Tag Archives: Ethan Walmark

Roundup: Y Bear, Beat The Heat, That’s Entertainment! …

Posted on July 17, 2025 | 5 comments

One of the joys of the Westport Weston Family YMCA is the view from inside.

The spectacular scenery includes the Mahackeno Outdoor Center woods and trees.

And occasionally, its bears.

Adam Siegel was startled yesterday to see a young bear amble into view.

(Photo/Adam Siegel)

Looks like the cub was having fun with a ball.

Just like youngsters at Camp Mahackeno — all very safely out of the way — do, all the rest of the time.

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It was hot and hazy yesterday.

And a decent-sized crowd took advantage of a mid-summer hump day to enjoy Sherwood Island State Park.

(Photo/Pam Docters)

Today’s forecast: Clouds early, followed by partial clearing. It will hit 94 degrees — perfect for cooling off at your favorite beach.

And then, at 6 p.m. tonight (Thursday), the “o6880” blog party at Compo. ‘

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Speaking of beating the heat: Lou Mall had a chance to do that yesterday.

And he didn’t even plan on it.

The Representative Town Meeting member was on his way into the Senior Center, when he saw 2 teenager girls offering free lemonade.

From left: Taylor Lunney and Nicole Tooker. (Photo/Lou Mall)

Taylor Linney and Nicole Tooker also invited seniors to  join them in a “When life gives you lemons, play Cornhole!” event there, on July 30 (10:30 a.m.).

“What great young women!” Lou says.

“I had a wonderful conversation about their upcoming senior year in high school, and colleges.

“It was so nice of them to volunteer their time and energy. And who doesn’t love free lemonade on a hot day like today?”

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The Westport Downtown Association sponsors music on Church Lane, every Friday and Saturday from early June through mid-September.

Now there’s music on Wednesdays too. Spotted Horse hires the performer. But they play outside the popular restaurant, so diners at other venues enjoy them too.

Ethan Walmark was last night’s featured act. The very talented 2024 Staples High School graduate — a rising sophomore at the University of Southern California’s prestigious Thornton School of Music — rocked the al fresco roadway with a sampling of some of his 3,000 covers, of popular tunes in a variety of genres.

Of course, Ethan took requests. That’s the way he rocks.

And rolls.

Ethan Walmark, in action. (Photo/Jerry Kuyper)

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Also yesterday: 2 well-attended events, on either side of the Westport Library parking lot.

In the Trefz Forum, the 50th anniversary of “Jaws” was celebrated with a special screening of the iconic thriller — followed by an intriguing talk with nephew Christopher Shaw Myers, author of “Robert Shaw: An Actor’s Life on the Set of Jaws and Beyond,”and film critic Joe Myers.

(Photo/Copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)

Meanwhile, a few yards away, the Levitt Pavilion welcomed the folk trio I’m With Her:

(Photo/Jerry Kuyper) 

As if all that wasn’t enough: Singer Rosanne Cash and her husband, guitarist John Leventhal performed at the Westport Country Playhouse.

(Photo/Susan Garment)

In the words of former 1st Selectman Jim Marpe: “If you can’t find something to do in Westport, you’re just not trying.”

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Speaking of the Westport Country Playhouse: Individual tickets are now on sale for the upcoming season.

Beginning in the fall, and running through next summer, it includes 3 mainstage productions of 3 weeks each, plus 3 limited-run shows.

Click here for details, and ticket information.

Artistic director Mark Shanahan gets ready for another season.

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Sunday is the Big Day for Lloyd Allen.

The Double L Market owner — and musical theater playwright — debuts “Screen Time” at the Westport Library (2 p.m.).

It tells the story of Angie (a bookeworm) who meets Marshall (a coder) building Angela (an AI chatbot).

The humans fall in love. Marshall introduces Angie to his influencer friends. Cautious at first, she acquiesces. With Angela’s guidance, she becomes a viral influencer.

“It’s the biggest artistic risk I’ve ever taken,” Lloyd says. “But it feels right.

“And I can’t think the Library enough. They haven’t just given me a stage — they’ve become partners in the artistic endeavor.”

The show will stream live on the library’s YouTube station, and be archived there. For free tickets and more information. click here.

