Category Archives: Arts

VersoFest Schedule: Get Ready To Rock (And Rap) (And Dance)

Posted on February 15, 2023 | 2 comments

When organizers brought everyone from Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and Joe Cocker to Joan Baez, Ravi Shankar and Sha Na Na to Woodstock, the world thought that was very cool.

The Westport Library’s 2nd annual VersoFest won’t feature skinny dipping, bad acid and mud.

But the 4-day event promises a lineup at least as broad as Woodstock’s, plus panels, workshops and other events about an across a wide array of media and platforms. It’s our town’s special festival — 2023-style.

Running from March 30 through April 2, VersoFest ncludes Sunflower Bean and the Smithereens; androgynous rock fashion, and hip hop’s 50th anniversary, and something for both Deadheads and gearheads.

Last year’s inaugural event drew thousands to the Library’s Trefz Forum, and meeting rooms throughout the building. This year’s VersoFest — named for Verso Studios, the state-of-the-art media facility — builds on that creative start.

Sunflower Bean kicks it all off on Thursday, March 30. Hot off headlining at South by Southwest, they’ll follow Americana opening act Amilia K Spicer, and vinyl DJ Miriam Linna.

On Friday, the Smithereens — featuring Marshall Crenshaw — keep VersoFest’s energy sky-high.

Saturday and Sunday are jammed with panel and workshop programming. Highlights a keynote conversation. Steve Lillywhite — whose producing credits include the Rolling Stones, Peter Gabriel, U2, the Dave Matthews Band and Phish — will chat with Chris Frantz, co-founder of both Talking Heads and Tom Tom Club.

Earlier in the day, Steven Van Zandt’s educational foundation, TeachRock, offers a presentation on the Dead’s 3-story, 28,800-watt hot-rodded PA system. (Anthony Coscia’s scale model recreation will also play music throughout VersoFest.)

Anthony Coscis with his Wall of Sound.

New York Times trend reporter Rachel Felder will host a panel on “Evolving Rock Fashion: From Marianne Faithfull to Debbie Harry to Lizzo.

Artist Dylan Hundley moderates a photography panel that includes Westport native Michael Friedman, whose “lost negatives” from the 1960s form the basis of a stunning upcoming book.

Saturday night showcases “Laser Stranger Things” and “Laser Floyd” shows. Both feature music of Netflix’s “Stranger Things” series, and the music of Pink Floyd.

Alice Cooper fans get a two-er: an exhibition of costumes, props, instruments, unpublished photos and more on Saturday and Sunday, plus a screening of the documentary “Live from the Astroturf” (and a Q-and-A and book signing with bassist Dennis Dunaway, on Sunday. (His Blue Coupe group, with Joe and Albert Bouchard of Blue Öyster Cult, play a pre-VersoFest fundraiser March 10.)

Norton Records co-founder Miriam Linna — whose roots in rock, garage, punk and R&B run deep — is the subject of a Music Oral History with Beehive Queen and “Saturday Night Live” singer Christine Ohlman (returning after her memorable 2022 VersoFest appearance).

Christine Ohlman

Early Sunday evening half a century of hip hop is celebrated with a Legends Beats and Grooves block (scratch DJ demonstrations and discussions).

All day Sunday, vinyl dealers will sell and trade their records. All weekend long, workshops cover topics like “Writing for Independent Film,” “TV/Media Production,” “Podcast, Streaming and Radio,” and “The Business of Music.”

Concerts and workshops are ticketed events; panels and keynotes are free.

A cash bar will be available all 4 nights of the festival. Food trucks in the parking lot will augment the Library Café. VersoFest concerts are co-produced with the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce.

And remember that memorable scene in “Woodstock,” with the guy who was cleaning Port-a-Sans?

All Westport Library bathrooms will be open — and cleaned regularly — during VersoFest.

(Click here (and see below) for the full schedule, and ticket information.)

(“06880” rocks Westport. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Valentine’s Candy, Collective’s Art, Spirit Shop’s Whiskey Barrels …

Posted on February 14, 2023 | 15 comments

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Today’s sweet Westport connection comes from reader Deb Rosenfield. She writes:

“Did you ever wonder where all those heart boxes for candy came from?

