NEWS AND UPDATES
SAMESEX 2018 Call for Art: June 12th
All artists are invited to submit jpegs of their work for consideration by June 12, 2018. SameSex explores LGBT themes, same-sex attraction, related feelings and issues of 2018. Artists need not be gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender to participate.
Make Music Day Bridgeport: June 21st
Over 300 free music making events will be held across the state as part of annual global celebration.
MAKE MUSIC DAY-Bridgeport (MMD-Bpt)
Don’t miss an eclectic sampler of free-opportunities to make and enjoy music including lunch-time music in public spaces like the Broad Street steps, and other locations throughout the city and an evening of free performances at the Bijou Theatre
Art in image above, “Main & State” by Dustin DeMilio, Photo of Rick Reyes of the Cosmic Jibaros by Ricky Mestre.
Save the Date for Make Music Day Bridgeport., June 21, 2018
CELEBRATE COMMUNITY THROUGH A GLOBAL DAY OF MAKING MUSIC
Bridgeport CT joins the international Make Music Day community by participating in CT’s first statewide Make Music Day celebration (MMD-BPT). Over 300 free music making events will be held across the state as part of annual global celebration.
Don’t miss an eclectic sampler of free-opportunities to make and enjoy music including lunch-time music in public spaces like the Broad Street steps, McLevy Green and locations throughout the city and an evening of performances at the Bijou Theatre, broadcast live by Wpkn Radio 89.5 fm.
For more info on performers and locations:
http://www.makemusicday.org/bridgeport/
MMD-Bpt offerings include: Local Ukulele players, like the CUkes, “Hot-Club” Gypsy-style Jazz, Latin Salsa and Cha-cha, classic garage band-style Rock n’ Roll and traditional drumming from Afro-Caribbean and Polynesian roots, youth dance performances and Hula dancers. Daylong, city-wide music programs will culminate on Fairfield Ave. Join us to celebrate music and the first day of summer!
JUNE EVENTS 2018
VISUAL ART – NEW EXHIBITS
Call for Art: SAMESEX Art Exhibit
Deadline: June 12th
All artists are invited to submit jpegs of their work for consideration by June 12, 2018.
SameSex explores LGBT themes, same-sex attraction, related feelings and issues of 2018. Artists need not be gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender to participate.
8th Annual SameSex Art Exhibit and Pride March
Save the Date: JULY 19, 2018
Sponsored by the Triangle Community Center and
Dave Ivanko and John Brannelly
Art Show: Reflections
Saturday, June 16, 2018
305 Knowlton Street
DESCRIPTION
Reflections is a solo art show by Artist and conceptual photographer, Joseph DeFrancisco. Be there or be square. This solo show is filled with amazing work!
Music, Raffles, Light Refreshments, Complimentary Wine and More.
5-10pm, $10 admission – The Boathouse @ 305 Knowlton Street Bridgeport, CT 06608
VISUAL ART – ON VIEW
Art That Makes the HeART Sing…
City Lights Gallery
On View May 23-July 7, 2018
DESCRIPTION
The City Lights mission says. “We believe in the power of the arts to nurture, heal and inspire”. Emotions and ideas can be expressed through various art forms. One type of art can inspire another. It has been the intention of the City Lights/Bridgeport Art Trail to celebrate and connect all the art forms.
“Art that Makes the HeART Sing.” Exhibit runs May 23- July 7, 2018 and was designed in anticipation of newest, upcoming City Lights endeavor, “Make Music Day-Bpt,” scheduled for June 21, offering an eclectic mix of opportunities to make and enjoy music.
Exhibiting artists include: Will Corprew, Dustin DeMilio, Allan Dudek, Miguel Mendoza, Lisie Orjuela, Billy Russomano, Joan Wheeler.
NEST Art Exhibition at Wilton Library
DESCRIPTION
Twelve artists representing the NEST Arts Factory are exhibiting at Wilton Library in June. The artists are Kristen Ambrosi, Patrice Barrett, Carlos Davila, Jane Davila, Gwen Hendrix, Phyllis Lee, Kristin Merrill, Meighan Morrison, Jill Morton, Susan Taylor Murray, Denise Susalka, and Janice Sweetwater.
The artists’ works showcase a diversity of media including watercolor, oil, acrylic, pastel, graphics, mixed media, sculpture and framed jewelry. The subject matter incorporates a wide range of styles including portraits, still life, abstracts, botanicals, landscapes and more. Exhibition runs through June 29. A majority of the works will be available for purchase with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the library. Media sponsor: The Wilton Bulletin.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Barnum’s Birthday Bash!