Screenshot from “Screen Time.”

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1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker says: “It is with deep sadness that I learned of the passing of Fairfield 1st Selectman Bill Gerber.

“He was a kind, engaged and accomplished public servant, having served the Fairfield in a wide range of elected and appointed roles over the past 30 years.

“Personally, I found Bill to not only be a good colleague, but even more importantly, a good human.

“On behalf of the town of Westport, I extend my sincere condolences to his wife,Jessica, his family, friends, and the entire Fairfield community. Please know that you are in our thoughts during this time of profound loss.”


Fairfield 1st Selectman Bill Gerber

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“Nature can heal itself, if we give it a little help.”

That was the message from Bob Mazzone, SoundWaters’ vice president of development, the the Westport Rotary Club on Tuesday.

The Stamford-based non-profit teaches students about the environmental challenges threatening Long Island Sound, through programs like sailing, growing kelp to improve the quantity of oxygen, and harbor maintenance.

Bob Mazzone addresses the Westport Rotary Club at Green’s Farms Church. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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5th through 8th graders interested in history and photography: Check out “History Through a Lens.”

The 3-Saturday workshop (August 23, September 13 and 27, 10-11:30 a.m., Weston History & Culture Center) encourages youngsters to dive into photographs from the archives, uncover the stories they tell, capture their own images, and become storytellers too

No experience is necessary. Bring a camera or smartphone (or one will be provided).

Free for members; $10 for non-members. Click here to register, and for more information. 

Photos from the Westport History & Culture Center archives.

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Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between July 9 and 15.

A 23-year-old West Haven man was charged with larceny, and conspiracy to commit larceny, after an investigation into the October 4 thefts of tires and wheels from Honda of Westport. The loss and associated damage was estimated at $15,530. He posted a $75,000, and was turned over to Stamford Police, who also held a warrant for his arrest.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Driving while texting: 7 citations
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 5
  • Failure to renew registration: 5
  • Failure to obey state traffic commission regulations: 5
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
  • Failure to obey traffic control regulations: 2
  • Criminal trespass: 1
  • Reckless driving: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
  • Failure to insure a motor vehicle: 1
  • Passing in a no-passing zone 1
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 1
  • Following too closely: 1
  • Improper turns: 1
  • Failure to grant right-of-way: 1
  • School zone violation: 1.

Criminal trespassing is a crime.

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Longtime Westporter and civic volunteer Mary Shaughnessy died peacefully in November in Stamford, 2 days after celebrating her 95th birthday.

Raised on a Minnesota farm during the Depression, and one of 10 children, she was Homecoming Queen at Rochester High School.

She put herself through the University of Minnesota by working at the Mayo Clinic. She then taught physical education and health at Minnetonka High School.

Mary was married for 60 years to Tom Shaughnessy. Together, they raised 6 children.

In Westport Mary was active with the Church of Assumption, volunteered with Meals on Wheels, and was the only female coach of Westport’s first co-ed softball league.

Mary is survived by her children and their spouses: Tom of River Forest, Illinois; Mary Kay of Stamford; Elizabeth of Nashville; Peggy of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin; Patrick of Redwood City, California and John of Coral Gables, Florida; 11 grandchildren, and her siblings Margaret Tushaus, Donna Mae Stock and Eugene Tushaus.

A memorial Mass will be held at Assumption Church on August 9 (10 a.m.). In lieu of flowers, donations made be made to the Thomas F. ’46 and Mary A. Shaughnessy Scholarship Endowment Fund at Cretin-Derham Hall, St. Paul, MN.

Mary Shaughnessy 

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Carolyn Doan sends a pair of spectacular “Westport … Naturally” photos.

She reports: “The Fresh Market osprey is getting ready to leave the nest.

“There is one chick this year. It can lift itself high above the nest. and is now assessing the idea of leaving. Proud parent looks on as this unfolds.”

(Photos/Carolyn Doan)

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And finally … see you tonight at our “06880” blog party (story above)!

(Sure, it’s hot. But the AC is cranking at “06880” Central, and we’re pumping out our usual mix of news, events, features, photos and more, without letup. Please click here to support our work. Thanks!)

