Tag Archives: TEA Talk

Roundup: Mandy Patinkin, Dyslexia Film, Entitled Residents …

Posted on October 27, 2025 | 11 comments

In 2023, Mandy Patinkin sold out the Westport Country Playhouse.

His November 21 show is sure to do the same.

The Tony- and Emmy-winning star (“The Princess Pride,” “Yentl,” “Dick Tracy”) returns to the Westport stage in “Jukebox.” The show features classic musical numbers, hand-picked by Patinkin and presented in his own special style.

Tickets are $175 and $150. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

Mandy Patinkin

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A powerful documentary about dyslexia will be shown tonight (Monday, 6:30 p.m.) at Wakeman Town Farm.

“Left Behind” tells the story of a group of passionate mothers who unite to create the first public dyslexic school in New York City.

After the screening Ilse Werther, a dyslexia learning specialist and parent of a dyslexic child, will lead a discussion on how families can find support. Click here to register, and for more information.

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Everyone who gives blood, leaves feeling good.

This Wednesday (October 29, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., VFW Post 399, 465 Riverside Avenue), you’ll leave with even more: a $10 e-gift card, and a chance at one of 3 $5,000 prizes.

To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-733-2767, or click here, then enter VFWWestport.

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The Compo Beach neighborhood is all in for Halloween decorations.

For good reason: It’s one of the most popular trick-or-treating destinations in town. (Gone, apparently, are the days when kids roamed their own, less dense neighborhoods.)

This was the scene — a treat for passersby — Saturday, on Bradley Street:

(Photo/Carrie Kuhn)

But Mother Nature — or someone — pulled a trick.

The ginormous pumpkin lost its mooring, and skittered down Fairfield Avenue. It almost reached the water.

Neighbors came to the rescue, and helped the Great Pumpkin home.

(Photos/Lana Diggin)

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This video will come as no surprise to anyone who has spent more than 12 seconds in Westport: Drivers run red lights.

But it’s a good reminder to heed the old “Hill Street Blues” warning: “Be careful out there.”

And — as Matt Murray, who sent the video to “06880” notes — it’s also a good reason to have a dash cam. If he had hit the driver cruising blithely through on Post Road East at Compo Road South, the evidence would have been clear.

Click here or below to see:

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Speaking of entitled drivers: There was a party this weekend on a street off Roseville Road.

This guy (or gal) parked on someone else’s lawn — not pulling a few inches on the lawn, but this way:

The non-party host says: “This person drove in between the reflector poles we put up, to deter cars from parking on our lawn (it breaks the sprinkler heads).”

But it beats parking behind another car, probably 20 yards down the road. Because yeah, the weather looks really nasty.

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But hey: It’s not only drivers who don’t give a s— about other people.

This was the scene yesterday at Compo Beach:

Diane Lowman — who spotted the droppings — says, “There was a trash can 10 yards away. And 3 within tossing distance.”

She placed the poop carefully in the closest one. Amazingly, it was not too difficult.

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Yesterday’s 10th annual Westport Arts Advisory Committee’s 10th annual TEA Talk — the acronym stands for “Thinkers, Educators, Artists” — was called “Seeing is Deceiving: A Search for Visual Perspective.”

Pulitzer Prize-winning (and Staples High graduate) Spencer Platt, Westport Police detective (and drone photographer) Rachel Hall, and Norwalk street photographer Butch Quick offered insights into their work.

It took Hall 4 years to get a Compo Beach photo, she said. Then she demonstrated the drone she used.

Famed lenticular photographer Miggs Burroughs delivered the keynote address.

From left: Detective Rachel Hall, Spencer Platt, Butch Quick. (Photo/Susan Garment)

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Through the first 7 days of early voting, 5.41% of eligible Westport voters have cast ballots.

The breakdown:

  • Democrats: 630 of 7,953 eligible voters (7.92%)
  • Republicans: 150 of 3,338 eligible voters (4.49%)
  • Unaffiliated: 245 of 7,581 eligible voters (3.23%)

Early voting continues this week, also at Town Hall:

Monday, October 27              10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tuesday, October 28              8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Wednesday, October 29        10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Thursday, October 30            8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday, October 31                 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, November 1           10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, November 2             10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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Speaking of the election: All 3 candidates for first selectman, and the 2 second selectwoman candidates, recently took rides on Wheels2U.

