Tag: close to New York

Parmalee, Voyage, Jimmy Kenny & More at the 47th Norwalk Oyster Festival

The Norwalk Seaport Association has just released the headliners for the 47th Annual Norwalk Oyster Festival, taking place Friday, September 5 through Sunday, September 7. Headlining this year’s festival is Parmalee, named the most-played group on Country Radio in both 2022 and 2023. With five #1 singles, multiple platinum records, and over a billion on-demand streams, Parmalee is bringing their Carolina swagger and chart-topping hits to the Optimum Main Stage on Saturday night, September 6.

Parmalee brings their southern swagger to Norwalk Oyster Festival Sept. 5-

Comprised of brothers Matt and Scott Thomas, cousin Barry Knox, and lifelong friend Josh McSwain, Parmalee continues to redefine what country music can be—infusing their sound with a variety of influences that set them apart in the genre. When they hit the Optimum Main Stage, expect nothing less than a toe tapping, hit-packed set featuring fan-favorite anthems like “Close Your Eyes,” “Carolina,” “Already Callin’ You Mine,” “Musta Had a Good Time,” “Girl in Mine,” and their latest release, “Cowgirl,” from the April, 2025 album Fell in Love with a Cowgirl. With a commanding stage presence, Parmalee doesn’t just perform. They have fun onstage while connecting with fans. As Matt Thomas says, “We just hope people can sing along, smile and ride the roller coaster of emotions with us.”

Norwalk Oyster Festival, Chairman Mike Reilly says it best: “This year’s entertainment lineup is the best value around. We’re bringing arena-sized bands to the Oyster Festival—all included with admission to the festival of just $15. “It’s a tradition that we’re proud of,” adds Reilly, “and the last big event of the summer at a beautiful seaside venue.”

“Mohegan Sun Online Casino is proud and excited to be the Presenting Sponsor of the Norwalk Oyster Festival 2025! Our partnership with the festival and the Norwalk Seaport Association continues to be an amazing relationship for our business and our presence in the community. This year, we are looking forward to providing attendees with an incredible experience underneath the Mohegan Sun Online Casino VIP Tent that will bring world-class Mohegan Sun hospitality right to Norwalk resident’s backyards,” said Colin Mulhern, Event Manager, Mohegan Sun Online Casino.

It’s 5 ‘clock somewhere with the Jimmy Kenny Band at the Norwalk Oyster Festival

The music doesn’t stop there! Friday night kicks off with Rock Country Nights, delivering a high-energy hit list from country, rock, and southern legends. And at 8:30 p.m., the crowd will be whisked away to paradise with Jimmy Kenny and the Pirate Beach Band, the ultimate tribute band to Jimmy Buffett, Kenny Chesney, and the Zac Brown Band.

Capping off the weekend on Sunday at 4 p.m., VOYAGE: Celebrating the Music of Journey will take over the Optimum Main Stage. Known for their spot-on recreations of Journey’s iconic sound, VOYAGE delivers a powerhouse performance of classic hits like “Faithfully,” and “Separate Ways.” With pitch-perfect vocals, blistering guitar solos, and all the stadium rock vibes folks love, VOYAGE will have fans singing along to classics like “Don’t Stop Believin’” and “Open Arms.” Their electrifying stage presence and attention to detail make them the world’s premier Journey tribute band.

With Mohegan Sun Online Casino as the Presenting Sponsor and Optimum powering the Main Stage, this year’s Norwalk Oyster Festival is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever—a three-day celebration of music, family entertainment, rides, arts and crafts, food, and unforgettable memories by the sea. *For further information and tickets visit seaport.org and follow us on Instagram and Facebook for updates.

Take a journey with VOYAGE

About the Norwalk Oyster Festival

Now in its 47th year, the Norwalk Oyster Festival is the main fundraiser for the Seaport Association and Sheffield Island Lighthouse. This is a three-day festival celebrating the maritime heritage of Norwalk that is held every September. The Norwalk Oyster Festival is known for music, wide variety of entertainment, family fun, delicious food, children’s rides, and the New England Craft Village.

