MoCA\CT was packed last night, for the opening of its “Art, Jazz + the Blues” exhibition.
The sprawling show explores the intersections between visual art and 2 musical forms deeply rooted in African American traditions.
Westport artists are well represented, with many works drawing from the rich holdings of the Westport Public Art Collections. The centerpiece is “Giants of the Blues,” 7 large pieces by Eric von Schmidt depicting scores of influential artists, from the jazz, blues and folk worlds. It has hung for 20 years in auditorium lobby at Staples High School — von Schmidt’s alma mater — but at MoCA can be seen and appreciated much more grandly.
The exhibition also includes art by high school students, responding to a prompt about music in their lives and culture.
The opening reception featured remarks by von Schmidt’s daughter, and piano entertainment by Westport resident and the Paul Butterfield Blues Band’s original keyboardist, Mark Naftalin.
MoCA\CT executive director Robin Jaffee Frank (far left) and others involved in the “Art, Jazz + the Blues” exhibit. One of Eric von Schmidt’s 7 works hangs at the right. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Also last night: a reception honoring Bill Harmer’s 10 years as executive director of the Westport Library.
Former board of trustees chairs spoke about his work transforming the institution into Connecticut’s only 5-star library. In his remarks, Harmer praised the trustees, his staff, and the community for their collaborative work, and promised even deeper relationships in the future.
The event was held at The Visual Brand studio on Church Lane, where Harmer and other Library officials spent a great deal of time during the Library’s actual physical transformation in the late 2010s.
Bill Harmer, at his 10-year reception. (Photo/Dan Woog)
The only agenda item for next month’s meeting (March 3, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium) is “to hold a public discussion to support the Town Administration in its Cribari Bridge discussions with the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation, with the intent to adopt a sense of the meeting resolution.”
Cohl Katz is a hair stylist and makeup artist to the stars.
Her client list runs, literally, from A (Al Green, Al Pacino, Alec Baldwin, Arnold Schwarzenegger) to Z (Zelda Williams).
With Barbara Bush, Bob Dylan, Cal Ripken, Cindy Crawford, Ellen DeGeneres, Hillary Clinton, Hilary Swank, Jerry Seinfeld, John McEnroe, Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, Mary Tyler Moore, Mel Gibson, Mick Jagger, Muhammad Ali, Nicole Kidman, Ray Charles, Robin Williams, Rod Stewart, Rosie O’Donnell, Sting and Tom Cruise in between.
Now, it can include you.
In your home.
Cohl is offering house calls throughout the area.
Haircuts, hair style, makeup, makeup lessons; for weddings, big moments, perhaps a TV appearance or speech — she’s ready for it all.
You don’t need a red carpet to welcome Cohl. Just a front door.
Text 917-848-9596 for an appointment, or more information.
Cohl Katz and a client …
… and now Cohl comes to you.
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The Staples High School Counseling Department helps students find the right college.
On March 5, they’re bringing in a big gun to help.
Higher education expert Jeff Selingo will speak on “Dream School: Finding The College That’s Right For You” (book signing 5:30 p.m., presentation 6 p.m., followed by Q-and-A).
Selingo’s previous book, “Who Gets In and Why,” explored decision-making by university admissions offices. His latest, “Dream School,” shifts the focus toward student agency. The presentation will encourage families to move beyond selectivity, and evaluate colleges through the lenses of fit, value, and long-term outcomes.
Our Public Works Department did the heavy lifting after Monday’s blizzard.
But there’s still work to be done — including 24 miles of sidewalks.
This was the scene yesterday, on Hillspoint Road.
(Photo) Tracy Porosoff)
They’re doing a great job.
But they sure wouldn’t mind if residents with shovels lent a hand outside their own homes, too.
PS: Speaking of snow removal, Billy Cohen sends great thanks to Westport Police Chief David Farrell, for making sure that mounds of snow have been removed from the main (southbound side) parking lot at the Saugatuck train station. (The Westport Police are in charge of parking lots at the Westport and Greens Farms stations.)
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Speaking of Monday’s snowfall: It kept attendance down on Tuesday, at a morning Westport Library event.
But Allan Siegert was there. And he wants “06880” readers to know what they missed. He writes:
“Can AI ever replicate the magic of human actors on a real set? That is what Westport’s own Stéphanie Szostak, who played fashion editor Jacqueline Follet opposite Meryl Streep in ‘The Devil Wears Prada,’ and starred in ‘Iron Man 3’ and ‘A Million Little Things,’ asked AI entrepreneur Eline van der Velden.
“Szostak is a working actress who has lived the experience. van der Velden is trying to recreate through AI, and she wanted to know if it’s even possible.
“Szostak said the finished product may look similar, but the process is fundamentally different. On a real set, she said, it’s the happy accidents, the unplanned collaboration, and the raw human energy between actors that create the magic. She said no prompt can engineer that.
