Even without spectacular weather and a stunning venue, last night’s Pops Concert would have been a home run.
But superb talent, off-the-charts energy and the clear love of teenage musicians and their teachers for each other made the event — a beloved tradition, and a gift of the Staples High School music department to the town — a grand slam.
A jam-packed Levitt Pavilion crowd was thrilled by small ensembles, the Symphonic Band & Orchestra, Jazz 1, Choralaires, Sonora, Orphenians and the Stradivarius Chamber Orchestra.
It was hard to tell who enjoyed the evening more: the students, conductors, or the large audience.
As emcee James Naughton said at the end: “What a way to start the summer!”
From left: Levitt Pavilion executive producer Carleigh Welsh, Staples principal Stafford Thomas, orchestra director Jeri Brima, choral director Lauren Pine, townwide arts coordinator Steve Zimmerman.
2-time Tony Award winner James Naughton served as emcee.
Owen Naughton — James’ grandson — on keyboard, with the Jazz 1 group.
Caroline Banks is a senior at Staples High School. She is a soprano in the Staples Choralaires ensemble, and an honors music student.
She is also organizing a fundraiser for KEYS Music — Kids Empowered by Your Support — a nonprofit that has provided free music education to Bridgeport students since 2004. Caroline writes:
“06880” has recognized 433 Unsung Heroes.
i propose Sung Heroes #1: the Westport music teachers.
Westport has a deep bench of musical talent. Beyond the (at least) 9 Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award winners who have lived here, hundreds of Westport students have music in their DNA before it ever appears in their curriculum.
That was not me. Everything I know about music, I learned from Westport Public School music teachers and Dianna Betit, my voice coach.
Caroline Banks (right) and friend Lily Franklin, before this month’s Staples spring concert.
The rhythm of my 13 years of WPS music education will be familiar to many:
Kindergarten–2nd grade: I was shy and intimidated by performing. But music was embedded throughout our school day, so I sang because everyone else did. Each December, we performed at the Long Lots holiday sing-along. My mom still remembers the chorus to “A mi burro.”
3rd grade: Our whole class began the recorder. I enthusiastically practiced at home, which terrified our dog.
4th grade: Signed up for orchestra (violin) and chorus. 7:25 am rehearsals several times per week.
5th–6th grade: Played clarinet. Marched in the Memorial Day parade with Bedford Middle School Band.
7th grade–present: Committed to chorus, and developed my soprano range.
Throughout there were fall, holiday and spring concerts, and 4 Candlelight performances. On June 5, I’ll walk onto the Levitt Pavilion stage to sing with the Choralaires at the Pops concert for the final time before graduation.
Signs honoring all senior music students line the Staples entrance.
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about who helped me along the way. My music teachers showed up with real craft, a lot of patience, and the genuine belief that music belongs to every student — not just the ones who were born into it.
So in the spirit of this blog’s Unsung Heroes, I’d like to give some long-overdue recognition to my “Sung Heroes”:
Former teachers Ann Hadden, Betsy Tucker and Luke Rosenberg;
Current Staples High School choral director Lauren Pine
Dianna Betit, who has been a supportive presence in my life for the past 3 years.
Like us, Bridgeport students can get an excellent music education. They have a chorus, and can join a jazz band or orchestra. They have performed at venues like the Bijou Theatre, and events like the Bridgeport Jazz Fest. Last fall, KEYS orchestra students performed on instruments that survived the Holocaust as part of the “Violins of Hope” program.
Staples (right) and Bridgeport concert programs.
What’s different is not the quality of the program — it’s who pays for it, and how many students can access it at all.
The opportunity gap between Westport and Bridgeport is clear by the numbers:
Westport Public Schools employs 28 music teachers for a district of roughly 5,000 students.
Bridgeport Public Schools serves roughly 20,000 students — 4 times the size — with approximately 45 music teacher positions, not all of which were filled this past year. That works out to around 450 students per music teacher.
Bridgeport students receive 19% less per pupil than other Fairfield County students, and 12% less than the CT state average.
KEYS has spent 22 years filling that gap, serving over 6,800 Bridgeport students since 2004, entirely through private donations and grants.
They receive no funding from Bridgeport Public Schools — even though they operate as a pull-out enrichment program in over 20 schools during the school day. In 2024 they delivered 12,753 hours of music instruction, maintained an average 5-year relationship with each of their high school students, and saw 100% of their seniors graduate.
The 41 professional teaching artists on the KEYS faculty are the peers of my teachers in Westport — skilled, dedicated educators who show up every day with the same belief that music belongs to every child.
This spring, I’m raising funds for KEYS as a tribute to my own music teachers — paying it forward in their honor to support their professional colleagues in Bridgeport.
Next fall I’ll head to Wesleyan, where I hope to keep singing. My voice was built in Westport classrooms and in private lessons with a teacher who believed it was worth developing.
