Tag Archives: Crispin Cioe

Roundup: Beach Stickers, K-9 Dog, Shred Day …

Attention, beach lovers!

Starting tomorrow (Friday), beach stickers are required for all Westport beach parking lots.

Receipts will not be accepted. Emblems must be displayed on windshields.

If you order online, delivery takes up to 2 weeks. For quicker service, stop by the Parks & Recreation Department office in Longshore weekdays, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Questions? Email recreation@westportct.gov.

(Photo/Mark Marcus)

=================================================

Last week, “06880” reported on Onyx.

The retired Westport Police Department K-9 dog had an eye tumor. Surgery was needed — and expensive.

Readers stepped up.

The news is good. Kevin Smith reports that Onyx had surgery on Tuesday.

All went well. He and Onyx’s many friends await an oncology report next week.

Onyx

==================================================

Everyone’s got documents to shred. And who doesn’t want to support cancer research?

Both come together on Saturday, May 9 (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.,, William Raveis Real Estate rear parking lot), 47 Riverside Avenue).

Raveis is sponsoring “Shred it for Cancer Research.” Your stuff will be shredded as you watch. You don’t even have to leave your car.

There’s a suggested donation of $5 per shopping bag, $10 per box or shopping bag, $20 for a large garbage bag (cash, check credit card or Venmo.

100% of every donation benefits the William Raveis Charitable Fund, Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

================================================

On May 3, Histoury brings its look at colonial-era homes to Westport and Weston.

The charter bus will highlight many sites. Four will be open for inside looks: the oldest home in Westport, an 18th-century house almost destroyed during the Revolutionary War and retains original Delft Blue tiles, the Rachel Beers dowager home, and the Osborn Dairy farmhouse.

Vernacular farmhouses, Georgian and Federal homes, and the Cape Cod style are some topics of colonial-era architecture that will be seen and discussed, along with stories about the people and history of those places.

Click here, then select “Calendar” for details.

=================================================

Over the past few months, VFW Post 399 has become one of Westport’s premier  music venues.

This Saturday (May 2, 7 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show), the Connecticut Grateful Dead All Stars take the stage.

A great show will be made even greater, thanks to Crispin Cioe. The saxophonist (and longtime Westporter) — a member of the legendary Uptown Horns — has performed with The Rolling Stones. He’s also heard on “Love Shack” and “Living in America.”

A light bar menu (including hot dogs and pizza by the slice) is available. Tickets are $17.85 here, $20 at the door.

Where else can you see the Dead — or Crispin Cioe — for that price?

==================================================

Speaking of music: Just added, to MoCA\CT’s “Art, Jazz + the Blues” exhibit: a screening of “Jazz on a Summer’s Day” (May 28, 6:30 p.m.).

The 1959 film — captured against the backdrop of the Newport Jazz Festival and America’s Cup — features legends like Louis Armstrong, Thelonious Monk, and Mahalia Jackson. All 3, and others, inspired the works currently hanging in the MoCA galleries

The screening will be followed by a Q-and-A with Yale professor of music and film & media studies Brian Kane. He’ll explore how 20th-century icons continue to shape American culture.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

=================================================

As the weather warms up, so — every Saturday morning — do Joggers Club members.

Then they run.

The very inclusive group meets every Saturday at 8 a.m., at the Greens Farms train station. Everyone is welcome, from fast pace to slow walking.

Two suggested routes — about 4 and 7 miles — are posted each week, on Facebook, Instagram and Strava.

Each week ends with free coffee and bagels.

Dues are $50 a year. All new members receive a free Lululemon shirt — a $78 value itself.

For membership and more information, click here.

================================================

Village Pediatrics’ “Story Walk” — the often-changing displays along the Saugatuck River, outside their Riverside Avenue office — is always worth a look.

The current display sends a particularly important message:

================================================

On Monday, “06880” wished a happy 100th birthday to Bambi Linn.

As part of our tribute, we noted that the renowned dancer and longtime Westport resident helped choreograph 2 Staples Players shows (both of which she had starred in): “Alice in Wonderland” in 1964, and “Oklahoma!” 10 years later.

But, Players co-director David Roth notes, there’s another connection.

Her daughter Jennifer DeJesus played Louise — the role Bambi Linn originated on Broadway) in the high school troupe’s 1981 production of “Carousel.”

That Players production is famous for another reason: It featured Michael Hayden as Billy Bigelow.

The Staples star eventually played that role on Broadway, too.

Michael Hayden

==============================================

Another “06880” Roundup entertainment follow-up:

Yesterday, we reported that Westport neighbor Nile Rodgers was one of the New York Times’ “30 Greatest Living American Songwriters.”

That item followed directly after an item about Wynton Marsalis’ upcoming show at the Levitt Pavilion. (It’s June 28. Tickets go on sale to the public tomorrow.)

The Levitt’s Carleigh Walsh quickly reminded me that Rodgers — and Chic — played a memorable show at the outdoor venue too. The year was 2016.

