Category Archives: Arts

Roundup: Beach Concession, High Honors, Bloodroot, Sneakers …

Posted on March 26, 2026 | 6 comments

And the new concessionaire at Compo Beach and Longshore will be …

… either NG Entertainment/Nikki Glekas Collective of Westport, or Braxtons Hospitality Group of Bridgeport.

They were the 2 businesses who followed through with a bid, to the Parks & Recreation Department. One will be chosen to succeed Hook’d on the Sound, the beleaguered operator since 2020.

Parks & Rec director Erik Barbieri is forming an evaluation panel, to do interviews next week.

The hope is to have a concessionaire operating this summer. If that’s not possible, food trucks will be used.

Beachgoers look forward to the return of a concessionaire with the community spirit of Joey’s by the Shore. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

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Congratulations to 19 Staples High School “high honors” students.

They’ll graduate in June with a special seal, with grade point averages in the top 4 percent of the Class of 2026.

Principal Stafford Thomas notes, “the most astonishing aspect of this accomplishment is that these students were involved in a number of extracurriculars and various aspects of school life. These activities took a great deal of time, focus and concentration outside of the classroom as well.

“We were lucky to have had them for four years, and we will no doubt be hearing about their next great achievements in the years to come.”

The high honors students are listed in the photo below:

Front row (from left): Isabel Jo, Taylor Serotta, Olivia Cohn, Emma Asiel, Jake Shufro, Ava Carter, Carly Mulhern, Olivia Morgeson, Uma Choudhury. Rear: Matthew Tybur, Gunnar Eklund, Nolan Francis, Rajan Sekhar, Kevin Cano, Jay Hari, Miles Kahn, Rei Seltzer, Anderson Seo, Andersen Yee.

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More Staples kudos: Orphenians — for 70 years the school’s premier elite vocal ensemble – have racked up another honor.

Tomorrow they’ll be a showcase choir at the Connecticut Music Educators Association All-State Festival, at the Convention Center in Hartford. They’ll perform 6 numbers, for music teachers from all over the state.

Director Lauren Pine hailed her nearly 50 singers’ talent, passion and dedication. After missing a number of rehearsals due to weather this winter, they came in before school and on weekends to prepare for the All-State Festival.

But that’s not the only Orphenians news. Next year they’ll head to Austria, to sing and work with famed composer/conductor Jake Runestad.

Over the years they’ve performed at venues like La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, and Radio City Music Hall.

Staples Orphenians

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Jeanne Reed read about this weekend’s upcoming tag sale at Bloodroot with interest.

Then, she was intrigued to learn that the iconic vegan/feminist Black Rock restaurant — co-founded 49 years ago by Westporter Selma Miriam — may have a second life, after its closure in December.

The Connecticut Post reports that the Aspetuck Land Trust may acquire the 1.7-acre site. It would become a nature preserve, and possible community garden.

“We’d love to preserve the land and name the property after the restaurant and just honor all the work and effort and integrity of what they put in there all those years,” said David Brant, Aspetuck’s executive director. “They were ahead of their time.”

Click here for the full Connecticut Post story.

Selma Miriam, at Bloodroot. She died last year.

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VersoFest ’26 kicked off last night, with a reception and artist talk on … sneakers.

Sean “Opus 1” Williams is presenting “The SneakerVangelisT,” an exhibit named after his sneaker world name.

Sneakers are wearable art that serve both self expression and function. Some models offer a canvas for artistic expression. Others make a muse. The exhibit provides examples of both.

Williams discussed all that and more, in a conversation with Westport artist Miggs Burroughs, and fellow VersoFest artist Holly Danger.

Four days of VersoFest music, media and creativity kicks off tonight, with a talk featuring Ani DiFranco. Click here for a schedule and full details of VersoFest ’26. 

Sean “Opus 1” Williams (center), with Holly Danger and Miggs Burroughs. (Photo copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)

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Three early-season shows have been added to the Levitt Pavilion calendar.

The Disco Biscuits — the Philadelphia-based “trans-fusion” band that bridges the gap between EDM and jam rock — play 2 dates: Friday and Saturday, June 12 and 13. They drew a great crowd last year, during their 30th anniversary tour.

Dark Star Orchestra also returns. They’ll bring the Grateful Dead’s music to life the next week (June 21).

Tickets for both groups go on sale tomorrow (Friday) at 10 a.m. Click here to purchase, and for more information. 

Dark Star Orchestra 

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Speaking of the Levitt: The sun created a very cool halo over Westport yesterday morning.

Franco Fellah captured this image:

(Photo/Franco Fellah)

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Speaking of entertainment: “Primary Trust” opens at the Westport Country Playhouse on April 14.

As part of the run-up, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Eboni Booth recorded a short video about her touching, humorous and inventive show exploring the power of connections.

Playhouse artistic director Mark Shanahan says: “As one of the most celebrated new works in modern American theatre, ‘Primary Trust’ has resonated with audiences across the country.

“There’s a good reason this work has been so widely embraced. It’s a play about kindness and healing — exactly the kind of story we need to hear right now.”

