J.C. Martin 6/21/22 J.C. Martin 6/21/22

Westport Library Honors Westport's Own Shonda Rhimes At Their Annual BOOKED For Evening Event

Vanity Fair editor-in-chief Radhika Jones interviews Shonda Rhimes at The Westport Library’s BOOKED For The Evening.

Shonda Rhimes is an award-winning television creator, producer and author. She is also the CEO of Shondaland, the global media company that encompasses brand partnerships, merchandise, theatrical and streaming content and a digital division.

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As inductee into the Television Academy Hall Of Fame, she has produced some of the most successful television in recent history, with three series which she created achieving the 100 episode milestone. These include Grey's Anatomy, history's longest running medical drama, spin-off Private Practice and the Netflix blockbuster series Bridgerton. She is a television writer, producer, author of multiple books recipient of numerous awards for her work in both entertainment and other achievements. Shonda is now a Westport resident and last night, as honoree was instrumental in setting a record for the highest total raised in more than 20 years of the Westport Library's biggest annual fundraiser, BOOKED For The Evening, which drew 430 guests in person and was streamed online. She now has joined a very exclusive club which includes Alan Alda, Itzak Perlman, John Meacham, Martin Scorcese, Tom Brokaw, Doris Kearns Goodwin and Westport's famous former residents, Justin Paul and Nile Rogers.

The evening began after a cocktail hour with a 15 minute film about Shonda Rhimes created by Westport filmmaker Douglas Tirola and the Booked Committee, chaired by Wendy Brown and Candy Savin which introduced Shonda to the audience. The film was an overview of her life and career and included messages of congratulations from Kerry Washington, Mindy Kale and the president of Dartmouth and which was complimented upon by Ms. Rhimes.

Next, editor-in-chief of Vanity Fair, Radhika Jones took the stage and introduced Ms. Rhimes and began a highly informative 45 minute interview which detailed her long career and anecdotes about her personal life drew rapt attention from the audience.

Harold Bailey, Jr . and wife Bernicestine take a quick photo with Shonda Rhimes at last night’s “BOOKED for the Evening” event at the Westport Library. Mr. Bailey is Chair of Team Westport, Chair of the Westport Civilian Review Panel and Trustee of Westport Country Playhouse. Mrs. Bailey is Board Chair of the Freeman Center (Bridgeport), Secretary of TEAM Westport and pas President of Fairfield County Links, Inc.

Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

J.C. Martin 6/21/22 J.C. Martin 6/21/22

Michael Franti & Spearhead and Tropidelic Rock The Levitt Pavilion

Michael Franti on stage at the Westport Pavilion For The Performing Arts on Sunday

The Levitt Pavilion presented Michael Franti + Spearhead Sunday night - making Westport a part of the Follow Your Heart World Tour - with Tropidelic on board as the opening act.

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After revving the crowd up with their stellar performance, Tropidelic was followed by a high-voltage performance by Michael Franti and Spearhead.

Franti, who is touring the US and Europe this year featuring songs from his new hit Follow Your Heart album, shone in a world-class show on the Epstein Stage at the Levitt Pavilion - including a spectacular light show illuminating the iconic roof of the venue, and an interactive video screen which displayed photos, artwork and beautiful images as the band provided the highly appreciative audience a memorable display of musicianship. Franti, known for his message of positivity and love shared touching stories from his life both in and out of the performance arena.

What may have delighted the audience the most was when Franti left the stage and sang his way through the crowd and headed toward each of two raised and lighted platforms where he shared his love for his fans with high fives, fist bumps and hugs as he sang songs which many of his fans knew by heart. He made his tour of the audience several times and the crowd's energy grew with every trip he took. He finished the show by inviting several children in the audience up on stage to share in the Franti experience with some taking a mic and singing along.

At the conclusion of the epic two-hour show, Franti continued to return his fan's love by taking one selfie after another and engaging with his fans, both old and new.

The Levitt Pavilion’s Stars on Tour series will continue throughout the 2022 season and will include: TWIDDLE (a two-day music festival), Allison Russell, and Aoife O’Donovan and Hiss Golden Messenger. For full current calendar, visit: https://www.levittpavilion.com/calendar

Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.