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Posted in Beach, Downtown, Environment, Library, Obituaries, Police, Westport Country Playhouse, YMCA

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Roundup: Long Lots’ Plans, Astronomical Society’s Anniversary, Ethan Walmark’s Music …

Posted on June 3, 2025 | 8 comments

Yesterday’s “Opinion” piece by Mark and Valerie Seiling Jacobs, about the approval process for a new Long Lots Elementary School, referenced documents that have been filed about the project.

All reports, plans, updates and more are available at the Long Lots School Building Committee’s page on the town’s website.

Meanwhile, tonight’s Long Lots School Building Committee meeting has been canceled.

Also canceled: The June 11 Representative Town Meeting Environment Committee session, regarding a possible ordinance banning new artificial turf athletic fields.

That meeting did not specifically involve Long Lots. However, the elementary school may become part of the discussion. The composition of the new field there — artificial turf or grass — has not yet been determined.

One sketch of the proposed Long Lots School, on the LLSBC page.

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The universe is 13.8 billion years old.

The Westport Astronomical Society is younger — by about 13,799,999,950 years.

But its 50th anniversary celebration is still worth shouting about, to the stars.

The June 21 event (12:30 to 7:30 p.m., 182 Bayberry Lane) features:

  • Astrophotography art show, with amazing images by WAS members
  • Silent auction, with “out of this world” (ho ho) items
  • Games and challenges like Space Jeopardy and Black Hole (the WAS twist on cornhole), with prizes
  • Daytime observation of the sun, moon and Venus through solar telescopes
  • Limited edition 50th anniversary WAS swang
  • Ribbon-cutting for the new observatories
  • Live ham radio demonstrations with K1WAS, the on-site amateur radio station
  • Door prizes
  • Food, friends and community connections.

But wait! There’s more.

Speakers include:

  • Clare Burhenne (Ph.D. candidate at Rutgers): Star formation in the local universe
  • Phil Harrington (WAS founder): 50 Years of WAS
  • Shannon Calvert (WAS p)resident: Unveiling a bold new theory of gravity — a world premiere.

The public is (of course) invited.

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The weather has not quite turned summer-y yet.

But the Westport Library is ready, with the return of their Kids’ Summer Reading Program and Adult Summer Reading Challenge.

From now through September 1, youngsters are encouraged to read anything, anytime, anywhere — while earning free books, and a chance to win a prize. “Every minute counts, and every reader wins,” the Library says.

Registration and details are available online.

The 9th annual Adult Summer Reading Challenge runs through August 29.

There are 25 new categories to inspire readers. There are 2 rules

  1. Categories may only be fulfilled once.
  2. Each book can only be used for one category.

Progress can be tracked on the leaderboard — along with a look into what others are reading.

The Library also offers a Reading Challenge Facebook Group to talk about books, share recommendations, and stay motivated.

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When Ethan Walmark was in pre-K, his teacher advised the neurodiverse boy’s parents to take away his music.

“You want him to be in our world, not his,” she said.

Fortunately, they disregarded that advice.

The 2024 Staples High School graduate just finished his freshman year at the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music. He earned a 3.71 GPA, and was inducted into the Honor Society for first-year academic success.

This Thursday (June 5, 5 to 7 p.m.), he’ll bring his prodigious talent to Times Square.

Ethan will star on the Broadway and 46th Street Stage, as part of the ”2025 Neurodivergent Tour.” He’ll sing, and perform 6 songs on keyboards and guitar.

With a band and 2 solo artists besides Ethan, the free, groundbreaking show highlights exceptional artists from around the country.

It’s more than a concert. It’s a statement: The time is now to embrace the diverse talents of all neurodiverse people.

Ethan’s mom, Allison Ziering Walmark, says “For ages, the mantra for parents and caregivers has been, ‘Different, not less than.’ The Neurodiversity Tour will reinforce that to thousands of Times Square tourists, visitors and commuters.”

Ethan Walmark’s bio, from the Neurodiversity Tour.

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Two of downtown’s most interesting people — WEST owner Kitt Shapiro and TAP Strength founder EJ Zebro — join forces tomorrow night (Wednesday, 6 to 7 p.m.).

The event at TAP Strength (180 Post Road East) is called “Effortless Effort: A Conversation on Community, Relationships, and the Power of Belonging.”

