Sat 12-7 & Sun 12-6
Guilford, CT - Come and celebrate over 10 Connecticut Wineries and sample the fruits of their labor this weekend at the Shoreline Wine Festival, taking place today from 12pm-7pm and tomorrow from 12pm-6pm at Bishop’s Orchards Farm Market & Winery in Guilford.
Enjoy food from local restaurants, meet and sample products from local businesses, and enjoy and purchase crafts from local artisans. Expand your knowledge of food and wine at seminars offered by local experts. Enjoy all of this while listening to the sounds of live music from renowned bands around New England.
Admission is $30 for those 21+. Be the designated driver (or aged 16-20) and admission drops to just $10.
Participating wineries include Bishop’s Orchards, Chamard Vineyards, Hopkins Vineyard, Jones Winery, Jerram Winery, Jonathan Edwards Winery, White Silo Farm & Winery and Sunset Meadow Vineyards. For details visit http://www.shorelinewinefestival.com.
Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars
Fairfield, CT - Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars started playing music together in West African refugee camps while their homeland was racked by years of bloody warfare. Since then, in electrifying live performances and recording experience with the likes of Aerosmith and Mavis Staples, the All Stars have been “establishing an identity based as much on skill, imagination and charisma as on their undeniably touching story” (The Los Angeles Times). This spring, on the heels of their highly anticipated album, Rise & Shine (Released in March on Cumbancha), the group will perform in Fairfield, CT at The Fairfield Theatre Company on StageOne on Saturday, August 21, 2010 at 7:30PM.
Rise & Shine is the follow up to the band’s acclaimed debut, Living Like a Refugee. For the new album, the All Stars began recording in their hometown of Freetown, Sierra Leone then traveled to New Orleans, Louisiana to work with the highly accomplished producer Steve Berlin (Los Lobos, Angelique Kidjo, Rickie Lee Jones, Michelle Shocked, Alec Ounsworth, Jackie Greene) at Piety Street Recording. Some of the Crescent City’s finest musicians contributed to the record-including favorites Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews, Bonerama and Washboard Chaz-lend it an infectious spirit of celebration and optimism in the face of struggle.
Rise & Shine reflects how far the band has come in the past few years, With an expert producer at the helm, Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars have realized a unique and seamlessly coherent sound: a fusion of traditional West African music and roots reggae, inflected with New Orleans styles. The album’s 13 tracks embrace the wide array of musical influences the All Stars have encountered on their rise to international fame. Among performances around the world, the All Stars have appeared at some of the most prestigious music festivals worldwide including Bonnaroo, Montreal Jazz, Fuji Rock in Japan, Central Park SummerStage and Celebrate Brooklyn.
Tags: Concerts, Fairfield, Fairfield County
Mike Love with The Beach Boys
Stamford, CT - There’s quite a bit of buzz out there today on Twitter and Facebook about tonight’s appearance by The Beach Boys at Alive at Five in Stamford. That’s because for just $10 you can see one of the greatest pop-rock acts of the 60′s. Brian Wilson, the true genius behind some of the Beach Boys more important work (Good Vibrations, God Only Knows, etc) won’t be in attendance of course, as he has long stopped touring with the band. But as someone who’s seen the current line up of the Beach Boys, I can promise that if you’re a fan of the music, you’ll enjoy the show.
You must be 21 and older to get into the concert area after 7 pm and a photo I.D. is required. If you are under 21 and arrive before 6:30pm, you are welcome to stay for the entire concert.
The entrance located on Main Street just east of Clark and Lower Summer Streets. For more information visit http://www.stamfordaliveatfive.com.
If you miss tonight’s show you can catch The Beach Boys at Foxwoods MGM Grand tomorrow night. For info about that show click here.
Tags: Alive at Five, Concerts, Fairfield County, Stamford
Photo by Eileen H.
Wallingford, CT - Country Superstar Keith Urban will close out his Summer Lovin’ Tour right here in Connecticut. He will be performing at the Toyota presents Oakdale Theatre in Wallingford on Sunday, Sept.5th
Urban brings a high energy combination of country & rock music that electrifies crowds and leaves you wanting more. He and his band of multi-talented musicians have been performing at festivals and fairs throughout the country this summer on his Summer Lovin’ Tour while working on recording his next CD, which is expected to be released sometime early next year. The Oakdale show is the last scheduled show on this tour and will mark Urban’s first return to this venue since he played there in August of 2005.
Opening for Keith will be Kris Allen who was the Season 8 winner of American Idol.
Tickets can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com. For the latest information on Keith Urban and other tour dates, check out his online community Monkeyville at www.keithurban.net.
