Tag: Connecticut Travel

Husky Meadows Farm Stand Opens for the Season!

Husky Meadows Farm kicks off the 2023 farm stand season this May with their annual organic seedling sale, which runs through Memorial Day Weekend! A large selection of tomatoes, sweet and hot peppers, cutting flowers, kale, and broccolini are offered for the home gardener.

Organically fresh and super delicious

The Farm Stand will also be stocked with freshly harvested first greens of the season – lettuces, arugula, spinach, and specialty greens. The Farm kitchen offers a wide array of prepared foods and baked treats. The Husky Meadows Farm Stand is the perfect place to pick up your weekly veggies while sipping on a hot cup of locally roasted Ilse coffee and nibbling a freshly baked scone. While you are there stroll through the garden for a preview of what’s to come for the rest of the season!

Fresh veggies and herbs make a world of difference when it comes to flavor!

The farm stand first opened in 2020 at the height of the Covid pandemic when folks were really craving transparency about where their food was coming from as well as knowing it was freshly harvest, organically grown, and raised in their local community. This year the farm team has revamped the Farm Stand with expanded hours and increased offerings. Farmer Brett Ellis says, “As the weather gets warmer and we have more and more food coming out of the ground we hope to also expand to grab-and-go salads and other picnic fare to be enjoyed at the farm. We can’t wait to see you there!” Mark your calendars! Regular Farm Stand hours starting May 19 will be Fridays 2-6 and Saturdays 9-2.

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Why Taking a Sunset Cruise Is A Good Idea with the Norwalk Seaport Association

While most of us admire the sunset from the shoreline, taking in the sunset on the water is an extraordinary experience that can be done close to home, right in Norwalk, Connecticut. It’s nice to know that you can do something unique that is close by and easy to get to without planning a big fancy getaway. Imagine breathing in the fresh ocean air and feeling the tingle of the salt on your face as you slowly cruise past the islands situated right off the coast of Norwalk in Long Island Sound. There is a feeling of serenity watching seabirds glide as you cruise past Norwalk’s necklace of islands.

Taking a two-hour sunset cruise with the Seaport Association through Norwalk Harbor is always a good idea because there is no better or more affordable way to experience Norwalk Harbor than on board the Seaport’s vessel. The two-hour sunset cruise is offered by the Seaport Association Wednesdays – Sunday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. through September 17th. Passengers are encouraged to bring snacks, BYOB, plastic cups, openers, and snacks, to add to the fun. There is comfortable seating in a covered and uncovered deck area on the vessel that holds only 49 passengers, so it is never too crowded. For sunset cruise tickets go to http://www.seaport.org

The friendly crew welcomes passengers aboard and the Captain tells stories of merchants and sailors that have traversed this ancient waterway for centuries. The journey continues as the vessel slowly wends its way through Norwalk Harbor, passing many islands. Some of them have idyllic names like Tavern Island, once owned by the famous Broadway playwright Billy Rose, Shea Island, named in honor of native Pfc. Daniel Shea, Medal of Honor recipient for his bravery in the Vietnam War, and Chimmon Island, the largest island in the Norwalk Chain of Islands. Highlights of the sunset tour include passing Sheffield Island Lighthouse, built in 1868, and two rare sparkplug Lighthouses, Peck Ledge built in 1906, and Greens Ledge built in 1902. As the vessel returns to the dock, passengers watch as the city of Norwalk begins to light up, and just in time for dinner, with many restaurants steps away from the Seaport Dock.

Best of all, a sunset cruise is therapeutic because it reminds us that taking a break from the daily grind is a good thing to do. It gives passengers the opportunity to soak up the last rays of the sun while reflecting on the accomplishments of the day, and everything we have to be grateful for.

Sunset Cruise Schedule & Parking
The boat leaves from the dock on 4 North Water Street at 6:30 p.m., and returns at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday – Sunday evenings, June through September. The Seaport Dock is adjacent to the Stroffolino Bridge at the corner of Washington and North Water Streets. Parking is available in the adjacent lot or at the Maritime Center Parking Garage. For tickets visit http://www.seaport.org or call 203-838-9444. Sunset cruises are $35 per person. The boat sails promptly as scheduled so it is best to arrive at the dock 30 minutes before departure to facilitate the boarding process.

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Jam @ the Dam – July 15 – Tickets on Sale Now!

Many of us are fond of live music. The chills that go down our spine when we hear that one lyric live, that is meaningful to us, or when our favorite artist takes the stage is so exciting. There is nothing like that feeling! With that in mind, local businessman, George Zwally, owner of Z-Topia Entertainment has organized the state’s newest family-friendly extravaganza, Jam at the Dam. This event is taking place on Saturday, July 15 from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. at 1545 Monroe Tpke. at the site of the Old Stevenson Dam/lumber yard in Monroe.

The Dynamic Duo- Thompson Square

Zwally has always enjoyed giving back to the local community and thought that this massive piece of property would be the perfect spot for an event that offers fun for the entire family. “I want this to be one of the most fun and approachable festivals in the state. I wanted to create an event that offers audiences the chance to see world-class acts in a relaxed setting, and one that won’t break the bank,” said Zwally. “I want to offer folks a wide-ranging potpourri of music, food, and rides that will be uplifting. I think it is so special to be able to gather together in one place to celebrate music, our town, and our heritage with friends, new and old,” added Zwally.

Hitmaker- John Waite

In addition to performances by local bands, the star-studded entertainment line-up won’t disappoint. The Jam will kick off at 6 p.m. with a performance by John Waite who will be performing his catalogue of hits from his 40-year career as a solo artist. Get ready to get up and dance to some of the most loved songs from the 1980s and 1990s like #1 Worldwide hit ‘Missing You’, The Baby’s, ‘Isn’t It Time,’ “Bad English,” and ‘When I See You Smile.’ Waite’s impressive performance includes everything from power ballads to new-wave-styled pop that will have you rocking.

John Waite performs so many hits!

At 8 p.m., the headliner, Thompson Square, takes the stage. This famous Nashville, Grammy Nominated dynamic duo of Keifer and Shawna Thompson has won multiple awards and appeared on many primetime TV specials. They’ve been praised as “remarkable” by Taste of Country, “deeply personal and emotional” by Sounds Like Nashville, and “vivacious” by Rolling Stone. One thing that has resonated with audiences around the world is the connection that this husband and wife team has with each other. Their music radiates with an intensity that draws audiences in. Gorgeous vocals, and heartfelt lyrics that give the music a timeless quality and country feel are highlights of their performance which includes their hits like “Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not,” “If I Didn’t Have You,” and “Everything I Shouldn’t Be Thinking About.” Thompson Square’s openness with their audience makes them one of the most intimate acts today, and one that is hard to forget.

Come Join the Fun @ Jam at the Dam

In addition to the exciting music line-up, there will be a beer and wine garden for those that work up a thirst as well as a variety of food trucks that are sure to please almost any palate. Remember to bring your lawn chair and sit back and relax @ Jam at the Dam.

Tickets are going fast for this sell-out event and are now available online at https://www.jamatthedam.com and at the gate the day of the event. Tickets cost $45 and include full access to the concerts. Children 13 and under are free with one paying adult. Food trucks and the beer and wine garden are at an additional cost. Free parking is available at 421 Old Zoar Road in Monroe.

If you’re looking for great food, tasty brews, world-class music, and outdoor fun for the whole family, head to “Jam at the Dam” on Saturday, July 15th.

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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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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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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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