All also praised the Westport Transit District’s on-demand, door-to-door service to the train stations, Senior Center, Farmers’ Market and Library at Jesup Green.

Each posted a complimentary video on their campaign websites.

Don O’Day calls Wheels2U “a very convenient thing to use. It is designed to really help reduce congestion and traffic in town. It is definitely something you should check out.” Running mate Andrea Moore adds, “It’s super easy to use!”

David Rosenwaks says, “I really hope people start using the service more and more. We can accomplish a lot of things with programs like Wheels2U.“

Kevin Christie notes, “With the stop at the Library there’s so much access to the Levitt, Main Street and more.” Running mate Amy Wistreich points out, “It’s not just for commuters. You can take this to go to Saugatuck for dinner. I love this idea!”

To learn more about Wheels2U, including hours of operation, click here.

Wheels2U

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A super (and super-special) networking event takes place November 6 (United Methodist Church of Westport and Weston, 7 to 9 a.m.).

The Westport chapter of Business Network International is looking for new members, in select categories. There are already 50 members — but only one is allowed per profession.

There are openings for general contractor, commercial builder, architect (renovations/additions), painter, HVAC, roofer/gutters, security system provider, estate planning attorney, family lawyer/divorce mediator, physical therapist, occupational therapist, acupuncturist,personal trainer, commercial real estate, elder care consultant, event/wedding planner, travel/tour operator, and other categories.

Questions? Click here, call 203-314-5091, or email 21belenski@gmail.com. All visitors must pre-register.

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For years, the Fairfield County Story Lab has built a collaborative environment for writers of all backgrounds and experience levels. They provide scholarships, mentorships and workshops to help all writers connect through storytelling, on the page, the stage and beyond.

They are hosting a fundraiser — a women-only dance party to benefit a new non-profit, Stories Connect Fairfield County — on November 14 (6-9 p.m., 85 Mill Plain Road, Fairfield). Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Sandra Wagenfeld died peacefully from cardiac arrest at her Westport home last Monday. She was 85.

The Dallas native graduated from North Texas State University with a degree in English. She was a proud member of Delta Gamma sorority.

After joining American Airlines as a flight attendant Sandra moved to the New York area in the early 1960s, where she met her future husband, lawyer Robert Wagenfeld.

They were devoted supporters of the arts, particularly opera. Sandra worked in management at the Staten Island Council on the Arts, and for the Erick Hawkins Dance Company. She then founded Swing Shift, an administrative employment agency with offices in New York and Greenwich.

After moving to Westport in 1988 Sandra became active in politics, lending her time and fundraising expertise to local and national campaigns. After her husband’s death in 1996, she continued to pursue many philanthropic activities.

She was pre-deceased by her brother, Duron Alvin Dainwood.

There will be a graveside ceremony on November 1 (10:30 a.m., Willowbrook Cemetery).

In lieu of flowers, consider a gift to the Sandra Wagenfeld Fund at the Campaign School at Yale. It will be used for tuition scholarship support, and to sponsor 1-day candidate training programs throughout the US.

Sandra Wagenfeld

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It’s almost November.

But Compo Beach continues to draw crowds.

And there’s much to enjoy there.

Including clouds.

Lou Rolla offers today’s intriguing “Westport … Naturally” image.

(Photo/Lou Rolla)

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And finally … based on the photo above, you probably knew this was coming:

(Another Monday, the start of another week of Roundups. If you learn anything about our town — including an event you would have missed — on this blog, please click here to support us. Thank you!)

11 Comments

Posted in Beach, Local business, Local politics, Obituaries, Transportation, Westport Country Playhouse

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Roundup: TEA Talk, Gun Safety, Bloodroot …

Posted on November 9, 2024 | 3 comments

Matt Davies — the Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial cartoonist (and 1985 Staples High School graduate) — headlines this year’s TEA Talk.

The annual Westport Arts Advisory Committee event is always a thoughtful conversation featuring thinkers, educators and artists.

This year’s TEA Talk — set for the Westport Library on Sunday, November 17 (2 p.m.) — explores “Humor in the Arts: When a Ha-ha is a No-no.”