“My grandfather, Louis Rosenfield, developed the manufacturing process for them. He first made them for Barracini and Loft’s.

“He, his brother and cousin started a paper box/container company called Miro Container in the 1920s in Brooklyn. They were known for their high-end set-up boxes (not folding), such as the outer ones that hold large portfolios of prints by artists like Edward Hopper and Andrew Wyeth, candy boxes, etc.

“They also designed and made the boxes for Ideal Toys (I had the original prototype for the game Mouse Trap as a kid, and one of the original Betsy Wetsy dolls). They also made Dixie cups for the US military during World War II.”

“One more Westport connection: Miro Container made the boxes for Evyan — the perfume company owned by Walter Langer von Langendorff.” (He’s the “baron” who owned the property now named “Baron’s South.”)

Louis Rosenfield’s 1952 patent for a heart-shaped candy box.

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The Westport Artists’ Collective has a collection of upcoming events.

A members’ exhibit reception at Gordon Fine Arts Gallery, 1701 Post Road East (this Saturday, February 18, 4 p.m.; show runs through March 19) will be followed by:

  • A pop-up show (Westport Playhouse barn, reception March 1, 6 to 8 p.m.; show runs through March 5, 2 to 6 p.m.)
  • A “Music to our Eyes” show at the Westport Library (March 8, 6 to 8 p.m.), with  a “Piece by Piece” reveal March 8 (6:30 p.m.).

Click here for more information.

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Seen around Redcoat Road yesterday:

(Photo/D. Sweet)

Be careful out there! (Hat tip: Nancy Beard)

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Greens Farms Spirit Shop is auctioning off 20 whiskey barrels.

Unfortunately, they’re empty. Fortunately, they’re great for indoor or outdoor decor — or for aging beer or other spirits.

Even more fortunately, all proceeds benefit Connecticut Greyhound Adoption. They’re a nonprofit organization that finds loving homes for retired racing greyhounds, while offering pre- and post-adoption support to facilitate the transition from track to home.

Click here for details, and to bid. The auction ends this Thursday, at 9 p.m.

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The relatively warm, very snowless winter continues to draw swimmers to Compo Beach.

Six women waded into the water yesterday — joining a steady stream of fearless, cold-but-not-frozen folks over the past few weeks.

Today’s forecast calls for sun, a high of 52, and winds of 5-10 mph. Everyone down to the shore!

(Photo/Andrew Colabella)

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Last September, “06880” reported on Mark Perlman.

The longtime Westporter had just published his first historical novel — in French.

No US publisher was interested in his story weaving together the Jazz Age, romance, murder, World Wars I and II and the rise of fascism.

Perlman persevered. He found a French company that bought the rights, translated it, and published “Le Soldat Involontaire” in France, Belgium, Switzerland and Canada.

The other day, “The Reluctant Soldier” was finally published in English.

Alert “06880” reader Tom Carey calls it “compelling. While there are a slew of novels about World War II, Mark’s book spans a longer time frame and is told from the point of view of an African American.”

Tom knew Mark from their previous service together, on Westport’s Conservation Commission. “In addition to his writing skills, he has a fantastic sense of humor,” Tom says.

But, he adds, he was halfway through the book before he realized he knew the author.

Click here to order, and for more information.

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Thursday’s Jazz at the Post features pianist Janice Friedman.

She tours internationally, is in demand at the best New York venues, and is very popular around here too.

Friedman has played with Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” wall — founder of the weekly series, at VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 — since the 1980s.

They will be joined by Boots Maleson and Tim Horner. The duo first played with Wall in the 1970s, in Boston.

This Thursday’s (February 16) sets begin at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. Dinner service starts at 7. Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.

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Victoria Cerra Vebell — an illustrator, author, art professor and former Westport resident — died peacefully on January 29 in Hamden, after a brief illness. She was 70.

The daughter of Edward and Elsa Vebell, the New York City native grew up in Westport. She lived in New York, Austin, Tucson, Washington, Connecticut and — for 22 years — New Haven, where she was very involved in the community. She helping save her local park from developers, while also organizing holiday art projects and games inside the park for neighborhood families.