Thursday, July 5, 2018 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
The Barnum Museum
DESCRIPTION
Join us to celebrate P.T. Barnum’s 208th Birthday!
The Barnum Museum invites everyone to enjoy the 208th Birthday Bash in celebration of P.T. Barnum, famed showman, entrepreneur, philanthropist and 21st century movie star!
Barnum Museum
Connecticut Open House Day
Saturday, June 9, 2018
DESCRIPTION
The Connecticut Office of Tourism is sponsoring the 14th annual Connecticut Open House Day on Saturday, June 9th. The one-day statewide event is designed to showcase Connecticut’s diverse world of history, art, and tourism.
As part of the 2018 Connecticut Open House visit the Barnum Museum in Bridgeport from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and get a free guided tour, along with free Barnum bookmarks and postcards.
The Writer’s Group
Saturday, June 9, 2018
City Lights Gallery
Simplicated Sip & Paint
Friday, June 8th at 7pm
305 Knowlton Street
DESCRIPTION
Simplicated Sip & Paint is a social event where you sip wine (if desired) and create a beautiful painting to bring home and hang on your walls or even gift to someone. It’s a really fun time with great energy. Attendance for all events is by RSVP only which requires payment in advance. The theme for this event is “Music” Light refreshments will be served.
The Gallery at 305 Knowlton Street, Bridgeport, CT 06608
7 PM to 10 PM $35 per person.
PLEASE NOTE: BYOB
RSVP here: http://www.artsimplicated.com/ #!/page/488861/simplicated-sip -paint-6-8
We do public Sip & Paint events as well as private Sip & Paint Parties. Visit: http://www.artsimplicated.com/ #!/page/487254/book-a-private- event for more details.
P.T. Barnum Presents the Divine Jenny Lind!
Sunday, June 10, 2018 at 2:00 PM
The Barnum Museum
DESCRIPTION
Join us for a riveting presentation of the Jenny Lind/Barnum story and enjoy musical interludes that engage the senses and embraces the melodic sounds of a Jenny Lind performance.
Winner of an American Association of State and Local History Award, Kathy Maher highlights the amazing story of one of the most successful collaborations in musical history!
Barnum created a musical and cultural sensation of singer Jenny Lind, whom he paid an unprecedented thousand dollars a night (some $30,000 in today’s dollars) to tour America in the early 1850’s. The “Swedish Nightingale” was then unknown in the United States, but thanks to Barnum’s promotion the singer – lauded for her wholesomeness and devotion to charity as well as her operatic voice – became the hottest ticket anywhere.
Join us for a riveting presentation of the Jenny Lind/Barnum story and enjoy musical interludes that engage the senses and embraces the melodic sounds of a Jenny Lind performance.
No registration required. $5.00 Suggested Donation; free to members and children under 12.
SavorCity: Trattoria ‘A Vucchella
June 19th, 6-9 PM
DESCRIPTION
The Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County is joining a consortium of several Bridgeport groups to launch SavorCity, a monthly tour of Bridgeport restaurants, food, art and music, showcasing the cultural delights of Connecticut’s most diverse city.
SAVORCITY is a monthly tour of Bridgeport restaurants, food, art, and music.
The Tour continues with dinner at Trattoria ‘A Vucchella in downtown Bridgeport. Named after a Neapolitan song composed by Paolo Tosti, in honor of a woman’s mouth, ‘A Vucchella is time and again cited as one of the most authentic Italian restaurants you will find: “Bella! It was hard to believe we weren’t in Sorrento.” For this visit, paintings will be supplied by Liz Squillace and the music will be Uma Lou and her trio.
The Bridgeport Arts & Cultural Council Presents
Celebrate Bridgeport at The Boathouse (A Summer Solstice Party)
Friday, June 22 at 5 PM – 10 PM
Artists of 305 Knowlton
305 Knowlton Street, Bridgeport, Connecticut 06608
DESCRIPTION
We enthusiastically invite you to join us for our next installment of our monthly arts networking party where we explore new and old spaces in our fair city of Bridgeport, CT.
We’ll bring the food, drink, music, arts & culture, you bring your beautiful selves and a few friends and let us show ya a great time. This month’s theme is just in time for the return of summer (fingers crossed) so think Summer Solstice and all things Solsticey!
This event is free to the public, however donations are always welcome and help continue to further the work and efforts of the Bridgeport Arts & Cultural Council (501C-3).
