Gary LeVox Lead Singer for Rascal Flatts Headlines 45th Annual Norwalk Oyster Festival

The Seaport Association is proud to announce that at the 45th Norwalk Oyster Festival Gary LeVox, Lead Singer for the contemporary country music band Rascal Flatts will Headline the 45th annual Norwalk Oyster Festival. This year the festival will take place on Friday, September 8, Saturday, September 9, and Sunday, September 10. On Saturday, September 9th, LeVox will perform countless #1 Rascal Flatts hits and some new music too.

“We are so excited to bring Gary LeVox, a world-class entertainer to the Norwalk Oyster Festival to help us celebrate our 45th annual Festival,” says, Mike Reilly, Chairman of the Norwalk Oyster Festival, and President of the Norwalk Seaport Association. “Mr. Levox’s award-winning songs and legendary voice promise guests a show with all the hits that people love from Rascal Flatts plus some new stuff that they haven’t heard yet, making this performance one they will remember for years,” Reilly continued.

Gary LeVox along with bandmates Jay DeMarcus, and Joe Don Rooney, founded Rascal Flatts in 2000, and they went on to enjoy one of the most successful careers in modern country music. Infusing the genre’s traditional sound with massive pop hooks, rock showmanship, and faithful positivity, they scored 17 No. 1 singles and sold over 23 million albums, while also selling more than 11 million concert tickets and earning 40+ awards-show trophies – making them the most awarded country group of the last decade.

After 20 years as frontman, Gary LeVox is embarking on a solo chapter. His debut single “The Distance” is one of five songs on LeVox’s debut solo collection ONE ON ONE (Big Machine Records), which includes multiple compelling collaborations. LeVox followed the release of ONE ON ONE with “We Got Fight,” a song featured as the coveted end credit in Netflix’s film The Ice Road. LeVox has recently released his first solo country single, “Get Down Like That,” and plans to release more new music this year.

Now in its 45th year, the Norwalk Oyster Festival is the main fundraiser for the maintenance and care of Sheffield Island Lighthouse, a historic site on the National Register. The three-day Norwalk Oyster Festival which takes place on 42 Seaview Ave. in Veterans Park in Norwalk is held every September to celebrate the maritime heritage of Norwalk. The Norwalk Oyster Festival is known for its music, its wide variety of entertainment, family fun, delicious food, children’s rides, and the New England Craft Village. The festival is taking place on Friday, September 8, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday, September 9, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday, September 10, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Rain or Shine. For tickets visit http://www.seaport.org

The Festival volunteer organizers would like to thank all those that sponsor this event, including First County Bank, the Presenting Sponsor that helps to make this fundraising event possible.

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Explore the Wonders of Wood Creek Pond in Norfolk, Connecticut

Wood Creek Pond located in Norfolk Connecticut is a hidden gem that offers year-round recreation. The shoreline of Wood Creek Pond is lined with a mixture of hardwood and evergreen trees that are punctuated with Mountain Laurel, the showy powder-pink blossom that is the State Flower that blooms in May and June. Reaching the pond, the only sounds you will hear come from your surroundings. A turtle basks in the sun on a rock, a chipmunk darts among the thickets near the shoreline, a majestic Great Blue Heron stalks fish in the shallows, and a chorus of birds serenade you, this is nature at its best.

Wood Creek Pond is considered to be a birding hot spot in Connecticut where more than 103 species have been observed including Bald Eagles, Broad-winged Hawks, and Red -Tail Hawks. There are common sightings of Red-winged Blackbirds, American Redstart, Yellow Warblers, Canada Geese, Mallards, Barn Swallows, Black-throated Green Warblers, Cedar Waxwing, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, and Common Merganser, among many others. How amazing is that! The most rewarding thing about birding at Wood Creek Pond is that you never know what might fly by — get your camera ready!

Wood Creek Pond is small enough to explore by paddling in a couple of hours. The water is clean and cold, and so clear that most of the time you can see right down to the bottom and watch as fish frolic – think of it as an all-natural aquarium! Paddling is a good way to get up close to see things that you wouldn’t see otherwise. You may catch a glimpse of a muskrat or beavers “literally” busy constructing their dams. There are vast patches of water lilies and old tree stumps that rise out of the shallow water. Some say, that the shapes of these stumps are so interesting, that they have imagined that it is something that a fairy or water spirit might have built as a castle… and looking around, you really can’t blame them, it’s just beautiful here.

