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Mar 03, 2025

Multiple Events & Exhibits to Headline Westport Library's VersoFest 2025

Westport, CT - Now in its fourth year, <a href="https://versofest.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">VersoFest</a> is rising in the ranks as one of Connecticut’s premier music festivals, delivering on its mission to provide a forum to share knowledge, discover inspiration, and celebrate media in all forms. From April 3 to April 6, The Westport Library’s annual music and media festival promises all of this and more — with four days of insight from industry legends, show-stopping performances, artistic expression, and engaging opportunities for community collaboration.Commencing this year’s lineup is a Verso Visionary conversation between <a href="https://versofest.org/verso-visionary-patti-smith/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">legendary singer/songwriter Patti Smith</a> and award-winning journalist and rock memoirist Alisyn Camerota on Thursday, April 3. Hit band <a href="https://versofest.org/the-wallflowers-headline-versofest-2025-friday-night/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">The Wallflowers</a> follows up with Friday night’s concert on April 4, and the weekend welcomes another Visionary conversation between <a href="https://versofest.org/henry-rollins-black-flag-artist-conversation-nabil-ayers/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">hardcore punk legend Henry Rollins</a> and Nabil Ayers, president of the record label Beggars Group, on Saturday, April 5.Prior to Rollins and Ayers taking the stage, Saturday at VersoFest 2025 will be a celebration of boundary-defying artistic expression. Between interactive art exhibits and a graffiti workshop led by visionary artist 5iveFingaz, a weekend family kickoff celebration, and a panel discussion focused on the 50th anniversary of Bruce Springsteen’s Born to Run, featuring an all-star cast of Springsteen collaborators and experts, the Saturday morning and afternoon run of events will be free to attend and open to all.Saturday starts off with a bang — the VersoFest 2025 Weekend Kickoff Celebration will be a raucous curtain raiser to set the stage for a full weekend of VersoFest events. From 10 am to 12 pm, come celebrate music, media, and creativity in style, with DJs and other fun fare for the whole family.Taking the stage in the Trefz Forum from 1 to 2:30 pm, <a href="https://versofest.org/bruce-springsteens-born-to-run-at-50/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">Bruce Springsteen’s Born to Run at 50</a> will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Springsteen’s breakthrough 1975 album — a seminal work that is widely considered to be one of the greatest rock albums of the 20th century. This event is free to attend. <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/versofest-2025-panel-discussion-bruce-springsteens-born-to-run-at-50-tickets-1234936270629?aff=oddtdtcreator" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">Click here to register.</a>An all-star panel will lead the procession, including Mike Appel, Springsteen’s first manager and the co-producer of Born to Run. Described as a “managerial genius” by Springsteen himself, Appel had a pivotal role in the launch of Springsteen’s career. His mark on the production of Springsteen’s first three albums, Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J.; The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle; and Born to Run can be heard decades later in the albums’ musical risk-taking and lyrical romanticism.“Mike was my musical brother in arms,” Springsteen said in his autobiography Born to Run. “He knew everything about the great groups, the fabulous hit records, every important nuance of the great singers' voices, the greatest riffs, the heart and soul that were in our favorite music.”Joining Appel is former Columbia Records promotions director Michael Pillot, who spearheaded the album promotion for Born to Run and solidified Springsteen’s quintessential image, as well as music historians Robert Santelli and Kenneth Womack. As the current executive director of the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music, as well as the founding executive director of the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles, Santelli is a Grammy-winning authority in music preservation. Likewise, Womack’s work spans numerous volumes of literary and cultural criticism and poignant commentary for BBC, NPR, ABC’S 20/20, NBC’s Access Hollywood, and more; he