The wellness experts and business leaders will share tips for living longer and feeling better.

EJ will wrap up the talk with an “immersive experience”: practical tools to incorporate new habits of movement and mindfulness into daily life.

To RSVP and for more information, email info@tapstrength.com.

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For 8 years, Kaia Levine and her family have worked with Jeanette Romanello, a kindergarten teacher at Bridgeport’s Read Elementary School.

Throughout the year, Kaia — an artistic and committed Staples High School students — creates seasons arts and crafts projects for the kids.

Now she’s doing even more. On June 8 (noon to 4 p.m.), she’ll host a pop-up thrift store in a corner of the Old Mill Beach parking lot.

“The Giving Rack” will include used (and some new) clothes from popular teen brands — all donated by close friends. Every dollar raised will go to the Read School.

Showing some love for Read Elementary School students.

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The Bridge at Saugatuck’s outdoor dining area has opened.

Nestled along the river, the open-air seating and cabanas have drawn enthusiastic crowds.

And the weather isn’t even that great yet.

Between the enormous horseshoe bar, adjacent patio, upstairs indoor and outdoor tables, and now the riverside option, there’s a lot to choose from.

That’s before even opening the menu.

Outdoor dining at The Bridge.

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Speaking of (relatively) new Saugatuck restaurants: Zucca Gastrobar just celebrated their second anniversary. The Charles Street spot has been embraced by the community.

And their outdoor dining is also open for the season.

Zucca, on Charles Street.

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Always popular (and hometown) singer Melissa Newman headlines this week’s Jazz at the Post.

And, as always, it’s on Thursday (June 5), at VFW Post 399. Sets are 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. Dinner starts at 7. Music cover is $20; $15 for veterans and students.

Melissa will be joined by guitarist Tony Lombardozzi, bassist Phil Bowler and drummer Bobby Leonard.

Melissa Newman

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Steve Wheeler — a 1970 Staples High School graduate, who in 1974 became the first Connecticut runner to run a sub-4-minute mile — died suddenly in Oregon last Tuesday. He was 73.

After setting high school and state records that lasted for decades, Wheeler ran for Duke University. That 3:59.4 race took place in Raleigh, in 1974. A full story, including an interview with him, is available here.

Wheeler went on to earn a master’s degree in public administration. He had a long career in city management, including assistant city manaager in El Cajon, California, and cit manager of Hood River, Oregon.

Wheeler continued to run into his 60s. He is survived by his wife Nancy; children Jeff and Emily, and grandson  Tyler, a budding track star.

Steve Wheeler (Duke) sets the pace in a Duke relay race. (Photo/Sir Walter Miler)

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Lauri Weiser sends along today’s stunning “Westport … Naturally” photo, with a simple but heartfelt message: “I love coming home to my beautiful garden.”

Now we all can see why:

(Photo/Lauri Weiser)

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And finally … in honor of the Westport Astronomical Society’s 50th anniversary:

(“06880” is where Westport meets the world. And the universe. Maybe event the multiverse. And you’ve got a chance now to support us. Please click right here. Karma will be mind-blowing.)

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Posted in Library, Local politics, Obituaries, Restaurants

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Ethan Walmark: Westport’s Music Man

Posted on November 24, 2023 | 27 comments

When Ethan Walmark was 18 months old, he was placed on the autism spectrum. He began receiving services, like speech and occupational therapy.

At 3 years old, his Stepping Stones teacher told his parents: “Take away Ethan’s music. When he listens to it, he goes into his own world. You want him to be in our world.”

They were stunned. Allison Ziering Walmark’s father was a professional musician. When she was pregnant with Ethan, she and her husband Michael sang to him every night.

“From the day he was born, even though he was always happy, whenever he heard music, you could almost see a magical transformation,” Allison recalls.

“He became one with the music. At Music Together classes, we got a sense he was trying to figure out the melodies and rhythms.”

She and Michael thought it would be cruel to take away something he loved so much, and showed so much talent for.

They not only ignored the advice — they added the amount of music in his life.

Young Ethan Walmark.

“Music is the universal language,” Allison says. “It brought him immeasurable happiness.”

Ethan began music therapy with the Connecticut School of Music, plus private piano and keyboard lessons.