“Van der Velden pushed back, saying filming motion capture for Tilly actually feels more raw and free than a traditional set, less choreographed, more like a rehearsal room, where the focus shifts entirely to craft and energy rather than appearance.
“But Van der Velden acknowledged there will always be a place for 100% human productions — just as filmmakers still shoot on film in a digital age.”
Stephanie Szostak, at the Westport Library. (Photo/Allan Siegert)
Siegert also reports: “Enslaved people in Revolutionary War-era Connecticut faced a choice with no good answer: fight for Patriots who offered no real promise of freedom, or flee to the British side and risk being sold to the brutal Caribbean slave trade if caught.
“That stark dilemma was brought to life yesterday morning by historian Ramin Ganeshram, speaking to the Y’s Men of Westport & Weston.
“Ganeshram — executive director of the Westport Museum for History & Culture, and a George Washington Presidential Library Fellow, noted that enslaved people first arrived in Connecticut in 1639. Many had roots here going back 3 or 4 generations by the time the war began.”
Ramin Ganeshram, at the Y’s Men meeting. (Photo/Ted Horowitz)
A celebration of the life of Jon Gailmor — the 1966 Staples High School graduate and beloved musician/educator/humanist who died November 30 — is set for May 23, from 1 to 6 p.m.
The setting is appropriate: the statehouse lawn in Montpelier, Vermont. He lived in the Green Mountain State for 40 years, and was named an official state treasure for his work with students, and his love for Vermont.
And finally … Eric von Schmidt was not just a very talented painter. He’s included in MoCA\CT’s “Art, Jazz + The Blues” exhibition as a blues and folk singer too, who made a big impact on a young Bob Dylan.
In fact, Dylan name-checks von Schmidt — and talks at length about him — on “Baby, Let Me Follow You Down,” in his debut album. Click here or below to listen.
(Another day, another Roundup, full of news, info and photos. If you like this daily dump of stuff — which takes a ton of time to produce! — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
First responders were on high alert too. They were ready for anything, and everything.
As soon as the snow stopped falling, firefighters fanned out. They began shoveling around hydrants. It’s a job residents should do — but our Fire Department makes certain it gets done.
Here’s a typical scene, from Center Street:
(Photo/Bob Weingarten)
Bottom line: We knew there would be a blizzard.
It came.
But thanks to our amazing Highway Department, DPW and Fire Department, we’re already back close to normal.
Our entire town’s hats are off to you, for your amazing work.
Now get some rest!
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PS: This just in from Kevin Desjardins, moments before we posted the story above:
“I’d like to nominate all the people who have taken time to plow a path (no matter how small) along the sidewalks in front of their houses.
“While residents are not obligated to do so, this act of kindness for the community is greatly appreciated, and provides temporary safe walking conditions until the DPW crews can finish clearing the sidewalks.
“It’s acts like these that make me feel like 🎶 We’re all in this together 🎶…. even if it is just my morning commute to work!”
Myrtle Avenue sidewalk. (Photo/Kevin Desjardins)
(“06880” is proud to honor Unsung Heroes — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog.)
Westport Public Schools were open on time today, after a 12-day hiatus due to a professional development day, winter break, and 2 blizzard-related cancellations.
It did not go well. A dawn snowfall made driving and walking treacherous.
Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice has done something rare in the school cancellation/delay/carry-on-as-usual world: He has taken ownership for the decision.
And apologized. He says:
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I regret not calling for a delay, and the resulting difficulty and hardship this caused many of our families, faculty, and staff.
While I rely on professional guidance to inform these early-morning calls, the responsibility is mine.
This morning’s drive to school. (Photo/Dayle Brownstein)
Some families have asked what information I had at 4 a.m., so I want to share it to give context of the decision-making, not to offer excuses. The responsibility for the call is mine.
At that time, our consulting meteorologist indicated that data suggested the likelihood of a coating to 1 inch of snow along the shoreline, which led to regular openings for all neighboring shoreline districts.
In addition, Public Works expressed a high level of confidence that roads had been heavily salted over the past several days and crews were prepared. Based on this information, I made the decision to start on time.
Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice.
In hindsight, a 2-hour delay would have been the better decision for students, staff and families. I am sorry for the difficulty this caused, particularly for those who experienced challenging travel conditions, and for the buses that missed stops or ran excessively late.
I want to thank everyone who stepped in across the district to support student arrivals and classrooms as faculty arrived. I also want to thank our buildings and maintenance teams for clearing and salting our lots, and our bus drivers for their professionalism this morning.
Thank you for your patience, your partnership, and for taking care on the roads today.
After a professional development day, winter break, then 2 more blizzard snow days, Westport schools were finally back in session this morning.
It did not start out well.