Tags: Concerts, Country Music, Keith Urban, New Haven County, Wallingford
Ingrid Michaelson
New Haven, CT - Ingrid Michaelson is coming to Toads Place this coming Monday (8/2) and we’ve got two pairs of tickets to give away! Best known for her song “The Way I Am”, Michaelson first saw success after being featured on the show Grey’s Anatomy in 2007. Her most recent album Everybody jumped to #1 on iTunes Top Albums sales charts. Currently touring with Keane, Michaelson is taking a break to headline her own show at Toad’s.
We’re giving you two easy ways to win tickets. Try both and you double your chances! The two winners will be selected Sunday evening at 9:00pm.
- On Facebook: Post your top 3 favorite places to visit in your hometown on our Facebook Wall.
- On Twitter: Follow @CTWeekender and then tweet the following message: RT @CTWeekender Win a pair of tickets to see Ingrid Michaelson (@ingridmusic) at Toad’s Place in New Haven on 8/2!
Michaelson took a few moments before a recent show to talk to the Connecticut Weekender’s Ryan Spain about her new album and her upcoming show. Listen to the interview below:
AUDIO: Ingrid Michaelson talks about upcoming show at Toad’s Place
Tickets for the show are on sale here. For more information about Ingrid Michaelson, please visit http://www.ingridmichaelson.com.
Tags: Concerts, Contests, New Haven, New Haven County
Provence by HM Saffer
Westport, CT – At a time when many businesses are imploding, the Westport River Gallery has expanded by 50% at one of the most heavily visited intersections in the region. Thanks to the many customers who keep business coming, the gallery recently carved out a doorway from the main gallery to the new space, where they have special exhibits, clearance items and full service framing services. This is in addition to the French, European, American & Asian Fine Art for sale at the gallery. With the recent expansion, there is now even more more space for wedding showers and corporate retreats. Visitors are welcome to stop in, enjoy a touch of lunch in the building at the Napoli Sul Fiume overlooking the Saugatuck River, and then stroll through the gallery.
SAVE 30% on Fine Art
Readers of the Connecticut Weekender can save 30% on any Fine Art at the Westport River Gallery until Sunday, August 8th with the code WEEKENDER. This promotion excludes any glassworks or items on clearance. Call 203-226-6934 for details.
SAFFER DELIVERS PROVENCE
A new exhibit is underway featuring new works by award winning artist HM Saffer. His new works on board include Provence (see above), and are a unique blend of Klimt, Van Gogh and his own imagination. H.M. admits he is a character. He enjoys life, his family, a bottle of fine wine at a cafe, and in recent years his works have achieved a much higher-level of international notice. Congrats. He deserves it. Click for more works.
Painting by Henri Lepetit
LEPETIT PAINTINGS ON DISPLAY
New paintings featuring Saint Tropez, Southport (Connecticut), Paris (see right) and south of France have arrived by Henri Lepetit. His paintings are gutsy, bold, and positive. He paints with flair and without hesitation. He knows exactly where he is going and exactly how he is going to achieve the end result. Sizes range from 9×11 to 20×40. For more images click here.
NEW GLASS SCULPTURES
A new arrival is unique glass sculpture by Fusani, 50, of Argentina. In 1991, he traveled around Japan and Europe where he visited principal centers of ceramics and glass. He began combining two techniques: lost wax (Pate du Verre) and fusing glass. Two or more layers of glass create forms that trigger the imagination of the observer. Fusani enjoys discovering the different characteristics and potential of glass: transparencies, textures, stretching, elements which compliment his initial concept. Prices range from $75 to $150. Size is from 2” squared to about 7” wide. The glass looks like its sea washed, and about a half inch thick. Unique gifts for favors, birthday, anniversary, Valentine’s Day, or “just because.” Each has two or three figures.
Painting by French Artist Eitel
ON CONSIGNMENT
Four classic works by known French artists are being offered at below market prices, since they are on consignment. This includes Poumelin, Eitel (right) and Mogart.
CLEARANCE
Making way for new paintings, about 8 older paintings by award winning artist Barbara Krupp are now on “severe clearance.” Originally priced about $2400 to $6000, they are now reduced 75%. So, for example a 24×48 is now only $600. See the works here.
TALK ON IMPRESSIONISM AUGUST 11 IN ORANGE
Gallery co-owner Pat Warren and Impressionist Brian Sage will offer a discussion on Impressionism at the Angel Hair Salon in Orange 6-8 pm Aug 11. Works will also be for sale and will benefit non-profit homeless advocate Columbus House, based in southern Connecticut. Space is limited so let Pat know if you wish to come. 203-226-6934.