The best way I know to thank all of them is to make sure the teachers 8 miles away — doing the same work, with the same commitment — have what they need to keep doing it.
If a Westport music teacher changed your life, consider naming them in the comments below. Hopefully, they will see it and feel appreciated!
And consider honoring them by donating to KEYS. On the donation page, there is a space to donate in honor of another. If you include their email address, your honoree will receive a note.
(“Students Speak” is a regular “06880” feature. Any student living or studying in Westport or Weston can submit a piece. Email 06880blog@gmail.com. To support this local blog, click here.)
Staples conductors at the 2025 Candlelight concert (from left): Carrie Mascaro (orchestra), Caitlin Serpliss and Kevin Mazzarella (band), Jen Brima (orchestra), Lauren Pine (choral). (Photo/Dan Woog)
The Westport Dog Festival celebrates 10 years on Sunday, May 17.
That’s 70 dog years.
The annual Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce event is once again set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m, at every dog’s favorite spot: Winslow Park..
As always there will be goofy competitions, Police K-9 presentations, an obstacle course, kids’ activities, food trucks and more. Gilbert the Party Pig returns too, for children to pet and feed.
There are prizes for best tail wagger, best dressed, best kisser, best trick, best lap dog over 50 pounds, and dog that most looks like its owner.
There will be adoptables too, and information about non-profits.
Surrounding the main activities are over 60 pet-related vendors, picture taking, caricatures, face painting, games, giveaways and food trucks. WEBE 108 will broadcast live.
This year the entrance fee is cashless: credit card and Apple Pay only ($10 per person, $30 for a family of 2 adults and 2 children).
Proceeds benefit nonprofit organizations. So farm over $50,000 has been donated by the Chamber to deserving groups. Click here for more information.
These guys can’t wait to come to the Dog Festival again. (Photo/Charlie Scott)
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It’s been 86 years since Judy Garland sang “Over the Rainbow.” It — and she — are as beloved as ever.
On June 17 (7 p.m.), the Westport Country Playhouse presents “Get Happy!” –Jenna Pastuszek and Broadway’s Joshua Zecher Ross’ 103rd birthday celebration of the great entertainer.
It’s not an impersonation. It’s a playlist filled with beloved classics and forgotten gems, from “The Wizard of Oz,” “Easter Parade,” Judy Live at Carnegie Hall and much more.
For a song, you can support the Staples High School music program.
The always-spectacular Pops Concert is June 5 (7 p.m, Levitt Pavilion). As always, it’s free — a gift from the Music Department to the town.
But it costs a lot to produce. Which is why local businesses might consider buying an ad in the program book.
Over 400 young musicians are enriched by Staples’ award-winning program. To reach them — and their parents, and everyone else at the Pops — click here to place an ad (or learn more). The deadline is May 22.
Kyle Martino did not learn soccer in the streets of Westport.
But the 1999 Staples High graduate — and Gatorade High School Player of the Year, MLS Rookie of the Year and US men’s national team player, who has gone on to become a broadcaster and soccer entrepreneur — credits pick-up games with athletes of all ages as being a formative part of his development.
So Martino — who recently moved back to Westport — created Street FC. The app hosts street-style pickup games in unexpected spaces, from basketball and tennis courts to rooftops and empty lots, making it easy for anyone to show up and play.
Your first game is free. Just download the Street FC app here. Make an account, select “Bridgeport,” then find a game that works for your schedule and skill level.
See you on the pitch!
Street FC in Stratford.
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The next meeting of the Westport Book Shop’s Short Story Club is May 27 (6 p.m.).
With Mother’s Day approaching, the selections’ theme is appropriate: mothers and children. They are:
Hot on the heels of the Artemis success, the Westport Astronomical Society gets ready for a lecture on “Robotic Planetary Landers.”
Erik Bailey, aerospace engineer and veteran of multiple US Mars landings, will join remotely to survey humanity’s landings on other worlds: the moon, Venus, mars, Titan, Comet 67P, and asteroids Eros, Ryugu and Bennu.
Westport Police made 4 custodial arrests between April 29 and May 5.
A 30-year-old Danbury woman was charged with larceny, conspiracy to commit larceny and risk of injury to a child, following a March shoplifting incident at Ulta Beauty. Total loss due to theft was estimated at $3,157, with some items being put in a stroller. She was held on a $60,000 bond.
Two Waterbury men, ages 20 and 19, were charged with conspiracy to commit larceny of a motor vehicle, after being observed on the Sherwood Island Connecticut. Both posted $7,500 bonds. A 17-year-old juvenile was also involved, and released to a parent.
A 37-year-old Philadelphia man was charge with failure to appear. He was released on a $25,000 bond.
A 32-year-old Brooklyn man was charged with failure to appear, after being incarcerated in New Jersey.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Texting while driving: 29 citations
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 6
School zone violation: 6
Traveling unreasonably fast: 5
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 4
Failure to renew registration: 4
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 3
Distracted driving: 3
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
Failure to obey state traffic commission regulations: 2
Speeding: 1
School zone violation, 2nd offense: 1
Failure to obey stop sign: 1
Improper use of markers: 1
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We’re used to seeing ducks in the Saugatuck River.