A parent of a student reports, “Cars were driving 5 miles an hour on the way to school. Many were sliding all over the place. Scary!”
A Staples High School senior adds, “Wild school opening. 4 students in my first period class. Roads covered in snow. Couldn’t see the center line on the Post Road.”
The good news is: The sun will peek through this afternoon. The temperature will be about 40.
The bad news: Snow showers are predicted, Sunday through Tuesday.
Car and school bus navigate snow-covered roads very carefully this morning. (Photo/Dayle Brownstein)
The Board of Education “Community Conversation” scheduled for noon today at the Westport Library has been postponed.
A new date will be announced soon.
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And 2 delays: The Senior Center will open at 10:30 a.m. today, 2 hours late.
The Westport Library opens at 11 a.m.
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Residents caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or other dementia often feel alone.
There’s help available. The Residence at Westport and Westport Library are collaborating on a monthly support group, with professional facilitators.
It’s a chance to share stories with others who understand the challenges, in a safe and supportive environment.
Educational presentations may be provided, and participants will help choose discussion topics.
It meets the second Tuesday of every month (11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Westport Library). No RSVPs are necessary; it’s a drop-in group.
Questions? Email mledney@residencewestport.com.
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For the second time this winter, SCA Crowley lent a clean-up hand.
The property management firm and Penna Construction — both longtime Westport-based firms — lent vehicles and crews yesterday night. Together, they cleared some of the snow that remained on downtown streets and sidewalks.
It takes a village. Thanks, SCA and Penna, for helping make ours a little less treacherous!
Many Westport Country Playhouse Script in Hand play reading selections are contemporary works.
The next one is a classic — and an encore presentation.
“The Subject Was Roses” — winner of the 1965 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and a Tony Award for Best Play — comes to the storied stage on Monday (March 2, 7 p.m.).
It was produced at the Playhouse in 1966, then again in 1982.
“Roses” is set in May of 1946. As World War II draws to an end, a young soldier returns to the Bronx apartment where he was raised. Hoping his homecoming will repair his parents’ troubled marriage, he presses for small acts of reconciliation, only to expose years of resentment and emotional distance. As tensions rise, the family confronts the truth of their relationships and the life they share.
But it jammed up — and she has no idea who can fix it.
If you know a typewriter repair person — or can do it yourself — email cohlita@yahoo.com.
Who knows — she may write a nice thank-you note on it!
Kids: Do you know what this is?
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Dogs in a Pile — the 20-somethings band with “old souls and limitless chops,” brings their psychedelic-tinged jazz/funk/rock to the Levitt Pavilion on July 17.
Touring is in their blood: They’ve averaged 130 shows a year since 2022.
And finally … on this date in 1873, 4 years before the invention of the phonograph, Enrico Caruso — the most popular operatic tenor of the early 20th century, and the first great recording star — was born. He died in 1921, at 48, from peritonitis.
(Where else but “06880” can you find Dogs in a Pile and Enrico Caruso in the same place? There’s lot more every day too, on your hyper-local blog. Please click here to support our work. Thanks!)
In other blizzard news: The Westport Library will open today (Tuesday) at 12 noon. That will give them (and their employees) a little more time to dig out.
The works are very creative, wildly eclectic, and always thought-provoking. The energy level is high. The artists are eager to chat. And the food and drink is free.
The next one is next Tuesday (March 3, 6 to 8 p.m., Sheffer Barn at the Westport Country Playhouse). Broadway music conductor and composer Caren Cole will play.
The gallery is then open March 4-8 (noon to 4 p.m.). An artist talk (on inspiration, medium, process and more) is set for March 8 (4 p.m.).
This show features works by members who recently joined the Collective:
Laura Appelman, Peggy Dembicer, Tim Eaton, Ira Hara, Julie Hicks, Tom Kretsch, Shelly Lowenstein, Paula Morgan, Erwin Ong, Butch Quick,
Jodi Rabinowitz, Elizabeth Hiltz Thomas, Michael Tomashefsky and Rowene Weems. (Some of those names are familiar to “06880” readers, for their wonderful photos.)
Pianist Ted Rosenthal has performed worldwide as a soloist, with his trio, and with greats including Gerry Mulligan, Art Farmer, Phil Woods, and James Moody.
He joins a quintet — bassist Martin Wind, drummer Tim Horner, trumpeter Alex Norris and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall — this Thursday, for Jazz at the Post (February 26; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7; VFW Post 399). Click here for tickets, and more information.
With all the snow, we need a bird photo to remind us that spring is not far away.
At least, we hope not.
Outstanding wildlife photographer Lou Weinberg snapped this mourning dove, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
(And yes, it’s “mourning” — not “morning.” The name comes comes from its melancholy coos. But it’s not a sound of grief — it’s a courtship call from the male.)
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