It’s tulip time!
Nomadica is a flower farm and garden design business in Weston, owned and run by advanced master gardener Christina Koether.
This year she’s growing over 20,000 tulips, including varieties from the 1630s that were popular during the Tulipmania craze.
There are tulips that look like peonies, double fringed varieties, and flamed striped ones. All will bloom soon.
Nomadica offers tulip subscriptions (some have already sold out). One option offers 2 weeks of large bouquets of the best and most beautiful blooms grown this year.
Pick up is at the flower stand in Weston (where you can also shop Thursday to Saturday, weather permitting). Click here to sign up, and for more information.
Christina Koether’s tulips
=================================================
For the second night in a row, VersoFest drew a full house to the Westport Library’s Trefz Forum.
Yesterday’s show by the Lemon Twigs — the indie/power pop/glam rock band — followed the previous night’s appearance by legendary rapper Chuck D.
(Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)
The magic — and fun — continues tonight (Friday, 7 p.m.) with the Spin Doctors, and Nick Depuy.
Tomorrow and Sunday are filled with music- and media-related performances, panels, workshops, exhibits and more. All are free. Click here for the full schedule.
(Photo/EJ Crawford)
==================================================
Speaking of music at the Library: “Supper & Soul” returns April 20.
The unique Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce Saturday night entertainment — dinner at one of 12 downtown restaurants, then a dance party with 8-piece funk and soul band West End Blend at the Westport Library — followed by post-concert happy hour pricing for drinks at any of the 12 participating restaurants (Arrezo, Basso, Capuli, Casa Me, Don Memo, Emmy Squared, Il Pastaficio, Mexicue, Nômade, Spotted Horse, Goji and Walrus Alley).
Tickets ($87) include the concert, dinner, tax and tip (drinks are not included). Tickets for the concert only are $35. Click here to buy, and for more information.
West End Blend
=================================================
A message from the Westport Public Schools, regarding Monday’s eclipse:
Westport will experience 90% of the sun being blocked by the moon at peak eclipse. The eclipse begins at 2:10 p.m., with peak coverage (sun at its most hidden) at 3:26. The eclipse will end around 4:35.
The district has purchased solar eclipse glasses for all elementary school students and staff, so they can view the eclipse safely. Classroom teachers and science coaches will prepare students for this event, practicing proper use of the glasses and sharing information on their morning news.
Based on recent guidance from the state Department of Education and testing the eclipse glasses with young students, the district has modified the eclipse viewing plan for elementary schools.
Grades 3-5 teachers will take their students outside for a short period of time between 2:15-3:30 for observations. Pre-k through grade 2 students will be provided solar eclipse glasses to take home, but for safety reasons will not be taken outside at school to view the eclipse.
They will have the chance to view the eclipse via live stream TV.
If parents are concerned about the outside viewing of the eclipse, they may pick up their children prior to the start of the eclipse at 2:15. Due to the anticipated increase in the number of dismissals, families should try to pick up students before 1:45. I
The eclipse will occur when students are dismissed, between 3:10 and 3:45. Parents should remind children not to look at the sun on their way home.
Parents who wish to experience the event with their child off-site will be allowed to check-out their children as an excused absence for an “educational experience.” Normal check-out procedures will be in effect.
Sneak peak at the solar eclipse.
==================================================
Fetch Rescue and Jenni Kayne are teaming up, for a “puppy adoption pop-up.”
This Sunday (April 7, 2 to 4 p.m., Sconset Square), all are invited to spend quality time with some pups — and consider making one part of your family.
For more information, email jessie@fetch-rescue.com.
Everyone needs a dog. (Photo/Ellen Wentworth)
==================================================
Before the recent deluge recedes too far in the rear view mirror, here are a couple of reminders from yesterday morning. Check out Hillspoint Road …
(Photo/Matt Murray)
… and Burying Hill Beach:
(Photo/Ron Auber)
===============================================
There’s a double dose of featured artists this month at the Westport Book Shop.
Jack Geer and Ranvir Sharma are each exhibiting their drawings and illustrations.
Geer earned a graphic design degree from Norwalk Community College. He works as an artist with Team Woofgang, a non-profit that provides training for young adults with disabilities.
Sharma was diagnosed with autism when he was 2 1/2 Though non-verbal, his mother encouraged his interest in letters and numbers. During a 2018 family trip to India, he met a calligrapher who developed classes for him. His elementary school teachers encouraged him to enter a SoNo Library competition with the theme of inclusion. He won it, and last fall took 1st place in a Cricket magazinei art contest. Now a 6th grader, he takes art classes at Silvermine, and hopes to become a Hollywood animator.
Both say that art has been a transformative part of their lives, serving as a form of personal expression and communication, while fostering social connections.
A reception is set for April 10 (6 to 7:30 p.m.). The exhibit runs through April 30, and all work is available for purchase.
Jack Geer (left) and Ronnie Sharma, at the Westport Book Shop.
==================================================
Jazz at the Post is a very popular Thursday tradition. This Sunday (April 7, 4 p.m.), the United Methodist Church of Westport & Weston hosts its own jazz show.
Jazz Vespers is a modern take on the ancient tradition of evening prayer service. The service will incorporate live jazz music, poetry and prayer.
This service features trumpeter Sarah Uyar, guitarist John Hoddinott, guitar, bassist Matt Dwonszyk and drummer Elijah Atkins.
United Methodist Church, 49 Weston Road. (Photo/Dan Woog)
==================================================
One more show has been added to the Westport Country Playhouse schedule.
Mike Birbiglia’s “Please Stop the Ride” comes to the historic stage on June 7 (7 p.m.).
The comedian/writer/director/actor has performed his award-winning solo shows from the Sydney Opera House to the West End of London to Broadway.
“Sleepwalk With Me,” “My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend,” “Thank God For Jokes,” “The New One” and “The Old Man & The Pool” became hit Netflix specials, merging storytelling and comedy.
Birbiglia has appeared in “Orange Is the New Black” and “Billions.”
Tickets go on sale today at 1 p.m. Click here to purchase, and for more details.
==================================================
Lorenz Esposito earned fame as a College of Charleston soccer star, then played professionally in Sweden for 5 years.
Now he’s got a new “team.” As the founder of SearchX, he leads a business that creates customized SEO solutions for clients.
The 2013 Staples High School graduate first learned about SEO — search engine optimization, which improves a company’s visibility online — while playing in Sweden. He also worked at a digital marketing agency there.
Last November, he took the leap into entrepreneurship, opening his own firm in South Carolina.
SearchX specializes in personalization. “We prioritize quality over quantity, focusing on ethical practices and long-term sustainability,” Esposito says.
They already have over 100 clients, locally and nationally.
Lorenz Esposito
================================================
Johanna Keyser Rossi says, “Red-winged blackbirds are back. They gather in marshes. When they call out to each other, they puff out their wings.”
Here’s one she spotted, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature:
(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)
==================================================
And finally … in honor of today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo (above):
(“06880” is your hyper-local blog. We depend on support from readers like you. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
Dan, thanks for the heads up on the Mike Birbiglia stand up show at the playhouse! He’s one of my favorite “observational” story telling comedians! I fear he’s pretty much sold out at this point. I love his podcast … “Working it Out” where he talks with like minded creatives!