Click here for more information, and tickets. 

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The Westport Rotary Club got an update Tuesday on the Westport Museum for History & Culture.

Michele Rubin — director of education, programs and development at the former Westport Historical Society (and a 1981 Staples High School graduate) — described the Museum’s mission: to bring Westport’s full history to the widest audience possible.  

As the nation celebrates 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, an exhibit opening April 25 will look back at events surrounding the Revolutionary War.

Michele Rubin, at the Westport Rotary Club. (Hat tip and photo/Dave Matlow)

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Dozens of Westporters started last weekend with plenty of pancakes.

They packed VFW Post 399, for a breakfast hosted by Westport Troop 139, and other Connecticut troops.

It was a fundraiser for the Scouts’ trip to a jamboree in Scotland this summer.

They thank the Staples Gridiron Club, Adam Vengrow and the VFW Women’s Auxiliary for “overwhelming support.”

And of course, all the residents who arrived famished, and left well fed.

Dig in!

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The Sea Street Quartet makes their world debut on Sunday — in Westport.

The string foursome present an afternoon of music by Franz Schubert and Joe Hisaiahi at the United Methodist Church on Weston Road (3 p.m.).

Admission is $10, at the door.

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Judith Katz’s caption for today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo — “And just like that!” — says it all.

(Photo/Judith Katz)

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And finally … Westport Rotary Club members are a smart bunch.

But they probably learned a thing or two Tuesday, about the Westport Museum for History & Culture. And about history itself.

(You don’t need to know much about history to know that “06880” is “where Westport meets the world” — and that we rely on support from readers. Please click here to donate. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Environment, Library, Longshore, Staples HS, Westport Country Playhouse

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Staples Players Rewind: “City Of Angels”

Posted on March 24, 2026 | 1 comment

In the spring of 2004, Staples Players brought “City of Angels” to the stage.

Former media teacher Jim Honeycutt taped the Tony Award-winning musical, with dual story lines — and all of directors David Roth and Kerry Long’s shows.

This week, in our chronological look back at highlights of past productions — called “nutshells” –Spri we bring you back to that show about a Hollywood screenwriter, and his detective creation.

Click here or below to see.

(If you like these nutshells — or any other “06880” feature — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Looking back, Staples HS

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Roundup: Bolton Runs For AG, Bloodroot Runs Tag Sale …

Posted on March 24, 2026 | 3 comments

A second Westport Republican has announced a run for statewide office.

Planning & Zoning Commission member John Bolton has filed for the attorney general race, Kevin Rennie’s Daily Ructions reports.

He joins Jen Tooker. The former 1st selectwoman is running for comptroller.

Bolton is “unlikely to face any competition for the Republican nomination for the job when it meets in May to select a candidate,” the political news source reports.

William Tong, the current Democratic AG, is seeking a third term. Click here for the full Daily Ructions story.

John Bolton

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Bloodroot is closed. But it’s not forgotten.

And to ensure that the vegan/feminist/iconic Bridgeport restaurant — co-founded by Westporter Selma Miriam — the very popular Bloodroot Giant Tag Sale returns this week.

On Friday and Saturday (March 27-28, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 85 Ferris Street, Bridgeport), tons of Bloodroot “stuff” will be on sale.

For example: vintage and antique tables, chairs, bookcases, and other furniture; vintage pine farmhouse style bins, cubbies and bookshelves; high quality looms and spinning wheels; patio furniture, outdoor tables and outdoor chairs; stone and concrete benches; vintage and mid-century lamps; farmhouse-style pendant lighting and ceiling lamps.

Plus books and paper ephemera with LGBTQ, feminist and vegetarian themes; original signed art (prints, sculptures, photos and posters); antique and vintage china, glassware and tableware; tools and office supplies; pots, pans, cooking supplies and restaurant equipment; household items, clothing, shoes, fabrics — “pretty much everything under the sun.”

The Bloodroot tag sale crew (from left): Lauren, Noel, Sarah, Stephanie and Marina.

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There are plenty of grandparents — with grandchildren — in Westport.

On Saturday, May 2 (1 to 3 p.m., Westport Weston Family YMCA), they’ll have a chance to play together — without screens.

The pilot program, called Grand Play Day, brings together grandparents and their grandkids (ages 5-12). Using simple tools (question cards, paper-and-pencil table games and other easy activities), they’ll laugh and share stories.

Grand Play Day is built on “Connections Thru Play,” created by Playocracy founder Lynn Campanella in partnership with the National Institute for Play — where Joe Miller, a member of the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston, serves as a volunteer executive.

The event will be facilitated by Campanella and Miller, include academic input from professors of Childhood Development and Aging, and serve as a potential model for other community groups.

To participate in Grand Play Day with one or more grandchildren aged 5–12, register here on the YMCA website.

No screens in sight.

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Calling all local residents!

MoCA\CT is seeking ideas for Ellen Harvey’s upcoming exhibit, “The Disappointed Tourist.”

Is there a place you wish you could revisit — a landmark, neighborhood or gathering spot that has disappeared?

