<p class="ql-align-center"><strong>FC Buzz Weekend March 28- March 30</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(19, 19, 20);">HamletHub is proud to partner with the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County and FCBuzz to Elevate Arts and Culture in Fairfield County! Each week, look for a listing of weekend events and activities. The Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County celebrates the vibrancy and diversity of the arts and culture across 15 towns in coastal Fairfield County. Sign up to receive a free eBuzz newsletter with top picks and spotlight events from the hundreds of events posted on FCBuzz.</span></p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/season-opening-weekend-at-the-adventure-park-at-the-discovery-museum" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Season Opening</strong></a></p><p><strong>The Adventure Park at the Discovery Museum, Bridgeport</strong></p><p>Friday Mar 28, 2:00 am - 8:00 am</p><p>Adventure season is back! We’re kicking things off on Friday, March 28, and it’s time to climb higher, zip faster, and make some unforgettable memories.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/free-open-mic-at-the-townhouse-gallery" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Open Mic</strong></a></p><p><strong>The Townhouse Gallery, Stamford</strong></p><p>Friday Mar 28, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm</p><p>This is the perfect place for music artists, comedians, and public speakers to showcase their creative talent and connect with other local artists! Enjoy live music, comedy, and other performances and support Stamford's art community!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/folkloric-dances-of-the-andes---interactive-dance-workshop" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Folkloric Dances of the Andes - Interactive Dance Workshop</strong></a></p><p><strong>First Presbyterian Church, Stamford</strong></p><p>Friday Mar 28, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm</p><p>No dance experience is required—just bring your energy and get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant Andean musical styles of Peru and Ecuador.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/erin-kinsey" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Erin Kinsey</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stamford Center for the Arts, Stamford</strong></p><p>Friday Mar 28, 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>Erin Kinsey is a rising star in country music, blending heartfelt storytelling with undeniable talent. Hailing from Texas, Kinsey’s passion for music ignited at just 11 years old, setting her on a path that led straight to Nashville. Now 24, she has quickly made a name for herself with a distinctive voice, compelling songwriting, and an impressive musicality that spans seven instruments.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/members-show-2025-5a9f9" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Members Show 2025</strong></a></p><p><strong>The Townhouse Gallery, Stamford</strong></p><p>Friday Mar 28, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm</p><p>Curated by SAA board members Valeria Ochoa and Neha Karir, this exhibition celebrates the impressive and diverse talents of the wonderful SAA Members.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/women-speak-exhibit-and-artists-reception-at-city-lights-gallery" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>"Women Speak" Exhibit and Artists' Reception</strong></a></p><p><strong>City Lights Gallery, Bridgeport</strong></p><p>Saturday Mar 29, 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm</p><p>This exhibit is about response and empowerment spurred by an enthusiastic community interest. City Lights Gallery presents powerful work by 20 artists reflecting feminine perspectives.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/5ivefingaz-art-exhibits-at-versofest-2025-a0d0b" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>5iveFingaz Art Exhibits at VersoFest 2025</strong></a></p><p><strong>The Westport Library, Westport</strong></p><p>Saturday Mar 29, 9:00 am - 9:00 pmVisual Verses is an immersive art exhibit that merges the expressive power of visual art with the profound impact of language. Each painting in this collection is paired with original phrases crafted to evoke thought, emotion, and reflection. The artwork transcends traditional boundaries, using bold colors and dynamic compositions to amplify the messages embedded within the text. This fusion of imagery and words invites viewers to engage not only with the aesthetics but also with the deeper narratives and meanings behind each piece.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/in-the-now-contemporary-figurative-art" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Spring Open Studios</strong></a></p><p><strong>Metro Art Studios, Bridgeport</strong></p><p>Sunday Mar 30, 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm</p><p>Meet the artists of Metro Art Studios – over 40 artists working in a wide variety of disciplines. Three full floors of professional artists in loft studios to wander, discover, explore, and learn about various forms of art, inspiration, process, and so much more. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a potential collector, or simply curious, this event offers a unique, behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world of contemporary art. Tour the historic three-story, award-winning renovated corset factory-turned-art studios for a peek into Bridgeport's industrial past and its artistic present and future. While there don’t miss&nbsp;<strong>In The Now: Contemporary Figurative Art</strong>. This exhibition invites viewers to contemplate the complexities of identity, vulnerability, and the figure as a site of both personal and universal expression, reinforcing the idea that this is not only an act of introspection but also a profound statement of resistance and survival. Through the use of contrasting materials and methods, these artists create works that challenge conventional boundaries, inviting a deeper engagement with the physical and emotional aspects of the human experience.