Davies and his fellow panelists (writer/actor/comedian Olivia Levine, satirical fine artist Norm Siegel, and playwright/screenwriter Frederick Stroppel) will discuss the impact of social media on humor and satire; the challenges of balancing humor with respect and inclusivity; the role of irony and absurdity in contemporary art, and the changing nature of audience expectations and reactions.

WAAC co-chair Nancy Diamond moderates the sure-to-be-insightful event. Click here to register.

Matt Davies’ post-election cartoon. (Copyright Newsday)

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Concerned about gun safety?

Staples High School students Aidan Lapatine and Logan Noorily are.

And they’re doing something about it.

They run the Students Demand Action club. Today (Saturday, November 9, noon to 3 p.m.) they’ll give out free gun locks, at the Post Road East/Main Street corner (near Starbucks, across from Fred).

Questions? Want to learn more about gun locks? Email aidanlapatine@gmail.com.

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Any Artists Collective of Westport show is great (and fun).

The next one will is also practical. Over 100 works — in a wide variety of styles, genres and materials — will be shown.

And sold. They make great holiday gifts. And all are 12″ x 12″, making them easy to ship.

The show runs from Thursday, November 21 through Sunday, November 24 (noon to 4 p.m., Sheffer Barn at Westport Country Playhouse). A reception on Wednesday, November 20 (6 to 8 p.m.) is a great chance to meet the artists, and enjoy wine and hors d’oeuvres.


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For nearly 50 years, quietly — but fiercely — Bloodroot has raised consciousnesses, fought for women’s rights, and served great food on a side street near the water in Bridgeport.

Now, the institution — co-founded by longtime Westporter, 89-year-old Selma Miriam — is getting the film treatment it deserves.

“A Culinary Uprising: The Story of Bloodroot” premieres tomorrow (Sunday, November 10, United Congregational Church, 2200 North Avenue, Bridgeport). The 80-minute documentary will screen twice, at 5 and 7 p.m.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

Selma Miriam, during a quiet moment at Bloodroot.

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Speaking of great food: Yesterday’s Roundup story on Wakeman Town Farms’ “Thanksgiving Pies for Good” — the sale benefiting CTFoodShares — did not include a link to purchase the apple, apple crumb, blueberry, blueberry crumb, cherry, cherry crumb and pumpkin delights. (Or the à la mode ice cream that’s also on sale.)

So: Click here to order. The deadline is noon on November 22.

Thanksgiving can’t come soon enough.

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Tomorrow (Sunday, November 10, 1 p.m., Room 210), the Westport Library hosts an “illuminating” event.

The public is invited to use one of their state-of-the-art 3D printers to create solar-powered lanterns for Open Doors, a homeless shelter in Norwalk.

No experience is needed, to help provide lighting solution for unhoused people, improving their safety and well-being during nighttime hours.

Created and designed by Staples High School sophomore Rohan Sareen and senior Shreyas Gorre, the lanterns use lights, wires, batteries and solar panels for sustainable illumination.

Shreyas Gorre and Rohan Sareen, with their solar-powered lanterns.

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Despite the rise of the internet, Consumer Reports continues to be the gold standard for product reviews.

This past week, the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston brought CR experts Ellen Kunes, Barrie Rosen and Jen Shecter to the Westport Library for an inside look at those reviews.

Click below for a video of the informative and engaging presentation.

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A celebration of the life of Lis Comm — the longtime Staples High School English teacher and town-wide director of language arts, who died in August — will be held this Thursday (November 14, 3 p.m., Westport Woman’s Club).

Her husband and fellow Staples educator, Frank Corbo, invites Lis’ many former colleagues, students and parents to the ceremony.

Lis Comm

In addition, a celebration of the life of Dan Szymczak — the 1996 Staples High School graduate who died last week — is set for Sunday, November 17 (3 to 8 p.m., 1920 Bar & Bistro, 2 Wilton Avenue, Norwalk). The public is invited.

Dan Szymczak

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Callie Jo Meehan died peacefully at her Westport home, after a lengthy illness. She was 58.

Raised in the small town of Hazen, North Dakota, Callie took part in nearly every activity available. She enjoyed sports, music, theater and civics, as well as the family farm tradition of butchering and sausage-making each fall.