also wrote the 2024 book, Bruce Songs.The panel will be hosted by author and pop culture historian Arlen Schumer. In 1978, Schumer was the art director of Thunder Road, the first magazine devoted to Springsteen’s life and music. That same year, he created collateral artwork for two Springsteen concerts, one of which was Springsteen’s legendary Capitol Theater radio broadcast show.Former music industry executive and Verso Studios advisory board member Dick Wingate will host alongside Shumer. While at Columbia Records, Wingate worked closely with Pillot, managing the production of Springsteen’s Darkness on the Edge of Town, as well as many other influential rock albums.Launching in tandem with VersoFest 2025, globally renowned artist 5iveFingaz is bringing his bold signature style to The Westport Library in <a href="https://westportlibrary.org/5ivefingaz-art-exhibits-at-versofest-2025/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">a series of art exhibits</a> that will provide a vibrant and immersive backdrop to the festival. From March 29 to June 1, his work will span the Library’s Sheffer, South, and Jesup Galleries.On Saturday, April 5, from 10 am to 2 pm, the South Gallery will feature an Interactive Community Participation Mural designed by 5ive, which will invite members of the community to help fill in and create their own masterpiece during VersoFest. By allowing the viewer to participate in the creation of the artwork, creative immersion and community contribution will be as much a part of the piece as the art itself. 5ive’s immersive exhibit Visual Verses will be displayed in the Sheffer Gallery, transforming the space as it merges the expressive power of visual art with the profound impact of language. Each painting in this collection transcends traditional boundaries by weaving together vivid colors, dynamic compositions, and original phrases crafted to evoke thought, emotion, and reflection. This fusion of imagery and language urges viewers to engage not only with the aesthetics, but also with 5ive’s deeper narratives and intentions behind each piece. More information on 5ive’s Jesup Gallery exhibit is forthcoming.In addition to his art exhibits, 5ive will also lead two consecutive graffiti workshops, both of which will take place concurrently with the interactive mural. Presented by Verso University, <a href="https://westportlibrary.org/event/graffiti-101-finding-your-voice-as-a-graffiti-artist/2025-04-05/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">Graffiti 101: Finding Your Voice as a Graffiti Artist</a> will provide a space for participants to tap into their artistic expression and create their own unique pieces using spray paint and markers. This workshop contains two sessions: the first running 12 to 12:45 pm, and the second running 1 to 1:45 pm. Both sessions will cover the same content and are free to attend. <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/graffiti-101-finding-your-voice-as-a-graffiti-artist-tickets-1248752916589?aff=oddtdtcreator" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">Click here to register.</a>Sunday, April 6, will cap off the weekend with a VersoFest Oral History Podcast live recording with <a href="https://versofest.org/television-rocks-with-paul-shaffer-christine-ohlman/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">David Letterman Musical Director Paul Shaffer and SNL Tour De Force Christine Ohlman</a>, followed by an afternoon event to close the festival. More details coming soon.Since 2022, VersoFest has welcomed a number of celebrated global sensations including hip hop legend Chuck D, famed producers Steve Lillywhite and Tony Visconti, Psychedelic Furs frontman Richard Butler, the Doors drummer John Densmore, Cramps drummer Miriam Linna, Alice Cooper Group bassist Dennis Dunaway, established hit-makers Spin Doctors and the Smithereens, up-and-coming bands Sunflower Bean and the Lemon Twigs, hip hop originators Tony Crush and DJ Grand Wizzard Theodore, and a wide array of authors, photographers, artists, and thought leaders.All VersoFest performances, panels, and workshops are free or at market rates thanks to the generous support of donors, community partners, and Library programming funds. A selection of events will be recorded by Verso Studios Crew Call and available on-demand at a later date.The complete VersoFest 2025 schedule, plus tickets and additional information, <a href="https://versofest.org/versofest25-lineup/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">can be found here</a>.Event Information:

