Tag: Ct News

Summer Photography Exhibit at Greenwich Historical Society

Town Hall from Greenwich Avenue by Mary Waldron
Town Hall from Greenwich Avenue by Mary Waldron

“The Perspective of Time” is a collaboration between the Greenwich Historical Society and the Stamford Photography Club. The show of juried images is the result of an invitation by the Greenwich Historical Society to members of the Photography Club to submit photographs that portray aspects of Greenwich history through the eye of the lens. The images will be on display at the Historical Society’s Storehouse Gallery through September 1, 2013.

Table Shuffleboard at Bruce Park Grill by Mike Harris
Table Shuffleboard at Bruce Park Grill by Mike Harris

The varied and fascinating images represent a visual commentary on the ever-changing face of the community–its structures, landscape and institutions–and how aspects of the town as they are today may not survive the next generation. Since its invention, photography has been an invaluable medium for chronicling historical events. But photography can also raise the understanding of history to another level by evoking a sense of time and place on a more visceral level. This exhibition
exemplifies this.

Glenville Bridge by Jean-Marc Bara
Glenville Bridge by Jean-Marc Bara

The Greenwich Historical Society is open Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 4:00 pm. Admission is free to members and children under six. $10 for adults; $8 for seniors and students. Admission is free to all the first Wednesday of every month. For more information call 203-869-6899 or www.greenwichhistory.org. FOr area information www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com

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Music extravaganza at Music Mountain Aug. 17 & 18

Music Mountain located in the heart of the Litchfield Hills has planned a musical extravaganza this weekend. On Saturday, August 17 at 6:30 p.m. the Galvanized Jazz Band returns to this venue for the 20th year with their high energy, exciting Dixieland, Blues and Stomps.

The Galvanized Jazz Band
The Galvanized Jazz Band

The Galvanized Jazz Band with its sparkplug leader cornet player Fred Vigorito and a group of hard playing skilled and very experienced colleagues will deliver another great show as they have done at Music Mountain for 19 years. This will be their 20th year here and will feature two special guests: Bob Price, banjo and Jim Fryer, trombone.

Dover String Quartet
Dover String Quartet

On Sunday, August 18 at 3 p.m., the Dover String Quartet returns for their second appearance this summer. They bring with them their recent European touring partner Roberto Diaz, a wonderful violist and president of the Curtis Institute, from which all the members of the Dover Quartet graduated.

In keeping with our 2013 theme, they will play 2 pieces seldom played at Music Mountain. The concert opens with the Haydn String Quartet in B Flat Major, Opus 76 # 4, one of the last instrumental pieces that Haydn wrote, which will receive only its 7th Music Mountain performance. The concert will close with Roberto Diaz joining the quartet to play the Mendelssohn Viola Quintet in B Flat Major, Opus 87 for its 2nd Music Mountain performance.

The middle piece is the Beethoven String Quartet in E Minor, Opus 59 # 2. It is performed at Music Mountain regularly and is a basic part of our repertory. One of the three Rasoumovsky quartets, this is the one with the Russian theme from a patriotic hymn in its third movement, the same melody that can be found in the opera Boris Godunov and other works by Russian composers, including the Arensky Quartet for 2 cellos, which was played on August 4.

Tickets
Saturday, August 17, Tickets in Advance: $30 Tickets at the Door: $35
Sunday, August 18 Tickets in Advance: $30, Tickets at the Door: $35

Music Mountain is located in Falls Village, Connecticut, in the northwestern corner of the state, approximately 100 miles or 2 1/2 hours from New York City.

Entrances to Music Mountain Road are on Route 63 near the junction of Route 126, and on Route 7, across from the Housatonic Valley Regional High School From the Route 7 turnoff, bear left at every intersection.
From either entrance, a short scenic drive will bring you to Gordon Hall atop Music Mountain. Free parking and picnic facilities are available. Arrive early, bring a box lunch or dinner and enjoy a stroll around our lovely grounds.