Harvey has asked that question around the world, transforming hundreds of public memories into a haunting series of paintings that reimagine sites erased by time, tides or bulldozers.

From June 25 through August 2, she brings her project to MoCA\CT.

Nominations close April 25. Harvey will select 4 sites to immortalize in paint.

Click here  to submit an idea, or explore existing works and stories from around the world,

Ellen Harvey in front of a portion of “The Disappointed Tourist.”

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Calling all local musicians!

The 3rd annual Route 57 WestFest wants you.

All ages and genres — and solo artists and groups — are welcome. Click here for more information, and to apply.

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Everyone should start the day with a good breakfast.

To help those who can’t, brothers Aaron and Brett Fortunoff — along with the Staples Cereal4All Club — are host a 4th annual cereal drive.

There are 4 ways to help.

The Fortunoffs and friends, at last year’s cereal drive.

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“Primary Trust” — the 2024 Pulitzer Prize-winning play about change, friendship quiet courage and mai tais — comes to the Westport Country Playhouse next month.

Performances are April 14 to May 2. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Trumpeter/composer/arranger Michael Mossman has apprenticed with Lionel Hampton, Dizzy Gillespie and Art Blakey. He’s performed and recorded with Tito Puente and many other greats.

Pianist Zaccai Curtis is an acclaimed recording artist and producer. The Curtis Brothers Band, which he leads with his brother Luques, was earned a 2025 Grammy Award for Best Latin Jazz Album.

They — and bassist Edward Perez, drummer David Alvarez, percussionist Marlon Sobol and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall — take over VFW Post 399 this Thursday (March 26, 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.), for this week’s “Jazz at the Post.”

Dinner service starts at 7 p.m. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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In today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo, these guys in Robin Jaffee Frank’s back yard are giving thanks it’s March, not November.

(Photo/Robin Jaffee Frank)

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And finally … on this date in 1721, Johann Sebastian Bach dedicated what are now called the Brandenburg Concertos to Margrave Christian Ludwig of Brandenburg-Schwedt.

(You may not have time to listen to nearly 2 hours of the Concertos. But hopefully you’ve got 30 seconds to click here, to help support the “06880” blog that brings you great music — and much more!)

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Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Politics, Restaurants, Westport Country Playhouse, YMCA

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Online Art Gallery #310

Posted on March 21, 2026 | 3 comments

Happy anniversary!

Our online art gallery turns 6 years old today.

This week in 2020 — a few days into the realization that the COVID-19 pandemic was real — I put out a call for artwork. The idea was that “in these perilous times,” “06880” readers could create — and share — artwork.

“Westport really is an arts community,” I wrote.

It doesn’t matter how old (or young) you are. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never picked up a brush, crayon or camera in your life. You don’t have to be an experienced painter, sketcher or collagist. You can work together, or with your family or anyone else you’re self-isolating with

All you need is an idea and a way to express it. Serenity, love, calm, separation, friends, solitude, fear, hope — whatever you’re thinking or feeling, get to work!

Artwork flooded in. It was broad, beautiful and imaginative. The very next day, I posted our very first online gallery. (It was first called “0*6*Art*Art*0.” at Stacie Curran’s suggestion. Click here to see that inaugural post.)

In the early days, I tried to limit the Saturday feature to work specifically created during the crisis, or that showed powerfully some of the effects those days had on everyone.

Soon, I broadened it to art with any theme (or none).

We’ve been going strong ever since. Today, we kick off the 7th year of our online art gallery.

As always, we invite you to be part of next week’s exhibition. No matter your age; the style or subject you choose — and whether you’re a first-timer or old-timer — we welcome your submissions. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, mixed media, digital, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — we want whatever you’ve got.

Just email a JPG to 06880blog@gmail.com. And please include the medium you’re working in. As they have for 6 years, lovers want to know.

“Open Your Eyes” (Elise Mergenthaler — age 16, One River Art student)

“Mr. Silhouette Snowflake” — mixed media, pastels on paper (Patricia McMahon — Available for purchase; click here)

Photographer Mike Hbbard says: “Beings, far beyond our galaxy, visit Earth regularly to study its life forms. They speculate that the creatures there, calling themselves humans, may go extinct through their own doing — unless they learn that kindness for each other is their only path to survival as a species.”

“Diane Heading Off to Work” — watercolor (Eric Bosch)

“STOP” — acrylic on original metal sign (Jerry Kuyper)

“Congress” (Mark Yurkiw — Available for purchase; click here)

Untitled (Tom Doran — Available for purchase; click here)

“Orange Art” — a clementine and watercolor (Steve Stein)

“Child Support” (Lawrence Weisman)

“June and Friend” (Martin Ripchick — Available for purchase; click here)

Untitled (John Maloney)

(Entrance is free to our online art gallery –as it has been for 6 years. But please consider an anniversary donation! Just click here — and thank you!)

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Posted in Arts

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Roundup: Did You Lose A Time Capsule, License Plate Or Port-a-potty?

Posted on March 18, 2026 | 7 comments

With temperatures in the 20s this morning, few people were thinking about the beach.

