For years, a Westport Christmas Eve highlight has been José Feliciano singing at the Assumption Church service.
The Weston resident, Grammy-winning, multi-platinum international recording star — whose “Feliz Navidad” battles Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” for most beloved holiday tune — is a longtime Assumption parishioner.
Now — on the “eve” of the church’s 150th anniversary next year — he’s helping raise $1.3 million, to preserve and enhance the historic building.
A good chunk of those funds could be raised August 15. That evening, he hosts “Feliciano & Friends,” at the Westport Country Playhouse.
Besides an incomparable concert, the event includes an auction, with an autographed guitar crafted by Cuban luthier Miguel Compañy. It’s been part of Feliciano’s collection since 1969. Bidding starts at $5,000. Click here to participate.
There is also a raffle for an Aruba getaway, and golf at Aspetuck Valley and Silvermine. Click here to purchase raffle tickets.
General admission tickets includes concert seating and access to the raffle, auction and merchandise in the lobby..
VIP admission includes premium concert seating, and a post-show event with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres from Gabriele’s Italian Steakhouse, plus a meet-and-greet with Feliciano and his Friends.
Click here for tickets to “Feliciano & Friends,” and more information.
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Speaking of entertainment: Sway Wild was last ight’s featured artist, at the Levitt Pavilion.
Susan Garment captured the evening — and the entire summer concert series — perfectly:
(Photo/Susan Garment)
Upcoming shows include Hopalong Andrew (Children’s Series; tomorrow, Tuesday, 7 p.m., free); I’m with Her, with Ken Pomeroy (Wednesday, July 16, 7 p.m.; ticketed); Nellie McKay Trio (Thursday, July 17, 7:30 p.m.; free), and Pete Muller & the Kindred Souls (Friday, July 18, 7:30 p.m.; free).
Click here for tickets — including the free shows — and more information.
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Speaking of photography: The Westport Farmers’ Market Young Shoots photo contest is cooking along.
Photgraphers ages 5-18 can take shots every Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Imperial Avenuue parking lot. The deadline is August 8.
Local artists will judge the entries, by age group. There’s a show on August 20 at Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center. Winners receive cash prizes.
Here’s one of the entries. It’s from Parker Toohey, in the 15-18-year-old division.
Parker sets a high standard. Fruits, vegetables, faces, action — let’s see what you’ve got!
Click here for details. The contest is a partnership between the Westport Farmers’ Market, the Artists Collective of Westport, and the Drew Friedman Community Arts Center.
(Photo/Parker Toohey)
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Yesterday’s Roundup included a photo of a mailbox resting on a slab, atop a table, on Gorham Avenue. Click here, then scroll down to see.
We called it “a new of ensuring your mailbox does not get over.”
Wrong.
Mailbox owner Ed Perrault reports it had already been knocked down — by a tree branch.
Here’s the culprit:
(Photo/Ed Perrault)
Ed works quickly. Yesterday, a new mailbox was already in place.
(Photo/John McCarthy)
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Sometimes we take nature for granted.
Nikki Gorman doesn’t.
The popular pediatrician spotted this scene near Longshore. It’s perfect for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.
And a great reminder of the importance of celebrating scenes like this, wherever we find them.
(Photo/Nikki Gorman)
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And finally … in honor of Westport mailboxes, and all they endure (story above):
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