At Harvard University she participated in cheerleading and softball, and earned a varsity letter playing volleyball.

Following graduation Callie began a career in banking in Minneapolis and Philadelphia. She retired to focus on her family. They moved to Charlotte and Dallas, before settling in Westport in 2005.

She participated in the Junior League of Philadelphia, Charlotte and Dallas, and bible studies. She attended services at Saugatuck Congregational Church.

Callie is survived by her husband John; their children Grace, Claire and Peter; son-in-law Tate Johnson; parents Harvey and Kathy Huber, and sisters Christie Obenauer and Stephanie Huber.

The Meehan family thanks the many friends and caregivers who supported and assisted Callie and her family during her illness.

Callie Meehan

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Westport Human services offers this calendar:

Open Enrollment and Energy Assistance:

Local Programs and Resources:

Westport Human Services links to programs and services:

Donate to the Homes with Hope or Westport Woman’s Club, or contact Westport Human Services for food resources.

Connecticut has a shortage of foster families. Click here to learn more.

Questions? Contact Westport Human Services 203-341-1050 or humansrv@westportct.gov

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This might be the first time a gingko tree has been featured in “Westport … Naturally.”

You can find this beauty near Rive Bistro.

(Photo/Judith Katz)

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And finally … today is one of the most important days in world history.

On November 9, 1961, the Beatles met Brian Epstein after a performance at The Cavern Club in Liverpool, England. He soon became their manager.

(Today is just another day in our “06880” life. But you can make it special, by clicking here to support Westport’s hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

3 Comments

Posted in Arts, Library, Obituaries, Restaurants, Staples HS

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Roundup: Historic Homes, Terrible Traffic, WWPT Winners …

Posted on November 6, 2023 | 5 comments

100 guests toured 4 unique houses yesterday.

Each was special, in its own way. All were impressive. The result was a very successful first-ever “Historic Homes of 06880” house tour.

Annette Norton’s small 1700s home on North Avenue was a great attraction for the many residents who drive by often, admire her exterior renovation, and wonder what’s inside.

Annette Norton (left) shows guests the original fireplace, with a mantel she found in upstate Connecticut. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Mark Yurkiw and Wendy Van Wie’s barn is a 2-story, wide-open, wood-paneled  delight that includes Mark’s artwork treasures in every corner.

A view of the Cross Highway barn, from the 2nd-floor landing. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Matt Burrows and Amy Gay surprised visitors to their 1742 home, also on Cross Highway. The exterior is a faithful restoration of a well-known, once-dilapidated property, while the interior is very modern, beautifully designed (by the owners), and open.

Matt Burrows (right) shows off the open floor plan he designed for his home. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Julia Gross and Mark Lamensdorf’s property on Old Hill Road delights at every turn, from original wooden beams and a formidable stone basement, to an old outhouse (now shed) in the back that “seats 3.”

The original door and beams in the original kitchen on Old Hill Road. (Photo/Amy Saperstein)

KMS Team at Compass co-sponsored the event. Karen Scott, Laurie Morris, Michael Mombello, Susan Seath and Karen Hagen were superb docents.

“06880” board members Amy Saperstein, Bill Scheffler and John Dodig (and his husband Rodger Lawrence) assisted, with help from Staples’ Service League of Boys.

“06880” often reports on Westporters who restore — rather than tear down — some of our oldest homes. Yesterday, readers went behind the scenes, to experience 4 of the homes they’d only read about before.

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Speaking of restored homes: Here’s another shot of the continuing work being done at 44 Compo Cove, perhaps the most photographed house in Westport.

(Photo/Molly Alger)

The bones of the 1917 home will remain.

But the interior will look very, very different.

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For the second weekend out of three, the feared “traffic-geddon” generated by the I-95 Saugatuck Avenue bridge replacement project was largely avoided.

Traffic flowed smoothly — well, as smoothly as our “new normal” on Friday night, all day Saturday, Sunday morning, and early Sunday afternoon.

Then — for the second Sunday afternoon out of 3 — Westport was suddenly gridlocked.

Just like 2 weeks ago, traffic materialized out of nowhere. And it was everywhere.