Buy your tickets online at www.musicmountain.org or Call 860.824.7126. For area information www.litchfieldhills.com.

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Sharon Audubon Festival in Litchfield Hills

The Sharon Audubon located on Rte. 4 in the bucolic hamlet of Sharon Connecticut is hosting its’ 46th annual Audubon Festival on August 10 and 11. Gates to the festival open at 9:30 a.m. and close at 5:30 p.m. each day. Admission to the event is $5 per person or $20 per car load.

The Audubon Festival that takes place in the northwest corner of the Litchfield Hills features fun and interactive ways families can learn about nature. The staff of the Audubon have scheduled two full days of nature walks and programs, live animal presentations, and children’s activities that will engage kids and teach them about nature in addition to food, music, exhibits and a select number of vendors.

Scheduled programs such as Exploring Bog Meadow by Canoe, a Tree Identification Walk, Swarming Behavior of Honey Bees, Bird Banding, making Pressed Flower Bookmarks and much more will take place at 10 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. each day. The Festival will also host a number of ongoing activities such as the children’s Merry Marsh Activity Tent.

There will be two keynote presentations that will take place each day that is perfect for everyone whether they are a seasoned naturalist or a young explorer. At 1:00pm on Saturday, storyteller Eshu Bumpus will present his engaging “Folktales,” sure to please young and old alike. A highlight of the day will take place at 3:30 p.m. when there will be a falconry demonstration by Brian Bradley of Skyhunters in Flight.

On Sunday, at 1 p.m. “Nature Nick’s Animal Adventures that feature 10-12 animals from all corners of the world will entertain festivalgoers. The grand finale of the festival will be an appearance by Atka the Wolf from Wolf Conservation Center at 3:30 p.m.

For up to the minute information on the festival visit www.sharon.audubon.org by August 1st or by calling 860-364-0520 for more information. For area information visit www.litchfieldhills.com

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SEA ADVENTURES CELEBRATE SUMMER IN CONNECTICUT’S FAIRFIELD COUNTY

Hoist the sails on a tall ship. Explore an island. Trawl for lobsters and sea stars. Watch the sunset at sea.

Refreshing summer adventures at sea are a great way to celebrate summer along the Long Island shore in Western Connecticut’s Fairfield County. There’s something for maritime explorers of all ages.

Tall Ship Tactics

SoundwatersFullSail
Soundwaters, an environmental education organization in Stamford dedicated to protecting the waters of Long Island Sound, invites the public to set sail aboard their 80-foot, three-masted schooner Soundwaters most weekends through September. Afternoon sails from 3p.m. to 5 p.m. are ideal for families, with passengers invited to help raise the sails and to examine first hand the aquatic life that lives beneath the waves. Educators teach participants about the quality of the water, and how to test it.

Relaxing and romantic two-hour early evening sunset cruises are better suited to adults, who are invited to bring their own picnic dinners and beverages on board. Afternoon sails are $30 for adults, $20 for children; sunset cruises are $30 for all ages.

The Soundwaters is located on 333 Ludlow Street in the Stamford Harbor Park Marina just off of I-95. Information, schedules and reservations are available at www.soundwaters.org or by phoning 203-406-3335.

Deep Sea Secrets

Oceanic Research Vessel
Oceanic Research Vessel

Educators at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk show and tell what goes on from the water’s surface to the bottom of the sea for passengers on the aquarium’s 29-passenger research vessel. Oceanic. Crewmembers drop the nets and passengers haul them laden with treasures for close-up views. The haul may include plankton from the surface and a variety of creatures from the muddy bottom, perhaps fish, crabs, lobsters, sea stars and other little-seen creatures. The catch is important since the observations are recorded as part of the on-going Long Island Sound Biodiversity Data Project. Cruises lasting two-and-a-half hours go out every day at 1 p.m. in July and August and on Saturdays at 1 p.m. in September and October. Cruises are $20.50 per person. Children must measure 42 inches to sail. For reservations, phone 203-852-0700, ext. 2206, during regular business hours; or email reservations@maritimeaquarium.org.