Westport River Gallery is open Wednesday-Sunday or by special appointment. The gallery specializes in original fine international works of art from Europe, the Americas and Asia, and also offer framing services, and gallery rental for special events. Call 203-226-6934 or visit www.westportrivergallery.com for more information.
Tags: American Fine Art, Art Exhibits, Art Galleries, Asian Fine Art, European Art, Fairfield County, Fine Art, French Impressionist Art, Westport
Paramore at the Oakdale
Wallingford, CT - It was late Tuesday afternoon and it had been maybe ten minutes since I landed at Bradley International Airport, back from a trip to see a Paul McCartney concert in Nashville, when I realized I needed to race down to the Oakdale Theatre to catch the Honda Civic Tour. My flight had been delayed so I needed to make the 45 minute drive in less then ten if I was going to catch the show on time. I was going to see Kadawatha, an independent pop-rock band based out of Sri Lanka with a sound comparable to The Hush Sound and Switchfoot. It was the first major U.S. tour for Kadawatha, so needless to say I felt a bit bad when I arrived at the theater about 5 minutes after they left the stage.
I stuck around to see the of the acts which included New Found Glory, Tegan & Sara, and headliners Paramore. I’ve never been a pop-punk kind of guy, so admittedly I wasn’t quite sure if I was going to enjoy the show. Sitting there I realized I was probably about as out of place musically as I had felt. The place was PACKED with screaming girls with cameras in hands covered airbrushed Paramore tattoos & t-shirts as if they were the greatest band to ever walk the earth.
The whole show was surprisingly good though – a solid night of well performed rock music. New Found Glory, as cheesy as they were, put on a great performance. Singer Jordan Pundik wore a hoodie the entire time they were on stage which absolutely blew my mind considering it was well into the 90′s outside. At one point they had people holding up signs with lyrics to get the crowd singing along to the chorus, switching them out at the end to “Buy” “Our” “T-Shirts”. Tegan and Sara came on a bit soft, messing up one of their first songs, but they quickly earned my respect with catchy, well performed songs and some jokes in between. I was with a big fan of Tegan & Sara so she gave me a bunch of fun facts while she was watching, and I know she enjoyed their set as well. They were without a doubt the highlight of the show for me.
The show ended with high energy performance by Paramore, opening with the song “Ignorance.” Singer Hayley Williams bounced around the stage like a firecracker but somehow still hit all the notes and sang near perfectly. The band had a cool set with light bulbs on cords bouncing around adding to the energy. Music-wise.. catchy, and very well received by the screaming girls and the pop-punk kind of guys in the crowd.
The Honda Civic Tour with Paramore, Tegan & Sara, New Found Glory and Kadawatha continues throughout the United States. For tickets and more information, visit http://civictour.honda.com/tickets/.
Tags: Concerts, New Haven County, Rock Music, Wallingford
Willard Metcalf’s "Kalmia"
Old Lyme, CT - One of the highlights of the current exhibition Connecticut Treasures: Works from Private Collections is no longer privately held. The painting – a magnificent view of mountain laurel by the American Impressionist Willard Metcalf (1858-1925) – recently became one of the most significant collection additions the Florence Griswold Museum has made in its history. It makes its debut in Connecticut Treasures as an example of how a work of art can, over generations, be held privately before entering a public collection like the Florence Griswold Museum.
Willard Metcalf painted Kalmia (which he named after Kalmia latifolia, the botanical name for mountain laurel) in 1905 during his first summer staying at Florence Griswold’s boardinghouse as part of the Lyme Art Colony. Metcalf had only to walk just short distance from the Griswold property to capture on canvas this vista of the gentle Lieutenant River partially screened by a blossoming stand of mountain laurel along its banks. For a few years the painting was seen in various exhibitions in New York and elsewhere to much acclaim. Critics instantly recognized the painting’s significance: “Willard Metcalf is at his best in Kalmia,” one wrote, “with its flowering bushes at the side of a stream, the delicacy of the pink and white blossoms being caught with tenderness and feeling, the result being a picture having much of the poetry of nature.” Perhaps inspired by this example, Metcalf’s artist contemporaries in Old Lyme made a practice of depicting mountain laurel. The flower not only became Connecticut’s state flower, but a key motif in American Impressionist paintings associated with Lyme.
