Tag Archives: Brian Keane

Roundup: State Soccer Champs, George Barrett & Brian Keane’s Music, Brian Claar’s Golf …W

Posted on November 17, 2025 | 4 comments

The Staples High School boys soccer team wrote their name into the program’s storied 67-year history book yesterday.

The Wreckers’ convincing 3-0 victory over Greenwich marks their 13th state championship since 1965. They became only the 7th Staples team to win the coveted double: state and FCIAC (league) crowns.

Gabe Duque knocked in Gabe Hellmann’s corner kick in the 15th minute. Dylan Shackelford’s header finished Adriano Carpi’s long free kick 15 minutes later. Adrian Rossoni added the third strike in the second half, from Noah Rossoni.

The win was accomplished with the trademarks coach Liam Witham’s squad has shown all year: great skill on the ball, a variety of offensive threats, airtight defense, high soccer IQ, speed, physicality, tremendous energy, passion and pride.

Congratulations to Westport’s newest champions! They’ve made generations of alumni proud, and inspired new generations of young fans.

The 2025 “LL” (extra large schools) state champs.

Head coach Liam Witham (right) with the trophy. (Photos/John Walker)

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And speaking of state soccer champions: George Barrett (who won those titles at Staples in 1971 and ’72), Brian Keane and a kick-ass band wowed a full Westport Library crowd yesterday.

The Staples High School Class of 1973 and ’71 graduates (respectively) have intriguing musical careers. Barrett has returned to performing and songwriting — his first love — after a long stint as a healthcare executive. Keane is a Grammy-winning producer.

Barrett shared tunes from his recently released album, along with creative covers of popular tunes. His homecoming was a rousing success.

They were joined by — among others — Barrett’s brother Dan, a classically trained cellist, and angel-voiced Sarah Gross.

They played for over 2 hours, following a Q-and-A with longtime music theater director Ben Frimmer.

Barrett — who performed at the Bitter End prior to his Library appearance — and Keane donated all proceeds to the Westport Library. (Hat tip: Les Dinkin)

George Barrett (center), Brian Keane (left) and bandmates, at the Westport Library. (Photo/Susan Garment) 

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Brian Claar is perhaps the greatest golfer in Staples High School history.

The 1976 graduate earned PGA Tour Rookie of the Year honors in 1986. In 2006, he became a PGA Tour Champion rules official. He retired last week.

The tour’s social media feeds were filled with praise. “The definition of integrity and organization,” one commenter wrote.

“One true gentleman,” another said. “The tour won’t be the same without you.”

Congratulations, Brian, on your service to your sport — and on your retirement.

Now you’ll have plenty of time to play golf! (Hat tip: Tom Kretsch)

Brian Claar

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Speaking of sports: The Staples boys and girls swimming and diving teams have a new scoreboard.

They say: “We are grateful to the Board of Education, superintendent of schools Tom Scarice, principal Stafford Thomas, athletic director VJ Sarullo, Westport Publici Schools CFO Elio Longo and director of facilities Ted Hunyadi, and girls swim captain’s parent Jodi Harris for their leadership in securing funding.

“This upgrade will greatly improve the quality and reliability of our meets, and it means a great deal to our athletes and coaches. We appreciate your commitment to our program, and your support for our swimmers and community.”

A message on the new scoreboard.

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Sustainable Westport is all about the environment. As part of their work, they advocate for, educate about, and promote recycling.

In all its forms.

This weekend, in conjunction with the Senior Center, they collected medical equipment. It will be passed on to the Wheel It Forward program.

For 2 hours, donors dropped off wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, commodes and more, at the Westport Woman’s Club.

It was used — but still quite usable.

And — in these days of soaring medical expenses — very, very welcome.

A small selection of donated used medical equipment.

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Christian Rinaldi — the Westport teenager who runs CK Mobile Car Detailings, offering superb, attentive and very professional services (washing, polishing exteriors, scrubbing interiors, steam cleaning, shampooing carpets and seats, and more) — has earned raves from customers.

Now he’s offering 25% off, for “06880” readers.

Email ckcardetailings@gmail.com, or text 203-725-4695 — and just mention “06880.”(Click here for the CK Mobile Car Detailings website. Click here for a story on Christian and his business.)

Christian Rinaldi (right) and Kyle Dulak, making another car shine.

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Speaking of cars: Rowene Weems spotted this car at the Post Road West/Wilton Road intersection — and managed to get a great photo of it.

(Photo/Rowene Weems)

I’m not sure if the owner will take care of Christian Rinaldi’s mobile detailing offer (item above).

But if he does, Christian will make it look even spiffier than this.

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Yesterday — for the second time in a week — we enjoyed a rainbow over Westport, without rain.

Michael Mossman spotted this one,

(Photo/Michael Mossman

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We’ve featured plenty of trees, filled with autumn foliage, as recent “Westport … Naturally” photos.

This one zooms in on just a couple of them. John Maloney’s shot shows that New England leaves are as pretty up close, as they are in a panorama.

(Photo/John Maloney)

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And finally … with a nod and a bow to the Staples boys soccer team’s powerful win (story above):

(Another glorious weekend in Westport. As always, you can read all about it — and everything else — here on “06880.” If you enjoy this  hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Entertainment, Library, Sports, Staples HS, Totally random

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Roundup: Kittens, Constitution, Rowing Club …

Posted on November 9, 2025 | 7 comments

Earlier this year, an abandoned tiger-striped cat set up residence in a Westport resident’s garage.

Town animal control officer Peter Reid reached out to long-time Westport Animal Shelter Advocates volunteer Sandy Young to assist with trapping.

WASA is the volunteer group for Westport Animal Control. The cat was trapped, and set up in Young’s home as a foster.

While recuperating, it gave birth to 5 kittens.  She’s been a loving and protective mother, but now it is time for the 2-month-old young ones to find homes.

It is hard to get good images of kittens for social media. But Staples High School Photography Club student Andrea Jaramillo and advisor Stacey Phelan organized a photo shoot.

Reid and WASA president Julie Loparo got the okay to use the Westport Police Department classroom. Club members Hazel Rossi, Elizabeth Stauder and Beatrice Schwabe joined Jaramillo and Phelan, to calm the babies and capture their best sides.

Interested in adopting them? (The kittens, not the girls.) Call 203-557-0361, or email wasa1@optonline.net. To support their care with a donation, click here.

During the photo shoot, and …

… one of the 5 kittens.

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Next month’s Westport Country Playhouse Script in Hand show is very timely.

“What the Constitution Means to Me” takes center stage December 1 (7 p.m.).

At age 15, playwright Heidi Schreck earned her college tuition by competing in Constitutional debate competitions across the country. In this play that is “hilarious, hopeful, and achingly human,” she revisits her teenage self to explore how the document has shaped her family, her future — and our nation.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Black Friday shopping events — once confined to the day after Thanksgiving — has morphed into multi-day affairs (on both sides of the holiday).

Now, Sorelle Gallery takes things even further.

The Church Lane shop offers hundreds of original work, by local and national artists, at reduced prices.

The “Black Friday” sale has started already.

And it’s on through December 2.

Even better: A proportion of the proceeds will be donated to Sustainable CT.

Click here for details, and to view art on sale.

Ned Martin’s “Common Core” has been reduced from $13,100 to $5,000.

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Speaking of the holidays: The biggest toy drive in town returns next month.

The Westport Police Department, Police Athletic League and Westport Police Benevolent Association will once again collect new, unopened and unwrapped toys for all ages and genders — along with cash donations — in the ASF Sports parking lot.

