Voices Midwinter Concert Brings A Capella Magic To Westport
Windborne's Music of Midwinter brought incomparable vocal harmonies to the Unitarian Universalist Voices Cafe in the latest of their exceptional concert series last night!
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Above, right, Voices Director Dave Caplin introduces Windborne to to the one hundred audience members.
The evening’s performance offered gorgeous songs from holiday times of old , brought to new life by the ensemble of Jeremy Carter-Gordon, Lynn Rowan, Lauren Breunig and Will Rowan gave Voices Cafe audiences a real treat. With voices honed by decades of experience and a deep friendship, there was an unmatched creative energy in the room last night and Windborne had the audience singing, clapping and on their feet!
Windborne delivered what NPR promised: "...the stunningly powerful Windborne sets a new bar for harmony singing today!”
Voices Cafe is a 100% volunteer run live music venue, dedicated to bringing the power of song to our local community while supporting social justice causes across the region. It is a cabaret style venue at which guest can enjoy their top-notch musical offerings while they bring their own food and libations. December 16th's concert benefited Bridgeport's Helping Hands Outreach, and its holiday toy drive.
Voices Cafe has a strong line up for 2024, starting with on Feb 3rd's concert featuring social justice troubadour Crys Matthews, called "the next generation's Woody Guthrie". This concert will benefit Trans Haven, a program of New Haven's Peer Pride.
Tickets and information is available at VoicesCafe.org.
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MoCA Westport Brings The Holiday Cheer With Evening Of Holiday And Classical Music
Thursday evening Kristen Young and Joe Bush wowed the audience with their dynamic collaboration for the second year running at MoCA Westport.
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Kristen Young graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a Master of Music in Violin Performance and a Graduate Certificate in Arts Management and Entrepreneurship, and from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor of Music in Music Management. Kristen is the Director of Performing Arts at MoCA where she heads the Music at MoCA Concert Series and the Heida Hermanns International Music Competition. She also teaches violin at the Westport School of Music and plays in the American Chamber Orchestra.
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Joseph Bush is a graduate of the University of Connecticut (UCONN) with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in music under the tutelage of Irma Vallecillo. He received his masters in piano performance from Indiana University studying under Alexander Toradze. Joe has played in numerous venues over many diverse genres. After graduating he has been the artist in residence at Calvary Presbyterian Church in Newburgh New York. Since being there, he has revived and developed their choral program to include 20+ members.Joe makes his living teaching privately, maintaining a studio of over 50+ students. He also accompanies all over Fairfield County and the greater New York area.
Concert Guests Also Enjoyed The New Exhibit Of Artist Purvis Young
While waiting for Kristen Young and Joseph Bush to take the stage, visitors on Saturday night viewed the current exhibition, “This Is The Life I See” by acclaimed artist Purvis Young whose work appears in these photographs.
Purvis Young (1943 – 2010) was an entirely self-taught artist who dealt with the plight of the underprivileged and the consequences of racism and daily violence through a highly distinctive visual style. Young lived his entire life in the Miami, FL neighborhood of Overtown, once an entertainment destination as well as a designated black neighborhood in the segregated South.
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Young created thousands of works that featured a mixture of painting and drawing with collaged elements, utilizing everyday discarded found objects such as scrap lumber and plywood. Some are large and some are small. Some are landscapes. Some are portraits. Some have figures, people. Some of these people have bodies. Some of these people have eyes. Some have both, some have neither.
Young’s work radiates rawness. His paintings indulge in color and shape. They are riddled with unrest and animation. They are intensely prolific. Ultimately, Young’s work is a dialogue of binaries. Freedom versus struggle. White versus black. Country versus city. Movement versus confinement. History versus contemporary. Truth versus deceit. Rich versus poor.
Visit Soon! The exhibit runs through December 29th. For more information visit: mocawestport.org/exhibitions
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Pequot Library Hosts Annual Menorah Lighting For Westport & Fairfield Communities
On Tuesday the Jewish communities of Westport and Fairfield joined for a Menorah lighting at the Pequot Library in Southport. The site has been chosen in the last few years as it is the midway point for the two communities. The event on the sixth night of Chanukah was organized by the Westport Chabad, Rabbi Yehudi Kantor and Rabbi Shame Landa of Fairfield Chabad. While waiting for the lighting ceremony to begin lighting the six candles, guests enjoyed treats such as delicious donuts.
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The memorable event began with a multiple car parade which had lighted menorahs mounted on the roofs and which was facilitated by the Westport and Fairfield police departments.
The exciting festivities were quite the Chanukah celebration, the sonic background for which was provided by DJ Marv exciting the close to 100 guests by spinning a curated soundtrack that resonated with the spirit of Chanukah. The playlist featured electrifying remixes, including hits like "Candlelight" by the Maccabeats, a parody which told the story of Chanukah in a unique and clever way to the tune of the Taio Cruz hit, “Dynamite” The track included lyrics like “I flip my latkes in the air sometimes, sayin' ay oh spin the dreidel.” He presented a soulful "Hanukkah Song Mashup" by Elliot Dvorin and the Key Tov Orchestra and other crowd favorites.
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The finale after the lighting was provided by Lady Blaze, a fire spinner and fire dancer for more than 20 years, who put on an amazing show with a dazzling display of skill and precision with multiple flaming props including a burning hula hoop.