The video (click here or below) shows the intro to his “Get Lucky” hit. It’s very personal, and emphasizes his artistic identity as a songwriter on countless hits he has created, produced, recorded and influenced.

The video also includes a stage-side view of Rodgers, playing his signature guitar.

==================================================

Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between April 22 and 28.

A 34-year-old Bridgeport man was charged with 2 counts of operation of a motor vehicle while under suspension, operating an unregistered motor vehicle, failure to meet minimum insurance requirements and failure to appear, after an officer on Post Road West noticed a vehicle with a suspended and expired registration, unconfirmed insurance coverage and a possible active arrest warrant. He was released on a $7,500 bond.

A 37-year-old Stamford woman was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs and failure to grant right of way, following a motor vehicle accident with injuries on Riverside Avenue. She was released on a $500 bond.

Westport Police continued their month-long crackdown on texting while driving. They issued these citations:

  • Texting while driving: 48 citations
  • Distracted driving: 12
  • Violation in a school zone: 9
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 5
  • Failure to renew registration: 5
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 4
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 4
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 3
  • Breach of peace: 1
  • Failure to move over for an emergency vehicle: 1
  • Speeding: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
  • Tinted glass violation: 1
  • Violation of permit requirements: 1
  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 1

If you see these in your rear view mirror — or coming the other direction — pull over!

=================================================

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image is a bleeding heart — the floral, not the political kind!

(Photo/Lou Weinberg)

==================================================

And finally … the Nile Rodgers item above got us thinking about his mega-monster hit. It definitely deserves another spin, here on his hometown “06880”:

(With “06880” — your hyper-local blog — you never need to freak out about missing a Westport event, story, feature or photo. We do hope you’ll click here though, to support our work. Thank you!)

 

StoryFest ’25: Playing The Blues

Every April, VersoFest brings music of all kinds to the Westport Library.

Every October, StoryFest does the same for storytelling.

Next month, the 8th annual literary festival — one of the biggest in the Northeast, drawing scores of authors and hundreds of readers, writers, and fans in a celebration of the story in all its forms — adds a musical storytelling element.

On October 17 (6:30 p.m.), a special screening of the documentary “Bonnie Blue: James Cotton’s Life in the Blues” will be followed by a concert featuring songs from the film.

Legendary bluesman James Montgomery produced the film. His legendary James Montgomery Blues Band performs the post-film concert.

They’ll be joined by Saturday Night Live “Beehive Queen” Christine Ohlman, saxophonist Crispin Cioe (a Westport resident who has played with the Rolling Stones and J Geils Band), and other special guests.

The event kicks off StoryFest’s main weekend.

The full event runs October 13 to October 20. It features the debut of Oscar-nominated Julian Brave Noisecat’s memoir, We Survived the Night, on October 13, along with a full day of panel discussions, author signings, book talks. and podcast recordings on Saturday, October 18.

StoryFest ends with the 10th anniversary celebration of Shonda Rhimes’ memoir, Year of Yes, on Monday, October 20.

James Montgomery, Christine Ohlman, Crispin Cioe, Julian Brave Noisecat and Shonda Rhimes are the latest in a long line of high-powered StoryFest participants.

 

They include R.L. Stine; Roxane Gay, Michael Lewis, Mitch Albom, Nic Stone, Tiffany Jackson, Sheila Nevins and Victoria Kann.

Bonnie Blue: James Cotton’s Life in the Blues”  portrays the untold story of a legend who helped shape the Chicago Blues style.

Cotton’s life tracks American history from the post-Depression cotton fields of the Mississippi Delta to Chicago, and on to today’s live music scene in Austin.

In between are tours with Janis Joplin and Paul Butterfield, and sessions with the Stones, Grateful Dead, Led Zeppelin, Santana, Steve Miller, B.B. King and many more.

James Montgomery

“Blues music was really a music of empowerment,” says Montgomery. “Cotton is one of the first guys to say, ‘I’m not going to play just 12 bar blues anymore. I’m going to play soul music.’”

Ohlman adds, “The blues was perhaps America’s first storytelling genre.”

Lead singer, harp player and frontman Montgomery has collaborated with Johnny Winter, Mick Jagger, Bruce Springsteen, Steven Tyler and B.B. King. He has toured with the Allman Brothers , Aerosmith, Bonnie Raitt, J. Geils, Steve Miller and others.

Tickets for Cotton/Montgomery are $30; click here to purchase, and for more details. For full StoryFest details, click here. 

(“06880” is your hyper-local source for all your entertainment and educational needs. If you enjoy our coverage of all this — and more — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

 

Roundup: Taste, Playhouse, Cops …

It may be Westport’s best culinary event of the year.

The 17th annual “Taste of Westport” sold out quicker than ever this spring. Last night, hundreds of residents packed the Inn at Longshore, to enjoy food and drinks from more than 2 dozen restaurants and vendors — plus bid on an enormous silent auction, and buy raffle tickets.

It was all for a great cause: CLASP, the Westport-based organization serving adults with autism and developmental disabilities throughout Fairfield County.

The Inn went all out making it a special night. So did a host of groups that supported the Taste of Westport.