Feb 27, 2025

Westport Country Playhouse Kids’ Night, Free Tix to Attend Native Gardens

Westport Country Playhouse Presents “Kids’ Night” with Free Tickets to Attend “Native Gardens” on Tues., Mar. 4 for Ages 18 and UnderWestport Country Playhouse will present “Kids’ Night at the Playhouse” on Tuesday, March 4, at 7 p.m., when kids and teens ages 18 and under will receive free admission to attend the comedy “Native Gardens” when accompanied by a full-paying adult. The show is recommended for ages 12 and up. Running time is 90 minutes; no intermission. The promotion is in conjunction with “Kids’ Night on Broadway,” a program of The Broadway League and presented by The New York Times, designed to spark a lifelong love of theatre in the next generation of theatregoers.To redeem the “Kids’ Night at the Playhouse” offer, call the Playhouse box office at 203-227-4177.“Native Gardens” is about expectant parents Tania and Pablo Del Valle who move in next door to longtime suburbanites Virginia and Frank Butley. A dispute over their yard’s property line spirals into an epic, flower-flinging war over taste, class, personal identity…and gardening. With Pablo’s upcoming office barbecue party threatening the Butleys’ plans for the future of their yard, can these couples ever learn to love their neighbor and mend the fences that separate them? “Native Gardens” is written by Karen Zacarías, who was recently hailed by American Theatre magazine as one of the 10 most-produced playwrights in the U.S. Director is JoAnn M. Hunter.Playing February 18 through March 8, “Native Gardens” is the fourth production in the Playhouse’s 2024-25 “Season of Laughter,” a slate of five shows from October through April, chosen specifically to energize the community with a welcoming sense of warmth, humor, and joy. Next up is “Theatre People,” running March 25 – April 12, a comedy about married playwrights who are trying to concoct a surefire Broadway hit but create as much drama among themselves as on paper.“Native Gardens” Corporate Supporters are Cindy Raney & Team at Coldwell Banker Global Luxury, LaurelRock, and The Shoreline Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley, with additional support from Gilbertie's Garden Center & Gilbertie's Herbs, Westport Farmers’ Market, and Westport Hardware. 2025 Opening Night Post-Show Reception Sponsor is RDM Financial Group at Hightower. 2025 Together at the Table Sponsors are Paige and Jodi Couture, with generous support from Westport Rotary.  2025 Programming and Season Sponsor is Barbara Streicker. Media sponsors are Moffly Media and WSHU Public Radio. Westport Country Playhouse is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. For full details, visit: <a href="https://www.westportplayhouse.org/show/native-gardens/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">https://www.westportplayhouse.org/show/native-gardens/</a>

