrom, “Sassy” Jim Devivo, Dante DiFederico, Jessica Ferraday, Evelynne Fulda, Marie Fulda, Michelle Funaro, Sophia Gall, Khallid Graham, Debra Hanusick, Fiona Kernen, Aubrey Kyburz, Emma LaPlace, Tony Leone, Cassandra Lindsey-Williams, Ryan Little, Maria Marquez, Charlotte Masi, Christy McIntosh, Jenifer Menedis, Eli Newsom, Miguel Padilla, Maggie Pangrazio, Jason Parry, Catherine Pelkey, Kevin Pelkey, Kristin Pellino O’Brien, Ashley K. Peterson, Laura Piacenza, Mike Reppucci, Jessica Reynolds, Sean Reynolds, Brian Michael Riley, Ian Riley, Kristina Rizzardi, Matthew Sherrod, Jimi Winter, Lou Ursone, Heli Vaher, Alisson Wood and Melinda Zupaniotis.

All proceeds from the show will support the troupe’s 2011/12 season, which includes “Hairspray,” “The Laramie Project,” “Lend Me a Tenor,” “The Music Man,” a New Works night and other community events.

Tickets are $35 and include admission to the show with reserved seating, pre-show party, with complimentary food and a cash bar, which includes beer, wine, soft drinks and snacks. Concessions will be available for purchase throughout the event. All ages are welcome. Doors open at 7 p.m. for complimentary pre-show hors d’oeuvres, cash bar and silent auction bidding. Show begins at 8:30 p.m.

To order tickets, visit www.BridgeportTheatre.org, or call 800-838-3006. For additional information about Bridgeport Theatre Company and directions to the theatre, visit www.BridgeportTheatre.org.

Categories: General
Page 97 of 114« First969798Last »