Special appreciation goes to the staffs who kept the treats coming all night:

  • Artisan
  • Boathouse Restaurant
  • Black Bear Wines & Spirits
  • Bridgewater Chocolate
  • Cold Fusion Gelato & Sorbet
  • DeTapas
  • 5th Estate Distillery
  • Gruel Brittania
  • Gabriele’s Italian Steakhouse
  • Grumpy Dumpling Co.
  • Freisenet Mionetto
  • Isla & Co.
  • Little Pub
  • La Plage
  • Leven(thal) Bakery
  • Mrs. London’s Artisan Bakery
  • Magic Pie Co.
  • NewSylum Brewing
  • Nðmade
  • Nordic Fish
  • Rive Bistro
  • Rizzuto’s
  • Romanacci Pizza Bar
  • Post Oak Barbecue Co.
  • Tablao Wine Bar & Restaurant
  • Sono1420 American Craft Distillers
  • Tarantino Restaurant
  • Walrus Alley

A small part of the large Taste of Westport crowd. (Photo/Dan Woog)

==================================================

Westport Country Playhouse artistic director Mark Lamos sent this email yesterday:

“Dear Subscribers and Donors –

“Thank you for your continued support during my 15 years with the Playhouse. Because I value the relationship we have, I wanted personally to inform you, before it is announced to the press tomorrow, that I will be leaving the Playhouse in January 2024.

“The pandemic, though challenging and globally tragic, also proved positive — for me — in many ways.

“While working tirelessly to sustain the Playhouse during this period of extreme uncertainty, I was also relieved of the burdens, excitement, and anxiety of producing and directing. I began to sense another way of living my life now. Though staff, trustees, and I worked diligently to keep the Playhouse functioning during 2 difficult years, the pandemic’s exigencies allowed me to spend more time at home with my husband Jerry, and to experience new-found quotidian joy: taking long daily walks, listening to more music, reading for hours a day, investing in our home, and taking care of an aging, beloved dog.

“The racial reckoning that awakened our country also had a profound, transformative effect on my feelings about how and why we make theater now. And I realized I’d need time to take the advice of 2 formidable female friends who insisted I create a new artistic challenge for myself. That project has begun but needs my full attention. And so after some thoughtful times over the holidays, last January 15 I felt the time had come to exercise the clause in my contract that allows me to leave upon 12 months’ notice.

“During my 15 seasons at this historic theater, I worked hard to raise its already formidable artistic standards as much as possible through my collaboration with some truly world class American theater artists. I sought to bring a wider range of voices to our stage in the most physically beautiful productions our budgets allowed. I took special pleasure in investing in the work of Black, Latinx, and AAPI artists, bringing the voices of many marginalized communities to our stage.

“And it’s been a real joy working with our amazing staff over the years, people who realized dreams and met goals, especially our Associate Producer/Director of Production David Dreyfoos, without whom the above — and so much else — would have been impossible. I’ll really miss them. I especially look forward to working with them all closely as I direct the upcoming production Dial M For Murder. I hope that you will join me during the run and celebrate all the wonderful memories we have made here, at the Playhouse.”

Mark Lamos

==================================================

Westport Police made 3 custodial arrests between May 3 and 10.

One was for domestic violence, following an incident at a local business.

Another arrest was for driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and failure to drive in the proper lane, after a head-on collision on Compo Road South.

The third was for violation of home improvement requirements, when a non-licensed contractor did not complete work.

Police also issued these citations:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 7 citations
  • Failure to comply with state traffic regulations: 6
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 4
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 3
  • Speeding: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 2
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 1
  • Failure to obey traffic control signal: 1
  • Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
  • Improper turn/no signal: 1
  • Failure to display license plates: 1
  • Improper use of license plates: 1
  • Failure to renew driver’s license: 1

Every contractor in the state must have one of these.

==================================================

Speaking of the Westport Police:

Their newest K-9, Brute, just received a Kevlar bullet-resistant vest

The donation came from Responder Wellness, a non-profit that provides equipment and wellness services to first responders.

Brute, his bullet-resistant vest, his handlers and donors.

=================================================

Kai Ross is a star on the Staples High School water polo team.

His star now shines a bit brighter: He’s just been named to the USA Water Polo national youth team.

The 6-6, 248-pound center competes in San Diego this weekend, then heads back to California for the US men’s senior nationals in July.

He has had several college scholarship offers. But he’s young — not yet 18 — so he’ll take a gap year after graduating next month. He’ll likely spend the fall with a California club, then head to Spain, Italy or Croatia to play in the spring.

Kai Ross

==================================================

If you tried to email Luisa Francoeur yesterday about the model schooner she’s selling — my apologies. Her address was incorrect.

Here’s her email that really works: nutmeg5@optonline.net. Sail away!

Luisa Francouer’s schooner.

==================================================

Crispin Cioe has been busy.

Last week the Westporter — who has played sax with James Brown, the Rolling Stones, Solomon Burke, Darlene Love, Tom Waits, Ray Charles, Robert Palmer, Bronski Beat, the Ohio Players, Usher and many others — jammed with Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Mark Naftalin at the Westport Woman’s Club art show.