Vicki was a widely admired illustrator who worked in publishing, editorial and advertising art for 38 years. She worked in a variety of formats but specialized in paperback book covers. Her work won awards from the Society of Illustrators.

Vicki was also an assistant professor of art at Pratt Institute for 22 years, and taught online for the Academy Art Institute University in California. She had a vibrant, passionate personality and was loved and respected by her students. She was known and appreciated for her teaching skills that enabled students to “learn to see,” and create quality art.

Vicki was classically trained in both drawing and painting, earning a B.F.A. from Philadelphia College of Art, and M.F.A. from the Art Institute of Boston at Lesley University.

Vicki wrote illustrated the best-selling textbook “Exploring the Basics of Drawing” (2004).

Vicki was an accomplished fencer; a lover of classical music, good wine, food, and her cats Stella and Freddie.

She  is survived by her sisters Renee Vebell (Jeff Cohen) of New Hampshire, Andra Vebell (Larry Hoy) of Westport, cousin Elsa Calderon Thomas, and nephews Jason Cohen, Dylan Hoy and Colin Hoy.

Vicki Vebell

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Compo Beach’s Ned Dimes Marina gets a lot of “06880” photographic love.

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature takes a different perspective: the one at Owenoke Park.

(Photo/Laurie Sorensen)

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And finally … I could only find 4,285,996,018 songs about love, to celebrate Valentine’s Day today.

Here are 3 of my favorites. What are yours? Click “Comments” below.

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Online Art Gallery #148

Posted on February 11, 2023 | 1 comment

Hearts on rocks, a heart on a deer statue — and a piece called “Sweethearts” — are this week’s artistic nods to Valentine’s Day.

The other works showcase the usual broad range of our weekly online art gallery.

Remember: This is your feature. Everyone is invited to contribute. Age, level of experience, subject matter — there are no restrictions.

All genres are encouraged. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage and (yes) needlepoint — whatever you’ve got, email it to 06880blog@gmail.com. Share your work with the world!

Untitled. Artist B. Tlush’s work can be seen in the Westport River Gallery at the Riverside Avenue/Post Road West corner (as seen above). Look closely at this acrylic on board: the windows include paintings of the Westport Country Playhouse, Levitt Pavilion, Pecks Ledge Lighthouse and Cedar Point Yacht Club. 

Needlepoint by Lucy Johnson.

“Sweethearts” (Ann Chernow)

“Love Rocks” (Amy Schneider). The hearts are made with thin strips of washi tape.

“Brown Barred Owl Out on the Stump!” Artist Steve Stein says: “Hoo knew the 3 rules for owl/raptor encounters: Keep your distance. Don’t try to feed an owl, ever. They can attack if threatened.”

“Gifts from the Cupboard” (Ellin Spadone)

“What’s Cookin'” (Lawrence Weisman)

“A Walk in Berkeley.” Photographer Lynn Wilson noted: “So near and yet so far.”

“There’s No Water on My Back!” (Mike Hibbard)

“Sidewalk Exploration” (Peter Barlow)

“Getting On” (Tom Doran)

“Valentine Greetings” — Winter Park, Florida (Laurie Sorensen)

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Roundup: The Porch, Club 203, Westport 100 …

Posted on February 5, 2023 | 5 comments

Bitter temperatures, then quick warming yesterday caused a frozen pipe to burst during lunch at The Porch @ Christie’s.

A screen shot from a video by Dylan Curran (below) shows water cascading between 2 light fixtures, down the front of a display case, and into one of several trash cans.

But nothing stops Andrea and Bill Pecoriello. The owners worked their magic tirelessly, and opened again this morning.

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Speaking of The Porch:

The popular Cross Highway deli/restaurant is the site of the next Club 203 party. Westport’s great social group for adults with disabilities celebrates St. Patrick’s Day there the night before: March 16, 7 p.m.

Westport Country Playhouse was the scene of the club’s recent Valentine’s dance party. Over 120 guests and a dozen volunteers enjoyed stacks of heart-shaped  pizzas donated by Planet Pizza, sweetheart cookies courtesy of Stew Leonard’s and The Pantry, and a jewelry-making and artful “live love” project sponsored by MoCA of Westport.