The dates are Saturdays and Sundays, December 6-7 and 13-14, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

From December 1 on, there will be collection boxes at ASF, Westport Police headquarters on Jesup Road, Awesome Toys and Gifts, and the Toy Post.

Mark the dates. And start shopping!

Westport Police, PAL — and Yogi Bear — collected toys for underprivileged youngsters last year, at ASF. (Photo/Cat Malkin)

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The Saugatuck Rowing Club celebrated the 25th anniversary of its boathouse yesterday.

Owner Howard Winklevoss; his sons Cameron and Tyler, who began their Harvard and Olympic careers there, and founder James Mangan were among the many current and former rowers and coaches who joined in the festivities.

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker offered her congratulations too, for SRC’s success in putting Westport on the “national and international” rowing map.

From left: Howard Winklevoss, Tyler Winklevoss, James Mangan, Cameron Winklevoss. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Also last night: Over 400 people packed the Westport Library to celebrate 60 years of the Grateful Dead. The Spadtastics — a Darien tribute band who themselves have been playing together for 40 years — starred in the Trefz Forum.

The modified Supper & Soul concert-only show was sponsored by the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce and the Library. Three restaurants offered Dead- inspired drinks, with Basso creating the “Grapefruit Dead” gin-based concoction.

The Spadtastics, on stage. (Photo/Matthew Mandell)

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The Westport Project — the new fully sustainable home going up at 16 Westport Avenue — has just added a 9th episode to its video documentary series.

The shows — starring builder Chris O’Dell of the O’Dell Group design/build firm, and designer/actor Eva Amurri — have racked up hundreds of thousands of views.

The latest episode — featuring the appliances planned for the new home — should be of interest to all Aitoro fans. Who doesn’t love the Norwalk appliance store, known for its huge selections, customer service, and community service?

Click here or below to see.

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Speaking of the environment: Aspetuck Land Trust’s “Lunch & Learn” webinars are always intriguing. And educational.

The next one is “Mini-Forest Revolution: Rewilding our Communities for Climate Resilience” (November 20, 12 noon).

Mini-forests support hundreds of species, are many degrees cooler than its surroundings, soak up stormwater, take up spaces no bigger than a tennis court, and become maintenance free within a few years.

Featured speaker Hannah Lewis has planted 7 mini-forests in Bridgeport. She’ll soon add the biggest one in New England. Click here to register, and for more information.


A typical mini-forest.

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A new artist has been added to George Barrett and Brian Keane‘s show at the Westport Library next Sunday (November 16, 2 p.m.).

Sarah Gross is a Nashville-based singer/songwriter. She has performed with Zach Bryan, and won Jimmy Fallon’s “Battle of the Instant Songwriters.”

Barrett — the 1973 Staples High School graduate (and former Orphenian) who grew up here in a home filled with classical, folk, rock, blues and jazz; whose influences include Joni Mitchell, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, the Beatles, James Taylor, Bonnie Raitt, Sting and Norah Jones, and whose new album, “Rearrange Things,” is released this month — will be joined by Grammy-winning musician/composer/producer (and Staples ’71 grad) Brian Keane, plus other guests.

Before the show, Barrett and Keane will chat about their unique life journeys and unexpected reunion. The conversation will be hosted by “06880”‘s Dan Woog, who has known both for over 50 years.

It’s a fundraiser for the Library. Tickets are $20. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

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Congratulations to Lina Elwood. The Westport resident and Hopkins School sophomore is a winner in the Music Teachers National Association Piano Competition. She’ll move on to compete in the next round: the Eastern Division. Those winners move on to the national finals.

Lina has won top prizes at numerous state, regional and international competitions. She has also played with the Warsaw National Philharmonic Orchestra and Norwalk Symphony Orchestra.

Lina Elwood

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Long-time Westport resident Edith Zwick Evans (formerly Edith Shufro) died on March 22 in Hamden. She was 99.

Edie was born into a Jewish family in Vienna in 1925. Her family fractured when the Nazis annexed Austria in 1938. Her mother and a sister died in Treblinka.

A year after the arrival of the Nazis, Edie escaped Austria on a Kindertransport train to the Netherlands. She was taken to England and lived there until 1943, when she sailed to the US in the midst of the war.

Edie earned a bachelor’s degree at Antioch College, and a master’s in social work at Columbia University. A friend from Antioch introduced her to Arnold Shufro, a textile salesman in New York City.

They married and moved from Manhattan to Westport after their first 2 children were born. They raised three children on Crestwood Road.

Edie regularly attended French club luncheons with Westport friends and studied sculpture at the Silvermine Arts Center in New Canaan with Stanley Bleifeld, of the National Academy of Design. I

n the mid-1970s Edie returned to part-time social worker at High Meadows School in Hamden.

Eventually she and Arnold divorced, and Edie married Robert Evans. The couple became innkeepers at the Sedgwick Inn and restaurant in Berlin, New York.

After Bob died, Edie lived in Williamstown, Massachusetts, then spent her final decade at the Whitney Center in Hamden.

Edie is survived by her daughters Cathy and Carol Shufro. Her son Mark died of a chronic illness in 2022. Her grandchild Sarah Shufro Mandelkern died as a child. Edie’s survivors include daughter-in-law Lisa Kerpen Shufro, 6 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

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Most of our “Westport … Naturally” feature photos of deer show them in profile. The creatures seldom engage with humans.

But today’s image — by Dana Kuyper, from Over Rock Lane, off Compo Road South — shows this one staring straight at the camera.

They’re so handsome. Until they start devouring our plants.

(Photo/Dana Kuyper)

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And finally … today is the birthday of Mary Travers, of Peter, Paul and Mary fame. The beautiful woman with the beautiful voice — who was born in 1936, and died in 2009 at 72, from leukemia — had many Westport connections.

(“06880” is where Westport meets the world. Mary Travers was part of our Westport world too. If you enjoy connections like these — or just our daily songs — please click here to support us. Thanks!)

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Posted in Entertainment, Environment, Local business, Westport Country Playhouse

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Roundup: Polls, Veterans Day, Wakeman Town Farm …

Posted on November 5, 2025 | 2 comments

“06880”‘s election coverage has been extensive. We’ll keep at it.

Today’s Roundup looks at other news. Except …

Barbara Tirola has worked at Westport’s polling places for 35 years. She’s part of a corps of loyal, and indispensable, citizen helpers.

This year she was at Greens Farms Elementary School. She arrived at 5:30 a.m. — half an hour before voting began — and left after 8 p.m., when polls closed.

That’s quite a way to spend her 86th birthday!

 

Barbara Tirola, celebrating her Election Day birthday — at work. (Photo and hat tip/Susan Bedusa)

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Veterans Day is another important holiday.

Town officials and VFW Post 399 make sure it gets the attention it deserves.

The public — especially all veterans — are invited to a ceremony next Monday (November 11, Town Hall auditorium).

The Westport Community Band presents a patriotic salute at 10:30 a.m. At 11, speakers — including one from Staples High School — will honor all the men and women who have served our nation.

The time and date are significant. Veterans Day commemorates the end of World War I, at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

The Town Hall ceremony will be followed by lunch, and an open bar, for all veterans and community members at VFW Post 399.

 

Veterans Day at Town Hall, 2024. (Photo copyright Ted Horowitz)

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Speaking of holidays: Election Day is tough, for many parents.

They have to work. But school is out.