The next year, Bobbi Burns — another Stepping Stones teacher– excitedly called Allison.

Bobbi said that when she played Little Richard’s “Itsy Bitsy Spiker,” Ethan sang the melody — then chimed in on the harmony too.

“That’s never happened before!” the teacher said. “He’s something special!”

At Kings Highway Elementary School, Ethan learned the upright bass. He performed in musicals, and sang with the chorus.

But that’s just part of Ethan’s story.

When he was 6 years old, a YouTube video of you playing “Piano Man” went viral.

He performed live on the “Today Show.”

He became one of only 14 people worldwide — and the youngest — to receive a “Genius of Autism” award. Then he won it again.

The Huffington Post named him 1 of 20 “Child Prodigies.”

He helped Yoko Ono flip the switch to light the Empire State Building blue for World Autism Awareness Day.

Meeting Ethan before a concert, John Mayer said, “Hey, I know you! You’re the internet sensation!”

Ethan’s performance of “Eminence Front” rocked a Who show.

He appeared on NBC’s “Today Show” and CBS’s “Early Show.” He sang the national anthem in front of 25,000 fans at Red Bull Arena.

As a 12-year-old Coleytown Middle School student, Ethan followed Emerson, Lake and Palmer, Billy Joel and Elton John at the 1st-ever Autism Awareness Gala Fundraiser at the Kennedy Center in Washington. 

He brought down the house. He performed 4 songs, closing with “You are the Sunshine of My Life.” Ethan dedicated it to his sister Eliza, who was in the audience.

When CMS was remote during COVID, he taught himself to play guitar. (He can really shred.)

He joined School of Rock. He formed a band — and great friendships — with other musicians there.

Ethan Walmark, on the keytar.

The Walmarks looked forward to Staples High School, where Ethan could join the outstanding music program.

It did not disappoint. Now, as a senior, Ethan has truly found his niche. He has been embraced by the Music Department staff and students.

He is a member of the Tri-M National Music Honor Society. From freshman year on, he has sung with the elite Orphenians group. He’s a Choralaire, a charter member of the A Cappella Club, and pianist for the Jazz Ensemble.

Ethan Walmark (center) with (from left) Rohan Wadhwani, Curtis Sullivan, Max Ardrey and Ben Herrera. They performed Billy Joel’s “The Longest Time” at last spring’s Staples Pops Concert.

Ethan was selected for the Connecticut Music Educators Association All-State Treble Chorus, and is a 2-time CMEA Western Region Mixed Choir honoree.

He’s won 5 straight School of Rock All-Star competitions, as a keyboardist and vocalist. He plays in 3 bands, all over the tri-state area.

You can see Ethan in one of them — Strictly Business — tomorrow (Saturday). They play from 7 to 11 p.m. at 314 Beer Garden, in South Norwalk.

And in the classroom, Ethan is a consistent Honor Roll student.

Ethan Walmark shreds it.

Ethan has auditioned at several top contemporary music colleges.

“Ethan’s story should inspire — and be a lesson for — any parent with a child, whether neuro-divergent or neuro-typical,” Allison says.

“Advocate for your child. Do what your gut tells you. Advice is nice. But only you know your child.”

(To see a collection of Ethan Walmark’s music videos, click here.) 

(“06880” often highlights outstanding young Westporters. If you enjoy these stories, please support our work. Just click here — and thank you!)

Ethan Walmark, on vocals.

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Posted in Entertainment, Staples HS, Teenagers

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Roundup: Sunday Service, Blau Gardens, $500 …

Posted on August 15, 2021 | Comments Off on Roundup: Sunday Service, Blau Gardens, $500 …

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For years, one of Westport’s best traditions is the Sunday beach service at the Compo Beach cannons.

Four Congregational churches — Greens Farms, Saugatuck, Norfield and Wilton — and the United Methodist Church — rotate as hosts.

This morning, Norfield invited the Pivot Ministries Choir to join in.

More than 20 men from the Bridgeport faith-based residential recovery program for drug and alcohol addictions added their spirit and inspiration, offering renewal and strength amid life’s challenges.