In our backyard — not so much.
But these 2 mallards have been hanging out at Tracy Porosoff’s house.
They’re happy as clams ducks. And pleased as punch to pose for today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo.
But — as noted in the item above about Judy Garland’s upcoming Westport Country Playhouse “appearance,” it never gets old.
(Follow the yellow brick road … all the way to here, where you can easily and quickly — make a donation to “06880.” It doesn’t take a brain, heart or courage — just one click. Thank you all!)
It’s official: Carolyn Doan — Westport’s unofficial osprey spotter — says that the Fresh Market osprey is back.
The actual first raptor of the spring was spotted earlier, by Gray’s Creek. An earlier report of the osprey at the tall perch next to Terrain turned out to be a hawk.
Their mates will no doubt join them soon. We’ll see them building nests, fishing for food, and — hopefully — tending their young.
Carolyn Doan usually has a high-powered lens. This was taken with her iPhone. (Photo/Carolyn Doan)
“Your State, Your Business” — the program that brings high-ranking officials to the Westport Library to share their work with business owners and residents — continued Thursday.
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong — the third speaker, in the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce series — opened with “Law School 101,” which set the stage for the civil legal and constitutional law discussions that followed.
Key topics included the role of the AG here, and differences with other states; high profile issues like personal data and privacy, and cases Tong has filed on behalf of the state and its citizens.
Attorney General William Tong, at the Westport Library.
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Congratulations to Ignacy Nieweglowski, Sahil Vora, Rohan Sareen, Ezra Schwartz and Kevin Cano!
On Sunday, the Staples High School students captured first place in the Lockheed Martin CyberQuest Competition.
And they snagged gold for the second year in a row.
In the annual capture-the-flag competition, students take on a wide range of challenges designed by professional cybersecurity engineers. They include multi-step intrusion scenarios, steganography, reverse engineering, operating system exploitation, packet analysis, web vulnerabilities and social engineering.
The event was held at Lockheed Martin’s Sikorsky headquarters in Stratford. Facing teams from across the region, the Stapleites worked collaboratively through 3 hours of intense problem-solving.
Following last year’s win, the students grew Staples’ cybersecurity program, and formed a larger team.
In addition to this year’s first-place finish, the B and C teams also placed in the top 5. The B team included Anit Arvind, Tucker Eklund, Srihan Popuri, Maadhav Subramaniam and Jonah Frey, while the C team was Joey Carpenter, Cora Barrett and Nora Ismael-Bakkali.
Up next: the national semifinals. Go Wreckers!
From left: Ignacy Nieweglowski, Sahil Vora, Rohan Sareen, Ezra Schwartz, Kevin Cano.
Speaking of Staples: Congratulations to the 24 band, orchestra and choir programs who participated in the recent Connecticut Music Educators Association All-State Festival at the Hartford Convention Center.
The 3 days included rehearsals led by guest conductors, culminating in a final performance.
Staples All-State Festival musicians included
Band: Justin Jendrock, Gargi Karve, Dylan Taylor, Christian Green (horn in orchestra)
Choir: Veronica Albee, Josie Caricato, James Donoghue, Beckwith Fipp, Catherine Herbert, Abigail Kim, Josephine Lewertoff, Jasmita Mani Lorenzato, Lyla McEntee, Sophia Macris, Christian Michaels, Denver Razza, Helen Root, Ari Sklar, Samantha Skopp
Orchestra: Kirthana Gowthaman, Isabel Jo, Isabella Mariani, Ayush Rudra, Chloe Wong
Staples’ All-State Festival musicians (missing James Donoghue and Josephine Lewertoff).
“06880” is Westport’s full-service blog, and the Roundup is where you can find nearly every service: upcoming events, achievements, obituaries.
The other day, we helped a Westport firm find a summer intern.
The New England Consulting Group received inquiries from several outstanding applicants. They extended an offer to a Staples graduate.
Now they’ve got another opening. This is for a part-time, experienced administrative assistant. For details, contact Applicants can contact Susan Owen, CFO: seo@necg.net (put “part-time admin at NECG” in the subject line), or call 203-297-9389.
The Westport Library is closed today (Tuesday), due to potentially icy conditions.All programming is canceled for the day.
Also closed: the Westport Senior Center.
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It’s official: March is Sandwich Month in Westport.
1st Selectman Kevin Christie made the proclamation yesterday, at Old Mill Grocery & Deli. He kicked off the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce’s 9th annual contest — this one focused on (duh) sandwiches.
He was joined by 2nd Selectwoman Amy Wistreich, plus Chamber members, attorneys with sponsor Bercham Moses, and representatives of the owner of the OMG property, the Soundview Empowerment Alliance.