Island Adventures

sheffield-7

Board the Norwalk Seaport Association’s 49-foot catamaran C.J. Toth for a salty 45-minute escape to Sheffield Island. Passengers enjoy a special day of picnicking, tours of a historic lighthouse, shell hunting, and walks to view the colorful sea birds sheltered in the marshes and sandy shores of the Stewart B. McKinney Wildlife Refuge.

Vistas of Long Island Sound from the 44-foot lighthouse tower are among the island’s highlights. On a clear day, the views reach to the distant skyline of New York City.

Trips to Sheffield Island will run weekends through September 29 with boats leaving at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 3:30pm. Return trips are at 1:15 p.m., 4:15 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. Weekday trips at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. are also available through Labor Day, and the fare is $22 for adults, $12 under age12,

Clambake cruises depart at 6 p.m. every Thursday evening to September 26, returning at 10 p.m. They are a true New England dining experience in a festive tented pavilion on the lighthouse lawn. The menu includes clams, mussels, corn on the cob, and a choice of lobster, fish, steak, or chicken. Roundtrip cruise and dinner is $65 to $79 per person, depending on entrée. Tours of the lighthouse are included with dinners.

Special theme weekends include Pirates Weekend July 13, 14 and July 20,21 and Haunted Lighthouse August 10, 11. Early bird watchers can board special bird-watching cruises at 8 a.m. on July 6 and August 3. For details and tickets www.seaport.org or phone 203-838-9444.

For information about nearby events and a free copy of UNWIND, a full-color,
152-page booklet detailing what to do and see, and where to stay, shop and dine in
Western Connecticut, contact the Western Connecticut Visitors Bureau, PO Box 968,
Litchfield, CT 06759, (860) 567-4506, or visit their web site at www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com.

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Litchfield Jazz Fest in Litchfield Hills CT Aug. 9-11

View-of-tent-from-lawn_LJF2012_photoby-NathanTurner

Litchfield Jazz Festival marks its 18h season August 9 – 11, 2013 at the Goshen Fairgrounds and is strategically timed so die –hard jazz lovers can attend both the Litchfield and Newport Festivals. The Festival has tent and lawn seating and adjacent, free parking.

The Litchfield Jazz Festival opens Friday evening, August 9, with a Gala for “Friends” ($150) and “Best Friends” ($350 for the Gala and VIP all weekend). Music at this gala event is provided by some of the most outstanding students of Litchfield Jazz Camp. Tickets to this gala help support the Jazz Camp’s scholarship program. The Gala will be followed by two sets on the Mainstage. The first at 7:45 is the Emmet Cohen Trio and includes a pianist, who recently took 3rd place in the prestigious Thelonious Monk Piano competition. The second set includes the multi-Tony Award Winner Christine Ebersole, who teams up with virtuoso jazz violinist Aaron Weinstein and his Trio. The Festival grounds open 5:00 PM and all festivities and music wrap up at 10:15.

Ebersole and Weinstein
Ebersole and Weinstein

On Saturday, August 10 at Noon (grounds open at 11 a.m.) the remarkable Flamenco guitarist Val Ramos and his ensemble brings his Rhumba Flamenco – the Spanish jazz-equivalent– to the Fest for the first time. Next up at 1:45 p.m., the Fest presents its first foray into Gospel with the iconic bassist Avery Sharpe presenting Gospel Explosion & Sacred Songs, a program featuring Sharpe’s Trio with Yoron Israel on drums and Onaje Allen Gumbs, piano, and members of his Extended Family Choir and the Williams College Gospel Choir which Sharpe directs.
The Gospel set will be followed by Gary Smulyan’s Baritone Summit, a six-time Grammy winner and Festival Artist-in-Residence joins forces with Claire Daly, Lauren Sevian and Andrew Hadro for a smashing Bari Quartet backed by a rhythm section with Helen Sung on piano, Matt Wilson on drums, and Jon Michel on bass. The next set stars college linebacker-turned Grammy-nominated vocalist, Gregory Porter who took the festival world by storm last season with his acclaimed performance at the Monterey Jazz Festival. The day ends on an upbeat with the 9-time Grammy Winner and newest NEA Jazz Master, the great Latin bandleader and pianist Eddie Palmieri and his Latin Jazz Band. Palmieri has been a giant on the jazz scene for more than 50 years, and his vigor is undiminished.