Wakeman Town Farm’s Election Day Camp is a great solution. And yesterday, young campers got a good lesson on the importance of voting.

First, they brainstormed campaign ideas about WTF’s animals.

When the votes were counted, alpacas and rabbits tied for the top spot as favorites. Meanwhile, honey bees kept their crown for the second year as the most important farm animals, thanks to their amazing job as pollinators.

After that, the campers headed into Tim’s Kitchen to whip up patriotic flag pizzas and donuts with Chef Robyn.

Election Day Camp, at Wakeman Town Farm.

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More about Wakeman  Town Farm: They’re among the many organizations helping neighbors through hard times during the government shutdown.

Now through November 9, the sustainability center is running a food drive to help Hall Neighborhood House in Bridgeport. WTF already partners with the non-profit, providing educational outreach to children who go there.

Click here for an Amazon Wish List. Groceries will be delivered directly to Hall House, and distributed to families. (It will listed as a delivery location at checkout.)

Dozens of seniors, and almost 300 families in the early learning and youth programs, rely on SNAP benefits that are now halted.

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Westport is a “water town.”

We’re on it. We use (quite) a lot of it. It’s in our wetlands, our swimming pools, our basements.

On November 13 (6 p.m., Zoom), SmartWaterCT sponsors a free webinar.  

“Water in Westport: What’s Happening Now — A Look Behind the Scenes” will explore how water is managed in Connecticut, and what it means for our town’s future.

Between Aquarion’s presence in Westport; the utility’s upcoming ownership change, and questions about water quality and conservation, the event is both timely and interesting.

For more information — including the Zoom link — email smartwaterct@gmail.com.

Aquarion — whose North Avenue tank is shown here — has a large presence in Westport. What does it mean for the town? (Photo/Richard Fogel)

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Westport is also a town with a lot of yard waste.

Especially this time of year.

The facility at 180 Bayberry Lane is open — and busy.

Westport residents with valid proof of residency may dump up to six 30-gallon bags, or similar-sized containers full of leaves, without a fee at the facility (180 Bayberry Lane). There are charges for vans, pickups and trailers. Plastic bags are not allowed.

Lots of leaves, at the yard waste facility. (Photo/Mary Lou Roels)

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Earth Animal’s 18th annual Mitten Project is underway.

Once again, the popular local business has set an audacious goal: $80,000, to address hunger in Fairfield County. Last year, Earth Animal and its friends raised $75,737.66.

Once again, they’ll match every dollar raised.

This — due to federal funding cuts — Earth Animal’s partner CT Foodshare needs more help than ever.

There are severa; parts to the Mitten Project.

In November and December, shoppers can support the cause in many ways, including:

“Pin-Up Fundraiser”: Donate $5 or more, fill out a paper mitten, and hang it in the store window. Every dollar will be matched by Earth Animal.

Purchasing advent calendars (25 days of giving treats to pups!)

“Shop & Give” promotions: businesses donate percentages of sales  (South Pine Creek Deli, Millie Rae’s, Bel Mondo, McLaughlin, Element50, Eleven11, Pet Pantry, Izzo’s Garden Center, 299 Design Gallery, The Post, Kelli & Crew, Westport Hardware, Scout & Molly’s, Vintage Gardens, La Moda, Capri, Athletic Shoe Factory, Lolli Sutton, Fox Trot Home and more)

Pies for Good: Wakeman Town Farm offers homemade apple, apple crumb, blueberry, blueberry crumb, cherry, cherry crumb and pumpkin pie, plus homemade ice cream; $25 per pie, $10 per pint; order here (November 3-21).

Wreaths for Good (November 29, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.): Holiday wreath fundraiser, and a special appearance by Santa.

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Andrew Wilk’s free Westport Library Medical Series has attracted large audiences. For whatever reason, they’re primarily women.

The next session should draw many more men.

On November 17 (7 p.m.), noted internist Dr. Robert Altman and urologic oncologist Dr. John Graham will discuss the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer.

It’s the third most common cancer killer of American men. There have been many recent advances. Men should learn about them — and about the disease itself too.

The 90-minute event will include time for questions.

Dr. Robert Altbaum

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George Barrett has lived many lives.

The 1973 Staples High School graduate has been a teacher, athlete and Fortune 100 CEO.

The former Orphenian is also a very talented singer/songwriter, who grew up in a home filled with classical, folk, rock, blues and jazz.

After honing his skills as a session singer and performer in Greenwich Village, Barrett took a detour into the top ranks of the healthcare industry.

But his life took a significant turn in 2022, when he reconnected with musician/ composer/producer/Grammy-winning 1971 Staples grad Brian Keane. They’ve collaborated on 2 albums.

The latest, “Rearrange Things,” combines the sophistication of jazz, the soul of ’70s pop, gospel harmonies, and a timeless message of empathy. Barrett’s influences include Joni Mitchell, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, the Beatles, James Taylor, Bonnie Raitt, Sting and Norah Jones.

On November 16 (2 p.m.), Barrett and Keane take to the Westport Library stage. They’ll chat about their unique life journeys and unexpected reunion — hosted by “06880”‘s Dan Woog, who has known both for over 50 years — followed by a special performance by Barrett, his band, and Keane. It’s a fundraiser for the Library.

Barrett cut his teeth at Greenwich Village clubs like The Bitter End. He’ll perform there again, right before his Westport show.

Tickets are $20. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

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The Westport Book Shop’s November Short Story Club selection commemorates Veterans Day.

This month’s stories are about those who serve, and their families:

  • Soldier’s Home” (1925) by Ernest Hemingway
  • “The Things They Carried” (1990) by Tim O’Brien (the first chapter in O’Brien’s novel of the same name)
  • “Refresh, Refresh” (2006) by Benjamin Percy.

The club meets November 20 (6 p.m.). Registration is required; call 203-349-5141, or email RSVP@westportbooksaleventures.org.

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Coleytown Middle School’s fall production — “Disney’s Dare to Dream Jr.” — celebrates music, creativity and (of course) dreams.

The 60-minute musical revue runs November 20 (6 p.m.) and 21 (7 p.m.). Click here for tickets, and more information. 

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Elections often bring hope.

So do photos like this one — today’s “Westport … Naturally” image of the day. It’s from Stephanie Mastocciolo’s yard, on Warnock Drive.

(Photo/Stephanie Mastocciolo)

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And finally … To all those who put themselves on the line (and the ballot) yesterday: Win or lose, thank you for stepping up!

(I did not want to grow up to be a blogger. But — since 2009 — I’ve been one. For 16 years, you’ve supported “06880.” We need you now more than ever. Please click here — and thank you!)

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Posted in Environment, Library, Local business

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Roundup: Post Road Hell, Drug Takeback Day, That’s Entertainment! …

Posted on October 25, 2025 | 1 comment

The good news: The decade-long Post Road project may be coming to end.

The bad news: Starting this weekend, and continuing for a week (or more), US 1 will be more difficult to navigate than ever.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation begins its “final paving and milling phase” tomorrow (Sunday).

Work will start at the Sherwood Island Connector, and continue west through Westport toward Norwalk.

Expect lane closures, alternating traffic and reduced speeds.

Manhole covers and catch basin tops will be temporarily raised. Be alert!

And, DOT says: “Be patient. This long-awaited final phase will deliver smoother roads and improved drainage once complete.” (Hat tip: Andrew Colabella)

A walk in the park, compared to what’s coming down the pike this week. (Photo/Jerri Graham)

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But hey — there’s this, nearby on Church Lane:

Maman — the bakery replacing Mrs. London’s — opens this Thursday.