For fishermen, Wood Creek Pond is paradise. Its cold spring water is teaming with Large Mouth Bass, Brown Bullheads, Yellow Perch, Chain Pickerel, and Blue Gills that love to hide under the lily pads. There is some shoreline fly-fishing, but canoeing is the way to explore this pond. Much of it is quite shallow although there is a deep channel between the islands once you clear the boat launch area. For information on fishing licenses including one-day fishing licenses click here If you need to launch a canoe, Wood Creek Pond has a small boat launch on 428 Ashpohtag Road, minutes from Husky Meadows Farm.

Wood Creek Pond offers something special every season. During the spring watch nature renew with ephemeral flowers and the first green leaves of the season. Summer is bountiful and ideal for bird watching, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. Autumn is simply spectacular with the fall colors reflected in the pond’s clear waters. Winter is energetic thinking of the days to come with its textured white and the ice that forms on the pond making it perfect for ice fishing and skating

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Liz Callaway to perform Broadway Rhapsody on July 1 with Sherman Chamber Ensemble in New Milford

The Sherman Chamber Ensemble announces a special event that music lovers won’t want to miss! This unique concert will showcase the cultural richness and diversity of American music, bringing together two of the most beloved genres – the timeless melodies of Broadway tunes and the iconic sounds of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue – in a stunning performance. It will be an unforgettable evening.

BROADWAY RHAPSODY, a night filled with iconic and timeless Broadway hits featuring the incredible Liz Callaway will take place on Saturday, July 1 at 7 pm at the Maguire Auditorium at Canterbury School in New Milford.

The Ensemble’s Executive Director Liba Furhman said, “Get ready for an evening of unbeatable music! Liz is a superstar, and has a unique ability to captivate the audience and make them feel like they are a part of the experience.”

In addition, Furhman said that following the performance, audience members can “go down the hill from Canterbury and enjoy the fireworks in downtown New Milford to top off the night!”

Callaway is an award-winning actress, singer, and recording artist, who has graced Broadway stages in Miss Saigon, Cats, and Baby. She is well-known as the singing voice of Kiara in The Lion King II, Princess Jasmine in the Aladdin sequels, and Anya in the Oscar-nominated film Anastasia.

Callaway has an international following and is in demand, traveling extensively from coast to coast. Her powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence is drawing in crowds and leaving them wanting more.

The concert will showcase George Gershwin’s masterpiece, Rhapsody in Blue from the Jazz Age of the 1920’s – one of the most recognizable and beloved compositions. The Ensemble is excited to give their audience the opportunity to experience noted pianist Ted Rosenthal’s unique take on its timeless magic.

Joining Callaway and Rosenthal are Susan Rotholz (flute), Michael Roth and Jane Chung (violin), Sarah Adams (viola), David Bailen (double bass) and Artistic Director Eliot Bailen (cello). Together, they’ll transport you to the world of Broadway with their renditions of some of the most beloved songs of all time.

General Admission tickets are $45, and include an After Concert Toast. Children ages 15 and under are admitted free.

In addition, premium tiers of seating including Patron and Maestro, start at $125 and $250 respectively and include Reserved Seating and a Pre-Concert Celebration, kicking off at 6 pm.
Tickets may be purchased online at www.SCEmusic.org. General Admission tickets will be available at the door. For information or reservations call 860-355-5930 or email info@SCEmusic.org.

Beethoven’s contributions to classical music are immeasurable, and his legacy is still felt today. The Ensemble will showcase some of his greatest works at a pre-season “All Beethoven” concert on Saturday, June 17, 7:30 pm at the JCC in Sherman. The program includes a Duet with Two Eyeglasses for viola and cello, Serenade for flute, violin and viola, and Trio in C Minor, Op. 9 No. 3. Performers are Susan Rotholz on flute, Doori Na on violin, Sarah Adams on viola, and Eliot Bailen on cello.

On August 11 at St. Andrews Church in Kent, and August 12 at the JCC in Sherman, at 7:30, the Ensemble will present “Lullabies and Dreams.” The program includes Lullaby for String Quartet by George Gershwin, Lyric for Strings, by George Walker, Quintet in A Major, Op. 51 For flute, violin, two violas and cello, by Friedrich Kulau and String Quartet in G minor, Op. 10, by Claude Debussy. Featuring Susan Rotholz (flute), Doori Na (violin), Lis Perry (violin), Richard Wolfe (viola), Eliot Bailen (cello)

The summer season ends with “Gone Fishing” on Friday, September 1, at St Andrew’s Church in Kent and Saturday, September 2, at the Lake Mauweehoo Club, at 7:30 pm. Selected works include Five Pieces for flute, violin and piano by Dmitri Shostakovich, A Fish Will Rise for flute, clarinet and piano by Chris Rogerson, Techno Parade for flute, clarinet and piano by Guillaume Connesson and Trout Quintet in A Major, D-667 by Franz Schubert. Performers are Susan Rotholz (flute), Alan Kay (clarinet), Doori Na (violin), Margaret Kampmeier (piano), Sarah Adams (viola), Eliot Bailen (cello), Peter Weitzner (bass)

Tickets for these concerts are $25 and children ages 15 and under are admitted free. A three-concert subscription is also available. To download the complete season schedule and purchase tickets, visit http://www.SCEmusic.org.