Feb 27, 2025

FC Buzz Weekend Westport: Jazz with Sara Caswell and Rick Reyes & Santos de Palo

FC BUZZ Weekend February 28 - March 2HamletHub 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.<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/jazz-violinist-sara-caswell-at-jazz-at-the-post" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Jazz violinist Sara Caswell</a>VFW Post 399, WestportFriday Feb 28, 7:00 pm - 10:00 pmGrammy® Nominee Sara Caswell “is a brilliant world-class violinist...one of the very best of the present generation of emerging young jazz stars” according to the late David Baker, internationally-renowned jazz educator and Director of the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra. Rooted in an early exposure to a variety of musical genres, Sara’s technical facility intertwined with her gift for lyricism continues to attract growing attention to her artistry as a jazz soloist, sideman, and teacher. <a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/allie-colleen" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Allie Colleen</a>Stamford Center for the Arts, StamfordFriday Feb 28, 8:00 pm - 10:00 pmA Country Artist, Singer and Songwriter who opened in 2024 for Jelly Roll on the final leg of his Beautifully Broken Tour and also toured with Lee Brice on his Me and My Guitar tour as well as headlined many shows of her own. Her music style defines how life shaped her, alongside the personal lyrics and transparency in both her vocals and performance. Her passion for singing and songwriting since a young age has garnered her a reputation of being a notable songwriter with an iconic-sounding voice.<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/bethel-education-foundation-annual-benefit" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Bethel Education Foundation Annual Benefit</a>The Candlewood Inn, BrookfieldSaturday Mar 1, 6:00 pm - 10:00 pmThis event is our biggest fundraiser attended by parents, educators and community members. The evening includes dinner, DJ & dancing, open bar, plus a silent auction. At the event, the Dr. Janice Jordan Excellence in Education Awards are presented to educators whose creativity within the classroom, school or district has had a significant impact on student performance and achievement.<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/taste-in-time---a-dinner-for-the-ages" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Taste in Time - A Dinner for the Ages</a>Wilton Historical Society, WiltonSaturday Mar 1, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pmTake a step back to the past, enjoy great food and drink, and support your local community. On Saturday, March 1st, from 6 to 9 pm, guests are invited to explore the Wilton Historical Society’s beautiful and unique historic spaces as you eat and drink your way through different eras of history. <a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/the-philadelphia-story-a-live-radio-play" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">The Philadelphia Story, a Live Radio Play</a>Pryor-Hubbard Hall, ReddingSaturday Mar 1, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pmJoin Director Nancy Ponturo with her extraordinary cast of actors, and watch the hilarity unfold as Tracy Lord, CK Dexter Haven, and other memorable characters are brought to life in this classic 1940s romantic comedy.<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/rick-reyes-santos-de-palo-at-voices-cafe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Rick Reyes & Santos de Palo</a>Voices Cafe, WestportSaturday Mar 1, 8:00 pm - 10:30 pmVoices Cafe is thrilled to present the dynamic, creative force of Rick Reyes & Santos de Palo on Saturday March 1st at 8pm. This concert promises to be a unique, expansive musical exploration. This innovative fusing of Caribbean Mountain folk music with North American folk traditions such as bluegrass, country, and gospel, takes the Latin Americana music genre to whole different category.<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/young-musicians-festival-36a15" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Young Musicians Festival</a>Saxe Middle School, New CanaanSaturday Mar 1, 9:00 am - 6:00 pmThe Schubert Club's Young Musicians Festival (YMF) provides adjudicated performance opportunities for students under 18 years of age who receive private instrumental and/or voice instruction. Show off your hard work and receive a gold cup!<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/colab-a-new-program-by-the-schubert-club-65498" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">CoLab: A New Program By The Schubert Club</a>Emmanuel Episcopal Church, WestonSaturday Mar 1, 2:00 pm - 2:00 pmThe Schubert Club introduces CoLab, a new pilot program where all ages and all stages come together to perform works from any genre of music: Parents with their children, grandparents with their grandchildren, friends with friends, teachers with students, all combinations or solo. No rules!<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/american-chamber-orchestra-s-concerto-competition-e235b" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">American Chamber Orchestra's Concerto Competition</a>Faust Harrison Pianos, FairfieldSaturday Mar 1, 6:30 pm - 9:00 pmApplications and details are available through our website. The winners will perform their winning pieces at our Season Finale concert on June 14, 2025. Deadline for applications is February 5.<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/first-county-bank-maple-sugar-fest-sunday-38306" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">First County Bank Maple Sugar Fest</a>Stamford Museum & Nature Center, StamfordSunday Mar 2, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm, join the for the , as they make our very own line of maple syrup from the 200+ mature maple trees found right here on our 118-acre campus. They’re one of only two official maple sugar producers in Fairfield County!<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/the-great-african-dance-exchange---dance-workshop-for-kids-families" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">The Great African Dance Exchange</a>Weston History & Culture Center, WestonSunday Mar 2, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pmLearn about West African dance with your family! Get ready to move those feet. Jolyn will teach traditional dance steps and share her knowledge about dances from the West African country of Ghana. Too shy to dance? No problem! You can participate by playing traditional instruments during the program. Wear comfortable clothing.<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/sunday-player-piano-soiree" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Sunday Player Piano Soiree</a>Stamford History Center, StamfordSunday Mar 2, 2:30 pm - 4:00 pmDon’t miss an afternoon of enchanting melodies and captivating rhythms as our historic player piano fills the air with delightful tunes chosen by YOU from our music rolls. Immerse yourself in the charm of vintage music, surrounded by our exhibit How the Upper Crust Lived the Gilded Age in Stamford.<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/sunday-smoke-show-blue-flame-live-band-cabaret-in-an-intimate-cigar-bar" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Sunday Smoke Show: Blue Flame | Live Band Cabaret</a>Connecticut Cigar Company, StamfordSunday Mar 2, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pmSpring is right around the corner, and Sunday Smoke Show: Blue Flame is turning up the heat with burlesque and vocals set to a live blues band. Join us for a night of sultry cabaret entertainment. The blue flame burns hottest. Sunday Smoke Show is a recurring cabaret revue in the newly refurbished cigar lounge, now with a full bar, at Connecticut Cigar Company in downtown Stamford, CT. Get up close and personal with the finest performers from Connecticut, New York City and elsewhere while enjoying craft cocktails and premium hand-rolled cigars in a warm, intimate space sure to raise the temperature till everyone boils over!See these and discover hundreds more events on the <a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">FCBUZZ EVENTS</a> page at <a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://culturalalliancefc.org</a> Sign up for the <a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cultural Alliance eBuzz</a> to receive top picks and spotlights each week in your inbox.