Bon appétit!

Maman, last month. (Photo and hat tip/Sal Liccione)

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It’s late notice, but important: Today (Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), Westport is participating in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

Westport Police and the Drug Enforcement Agency are collecting tablets, capsules, patches and other solid forms of old, unwanted and expired prescription drugs. The collection site is the Senior Center.

They will NOT accept syringes, sharps or illicit drugs. Liquid products like cough syrup should remain sealed in original containers. For more information, click here.

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Through the first 5 days of early voting, 4.54 % of eligible Westport voters have cast ballots.

The breakdown:

  • Democrats: 531 of 7,952 eligible voters (6.68%)
  • Republicans: 123 of 3,338 eligible voters (3.68%)
  • Unaffiliated: 204 of 7,581 eligible voters (2.69%)

Early voting continues this weekend, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Town Hall.

The early voting schedule next week, also at Town Hall:

Monday, October 27              10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tuesday, October 28              8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Wednesday, October 29        10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Thursday, October 30            8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday, October 31                 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, November 1           10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, November 2             10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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Westporters may know Tom Greenwald as a young adult author, and youth sports expert.

But the 1979 Staples High School graduate is also co-founder of SpotCo. The ad agency — specializing in theater clients — has created some of Broadway’s classic (and most successful) campaigns, including “Hamilton,” “Hadestown” and “Rent.”

(You think those shows just sold themselves?!)

Now Greenwald is co-host of a podcast. “The Show Must Go on Sale!” launched yesterday.

The cleverly named podcast (these guys are good!) is the first ever dedicated specifically to Broadway advertising and marketing. Producers, general managers, press agents, ad execs and more will chat about the ups, downs, fun and frustrations of convincing audiences to buy a ticket (+3 = Family Pack!) to a live performance.

“I’ve been doing this for close to 30 years, which makes me somewhat qualified to understand how fantastic and futile, magical and maddening it is to sell Broadway shows for a living,” Greenwald says.

“I can’t wait to talk to all sorts of absurdly optimistic theater people to see if they feel the same way.”

“The Show Must Go on Sale!” is available at all the usual podcast platforms. Click here or below for the first episode.

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Speaking of entertainment: George Barrett has lived many lives.

The 1973 Staples High School graduate has been a teacher, athlete and Fortune 100 CEO.

The former Orphenian is also a very talented singer/songwriter, who grew up in a home filled with classical, folk, rock, blues and jazz.

After honing his skills as a session singer and performer in Greenwich Village, Barrett took a detour into the top ranks of the healthcare industry.

But his life took a significant turn in 2022, when he reconnected with musician/ composer/producer/Grammy-winning 1971 Staples grad Brian Keane. They’ve collaborated on 2 albums. The second, “Rearrange Things” (released this fall) was recorded largely in Connecticut, as Barrett reconnected with Westport.

On November 16 (2 p.m.), Barrett and Keane take to the Westport Library stage. They’ll chat about their unique life journeys and unexpected reunion — hosted by “06880”‘s Dan Woog, who has known both for over 50 years — followed by a special performance by Barrett, his band, and Keane.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

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In the days of voting machines, once we cranked the lever we were pretty sure our ballot was counted.

With the (relatively) new “tabulators,” there’s always a bit of unease. The machine swallowed up my ballot. Did I fill in the circles correctly? Are there any stray marks? How do I know it didn’t get shredded, or fall into the innards?

A steady drumbeat of “election doubters” has sowed distrust nationwide.

This year, Connecticut’s tabulators have a new twist. It should reassure electors that their vote will indeed be counted.

These gizmos have a screen that gives confirmation your vote was registered.

And if you did screw up, the screen tells you that too.

Don’t believe me? Click here, for an instructional video.

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There’s a lot cooking this fall at Wakeman Town Farm. For example:

  • Dyslexia screening and panel (parents): October 27
  • Halloween tot parade: October 28
  • Knitting circle drop-in: November 11
  • Adults dessert baking class: November 13
  • Kids cooking class (ages 6-12): November 14
  • Registration for kids’ fall programs begins November 10.

Click here for times, details, and more information.

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Today’s Halloween house is on Bradley Street.

As photographer Ed Simek notes, it will no doubt see a lot of action on October 31.

Along with the rest of the very generous, always overrun and totally in-the-spirit neighborhood.

(Photo/Ed Simek)

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The leaves turn … but some colors remain the same.

Melissa Makris captured this fall view of the Saugatuck River, just a few yards from Kerri Rosenthal and our busy downtown:

(Photo/Melissa Makris)

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And finally … speaking of Tommy Greenwald, and his very successful Broadway (ad agency) career (story above):

(Hey! Great video! But “06880” can’t pay the rent — or anything else — without support from our readers. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Merci!

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Posted in Beach, Entertainment, Environment, Library, Local politics, Police

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Roundup: Y Cap, Y Swim, Judith Marks-White …

Posted on June 15, 2024 | 12 comments

When the Westport Weston Family YMCA received permits for its new facility off Wilton Road, town officials insisted on certain restrictions.

One was a Planning & Zoning Commission limit of 12,500 members.

The Y has now reached that limit. They’ll institute a waitlist.

“Given that the mission of our Y is to welcome and serve all who walk through our doors, we are sorry to disappoint potential new members who want to belong to our vibrant community,” says CEO Anjali McCormick.

She assures current and future members, “we remain committed to providing you with the best experience possible.”

Members head to the Y all day, every day. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Speaking of the Y: Their 45th annual Point to Point Open Water Swim Race begins at 8 a.m. on July 28.

The 1-mile charity event draws swimmers to Compo Beach from across the Northeast.

All proceeds support the Westport Weston Family YMCA’s aquatics programs, including swim lessons and water safety training for children and adults.

Pre-registration is $60; the day-of-race fee is $75. The kids’ race is $15. Registration includes a swim cap, t-shirt and timing chip.

The top finishers earn prizes. To register and learn more, click here.

The start of the 2022 Point-to-Point swim.

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For many years, Judith Marks-White’s “The Light Touch” and “In Other Words” columns were required reading in the Westport News. Both won writing awards — as did many other stories by the talented local writer.

She died peacefully yesterday at Norwalk Hospital, surrounded by her family. The wife of the late artist/illustrator Morton Rosenfeld was 84.

Born on March 21, 1940 in Passaic, New Jersey, she attended Prospect Hill Country Day School in Newark, and Vassar College.

She then began her professional life in New York, at Time-Life Books.

In 1972 Judith moved to Westport. She soon became the humor columnist of the local paper. She also wrote for national magazines and newspapers.

She contributed to many children’s publications and “Chicken Soup for the Soul,” and wrote 2 novels. She received awards for both fiction and nonfiction.

Judith spent many years as an adjunct professor of English at Norwalk Community College, where she was named Teacher of the Year. In addition, she led writing workshops.

She is survived by her daughter Elizabeth (Andrew), and grandchildren Andrew and Caroline.

Funeral services will be held Monday (June 17, 1 p.m., Temple Shalom, Norwalk). Burial will follow at Willowbrook Cemetery in Westport.

Shiva will be held Monday (June 17, 4-8 p.m.) and Tuesday (June 18, 1-4 and 5-8 p.m.) at the home of Debbie Richman and Jeffrey Selden in Weston.

In lieu of flowers contributions in Judith’s memory may be made to the Westport Library.