ABOUT THE SHERMAN CHAMBER ENSEMBLE
World Class Music, Close to Home
Founded in 1982 by cellist Eliot Bailen, Artistic Director, and flutist Susan Rotholz, the Sherman Chamber Ensemble offers a year-round schedule of performances for all ages at venues in Connecticut and New York.

Guided by its mission to bring world class musicians to our communities and schools to perform a diverse range of music with an approach that is intimate and inclusive, the SCE has been described by The New York Times as “about as close as it gets to the Platonic ideal of a chamber music concert.”

SCE’s music spans from Baroque to contemporary classics, including a summer chamber music series, educational activities and a year-round slate of musical events showcasing the best of live musical performance, from classical to bluegrass to jazz – plus children’s and family concerts, school residencies and pop/rock coffeehouses.

In addition to concert subscription and ticket sales, support comes from private foundations, local businesses and many generous individual donors as well as the State of Connecticut Department of Community and Economic Development Office of the Arts, from CT Humanities and from the NW CT Arts Council.

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Litchfield Road Race Sunday, June 11

Road Race Weekend is here! Always held the second weekend in June, the 46th Litchfield Hills Road Race begins at 1 p.m. Sunday, with the awards ceremony taking place on the Green at approximately 2:45 p.m.

Road Race Weekend is also jam-packed with lots of other events and activities that will delight non-runners, including Connecticut Open House Day, when several Litchfield attractions/destinations are doing something special.

Pro Tip: As you plan your agenda, pick up a free road race program book at lots of venues in town, including Ace of Litchfield, the Litchfield Post Office, Litchfield Hills Fitness, and the restaurants on the Green. It has details on children’s races, a race map, parking info, and more. Also, be sure to follow @litchfieldhillsroadrace on Instagram and watch the www.lhrr.com website for up-to-date details.

What’s Happening and When

Road Race Weekend festivities kick into high gear on Saturday, and the Connecticut Open House Day events also taking place in town will bring added appeal and energy.
There will be not one but two art shows on the Green, including the Litchfield Makers Market on the north side of the Green from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The annual Grill Days event at Ace of Litchfield takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with grilling demos, food samples, a free grill giveaway, and more.

The Block Party in Litchfield Center, featuring The Tradesmen playing Rock, Blues, Country, and classics, is 7 to 10 p.m. It’s sponsored by the Town of Litchfield CT Parks and Rec department.

Sunday: It’s Race Day

Best Places to Watch the Race:
The start/finish line on West Street next to the Green is a prime spot for spectators. There you can also catch the various children’s races that start at noon and continue through about 1:16 pm. Other prime spots include alongside St. Anthony Cemetery on Whites Woods Road; the stretch has been dubbed “microwave mile” and runners pass by twice. The corner of Constitution & Whites Woods Road adjacent to the cemetery is another great spot and there will even be a band playing there. Gallows Lane, the grueling hill and big test for runners near the end of the course, is also a great spot. (Here’s a list of other bands and their locations.)

Where to Park:

Page 31 of the road race program has a map showing these recommended parking locations: Center School, Community Field, the Congregational Church, Litchfield Fire Department, St. Anthony’s Church, the Town Garage, Litchfield Town Hall, and lot behind Union Savings Bank. There is also parking in the municipal lot behind the West Street shops and restaurants, but given that road will be closed, it works for those who plan to arrive early, by 10:30, and linger after the race, leaving around 3:30 or later.

When to Arrive:

Roads in Litchfield center and elsewhere affected by the route of the race close at 11 a.m., so plan to arrive and park by around 10:45.

After the Race:

Restaurants and shops in Litchfield Center are typically open on race day, and some even have special menus. So come early for coffee and breakfast, and stay after the race to shop, stroll, and dine.