Check us out on line for more details on how you can support or stay aware of all the upcoming events from the BACC.
www.Bridgeportartscouncil.org
bptartscouncil@gmail.com
The Bridgeport Arts and Cultural Council is grounded in the abilities to create, curate and collaborate. We do this through empowering local artists, stimulating conversation, building leadership, supporting cultural expression, funding, spreading city pride and serving as a catalyst for creativity. We are dedicated to advancing the city’s quality of life and prosperity.
Unframed A Body Art Experience
Saturday, June 23rd at 7:30pm
305 Knowlton Street
DESCRIPTION
Unframed is a fine body art production celebrating the human body through movement, music, song and color. Alicia Cobb and Joy Monroe are two of Connecticut’s most prevalent body artists. Both have competed and placed in national/international body paint competitions such as the North American Body Paint Championships. This experience highlights their skill along with some of Connecticut’s most talented singers, dancers and even a body builder. Join us in breaking away from convention as skin becomes canvas and art comes to life.
Tickets on sale now: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ unframed-a-fine-body-art- experience-tickets- 46000417487?aff=efbeventtix
Pechakucha- A Storytelling Feast
Call for Storytellers!
Barnum Museum
DESCRIPTION
PechaKucha is Japanese for “chit chat.” Individual speakers present 20 images, each shown for 20 seconds, for a fast-paced night of connection and great personal stories.
This is a call to all creative types to share authentic, possibly unexpected personal stories for the fun of it to spark new ideas and collaborations. Presenting a PechaKucha entitles you to have your slides and voice posted on an internationally viewed website and the opportunity to create exciting new connections between people in the real and digital audiences.
WE’RE LOOKING FOR Artists, Writers, Dancers, Musicians, History Buffs, Cooks, Librarians, Barbers, Unicyclists, Botanists, Body Builders, Foodies, Teachers, Tattoo Artists (pretty much anyone with a passion about something) to share personal stories.
For More Information Contact: PKBridgeport@gmail.com
PERFORMING ARTS & THEATRE
New England Ballet Company – Retrospective Renewal
Sunday, June 10, 2018, 5:00PM
The Klein
DESCRIPTION
A fundraiser performance to aid NEBCO as it recovers from recent water damage to backdrops, scenery, props & costumes. Join as in looking back at 25 years of choreography while looking forward to the future!!
New England Ballet Company has a rich and diverse repertory of ballets created and built over the past 27 years. With the recent water damage in January most of the scenery, backdrops, props, and costumes our full length productions of “Nutcracker” and “Romeo & Juliet” were damaged and/or destroyed. New England Ballet Company will take the stage at it’s home theatre The Klein to fund raise for the rebuilding of all that was lost. “Retrospective Renewal” will be a look back at 27 years of our Artistic Director Victor Trevino’s choreography with the purpose of looking forward to renewing and revitalizing the future of NEBC.
TICKETS: $35 & $25
Casting Auditions: One of Love – A Jonathan Daniel’s Story
Emerging Voices Production Company
Audition Dates –Call for appointment
DESCRIPTION
Looking to cast on the spot
Rehearsal Starts – Week of June 11, 2018
Synopsis – What kind of man would lay down his life for a friend? This is a quote from the Gospel of John 15:13. This production will look a one man’s actions and reflect all our humanity. Is what Jonathan believed in what he died for? Love of One is it the love of neighbor, righteousness, a cause or belief? Love what does that mean to you in life and in death! The times; Civil Rights, the place; Selma and Haynesville, Ala, the time August 1965.
Actors, Please, bring a recent photo and resume
For appt please call 203 292-1684 or email evproductions111@gmail.com
LIVE CONCERT
Bruce Springsteen Tribute – Tramps Like Us
Saturday, June 9th 2018
Doors: 7:00 pm / Show: 8:00 pm
Bijou Theatre
DESCRIPTION
Tramps Like Us brings more than 25 years of road-tested musicianship that has won them the hard-earned distinction of THE PLANETS MOST REVERED BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN TRIBUTE BAND. Given high praise by music publications, radio stations, music industry personal, and the ONLY tribute band to be endorsed by members of “The Springsteen Camp” such as former producer and manager Mike Appel and the official Springsteen Radio Station: E Street Radio/Sirius XM.
Pink Floyd (Jam) Tribute – Funk Floyd with special guest Eggy
Saturday, June 16th, 2018
Doors: 8:00 pm / Show: 9:00 pm
DESCRIPTION
Funk Floyd is a PINK FLOYD tribute act that does things just a little bit differently. They add the jam element to the music without straying too far from the composed albums. The setlist is wild with segues and surprises you won’t want to miss!