About Mohegan Sun Online Casino

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Whiting Mills Spooktacular Event October 5 and 6 and Tina’s Baskets and Woven Art

On Saturday, October 5th and Sunday, October 6, ghosts, goblins, witches, and other heroes of horrors will abound in Whiting Mills located at 100 Whiting Street, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thirty Artists’ Studios will be open and brimming with frightful delights, oddities, tantalizing treats, and whimsically spooky creations. In addition to exploring working artist studios decked out for Halloween, there will be scavenger hunts, a costume contest for adults and children, an interactive monster display, and candy for all trick-or-treaters! Best of all the admission to this event is FREE.

Take a chance to win this basket!

One studio not to be missed is Tina’s Baskets and Woven Arts which has been cleverly decorated with all things Halloween. Tina Puckett is an internationally award-winning woven artist specializing in everything from intricate baskets and bowls to woven sculptures and wall hangings. When visiting the studio don’t miss the chance to enter the drawing to win a beautiful Gothic black basket embellished by bittersweet that is brimming with Halloween candy!

If you can’t make it to the Spooktacular event @ Whiting Mills on October 5th and 6th, no worries, Tina’s studio will remain decorated through October and will be open on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information about this award-winning artist as well as information about her classes visit tinasbaskets.com.

About Tina’s Baskets
Tina Puckett is an internationally awarded weaver of baskets and woven arts. You can see her works in her studio #305/ Tina’s Baskets. Located at Whiting Mills in Winsted, Connecticut. Tina has been weaving since 1981 using hand-dyed reeds, bittersweet vines, and a variety of found objects like beads or seagrass. Her work is showcased at galleries across the World and as well at her gallery/studio where you will often find her weaving on weekends from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments are preferred and can be arranged by texting 860-309-6934.

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Celebrate Oysters and More with the Norwalk Seaport Association June 8, 2024 @ Norm Bloom and Sons Dock

The Norwalk Seaport Association’s signature event, Docktails and Oysters, hosted by Norm Bloom and Sons, a fourth-generation oyster farm in Norwalk, is taking place on Saturday, June 8, 2024, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The proceeds from this sell-out event will be used to refurbish the lighthouse to its golden years in the 19th century when it guided ships safely through Norwalk Harbor.

This Sheffield Island-inspired party is casual and fun where you will see old friends and make new ones as you listen to live music, sip beer or wine, and slurp the freshest oysters you will ever taste! “It’s a chance for people to celebrate the Seaport Association’s mission of preserving the Sheffield Island Lighthouse for future generations and have a little fun at an authentic oyster farm,” said Mike Reilly, President of the Seaport Association.

Oysters have a long history in Norwalk that started with the Native Americans. Today, the techniques and processes used to farm Copps Island Oysters by Norm Bloom and Sons have been used for centuries, making them an extra special treat. If you have never had oysters, literally fresh off the boat, this is your chance to eat your fill of them – so make sure you come hungry! It’s fun to watch the pros shuck the oysters right before your eyes (they make it look so easy) and set them on trays with lemons and an assortment of delicious sauces. The food and fun doesn’t stop there, as guests can snack on passed and stationed appetizers such as bite-sized cheeseburgers, mini chicken biscuits, southern fried chicken, Jimmy’s fried clams, grilled shrimp skewers, truffle mac and cheese tarts, and scrumptious charcuterie and crudité table catered by Seaside Sliders.

A highlight of the event is its location — right on the water at Norm Bloom and Sons dock. Guests are invited to tour the Oyster Museum and to learn how oysters are grown and harvested here and then shipped all over the world. The oyster beds are incubated under the dock where this event takes place. Part of the charm is to see how small oysters actually are when they are young! As soon as they are big enough, the oysters are “planted” on the sandy bottom of the Sound that surrounds the docks. This time-honored system of growing oysters makes them some of the best that you will ever taste; they are prized the world over for their sweet briny flavor and plump meat. Best of all, this is your chance to eat your fill of them for a good cause!