Judith Marks-White

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Longshore Sailing School cares about the water — and the coast.

On Saturday, June 29 (9:30 to 11 a.m.), they’re sponsoring a coastal cleanup.

Kayaks are free — provided kayakers remove garbage and debris from the shoreline and Saugatuck River.

Even in an eco-conscious town like ours, there’s plenty of trash.

Longshore Sailing School has run similar events in the fast, with great success.

Click here to register; use the code “cleanup” at checkout. Bring your own gloves!

Longshore Sailing School kayaks, waiting to clean the coast. (Photo/Anne Bernier

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Three Westporters were honored at the 19th annual “40 Under 40 of Fairfield County” awards ceremony, presented by Westfair Business Journal.

Congratulations to Maxx Crowley of SCA Crowley Real Estate (and president of the Westport Downtown Association); Susannah Crowley of Bumble (now with TikTok — and not related to Maxx), and Mathias Sportini, a partner at FLB Law.

Over 100 nominees, all under the age of 40, were submitted by Chambers of Commerce and businesses in Fairfield County. The 3 local winners were nominated by the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce.

From left: Maxx Crowley, Mathias Sportini, Susannah Crowley and Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce director Matthew Mandell.

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Karlin Gray is not a soccer player. But like Mia Hamm, she grew up as a shy “military brat,” moving every year or two, and found great friends along the way. Coincidentally, she graduated from the same high school as Mia.

Now Karlin — a Westport resident — has written a graphic novel about the soccer star.

“Mia and Friends” follows a group of young women who made history at the 1999 Women’s World Cup.

Aimed at readers ages 7-10, it will be published August 27. Click here for more information, including a sneak peek.

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George Barrett — the 1973 Staples High School graduate who in his long life has sung with the Orphenians, played varsity soccer at Brown University, taught at Horace Mann, served as CEO of Cardinal Health, and last year returned to his longtime love of singing with the release of his first record — is now working on his second.

Meanwhile, the video for his newest song — “You’re Not Alone” — went live yesterday.

Recorded with the very talented Harmony Project, it’s a heartfelt ballad with a powerful message.

The video is equally stunning. And the beginning and end were filmed at Compo Beach — an important place in George’s life.

PS: George continues to work on his music with Brian Keane, the Grammy-winning and multi-talented 1971 Staples grad.

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MoCA CT’s next exhibition — “ColleCTomania” — includes over 140 Swiss posters from collector Tom Strong.

The New Haven-based graphic designer, photographer and collector has spent 60 years amassing, displaying and sharing his archive.

The exhibit runs June 27 through September 13. Click here for more information, and to RSVP for the opening reception (June 27, 6 p.m.).

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Yesterday’s rain knocked out an important day of the Yankee Doodle Fair.

Sunny skies are predicted today. The fair — a major fundraiser for the Westport Woman’s Club — continues at their Imperial Avenue site this afternoon and evening (Saturday, 1 to 10 p.m.), and tomorrow (Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m.).

The rain also produced this gorgeous rainbow, looking southeast from Owenoke:

(Photo/Jonathan Prager)

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In recent days, “06880” has been inundated with deer photos, for our daily “Westport … Naturally” feature.

Lovely as they are (there are no images of them eating plants, trees and shrubs), we can’t run them all.

But we can’t resist this one:

(Photo/Seth Schachter)

After checking out the Terrain greenery — and seeing that venison is not on the café menu — this fawn managed to safely cross the Post Road.

Oh, dear!

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And finally … on this day in 1752, Benjamin Franklin proved that lightning is electricity.

(The Y has reached its max — but not “06880.” You can still support our work! Just click here. Thanks for your help.) 

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Roundup: Wakeman Fields, Traffic Survey, Redi-Cut Carpets …

Posted on May 9, 2024 | 11 comments

What works for Long Lots Elementary School must also work for Bedford Middle School.

Put another way: What’s good for the Westport Community Gardens is also good for Wakeman Park.

The Board of Selectwomen affirmed yesterday that no one — including dog walkers and regular human walkers — will be allowed on the athletic fields and paths adjacent to BMS during school hours.

The ban does not apply to Wakeman Town Farm.

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Police Chief Foti Koskinas and Parks & Recreation director Jen Fava were unable to find a way to keep the large Wakeman Field property safe, the selectwomen were told at their meeting yesterday.

The board had voted on the ban — which was first suggested as a safety issue for Long Lots, which is located near the Community Gardens — last month.

Yesterday’s discussion followed that earlier vote, which included a sense of the meeting resolution to examine the possibility of a solution for Wakeman.

The Wakeman Fields, adjacent to Bedford Middle School (not shown, off to the left of the photo) will be off-limits to non-school personnel during school hours. 

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Everyone talks about traffic and safety.

Now you can spur some action.

But after more than 3 months, you’ve only got one day left. The deadline is tomorrow (Friday, May 10).

An online map-based survey was introduced this winter. It’s an interactive, even fun (!) way for residents to provide feedback on Westport’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Safety Action Plan project.

Users easily zoom in on a particular place in town. The map has 3 options to drop a pin, and offer feedback: “Safety Concern”; “Safety/Improvement Idea”; “Good Example.” There’s a chance too to like a previous comment (and see how many other residents agree).

Click here to take the survey. Click here for the “Traffic & Pedestrian Safety” page on the town website.

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If you’ve driven past the former Pane e Bene restaurant on the Post Road, you’ve noticed plenty of construction.

Work on The Clubhouse — the golf-and-more simulator/event space — is moving ahead. It should open later this year.

You may also think that Redi-Cut — the longtime family business next door — is closed.

They’re not.

Though they were shut for a couple of weeks for renovations, they’re very much open.

“They’ve been amazing partners as our project moves forward,” says Clubhouse co-founder Emily Zobl. She invites customers — old and new — to check out their updated space.

Meanwhile, you can check out The Clubhouse’s progress via Instagram and their website.

Redi-Cut Carpets: Open for business. Tim Zobl (The Clubhouse co-owner, center) is flanked by Redi-Cut owners (from left) Harry Arnowich and Matt Arnowich.

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The Public Works Department’s spring paving program begins Monday (May 13). It continues through the mid-June.

These roads will be paved, though not necessarily in this order:

  • Brookside Drive
  • Evergreen Avenue
  • Evergreen Parkway
  • Kings Highway North
  • Crawford Road
  • Hillandale Lane
  • East Main Street
  • Rainey Lane
  • Pioneer Road
  • Maple Avenue South
  • Greenbrier Road
  • Church Street North
  • Pleasant Valley Lane
  • Brightfield Lane
  • Imperial Avenue
  • Green’s Farms Road
  • Morningside Drive North

Questions? Call Public Works: 203-341-1120.

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Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between May 1 and 8.

A 62-year-old Bridgeport man was arrested for breach of peace, following an altercation with an employee at Minuteman Cleaners over the price charged. The man grabbed the items, causing minor injuries to the employee, and left the store.

A 25-year-old Westport woman was arrested on failure to appear, and violation of probation. She was unable to post a $30,000 bond.

