VersoFest continued yesterday — loudly, wide-rangingly, and entertainingly.
In the morning, visionary artist 5iveFingaz led a graffiti workshop. Within an hour, a blank canvas was covered with colorful, explosive art.
(Photo/Dan Woog)
(Photo copyright DinkinEsh Fotographix)
5iveFingaz (Photo copyright DinkinEsh Photographix)
Also yesterday morning, VersoFest attendees attempted to set a world record for the “loudest library.”
They got up to 119 decibels. That’s equivalent to a chain saw, firecrackers — or a rock concert.
Getting ready to get loud! (Photo/Matthew Mandell)
The afternoon continued with a panel discussion on Bruce Springsteen’s breakthrough album — “Born To Run,” celebrating its 50th anniversary — with 4 men who were there at the start.
Dick Wingate and Arlen Schumer hosted The Boss’ manager/producer Mike Appel, Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music executive director Bob Santelli; former Columbia Records executive Michael Pillot, and music culture writer Kenneth Womack.
Dick Wingate (left) with the Bruce Springsteen panel. (Photo courtesy of DinkinEsh Fotographix)
VersoFest concludes today, at 11 a.m. Paul Shaffer — legendary “Saturday Night Live” band member and “David Letterman” music director — chats with SNL Beehive Queen Christine Ohlman. Click here for tickets, and more information.
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The other day, “06880” reported on Sweet P Bakery’s call-up to the Big Leagues.
The local bakery — begun by Westporters Bill and Andrea Pecoriello to provide job training and employment to people with disabilities — now sells its Colossal (and colossally good) cookies at Yankee Stadium (concourses 121 and 211).
Fans are eating them up. Sweet P’s order went from 10 dozen cookies per home stand, to 75 dozen.
National reporter and “06880” contributor Dave Briggs visited Sweet P Bakery the other day. In between bites, he shot a great behind-the-scenes Instagram reel.
Click here or below to meet the very talented bakers, and hear the back story of Westport’s newest baseball stars.
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In addition to VersoFest — and the large “Hands Off” demonstration — downtown Westport was also the site yesterday for retired Police Chief Ron Malone‘s wake and funeral.
The highly respected former chief — and Representative Town Meeting member — died last week. In his honor, police headquarters was draped in bunting.
(Photo/Dan Woog)
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Also yesterday: Dustin Lowman performed at Voices Café.
The 2011 Staples High School graduate — now a Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter, whose career is taking off quickly — entertained a sellout crowd, at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Westport’s monthly coffeehouse.
Next up: a tribute to Peter Paul & Mary (May 10), with Westport’s Suzanne Sheridan, the Kennedys and Mustard’s Retreat. Click here for details.
Dustin Lowman (Photo/David Vita)
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“Taste of Westport” is one of Westport’s most anticipated — and delicious — fundraisers of the year.
CLASP Homes — the sponsor and grateful recipient of proceeds from the 19th annual event (June 5, 6 p.m., The Inn at Longshore) has announced an all-star lineup of restaurants.
Each has a table, with tempting samples. They include:
- Anan
- Artisan
- Bar Bushido
- The Blondinit
- The Boathouse at Saugatuck
- The Bridge
- Bridgewater Chocolate
- Don Memo
- Gabriele’s
- Gruel Britannia
- Grumpy Dumpling
- La Plage
- Little Pub
- Magic 5 Pie
- Mrs. London’s
- Nômade
- Nordic Fish
- Oggi Gelato
- Rive Bistro
- Rizzuto’s
- Romanacci
- Tarantino
- The Whelk
- Zucca Gastrobar
If that doesn’t make you hungry, nothing will.
Tickets go on sale April 14th at TasteofWestport.com.
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Westporters who enjoy Grace Salmon Park — or just drive by on Imperial Avenue — have been intrigued by its new “Tulip Bulb.”
That’s the sculpture by Emily Teall, which she’s loaned to the town.
Next Sunday (April 13, 3 p.m.), the large patinated steel work will be officially dedicated, by the Westport Arts Advisory Committee. The ceremony will include poetry by town poet laureate Donna Disch, remarks from the artist, and music.
Artist Emily Teall, with her work. (Photo/Mary Schwartzman)
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Fire up your Easter Egg hunting nose and toes.
The Westport Uniformed Firefighters Charitable Foundation’s annual free event is April 19 (2 p.m., Long Lots Elementary School).
Bring a basket or bag. And get ready to pose for photos with the Easter Bunny!
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Skunk cabbage — which got its name from the odor given off by bruised leaves — is popping up all around town.
Eve Potts snapped today’s “Westport … Naturally” image outside her home.
You can almost smell it, right?!
(Photo/Eve Potts)
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And finally … on this date in 1947, the first Tony Awards were presented for theatrical achievement.
Musicals represented at the ceremony were “Street Scene,” “Brigadoon” and “Finian’s Rainbow.”
(And the award for best hyper-local blog goes to … “06880.” Meanwhile, best supporting cast goes to … “06880” readers. To earn that honor, please make a donation by clicking here. Thank you!)
