Artist Collective Hosts Annual 12”x12” Show At Westport Playhouse
On a frosty Tuesday evening, hundreds of people gathered in the warm and cozy barn at the Westport Playhouse to experience the annual 12”x12” art show put on by the Artists Collective of Westport.
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In addition to the 100 pieces of original and affordable art by Collective members in an amazing variety of media, styles and content, there was an 18 foot long table full of food and flowers for guests to enjoy, talented local pianist Caren Cole provided the evening’s beautiful musical accompaniment which included many songs of the season.
The exhibit will be open from 2 PM to 6 PM from Wednesday, December 13 to Sunday, December 17.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com. Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The “Y’s” Men Present: Music - The Soundtrack Of Our Lives At The Westport Library
Westport’s Y’s Men is hosting a special Multi-Media presentation on the intersection of Music and various art forms on Tuesday December 12th at 7:00 PM with guest speaker John Brandt.
Y’s Men Press Release:
Music is everywhere in our lives. That is the theme of a multi-media presentation at the Westport Library on Tuesday evening, December 12th, beginning at 7 p.m. The program, jointly sponsored by the Y’s Men of Westport/Weston and The Westport Library, tracks the impact of music on a variety of art forms in a range of venues. The speaker, John Brandt, a lifelong Westporter, will highlight how music is the soundtrack of our lives.
According to Brandt, a dancer, singer, actor, percussionist and public relations consultant, music is a driving force in making our lives more vibrant. “Music is everywhere,” he says. “From the concert hall, to iconic stage productions, to films of every description, music is the underscore that carries us along. And the selection of video clips that illustrate my program give voice to the variety and impact that music has on each of us.”
Brandt is a founding member of the Staples Orphenians and of the Staples Players. He graduated from the University of Connecticut and studied with a variety of mentors in the arts, including Martha Graham and Alvin Ailey, all in the last century. He describes himself as a lifelong lover of music in all its forms and in all its venues. “You need only walk Compo Beach on any given day to see the small number of people without earbuds to realize how central music is every day.”
The 90-minute program is free, but registration on the Westport Library site is required.
Click Here To Register For This Event
For further information, contact John Brandt at jkbrandt@aol.com or by phone at (203) 246-6280.
Staples Alum Sam Laskin Returns To Westport Again Leading The Dartmouth Brovertones
On Monday, Staples class of 2020’s Sam Laskin once again brought the a cappella group to Westport, performing at Saugatuck Congregational Church before a packed audience which gave the highly talented group a standing ovation.
Photos And Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Their website said, “ Originally named Final Cut, the group was traditionally known for singing popular songs from the 80s and 90s. Over the years, they have become one of the premier a cappella groups on campus. The group sings a large variety of songs, ranging from chart-topping hits to Dartmouth traditionals. They arrange all of their own music and each Bro has a say in which songs are performed and have released five albums. The latest, titled "Bro Ties," was released in January of 2019. Every December they embark on our Winter Tour, performing at numerous colleges, alumni clubs, and other venues along the east coast. They hold auditions every fall in conjunction with the other campus a cappella groups.”
The group brings a high-energy spin to their performances with some great moves not normally seen in a cappella shows. They perhaps surprised the audience members who had not previously seen this group by opening with the Backstreet Boy’s “I Want It That Way” which blended into NSYNC’s hit, “Bye Bye Bye” with several Bros singing leads with the rest singing back up harmonies. A Dartmouth traditional song, “Hanover Winter”. Next, they did some surfing to a medley of Beach Boys tunes. Their clever arrangement of 12 Days Of Christmas in which they re-ordered the days and added ab libs, bringing laughter and applause from the audience. They brought a country flair, performing Wagon Wheel written by Bob Dylan and Ketch Secor, recently popularized by Darius Rucker’s cover.
Photos And Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
If you missed this stellar performance it can be Viewed On YouTube.
Staples Orphenians Take The Stage On Monday Following The Brovertones At Saugatuck Congregational
Always a thrill to hear, Staples High School Orphenians was led by the schools, new choral director, Lauren Pine. Pine bright her 40 Orphenians to the stage following the Dartmouth Brovertones at Saugatuck Congregational, in a wonderfully performed selection of holiday favorites. Selections included “The Winter’s Night”, “Caroling, Caroling”, showing the perfect harmonies this a cappella group is noted for. They next turned to the classic ballet from the Nutcracker with their “Dance Of The Sugar-Plum Fairy and closed with a spirited “Jingle Bells” which brought the crowd to their feet.
Photos And Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
About The Orphenians:
Founded by Dr. George Weigle in 1958, the Orphenians have been the premiere vocal ensemble in Westport for more than six decades. Over those many years, the Orphenians have performed across the globe; including nearly every country in Europe, the United State's West Coast, Australia and most recently Hawaii (summer of 2023).
Under the direction of Lauren Pine, this year's ensemble consists of 40 auditioned students ranging from 9th to 12th grade. Known for their many holiday performances throughout the town of Westport, they have become an integral part of the local community during the holiday season and year round. In fact, after this performance, the group went home to change into their formal wear to join the Dartmouth Brovertones, led by Sam Laskin, Staples 2020 graduate and a President of the Staples Players in a special holiday concert at Saugatuck Congregational Church.
If you missed this stellar performance it can be Viewed On YouTube.
Photos And Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.