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/artist-talk-biophilia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Artist Talk: Biophilia</strong></a></p><p><strong>Flinn Gallery, Greenwich</strong></p><p>Sunday Mar 30, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm</p><p>Come join us in the gallery for a vibrant talk with the artists from our latest exhibit, Biophilia. A engaging way to learn about their process and inspiration. The show of six female artist explores the concept of biophilia, a term coined by Harvard naturalist Dr. Edward O. Wilson, referring to humanity’s intrinsic affinity for nature and life.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/orin-grossman-phd" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Orin Grossman</strong></a></p><p><strong>Quick Center for the Arts, Fairfield</strong></p><p>Sunday Mar 30, 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm</p><p>Orin will be joined onstage by the Bridgeport KEYS Jazz Ensemble, The Keynotes, in a concert of mostly American music including works by Duke Ellington and George Gershwin. The first half of the program includes Orin Grossman performing special piano versions of songs by Ellington and Gershwin. For the second half, Grossman will be joined by The Keynotes for additional songs by these acclaimed composers as well as works by other giants of jazz including Thelonious Monk and Billy Strayhorn.</p><p>See these and discover hundreds more events on the&nbsp;<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">FCBUZZ EVENTS</a>&nbsp;page at&nbsp;<a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">https://culturalalliancefc.org</a>&nbsp;Sign up for the&nbsp;<a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">Cultural Alliance eBuzz</a>&nbsp;to receive top picks and spotlights each week in your inbox.</p>

<p>A Darien native is playing a key role in bringing <em>The Spitfire Grill</em> to life at Ohio Wesleyan University, as the Department of Performing Arts presents the stirring Americana musical this April. <strong>Fiona Minton of Darien, Connecticut, serves as the production’s publicity head</strong>, ensuring the show reaches and resonates with audiences far beyond the stage.</p><p>Set in a struggling small town in Wisconsin, <em>The Spitfire Grill</em> tells the story of Percy, a recently released parolee looking for a fresh start. Through determination, unexpected friendships, and a bold plan, she transforms the town—and herself—along the way. With a bluegrass and folk-inspired score, the musical captures themes of community, redemption, and resilience.</p><p>“This musical feels like the warm hug of a Hallmark movie combined with a clear-eyed exploration of the realities of communal and personal experiences that make us have to work harder for our version of a happily ever after,” says director Lusie Cuskey, Ph.D., an OWU assistant professor of theatre.</p><p>Performances will take place at <strong>7:30 p.m. on April 10, 11, 12, 18, and 19</strong> on the Main Stage of Chappelear Drama Center in Delaware, Ohio. Tickets are free but should be reserved in advance at <a href="http://www.owu.edu/spitfire" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>www.owu.edu/spitfire</strong></a>.</p>

<p>Join&nbsp;The Community Fund of Darien&nbsp;as we celebrate Darien’s extraordinary volunteers on Tuesday, April 29th from 5:30 - 7:00 PM at The Meadowlands at the DCA, 274 Middlesex Road.</p><p>Since 1979, The Community Fund of Darien has recognized individuals whose dedication makes a meaningful impact in our community.&nbsp;This special event is free and open to all—come be inspired and show your support! Enjoy catered delectable lite bites by Fine &amp; Dandy Catering.</p><p>The Community Fund of Darien encourages the public to attend and recognize the individuals who make Darien a stronger, more connected community.</p><p>The event is generously sponsored by Brown Harris Stevens, Bankwell, PURE Insurance, and USI Insurance Services. The Community Fund extends a special thank you to Brown Harris Stevens for over 20 years of sponsorship and to the DCA for hosting this year’s event in their beautifully renovated facility.</p><p>To RSVP, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.communityfunddarien.org/volunteercelebration" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 93, 143);"><u>www.communityfunddarien.org/volunteercelebration</u></a></p>

<p><strong>Darien Sidewalk Sales Returns with a New Twist for Summer 2025!</strong></p><p>Exciting news for local businesses and shoppers alike—Darien Sidewalk Sales is back, and this year brings a brand-new way to participate!</p><p>For the first time ever, vendors can opt for a <strong>one-day participation option</strong> at a special reduced rate. If committing to the full three-day event isn’t ideal, you can now join the action for just one high-energy day!</p><p><strong>Location:</strong> Darien Commons – featuring attractions &amp; entertainment</p><p><strong>Date:</strong> Saturday, July 12 (final day of Sidewalk Sales!)</p><p>While participating stores at Darien Commons will be open for the full three-day event, Saturday, July 12, is the exclusive opportunity for one-day vendors to take part. This flexible option makes it easier than ever to showcase your products, engage with the community, and be part of one of Darien’s biggest shopping events of the summer.</p><p>Don't miss out—<strong>reserve your spot today!</strong> Learn more at <a href="https://www.darienctchamber.com/sws/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Darien Chamber of Commerce</a>.</p>