Saugatuck — and feeder arteries like Greens Farms Road and Bridge Street — were jammed.

A line of cars and trucks extended from the North Kings Highway/Wilton Road light, all the way past Hudson Malone.

And the stretch from Parker Harding Plaza to the Post Road/Riverside Avenue/Wilton Road cluster**** was as bad as its ever been.

Some drivers waited patiently. Others devised new maneuvers to try to gain an edge, creating (of course) further chaos.

The state Department of Transportation once again completed the “bridge slide” portion of the project ahead of schedule.

The southbound span of I-95 was open around 4:30 p.m. But traffic continued for quite a while on the mean streets of Westport.

“It defies logic,” says Dan Vener, who took this photo of I-95 traffic, while stuck in the ground-level jam:

(Photo/Dan Vener)

Meanwhile, for a fascinating time-lapse version of the “bridge slide” — from 6 p.m. Friday to 9 a.m. Sunday — click below:

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it’s an annual tradition.

But it never gets old.

This weekend, Staples High School’s WWPT-FM broadcasters traveled to Chicago for the John Drury Radio Awards ceremony.

The station earned 16 nominations. They earned 11 honors — all (as anyone who ever listens to 90.3 knows), very well deserved.

Congratulations to:

  • Best Station Advisor: Geno Heiter
  • Broadcaster of the Year winner: Charlie Scott
  • Broadcaster of the year finalists: Elise Eisenberger, Henry Manning & Katherine Spada
  • Best DJ: Charlie Scott
  • 2nd place, News Feature: Maya Brody
  • 2nd place, Newscast: Charlie Scott
  • 2nd place, Radio Drama (@playersinsta )
  • 3rd place Talk Show: Henry Manning & Charlie Scott
  • 3rd place, Sportscast: Elise Eisenberger & Charlie Scott
  • 3rd place, Sports Play by Play: Devon Jarvis & Mason Siskind
  • 3rd place, Specialty Music: Cooper Sadler

Other nominations garnered 4th and 5th places.

WWPT rocks!

And obviously, does much more too.

At the John Drury Awards (from left): WWPT-FM advisor Geno Heiter, Devon Jarvis, Maya Brody, Katherine Spada, Henry Manning, Charlie Scott.

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Jon Gailmor — the beloved Vermont musical icon — returned to his Westport home town yesterday, for a sold-out show at the VFW.

The 1966 Staples graduate was joined by a few talented friends: former classmates Rob Carlson (his singing partner from the 1970s) and Roger Kaufman, plus Suzanne Sheridan, the producer of the popular “First Folk Sunday” series.

It was a trip back to a magical musical time.

And just perfect for these days, too.

From left: Jon Gailmor, Roger Kaufman, Suzanne Sheridan, Rob Carlson. (Photo/Pam Washburn)

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Yesterday was jam-packed.

The Westport Arts Advisory Committee sponsored its annual TEA (Thinkers, Educators, Artists) Talk at the Westport Library.

A crowd of 150 people heard experts — including Emmy- and Grammy Award-winning 1971 Staples grad Brian Keane, town-wide K-12 arts coordinator Steve Zimmerman, and artist/arts consultant Liz Leggett — discuss “What’s Next for the Arts?,” as it faces challenges from artificial intelligence.

Topics included whether or not AI poses an existential risk to the arts; the role of education; the pure joy of making art, and — intriguingly — how we decide what is real, not real, and “authentic.” Does, in fact, “authentic” matter at all?

Panelists used AI tools to create illustration and art, using prompts from attendees. Artists showed traditional techniques.

There was a lot to think about.

And every comment was generated by humans.

Panelists — each under their photo — at yesterday’s TEA Talk.

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Field Trip jerky — the very popular producer of healthy, protein-rich snacks ranging from beef, chicken, turkey and pork to jalapeño, cracked pepper and everything bagel — is headquartered in downtown Westport.

But it reaches all over the country.

Literally.

The other day, Bruce Miller and his wife were in Alaska. On a tour of Denali National Park, guests received a snack box.

Inside was a Field Trip Cracked Pepper Turkey Stick.

“We traveled 4,400 miles from home to enjoy a local treat!” he says.

You don’t have to go to The Last Frontier.

Field Trip is sold at retailers like Stop & Shop and CVS.