Police also issued these citations:

  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 8 citations
  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 7
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 5
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 4
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 4
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 3
  • Failure to renew registration: 3
  • Criminal trespass: 1
  • Simple trespass: 1
  • Criminal mischief: 1
  • Speeding: 1
  • Traveling too fast for conditions: 1
  • Distracted driving: 1
  • Unsafe passing: 1
  • Improper turns: 1
  • Driving with a foreign license: 1
  • Falsification of markers: 1
  • Unreadable plates: 1
  • Failure to register a commercial motor vehicle: 1
  • Failure to insure a motor vehicle: 1
  • Failure to carry registration: 1

There were 2 license plate violations this past week. This was not one of them. (Photo/Fred Cantor)

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The Westport Fire Department hosts a promotion ceremony tomorrow (Friday, May 10, 3:30 p.m, Town Hall auditorium).

Assistant chief Matthew Cohen will be promoted to deputy fire chief; Lieutenant Jason Kronenberger moves to to assistant chief, while Firefighter Matthew Wille becomes a lieutenant.

The public is invited.

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Explore the horticulture, beauty and bounty of rhododendrons on May 19 (10:30 to 11:45 a.m., Carriage Barn Art Center, New Canaan) — then tour the magnificent gardens at Blau House, off Bayberry Lane in Westport (1 to 4 p.m.).

Click here for tickets, and more information.

Rhododendrons, at Blau House & Gardens.

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After receiving critical acclaim in Europe, “Here Lived”‘s May 5 debut screening quickly sold out. An encore show has been added, on May 21 (7 p.m., Marlene Meyerson JCC, 334 Amsterdam Avenue, New York City).

Music by Brian Keane — the Grammy Award-winning composer/Staples High School Class of 1971 graduate — adds depth to the film, which is a story of children hidden during World War II, murdered parents, generational trauma, and an artist’s vision for healing.

Keane and director Jane Wells will join a panel after the showing. Click here for tickets.

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Was Officer Richard Bagley protecting and serving yesterday?

Or citing this guy for jaywalking?

Either way, the Westport Police Department was taking care of business, on Hillandale Road.

(Photo/Miggs Burroughs)

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Speaking of turtles: Today’s “Westport … Naturally” Westport nature lesson comes from Compo Beach.

Lou Weinberg writes: “I found this little guy yesterday. I’m sure there’s more where he/she came from. So, if you’re at the beach and something looks like a stone, look twice. It might be a diamondback terrapin baby. Place it in the water and let it go.

“It’s amazing that with all the beach maintenance and use, these creatures can survive around here. Ain’t nature grand?”

Lou adds this link, for information and fun facts from the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

(Photo/Lou Weinberg)

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And finally … happy 75th birthday to Billy Joel! There are only hundreds of songs I could choose to highlight. Here are 3 of my favorites:

(Another day, another “06880” Roundup, another reminder that we rely on reader support to keep doing what we do. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Political Donations, Dante, Matthew Modine …

Posted on March 30, 2024 | 3 comments

In the 13 months ending in February 2024, President Biden raised $3.17 million in individual contributions from Connecticut residents. Donald Trump brought in $1.4 million.

But, CT Mirror reports, Trump leads in the number of individuals who donated since last April: 31,708 to 5,925.

Westport is one of only 2 Fairfield County towns in which Biden drew more individual donations than Trump: 188 to 99. The other town is Sherman (10 to 2).

Click here for the full story, including an interactive map.

Donation map, showing which candidate had more donations in each Connecticut town. Biden is blue, Trump is red.

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Just in time for Easter, the full soundtrack for “Dante: Inferno to Paradise, Part 2: Resurrection” is available for streaming.

Emmy- and Grammy-winning composer (and Staples High School Class of 1971 graduate) Brian Keane scored the music — his latest success, in a wide-ranging career of writing, producing and recording.

Click here to download.

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Speaking of video:

Matthew Modine (“Oppenheimer,” “Full Metal Jacket”) will be at the Westport Library for a free screening of his new documentary, “Downwind” (April 11, 6:30 p.m.)

He’ll  be joined by his producing partner, Adam Rackoff. They’ll discuss the movie afterward, then answer audience questions.

“Downwind” tells the story of what happened after the events depicted in “Oppenheimer.” It focuses on Mercury, Nevada, the testing site for 928 large-scale nuclear weapons from 1951 to 1992.

Featuring members of the Shoshone Nation and many others affected by the radioactive fallout from those tests, the documentary “uncovers the US government’s disregard for everyone and everything living ‘downwind.’”

“Downwind” currently holds a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

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Happy Easter weekend!

Jolantha – Weston’s favorite pig –was inspired by a poem by Wordsworth. As she gets ready for tomorrow’s holiday, she is “dancing with daffodils.”

(Photo/Hans Wilhelm)

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Speaking of Easter: Pam Docters spotted these decorations on Wilton Road, in yesterday’s spring-like weather.

(Photo/Pam Docters)

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Spotted this morning in the Compo Beach area:

(Photo/Richard Gabor)

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Tuesday, April 2 is “Donation Day” at Shake Shack.

Mention “Donation Day” at the register or drive-thru, or use the promo code “Donateburger” on their app.

Shake Shack will give 25% of your total meal price to the Cancer Couch Foundation, a breast cancer research organization.

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There have never been bathroom facilities at Old Mill Beach.

And — judging from the reaction after a port-a-potty was proposed for the small stretch of sand — there never will be.

But one intrepid owner of a parking garage (for nearby homes) facing Sherwood Mill Pond has solved the problem:

(Photo/Oliver Radwan)

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Dr. Alice Paul was one of the early 20th century’s most prominent women’s rights activists.

She was one of the keys to the passage of the 19th Amendment, and in 1923 introduced the Equal Rights Amendment.

Dr. Paul was a 40-year resident of Ridgefield.

On April 13 (2 p.m.), the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport hosts a talk with Darla Shaw, who worked with Dr. Paul for many years, here in Fairfield County. The public is invited.

Dr. Alice Paul

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Last year’s 1st-ever National Drinking with Chickens Day was such a success, Wakeman Town Farm is bringing it back.

Next months event (May 23, 6:30 p.m.) features live music by Luke Molina, light bite including pizza by Tony Napolitano, craft cocktails by mixxed.by.ed, and guest appearances by the WTF flock.

Tickets to the hen party are $100 each. Click here to register … then shake a tail feather.

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Bobbi Essagof spotted this dove — today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature — on her Saugatuck Avenue deck.

“Peace ahead?” she wonders.

From her lips to …

(Photo/Bobbi Essagof)

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And finally … speaking of chickens (see story) above:

(“06880” is your hyper-local blog — and your source for everything Westport-related, yesterday, today and tomorrow. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, History, Library, Politics, religion, Restaurants, Totally random

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Roundup: School Redistricting, Capital Spending, Riverside Avenue …

Posted on March 23, 2024 | 8 comments

In 2018, the Board of Education broached the subject of redistricting.

It went nowhere.

Another attempt — the first in over a quarter century — has begun. It involves only the 5 elementary schools.

A demographer consultant presented the first scenarios Thursday night, at the BOE meeting.

The first phase, in the 2025-26 school year, would balance enrollment between Long Lots, Greens Farms and Saugatuck Elementary Schools.

Phase II (2026-27) would balance enrollment between Kings Highway and Coleytown Els.

Click here for the full report.

Students at Kings Highway and Saugatuck Elementary Schools celebrated Earth Day together last year.

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Several big capital spending projects loom in Westport.

What are the rationales, goals and processes?

Town Hall and Westport Public Schools leaders share insights this Tuesday (March 26. 7 p.m., Westport Library), in a community conversation.

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice will present their capital spending strategies and rationales. A panel of experts will discuss possible funding strategies, capital planning best practices, and the approval process for achieving capital spending goals. An audience Q-and-A session follows.