The contest runs throughout March. Over 20 restaurants, delis and markets will compete in 10 categories.
Judging is done by residents, online. Each voter is also entered into a drawing to win a free sandwich, from one of the 10 winners.
The 21 competitors are: A & S Fine Foods, Calise’s, Clubhouse, Dunkin, Emmy Squared, Garelick & Herbs, Gold’s, Kabab & Hummus House, Kawa Ni, Lyfe Café, Match Burger Lobster, Nomade, Old Mill Grocery, Organic Market, Outpost Pizza, Pizza Lyfe, Rizzuto’s Lobster Shack, Romanacci, Saugatuck Provisions, Saugatuck Rive Café, The Granola Bar and Zucca Gastrobar.
The 10 categories are: Best Chicken Sandwich, Best Steak Sandwich, Best Vegetarian Sandwich, Best Combo Sandwich, Best Club, Best NY Deli, Best Pressed Sandwich, Best Breakfast Sandwich, Best Wrap Sandwich, and Best Fish/Seafood Sandwich. Each restaurant, deli or market may enter up to 4 categories, but can only win 2 at most.
From now through March 31, everyone is invited to visit the venues, enjoy the offerings, and vote here.
1st Selectman Kevin Christie enjoys a sandwich at Old Mill Grocery & Deli. He looks forward to chowing down at the competition too.
There are plenty of grandparents — with grandchildren — in Westport.
Soon, they’ll have a chance to play together — without screens — thanks to the Y’s Men of Westport & Weston.
The pilot program, called Grand Play Day, brings together grandparents and their grandkids (ages 5-12). Using simple tools (question cards, paper-and-pencil table games and other easy activities), they’ll laugh and share stories.
Grand Play Day is built on “Connections Thru Play,” created by Playocracy founder Lynn Campanella in partnership with the National Institute for Play — where Y’s Man Joe Miller, serves as a volunteer executive.
The Y’s Men pilot is planned for an afternoon on the weekend of April 24–25, coinciding with Global Intergenerational Week. It will be facilitated by Campanella and Miller, include academic input from professors of Childhood Development and Aging, and serve as a potential model for other community groups.
Dhilan Patel is the Westport Book Shop’s guest exhibitor for the month of March. He’s exhibiting archival prints of his paintings and drawings. All work is available for purchase.
One of the youngest featured artists ever at the Jesup Road store, Dhilan is currently a Staples High School senior. he began painting in 1st grade.
He says that art teaches important qualities. “Painting, for example, has taught me the importance of forward planning and patience (literally waiting for layers to dry).
“Also, when people see your work they see the end result, but not the uncertainty and mistakes along the way, which art also teaches you to deal with. My first true art instructor, Mr. Jenya, always emphasized that not every stroke has to be perfect and not every action has to have the desired outcome. He encouraged me to work with what’s there and move forward. In hindsight he was instilling qualities such as humility, trust in the process, and openness to possibility.”
In addition to oil painting, Dhilan has explored calligraphy and sumi-e (traditional Japanese ink painting). His work been selected for a national anthology published by CelebratingArt.com, and he has won awards at the Ridgewood Art Institute’s Young People’s Exhibit.
Speaking of Staples, and the arts: Congratulations to Demeil Betfarhad, Josie Caricato and Lyla McEntee!
The Staples High School students performed last weekend with the American Choral Directors Association Eastern Region Honor Choirs. Selection for the ensembles is one of the highest honors for choral singers in the region, following a rigorous audition process in 11 states.
The 4-day event in Providence featured an intensive schedule of rehearsals and masterclasses, culminating in performances at legendary venues.
Lauren Pine, Staples’ choral director, attended the conference, and supported the young singers throughout the rehearsal and performance process.
From left: Josie Caricato, Lyla McEntee, Demeil Betfarhad.
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Speaking (still) of Staples: Congratulations to the boys soccer team.
The 2025 class “LL” (extra large schools) state champions were named Team of the Year for the entire state, by the Connecticut Soccer Coaches Association.
The award was announced on Sunday, at the All-State banquet at the Aqua Turf Club. Individual honors were also presented to Josh Whitaker (All-New England), Gabe Duque (All-State) and Dylan Shackelford (Most Valuable Player, state final).
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And even more Staples news: The wrestling team placed 3rd overall — out of 121 teams — at this past weekend’s state open meet.
Four grapplers earned medals. sophomore Julian Rousseau placed 2nd, at 215 pounds, while 3 others finished 5th: junior Gavin Donaldson (120), and seniors Seamus Brannigan (126) and Damian Rousseau (190). Congrats to all!
From left: Gavin Donaldson, Seamus Brannigan, Julian Rousseau, Damian Rousseau.
Westport Pride invites all members of the LGBTQ+ community — and all allies — to the second Happy Hour of 2026.
It’s this Thursday (March 5, 6 p.m., The Boathouse at Saugatuck Rowing Club). The restaurant is providing light bites. Everyone there will provide the vibe.