Except for non-residents hoping to buy one of the 450 beach stickers available to anyone living outside of Westport and Weston.

They went on sale at 9 a.m. today. By 7:15, a small crowd had already formed outside the Parks & Recreation Department office at Longshore.

(Photo/Carm Roda)

Sales to Westport and Weston residents — with no limit — begin tomorrow (Thursday), at 9 a.m. Click here for fees.

If you bought emblems or registered for programs in previous seasons, your online account is already set up. Click here to log in. Then select “Memberships,” and follow the prompts.

If you have not bought emblems or registered for programs previously, click here. Then click the “Purchase Now” icon on the right.

Emblems will be mailed in 14-21 days. They are not required until May 1.

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The Board of Finance’s next “office hours” — open times at which residents can chat with a member about questions or concerns — are tomorrow (Thursday).

There are 2 sessions — 10 to 11 a.m., and 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. — at the Westport Library’s Room 213.

Last month’s office hours drew a diverse crowd — including 2 Staples High School students, doing a civics project.

“We had very productive conversations,” says BOF member Allyson Stollenwerck.

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Also tomorrow: Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas continues the “Your State, Your Business” speaker series.

She’ll speak at the Westport Library (Thursday, 11 a.m.). Thomas will describe her wide-ranging job, followed by a discussion and Q-and-A.

The 3-part series — sponsored by the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce — kicked off with state comptroller Sean Scanlon. It concludes April 2, with Attorney General William Tong.

Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas

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A reader writes: “I attended Coleytown Elementary School during the 1976 bicentennial year. We buried time capsules there, but I don’t know exactly where (I recall a ceremony by a flagpole in front of the school).

“I’m guessing they’re still buried. I reached out to the school, and am waiting to hear back.

“It would be interesting to see these time capsules opened and shared, if at all feasible.”

So, “06880” has 2 thoughts:

  • Does anyone remember the Coleytown El time capsules — specifically, where they were buried?
  • How about any other time capsules in town?

The 250th anniversary of our nation seems like a good time to unearth them.

If you have any ideas, now is the “time” to share them. Please click “Comments” below.

Coleytown Elementary School. Is there a time capsule there?

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The Staples High School girls basketball fell 5 points short of the state championship game last night.

The #3-seeded Wreckers fell 67-62 to #10 Bristol Central, at Bethel High.

Staples finishes 23-4. Two of those losses were to Greenwich, including the FCIAC championship.

Staples coach Tommy Sparks told The Ruden Report, “We’re obviously proud of the fight. We were down a few times in the game where it looked like it could have been over, but the girls continued to execute, the girls continued to defend. It was a pleasure just to watch the resilience and the growth from these girls throughout the season. Obviously, it was a special season for us.” Click here for the full Ruden Report story (paywall).

On Monday, the Wrecker boys basketball team advanced to their final. Ranked first in Division I, they’ll seek their first state crown since 1937 this Saturday, 8:30 p.m. at Mohegan Sun, against #2 West Haven.

Staples 2026 girls basketball team.

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MoCA\CT’s celebration of “Art, Jazz + the Blues” — the title of their current exhibition — continues with a “community conversation” March 26 (5:30 p.m.).

Exhibit co-curator Ive Covaci leads a panel of noted musicians, artists, educators and scholars in an exploration of how jazz and blues continue to inspire creativity across art forms — and within our own community.

Panelists include: Brian Torff (bassist, composer and Fairfield University music professor; Dr. Richard Epstein (vice president, Jazz Society of Fairfield County and longtime WPKN host); Kevin Mazzarella (Staples High School band director and trumpeter), and Caitlin von Schmidt (musician, graphic designer, and daughter of artist Eric von Schmidt, whose works are the foundation of the “Art, Jazz + the Blues” exhibition.

The evening begins with a guitar performance by Tim Cole. Click here for tickets.

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How did you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day?

Three generations of Westport Pardons — former Fordham  University Gaelic Society  president Ed, son Chris and grandson Conor — enjoyed yesterday’s parade in New York.

And we’re sure Conor’s teacher will “pardon” him for taking an afternoon off to salute his heritage!

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Staples High School Class of 1994 graduate Lisa Bastoni was featured at First Folk Sunday in 2024. She returns October 4.

In the meantime, she’s written “There Are No Kings in America.” Suzanne Sheridan — founder of First Folk Sunday — will perform Lisa’s song at the “No Kings” rally on Jesup Green (March 28). Suzanne Sheridan at the NO KINGS Rally at Jesup Green on Saturday March 28.

PS: Creativity runs in Lisa’s family. She’s the granddaughter of noted Westport artists Walter and Naiad Einsel.

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Faherty honors World Down Syndrome Day this Saturday (March 21) with a special Sweet P Bakery pop-up event.

From noon to 2 p.m. at the Main Street store, Sweet P founder Andrea Pecoriello and baker Charlie Biondo will serve some of their favorite goods, for purchase.

The bakery’s mission is to provide training and employment for adults with disabilities.

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Westporters know Frank Murgalo as “Santa Claus” at our annual Holiday Stroll (Shhhh … don’t tell the kids!)