Tickets to this event are limited to 200 people and are $85 online. It is highly recommended to reserve your tickets in advance because this popular event sells out every year. For tickets https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-docktails-oysters-tickets-888586806057?aff=ebdsoporgprofile, if you have questions, please call 203-838-9444.

About the Norwalk Seaport Association
The Norwalk Seaport Association was founded in 1978 by a group of local citizens who had the vision to revitalize South Norwalk and preserve Norwalk’s maritime heritage. The Seaport Association offers a cultural, environmental, and historical journey to the Norwalk Islands. The Sheffield Island Lighthouse and the Light Keeper’s Cottage provide a unique historical and educational venue that strives to increase awareness, appreciation, and consideration for the environment and how the preservation of historic buildings contributes to our quality of life. The combination of the Lighthouse and the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge offers an unparalleled opportunity to educate children of all ages and adults about the importance of preserving Long Island Sound, our environment, and our maritime heritage.

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Tina’s Baskets and Woven Art to Participate in Open Studio @ Whiting Mills April 27 and 28

Whiting Mills in Winsted is a magnet for creative people and art lovers. On Saturday, April 27, and Sunday, April 28, in honor of their 20th year as an art co-op, they are inviting the public to explore more than 50 artist studios including nationally acclaimed artists like Tina Puckett, owner of Tina’s Baskets and Woven Art, whose work is highly collectible and far from ordinary

Whether you are a seasoned collector or a first-time buyer, Whiting Mills has something for everyone. There are studios of woven art, baskets, paintings, photography, printmaking, jewelry, fiber arts, candles, soaps, pottery, and handmade garments. Meet with seasoned artists who have been with Whiting Mills for 20 years as well as talented newcomers, guest artists for the weekend, and makers and creators of all kinds. A perk of visiting Whiting Mills on April 27 and 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. is the chance to get to meet the artist in person, see their creative process up close, find out what inspires their work, and buy directly from the source.

Visitors to Tina’s Baskets and Woven Art will find a treasure trove of hand-woven work that includes baskets, bowls, sculptures, and wall hangings. Each piece is inspired by Tina’s imagination and woven with hand-dyed reeds into beautiful dynamic shapes in delightful color combinations that won’t be found anywhere else. What enhances the character of each piece is the addition of the Bittersweet Vine foraged by Tina in the woods near her home in northwest Connecticut. The natural beauty of bittersweet inspires each custom piece and often dictates the form a basket, bowl, wall hanging, or sculpture will take.

Tina is also offering classes for teens and adults of all abilities for up to six people by reservation only. Classes are offered on Saturday or Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., as well as mini classes from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., or 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Classes are also being offered Monday and Friday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. All participants will leave the class with a finished basket or bowl to take home. All materials are provided including a piece of locally foraged bittersweet vine or a wooden hoop, and a choice of hand-colored, custom reeds.

Tina’s Baskets and Woven Art Studio is located in Room 305 @ Whiting Mills at 100 Whiting Street in Winsted. The Studio is open every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you need a special appointment or want to inquire about custom work, please text 860-309-6934 or email tina@tinasbaskets.com.

About Tina’s Baskets

Tina Puckett is a nationally awarded weaver of baskets and woven art who is the owner of Tina’s Baskets which is located at Whiting Mills in Winsted, Connecticut. Tina has been weaving since 1981 using hand-dyed reeds, bittersweet, and a variety of objects like beads or seagrass. Her work is showcased at a variety of galleries across the United States as well as at her gallery/studio where you will often find her weaving on weekends from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Custom orders are accepted and appointments can be arranged by texting 860-309-6934.