Click here for more information on Club 203, and the St. Paddy’s Day social.

Rockin’ Club 203’s Valentine’s dance, at Westport Country Playhouse.

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Yesterday’s Roundup noted that although the Norwalk Bed Bath & Beyond store is not accepting coupons — and everything is 20% off — it was not on the chain’s list of hundreds of stores slated for closing.

But Bobbie Herman — who told “06880” that both it and the Fairfield store will close — was right.

A call to the Norwalk location yesterday confirmed the news. The person who answered said the news has not yet been announced officially. The final day is “sometime in March.”

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Two years ago, Jay Norris sat with 4 other Black men. Their goal was to create a  social community in Westport for people of color.

The men would network. They and their spouses would attend cultural events, and dine out together; they’d organize beach parties and other events for their kids.

Hoping for a few more men, they chose an optimistic name: Westport 10.

They’ve met at places like La Plage, Autostrada and Hudson Malone. Their children have gotten together. By their presence and involvement in local affairs, they’re making Westport more comfortable for themselves — and more welcoming for all.

Westport 10 has grown rapidly. They’re now up to over 50 men and their families.

So Jay has announced a new name: Westport 100.

Congratulations! Here’s hoping for more name changes in the future.

At a recent Westport 100 lunch at Hudson Malone, clockwise from bottom right: Titus McDougal (wearing a cap), Alexis Johnson, Lorenzo Wyatt, Kevin Christie, Dr. Stephan Grevious, Ron Gordon, Trey Ellis, Vinny Spencer, Roy Adams, Timothy Tanksley, Jay Norris, Ted Parker, C.D. Glin,

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New York Times crossword puzzle editor and NPR puzzle master Will Shortz entertained hundreds of puzzle solvers and word lovers yesterday, at the 24th annual Westport Library contest.

The crowd worked on 3 puzzles he brought — all yet to be published in the Times — and then followed along as 3 finalists competed onstage. Before the final round, Shortz led a series of word games.

“You’re sharp!” he said, as one man took about three nanonseconds to turn one word (“mechanize”) into the name of an animal by adding another (“chimpanzee”).

The crossword champion — who won a previous contest here — was Glenn Ryan. He finished the final puzzle — an always-tough “Saturday” one — in 6 minutes, 48 seconds.

The rest of us are still working on it.

Will Shortz, leading word games at the Westport Library. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Last week, Matt Murray’s radar detector started going bonkers at various spots it never had before.

He realized it was triggered by boxes on telephone poles. Looking closely, he saw that they’re property of the Connecticut Department of Transportation. He worried that “Big Brother” was monitoring speeds.

A state Department of Transportation traffic study box. (Photo/Matt Murray)

They are on (among other roads) North Avenue, Cross Highway and Bayberry Lane — all areas that are being studied for traffic patterns, prior to recommendations for improvement.

Westport Police Chief says, “the data is not vehicle specific. Nor is it being used for enforcement.”

Matt sends along this link, from a barcode on the radar box.

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Kat Evans is this month’s featured artist at the Westport Book Shop.

Her luminous color field paintings are on display through February 28. All are available for purchase.

Kat’s art has been shown in juried solo and group exhibitions, and hangs in collections throughout North America, Europe and Japan. She is a member of the Artists Collective of Westport.

Kat Evans, at the Westport Book Shop.

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The Westport Country Playhouse Script in Hand 2003 play reading series begins with  “As Bees in Honey Drown.”

The fun-filled, insightful social satire is set for Monday, February 13 (7 p.m.). Script in Hand eadings offer intimate storytelling. Professional actors bring words to life, without sets or costumes.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Readers submit many great sunrise photos.

This one — from a few days ago, at Compo Beach — makes it to the top of the “Westport … Naturally” queue. The birds add a special touch.

(Photo/Simon Gurvets)

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And finally … today is National Fart Day. No s—.

(If you click here to contribute to “06880,” I’ll keep posting final items like this. If you contribute a lot, I’ll stop.)