On May 19 (6:30 p.m.), his latest project is unveiled at the Westport Library.

For the past decade he’s been co-producing a documentary film (with Westport director Larry Locke called “Heaven Stood Still: The Incarnations of Willy DeVille.”

Cioe performed with singer/songwriter DeVille often in the 1980s, on tours and festivals in Europe and US.

DeVille (né Billy Borsey) grew up in Stamford, where he led teenage bands. After England and San Francisco, he landed in New York in the mid-’70s with his band Mink DeVille, at the newly opened CBGB. He had a solo career from the ’80s until he died in 2009, at 59.

DeVille is one of the greatest “lost” artist in pop music history. Bob Dylan, John Mellencamp, Tom Waits, Boz Skaggs and Southside Johnny all cite him as a revered influence.

The film reflects his music and troubled life in detail. It includes interviews with Ben E. King, Chris Frantz, and J. Geils Band singer Peter Wolf.

The May 19 showing is free; click here to register. It will be followed by a Q&A monitored by Cioe, with Chris Frantz, and writers Nick Flynn and John Eskow.

==================================================

Speaking of sounds: The Westport School of Music introduces listeners to the music and culture of India and Iraq this Saturday (May 13, 1 p.m., MoCA Westport).

The free concert features violinist Ameen Modad, who hid for 2 years and composed music secretly while Iraq was controlled by ISIS, and tabla player Nilanjan Bhowmik and his wife Dipita Chakraborty, a soprano. The couple will share stories and perform poems set to music by Nobel Prize-winning poet Tagore.

==================================================

Wakeman Town Farm announced a 5-session A Child’s Pose yoga class on Saturday mornings, for youngsters 1 1/2 to 5 years old.

“Partner poses will strengthen and soothe both child and their grownup,” WTF says. Click here for more details, and to register.

Also at the Farm, and for kids: weekday afternoon “animal socials.”

Youngsters can snuggle, hold, brush and watch goats and lambs play.

It’s suitable for all ages; tickets required for anyone over the age of 1. Click here to select a date, register, and learn more.

=================================================

Westporter Lewis Goldman died Tuesday, at home. He was 93 years old.

He graduated from DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx, and earned degrees from City College of New York and Brooklyn Law School. During the Korean War, he served in the Army.

His family describes Lew as “a sweet, brilliant man, with a wicked sense of humor and a deep passion for learning.

He is survived by his wife Hedda; daughters Melissa of New York City and Amy of Novato, California; son David (Margo) of Santa Monica, California, and grandchildren Morgan Chapman, Andrew Goldman, and Alexa Goldman).

The family wishes thanks Karen Whittington, John Pounds, and others who cared for Lew in recent years.

A private burial took place at Temple Israel Cemetery. To share a condolence message, click here. Memorial contributions may be made to the Southern Poverty Law Center.

==================================================

Cathy Malkin thought this tree at the Winslow Park entrance might make an interesting “Westport … Naturally” feature.

She’s right!

(Photo/Cathy Malkin)

==================================================

And finally … though Crispin Cioe’s next gig involves a movie he co-produced (story above), we can’t forget his music.

Here are a few selections, from our Westport neighbor:

 

Roundup: Railroad Parking, Clarendon Art, Woman’s Club Show …

Prices for the Saugatuck and Greens Farms parking lots will increase on July 1.

The new rates are:

Single permit: $400 plus $25.40 state sales tax = $425.40 yearly

Multi-permit: $500 plus $31.75 state sales tax = $531.75 yearly.

Daily parking: $6. That’s the first daily parking increase since 2011.

For full information on railroad station parking, click here.

Weekdays at the train station are more crowded than this weekday shot. (Photo/Caroly Van Duyn)

==================================================

Clarendon Fine Art has 80 locations in the UK.

Now they’ve got one in the US.

Their 22 Main Street gallery opened in February. Last night, a large crowd welcomed them, at their official launch party.

CEO Helen Swaby loved Westport, from the moment she saw it. She calls our town ‘a flourishing cultural and creative center (which), like Clarendon, has a strong commitment to preserving community, traditions, and quality of life.”

The world’s largest gallery group wants to make art “accessible to all.” They showcase an eclectic portfolio of artists, across a broad range of genres.

The new 2-story building features an international portfolio of originals, collector’s editions, and sculpture from famous names, alongside emerging talents.

Works from artists like Picasso, Miro, Warhol and Hockney; cutting edge pop, street, and contemporary art; more traditional work including landscape, wildlife, still life, figurative and abstract art, is all on view — and sale — at Clarendon.

Clarendon’s 2nd floor. (Photo/Dan Woog)

=================================================

Speaking of art: There are plenty of great works at this weekend’s Westport Woman’s Club 8th annual show.

Yesterday, there was also A-list entertainment.

