Roundup: Nathan Lane, Suzanne Sheridan, Linda Ronstadt …

The Westport Country Playhouse gala just got even gala-ier.

On October 4, the historic theater honors Tony Award-winning singer/actor/ writer Nathan Lane, for his decades of contributions to American arts.

From his roles in “The Birdcage” and “The Producers,” as the voice of Timon in “The Lion King,” and through TV shows like “Sex and the City,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and “30 Rock,” Lane is a much-admired star.

The gala — which will also celebrate the contributions of the Playhouse’s legendary Anne Keefe — includes cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, live music, a raffle and auction, performances, and an after-party.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

Sponsorships at the $4,000, $6,000 and $10,000 level are available. Call 203-571-1131, or email rdavis@westportplayhouse.org.

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After 31 years as townwide director of information technology, Eileen Zhang left big shoes to fill.

On Monday, Alberto Vargas steps into them.

With more than 20 years’ experience leading digital transformation, modernizing enterprise systems and strengthening cybersecurity in public and private sectors, he is well qualified.

Most recently, Vargas served as director of IT and business relationship manager for ATG Entertainment. He oversaw technology strategy, cloud migrations, cybersecurity enhancements and digital service modernization across 19 North American venues.

Earlier, he spent over 8 years with the New York City Department of Finance. He also held senior roles in the financial sector at Citi.

Alberto Vargas

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The times, they are a-changin’.

New signs will be installed Monday, reflecting revised parking limits downtown.

They’ll go from 3 hours to 2 hours (daily, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.) on these streets:

• Main Street
• Elm Street
• Church Lane
• Bay Street
• Jesup Road.

Town-owned parking lots will retain their current 3-hour and all-day options.

Soon to be removed — for on-street parking only.

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Alo opened only this week. (With a line dozens deep, waiting to get inside the Main Street space, formerly occupied by Oka.)

But the activewear brand is wasting no time getting involved in the community.

Tomorrow (August 3, 9:30 a.m.), Sarah Sadie Newett leads a Recovery Wellness Walk. It is “all about slowing down, setting intentions, and finding balance through mindful movement and meditation. It’s a chance to release stress, reconnect with yourself, and be with community.”

Click here to register. (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)

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Speaking of openings: LaSource joined Alo (above) and Beyond Yoga, as downtown’s newest stores. All 3 launched this week.

LaSource’s 7 Church Lane location (near Emmy Squared) marks its 3rd boutique in the area. The first 2 are in Darien and New Canaan.

LaSource offers “elevated lingerie, swim, resort, and loungewear for women, thoughtful gifts for the women we adore, complimentary bra fittings with expert guidance, plus seasonal edits, styling appointments and in-store events.”

A grand opening celebration will be announced soon.

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What’s free in Westport this weekend?

The Levitt Pavilion hosts 2 shows.

Low Cut Connie’s piano-driven rock is on tonight (Saturday) at 7:30 p.m.

Tomorrow, Stella Blue’s Band, honoring The Days Between, takes the stage at 7.

Click here for free tickets, and more information.

Low Cut Connie

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Speaking of the Levitt: Singer/songwriter/guitarist Suzanne Sheridan brings her tribute to Linda Ronstadt to riverside venue on August 12.

The show includes a great band: Bob Cooper, Tim DeHuff, Dave Edwards, Joe Sullivan and Kim Manning.

Sheridan performs as locally as the First Folk Sunday music series, and as internationally as The Bitter End, Gertie’s Folk City, and in Canada and Australia.

Click here for tickets to Sheridan (and Ronstadt’s) free show. 

Suzanne Sheridan

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The Westport Book Shop’s featured August exhibitor does not have to go far to see her own work.

Rachel Hall is Westport Police Department detective by profession, and a photographer by passion. She specializes in both digital and aerial photography, capturing landscapes with a unique perspective that often highlights mood, texture and atmosphere.

The Book Shop is located just a few yards from Police headquarters, on Jesup Road.

A reception is set for August 26 (6 to 7:30 p.m.). RSVP by calling 203-349-5141, or emailing westportbooksaleventures.org.

Rachel Hall, with her work.

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In 1995, a seaplane accident on Block Island killed Stacy Waldman Bass’ father.

Shattered, she wrote as a way to process her grief, while gathering pieces of his life through photographs.

Twenty-five years later, her mother died of pancreatic cancer. During her year-long battle, Bass created a living tribute of images and words, rallying support when her mother needed it most.

Out of those challenges came a memoir. “Lightkeeper: A Memoir Through the Lens of Love and Loss” keeps her parents’ legacy alive, through text and photography.

A book launch — with a reception and discussion — is set for September 16 (6:30 p.m., Westport Library. Click here for more information. 

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What makes this a “Westport … Naturally” photo?

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

The gull perched on top, as seen from the Sherwood Island State Park shore!

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And finally … happy National Clown Day!

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