Down at home, funky crunchadelic, Eggy is the group that brings balance to your musical breakfast. The band presents a timeless vision of songwriting both lyrically and in composition, creating works worthy of lasting a lifetime..
Everly Brothers by Everything Everly*
Saturday, June 16th
Downtown Cabaret Theatre
DESCRIPTION
“Everything Everly” – The Guthrie Brothers Sing The Best of The Everly Brothers The Guthrie Brothers share a lot of history with The Everly Brothers. Like their idols Don and Phil, Jeb and Jock have Kentucky roots, grew up in the Midwest and discovered at an early age their perfect singing harmonies.
“Everything Everly” is a labor of love for the Guthries. Jeb and Jock play and sing this tribute with startling authenticity and engage their audiences with lots of humor and history along the way. The Guthries remember listening to Oldies, Country and Pop on an old Seeburg Jukebox in the small town of Brillion, Wisconsin. Jeb remembers that after hearing “Bye Bye Love” at a Friday night fish-fry, Jock and he were forever changed.” The Guthries’ original music received national attention with the release of their self-titled, debut album. The album garnered extensive airplay on both Americana and country radio stations. About the album, Billboard Magazine said, “Many stations will find the well-written, heartfelt lyrics and wonderful harmonies a welcome addition to their airwaves.” The album has been re-released and is available online at the iTunes Music Store, Spotify and Rhapsody.
Rat Pack with Marilyn Monroe*
Saturday, June 23 – Sunday, June 24
Downtown Cabaret Theatre
Swing music is enjoying a phenomenal comeback. “all that swing” is a show produced by Bernhard Kurz, together with Jim Huntley from Las Vegas, former artistic director of the legendary Rat Pack. The Savoy Dance Orchestra is at the heart of the incomparable Big Band Sound, accompanying Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis jr., Marilyn Monroe and Bette Midler all the way through the era of swing.
The two hours simply fly by as timeless songs such as “Miss Otis regrets”, “Fly me to the moon”, “In the mood”, “The lady is a tramp” and, of course, “That’s life” are presented with vocal power, charm, a touch of sexiness and great authenticity.
The Bouchard Bros – Blue Oyster Cult Founding Members
Special guest Black and Mild
Saturday, June 23, 2018
Doors: 7:00 pm / Show: 8:00 pm
DESCRIPTION
Blue Öyster Cult’s longest lasting and most commercially successful lineup included founding members Joe and Albert Bouchard. The original band recorded for Columbia Records in the 1970s and 1980s, and has nine gold and two platinum records to their credit. The Bouchard Bros are multi-instrumentalists who also compose, producer & engineer. This show is a close-up look at two creative brothers whose music has lasted over the decades. The show also features Joan Levy Hepburn on guitar and vocals.
Black and Mild
Black and Mild is a Fairfield County ensemble made up of students from Western Connecticut state University, who are all majoring in Musical Performance.
The Sound of Music Movie Sing-Along & Ice Cream Social
Sunday, June 24, 2018, 3:00PM
Tickets: $5/person
DESCRIPTION
Join the fun and enjoy this classic movie, fellowship and ice cream with family and friends!
Hosted by the Diocese of Bridgeport and the Klein Auditorium.
Rift – A Tribute to Phish
Friday, JUNE 29, 2018
Doors: 8:00 pm / Show: 9:00 pm
DESCRIPTION
Rift delivers a high energy and compositionally accurate take on one of the greatest jam bands of all time. The band includes former members of 7 Below. “we’re coming to your town, we’ll help you party down!”
SAVE THE DATE JULY
Barnumpalooza 2018
Sunday, July 1st, 2018
11am-10pm
9:00 pm fireworks
Seaside Park
DESCRIPTION
Come one, come all!
Join us for a full day of fun and celebration of the city of Bridgeport and surrounding communities at the main event, BarnumPalooza! We’ll have food trucks, live music, and plenty of carnival rides for kids.
Bring the whole family down to Seaside Park for a thrilling fireworks show at 9pm!
Admission: Free
Any purchases made throughout the day will benefit Barnum Festival Activities and scholarships.
Chairs: Tammy Silva, Willie McBride, Jay Piccirillo, Anthony Paoletta
SAVE THE DATE: Downtown Thursdays free summer Concert Series 2018 Kickoff
DESCRIPTION
The Return of the beloved Downtown Thursdays Free Summer Concert Series! The hottest event of the summer out in these Bridgeport streets in 2018!
Thursday July 12th – Thursday August 23rd
5:30pm-9pm
Stay tuned for more updates and lineup information.
SAVE THE DATE: Bridgeport Arts Fest 2018 / July 21st