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame keyboardist Mark Naftalin (Paul Butterfield Blues Band) and Crispin Cioe — who has played sax with James Brown, the Rolling Stones, Solomon Burke, Darlene Love, Tom Waits, Ray Charles, Robert Palmer, Bronski Beat, the Ohio Players, Usher and others — offered music to admire art by. Both are Westporters.

The show ends today: 2 to 5 p.m., 44 Imperial Avenue.

Mark Naftalin and Crispin Cioe, at the Westport Woman’s Club.  (Photo/Miggs Burroughs)

==================================================

In an age when every youngster seems to be on a device — and/or traveling up and down the East Coast playing youth sports — it’s nice to see that these kids had good old-fashioned fun yesterday, decorating a driveway on Gorham Avenue.

Elle and Axel Enslin, their mom Kara, and Charlotte Peters, hard at work.

================================================

Lovely lilacs are today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured flower. Thank you, Dana Kuyper!

(Photo/Dana Kuyper)

==================================================

And finally … it’s great having Mark Naftalin as our neighbor (see story above). He is very generous with his time, and talent.

He’s sure had a legendary career. Here’s one small sample, from 1965:

(Get your mojo working — and support “06880.” Just click here — and thank you!)

Westport Rocks The Music World

Westport may not be the center of the musical universe.

But last night, it sure came close.

Darlene Love’s first live performance in 2 years thrilled a sold-out Levitt Pavilion crowd.

The Levitt Pavilion was packed, on a beautiful evening. (Photo/JC Martin)

The singer — who turns 80 this month — gave one of the most memorable performances in the outdoor venue’s 47-year history.

Mixing her Phil Spector hits with gospel and more recent Stevie Van Zandt songs, she owned the stage with a powerful, wide-ranging voice and engaging banter.

Darlene Love in action. (Photo/JC Martin)

As befitting a former backup singer — if you haven’t seen “20 Feet From Stardom,” why not?! — she gave extended solos to a pair of future stars.

Darlene Love’s backup singers got their own star turns. (Photo/JC Martin)

Darlene Love was clearly delighted to be back on stage. And — because there are always Westport connections beyond the obvious — one of the key members of her rock-the-house band was our neighbor, saxophonist Crispin Cioe.

Saxophonist Crispin Cioe (left) is a huge Darlene Love fan. (Photo/Dan Woog)

He once called Darlene Love his “soul and inspiration.” He’s played with her for over 30 years.

And yes, they both gave a rousing rendition of that Righteous Brothers/Phil Spector song of the same name last night.

A pre-show announcement warned concert-goers that, because of COVID, there would be no dancing in front of the stage. So these fans — all probably born years after Darlene Love sang with the Crystals — danced in their own pod. (Photo/JC Martin)

======================================================

Meanwhile, an hour or so earlier and a couple of miles away, Soundview Drive was the stage for a concert of a different kind.

More than half a dozen Broadway stars sang from the front lawn of Karen Elizaga and her husband, Jay Ptashek.

Broadway stars on Soundview Drive. (Photo/Lauri Weiser)

Mixing familiar show tunes with humor — it’s not every day that cars and trucks pass between singers and audience — the singers wowed a crowd arranged in beach chairs, across the street on Compo Beach.

6-year old Chloe Silverstein, and a small part of the large crowd on Compo Beach. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Among the performers: Staples High School graduate Mia Gentile (“Kinky Boots”) and Karen and Jay’s own daughter, Sloane Ptashek.

Mia Gentile, a proud Staples Players alum. (Photo/Lauri Weiser)

Admission was free. But anyone could make (and still can!) donations to  Broadway for Arts Education. The non-profit provides arts education to underserved youth in New York, Haiti and India.

Host Karen Elizaga and her husband, Jay Ptashek. (Photo/Lauri Weiser)

Roundup: Darlene Love, Emmy Nominees, Kicking + Screening …

======================================================

Only a few tickets remain for Darlene Love’s sure-to-be-great benefit show tomorrow night (Friday, July 16, 7:30 p.m.)) at the Levitt Pavilion.

She’s a legend. Under Phil Spector, she sang lead on the Crystals’ “He’s a Rebel.” She worked with everyone from Sam Cooke, Dionne Warwick and the Beach Boys to Elvis Presley, Tom Jones and Sonny & Cher. She performed on Broadway (“Hairspray,” “Grease,” and as herself in the first jukebox musical ever, “Leader of the Pack”), then won a Grammy for her featured role in the Oscar-winning “20 Feet From Stardom,” about backup singers.

She’s ranked among Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Singers. And in 2011, she was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

As an added attraction, she’ll be joined by Westport’s own Crispin Cioe. A legend himself — he’s a renowned music director, saxophonist, composer and songwriter who has played and recorded with James Brown, the Rolling Stones, Solomon Burke, Tom Waits, Ray Charles and the Ohio Players — he calls Darlene Love “my soul and inspiration.”

Click here for the few remaining tickets.

Darlene Love (right) and Crispin Cioe (left) will rock the Levitt on Friday.

=======================================================

The 2021 Emmy nominations are in. And at least 3 have Westport ties.