\

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Posted in Arts, Library, Local business, Transportation, Westport Country Playhouse, Westport life

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Maria Callas And Chris Murray

Posted on February 5, 2023 | 5 comments

Chris Murray has done many interesting things, since graduating from Staples High School in 1969.

After majoring in theater at Rollins College — where he headed originally to be a golf pro — he moved to New York. He acted in dozens of theater, film and television productions.

A role in “Covert Action” with David Janssen moved Chris’ base
to Athens, Greece, where he directed plays and musicals, He formed his own writing, producing and directing company. He also created TV spots and documentaries for the Greek National Tourist Organization.

In the early 2000s, Chris moved back to the States. Eventually, he found his way home to Westport.

Chris Murray

Several years ago, while searching for an international story that would incorporate his musical background, along with his Greek and American experiences, he had a “eureka!” moment: Maria Callas.

He began researching and writing “Callas,” about the famous Greek-American opera singer.

Despite phenomenal talent, she began life with profound difficulties. Through relentless perseverance she overcame daunting adversities to reach the pinnacle of her profession, one of the most famous women in the world. 

It’s now a limited series, being developed for streaming services like Netflix, HBO, Amazon and Hulu.

“This is the story of a great artist,” Chris says. “This is the real woman behind ‘The Voice of the Century.’

“Women’s stories are very important right now. They have become important leaders and influencers in all aspects of today’s world,” Chris notes.

“But it hasn’t always been this way. Maria Callas’ achievements in a male- dominated world, against all odds and given the context of the time in which she lived, was nothing short of miraculous.  Her story is an inspiration to all. It needs to be told now.”

Part of Chris Murray’s pitch deck.

Chris held a “Callas” fundraiser event at the Westport Women’s Club in November. It was so well received, they invited him back. He’ll give his presentation — an “info-entertainment,” not a fundraiser — to club members on Monday (February 6).

He will describe Callas’ life, from a “poor, overweight daughter of immigrants” in Depression-era New York City, to her vocal training in Athens during World War II, her rise to international opera stardom in the 1950s and ’60s, and her abandonment of it all for “the love she yearned for” with Greek tycoon Aristotle Onassis.

Chris’ film begins in black and white in the 1930s and ’40s; it transitions to colors in the decades that follow. It will include arias from great operas, “images of triumph, roaring audiences, romance, famous people, glamour, wealth and
style, intertwined with scandals, paparazzi, and the burden and price of fame.” and portray “rage, heartache, betrayal, entrapment, pills, loneliness — and fortitude, hope, and a longing for love, family and a simply life.”

Chris notes that Callas succeeded at a time when most women could be only homemakers, nurses, secretaries or teachers.

“She struggled mightily with the timeless issues of self-esteem, her unsupportive family and forbidden love, while rising from obscurity to become the ‘Voice of the Century.'”

(For more information, contact christopher@thecallasproject.com)

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Roundup: Water Main Breaks, Arts $$$. 8-30g …

Posted on February 4, 2023 | 3 comments

The second burst pipe in 2 days affected 1,600 Westport customers in the Newtown Turnpike neighborhood last night.

That one was a 24-inch main. Aquarion. A.J. Penna and the Westport Fire Department assisted in repairs, in bitterly cold weather.

Repairs to the Newtown Turnpike main. (Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)

Adding to the woes, at the same time high winds brought down a tree, also on Newtown Turnpike.

Tree down on Newtown Turnpike. (Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)

The day before, a water main break on Duck Pond Road in Saugatuck Shores affected customers on more than 20 streets.

Saugatuck Shores water main break. (Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)

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“06880” has partnered with the Drew Friedman Community Arts Center to help the next generation of artists develop their talents.

Three scholarships — each worth $7,500 — will go to high school seniors with financial need who want to pursue an arts education at any level. All Westport 12th graders are eligible, no matter where they currently attend school.

Students who currently participate in art classes or art activities should send up to 8 JPEGs of their work. It can be any medium — photography, painting, sculpture, drawing, digital art, or other.

Applicants should also submit a statement of up to 500 words describing the value of art in their life, and the world at large.

Send images and the statement (or any questions) to info@DrewFriedmanCommunityArtsCenter.org (subject line: “2023 Scholarship”). The deadline is February 28.