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Wine, Cheese & Art Please @ the Glebe House in Woodbury

It is hard to resist a glass of fine wine in a beautiful garden on a perfect summer evening, but when you add the unique visions of local artists Cynthia M. Gillette and Viktoria Stockmal it becomes an event to delight all of the senses. The Glebe House Museum’s festive new fundraiser “Wine, Cheese & Art Please” in the Gertrude Jekyll Garden on Hollow Road in Woodbury on Saturday, June 3rd (Rain Date: July 8th) from 6:00 to 8:00 pm promises to be a pleasurable event.

Surrounded by bursts of summer flowers and local artists sharing their unique talents, guests can sample delectable chesses from New Curds on the Block and fresh hand-cut seafood from To the Gills. Hors d’oeuvres and wine, including Walker Road Vineyard’s Gertrude’s Garden, will also be served.

Guests will have the opportunity to purchase art pieces from the artists, as well as participate in a silent auction of very special items chosen for this event. The museum will be open for the evening.

Tickets for the garden party are $30 per person and all proceeds will support the Glebe House Museum & Gertrude Jekyll Garden.
For online ticket sales by credit card & more information see the website at www.glebehousemuseum.org . To reserve tickets by check/cash, please call or email the Museum Director at 203-263-2855 / office@glebehousemuseum.org

Set in the picturesque Litchfield Hills in historic Woodbury’s village center, the museum welcomes visitors for a glimpse of Revolutionary War-era Connecticut. The simple but elegant 18th-century farmhouse is furnished as the home of the Reverend John Rutgers Marshall and his family who lived in the “glebe” during the turmoil of the American War for Independence. The Glebe House was restored in 1923 under the direction of Henry Watson Kent, pioneer of early American decorative arts at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. One of the early historic house museums in the country, The Glebe House opened its doors to the public in 1925 and is celebrating its 98th anniversary this season.

In 1926, the famed English horticultural designer and writer, Gertrude Jekyll, was commissioned to plan an “old-fashioned” garden to enhance the newly created museum. Ms. Jekyll had a profound influence on modern garden design and is widely considered the greatest gardener of the 20th century. Although a small garden, when compared with the 400 more elaborate designs she completed in England and on the Continent, the Glebe House garden includes 350 feet of classic English-style mixed border with sweeps of red, yellow, and gold and cool waves of lavender and blue hues. It is the only remaining example of her work in the United States today and is currently in year two of a full restoration.

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Have Fun with Fermentation @ Husky Meadows Farm Stay Weekend

​The natural process of fermentation is a megatrend around the world. It not only delivers novel tastes and textures it is also healthy for you at the same time! If you have always wanted to learn more about this process, book a weekend farm stay from June 2 – June 4 at Husky Meadows Farm located at 30 Doolittle Road in Norfolk, Connecticut.

Snag your own little cottage on the farm for the all inclusive weekend

Located in a setting of great natural beauty on a bucolic 300-acre farm guests will experience two fun-filled days of fermented delights! The weekend begins with Rebecca Ellis, a pastry chef, and baker from the New York and Bay Area that specializes in ancient and heirloom grains and wild fermentation. In this workshop, Ellis will introduce guests to the magic of making sourdough bread. Another class is with Tracy Hayhurst, the Culinary Director of Seed and Spoon at Husky Meadows Farm. She will lead an engaging Lacto-fermentation workshop that will show guests how to make a Korean favorite, Kimchi, and other pickled veggies, and explain why they are good for gut health.

A highlight of the weekend is a behind-the-scenes tour with Colin Coan, the award-winning head brewer at Norbrook Farm Brewery, one of the state’s most popular meeting places. The tour is followed by a lavishly healthy dinner with beer pairings at Husky Meadow’s Seed and Spoon.

A behind the scenes tour with Colin is part of the Farm Stay

Back to their roots and why Husky Meadows Farm exists there is a session perfect for gardeners. Brett Ellis, the Farmer at Husky Meadows, will explain how he uses the process of fermentation to enrich the soil in the farm’s expansive gardens in addition to how he uses compost tea and koji-inoculated compost.

Have hands on fun in the kitchen!

Those who purchase the Fermentation Farm Stay package will enjoy an all-inclusive stay that includes two nights lodging in luxurious rooms, all meals, special signature drinks and beverages (including wine and cocktails), and all workshops, and tours. To book your stay click here.

Unwind @ an authentic New England Farm Stay Weekend

About Husky Meadows Farm
Situated on three hundred bucolic acres in Norfolk, Connecticut, Husky Meadows Farm grows certified organic produce for its kitchen, farm stand, and community-supported agriculture membership. The farm kitchen offers year-round prepared foods. At the height of the growing season from May – October the farm also offers intimate farm stays, cooking classes, community dinners, and special workshops on a variety of farm-to-table and ecological topics.

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