And more: there’s a “Pride Night” cocktail party this Saturday (March 7, 7 p.m.) at the Westport Country Playhouse, before Isaac Mizrahi’s 8 p.m. show.
LGBTQ+ community members and friends with tickets to the performance are invited to the event, in the Lucille Lortel White Barn Center. Appetizers are catered by Nômade, and there is a limited open bar.
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This Thursday at “Jazz at the Post,” an ensemble of master improvisers performs every track from “The Soothsayer,” the visionary Wayne masterpiece.
Greg Wall, David DeJesus, Andy Gravish, Jen Allen, Boots Maleson and Steve Johns bring decades of experience and deep jazz insight to Shorter’s richly textured writing, honoring the album’s lyrical mysticism, harmonic daring, and rhythmic subtlety while infusing it with their own vibrant interplay.
Longtime Westport resident Lester Becker died passed peacefully at home on February 16. He was 96.
The Brooklyn native met his wife Mary at a resort hotel in the Catskills. They were married for nearly 73 years. In 1963 they moved to Westport, where they raised their Ann and Michael. In the early 2000’s they moved to California for 5 years to be near their grandson Ellis, while he was growing up.
After graduating from Columbia University, Lester worked for Dynamic Films in New York. He then formed his own company, Custom Films. A major client was ABC’s “Wide World of Sports.” Focusing on auto racing, he and his team filmed and edited numerous events, including at aytona, Darlington, Indianapolis and the Monaco Grand Prix.
After airing, he often re-edited the footage for companies like Goodyear Tire.
Lester loved to ski, sail, play tennis, take solo motorcycle trips, and travel the world with Mary. Until the very end of his life, he remained intellectually curious. He was an avid reader, stock market enthusiast, lifelong Democrat, and generous man.
He is survived by his daughter Ann Moore of New York City; son Michael (Christine Dunford) of Los Angeles; grandson Ellis Becker of Madison, Wisconsin, and beloved cat Archie. The family expresses nduring gratitude to his kind and wonderful caregiver, Keneilwe.
A celebration of Lester’s and Mary’s lives will be held at a date to be announced. Donations can be made in Lester’s honor to theWestport Library or the Pet Animal Welfare Society (Paws of Norwalk).
Lester Becker
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A waxing moon, perched atop a tall tree, is a perfect look for today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo feature.
And finally … in honor of Grand Play Day (story above):
(Hey grandma! And grandpa! And grandkids — and everyone else in between: If you enjoy these daily Roundups — or anything else on “06880” — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
This being Westport, the middle school drama program is as robust as many high schools’ elsewhere.
And — this being Westport — when Coleytown Company plans a fundraiser, it’s Broadway quality.
Literally.
“Carrying the Banner: A Broadway Concert” — set for February 2 (7 p.m.), in support of the troupe’s March production of “Newsies” — features 4 original cast members from Disney’s “Newsies,” with a live professional band.
And one of the performers is from Westport.
Adam Kaplan — a 2008 Staples High grad, and former Players star — played the lead role of Jack Kelly, and was in the ensemble. He also starred in “A Bronx Tale,” the national tour of “Kinky Boots,” and “Show Boat” with the New York Philharmonic.
Another Westport/Broadway connection: The evening is produced by “John Proctor” and “Hunger Games” producer — and Coleytown Company director — Ben Frimmer.
He’s working with Broadway music director Mat Eisenstein (“Newsies,” “Frozen”), on this show. It features songs from “Newsies,” and other hits.
Proceeds will support costumes, sets, lighting, sound and more for Company’s spring production, along with future needs.
Speaking of the arts: Staples musicians made a record this year.
But it’s not the vinyl kind.
A record 69 students earned acceptance into the Connecticut Music Educators Association Western Region Music Festival.
That’s the highest number of students from any school in the region, encompassing more than 50 public and private high schools in Fairfield County.
Students audition through a rigorous process that includes prepared repertoire, scales and sight reading. Performers are selected for honors band, orchestra, choir and jazz ensembles.
Festival participants spend 2 days in intensive rehearsals with guest conductors. It culminates in a concert this weekend at Wilton High School.
Western Region Music Festival students can audition for the All-State Music Festival.
Speaking still of the arts: Among the Broadway and film stars performing last night in “The Pancake Club” — the first Script-in-Hand-reading of the 2026 series at the Westport Country Playhouse — were Tony Award recipient (and Weston resident) James Naughton, 4-time Academy Award nominee Marsha Mason, and 2-time Tony Award recipient Judith Ivey.
Script in Hand readings take place monthly, on Mondays.
Taking a break from rehearsal yesterday. James Naughton is at far left; next to him in the front row are Marsha Mason and Judith Ivey. Westport Country Playhouse artistic director Mark Shanahan is 7th from left. (Photo/Andrea Quiles)
New York Polyphony — acclaimed by NPR for a “rich, natural sound that’s larger and more complex than the sum of its parts,” and by The New Yorker as “singers of superb musicianship and vocal allure” presents a “Sky of the Heart” concert at Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church (January 24, 5 p.m.).
