Tag: Ct News

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.

JanetLeave a comment

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.

JanetLeave a comment

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

JanetLeave a comment

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.

JanetLeave a comment

Join the Flock – Go On A Birding Safari with the Norwalk Seaport Association

There is nothing that says summer like a birding safari with the <a href="http://There is nothing that says summer like a birding safari with the Norwalk Seaport Association. Birding cruises are one of the most popular excursions operated by the Seaport Association because it brings adults and children up close to birds in their maritime natural habitat. Adding to the fun is the fact that Long Island Sound is a birding hot spot in Connecticut, a state that is rich in birdlife with more than 430 different species to spot.

Regardless if you are a veteran or novice birding enthusiast this cruise is an ideal way to add seabirds to your list. This year, the Seaport’s vessel, the C.J. Toth, a 49- passenger vessel will head out at 8 a.m. and return to the dock at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 28, and Sunday, June 4, 11, and 18. This guided bird cruise is ideal for adults and children because it is a fun and educational way to experience nature.

Passengers on this eco-styled guided bird cruise are being led by birding enthusiast, James Leone, who has been birding for six-plus years. Leone is extremely knowledgeable about the identification status and distribution of birds in Connecticut and, specifically in Long Island Sound. “I am looking forward to helping people spot as many birds as they can and sharing my knowledge about their habitat, needs, and importance to the eco-system. I have identified 330 species of birds in Connecticut, and 300 birds in Fairfield County alone,” says Leone. It is exciting to be out on the water this time of year because you never know what will fly by – which makes every cruise different and exciting at the same time,” Leone added. In addition to birding in Connecticut, Leone has birded in Thailand and Costa Rica as well as all over the United States, spotting more than 1,200 birds. He has attended the prestigious birding program at Arizona’s Camp Chiricahua, where he developed a greater understanding of birds and their habitat, which he will be sharing with the lucky passengers on this cruise.

Egret Up Close With Fish Michael Brinkley

A special highlight of this cruise is the chance to spot birds at the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge on Sheffield Island. Because of the shape of the boat, you can really get close to the shoreline. Here you will see a variety of habitats that support nesting and wading birds. This spot is known for its small population of herring and great black-backed gulls that nest along Sheffield Island’s rocky shoreline. The importance of the Norwalk Islands to wildlife, especially migratory birds is enormous, and the special Bird Cruises hosted by the Norwalk Seaport Association give nature enthusiasts the chance to spot these magnificent seabirds up close with the added benefit of a knowledgeable guide.

Passengers are asked to arrive 30 minutes prior to the 8 a.m. departure. The vessel leaves from the Seaport Dock located on 4 North Water Street adjacent to the Stroffolino Bridge at the corner of Washington and Water Streets in South Norwalk. Parking is available at the adjacent lot or at the Maritime Center Parking Garage. Tickets are available online in advance by clicking here and are $25 for children and $35 for adults. The Seaport Association advises reserving your Bird Cruise early because these popular excursions sell out. Make sure you include your email when reserving your ticket. If the tour is canceled due to inclement weather the Norwalk Seaport Association will contact you via your email.

Seagull with Crab Michael Brinkley

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.”>Norwalk Seaport Association. Birding cruises are one of the most popular excursions operated by the Seaport Association because it brings adults and children up close to birds in their maritime natural habitat. Adding to the fun is the fact that Long Island Sound is a birding hot spot in Connecticut, a state that is rich in birdlife with more than 430 different species to spot.

JanetLeave a comment

Mother’s Day is More Important than Ever @ Tina’s Baskets & Woven Art

Celebrating Mother’s Day goes back to the ancient Greeks and Romans, who held festivals in honor of mother goddesses. Like Mother’s Day, the art of basket weaving goes back to time immemorial. Tina Puckett, owner of Tina’s Baskets and Woven Art @ Whiting Mills in Winsted, believes that this year, celebrating Mother’s Day is more important than ever. “Today’s mothers are taking on multiple roles and responsibilities as caregivers, mentors, breadwinners, and volunteers in their community. For me, Mother’s Day is a way to honor your mom, or a mother figure in your life, like an aunt, grandmother, daughter or friend for the important work they do every day,” says Puckett.

Take Mom on a Road trip to Tinas Baskets this May!

If you are looking for a thoughtful Mother’s Day gift, head to the working art studio of Tina Puckett, a nationally and internationally award-winning artist, whose woven work is far from ordinary. 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 or sculpture will take.

A wonderful selection of baskets and more

Puckett’s highly collectible baskets and woven art pieces are functional and unusual, with heirloom qualities making them an unforgettable gift for Mother’s Day that will be used and cherished for years to come. If you can’t make it to the working art studio, head to the website @ http://www.tinasbaskets.com.

If you are looking to take Mom or that special someone on a road trip, head to Tina’s working art studio in Winsted and make a day of it. Tina’s Baskets and Woven Art Studio is located in Room 305 @ Whiting Mills at 100 Whiting Street in Winsted. The Studio is open 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.

Whimsical Wall Hangings

About Tina’s Baskets
Tina Puckett is a nationally awarded weaver of baskets and woven art that 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.

JanetLeave a comment