Feb 27, 2025

Fashionably Westport on Friday, Last Call for Tickets!

Westport Downtown Association Brings Fashionably Westport to town benefiting Homes with Hope on Friday!We are honored to support <a href="https://westportdowtown.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7e106b5e6ccc9c8393c4a51b5&id=11e651a99d&e=2bee79fa35" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Homes with Hope</a> for the fifth year through our upcoming event, the Fashionably Westport runway show, on Friday, February 28th, at 7:00 PM. Since 1983, Homes with Hope has been a beacon of hope in our community, providing emergency shelter, supportive housing, and a range of vital services to homeless individuals and families. We unite with Homes with Hope as they continue their important work. Your attendance on February 28th will help us achieve our goal. Purchased tickets are tax-deductible.The show will feature the latest styles from over 20 local fashion retailers, over 100 models, and an unforgettable night of fashion, food, music, and fun! Dave Briggs and Alisyn Camerota will host, and Carey Price of Cove Collective will direct this event. <a href="https://westportdowtown.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7e106b5e6ccc9c8393c4a51b5&id=f8060716a7&e=2bee79fa35" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Purchase Tickets Here</a>

Feb 21, 2025

Westport Playhouse Presents An Evening of Cocktails, Fun Tales & Backstage Tours

Westport, CT - Westport Country Playhouse will present “Get Ready for Theatre People! An Evening of Cocktails, Fun Tales, and Backstage Tours” on Monday, March 10, from 6 to 8 p.m. In advance of the curtain rising on the Playhouse production of Paul Slade Smith’s backstage comedy “Theatre People,” the special event will toast the Playhouse, its legacy, and the people who bring shows to life on its stage.Sharing personal anecdotes from their roles at the Playhouse will be an alumni panel, including actors Mia Dillon, Keir Dullea, Joe Delafield, and Michael McCormick, former co-artistic director Anne Keefe, and more to be announced. Moderator will be Mark Shanahan, Westport Country Playhouse artistic director. "There’s nothing quite like theatre people—and Playhouse theatre people are in a league of their own!,” said Shanahan. “As we gear up for our wildly entertaining production of ‘Theatre People,’ a play that celebrates the passion, humor, and romance of the stage, I’m thrilled for the Playhouse to host a special evening honoring some of its very own. It’s a night to share stories, laughter, and friendship at a theatre we all cherish.”In addition to the panel discussion, there will be behind-the-scenes tours led by Playhouse archivist and historian Bruce Miller, and a cocktail party. Discount ticket offers will be available at the event for performances of “Theatre People.”“Theatre People,” playing March 25 through April 12, is written by West Hartford native Paul Slade Smith and directed by Mark Shanahan. The play is an adaptation of Ferenc Molnár’s classic Hungarian farce, “Play at the Castle.” The witty comedy is set in 1948 in a Newport mansion populated with characters in love with theater: Charlotte and Arthur, a married playwwright couple; Margot, a celebrated ingénue; Victor, a narcissistic Broadway baritone; and Oliver, a young, insecure novelist; as well as Olga, an unabashedly unhelpful housekeeper. Filled with romance, misunderstandings, and surprises, the plot focuses on theatre people who are trying to write a surefire Broadway hit but create as much drama among themselves as on paper.Tickets for “Get Ready for Theatre People! An Evening of Cocktails, Fun Tales, and Backstage Tours” are $25; $15 for Encore Club members; limited availability. Seating is unreserved. For full details on the March 10 event and the three-week run of “Theatre People,” visit: <a href="https://www.westportplayhouse.org/show/theatre-people/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">https://www.westportplayhouse.org/show/theatre-people/</a> A complete schedule of Playhouse events is available at <a href="http://westportplayhouse.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">westportplayhouse.org</a>. All play titles, artists, dates, and times are subject to change.For Westport Country Playhouse information and tickets, visit <a href="http://westportplayhouse.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">westportplayhouse.org</a> or call the box office at (203) 227-4177, toll-free at 1-888-927-7529. Stay connected to the Playhouse on Facebook (Westport Country Playhouse), Instagram (wcplayhouse), and YouTube (WestportPlayhouse). Westport Country Playhouse is located at 25 Powers Court, off Route 1, Westport.