Two Sunday services remain: August 22 and 29 (8:30 a.m.). All are invited. Bring your own chair or towel, or sit on the stone wall, benches and tables. Beach stickers are not required; tell the gate attendant you’re there for worship. You can stay until 10 a.m.

Pivot Ministries at this morning’s Compo Beach Sunday service. (Photo/Gloria Smithson)

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“06880” is not a real estate agency. But from time to time, a property  deserves a shout-out.

This is one.

Designed by theatrical stage set designer Ralph Alswang, it’s set between towering great oaks. The gardens — by advertising executive Barry Blau — were created in response to the house. They incorporate native plants interspersed with a blend of exotics.

A group — Friends of Blau House and Gardens — hopes to retain the property, so it can become a community asset and resource for small non-profit organizations. They’re looking for ideas, interested people and organizations that can benefit and/or help.

If interested, click here or email R@RobertCohenArchitect.com. (Hat tip: Peter Gold)

Blau Gardens

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One of Westport’s top community events — the annual Catch a Lift fundraiser — has just announced a new date and location.

Originally scheduled for September 13, the special ceremony honoring the 20th anniversary of 9/11 — will now be held at Compo Beach on Friday, September 10.

Starting at 5 p.m., there’s 3 hours of food and drink trucks, music, and words from Catch a Lift veterans. The national nonprofit organization helps post-9/11 combat-wounded servicemen and women recover and rehabilitate, physically and mentally, through physical fitness, motivation and support. So that 9/11 Eve date is both appropriate and poignant.

Beach stickers are not needed to attend.

The Compo event will kick off an action-packed weekend. There’s a Saturday workout (September 11, Westport police station, 1 p.m.) and Sunday family bike ride (September 12, Ridgefield).

Click here for details and information, including how to help with auction items, and more. 

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The Westport Downtown Association’s 3rd Shopping Day of the summer yesterday was a great success.

The weather cooled substantially from the previous week. The sun was out. With plenty of music, food and great goods, it was a relaxing way to start the weekend.

Except for everyone driving in Parker Harding Plaza. Each car had to maneuver slowly past this red vehicle. No, that was not a legit parking space.

But hey! What’s the inconvenience of hundreds of other drivers, compared to the right to park as close as possible to the action, right?

(Photo/Susan Garment)

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Martha Stewart no longer lives in Westport. But someone channeled her the other evening at Compo Beach.

I’m guessing the menu was not hot dogs.

(Photo/Karen Como)

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If you found a card with $500 on the ground, what would you do?

Most Westporters (I hope) would try to find the owner. Some would look to see if anyone was watching, and slip it into their pocket.

Few would probably go as far as Gabrielle Perry to return it to whoever lost it.

As reported by News12 Connecticut, the 2016 Staples High School graduate spotted the card in the Maritime Aquarium parking lot last month.

The envelope read “Reverend Dennis … thank you for marrying us.” Inside was a “really sweet, heartfelt note” to the minister. It was signed “Christina and Dave” — no last names.

Gabrielle enlisted a friend’s mother, who is good at Google searches. She found a registry for Christina Ulreich and David Kean. That led to Ulreich on LinkedIn.

The weeding was marred only by the fact that the gift to the reverend was lost the night before, at the rehearsal dinner. She and her new husband were stunned — and thrilled — at Gabrielle’s perseverance.

Congratulations to the new couple — and to Gabrielle, of course. Click here for the full News12 report.

Gabrielle Perry

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Most Levitt Pavilion nights are one-and-done.

But Jesse Terry had an opening act Friday. Clueless — a local band that’s been together for several years — warmed up the crowd with a powerful performance.

The band includes 20-year-old Westport guitarists Jake Greenwald and Zach Rogers, drummer Witt Landau (a rising Staples High School junior), and keyboardist/vocalist Ethan Walmark (a rising Staples sophomore).

Ethan Walmark (Photo/JC Martin)

Witt Landau (Photo/JC Martin)

Looking for entertainment this week?

The Levitt schedule includes:

  • Tonight (Sunday, August 15): Dan Levinson’s Palomar Jazz Band
  • Tuesday, August 17: Treehouse comedy
  • Wednesday, August 18: The Pop-Ups (Children’s Series; special needs celebration)
  • Thursday, August 19: Buffalo Rose (modern folk)
  • Friday, August 20: Lizzie No (singer/harpist/guitarist)
  • Sunday, August 22: Nellie McKay (American songbook)

Click here for (free!) tickets, times and more information.

