Congolese drums had never been heard in the Westport Library before yesterday — or perhaps in any other library, anywhere.
But there they were at 10 a.m., kicking off a jam-packed VersoFest Saturday with a dance and drum workshop.
Cumbe Dance, at the Westport Library. (Photo copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)
Also yesterday: actress Gina Gershon discussed her new memoir, “AlphaPussy: How I Survived the Valley and Learned to Love My Boobs,” with journalist/rock memoirist (and Westport resident) Alisyn Camerota.
Gina Gerson, with Alisyn Camerota. (Photo/Susan Garment)
Last night ended with musician/writer/playwright/poet/visual artist/alt-rock legend David J (Bauhaus, Love and Rockets).
He read from his new poetry book “Rhapsody, Threnody & Prayer,” was interviewed by author Douglas Rushkoff, and finished with a set of acoustic songs.
David J (Photo copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)
The 5th annual music, media and more event concludes today (Sunday), with a panel on AI and the music industry (10:30 a.m.), a conversation with Capitol Theater owner and festival producer Dean Budnick (12 p.m.), a Suno workshop (12 p.m.), and a screening of “Grateful Dead: Dead Ahead” (2 p.m.).
Click here for details and registration.
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Speaking of the Library: It’s a storied Westport institution.
So is Staples Players.
On Monday, April 6 (6:30 p.m.) they’ll collaborate for the first time ever, on a staged (and free!) reading.
David Roth’s Theatre 3 Advanced class presents “Almost, Maine.” The whimsical, funny and poignant show takes place as northern lights hover about a remote town. Residents fall in and out of love, in unexpected and hilarious ways.
And — because neither Players nor the Library ever does things halfway — playwright John Cariani will come to the reading, and lead a talkback afterward.
The cast of “Almost, Maine.”
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As promised, the new apartments being built at 85 Post Road West — between Kings Highway Elementary School and Riverside Avenue — include “affordable housing” based on state guidelines.
Applications are being accepted for the 22 1- and 2-bedroom units. The maximum rental prices are $2,100 and $2,511 respectively.
Applicants will be contacted first come, first served, and given the opportunity to submit supporting documentation and go through the verification process.
Click here for the submission form. Questions? Call 475-999-2445.
Early stages of construction last year, on Post Road West.
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Speaking of new construction: As Coastal Luxury Homes prepares to convert 455 Post Road East — the former Connecticut Humane Society — to 25 apartments and 5 townhouses, they’re paying homage to the former tenants.
Coastal has donated all the cages and crates inside the building to TAILS (The Alliance in Limiting Strays).
The other day, 20 volunteers used a big truck and 2 smaller vans to give them — just like the animals they serve — a new home.
Cages get a new home, thanks to Coastal Luxury Homes and TAILS.
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Cold weather did not deter Trout Unlimited members from getting outside — though not on the Saugatuck River.
The other day Andy McNab and Pippa Bell Ader collected most of the garbage strewn about Ford Road, and the parking lot across the Bridgewater bridge.
Pippa adds this gentle, but important, reminder: “Westporters have the opportunity to help clean up the town, on and around Earth Day (April 22).”
Andy McNab smiles as he cleans up other people’s trash near the Saugatuck River, at the Glendinning property. (Photo/David Ader)
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Big Y hosted Staples’ Service League of Boys (SLOBs) yesterday.
Club members and Homes with Hope personnel collected donations for the Gillespie Center food pantry.
Donations are always welcome. Click here to build on SLOBS’ great foundation.
Staples SLOBs (right) with Homes with Hope personnel, at Big Y.
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Mardi Gras is over.
But our Minute Man is still celebrating. Check out the beads around his neck.
Party on, big guy!
(Photo/Matt Murray)
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Aspetuck Land Trust‘s spring native plant sale begins next month. Ordering for non-members begins April 11.
Click here to preview the offerings.
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo comes from Michael Szeto.
After installing a birdfeeder this past week, his first visitor was a Cooper’s hawk. It frequently visits back yards, to prey on small birds drawn to feeders.
(Photo/Michael Szeto)
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And finally … on this date in 1871, Royal Albert Hall was opened by Queen Victoria.
Which brings to mind 2 songs by British bands, each of which mentions one of them.
(A day in our life includes a reminder that “06880” relies on the generosity of our readers. If you appreciate these daily Roundups — or anything else — please click here to support our work. Thanks!)
Now I know how many holes it takes to fill the Albert Hall.