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8-30g — the state’s convoluted, controversial affordable housing act — has been with us for quite a while.

There are rumblings of change in Hartford. What are they? What might they mean for Westport?

A community conversation called “The Impact of CT Statute 8-30g On Westport: What to Expect in 2023” may shed some light.

The February 27 event (Westport Library, 7 p.m.) features State Representative Jonathan Steinberg, Westport town attorney Ira Bloom, Westport Planning & Zoning Commission chair Danielle Dobin, and Evonne Klein of the Connecticut Center for Ending Homelessness.

The event is organized by the Westport Representative Town Meeting. RTM moderator Jeff Wieser will lead the discussion.

Artist’s rendering of Summit Saugatuck. The 187-unit development on Hiawatha Lane Extension has been mired in 8-30g controversies for years.

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The Norwalk location is not on the list of hundreds of Bed Bath & Beyond stores set to close.

However, according to alert “06880” reader Bobbie Herman, the Westport Avenue store is no longer accepting their ubiquitous coupons. No worries: Everything there is 20% off.

The Fairfield location, on Kings Highway, is set to close. Their sale began the other day.

The home goods chain announced plans last year to shutter approximately 150 stores and cut 20 percent of its workforce. Another round of closures was announced the other day, on the heels of news they defaulted on their credit line, and may file for bankruptcy.

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There are plenty of important fundraising galas in Westport. Each has its own beneficiary, theme and vibe.

But only one invites you to come in pajamas.

The 4th annual Rach’s Hope PJ Gala (March 11, 7 p.m., FTC Warehouse, Fairfield) celebrates the life of Rachel Doran — the Staples High School Class of 2015 graduate, who was also a talented sleepwear designer — with music, food, an auction and great community spirit.

Proceeds benefit local families navigating the critical illness of a child. Rach’s Hope provides nutritious food, lodging, transportation and encouragement, so family members can focus on being present for their children.

Guests are invited to wear “pajama-chic attire” to honor “Rachel’s Rags” — the business she began before her death in 2018.

An honors student and skilled costume designer for Staples Players, Rachel was a rising senior at Cornell University studying fashion design and business when she suffered a rare reaction to common medications.

The chain of unimaginable events leading to Rachel’s loss brought the Doran family’s friends together to support them when they needed it the most. That became the healing mission for Rach’s Hope: ensuring no family goes through the illness of a child alone.

Click here for tickets, and more information. To donate funds, goods, experiences or services to the auction, email teamrachshope@gmail.com.

Rachel Doran

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Only 7 VIP tickets remain for Fashionably Westport.

The raised runway show (Saturday, March 4, 7 p.m., Westport Library Trefz Forum) highlights downtown’s fashion and beauty merchants. Just as importantly, it’s a benefit for Homes with Hope.

That’s just part of the 2-day event. Also included: in-store activities and promotions.

VIP tickets include light bites, a DJ and gifts. Click here for all tickets.

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The Staples High School boys swim and dive team needs to raise funds for activities not sponsored by the Board of Education budget.

During a “Swim Challenge” (Friday, February 10, 4 p.m.), team members will swim 240 laps.

Yeah, that’s a lot: 6,000 meters (more relatably: 3.7 miles).

They’re seeking sponsors per lap. Scan the Venmo QR code in the flyer below, or send a check: Staples Swim & Dive Team, c/o Timothy Tanksley, 8 Salem Road, Westport, CT 06880. Be sure to write “Wreckers Swim Challenge.”

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The wintertime crowds at Compo Beach may not rival those of summer.

But the shoreline’s “Westport … Naturally” beauty is there, 24/7/365.

(Photo/Michelle Harmon)

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And finally … in honor of all the Aquarion, Fire Department and private contractor folks who worked over the past 2 days — in frigid weather — to fix Westport’s 2 water main breaks:

(Bed Bath & Beyond is contracting. But “06880” continues to grow — thanks to readers’ support. Please click here to help. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Downtown, Environment, Local business, Local politics, Politics, Real estate

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Online Art Gallery #147

Posted on February 4, 2023 | Comments Off on Online Art Gallery #147

Winter — in many forms, even without snow — fills this week’s online art gallery.