Feb 21, 2025

Dr. Diana Cox-Foster to Speak to Back Yard Beekeepers Association, Feb. 25

Weston, CT - The Back Yard Beekeepers Association (BYBA) in Connecticut is proud to present Dr. Diana Cox-Foster, a Research Leader and Entomologist at USDA-ARS Pollinating Insects Research Unit in Utah. This meeting is in person and our speaker will be joining us virtually. There is not an option for participants to join virtually. Please join us at 7 PM to allow time to socialize and chat with other members of the club. Our virtual speaker presentation will begin at 7:30 PM.  The location is Norfield Congregational Church located at 64 Norfield Rd in Weston, CT. Even though the event is free, please register at <a href="https://backyardbeekeepers.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">https://backyardbeekeepers.com</a>.Join us for this exciting deep dive into the fascinating world of bees! This presentation will showcase groundbreaking data from a three-year study exploring the dynamic interactions between honey bees, bumble bees, and solitary bees—an investigation that addresses a critical question: How does a honey bee apiary impact native bee populations?"Through innovative cage experiments with limited forage, we created competition between the three bee types, examining how they affect each other’s reproduction and behavior on flowers. This research included experiments on how a large apiary with 48 colonies influences the reproduction of sentinel bumble bee colonies and cavity-nesting solitary bees. We also kept a close eye on local endemic bee species and flowers, all while assessing the impact of viral pathogens on these essential pollinators", remarked Cox-Foster.Dr. Cox-Foster, will present additional data on the impacts of viral pathogens in the blue orchard bee (Osmia lignaria), shedding light on how these health challenges affect bee populations.With climate emerging as a key player in the results, she will discuss how the carrying capacity of an area significantly impacts bee health, revealing how various factors interact to shape the well-being of our pollinators.Don't miss this chance to hear about cutting-edge bee research and its profound implications for biodiversity and conservation!Questions? Contact BYBA’s Paula Wolf at <a href="https://mailto:paulawolf@email.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">paulawolf@email.com</a>. The Back Yard Beekeepers Association (BYBA) is one of the Nation’s largest regional clubs for beekeeping hobbyists with over 400 members. Some of their members are just getting started as beekeepers, and some have enjoyed this hobby for years. All share an interest in the wonderful and remarkable world of the honey bee. The mission of BYBA is to provide their membership with a forum for sharing knowledge and mutual interests in beekeeping, and to educate and promote the benefits of beekeeping to the public. For more information, please visit <a href="https://backyardbeekeepers.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">backyardbeekeepers.com</a>

Feb 20, 2025

FC Buzz Westport: MoCA Some Noise - Open Mic Night!

