MoCA\CT is much more than an art museum and education center.
There’s a strong music component too. The Newtown Turnpike institutions hosts everything from solo performers to the Heida Hermanns International piano and voice competitions.
Art and music are on display in a big way at their next show. “Art, Jazz + the Blues” opens Thursday (February 26, 6 p.m.).
A collaboration with the Westport Public Art Collections combines forceful visual art with pulsating African American musical traditions.
The centerpiece is legendary Westport artist (and folk musician) Eric von Schmidt’s “Giants of the Blues” series. His monumental portraits of blues and jazz artists — hanging most recently in the Staples High School auditorium lobby — will be shown alongside works by Romare Bearden, Faith Ringgold, Sam Gilliam, Robert Rauschenberg, Jack Whitten and others.
The opening reception features live music by Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and WPKN host Mark Naftalin — the Paul Butterfield Blues Band’s original keyboard player. Click here for reception tickets.
To set the tone, curators Anne Boberski and Ive Covaci have created intriguing playlists inspired by legends like John Lee Hooker, Bessie Smith, Muddy Waters and more. Click to listen, on Spotify (Art, Jazz + the Blues) and YouTube (“Giants of the Blues” and “Art, Jazz + the Blues“).
“Blues Piano Players” — one of the 7 works by Eric von Schmidt that make up “Birth of the Blues.”
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After a national search, the Pequot Library has a new executive director.
The Southport institution found him right next door, in Westport.
Peter Van Heerden takes the helm on February 26. He has spent much of his professional career in the area.
A 16-year resident, he served as executive director of the Westport Arts Center from 2011 to 2015, then filled the same role at Fairfield University’s Quick Center for nearly 10 years. Since 2024, he has been CEO of Activate: Arts 7 Culture.
In his spare time, Van Heerden has been an assistant coach for Staples’ girls water polo and boys swim teams.
He is married to Renee Plato, CEO of Westport-based MD Solar Sciences. Their 2 sons attend Fairfield University; their daughter is at Coleytown Middle School.
Peter Van Heerden, at Pequot Library.
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Speaking of libraries: Eiren Caffall — author of “All the Water in the World,” this year’s WestportREADS selection — gave the keynote address for the annual Westport program yesterday.
She was in conversation with Catherine Shen, host of CT Public’s “Where We Live.”
Eiren Caffall (right) and Catherine Shen. (Photo/Susan Garment)
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During Prohibition, Westport had a thriving speakeasy culture.
On March 13 (7:30 p.m.), it’s back.
The Suzuki Music School hosts a Connecticut Guitar Festival fundraiser — the “Speakeasy Jazz Club” — with guest artists Vinny Raniolo and Adrien Chevalier, plus “charity” gambling (craps, roulette, blackjack, and Texas hold ’em).
Tickets are $45; they include music, food and drink, and “gambling to give” chips. Click here to purchase. (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)
Adrien Chevalier and Vinny Raniolo
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Staples has a thriving German language program.
Dozens of students take German 1, 2 and 3 Honors, 2 and 3A and Advanced Placement, and study through the University of Connecticut Early College Experience.
Twice, Staples teams won the UConn ECE German Quiz Bowl.
What can they do with their language skills?
Staples German teacher Liuba Ulianova reports that on Tuesday, there was a hearing in Hartford about the establishment of an official German Trade Commission in Connecticut.
With 220 German companies in Connecticut — including Deutsche Bank in Greenwich and Boehringer Ingelheim in Ridgefield — and nearly 900 in New England, the initiative could open significant opportunities for our students, particularly for internships and future employment.
Importantly, she notes, students do not need to be fully fluent. Cultural awareness and foundational language skills are highly valued.
Danke schön!
In 2024, Staples students celebrated German Day at the University of Connecticut.
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The snow is (finally) melting.
V-e-r-y slowly.
Before it disappears — say, around Memorial Day — we’ll post shots like this, in our daily “Westport … Naturally” feature.
Livia Fuccella captured this intriguing image at Sherwood Island State Park.
(Photo/Livia Fuccella)
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And finally … in honor of Staples’ world language department (story above), here’s the only German hit song we know:
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