Around the corner, the Remarkable Theater shows the animated classic “Coco” tomorrow (Monday, August 16, 7:45 p.m.) and “Get Out” on Wednesday (August 18, 9:15 p.m.). Click here for tickets and more information.

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The dog days of August are a great time to fish. This Saugatuck River snowy egret at the right idea — and posed nicely for today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo.

(Photo/JC Martin)

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And finally … on this date in 1939, “The Wizard of Oz” premiered at Grauman’s Chinese Theater in Los Angeles.

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Clueless About The Arts

Posted on June 17, 2018 | 1 comment

At School of Rock, kids who love ’60s and ’70s music find a home. They learn to play it — and perform in public. And they meet other young musicians just like them.

Several years ago, Staples High School juniors Zach Rogers and Jake Greenwald joined with Fairfield high schoolers Mike Chapin, Andrew Wasserman and Francesco Perrouna, plus Coleytown Middle School’s Ethan Walmark, in Clueless.

In a band of standout musicians, Ethan really stands out.

A keyboard prodigy, his “Piano Man” video has nearly 2 million views (and Billy Joel called the intro “better than mine”). Ethan has sung the national anthem in front of 25,000 fans.

He’s also on the autism spectrum.

Zach first befriended Ethan at Fairfield School of Rock.

“He was so amazing to be around,” the guitarist says. “He’s incredibly talented, and a dynamic performer. As I got to know him more, I realized how great it is that he’s found his expression in music.”

Clueless is (from left) Ethan Walmark, Francesco Perrouna, Andrew Wasserman,
Mike Chapin (drums), Zach Rogers and Jake Greenwald.

Zach helps Ethan at Hebrew School. “Watching him grow up is special,” the older boy says.

“He’s taught me to be positive all the time. The way he lives life so fully is inspirational.”

The Clueless rock/funk/fusion band headlined a fundraiser for Autism Speaks. They’ve performed in front of 30,000 people at Jones Beach, and opened for Lez Zeppelin, the 4-woman cover band.

Next up: “Clueless About the Arts.”

The Sunday, June 24 show (7 to 10 p.m., Fairfield Theatre Company) will raise money to provide free music lessons and education workshops for under-served Fairfield County youngsters.

Classic rock lives. And young local musicians are using the power of music to help others.

Clueless clearly has a clue.

(Click here for tickets, and more information on “Clueless About the Arts.”)

 

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Ethan Walmark Rocks The Kennedy Center

Posted on November 13, 2017 | 5 comments

When you are 6 years old, a YouTube video of you playing “Piano Man” goes viral.

You perform live on the “Today Show.” You’re one of only 14 people worldwide — and the youngest — to receive a “Genius of Autism” award. Then you win it again.

The Huffington Post names you 1 of 20 “Child Prodigies.”

You help Yoko Ono flip the switch to light the Empire State Building blue for World Autism Awareness Day.

You’re on NBC’s “Today Show” and CBS’s “Early Show.” You sing the national anthem in front of 25,000 fans at Red Bull Arena.

What do you do for an encore?

If you’re Ethan Walmark, you follow Emerson, Lake and Palmer, Billy Joel and Elton John at the 1st-ever Autism Awareness Gala Fundraiser at the Kennedy Center in Washington.

And you bring down the house.

The 12-year-old Coleytown Middle School student/piano prodigy did that last week. He performed 4 songs, closing with “You are the Sunshine of My Life.” Ethan dedicated it to his sister Eliza, who was in the audience.

So if you’re Ethan Walmark, what will you do next?

“Finish 6th grade,” he says.

Click below for a YouTube video of Ethan’s set:

 

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Ethan Walmark Nails The National Anthem — And Life

Posted on May 2, 2017 | 8 comments

Singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” is tough under any circumstances.

It’s even harder in front of a crowd of 25,000. In a stadium, with background noise, delay from the sound system, and god knows what else as you stand all alone on the field.

It’s particularly difficult when you’re only 11 years old.