Some of the submissions show Westport. Others from as far as Vineyard Haven and Florida. All are the works of “06880” readers.

This is your feature. Everyone is invited to contribute. Age, level of experience, subject matter — there are no restrictions.

All genres are encouraged. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage and (yes) needlepoint — whatever you’ve got, email it to 06880blog@gmail.com. Share your work with the world!

“Ready for the Winter” (Karen Weingarten)

“Schooner Blackfish” — mixed media (Peter Barlow)

“A Sunny Winter Day” (June Rose Whittaker)

Haiku (Diane Lowman)

“Sakura” — acrylic abstract (Patricia McMahon)

“Emerging from the Wormhole with a Message for Us?” (Mike Hibbard)

“Zentangle Art” (Amy Schneider)

Untitled (Matt Murray)

“Swan, Vineyard Haven, MA” (Laurie Sorensen)

“Hangnail” (Lawrence Weisman)

“Gwyneth at 50 Dives Into Middle Age” (Tom Doran)

“Sometimes, All That’s Left is Hope” (Steve Stein)

“A Little Winter Light” (Judith Katz)

 

 

 

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Roundup: Lyman Aid; Food, Drink …

Posted on February 2, 2023 | 2 comments

Nearly every day, life-saving supplies are delivered to Lyman.

The latest shipment to our sister city in Ukraine: room furnaces.

Room heater in Lyman. (Photo/LIz Olegov)

They are sorely needed. Much of the town is without heat, following 5 months of Russian occupation.

“They heat rooms so quickly, they are run only a couple of hours a day,” reports Liz Olegov, of Westport’s on-the-ground partners Ukraine Aid International and Alex 21.

That’s great news. Electricity is still spotty in Lyman.

The heaters are part of the $252,000 Westport raised for our new sister city.

Officials there have plenty to do. When the Russians fled, they left chaos and carnage behind.

But leaders took time out to thank Westport, and our leaders.

This proclamation to 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker is on its way to Town Hall:

The next phase of our sister city partnership will involve students. Groups at Staples High School, and Bedford and Coleytown Middle Schools, are preparing projects involving Lyman students.

Other opportunities for Westporters will be announced soon.

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After sold-out performances in January, Play With Your Food returns February 14-16.

Audiences will be treated to star power. Theater, film and TV actors Patricia Kalember and Daniel Gerroll take on Tom Stoppard as they perform a scene from his Tony Award-winning masterpiece, “The Real Thing.”

Also on the menu: Tony Award winner John Patrick Shanley’s “The Red Coat” and Craig Pospisil’s “Dissonance.” In honor of Valentine’s Week, the 3 plays tackle the complexities of love new, old and somewhere in the middle.

Tickets are nearly sold out for the February 14 performance at MoCA Westport, but are available for February 15 (Pequot Library, Southport) and 16 (Greenwich Art Council). All begin at noon, and are followed by a talkback with the cast and director. Audiences can stay for fresh boxed lunches.

Tickets are $60 each. For more information and tickets, click here or call 203-293-8729.

Daniel Gerroll and Patricia Kalember.

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Westport Police arrested and detained 4 people, between January 25 and February 1.

One was charged with conspiracy to commit larceny, identity theft and forgery.

One was charged with conspiracy to commit larceny, and interfering with an officer/resisting.

One was charged with third degree larceny.

One was charged with failure to appear.

Police also issued these citations:

  • Failure to obey control signal: 4
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 2
  • Speeding: 2
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 2
  • Cell phone, first offense: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
  • Misuse of plates: 1

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The Westport Weston Family YMCA is seeking candidates for 2 junior board of director positions.

Junior board directors enjoy full voting rights and participate actively in the governance process. They have the chance to share ideas, learn from older directors who provide insight and perspective into non-profit management, and become aligned with the Y’s mission to strengthen community.

Candidates must be rising high school juniors with a minimum 3.5 GPA (unweighted), active Westport Y members, able to attend monthly board meetings, and commit to a 2-year term, starting this June.

Current junior board members Ava DeDomenico and Riley Twiss will graduate this year from Staples High School.  Ava has been involved with the gymnastics program, while Riley is a competitive swimmer on the WRAT team.