Eddie Palmieri
Eddie Palmieri

On Sunday, August 11, the Fest opens at Noon, with the exciting Orrin Evans Trio. Next up is, vocalist June Bisantz discovered early last year by the Festival’s Founder and Artistic Director, Vita Muir at Hartford’s hippest series, Music @ Japanalia. June makes her Litchfield debut with Music Director Alex Nachimofsky on piano, Norman Johnson on guitar, Gabor Viragh on trumpet and Matt Dwonszyk on bass in a tribute to the late, great trumpeter/vocalist, Chet Baker.
It has been five years since Litchfield Jazz Camp Music Director, saxophonist Don Braden, has graced the Festival Mainstage as a leader. So this year, he’s back again with an all-star band. His quartet features special guest Geri Allen on piano, Avery Sharpe on bass, and Alvin Atkinson.

At 5:30 just back from a European tour, the Vincent Herring-Eric Alexander Quintet will delight the audience with a set titled “In the Spirit of Coltrane and Cannonball.” The band features Harold Mabern on piano, Joris Dudli on drums and Joris Teepe on bass.
In what seems to be becoming a tradition, Litchfield Jazz Festival 2013 closes with a rousing Latin Dance Party with the great Puerto Rican trombonist and Grammy nominated recording artist Papo Vázquez and the Mighty Pirate Troubadours.

In between Mainstage acts all weekend long, ticketholders can listen to talented Litchfield Jazz Camp students, enjoy and purchase art, craft and photography at an excellent show curated by Heron Gallery’s Ellen Corsell of Kent, CT. Picnics are welcome and fine wines and excellent lagers from East Hartford’s Olde Burnside Brewing Company may be purchased. A dozen food vendors provide excellent meals at reasonable prices. Activities designed for families with young children are scheduled for both Saturday and Sunday in the festival’s new Kids Zone. Artist-in- Residence Gary Smulyan will host interviews on both weekend days with Festival stars. On Saturday, August 10th, an after Party & Jam follows at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Southbury.

Visit www.litchfieldjazzfest.com or call 860-361-6285 for tickets and info. Tickets: Advance: $30 Lawn, $55 Tent, $150 – $500 premium tickets and passes; Multi-Day Discounted JazzPasses available. Handling fees apply. Children 12 and under free on the Lawn with an adult.
For accommodations and lodging information www.litchfieldhills.com.

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Beatles to Bach, Jazz to Rock, Summer Means Music in Litchfield HIlls and Fairfield County Connecticut.

In concert halls, outdoor plazas and on the beach, music is in the air this summer in Western Connecticut. From classical to classic rock, there’s something for everyone on the rich agenda that includes string quartets, jazz all-stars and big bands in settings from the sandy Long Island shore to the leafy Litchfield Hills.

LITCHFIELD HILLS LUMINARIES

Two of the nation’s oldest and best known chamber music festivals take place each summer in Norfolk and Falls Village in the Litchfield Hills, along with a long-established jazz festival in Goshen. Rounding out the season are a new all-day Folk Music Jamboree in Falls Village and the second Beatles Festival in Danbury, this year a benefit concert for Sandy Hook relief.