Kalmia was eventually sold in the 1930s to a private family, who held it for over seventy years, transferring it from one generation to the next. During this time, the painting remained largely unseen and forgotten by art historians until it was offered for sale to the Florence Griswold Museum. With the help of a consortium of generous supporters, the Museum is nearing completion of a campaign to raise sufficient funds to acquire Kalmia as part of the permanent collection. The painting joins what is today the largest public holding of Metcalf’s work, comprising oil paintings, pastels, drawings, and diaries representing each phase of the artist’s career, as well as Metcalf’s naturalist collection, a unique group of butterflies and bird eggs the artist gathered during his world travels. In commenting on this acquisition, the Museum’s director Jeffrey Andersen exclaimed: “What a find! Kalmia is a breathtakingly beautiful painting and without a doubt one of Metcalf’s most significant paintings from his years at the Lyme Art Colony. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to acquire this painting for the public to enjoy for years to come.” Andersen will be presenting a gallery lecture entitled “The Rediscovery of a Lost Masterpiece: The Story Behind the Acquisition of Willard Metcalf’s “Kalmia” on Wednesday August 18th at 6:30 p.m. at the Florence Griswold Museum. The public is invited to attend this special program to learn more about this acquisition.
Tags: Art, Art Exhibits, Old Lyme
Shelton, CT - The Griffin Hospital Development Fund will host the first ever “Housy One-Miler” swim at 10:00 am Sunday, August 22, 2010. This one-mile swim event, sponsored by Prudential, will begin at the Housatonic River Bank, 36 Birchbank Road in Shelton.
The inaugural Housy One-Miler offers a challenge to local corporations, schools, community/civic groups, families and individuals to swim for the fight against breast cancer, with all net proceeds from this event directed toward the establishment of the Griffin Hospital Breast Wellness Center. Griffin is creating this new, comprehensive breast care facility to offer its community the highest quality screening, diagnostic, and follow-up services to detect and treat breast cancer at its earliest stages.
The swim event is being organized by the Hospital’s Development Fund and a committee of community leaders who are lending their time and talents to this worthwhile effort. Committee members include Patricia Tarasovic, Co-Chair of the Campaign for Breast Wellness, Joyce Barcley, Joe DeFelice, Patrick DiCaprio, Liz Kennard, Pam Petro, Charlie Sullivan, and Jack Walsh.
“I’ve lost two great friends to Cancer in the past two years,” said Sullivan, who is serving as chair of the swim committee. “In their honor I joined the fight against breast cancer and the building of the Breast Wellness Center at Griffin Hospital.”
Early registration for the event is encouraged, as the swim is limited to the first 100 to register. All swimmers must be 16 years of age or older within 2010 calendar year to participate, and written parental permission is required for those under 18. All participants will receive a commemorative t-shirt. No swim aids are allowed, wet suits are optional, and swimming caps are required.
Each swimmer is encouraged to raise a minimum of $100 in pledges from their families, friends, and/or co-workers, and will and special color swim cap corresponding to the amount of pledge they raise ($100 – Red Cap; $1,500 – Silver Cap; $500 – Blue Cap; $1,000 -Bronze Cap; and $2,000 – Gold Cap).
The Griffin Hospital Radiology Department has raised more than $700 in pledges to support the effort of Naugatuck High School swim captain James Streifel, son of James and Kateri Streifel, Supervisor of the Radiology Department’s Invasive Imaging Unit.
Individuals interested in participating in the Housy One-Miler can register online at www.griffinhealth.org or go directly to the fundraising page for the event at www.FirstGiving.com/GriffinHospital. The FirstGiving website allows participants to register and do all of their fundraising online.
In addition, various sponsorship opportunities exist for non-swimmers looking to join the effort, with each including a specific benefit package. For more information on the Housy One-Miler, contact the Griffin Hospital Development Fund at 203.732.7504 or go to www.griffinhealth.org.
Tags: Benefits, Fairfield County, Fundraisers, Shelton
Live Mural Art on 7/29
Middletown, CT - If you’re looking for a bit of entertainment during your happy hour next Thursday (7/29), swing by Eli Cannon’s Tap Room where two artists known as the Drone Robot Killers will be working on a mural somewhere in the bar live before your very eyes. They’ll be doing this between 5pm and 11pm, so if you can’t make happy hour you can still check out the action. Also that night Eli’s will be holding their Bartender’s Challenge, with 3 Olives Vodka starting at 7pm. No details on this challenge, but the combo of vodka and art sounds pretty interesting.
If you’ve never been to Eli’s it’s worth a visit. It’s a dive-bar lover’s dream come true. They describe themselves as an Irish / English Pub / American Trailer Park Fusion, with barber chairs, theater seats, leather couches and chairs to lounge on. One of the first things you’ll notice when you walk in is the massive beer bottle chandeliers hanging in the main area. They have thirty-three “real ales” on tap, include many local beers, and the food is fantastic (they have cheddar ale!!). Check it out.
Tags: Bars, Dive Bars, Drinking & Entertainment, Happy Hour, Middlesex County, Middletown, Pubs