The event is sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Westport, and the Westport Library’s Common Ground initiative.

Longshore is one of several large capital projects planned for the future.

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Two virtual meetings next week have implications for Riverside Avenue.

Oak trees on 2 properties host bald eagles that perch in the trees while fishing. The trees may be removed if development plans go through.

On Monday (March 25, 7 p.m.), the Planning & Zoning Commission continues with Text Amendment #841. That involves a 1756 house, at 125 Riverside. Click here for more information; click here for the Zoom link.

The next night (March 26, 7:30 p.m.), the RTM Environment Committee discusses development on the Saugatuck River at 79 and 125 Riverside Avenue, and its impact on wildlife. Click here for the Zoom link.

Part of the property near 79 Riverside Avenue.

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In the 6 years since the Parkland High School shooting, Fred Guttenberg has become one of America’s most prominent anti-gun violence advocates.

On May 21 (noon), he’s the guest speaker at CT Against Gun Violence’s spring benefit luncheon. He’ll discuss his — and his fellow activists’ — efforts to turn pain into purpose, as well his book “Find the Helpers: What 9/11 and Parkland Taught Me about Recovery, Purpose and Hope.”

Since its founding in 1993, CAGV has lobbied effectively for some of the strongest gun laws in the country. ​

They were behind Connecticut’s 1993 assault weapons ban, the 3rd in the nation. Since Sandy Hook, they’ve  worked closely with the state legislature to enact universal background checks, an expanded assault weapons ban, and limits on large capacity magazines.​

Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Joaquin Phoenix and Emma Stone are stars of a new film, “Eddington.”

They’ll be joined by a rising young star: Cameron Mann.

The Staples High School senior  played the surprise killer in “Mare of Easttown.” He has been seen on “For Life,” Law & Order,” “New Amsterdam” and “Daredevil” — and had significant roles with Staples Players.

The film began production this month.

Cameron Mann (Photo/Michael Kushner)

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Today’s predicted rain has postponed WestportMoms’ Easter Egg hunt to this coming Friday (March 29, 11:45 a.m. for 2-5-year-olds, 12:30 p.m. for 6+ — schools are closed, for Good Friday).

Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Tomorrow’s (Sunday, 10:30 a.m.) trash clean-up is along Greens Farms Road, and the Sherwood Island Connector.

Volunteers are welcome. Park at the transfer station on the Connector, or the office building at 55-57 Greens Farms Road.

This is the perfect time — before the leaves return — to clean up this heavily trashed area.

Dress warmly, wear boots, and bring garbage bags.

Questions? Email acolabella@westportct.gov.

These folks picked up trash last month. Now it’s your turn!

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Just a week remains in the Westport Transit District’s annual poetry contest.

This year’s theme is “acrostics.” That’s where the first letter of each line spells something special — in this case, “Wheels2U.” For example:

Why are you still driving?
How about trying the bus?
Easy,
Efficicent,
Lively conversation with fellow commuters.
Simple to use
2 get to the train.
U should give it a try.

Gift certificates to Westport restaurants of their choice — ranging from $100 to $25 — will be given to the top 7 poems.

The contest is open to all residents of Westport. Enter as often as you like.

Entries should be sent to pgold@westportct.gov no later than March 30. Put “Acrostic Contest” in the subject line; include your name, address and email. For more details, click here and scroll down.

Wheels2U.

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“Bonfire from the Holy Spirit” –the first single from 1971 Staples High School graduate Brian Keane’s soundtrack from the new PBS “Dante” series — has been released.

Click here to listen, and download. Click here for more on Keane, and the show.

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From time to time, “06880” posts “entitled parking” photos.

This one — from the heart of Main Street — is equal parts entitled and thoughtless.

(Photo/Evan Chevrier)

What’s even more remarkable, says photographer Evan Chevrier, is that at the time he took the image, there were no other cars in front of or behind them.

At least that made driving away easy.

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“Rumors” — Neil Simon’s fast-paced farce — is on stage tonight (Saturday, March 23, 7 p.m.) and tomorrow (Sunday, March 24, 2 p.m.) at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport.

There’s a suggested donation of $25, for the UU Players’ performance.

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature combines something created by nature, and another by man.

(Photo/Richard Fogel)

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And finally … on this day in 1775, patriot Patrick Henry delivered his most famous line — “Give me liberty, or give me death!” – at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Richmond.

(Today — and every day — “06880” fills you in on what happened, is happening, and will happen in Westport. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Brian Keane, Dante, And Streaming Robots

Posted on March 20, 2024 | 6 comments

Like so much of modern life, soundtrack releases are no longer simple.

Everything is streaming. Streaming is run by AI and robots, designed to make money based on immediate popularity.

That was a problem for Brian Keane. The 1971 Staples High School graduate — a noted Emmy- and Grammy-winning composer — worked on one of the most ambitious high art projects on television in years: “Dante: Inferno to Paradise.”

The 700-year-old story of one of the greatest works of literature in history debuted on PBS earlier this week.

Keane explains: “You have to release a track and hit it with promotion all at once. The robots recognize that people are listening, and push the music out to others in the hopes of making more money.” It works for Beyoncé and Taylor Swift.

Of course, the AI streaming robots don’t realize that — unlike Dante — today’s pop stars won’t be around 7 centuries from now, in 2724.

But the bots don’t care that if there is no potential immediate dollar return, no one will ever hear Dante’s soundtrack.

Keane has always taken a different path.

“I always believed in the enduring qualities of music,” he says. “Music is just a language, and you can communicate in that language on all kinds of levels.”

He has always taken risks, and avoided doing things the standard way.

However, he notes, “AI robots present a new challenge — not only to making a living, but to making people aware of long-term oriented, artful projects.

“It even presents a challenge to a musical legacy. In prior generations, great music was passed down by the written page. Now the format is digital. It changes every 5 years, and is controlled by robots, not people.”

Brian Keane, in his studio.

After playing rock ‘n’ roll in clubs, he worked his way up in the jazz world as a sideman to artists like Larry Coryell, Bobby McFerrin and Eddie Gomez.

He then stumbled into becoming a leading documentary composer when his first work, “A Cuban Odyssey” — for Westport husband-and-wife directors Jim Burroughs and Suzanne Bauman — was nominated for an Academy Award in 1982. (This was before there was such a profession as “documentary composer”).

Documentaries have been a viable business only since cable TV came of age in the early 1980s. 

Keane scored the chimps movie for Jane Goodall, a popular soundtrack about the Ottoman Empire for Bauman, and other notable projects. 

Keane began working for Ric Burns just after he produced the most consequential documentary series in television history, “ The Civil War,” with his older brother Ken in 1990.

Keane and Ric Burns collaborated on classic documentaries like “New York,” “The Donner Party,” “Andy Warhol” and more. 

Brian Keane (right) and Ric Burns, at work on “Oliver Sacks.”

“Dante” is their latest effort.

Keane also had some hit records and soundtracks in the late 1980s and ’90s. He was an in-demand record producer, winning a Grammy and emerging as “the John Williams of the documentary” (Hollywood Reporter).

After signing a big recording deal as a jazz artist with Capitol Blue Note records, he scored the first prime time documentary series on television. “ABC Turning Point” drew 30 million viewers a night.

“People thought that was nuts to try to get dropped by Blue Note after having a very successful debut record. But I had to get them to drop me, or I would have been condemned to be Earl Klugh II for the rest of my career.”

He began to “over-invest” in the quality of his scores. “Well-made documentaries ‘document’ history. They’re there for the long-term,” Keane says.

