“Exposed: The Lost Negatives and Untold Stories of Michael Friedman” — the 1961 Staples High School graduate’s recently published book of intimate photos of the Rolling Stones. Janis Joplin. The Band. Johnny Winter. Gordon Lightfoot. James Cotton. Ian and Sylvia and many others, taken in the 1960s when Friedman worked with and was friends with them — began in 2017, when he displayed them in a Bedford Square pop-up gallery during the holiday season.
It’s the holidays again. And Friedman has opened a second pop-up.
It too is on Church Lane, opposite the Spotted Horse. The photos of Joplin, the Stones, Bob Dylan, Paul Butterfield, The Band, Todd Rundgren, Kris Kristoffersen and (former Westporter) Johnny Winter are as intriguingly powerful as ever.
The gallery will be open through the holidays.
Michael Friedman in his first pop-up gallery. His photo shows Levon Helm, legendary drummer for The Band.
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Speaking of books, Fred Cantor writes:
“’Connecticut in the Movies: From Dream Houses to Suburbia’” was just published. It might make an ideal holiday gift for film buffs. Naturally, there is a strong Westport presence here (starting with the cover, a scene from ‘The Swimmer’).
“One chapter, ‘Dark Suburbia,’ includes write-ups of 4 movies, all of which were filmed and/or set, at least in part, in Westport: ‘The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit,’ ‘The Swimmer,’ ‘Loving’ and ‘The Stepford Wives.’
“Another chapter, ‘Suburban Sex Comedies,’ leads off with ‘Rally ‘Round the Flag, Boys.’
“Author actress Illeana Douglas grew up in Connecticut. She includes other historical background in the book about Westport’s connection to the arts.”
Click here for the Amazon link.
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A very generous family provided Thanksgiving dinner at the Gillespie Center — Westport’s homeless shelter — on Thursday.
It was the second year in a row. And, just like last year, they asked to remain unnamed.
The meal was served by a family that moved to Westport this past summer, along with the grandparents visiting from Florida (where they do similar volunteer work).
“Julie Buchenholz and her daughter Mila have jumped right into the community,” says Helen McAlinden, CEO of Homes with Hope, which oversees the shelter and pantry.
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker also stopped by the Gillespie Center on Thursday, a tradition for her on holidays.
Rear (from left): Clemence Lecornu, Julie Buchenholz, Pat Wilson of Homes with Hope, and Joe and Shelley Jacoby. Mila Buchenholz is in front.
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Weston’s Lachat Winter Market is collecting gently used adult and children’s winter coats next Saturday (December 2, 106 Godfrey Road West).
They’ll be donated to Open Doors, the South Norwalk homeless shelter and community resource center.
The Lachat Winter Market is always a great holiday shopping event. This year’s event is entirely indoors.
Vendors sell art, clothing, jewelry, housewares, baked goods and other locally produced foods. Click here for more details.
Important note: The Barn Bar will be open too.
Lachat Winter Market
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” roams further than ever: the moon and Jupiter, seen through high atmospheric clouds.
But hey: The photo was taken right here, in our home town.
(Photo/Imogen Blackburn)
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And finally … in honor of Michael Friedman’s pop-up photo gallery (story above), here are 3 songs of artists he’s associated with — all with at least one Westport or Weston tie:
(As you plan your holiday shopping, please don’t forget “06880.” Click here to make a tax-deductible contribution to your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)
Is Shelley Jacoby Joe’s granddaughter? Great pictures.
The movie “Loving” (1970) was written by Westporter John R McDermott under his pen name of JM Ryan.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loving_(1970_film)
Michael’s book is a trip backstage in the 1960’s with some of the most iconic acts of the day. Michael and I were Staples classmates from 1958-61. Friends since the beginning. Proud of the great work Michael did with black and white Kodak Tri-x film. RocknRoll noir!
Charles, Christopher Lloyd was a senior in 1958. There was also an exchange student from Napes, Fabrizio Vitale. Did you know them? How about Mary Sargent?
Oops.. Naples, Italy. Did you know Mike Borchetta??
I saw the movie “The Swimmer” when I lived in Westport, have seen it a few times since. Good movie. I’m a HUGE fan of The Band, have been ever since I first heard “Up on Cripple Creek” when I was living in New York. I recently read Robbie Robertson’s book “Testimony” was almost done when sadly the news came that he had passed away. Always liked Levon’s singing, but recently have really discovered Rick Danko, his soulful “It makes no difference” from The Last Waltz” can break your heart. Or Stage Freight from same movie. Also “The Long Black Veil”. Always loved Robbie Robertson very good looking when he was young, as well as intelligent and a great story teller.