The vocal chamber ensemble’s innovative programming spans Gregorian chant to contemporary commissions. Their focus on familiar and rare works of the 12-17th centuries brings early music to modern audiences.
Former Westporter Andrew Wilk was the Y’s Women’s guest speaker yesterday.
The 5-time Emmy Award-winning producer/director/musical theater and symphony conductor/writer — best known as the executive producer of “Live From Lincoln Center” — showed excerpts from “Simple Gifts,” one of his award-winning programs.
The next Veterans Benefits Luncheon is Thursday (January 15, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.), VFW Post 399).
It’s open to all veterans as part of an ongoing effort to check in on all veterans’ welfare, and connect them with the benefits and support they earned.
Representatives will answer questions, and provide information on services and assistance available to veterans.
RSVPs are encouraged (but not required). Email vfw399ct@gmail.com, and include the number of attendees, or call (203) 227-6796.
PS: If you’re not a veteran, but know one: Please pass the word!
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Speaking of this Thursday, at the VFW: James Weidman returns, for 2 Jazz at the Post shows (7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7).
Longtime Westport resident and former Westport Public Schools employee Marjorie Santella died last month in Siesta Key, Florida. She was 91.
Marge grew up in Westport, and attended local schools. She then returned as a beloved educator and administrative assistant.
Marge had 3 children with her husband Lou Santella, the well known owner of Saugatuck’s iconic Riverside Barber Shoop.
She proudly embraced his Italian heritage in many ways, from her collection of Pinocchios to memorable trips to Italy. Marge and Lou were active members of the Sons of Italy, and helped organize many Festival Italianos.
In 2003 the couple retired to Siesta Key. Marge was an avid theatergoer, and Rummikub player. Her family says, “She lived Florida life to the fullest, and brought everyone else along for the ride.”
Marge was predeceased by her husband Lou, and sons Michael and Louis, and sisters Nancy Soyak and Carol Less. She is survived by her son Mark; daughters-in-law Joanne, Emily and Rosé; grandchildren LJ, Adriana, Amy, Christopher, William and Alyse; great-grandchildren Liam and Millie Jean, and sister Loretta Hornyak.
A celebration of life will be held this spring, at Assumption Church.
Among Westport’s many holiday traditions, none is more beloved than the Candlelight Concert.
For 85 years — ever since 1941, a few days after Pearl Harbor — the Staples High School music department’s gift to the town has thrilled and inspired audiences.
Musicians — singers, and orchestra and band memories — cherish it as one of the highlights of their school lives. Many return as alumni, to bask in its magic.
Two women — now in their 80s — traveled from Oklahoma for last weekend’s Candlelight. Decades after graduating, in 1961 and ’63, they smiled with joy through the traditional “Sing We Noel” processional, the “Hallelujah Chorus” finale with dozens of alumni joining the stage, and so much in between: the beautiful Jewish tune “Al Shlosha”; the percussive Nigerian song “Ogo ni fun Oluwa”; a haunting rendition of “Stille Nacht”; complex works by Prokofiev, Rutter and Tchaikovsky; creative student ensembles, and more.
It was one of the best Candlelight Concerts ever — a high bar, indeed.
But few members of the appreciative audiences knew what it took to produce this year’s show.
Though they worked since school began, Candlelight preparations never really begin until Staples Players’ fall show ends.
This year’s production — “Les Misérables” — was an especially enormous undertaking. Many of the actors are also singers; all the music teachers played in the pit orchestra.
The final curtain fell just 19 days before the first concert.
Exhilarated but exhausted, they pivoted immediately to Candlelight.
And — because of the way the calendar fell this year — they had one less week than usual to do it.
Meanwhile, Orphenians — one of the concert’s centerpieces — entered their busiest time of the year. They sing at the Town Hall tree lighting, Holiday Stroll, and for organizations all over Westport.
Every adult and young person involved in Candlelight was pulled a thousand different ways, these past few weeks.
But they — along with others who handled sound and lighting, plus tremendous volunteers from the Staples Music Parents Association — pulled together.
I can’t imagine the effort it took. I do know that for all who were fortunate enough to be there, the results were well worth it.
So to townwide arts coordinator Steve Zimmerman; directors Jeri Brima, Carrie Mascaro, Kevin Mazzarella, Lauren Pine, Caitlin Serpliss and Mary Gardner; every young musician, and everyone else who had a hand in the 2025 Candlelight Concert: Bravo!
You are this week’s Unsung Heroes.
Although this week, “unsung” is definitely not the right world to use!
From left: Carrie Mascaro, Caitlin Serpliss, Kevin Mazzarella, Jeri Brima, Lauren Pine. (Photos/Dan Woog)
(“06880” is proud to honor Unsung Heroes — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog.)