He’s also a Marine Corps veteran, who donates time and energy to many excellent causes.

Now — at 82 — he’s written a memoir.

“My Mid-Life Crisis at 82: A Life of Mischief, Mayhem and Making It Work…” chronicles his wild, adventurous life. He’s been an auditor, fishmonger, actor and stand-up comedian. He writes about stopping Super Bowl XVII, being tackled by the FBI, and outwitting the State Department — all with an inspiring message of resilience, risk and laughter.

On April 7 (2:45 p.m.), Frank gives a book talk at the Senior Center. It’s free, but register for a seat: 203-341-5099.

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On Sunday business owners, building managers and tenants of Riverside Corners Westport gathered at Arezzo Ristorante to honor the life of Alon Panovka.

The longtime building owner and supporter of the arts died recently.

Although Alon lived in Atlanta, he spent significant time in the area. In addition to the property at Post Road West and Riverside Avenue, he owned the former post office building on Post Road East, which he redeveloped.

Known by many tenants for his thoughtful stewardship and quiet generosity, Alon also helped launch The Norwalk Art Space, which offers free art and music education to underserved youth.

Alon Panovka gathering, at Arezzo. (Hat tip and photo/Ken Warren)

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If you’re missing a license plate: This was spotted by the entrance to 225 Main Street.

(Photo/Pam Docters)

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Was it windy Monday night?

No s—!

And Bob Weingarten spotted the literal result of that yesterday morning, at Sherwood Island State Park:

(Photo/Bob Weingarten)

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Longtime Westport resident Dominick Boccanfuso died Saturday. He was 86.

The New York native moved here with his family in 1949. A proud Merchant Marine officer, Dominick was licensed to pilot vessels up to 100 gross tons. He had a lifelong passion for boating and fishing, and shared that love with family and friends.

An entrepreneur from a young age, Dominick began his career at 18, opening his first gas station with his brothers, Giuseppe Jr. and Crescienzo.

Their drive extended beyond business, ultimately leading them to build one of the fastest race cars in its class. Dominick led this effort, designing and rebuilding the car’s power plant each week to ensure it consistently ran down the track with fresh power — a testament to his ambition and mechanical skill.

In 1970 Dominick and his brothers founded Boccanfuso Bros., which quickly became a staple in the Westport community. It reflected their honesty, fairness, dedication, work ethic and strong family values.

Dominick was deeply committed to giving back. For over a decade, he sponsored Westport boys and girls Little League baseball teams. He served as a volunteer firefighter from the mid-1970s to the mid-1980s, and was a dedicated usher at Assumption Church during holidays. He and his nephew Giuseppe also supported the Swim Across the Sound cancer benefit by escorting participants on their boat.

Beginning in 1982, Dominick spent winters in Hallandale, Florida, with his mother Anna, participating in fundraising efforts at St. Matthew’s Church. He continued this tradition until 2006, following her passing.

He is survived by Giuseppe A. Boccanfuso III, Zhanna Boccanfuso, Giuseppe A. Boccanfuso IV, Victoria I. Boccanfuso, and Valerie I. Boccanfuso; his sister Sophia Freitag; nieces Mary, Anna, Angel, Ann Marie, Jo-Anne, Roselyn, Annie, Pamela Jo, Anna Maria, and their spouses; nephews Giuseppe D. and Crescienzo J., Billy and Joseph Oboy, Vincent and Joseph DiMeglio, and many grandnieces and grandnephews. He was predeceased by his parents, brothers Giuseppe Jr. and Crescienzo, and sisters Carmela B. Oboy and Mary DiMeglio.

Visitation will be held this Friday (March 20, 4-8 p.m. Harding Funeral Home). Funeral services will take place Saturday (March 21, 9 a.m., Assumption Church), followed by interment at Assumption Cemetery on Greens Farms Road.


Dominick Boccanfuso

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Life is ducky for this Hills Lane pair, in today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo:

(Photo/John Maloney)

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And finally … in honor of Westport’s time capsule(s) (story above):

(It’s always a good time — but especially now — to support “06880.” Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution to Westport’s favorite hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Beach, Local business, Obituaries, Politics, Sports, Staples HS

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“Art, Jazz + Blues”: MoCA Exhibit Sings

Posted on March 11, 2026 | 2 comments

“06880” culture correspondent Robin Moyer Chung visited MoCA\CT’s new exhibition, “Art, Jazz + The Blues.” She reports:

In 2006 Westport artist Eric von Schmidt decided his master series, “Giants of the Blues,” should be hung in Staples High School, instead of the Smithsonian Institution.

Painted from the 1990s through 2004, the series of 7 paintings is an exhaustively researched visual account of legendary folk, blues and jazz creators and performers throughout the 20th century. The Smithsonian was eager to add it to their artistic and cultural accessions.

“Blues Piano Players” — from Eric von Schmidt’s “Giants of the Blues” — hung for 20 years in the Staples High School auditorium lobby (above). Most students, staff and theater-goers are unaware of its significance. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

But von Schmidt wanted the series to culturally enrich local students, as well as give back to Staples — his alma mater, which he credited with fostering his love of art.