FC BUZZ Weekend February 21-23HamletHub 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.<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/bevs-bites" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Bevs & Bites</a>Stamford Museum & Nature Center, StamfordFriday Feb 21, 6:30 pm - 9:30 pmThe biggest and most anticipated BevMax Tasting Series event of the year, our signature "feast on foot" is an epicurean exploration featuring unlimited tastings of incredible food and drink.<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/moca-some-noise-open-mic-night" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">MoCA Some Noise: Open Mic Night</a>MoCA CT, WestportFriday Feb 21, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pmJoin us for an Open Mic night at MoCA CT featuring acoustic music, poetry, and slam poetry. Everyone is invited to participate and attend.<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/vallenatazo-del-amor" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Vallenatazo del Amor</a>Stamford Center for the Arts, StamfordFriday Feb 21, 8:00 pm - 10:00 pmJosé Cruz Productions invites you to a unique event, full of the energy, passion and rhythm of vallenato on a spectacular night. It will be an event that you cannot miss. Get ready to enjoy a musical party for the whole family!<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/north-county-band-brian-dolzani-band-at-park-city-music-hall" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">North County Band & Brian Dolzani Band</a>Park City Music Hall, BridgeportFriday Feb 21, 8:00 pm - 11:00 pmNorth County Band is the creative culmination of Chicago-born singer-songwriter Scott Smith and Texas fiddle sensation, Cat Lines. Together they summoned some of Connecticut's most seasoned and versatile musicians to compliment their songwriting craft & musical prowess and to deliver a unique signature sound. Their debut EP, "Connecticut", is widely regarded as a grass-roots collaborative effort with songs about the Nutmeg State, isolation, challenges of the modern era, and family. <a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/man-of-la-mancha-4d700" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Man of La Mancha</a>Crystal Theatre at Ben Franklin Community Center, NorwalkFriday Feb 21, 7:30 pm - 9:45 pmExperience Don Quixote's "Impossible Dream" of a better world lived through the imagination in Man of La Mancha, which features a book by Dale Wasserman, music by Mitch Leigh and lyrics by Joe Darion, and is adapted from Wasserman’s 1959 teleplay I, Don Quixote. This in turn was inspired by Miguel de Cervantes and his 17th-century classic Don Quixote.<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/soundwaves-concert-the-music-of-sir-edward-elgar" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Soundwaves Concert: The Music of Sir Edward Elgar</a>Fairfield Public Library, FairfieldSaturday Feb 22, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pmRenowned violinist Katie Lansdale and acclaimed pianist Alan Murchie will trace the musical journey of the British Romantic composer as they perform various of his works for violin and piano. There will be refreshments and a chance to meet the musicians after the performance. Generously sponsored by The Friends of Fairfield Public Library.<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/original-ancestors-with-craig-kelly" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Original Ancestors with Craig Kelly</a>Bridgeport Public Library, BridgeportSaturday Feb 22, 2:00 pm - 3:30 pmBridgeport resident Craig Kelly gives a special presentation on the Mafaa (Swahili for "Great Disaster"), the Holocaust of Slavery and Genocide, and the unknown contributions of Africans and African Americans to the US and the world at large Kelly will also display and explain several artifacts related to African American History from his personal collection.<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/american-chamber-orchestra-s-winter-concert-february-22-2025" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">American Chamber Orchestra's Winter Concert</a>Norwalk Concert Hall, NorwalkSaturday Feb 22, 7:30 pm - 9:30 pmCome in out of the cold and warm up with our exciting partnership with The Mendelssohn Choir of Connecticut as we present Antonin Dvorak's Te Deum and John Rutter's Requiem. Schubert's Symphony No. 8 is also on the program.<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/hansel-and-gretel-cc07e" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Hansel and Gretel</a>Downtown Cabaret Theatre, BridgeportSaturday Feb 22, 2:30 pm - 4:30 pmGet ready to embark on a deliciously delightful adventure as we journey into the enchanted world of Hansel & Gretel at the Downtown Cabaret Theatre! Join Hansel and Gretel, the brave brother and sister duo, as they venture into the mysterious woods and stumble upon a house made entirely of gingerbread—yes, you heard right, gingerbread! But beware, because lurking within is a tricky witch with a sweet tooth and a mischievous plan. Will Hansel & Gretel outsmart the witch and find their way back home?<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/the-brian-torff-group-a-tribute-to-black-music" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">The Brian Torff Group: A Tribute to Black Music</a>Wilton LIbrary, WiltonSunday Feb 23, 3:00 pm - 4:30 pmJoin Wilton Library for a live musical celebration of Black History Month with The Brian Torff Group, a collective dedicated to revitalizing the essence of American music. In a program that blends original songs with classic Delta Blues, it will highlight the profound impact of Black music on American culture. Torff's engaging on-stage stories draw from his extensive research on music and race in the Deep South, emphasizing the critical role of Black Music in Blues, Jazz, Country, Rock and Pop. The group will play new interpretations of classic artists such as Bessie Smith, Robert Johnson, B.B. King, Mose Allison and Elvis Presley.See these and discover hundreds more events on the <a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">FCBUZZ EVENTS</a> page at <a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://culturalalliancefc.org</a> Sign up for the <a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cultural Alliance eBuzz</a> to receive top picks and spotlights each week in your inbox.