But Westport’s own Ethan Walmark aced it on Saturday. He brought a sellout Major League Soccer crowd to its feet at Red Bull Arena in New Jersey, powering through our national anthem like a pro.

Which he is.

Ethan’s band Clueless — formed by fellow School of Rock musicians — has opened 3 times for the all-female cover band Lez Zeppelin.

He’s been a Broadway “School of Rock” finalist. A lead performer in numerous theatrical productions.

In 2012 — when he was only 6 — a video of him playing and singing “Piano Man” went viral. It was viewed nearly 2 million times. Billy Joel himself said, “I like his intro better than mine. Maybe he could teach me a few things.”

Ethan is a hometown hero.

But he’s an international hero too. Every day, he demonstrates how much someone on the autism spectrum can accomplish.

Ethan began playing piano by ear when he was just 15 months old.

However, a preschool educator advised his parents, Michael and Allison, to take away his music. “You want him in your world, not his,” they were told.

Instead, they fostered his talents. They exposed him to as many musical experiences as they could. More than any other therapy, music positively transformed every aspect of Ethan’s existence.

In his young life, Ethan has been a 2-time (and youngest) recipient of the McCarron Foundation’s “Genius of Autism” Award.

He was named Autism Speaks’ 2012-13 “Volunteer of the Year.” On World Autism Awareness Day, he helped Yoko Ono light the Empire State Building.

Ethan Walmark and Yoko Ono. Channeling John Lennon, he told, her, “Imagine a world without autism.”

Ethan thrives in his Westport public school classroom. In the summer, he attends French Woods Festival for the Arts sleepaway camp.

Those are remarkable achievements. But I still don’t think anything can compare to nailing the world’s most difficult national anthem, in a stadium full of people who usually hear it mangled and maimed by professional musicians 5 times his age.

(Click here for a collection of YouTube videos starring Ethan Walmark. Click here for “06880”‘s story on Ethan’s “Piano Man” video. Hat tip: Westport 2nd selectman and Red Bulls season ticket holder Avi Kaner.)

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Autism Speaks — And Ethan Rocks

Posted on March 18, 2014 | 5 comments

Two years ago, “06880” profiled Ethan Walmark. The 6-year-old — on the autism spectrum, as a very high-functioning child — played and sang “Piano Man” in a YouTube video. It went viral (over 1.5 million views), and Ethan was an international star.

A lot has happened since.

Billy Joel called Ethan’s intro “better than mine.” Ethan performed live on the “Today Show.” He was 1 of only 14 people worldwide — and the youngest — to receive a “Genius of Autism” award. (Then he won it again.) The Huffington Post named him 1 of 20 “Child Prodigies.”

He helped Yoko Ono flip the switch to light the Empire State Building blue for World Autism Awareness Day. Ethan looked her in the eye and said, “Imagine a world without autism!”

Meeting Ethan before a concert, John Mayer said, “Hey, I know you! You’re the internet sensation!”

Ethan’s performance of “Eminence Front” brought down the house — at a Who show.

Clearly, Ethan rocks.

He’s got plenty of talent, for sure. And — after his parents enrolled him in Fairfield’s School of Rock — Ethan’s cognition, social abilities and musicality soared.

Now, Ethan — the resident “rock star” of Kings Highway Elementary School –brings his international talents to his home town.

This Saturday (March 22, 6:30 p.m.), 2 bands — Clueless and Pearl — perform at Toquet Hall. All musicians play at the School of Rock. All are from Westport and Fairfield.

Ethan — now 8 — is the youngest participant. By 5 years.

School of Rock logo

The bands play music by Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Allman Brothers, Black Crowes, Santana and more. Many of the songs relate in some way to people on the autism spectrum.

Last November, the School of Rock house band drummer asked Ethan’s mother, Allison Ziering Walmark, if Ethan could join them in the concert.

“School of  Rock fosters an atmosphere of acceptance and respect, regardless of musical ability,” she says. “Ethan truly considers his bandmates his friends, and vice versa. The mere concept of friendship can be so foreign to people on the autism spectrum.”

A few days later, the band sent Allison another email: They wanted the concert to be a benefit for Autism Speaks.

If that doesn’t make your heart sing, nothing will.

Autism Speaks

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