Triple Threat Academy Puts on Main Street Concert, Filling Downtown with Music
Westporter Jamie Mann, who stars as “Brody” on the Netflix series Country Comfort, sings on the corner of Elm and Main Streets this afternoon as part of the Triple Threat Academy’s street concert in the midst of the downtown shopping day.
The Academy is run by actress and Westporter Cynthia Gibb and fellow Westporter Jill Johnson Mann. The group rose to the challenge of educating future stars throughout the pandemic, with Mann saying “The silver lining of the pandemic and virtual offerings is that Triple Threat has established a following nationally - even internationally, with an 11-year-old who would join classes at 11 pm from England. Professional talent training with Cynthia and Triple Threat are now traveling to Westport for performance and workshop opportunities.”
Local Kids’ “Crumby But Yummy” Lemonade and Bake Sale Benefits Animals in Need
Westporters Jack Steel (10) and Lucas Robinson (10) behind their stand. WestportLocal.com photoDuring the hottest hours of the day today, drivers heading down Hillandale Road could find cool refuge with a cup of iced lemonade and a bit of afternoon pep with homemade energy bites. Westporters Jack Steel and Lucas Robinson, both ten, put up a lemonade and bake sale stand at 3 Hillandale Road - recreating a classic scene of Americana as the local kids learned the ropes of business while raising funds for charity.
Animal Control Officer Peter Reid introduced Jack and Lucas to the dachshund in his care after a cool drink of lemonade. With a plan they’ve wanted to launch for months, Robinson described that he’s been learning about business, and knew that his friend Jack was great at baking - so the two joined together to sell Jack’s energy bites with Lucas’ lemonade. As parents watched nearby, the boys waved at everyone who passed the blue table - even grabbing the attention of Westport Animal Control Officer Peter Reid on his way to the Westport Animal Shelter. The boys were excited to meet the local ACO, and the dachshund in his care, as one half of all of their profits are being donated to the ASPCA.
The boys said that business was slow yesterday, but quickly picked up today in their first hour. “Business is booming!” exclaimed Robinson as more cars pulled over for the afternoon treat. The little Westporters are selling their lemonade and energy bites for $1 each, and will be out front of 3 Hillandale Road again tomorrow during what’s forecast to be another beautiful Summer day in Westport.
A community comes together over a cup of lemonade on Hillandale Road. This, or This? Downtown Shopping Day Underway on Main Street
Local shops, vendors, restaurants, musicians, and local organizations were beating the heat today under the sale-tents throughout Main Street. The event ends at 5:00 today and includes live music, a sidewalk bar, and sales from dozens of members of the downtown community. The Downtown Shopping Days are sponsored by the Westport Downtown Association, and have been a big hit with bargain hunters throughout the summer season.
Jesse Terry Headlines Levitt, with Local Band Clueless Opening
Despite the heat, the hearty crowd on the Levitt green enjoyed both the headlining performance by musician Jesse Terry, as well as an opening act by the local band Clueless.
Terry’s singer/songwriter music has brought him across the United States to perform, with his theme of Americana and community both resonating with fans. He’s played venues such as the Bonnaroo music festival and the stage of Joe’s Pub in Manhattan.
Clueless is comprised of both former and current School of Rock students who play across genres like classic rock and roll to disco. The group is made up of both Westporters and Fairfield residents who played in the program’s AllStars, and includes Anais Preller (vocals), Ethan Walmark (Keyboard/Vocals), Jake Greenwald (guitar), Zach Rogers (guitar), Francesco Perrouna (bass), and Witt Lindau (drums).
All photos by JC Martin for WestportLocal.com