And in their only retail outlet, next to their Post Road offices opposite Design Within Reach.

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Artists Collective of Westport member Maj Kalfus’ work is featured at the Weston Senior Center, through the end of December. Her 30 pieces include oil paintings, collage, brush and ink, graphite, digital art and drawings from life.

A reception is set for November 16 (6 to 8 p.m.). Kalfus teaches at the Westport Senior Center. Her portrait of Ella Fitzgerald was featured at the recent Westport Country Playhouse tribute to the jazz singer.

Works by Maj Kalfus

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As we head into mid-fall — with winter not too far away — this is the “Westport … Naturally” scene from Ellen Wentworth’s living room:

(Photo/Ellen Wentworth)

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And finally … in honor of our great “Historic Homes of 06880” tour (story above):

(A lot went on this weekend — and, as always, “06880” previewed, and now reviews, it. If you enjoy our hyper-local coverage, please consider a contribution. Click here — and thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Real estate, Staples HS, Transportation

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Roundup: Parks & Rec’s Gardens & Field; Hunt Club & Pickleball; I-95 & Traffic

Posted on October 31, 2023 | 36 comments

The Westport Community Gardens/Babe Ruth baseball field saga continues.

A week after the Long Lots School Building Committee recommended relocating the gardens to Baron’s South, the Parks & Recreation Commission voted to place the diamond where the garden is now, just south of the elementary school.

Meeting last night at Town Hall, commissioners spoke about field use and scheduling, including possibilities for new fields to allow the gardens to remain.

Community members spoke. Issues raised included possible toxic chemicals at Baron’s South; the importance of fields for youngsters; the importance of the gardens for mental health and the environment, and contrasts between how often the gardens and Long Lots baseball field are used.

Commissioners then read prepared statements, favoring the baseball field over the gardens. They hope to keep as much of the Long Lots Preserve as possible, as a buffer for neighbors.

Other town bodies will now continue to discuss the entire Long Lots project, including the Board of Finance, Board of Education, Conservation Commission and Representative Town Meeting.

The Parks & Recreation Commission voted that a new Babe Ruth baseball field should replace the Westport Community Gardens.

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Yesterday, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker acknowledged recent antisemitic incidents in Westport, like the vandalism of an Israeli flag. She said:

“Hate incidents are on the rise in the US following the deadly terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Specifically, antisemitic incidents have increased by 388% according to a report released by the ADL last week.

“This data is shocking and horrifying. Leaders like me all around the country, in large cities and in small towns, are monitoring these trends and communicating with organizations like the ADL and our local clergy to publicly stand against these incidents in our communities.

“I want the residents and business owners of Westport to know that there is no place for hate — no place for antisemitic behavior — in Westport. Our community strongly rejects hate in all forms. The safety and well-being of each member of our community are my top priority and that of Police Chief Foti Koskinas. If you hear something or see something, please report it.

“We are here for you. We want you to feel safe, and heard. We want you to know that you are a valued member of our community, that you belong here. It is up to all of us to stand together and speak up – clearly and unequivocally – against hate, and specifically antisemitism, and any language or actions that feed or normalize it. Again, when one of us is harmed, we are all harmed.”

A defaced Israeli flag was found near Temple Israel last weekend.

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Fairfield County Hunt Club has withdrawn its Planning & Zoning Commission application to construct to construct 2 pickleball courts, along with a proposed tennis court expansion and parking lot modification.

At a recent meeting, commission members and neighbors questioned the plan, focusing on noise and related issues.

A revised plan may be resubmitted in the future, the Hunt Club says.

This is the second application to be taken off of next Monday’s meeting agenda. Yesterday, the town withdrew its application for a redesign of Parker Harding Plaza.

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It bears repeating: The second “bridge slide” is set for this weekend (Friday, November 3, 8 p.m. to Monday, November 6, 6 a.m.). Traffic throughout town will be heavier than usual.

Then again, it always is.

To keep up to date, bookmark this website.

And check it often.

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Westport Country Playhouse archivist Bruce Miller led the Y’s Women through 93 years of history yesterday.

He described the 1930 beginning, when Broadway producer Lawrence Langner bought a barn and hired a set designer, through Stephen Sondheim’s apprenticeship, and the Joanne Woodward-led renovation 2 decades ago.