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Brewing Up April Fun with the Seaport Association @ SpaceCat Brewery

The Norwalk Seaport Association is hosting an event sure to cure what ales you at the SpaceCat Brewery located at 57 Chestnut Street in Norwalk on Monday, April 15 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Get ready to discover one of the finest craft breweries in Connecticut located right here in Norwalk. This is a night to be remembered with the artful fusion of small-batch brews and hard cider with chef-driven appetizers by Ripkas Beach Café that will complement each sip. SpaceCat brews range from robust IPAs to crisp lagers sure to please the most discerning palate. Part of the fun is to find out how SpaceCat Brewer’s creative touch brings out the best in their diverse range of beer by using the finest grains, hops, and yeasts sustainably. Guests are sure to savor the diverse tapestry of flavors of beer at this event which is a fundraiser for Norwalk’s Sheffield Island Lighthouse.

Spacecat Brewery

At this fun and relaxed event, guests will also enjoy learning about what the Seaport Association has planned for 2024 from the cruise schedule and new renovations at the Lighthouse to the 2024 Norwalk Oyster Festival, and new membership levels. This is the perfect opportunity to find out about how to volunteer for this established non-profit organization that has been around since 1978.

Tickets include two drink vouchers and appetizers, all for a good cause. This event does require advance registration. Tickets are $35 per person and are limited to the first 100 people. Tickets are available online by clicking here or by calling the Seaport Office at 203-838-9444, so get them today so you don’t miss out on the fun. Proceeds from this event will be used for the maintenance of Sheffield Island Lighthouse, Connecticut’s Maritime Icon.

About the Seaport Association
The Seaport Association in Norwalk was founded in 1978 by a group of local citizens who had the vision to revitalize South Norwalk and preserve Norwalk’s maritime heritage. The Seaport Association offers a cultural, environmental, and historical journey to the Norwalk Islands. The Sheffield Island Lighthouse and the Light Keeper’s Cottage provide a unique historical and educational venue that strives to increase awareness, appreciation, and consideration for the environment and how the preservation of historic buildings contributes to our quality of life. The combination of the Lighthouse and the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge offers an unparalleled opportunity to educate children of all ages and adults about the importance of preserving Long Island Sound, our environment, and our maritime heritage.

JanetLeave a comment

Tequila Tasting to Benefit the Weston History & Culture Center

Start your Cinco de Mayo fun a week early at the Weston History & Culture Center’s Tequila and Mezcal Tasting Party on Saturday, April 27, 2024, from 7pm – 10pm. Tickets are $100 per person and can be purchased at: https://westoncthistory.org.

Ticket includes a variety of tequila and mezcal samples, a tasting talk led by the publisher and editor of Modern Distillery Age, Gregg Glaser, hearty appetizers by Old Mill Market & Cafe, specialty cocktails, beer and wine service. Bid on fabulous silent auction items that include JetBlue tickets, an overnight stay at the Union League Club, and more! All to support the Weston History & Culture Center’s mission to discover, collect, and preserve Weston’s history! Sponsored by Diageo. Attendees must be 21 and over. IDs will be checked at the door.

About the presenter: Gregg Glaser is the Publisher/Editor of Modern Distillery Age, a weekly trade magazine covering the spirits business; Editor in Chief Emeritus of Yankee Brew News, a bimonthly consumer newspaper covering craft beer in the Northeast; and the founder and producer of the Great International Beer, Cider, Mead & Sake Competition, the largest such professional competition on the East Coast. For many years he was a contributing editor for Modern Brewery Age, a trade magazine for the beer business established in 1934, and also a News Editor for All About Beer Magazine, a consumer magazine. Gregg has a degree in Communications with concentrations in Cinema, Television, and Radio from Ithaca College. He studied comparative media in Britain at the BBC, IBA, and Pinewood Film Studios and in Italy at RAI and Cinecittà.

The Weston History & Culture Center is located at 104 Weston Road Weston, CT. Parking and entrance is on High Acre Road. The Weston Historical Society D/B/A The Weston History and Culture Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The Center would like to thank its annual sponsors: Fairfield County Bank and KMS Team at Compass as well as the Daniel E. Offutt, III Charitable Trust. For more information and how to donate, visit www.WestonCTHistory.org email: info@westoncthistory.org or call: 203-226-1804.

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