Two nominees are from the very same Staples High School class. Kerri Kenney-Silver is up for Outstanding Actress in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series for her role as Deputy Trudy Wiegel in “Reno 911!”

Here 1988 classmate Eric Beetner was nominated for Outstanding Picture Editing for a Structured Reality or Competition Program. He edited “The Amazing Race.”

Up for an Emmy for Outstanding Music Supervision for “Halston” is Amanda Krieg Thomas. Her father, Peter Krieg, graduated from Staples in 1969.

I am sure there are plenty of other Emmy nominations with Westport connections. Email dwoog@optonline.net, and I’ll give them their due. (Hat tip: Bonnie Erickson)

Emmy Award

=======================================================

Kicking + Screening may be the world’s biggest celebration of soccer culture.

Since 2009, the gloriously named organization has screened hundreds of soccer-related films, raised thousands of dollars for soccer charities, and organized panels, parties, soccer poetry readings and soccer art shows.

Kicking + Screening has (of course) strong Westport roots. Co-founder Rachel Markus — a former “ruthless striker,” and 20-year film industry veteran — lives here.

(Co-founder Greg Lalas — brother of former national team star Alexi Lalas — has been MLS vice president of content and a contributing writer for Sports Illustrated and The New York Times. He is on the board of Soccer Without Borders.)

COVID brought a halt to in-person movie showings. But Kicking + Screening is ready to start up again.

And their first show is right here in Westport.

The North American premiere of “Men of Hope” is set for the Westport Library on Thursday, July 29 (7 p.m.). The fascinating-way-beyond-soccer documentary follows the Afghanistan national team, as it attempts to qualify for the Asian Cup. Challenges include war, political squabbling, corruption — and some formidable opponents.

Click here for tickets. For more information on Kicking + Screening, click here.

(Can’t make the July 29 Library screening? “Men of Hope” is available to stream from July 30 through August 1, through the link above.)

=======================================================

For a while, Earthplace has struggled to raise money to feed and support its animals. The need is great, for everything from weekly produce for Animal Hall ($50) to a month’s supply of food for the bald eagles, Cerena and Chatty ($250).

Now — in the midst of a fundraising drive — several donors have stepped up. They’ll match all pledges up to $20,000. That would cover the animal program’s cost for a full year. Click here to help.

Cerena, one of Earthplace’s 2 bald eagles, can’t go hungry!

=======================================================

Earthplace does not feed bears. But — as part of their educational mission, particularly during this summer when several Westporters have had close encounters of the ursine kind — the Woodside Lane center is sponsoring a free program about bears.

On Wednesday, July 28 (7 p.m., Earthplace amphitheater), Connecticut master wildlife conservationist Felicia Ortner will provide “bear facts” — and dispel myths and misunderstandings.

This was the scene recently, off Weston, (Photo/Denny Galindo)

=====================================================

Two days ago, our “06880” Roundup featured a photo of a car whose 4 wheels — probably because of the rims — had been stolen, on the top floor of the Wilton Road parking garage.

Today’s shot — eerily similar — is from the eastbound side of the Westport train station.

(Photo/Frank Rosen)

Pretty brazen, in these days of security cameras everywhere.

And boy, those rims must be really cool.

======================================================

A closing reception for the George Billis Gallery “Summer Escape” pop-up exhibit is set for next Wednesday (July 21, 5 to 7 p.m., 166 Main Street).

Artwork includes oceans, beaches, pools, sailboats, waterscapes, and paintings inspired by travel around the US and Europe. Westporter Dale Najarian is a featured artist.

“Compo Beach,” oil on canvas (Dale Najarian)

======================================================

Jeffrey Evans died peacefully in the company of family in Cumming, Georgia on Sunday. He was 64., and lived in Westport for over 35 years.

A graduate of Staples High School, Jeff had a successful career in communication technology sales.

Jeffrey Evans

Jeff was known for his ready smile and constant humor. He was an excellent golfer and dancer. He enjoyed music, and went on many travel adventures with his wife.

He is survived by his wife, Diane Evans; daughters Adriana and Theresa of Connecticut; stepdaughters Brandi Garner and Kristin Baxter of Georgia; sister Valerie Russell of North Carolina, and 8 grandchildren. His family says, “His generous heart and wonderful spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew him.”

A memorial service will take place at Christ Church in Greenwich on Sunday, July 25 (2 p.m.). In lieu of Flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Jeff’s name to your favorite non-profit organization.

=======================================================

The Westport Farmer’s Market is open today (10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Imperial Avenue parking lot).

But a few steps away, at Baron’s South, you can snag some free raspberries. How’s that for “Westport … Naturally”?!

(Photo/Jay Dirnberger)

=======================================================

And finally … speaking of those delicious raspberries (above):

By The Time We Get To Westonstock

“By the time we got to Woodstock we were half a million strong …” Joni Mitchell sang.

Not quite. But a ton of people were at Yasgur’s farm, 49 years ago this month.

There won’t be quite as many at Weston’s Coley Homestead (104 Weston Road) on Saturday, September 15 (2 to 8 p.m.). They won’t get naked, sleep in the mud, and hear Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and Country Joe rock America.