Twenty years later these paintings — on long-term loan to Westport Public Art Collections (WestPAC), courtesy of the artist’s family — are largely ignored. Their historical importance is muted by the institutional halls and activity of a bustling school.

Planning “Art, Jazz + The Blues,” curators Anne Boberski and Ive Covaci knew that von Schmidt’s series should be its cornerstone. Boberski calls it “a lens to think about how music impacts visual arts.”

The curators then expanded von Schmidt’s narrative. with musically-themed works from the WestPAC collection and local artists.

Given that the exhibit features a number of Black figures, and the WestPAC collection is of primarily white artists (a current initiative will broaden its diversity), Boberski and Covaci reached out to area institutions for works from well-known African American artists like Faith Ringgold (whose works are in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Guggenheim and Museum of Modern Art), Romare Bearden, Jack Whitten, and celebrated quilter Michael Cummings.

“Groovin’ High” (Faith Ringgold)

These appear alongside cover art for several David Brubeck records, drawn by Joan Miró and Arnold Roth, as well as a charming lithograph of Brubeck himself by Robert Risko.

Each piece displays an optimistic passion for its musical counterpart, manifested in colorful and chaotic patterns (the jazz room), or the energy of folks participating in or simply enjoying the soundtrack.

The exhibit is exuberant, and ties a deft string around the intertwining relationship of music, dance and art. Truly, it does “visualize sound, celebrate performance” of its period.

“Dave Brubeck” (Robert Risko)

Which brings us back to high school.

Each year MoCA\CT and WestPAC create a themed exhibit, coupled with works by student artists, based on a prompt associated with the theme.

This year, those works offer an interesting juxtaposition to the larger WestPAC show. The theme is “The Sound of Us.”

The number of submissions was fewer than usual. Perhaps that is because of the prompt: “Choose a song between 2020 to now and create a work of art that shows its effects on youth culture either through fashion, social interactions, speech, education, political alertness and activism, and life in general.”

That is an intriguing question — though personally I had a tricky time trying to answer it with words, let alone art. Few students could. I applaud those up for the challenge.

What it did effect were some unexpected and dispirited responses to today’s music, and its interdependence on videos.

A few examples:

Julia W., “Older”: “… music is no longer about the song but also the singer …many popular singers are young and ones that are not use Botox and plastic surgery to make them look younger. The title of my piece comes from a line in the song where people are telling the singer not to age.”

“Older” (Julia W.)

Mia C., “Stuck”: “My piece focuses on feeling like you’re stuck as everyone else moves around you. That there is just so much going on, you’re tempted to try everything but you don’t really know where to go, and that’s when you feel like you can’t escape.”

Josephine C.O., “American Teenager”: “My generation is growing up under the expectation of not being able to own a house, an extreme political divide, and an online world that we still haven’t quite figured out how to integrate into our lives.”

“American Teenager” (Josephine C.O.)

Many songs in today’s youth culture tackle tough subjects head-on, like mental health struggles, poverty, and violence. Hip hop, rap and emotionally honest pop lyrics have opened new veins of awareness and concern.

Fortunately, in this culture also exists a dialogue and acceptance of issues that were not available in years past.

As “Art Jazz + The Blues” is informed by the independence and resiliency of its age, “The Sound of Us” is informed by the angst, tension — and joy — of theirs.

(The exhibit runs through June 7. Click here for more information. To learn more about WestPAC, click here.)

(“06880” regularly covers Westport’s diverse arts scene. If you enjoy stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Staples Players Rewind: “Merrily We Roll Along”

Posted on March 10, 2026 | 1 comment

Stephen Sondheim is a David Roth favorite.

So it was natural for the Staples Players director to choose “Merrily We Roll Along” as the spring 2003 production.

Former media teacher Jim Honeycutt taped it — and all of Roth’s shows.

This week, in our chronological look back at highlights of past productions, we bring you that memorable “Merrily.” Click here or below to see.

PS: This year’s spring show — “Urinetown” — debuts Thursday (March 12, 7 p.m.). It runs Friday and Saturday (March 13 and 14) at 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday (March 14 and 15) at 2 p.m. Click here for tickets, and more information. 

(If you like these nutshells — or any other “06880” feature — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Online Art Gallery #308

Posted on March 7, 2026 | 2 comments

As usual, our online art gallery features a wide mix of mediums, styles and themes.

And as always, we invite you to be part of next week’s exhibition. No matter your age; the style or subject you choose — and whether you’re a first-timer or old-timer — we welcome your submissions. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, mixed media, digital, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — we want whatever you’ve got.

Just email a JPG to 06880blog@gmail.com. And please include the medium you’re working in — art lovers want to know.