Miller took his guests backstage, showing the lighting and sound board; onto the storied stage, then downstairs to see the dressing rooms, green room, and “wall of honor” with head shots of actors who have performed there, including Tyrone Power, Henry Fonda, Ethel Barrymore, Gene Kelly, Olivia de Havilland, and of course Paul Newman.

Y’s Women begin their tour in the Westport Country Playhouse lobby.

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Trombonist Steve Davis and musical partner/pianist David Hazeltine headline this week’s Jazz at the Post.

Davis has appeared on over 100 recordings, while Hazeltine has been on hundreds more.

Also on the bill: Jason Tiemann (drums), Rich Zurkowski (bass) and Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall (saxophone).

The 2 shows are this Thursday (November 2, 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; $15 cover charge). Reservations are strongly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com

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A new panelist has been added to Sunday’s TEA (Thinkers, Educators, Artists) talk at the Westport Library (2 p.m.).

The event — which explores the impact of artificial intelligence on the arts — will now include Luciano Floridi. A professor of philosophy at Yale University, he’s also founding director of the Digital Ethics Center. He writes extensively about the philosophy of information and technology, digital ethics and the ethics of AI.

He joins Brian Keane, the Grammy Award-winning composer/producer (and a 1971 Staples graduate), Westport Public Schools K-12 arts coordinator Steve Zimmerman, and arts consultant Liz Liggett. Click here for more information.

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In case you don’t have kids, and (somehow) forgot: Today is Halloween.

Stock up on candy.

And enjoy this sign, on Terhune Drive:

(Photo/Ed Simek)

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Sure, it’s Halloween (see above).

But flowers still bloom. Lauri Weiser sent this photo of the scene at Lansdowne condos, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature:

(Photo/Lauri Weiser)

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And finally … everyone plays “Monster Mash” today.

But this if my favorite Halloween song:

(No candy for “06880,” thanks. But if you really want to give us something, a tax-deductible contribution would be sweet. Please click here. Thanks. Now we won’t toilet paper your house.)

36 Comments

Posted in Entertainment, Library, Local politics, Politics, Transportation, Westport Country Playhouse

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What’s Next For The Arts? TEA Talkers Tell.

Posted on October 28, 2023 | 2 comments

A week from tomorrow, Westporters have a chance to look back in history.

Or forward, to a very uncertain future.

Sunday, November 5 (2 to 5 p.m.) is the day for our “Historic Homes of 06880” house tour. It features 4 great properties, all from the 1700s: 6 Old Hill Road, 39 Cross Highway, 190 Cross Highway, and 29 North Avenue. Click here for details.

But this story isn’t about that.

November 5 is also the day for Westport’s  annual TEA Talk (2 p.m., Westport Library).

The acronym stands for Thinkers, Educators and Artists. Sponsored by the Westport Arts Advisory Committee, and based on the one-letter-off TED Talks, it’s a chance for artists to discuss and demonstrate the role of technology in a variety of artistic disciplines.

This year, a panel of experts will use live and interactive demonstrations to explore the impact of artificial intelligence on arts education, music and art. The title is: “What’s Next for the Arts?” 

The TEA Talk features a diverse, “A” list of panelists.

Brian Keane in his home studio.

Brian Keane is a 1971 Staples High School graduate, and Emmy- and Grammy-winning composer/musician. He has composed music for hundreds of films and television shows, working with directors like Ken Burns, and produced over 100 albums.

He is leasing thousands of his compositions in a computerized music library to major entertainment companies, utilizing AI for metadata searches.

Steve Zimmerman is the Westport Public Schools K-12 arts coordinator. He faces daily challenges creating curriculum that respects art making, with the abundant available AI resources

Liz Leggett is an artist and arts consultant. She currently advises a tech company experimenting with AI-generated art, design and architecture.

“Robot Painting at an Easel” (Prompt by Eric Griffith; Generated on Midjourney)

“As AI becomes more prevalent in everything we do, there are questions we must answer,” says Shobana Mani, moderator of the panel and WAAC co-chair. “Does AI pose an existential risk to arts makers? And how does AI affect the ‘process’ of making art?”