Rabbi Kantor included in his remarks that “Chanukah is the Holiday of Lights with a strong message of hope over despair, triumph of good over evil and the empowerment of everyone to make a difference in this world.”
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John Brandt, Y’s Men’s Classical Music Aficionado Presented “The Soundtrack Of Our Lives” At Westport Library
Y’s Man John Brandt told an audience of attentive Westporters that “Music is everywhere in our lives”, the theme of his multi-media presentation last night at the Westport Library. The program tracked the impact of music on a variety of art forms in a range of venues. Brandt, a lifelong Westporter, highlighted how music has become the soundtrack of our lives.
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“Music has become a driving force in making our lives more vibrant, music is everywhere,” Brandt said, extolling names as diverse as Leonard Bernstein, Michael Tilson Thomas, Martha Graham, George Balanchine, Staples High School and Aaron Copeland as contributors to his love of music and dance.
“From the concert hall, to iconic stage productions, to films of every description, music has become the underscore that carries us along.” His presentation included various video clips of the “The Nutcracker,” Fred Astaire, Jimmy Cagney, Gene Kelly and the cast of “A Chorus Line”, and Walt Disney’s 1940 feature film Fantasia, which brought classical masterpieces to a wide audience in an animated film which cost 50 million dollars in today’s money.
To see this special presentation click here: https://vimeo.com/894659816
For further information, contact Dick Kalt at dkalt@optonline.net or by phone at 203.216.5196.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Twinkling Lights And The Sounds Of The Season Begin The Holidays At Westport Town Hall
The Westport community gathered at Town Hall as they have for many years to enjoy the well-loved annual tradition of lighting the Westport Town Hall Christmas tree last night. A large crowd of 150 or more Westporters and area residents joined for the festivities.
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First Selectwoman Jen Tooker gave remarks on the spirit of the season in this welcoming community which values inclusion and acceptance of all it’s residents and visitors. She also noted the efforts of the Westport DPW in getting the tree ready for the big moment, which takes the entire day to accomplish. The nearly 50 foot tree is out of reach for the town bucket truck so the town has contracted with The Davey Tree Expert Company for the last several years which brings a pair of very tall bucket trucks enabling them to wrap the approximately 3500 LED lights around the tree, in the day-long project.
When the big moment arrived Ms. Tooker invited children, parents and grandparents (above, center) from the crowd to help with the countdown.
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As always, Staples High School’s legendary Ophenians provided the entertainment and began the event by performing several holiday favorites.
The Staples Orphenians gather for a Photo Op before they kicked off the night’s festivities.
The acclaimed forty-member strong a cappella group this year was led by Staples High School’s new choral director, Lauren Pine. They opened with Deck The Halls, followed by Joy Shall Be Yours In The Morning, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, closing with everyone’s favorite, Jingle Bells.
Photos And Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
About The Staples 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.
First Selectwoman Jen Tooker, nicely decorated with her Christmas lights necklace was joined by Selectwoman Candace Savin (L), second selectwoman Andrea Moore, and former First Selectman Jim Marpe who had hosted this cherished event for years.
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The glowing lighted tree delighted the children and was a perfect backdrop for family photos.
After the twinkling tree lights were glowing against the night sky, the Westport Museum For History And Culture across the street invited the audience to their ornament making event (see article below) and for hot chocolate to warm up their guests.
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Westport Museum's Festive Kickoff: Hot Cocoa, Ornament Making, and Community Spirit
Above, Kami Naraghi Director of Marketing & Development and Nicole Carpenter Director of Program & Collections welcomed families to the museum after the Town Hall Christmas Tree lighting for the festivities. Parents and grandparents helped children prepare new ornaments to be hung from the family Christmas tree.
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The Westport Museum for History & Culture recently ushered in the holiday season with a heartwarming event that brought the community together in a spirit of joy and creativity. Following the town's dazzling tree lighting ceremony, the museum welcomed locals to join in the festive merriment with a delightful combination of hot cocoa and ornament-making.
As the aroma of cocoa filled the air and cheerful carols echoed through the newly renovated barn, attendees of all ages gathered to craft one-of-a-kind ornaments, each infused with the magic of the season. The event not only offered a space for creative expression but also served as a heartening reminder of the community's shared traditions.
What makes this celebration even more special is that it goes beyond spreading holiday cheer. The Westport Museum for History & Culture operates as an independent nonprofit, relying on the support of the community to fund its award-winning exhibits and educational programs. Events like the hot cocoa and ornament-making soirée play a crucial role in sustaining the museum's mission.
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Above: The museum is beautifully decked out for the holiday season and has a fine selection of ornaments, greeting and postcards and many other unique and creative gift offerings.
By participating in events like these, community members not only partake in the festive celebrations but also actively contribute to the preservation and promotion of their local history. It's a symbiotic relationship where the spirit of the holidays merges seamlessly with the museum's dedication to fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Westport's heritage.
Moreover, attendees had the opportunity to explore the holiday shop, brimming with unique gifts perfect for the season. Museum members, who play a vital role in sustaining the institution, enjoyed exclusive discounts, making their contributions even more impactful.
Funds raised from this event contribute to maintaining the museum's commitment to preserving and showcasing the rich history and culture of Westport. Whether it's captivating exhibits, educational initiatives, or engaging programs, the museum's efforts are driven by the collective support of the community.The $5 entry fee for the event covered not only the cost of materials for ornament. As an independent funded Institution events like these help support their programs.