“Hattie” — pencil on paper (Bill Fellah)

“Frozen River” (Rowene Weems — Available for purchase. click here)

Untitled (Duane Cohen — Available for purchase; click here)

“Forgotten” (Nancy Breakstone — Available for purchase; click here)

“Globalization” (Mark Yurkiw — Available for purchase — click here)

“Bren Playing, Sunshine of Your Love” — watercolor (Eric Bosch)

“Don’t Complain and Don’t Explain” — photo with computer enhancements (Evan Stein)

“Ponytail” (Cohl Katz — Available for purchase; click here)

“Arctic Breath” — acrylic resin on canvas (Patricia McMahon — Available for purchase; click here)

Untitled (June Rose Whittaker — Available for purchase; click here)

Untitled (John Maloney)

“Still Life Blueberries” (Miranda Cameron — Grade 8, One River Art student)

Untitled (Tom Doran — Available for purchase; click here)

“Flipping Out About the Snake in His Clothes!” (Mike Hibbard)

“Dream the Impossible Dream” — pencil and crayon (Steve Stein)

Untitled (Martin Ripchick — Available for purchase; click here)

“At Ease” (Lawrence Weisman)

(Entrance is free to our online art gallery. But please consider a donation! Just click here — and thank you!)

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Robin Moyer Chung Hangs With New Artists

Posted on March 5, 2026 | 2 comments

“06880” culture correspondent Robin Moyer Chung attended Tuesday’s opening of the Artist Collective of Westport’s newest pop-up show. She writes:

Where to begin about Artists Collective of Westport’s current exhibit featuring their 14 newest members, other than: Where have they all been hiding?

Well, they haven’t all been hiding. For instance, Butch Quick’s photos have appeared in numerous juried shows around Fairfield County.

Quick photographs people in their everyday lives with an immediacy and ease which, ironically, exaggerates their complexity. An excellent example of this is on view: “Santiago de Cuba.” A man sits on a dirty sidewalk with a cracked pail of root vegetables at his feet, dramatic in its mundanity.

“Santiago de Cuba” (Butch Quick)

Jodi Rabinowitz, however, has been hiding. She’d been making collages for friends, but didn’t think of it as “art” until a year or two ago.

Her large canvases are patterned with imperfect squares and circles cut from any item that interests her: produce bags, Spanish comic books, wallpaper, pieces of string. The incoherent materials produce textured and colorful visual rhythms.

Collage (Jodi Rabinowitz)

Then there’s Ira Hara, whose whimsical illustrative pieces evoke either “ancient landscapes” (if you ask his daughter), or “I just put my head on a pillow and draw what I see the next day” (if you ask Ira).

Regardless, the delicious details, such as the print of the woman’s gown in “Masters of Shadow,” incited one viewer to comment, “These are magical!”

“Masters of Shadow” (Ira Hara)

There are several landscape painters. I got a kick out of Julie Hicks’ vaguely ominous take on the genre, such as an impending tornado, and Rowene Weems’ gentle, nostalgic photos of small scene America, like the children sitting in a line on Compo Beach.

Untitled (Rowene Weems)

Peggy Dembicer’s intricate beadwork and weaving had us wondering if she’d let us descend upon her studio and see how in the world she does it. I especially loved her “Chutes and Ladders,” a glamorous send-up of a prosaic game.

“Chutes and Ladders” (Peggy Dembicer)

I’m always looking for humor in art, whether intentional or not. I found it in a few places, including Shelley Lowenstein’s “Berry Picking,” a small painting of a mother and 2 children standing in a field, each holding a box brimming with fruit, looking around aimlessly. It was an “Okay, our fun is over. Now what are we supposed to do with this?” moment.

“Berry Picking” (Shelley Lowenstein)

Prices range from around $175 to $4,000. I’m not entirely sure if some will fetch their price tag. But many of the works, I imagine, will be snapped up before the exhibit closes on March 8.

(The Artists Collective of Westport exhibit runs through March 8. Hours are 1 to 4 p.m., at the Westport Country Playhouse Sheffer Barn. An artists’ talkback is set for 4 p.m. on March 8. Click here for more information.)

(Robin Moyer Chung reports regular on Westport’s visual and performing arts scenes. If you enjoy her coverage — or anything else on “06880” — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Staples Basketball, UnPlastic Bathrooms, New Tailor …

Posted on March 4, 2026 | 1 comment

Staples High School’s two basketball teams have had magical seasons.

Coach Dave Goldshore’s boys are undefeated: 22-0. Coach Tommy Sparks’ girls have lost only twice; they’re 20-2.

The magic continues tonight (Wednesday). Both squads battle for the FCIAC championship. It’s a Wrecker doubleheader, at Fairfield University. The girls tip off at 5:30 p.m.; the boys follow at 7:30.

The top-seeded boys team faces #3 Ridgefield, for a rematch of last year’s final –won by the Westporters, for their first league title in 62 years.

A week ago, in the regular season finale, Staples downed the Tigers 67-49.

The #2-ranked girls play #1 Greenwich. Earlier this year, the Cardinals handed the Wreckers their first defeat, 55-42.

Click here for tickets, and livestream information.

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Last month, Sustainable Westport rolled out their “UnPlastic Westport” initiative. The initial focus was on reducing use of plastic in the bathroom.

Now they’ve augmented it with an easy-to-follow video. What’s particularly impressive is that it includes not just successes, but “compromises” and a “fail.”