Click here for the application. The deadline is February 27.

Riley Twiss and Eva DeDomenico.

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The Denver Broncos are not in the Super Bowl.

But because Walrus Alley does not have a cocktail named for a Chief or Eagle, they’re offering this recipe for one their most-loved drinks: The White Bronco.

Owners Joseph and Angela Farrell suggest it for your Super Bowl party (which they could also cater). The recipe below creates 20 drinks.

  • 1 L  your favorite silver tequila
  • 375mL Chinola passionfruit liquor
  • 500mL fresh lime juice
  • 250mL  rresh orange juice
  • 100mL agave
  • 50mL Bittermens Hellfire Habanero Shrub

Combine all ingredients.  Shake and serve 4 ounces onto rocks, garnishing with a lime wheel.

White Bronco

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Yesterday’s snow dusting left this stark “Westport … Naturally” scene at Sherwood Island State Park.

(Photo/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)

It’s a good thing photographer Claudia Sherwood Servidio got there when she did.

The snow did not last long.

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And finally … Happy Groundhog Day!

(It’s an “06880” tradition: Readers celebrate Groundhog Day by clicking here to support this blog. Well, if it’s not, it should be a tradtion!)

 

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Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Police, Politics, Restaurants, Sports, Staples HS, YMCA

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Playhouse Scales Back ’23 Season

Posted on January 31, 2023 | 5 comments

COVID impacted every aspect of American society. Live theater was among the hardest hit.

No stage was immune. Locally, Westport Country Playhouse — the historic summer theater where everyone from Peter Fonda to Paul Newman performed (and Stephen Sondheim interned — canceled its entire 2020 schedule.

The 2021 season was all virtual. The Playhouse finally returned last year, with 5 well-produced, powerful shows.

Clay Singer and Mia Dillon starred in last summer’s “4000 Miles.” (Photo/Carol Rosegg)

But the effects of the virus still linger.

Yesterday, officials announced that the 2023 season will be pared down to 3 productions, from the previously announced 5.

“The change reflects the impact that COVID has had, and continues to have, on the Playhouse and the performing arts community nationwide,” said the board and leaders.

Though the Playhouse safely navigated the challenges of COVID — not one performance of the 4 plays and 1 musical was canceled due to illness — “audiences are coming back slowly,” said Gretchen Wright, director of development and interim managing director.

“We have yet to reach pre-pandemic levels of participation.”

The 92-year-old Westport Country Playhouse.

The Playhouse “finished with low ticket revenue and a significant deficit – a fate similar to many other theaters in Connecticut,” Wright said.

Even in the best of times, ticket sales cover only 40% of a show’s cost. And — despite eagerness among some theater-goers to return — last year was hardly the best of times.

“The board of trustees have been very engaged in supporting the theater and all the changes, proactively leading the Playhouse to brighter future,” said Anna Czekaj-Farber, chair of the Playhouse board.

“We are an agile organization, and we are trying to adjust to ensure the longevity and health of this important institution that has been a part of our community for more than 90 years.

“We are confident that we are making the prudent decision that would allow us to prosper as we have many exciting plans for the future of this wonderful theater.”

The historic Westport Country Playhouse. (Photo/Robert Benson)

 The revised 2023 season will include 3 previously announced productions, each running 3 weeks: “Ain’t Misbehavin'” (April 11 through April 29); “Dial ‘M’ for Murder” (July 11-July 29), and “School Girls; or, The African Mean Girls Play” (October 24 through November 11).

 The goal is to “focus on broadly appealing and revenue-positive programming, and on building deeper community partnerships,” the Playhouse said.

Additional events will be announced soon. For several years, special programming has augmented the main musical and play offerings.

Current 2023 season ticket holders have been contacted by the box office on how to claim the value of the canceled tickets by gift certificate, refund or donation.

Click here for more information on the Playhouse, and the 2023 season.

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Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Westport Country Playhouse

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Pic Of The Day #2113

Posted on January 29, 2023 | Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #2113

Art in the park (Baron’s South) (Photo/Nancy Vener)

Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #2113

Posted in Arts, Pic of the Day