Music Shed at Norfolk Chamber Music Festival
Music Shed at Norfolk Chamber Music Festival

Music Mountain in Falls Village, Connecticut, now in its 84th season, is the nation’s oldest chamber music festival. Concerts take place in Gordon Hall, dating to 1930 and noted for its legendary acoustics. Chamber music is only part of the lure of Music Mountain. The Saturday 6:30 p.m. Twilight series features jazz, Big Band and Country bands through August 17—with dancing on a festive outdoor dance floor. This year will include the first all-day Folk Music Jamboree from 12 noon to 9 p.m. on August 24. www.musicmountain.org

The Yale School of Music on its sylvan summer campus in Norfolk presents the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival. The festival celebrates its 72nd season this year through August 17 with performances on Fridays and Saturdays by six internationally esteemed string quartets, playing alongside promising students and young professionals from around the world. Norfolk’s notable roster will include the Brentano Quartet, the Emerson String Quartet, and the Tokyo String Quartet. http://music.yale.edu/norfolk

The 18th annual Litchfield Jazz Festival August 9 to 11 at the Goshen Fairgrounds will continue its tradition of showcasing jazz legends along with up-and-coming talent on its tented big stage. One of the biggest names is two-time Tony winner Christine Ebersole, who will sing with the Aaron Weinstein trio on Friday, August 9 at 9:15 p.m. See the complete line-up at www.litchfieldjazzfest.com

Jazz Fest
Jazz Fest

Danbury Fields Forever, the Beatles Music Festival takes place on Saturday, August 3, at the Ives Concert Park in Danbury from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. This second edition of the festival will present 10 bands in 10 hours, featuring tribute bands representing different eras of Beatles music. The festival will pay special tribute to the 50th anniversary of the Fab Four’s final performance at the Cavern Club in Liverpool on Aug. 3, 1963. Proceeds for this concert go to Sandy Hook relief. For other performances visit www.ivesconcertpark.com.

Ives Concert Park
Ives Concert Park

FAIRFIELD COUNTY FESTIVITIES
The parks and beaches of Fairfield County will be offering many big names on big outdoor stages in Stamford and Norwalk and a notable Rock Concert will return to Bridgeport.

Stamford’s Jazz Up series in Columbus Park will take place at 6:30 p.m. every Wednesday from July 10 to August 7. Featured performers include Yankee baseball star- turned-musician, Bernie Williams, Diane Reeves, Chick Corea, and the Brubeck Brothers Quartet, a group formed by two son of the late jazz great Dave Brubeck. In case of rain, concerts will move to the Palace Theater. www.stamford-downtown.com/events

Alive at Five
Alive at Five

The Alive@Five series featuring rock and pop music takes the stage in Columbus Park at 5 p.m. on Thursdays July 11 to August 15. www.stamfordaliveatfive.com

Concerts are scheduled every Wednesday through September 4 at Norwalk’s scenic Calf Pasture Beach. The 2013 theme is Tribute Bands, with music saluting Neil Diamond, Fleetwood Mac, Sounds of the Sixties, A Salute to the 70’s, and Woodstock. Many concerts are preceded by a classic car show. Admission is free, but non-residents pay a $5 parking fee. www.norwalkct.org

calf pasture beach island lighthouser (1 of 1)

Rock fans will gather from near and far (many with tents and campers) for the 18th, Gathering of the Vibes set for July 25 to 28 in Bridgeport’s Seaside Park. The festival began as a memorial party saluting the Grateful Dead and the good vibes and non-stop music on two stages goes on. www.gatheringofthevibes.com

For more information on summer events and restaurants and lodging in the area, contact the Western Connecticut Visitors Bureau, PO Box 968, Litchfield, CT 06759, (860) 567-4506, or visit their web site at www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com or www.litchfieldhills.com. Ask for a free copy of Unwind, a full-color, 152-page booklet detailing what to do and see, and where to stay shop and dine in western Connecticut.

JanetLeave a comment