Panelists will discuss those questions, and many more.

An audience Q-and-Q (and refreshments) will follow the TEA Talk. Admission is free. Click here to register.

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TEA Talk Sunday: Breaking Barriers Through Arts

Posted on October 24, 2019 | 1 comment

Everyone knows about TED Talks.

But here in Westport, we’ve got TEA Talks.

The Westport Arts Advisory Committee and Westport Library’s 8th annual TEA — that’s Thinkers, Educators, Artists — event is set for this Sunday (October 27, 2 p.m., Town Hall).

The topic is timely and relevant: “Breaking Barriers Through the Arts.”

Music, visual arts, performance and poetry artists will share personal stories of breaking boundaries through their work, in 3 20-minute conversations and performances.

There are special appearances by Westport poet laureate Diane Lowman and internationally renowned pianist Frederic Chiu — a local resident — plus an audience Q-and-A, and the presentation of a Horizon Award to a young area artist of note.

Noah Fox

Noah Fox is the winner of that Horizon Award. The 2009 Staples High School graduate — he went by Noah Steinman then — studied photography at Staples, and studio art, art history and queer theory at Oberlin College; earned an MFA from the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts; worked as education manager at the Westport Arts Center, and now serves as coordinator of academic and public programs at the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum.

He’s made a name with a unique project: “transforming” educational books that are “alarmingly misogynistic, homophobic and racist.” Fox paints, draws, sculpts and uses collages to gouge out the books, and “reclaim” them. He “sheds light on the oppressive foundations of American culture, while exposing the ways in which these systems and rhetoric persist today.”

Fox will be joined on the TEA stage by:

  • Illustrator Ann Chernow of Westport, whose works evoke the images of female cinematic figures of the 1930s and ’40s
  • Westport conceptual artist and sculptor Jeanine Esposito, who co-founded Beechwood Arts salon, and now brings innovation to libraries, universities and non-profits
  • Westport director, producer, dramatic coloratura and private voice teacher Wendy Morgan-Hunter
  • Ecuadorean-born violinist, educator and social entrepreneur Angelica Durrell
  • Groundbreaking classical and jazz singer, inspirational teacher, body builder and nutrition specialist Dr. Tiffany Renee Jackson.

The TEA Talk is free, and open to the public. A reception follows immediately afterward. Registration is encouraged; click here.

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TEA Talk Sunday Explores Art, Social Change

Posted on October 27, 2017 | Comments Off on TEA Talk Sunday Explores Art, Social Change

Everyone knows about TED Talks.

But here in Westport, we’ve got TEA Talks.

The Westport Arts Advisory Committee’s annual TEA — that’s Thinkers Educators Artists — event is set for this Sunday (October 29, 2 p.m., Town Hall).

The topic is timely and relevant: Art and Social Change.

Three 20-minute conversations among Westport arts professionals will explore how artists working in theater, art, writing and music can move popular thought, or sway public opinion.

In a nod to today’s fraught times, they’ll ask (and hopefully answer): “Does it take difficult times or momentous events for artists to create work that is a form of political and social currency?”

In the late 1960s, Naiad Einsel’s “Save Cockenoe Now” posters were a local symbol of the intersection of art and social change.

Carole Schweid (actor/director, Play With Your Food) and Michael Barker (managing director, Westport Country Playhouse) will address theater’s historical role addressing social issues.

Miggs Burroughs (artist/graphic designer/no further introduction needed) and Mark Yurkiw (artist/entrerpreneur) will discuss the influence of visual art on social change.

Haris Durrani (Photo/Miggs Burroughs)

And John Dodig (former Staples principal) will chat with 2011 graduate Haris Durrani about the young writer’s fiction novella, “Technologies of the Self,” about the life of a young American Muslim after 9/11.

Durrani will also be presented with the Horizon Award, given annually by the Arts Advisory Committee to a Westport artist under the age of 32 who shows extraordinary accomplishment and potential.

Rounding out the afternoon are professional performances of songs expressing socially conscious messages, from yesterday (Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “South Pacific”) and today (Pasek and Westport’s Justin Paul’s “Dear Evan Hansen.”)

A reception follows the intriguing TEA talks, at the Westport Historical Society across from Town Hall.

 

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