Once a year, white, suburban Westport turns into the blues capital of the world.
Also, the barbecue center of the universe.
Go figure.
It’s great publicity — and branding — for Westport. But it’s not a Westport crowd.
They come from across Connecticut. And Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and beyond.
They come for fantastic music. Great (and decidedly non-vegan) food.
And — for their kids — face painting, bounce houses and the chance to run around and around and around.
And come they do. Crowds formed long before the library parking lot and Levitt Pavilion opened at 11 a.m. They’ll be there today, too — smiling and enjoying the hell out of the day, just like everyone did yesterday.
Here’s what they saw and did:
I got there just as the barbecue contest was ending. This is all that was left.
But I was right on time for Anders Osborne, on the Levitt Pavilion mainstage.
This guy went from the BBQ contest to the music…
…while this guy was getting all the attention.
If you didn’t — or couldn’t — buy a pass for the sold-out Levitt acts, there was lots more music in the library parking lot tent.
There was art — like this from Dante Tilghman (left) — for the adults…
…face painting for kids like Zachary O’Dell…
…while others found a way to hear the music for free. This group probably WAS from Westport.
Check this out about the guy with all the tattoos:
http://www.ctpost.com/local/article/Batso-Tattooed-animal-rescuer-turned-TV-star-283188.php
Westport is “white”? This explains the incidents of racism I experienced growing up there in the 60s & 70s & apparently which still exist now. Sorted. Now people of colour who live there at present & those of us who no longer live there have been informed. Noted. Brilliant.
Every time when I see someone with tattoos close by I have to check if my wallet still in my pocket.
Jack Harder … Wow, that cool article just adjusted all my preconceived notions (and visceral-turned-off reaction to his appearance) about that man.
Anyone who rescues and appreciates animals is praise worthy in my book!
And, he’s like … a celeb too. Who knew?!
I mean, eccentric can be fun, and stereotypes do suck, but assumptions are a truism of the human ego.
Heck, this guy is probably more at peace with himself than the lot of us anyway, so maybe I should just stop right there, lol!
Thanks for posting pics of the event Dan!
I met this guy years ago (by the way I have no tattoos). I was at an event in Stratford. He lives near the airport and has bat stuff all around his house.
Looks like fun! Jo worked at this and says hi!
Sent from my iPhone
>