A little more brass and percussion in “Sing We Noel.”
Classical works, longtime favorites, plus selections from around the world, played and sung with skill, passion and joy.
Staples High School’s 85th annual Candlelight Concert — the first of 3 weekend shows — thrilled and inspired a full house last night.
As always, it was the Music Department’s gift to the town.
As always, it was the greatest gift of the holiday season.
“06880” photographer Lynn Untermeyer Miller — a former Candlelight Concert performer herself — shares these images, from a night of wonder.
Staples Class of 1961 graduate Lucy Weberling (above) and her sister Janet (SHS ’63) traveled from Oklahoma, just for this year’s Candlelight Concert. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Longtime Candlelight stalwarts: former Staples principal John Dodig, and Jackie-of-all-trades Alice Addicks.
Directors (from left) Carrie Mascaro (orchestra), Caitlin Serpliss an Kevin Mazzarella (band), Jeri Brima (orchestra) and Lauren Pine (choral), after the “Hallelujah Chorus.” (Photo/Dan Woog)
(All photos/Lynn Untermeyer Miller unless otherwise noted)
For 48 hours, the Staples High music department scrambled.
Moving the Westport Pops concert — a beloved Levitt Pavilion tradition — into the school’s auditorium, due to the threat of thunderstorms, was a mammoth task.
But they did it. Arranging a new sound system, re-staging the show, feeding the 200 musicians and many more attendees — all went flawlessly, thanks to the staff, many helpers, and the Staples Music Parents Association.
The result was another spectacular performance. Vocal groups large and small; the Symphonic Band and Orchestra; the Jazz Ensemble — all wowed the crowd.
In the end, there were no thunderstorms outside.
But indoors, Staples musicians captured lightning in a bottle.
Sara Stanley and Will McCrea warm up the crowd, with “My Green Light.”
Andrew Maskoff (keyboard) and Seamus Brannigan (drums) entertain before the show.
Ian Green solos on “Song For My Father.”
Cat Betit belts out “Don’t Rain on My Parade.”
As pre-show acts play, and the orchestra takes their seats, the audience settles in …
… and the choral groups get ready.
Tony Award-winning actor Jim Naughton emcees …
… and his grandson, Owen Naughton, plays keyboard.
Kevin Mazzarella leads the Jazz Ensemble.
Multi-talented Andrew Maskoff wows the crowd with “Sway.”
Wreckapellas have fun with “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.”
Coldplay’s “VIva La Vida” gets the string treatment from Kendra Cheng, Luca Caniato and Zach Gillman.
Choralaires perform “When You Wish Upon a Star.”
Eva Slossberg and Mia Zibly join the orchestra for “Skyfall.”
Music teachers who make it all happen: Lauren Pine, Jeri Brima, Carrie Mascaro, Kevin Mazzarella. Not pictured: Caitlin Serpliss, Mary Gardner. (All photos/Dan Woog)
(“06880” covers many outstanding events in Westport schools. If you enjoy our spotlights on a wide variety activities, please click here to support our work. Thank you!
The 9th annual Dog Festival is Sunday, May 18 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Winslow Park). I said it was this Sunday; it’s actually a week later. Learn more here.
I also forgot to include the link to Staples High School student Jonathan Dobin-Smith’s powerful (and successful) plea at the Representative Town Meeting, to restore $25,000 to the Earthplace budget. Here is the speech; if it doesn’t start there, it’s at the 1:18:25 mark.
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Save the date. The always popular Staples Pops Concert is June 6 (7 p.m., Levitt Pavilion).
Free tickets are snapped up quickly. Watch this space for info (coming soon!) on how to snag yours.
Meanwhile, the Staples Music Parents Association invites local businesses to buy ads in the program book.
Contributions cover Pops Concert expenses, and help provide resources all year lon for over 400 students in the music program. For details, email staples.music.parents.assn+ads@gmail.com.
There’s always a full house for the Staples Pops Concert. (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)
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More SHS news: Kids in pre-K through grade 5 are too young to benefit from Staples Tuition Grants.
But they’re old enough to help raise funds, for the organization that since 1943 has helped tens of thousands of SHS graduates attend college.
The 2nd annual Kids Fun Run is Sunday, May 18 (8 to 9:30 a.m., Staples’ Loeffler Field). Registration is $25; visit @STGFUNRUN on Instagram.
The morning includes games, face painting, snacks, and a kids’ run. It’s organized by juniors Will Briggs and Alexis Krenzer.
The Compo concessionaire has opened for another season. Let’s hope for many good beach days ahead.
(Photo copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)
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“Egrets” have come to Canal Green.
That’s the name of Westport’s newest outdoor artwork.
On Wednesday, the 7 1/2-foot stainless steel sculpture by Redding artist Babette Bloch joined 3 other sculptures recently placed in town parks by the Westport Art Advisory Committee, in collaboration with the Parks & Recreation Department.