He morphed into sports history for a multi-Emmy-winning run at HBO and ESPN. That came in handy when Napster put record stores out of business.

As the television industry went “cheap and digital, and started  hiring kids with computers in their mom’s basements for 10% of the price,” Keane retired for a few years.

He went back to work for Barry Levinson in 2012 on a BBC series, “Copper.”

When that ended he took all that quality music he’d written (and owned), set it up with metadata and a computer search system, and has non-exclusively blanket leased it to major entertainment companies ever since.

The problem, he says, is that “in streaming, which doesn’t pay artists anything anyway, the AI robots look at my most popular records as an artist. I ended my career as an artist in 1993.

“My most popular records are Middle Eastern jazz fusion I made in the late ’80s. They have 15 or 16 million hits.

“So the profit-seeking AI robots put me on Radio Baghdad streaming, and ignore my many soundtrack albums.”

Keane decided that being restricted artistically and financially by a fan base was “not a great plan.” While he produced many hit records, the AI robots of streaming recognize only the song and the artist.

So, he says, “I’m relegated to being a Middle Eastern artist who is really a rock and jazz guitarist, who happens to write symphonies and is known as a world music producer, who now is promoting a high art movie soundtrack from medieval Italy. No wonder the robots are confused.”

(One track of “Dante” will be released Friday, March 22. The entire double album will be released March 29.)

(“06880” is “where Westport meets the world.” Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Roundup: School Bus App, Dante & Brian Keane, St. Patrick’s & VFW …

Posted on March 16, 2024 | 7 comments

The first year with First Student — Westport’s new school bus company — has gone well.

Now, the long-awaited bus tracking app is live. FirstView can be downloaded on any smartphone, desktop or laptop.

The app lets families track the location and direction of their child’s bus. Other features include customizable bus proximity notifications; custom alerts and messages, and multi-stop views.

Click here to get started. Questions? Call 888-889-8920, weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., or email support@firstviewapp.com.

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You may come to “Dante: Inferno to Paradise” for the subject.

You’ll stay for the music.

Ric Burns’ new 2-part series on the 14th-century poet airs this Monday and Tuesday (March 18 and 19) on PBS. Dante’s “Divine Comedy” — his account of a life-changing journey through Hell, Purgatory and Paradise — is one of the greatest works of art in Western history.

The 4-hour show was filmed across 6 years in Italy, England and the US. it includes paintings, drawings, manuscripts, frescoes, and interviews with scholars, writers, poets, politicians, clergy and historians.

But the 4-hour show soars on the beautiful, deeply moving soundtrack. It was composed by Burns’ long-time collaborator, veteran Grammy, Oscar and Peabody Award winner Brian Keane.

The very accomplished composer/musician is a 1971 graduate of Staples High School.

Brian Keane

Keane’s hauntingly beautiful score brings alive Dante’s life and work, in a hallucinatory, almost cinematically vivid way. It captures the depth and breadth of Dante’s experiences in the 3 realms of the afterlife.

“Dante” will stream for free on PBS for 2 weeks after the broadcast. It will then go to PBS subscription, and eventually pay-per-view.

Excerpts of the music score ere premiered at the Westport Library Orchestra Lumos concert earlier this month. 

The single will be released March 22. The album follows a week later.

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St. Patrick’s Day is tomorrow.

But the VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 celebration begins soon: Noon today (Saturday, March 16).

It includes an all-you-can-eat feast, featuring (of course) corned beef and cabbage; $3 green beer, $4 Space Cat and $5 Guinness specials.

The $25 ticket includes lunch/dinner.

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There is a new date for the fundraiser to provide new AEDs in all fire, police and Emergency Medical Service vehicles in town.

Automated External Defibrillators are portable devices that deliver electric shocks to the heart during cardiac arrest. The current ones are reaching the ends of their useful lives.

On April 24 (5:30 to 10 p.m., Autostrada), the Westport Firefighters Charitable Foundation hosts its 2nd annual Whiskey Tasting.

The evening includes drinks, light bites, and a silent auction. The target is $75,000.

Many of us know people whose lives have been saved by AEDs. Any of us could be next.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

AEDs — with clear instructions on how to use them — save lives.

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When Amazon Fresh planned to open in the old Barnes & Noble — that’s the long-vacant store in the Angelina’s Pizza plaza, for you newcomers — they ran into some issues with their sign.

Last year, they bailed. The site became a “zombie store” — one of a number of Amazon Freshes nationwide that were abandoned, after being announced with great fanfare.

Now, Big Y is poised to take over the spot (which, intriguingly, started life as a supermarket — Waldbaum’s).

Their request for signage will be heard at Tuesday’s Architectural Review Board meeting (7:30 p.m.; Zoom).

There is no indication that there will be any issues with this proposal.

And — unlike Amazon Fresh — it looks like this store will actually open.

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Speaking of the VFW (as we were above): The John Lamb Show runs there every Sunday, from 6 to 8 p.m. And it’s free!

The Staples graduate plays jazz, Paula Gallo sings pop numbers, and there’s comedy (Stephanie Bass appears tomorrow), a trivia game, and a raffle.

The weekly series debuted last month, and is quickly gaining a devoted following.

Click here for more information. Questions? Want to donate raffle prizes? Email JohnLambMusic@aol.com.

John Lamb

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Next month, astronomy buffs across the world head to Texas. That’s where, on April 8, they can see a total eclipse along the totality line.

But Westport will be part of the event too.

The Westport Astronomical Society and its amateur radio station club (K1WAS) — along with other amateur radio operators and balloon enthusiasts — will help launch high-altitude balloons with cameras, sensors and radio transmitters, to capture the eclipse from a vantage point high above the Earth’s surface.

The WAS project is a collaboration with the University of Bridgeport and the University of New Haven, through the Nationwide Eclipse Ballooning Project.

“We are thrilled to contribute to the scientific community’s understanding of this celestial event,” says WAS board member. Dan Wright. “These high altitude balloon missions will offer a perspective of the eclipse that is both breathtaking and informative, helping researchers study the Sun’s corona and the Earth’s atmosphere in new and exciting ways.”

Amateur radio operators and astronomy enthusiasts can follow the balloon’s location, and participate in related events and discussions. Details will be posted soon on the Westport Astronomical Society website.

The total solar eclipse, a rare event in which the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, will be visible across parts of North America. The sun is only 90% obscured in Westport and much of New England.

But the WAS will host a “watch party” at the Westport Library (April 8, 2 to 4 p.m.).

In Connecticut, the next partial solar eclipse is not until 2028. It will not obscure the sun anywhere near what we’ll see in April, though.

For that, you have to wait until May 1, 2079.

Mark your calendars now!

Here’s what the April 8 eclipse will look like. You saw it here first!

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Jolantha does not sound like an Irish name.

But Weston’s favorite pig is all decked for St. Patrick’s Day.

Swing by 70 Kellogg Hill Road Say hi. She’ll bring you luck!

(Photo/Hans Wilhelm)

One more sign that spring is near:

(Photo/Ben Gosseen)

Ivy Gosseen’s husband spotted today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature in their Regents Park yard.

She writes: “I love that there are clovers nearby, because we are just shy of St. Patty’s day!”

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And finally … in honor of next month’s Westport Astronomical Society event (story above):

(Today — and every day — “06880” serves up a potpourri of news, information and “stuff.” But we couldn’t do it without reader support. Please click here to help.  Thank you!)

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