Gretchen Hoffmann — Sustainable Westport’s program manager — shows how she’s tried to UnPlastic her own bathroom.

She’s swapped out soap, toilet paper and a loofah, with great results. She’s had to compromise around her use of face care products and disposable contact lenses. She’s had the least success with shampoo and conditioner.

Gretchen talks honestly about all that in the video below.

Sustainable Westport asks for feedback, in the Comments section here or on YouTube. You can also take the UnPlastic Pledge, and let them know one swap you’re committed to making.

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The 69th consecutive monthly VFW Red Cross blood drive takes place tomorrow (Thursday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; VFW Post 399).

Donors are encouraged to schedule appointments in advance. Click here; then use sponsor code VFWWESTPORT, or call 800-733-2767.

Donors can get a $15 gift card by email, and A1C testing, to diagnose and monitor prediabetes and diabetes. Click here for details.

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There’s a new tailor in town.

Welvin Rosario has just opened up on the 2nd floor of 141 Main Street — a few steps north of The Gap.

He offers style consultations, bespoke fittings and alterations. Click here for the website. (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)

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Westport youngsters have many opportunities to discover and thrive in the arts.

Those in Bridgeport have fewer chances.

Neighborhood Studios fills a vital role. For nearly 50 years, the non-profit has provided an inclusive, welcoming environment that offers high-quality art, music, theater and dance instruction to children of all ages, regardless of ability, background or finances.

They do it through after-school, Saturday and summer programs; partnerships with schools and non-profits; performances, and transportation and financial assistance.

Many Westporters support Neighborhood Studios.

On March 20 (6 p.m., Foolproof Brewery, Bridgeport), several local couples –Jeffrey and Laurie Gross, Jim and Lizzie Wolf, Zach and Erica Barratt, and Zack and Sheera Gross — are sponsoring a “Spring Fling Fundraiser.”

The night features live music from Sonic Bullet, food, an open bar, beer tastings, a silent auction — and of course, memorable performances from the students at Neighborhood Studios.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Speaking of young artists: The Westport School of Music combines its former fall faculty chamber concert and its  biennial student chamber music concert on Saturday, March 21 (1 p.m., Pequot Library).

Faculty members will join some of the duos. The concert will feature classical jazz and pop music for voice, piano, guitar, violin, viola, cello, bass and flute.

The performance is free/ For more information, call 203-227-4931, or email  smiller@wsmusic.org.

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Upcoming this month at (or sponsored by) the Westport Book Shop:

An afternoon with children’s author Lauren Tarshis (March 15, 3 p.m., Westport Library): The Staples High School graduate talks about her “I Survived” series, and signs book. Participants can win prizes playing “I Survived Kahoot!” trivia.

It’s a ticketed event, to benefit the Westport Book Shop. Children’s tickets are $10, and include 1 book. Chaperone tickets (or for those who do not want a book) are $5. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

Meet children’s author/social advocate/actress/producer Ebbe Bassey (March 21, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Westport Book Shop): On World Down Syndrome Day, Bassey reads from and discusses her children’s book “Anoushka’s Extraordinary Heroes.” A spunky 5-year-old and a diverse group of superheroes show that true strength comes from friendship, compassion, inclusivity, and embracing what makes us different.

March Short Story Club: March 25 (6 p.m.): The selection will be about the immigrant experience, and announced soon. Registration is required: 203-349-5141, or RSVP@westportbooksaleventures.org.

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Meanwhile, Shark Week comes early to Westport.

This Sunday (March 8, 2 p.m. Westport Library, Emmy Award-winning natural history filmmaker Kevin Bachar offers “Sharks by The Saugatuck”: stories and films for the whole family. (Arrive early, for family-friendly shark crafts).

In the event — presented by Andrew Wilk — Bachar will talk about swimming with hammerhead sharks, tiger sharks, bull sharks, and the fearsome great white.

He’ll also show photos and videos of killer whales, on the rim of exploding volcanoes, and tracking moose in the north woods of Connecticut. Click here for more information.

In 2023, a baby shark washed up on Burying Hill Beach. (Photo/Margaret Schwabe)

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The subject of last night’s Westport Country Playhouse Script in Hand series was “The Subject Was Roses.”

The Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner has been performed on stage at the historic theater before. This was its first incarnation as a play reading.

From left: director Joe Delafield, stage director Faith Sandberg, actors Lenny Wolpe, Isabel Keating and Etai Benson, artistic director Mark Shanahan, stage manager Caitlyn Ostrowski. (Photo/Kelsey McFarland)

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We’ve run bobcat photos before, as our “Westport … Naturally” feature of the day.

Most show them slinking around at the edge of a property.

This one — on Richmondville Avenue — came close enough Monday to pause, and pose.

Be careful out there!

(Photo/Natalie Kollman)

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And finally … in honor of Sunday’s “shark” event at the Westport Library (story above):

(You don’t need to draw out all your hard-earned cash to support “06880.” Whatever you can afford is great! Just click here. We’re not “back in town,” after all. We’re here, and not going anywhere.)

 

 

 

 

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