Hey, this is 2018, not 1969. But it will still be very, very cool.

The festival is the finale of the Weston Historical Society’s summer-long retrospective of ’60s music. Exhibits, concerts and forums have explored the impact of rock, psychedelia, folk, Motown, soul and more on our country — and our little slice of Fairfield County.

Like Woodstock though, Westonstock is about more than just music. There’s a ’60s car show, and kids’ activities too. (Those kids are of course the grandchildren of people who were stardust, golden children of God, back in the day.)

But music is key. Westonstock features Old School Revue — the popular local band fronted by 1966 Staples High School graduate Roger Kaufman. The Saugatuck Horns — a 6-piece R&B band — will be decked out in vintage ’60s attire.

Other performers include local favorites (and talented neighbors) Chance Browne, Rob Carlson, Crispin Cioe, Chris Coogan, Tim DeHuff, Charlie Karp, Jeff Southworth and David Weber.

All have long and storied musical pedigrees. They’ve played with the Rolling Stones, Buddy Miles, Jimi Hendrix (though not at Woodstock) and many more.

Roger Kaufman (center, with hat) and his Old School Revue.

The cars, meanwhile, will take you back to the days of listening to great music while cruising (or “watching the submarine races”). Many are on loan from Dragone Classic Motors.

There are also ’60s music trivia contests, and ’60s dance demonstrations.

Jr’s Hot Doggin’ Food Truck and Olive & Julep Craft Cocktails head the list of food and beverage suppliers.

Whether you recall the ’60s, can’t remember them (“if you do, you weren’t there,” Grace Slick or Timothy Leary or Robin Williams supposedly said), or were not yet born, Westonstock is for you.

All you need is a blanket, a lawn chair and some patchouli.

(Click here for tickets and more information. They’re also available the day of the event. Proceeds help renovation projects at Coley Barn and Coley Farmhouse.) 

Westport Rocks! The Greatest Stories Ever Told

If you don’t know Westport’s musical history — concerts at Staples High School by the Doors, Cream, Yardbirds, Rascals, Animals and many more; the Remains, perhaps the greatest band in history never to hit the big time; REO Speedwagon’s 157 Riverside Avenue — you must be living under a rock (ho ho).*

But hey hey, my my. Rock and roll can never die.

So mark next Wednesday, March 21 (7 p.m.) on your calendar. Michael Friedman’s Gallery in Bedford Square is the site for one of Westport’s liveliest musical events ever.  

The owner’s stunning photographs of everyone from Janis Joplin and Mick Jagger to the Band and Johnny Winter (another former Westporter) serves as a backdrop for a Moth-style session about rock ‘n’ roll.

Among the storytellers:

Former Paul Butterfield Blues Band organist, and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member Mark Naftalin.

Mark Naftalin: A keyboardist, recording artist, composer and record producer, he and his fellow Paul Butterfield Blues Band members are in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Crispin Cioe:  A sax player and songwriter, he’s played and recorded with James Brown, the Stones, Solomon Burke, Tom Waits, Ray Charles and the Ohio Players.

Roger Kaufman: A noted local performer with the Old School Revue, Roger worked last year with the Smithsonian Museum to archive, preserve and pay tribute to Steve Cropper, the legendary Stax guitarist who played on classic songs like “Knock on Wood,” “Midnight Hour” and “Dock of the Bay.” Soon, he’ll archive materials with Weston’s own Jose Feliciano.

Rob Fraboni: A producer and audio who worked with Bob Dylan, the Band, Eric Clapton and the Stones — and who as vice president of Island Records oversaw the remastering of the entire Bob Marley catalog. Keith Richards called him “a genius.”

David Bennett Cohen, with Country Joe and the Fish.

David Bennett Cohen: The original keyboardist, and also a guitar player, for Country Joe and the Fish.

Wendy May: She’s spent the last 20 years performing with Charlie Daniels, Kenny Chesney, Mark Chestnut, Willie Nelson, Hank Williams Jr., Marty Haggard and many others.

Dick Wingate: In a long career with labels like Arista, PolyGram, Epic and Columbia Records, he worked closely with Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Costello, Aimee Mann, Peter Tosh and Pink Floy, among others.

Michael Friedman: In addition to photography, he worked as a publicist with the Mamas and the Papas, Bee Gees, Herman’s Hermits and Glen Campbell, and was an artist manager for Dylan, the Band, Janis Joplin, Gordon Lightfoot, Todd Rundgren, Kris Kristofferson and Rita Coolidge.

Rusty Ford: He co-founded Lothar & the Hand People, the psychedelic band that was the first to use a theremin and Moog synthesizer in live performances. He also played bass with the Beach Boys.

Lothar and the Hand People

Also on the bill: Bari Rudin and Caissie St. Onge, comedy writers who have worked with David Letterman, Phil Donohue, “Saturday Night Live,” Rosie O’Donnell and Joan Rivers.

Incredibly, every storyteller is a local resident. This area remains rich in rock history. We don’t have to ship in stars. They’re right here, living as our neighbors and friends.