<p><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Back by popular demand, the Museum of Darien is hosting a&nbsp;</span><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Terrarium Workshop on Tuesday, April 1, from 7 to 9 pm.</strong><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"> All are invited to enjoy an evening of creativity with friends while crafting a miniature ecosystem.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Led by&nbsp;</span><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Melissa Kelley,</strong><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"> a talented florist and Darien mom, this hands-on workshop will teach participants the&nbsp;</span><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Victorian-era techniques</strong><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">&nbsp;of building a long-lasting, self-sustaining terrarium. Each attendee will receive a glass container and all necessary materials to design their own lush, living creation.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">No green thumb? No problem! Melissa will guide participants with step-by-step instruction, ensuring that their terrarium will flourish for years to come. Fee for the workshop is $65 for members and $75 for non-members.</span></p><p>To register or find out more<em>,&nbsp;</em>visit&nbsp;<a href="https://museumofdarien.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">museumofdarien.org</a>. <span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">It is recommended to register soon as spaces are limited. For questions, </span>call (203) 655-9233 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:ekoch@museumofdarien.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">ekoch@museumofdarien.org</a>.&nbsp;The Museum of Darien is located at 45 Old King’s Highway in Darien, CT.</p><p><em>Established in 1953 as the Darien Historical Society, the Museum of Darien welcomes all ages to discover the town’s history and to experience the objects, narratives and works of art that tell Darien’s story, from its earliest beginnings as Middlesex Parish to the prosperous community it is today. To learn more about supporting the town’s history, visit&nbsp;</em><a href="https://museumofdarien.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: blue;"><em>museumofdarien.org</em></a><em>&nbsp;or call (203)655-9233</em></p><p>For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://museumofdarien.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">museumofdarien.org</a></p><p>Facebook: @museumofdarien</p><p>Instagram: @museumofdarien</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Local Business Champion:</strong><a href="https://www.graymatter-advisory.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong> GrayMatter Advisory</strong></a></h2><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Meet </strong><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrdavidlgray/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>David Gray</strong></a><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">, founder of GrayMatter Advisory.</strong></p><p><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">GrayMatter Advisory provides expert Go-to-Market and due diligence advisory services to consumer and B2B broadband service providers and digital infrastructure private equity and M&amp;A firms. Consulting to video platforms and wireless services, industry analysts, financial and commercial advisories, advertising agencies, and others.</em></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Why did you start your business?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">To provide business, consulting and advisory services to mid-market Internet service providers, and the digital infrastructure PE firms who back them</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Best selling service?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Business advisory services.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Have you used any local business to support GrayMatter Advisory's operations?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I worked with Ad Edge, a digital marketing agency based in Westport to create and deploy my website,</span><a href="http://www.graymatter-advisory.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"> www.graymatter-advisory.com</a></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Have you reimagined GrayMatter Advisory?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">It’s only been in existence for about a year; it’s gone through several iterations as I refine its function and purpose.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Visit GrayMatter Advisory’s website </span><a href="https://www.graymatter-advisory.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.graymatter-advisory.com/</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> and follow along on Instagram </span><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/graymatter-advisory-llc/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.linkedin.com/company/graymatter-advisory-llc/</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Questions? Email </span><a href="mailto:David@GrayMatter-Advisory.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">David@GrayMatter-Advisory.com</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">&nbsp;</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">HamletHub thanks</strong><a href="http://www.jkinfordbeautygroup.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong> </strong></a><a href="https://www.fairfieldcountybank.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Fairfield County Bank </strong></a><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!</strong></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>