Bloch is nationally known as a pioneer in laser-cut stainless steel sculpture
A celebration — including a short talk by the artist, a tribute by Westport poet laureate Donna Disch and refreshments — is set for May 31 (4 p.m.). Canal Park is at the interseection of Kings Highway North and Canal Street, just east of the Willows Medical Center.
Longtime Westporter and musician Roger Kaufman’s forays into musical history have entertained and educated audiences for years.
He’s back on May 29 (7:30 p.m., The Warehouse at Fairfield Theatre Company).
“Speaking of Music Presents Road Trip to the 5Ms” includes both a presentation and live music.
Author/bassist/Fairfield University Professor Brian Q. Torff opens, with a talk on “Race and Music of the Deep South.
Then comes a 90-minute show by the Old School Revue All-Stars with the Saugatuck Horns, with kick-ass guest vocalists Audrey Martells, Tiffany T’Zelle, Billy Cliff and Billy Genuario.
They’ll perform a great collection of classic soul and R&B tunes, from the legendary recording studios of Muscle Shoals, Memphis, Miami, Macon and Motown.
The Old School Revue musicians have performed or recorded with the Blues Brothers, Steve Cropper, Bob Dylan, Joe Cocker, Aretha Franklin, Steely Dan, Robert Palmer and the Rolling Stones.
A large, curious crowd turned out yesterday, for an “Alternative Device Fair” at the Westport Library.
The event — sponsored by OK to Delay, the group supporting parents who delay giving their children smartphones — featured vendors selling products with the basic functionality of cellphones, but with fewer distractions.
Among the companies represented: Bark, Gabb, Pinwheel, Troomi, Dumb Wireless and Light and Tin Can.
Alternative Device Fair at Westport Library.
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Also yesterday at the Library: Over 50 people helped Kevin Christie and Amy Wistreich launch their campaign for the Board of Selectmen yesterday.
The crowd included Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, state Senator Ceci Maher, and former state senator Will Haskell.
Kevin Christie and Amy Wistreich (center), with supporters.
One more event yesterday worth (very much) noting: On the company’s “Red Day” of service, agents with Keller Williams Realty’s Westport office filled 900 bags of healthy food, for Filling in the Blanks.
The Norwalk non-profit fights childhood hunger — which provides weekend meals to kids in need — has just opened a pantry at the University of Connecticut-Stamford.
The Y’s Women have a special guest on Monday — and the public is invited.
Fiona Davis — author of 8 historical fiction novels set in iconic New York buildings, like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Library and Dakota — will discuss fascinating stories behind those landmarks, with veteran broadcast journalist Alisyn Camerota.
The event is May 12 (11:30 a.m., Green’s Farms Church). Non-Y’s Women (and men) can register by email: jildam00@yahoo.com
Speaking of authors: Like any writer (and performance artist), Anya Liftig has seen her share of rejection letters.
Like perhaps no other, she has turned them into a book.
The 1995 Staples graduate — and author of “Holler Rat,” a memoir of her unique youth, balancing her lives in privileged Westport and the hollows of Kentucky — just published “Rejection/Ambition: A 25 Year Performance.”
Both a performance document and text work, it is culled from a quarter century’s “copious collection” of rejection letters.
Anya says, “Read from the Ambition side, it is clear-eyed in its determination for artistic recognition. Read from the Rejection side, it is a text about failure, mistakes, and confusion.”
The Green’s Farms Association welcomes a special guest to their annual meeting next Wednesday (May 14, 7 p.m., Green’s Farms Congregational Church).
Outgoing police chief Foti Koskinas will speak. Important topics for the neighborhood group include a police/fire/EMS facility proposed for the Sherwood Island Connector, and traffic.
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Westport native and lifelong resident Loretta Pastore died peacefully on Monday. She was 65.
Like her mother and daughters, she was a Staples graduate. Her family says, “she was known for her kindness, generosity, grace, and unwavering willingness to lend a helping hand.”
Loretta is survived by her sister, Annmarie Pastore Santolini (Tim); daughters Isabella and Gabriella Mikaiel; best friend, ex-husband and father of her children George Mikaiel, and nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held Monday (May 12, 10 a.m., Assumption Church). A celebration of life will follow at 11:30 a.m. at Pastime Club (59 Seaview Avenue, Norwalk).
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to plant a tree in Loretta’s memory at Compo Beach, one of her favorite places. Donate to that fund here.
Loretta Pastore
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Whitmal Cooper sent a photo, with the caption: “Brant geese on the way to the Arctic at Compo”:
(Photo by Norm)
Who knew that’s where they’re headed?
But I do know it makes a very cool “Westport … Naturally” image.
And finally … happy 76th birthday to the one and only Billy Joel!
(And so it goes … one more week of “06880” in the books. Thanks for being part of our online community, every day. If you’d like to support our work, please click here. Thank you!)
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