They’ll each speak for about 8 minutes. Every one though has a lifetime of stories to tell.

* Let’s not forget the Hall & Oates “concert” too.

(Tickets for “Rock & Roll Stories” include food, beer, wine and an auction. It’s part of the Westport Library’s week-long “Flex” series, which features a celebrity lunch with Sam Kass and Jane Green, a conversation with Ruth Reichl, movies, a dance-a-thon, a family day, gala party and much more. Click here for information and tickets.)

Tonight’s Playhouse Bowie Tribute To Be Livestreamed

When Westport’s own Jane Green started planning a David Bowie tribute concert, she envisioned an intimate gathering at the Westport Country Playhouse barn. She hoped to snag a couple of acoustic guitarists who’d play as his dedicated fans stood around singing, lost in a sea of nostalgia and love.

Ch-ch-ch-changes…

Crispin Cioe wails tonight.

Crispin Cioe wails tonight.

The list of performers now include stars who have performed with — among others — the Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, James Brown, Tom Waits, Peter Gabriel, Stevie Nicks, Coldplay, Wyclef Jean, Aretha Franklin, Joe Cocker, Lou Reed, J. Geils, Orleans, Hall & Oates, the Indigo Girls and Carole King.

Headliners include Westporter Crispin Cioe and noted drummer Jerry Marotta.

The wait list has swelled to 150 people. To share all that donated time and talent with everyone, Jane has arranged for the concert to be live-streamed. Wherever in the world you are at 8 p.m. (EST) tonight, click on www.twitter.com/janegreen. The link will go up when the music begins.

“Tonight we celebrate David Bowie — the man, his music, and what he meant to us,” Green says.

“We hope a little bit of his magic may sweep you back to your teenage bedrooms, to a time when we all thought we could be heroes too.”

David Bowie at Westport Playhouse

NOTE: The poster says 7 pm. That’s for drinks. The music (and livestream) begin at 8.

Blues, Views & BBQ Rocks Downtown

The 7th annual Blues, Views & BBQ Festival rocks Westport this weekend. Get ready for a kick-ass lineup of blues, rock, brass and funk music — plus fantastic food, and tons o’ stuff for the kids.

The Spin Doctors and Rick Derringer headline the stage acts. How did they — and many other Big Names — come to town? Westporter Crispin Cioe played a huge role.

Crispin Cioe gets ready to wail.

Crispin Cioe gets ready to wail.

Soon after he and his family moved here 13 years ago, Crispin met Bob Le Rose, The owner of Bobby Q’s and leader in the Downtown Merchants Association, Bob wanted to start a blues festival. Crispin — a longtime musician/ bandleader/ producer/songwriter — knew plenty of bands and agents.

Each year, the pair spends months discussing possible musical acts. They probably eat very well too.

When they hit on the idea of having the Spin Doctors star in Saturday’s show, Bob worried that the festival might stray too far from its blues-based foundation.

Crispin performed and hung out with the band in the 1990s. He knew they were “rootsy/funky/bluesy” — especially live — and that they’d gotten their start at the Wetlands club in Manhattan (a spawning ground for the jam band scene).

Listening to the band’s recent recorded work, they saw movement toward exactly the kind of music featured at Blues, Views & BBQ.

Spin Doctors will headline this year's Blues, Views & BBQ Festival.

Spin Doctors will headline this year’s Blues, Views & BBQ Festival.

Likewise, several years ago Crispin and Bob were searching for a way to feature well-known musicians who grew up here, and still live in the area. “Guitar god” Charlie Karp — a Westport native who played with Jimi Hendrix and Buddy Miles — helped assemble the Westport Heritage Blues Band, a special treat.

This year’s treats include Raw Oyster Cult, a New Orleans supergroup; the high-voltage, horn-drenched street band Big Sam’s Funky Nation; perennial favorite and guitar star Anders Osborne; blues slide guitarist Ms. Rory Block, and the formidable Popa Chubby.

Big Sam's Funky Nation will also perform at the Blues, Views & BBQ Fest. (Photo/Adam McCullough)

Big Sam’s Funky Nation will also perform at the Blues, Views & BBQ Fest. (Photo/Adam McCullough)

Crispin will play tenor sax with his old pal Bill Kirchen, guitarist and principal songwriter for Commander Cody & His Lost Planet Airmen. The friends go back to the University of Michigan, where Commander Cody was formed.

Lately, Crispin has been working with legendary local band Cracked Ice, vocal great Darlene Love and producer Steven Van Zandt. But on Sunday (August 31) he’ll be at Blues, Views & BBQ, playing alto sax with Rick Derringer on the classic instrumental “Frankenstein.”

If you like great music, excellent barbecue and plenty of fun in your own hometown, you’ll be there too.

(For advance tickets and more information on the festival — which takes place at the Levitt Pavilion and the grounds of the Westport Library — click on http://www.bluesviewsbbq.com or call 203-505-8716. Gates open at 11 a.m. Music starts at noon, and goes straight through to 9:30 p.m.)