LIVE MUSIC: The Soft Parade – The Doors*
Saturday, April 23^rd, 5pm and 8:15pm
Downtown Cabaret Theatre

Event Description:  The Soft Parade is revered worldwide as the premiere Doors tribute show. They recreate, with stunning accuracy, the primal, poetic atmosphere of a vintage Doors concert. The Soft Parade has toured 20 countries, been joined onstage by original Doors guitarist Robby Krieger and has performed hundreds of concerts worldwide.

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AUDITIONS: “GREASE”
The Bijou Theatre
Saturday, April 23^rd 1-5pm
Sunday, April 24^th 2-6pm

AUDITION DETAILS:
The Bijou Theatre’s Summer Stock Series will present one of the world’s most famous musicals, “GREASE” . There will be a four-week rehearsal period dedicated to producing the musical directed by Kirby Ward, with Music Direction by David Maiocco and Choreography by Beverly Ward. Participants will perform the popular musical over eight performances spanning two weekends, opening July 28th.

Please note: “GREASE” is a dance-heavy show. We are looking for all types of great dancers. If that describes you, and you are afraid of the singing portion – get out there and audition! Conversely, if you love the music of “GREASE” and are an excellent singer but afraid of the choreography – audition! Not every character is required to be a dancer!

For more information, call the box office at 203-332-3228. Session inquiries can be directed to info@thebijoutheatre.com, and ticket or general inquiries to adam@thebijoutheatre.com.

Audition Information:

Auditions will be held Saturday, April 23rd from 1pm-5pm and Sunday, April 24th from 2pm-6pm at The Bijou Theatre, 275 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport. Callbacks will take place Monday, April 25th from 5pm-9pm at The Bijou Theatre.

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LIVE THEATRE: American Idiot
Show Runs: April 29 – May 15
Downtown Cabaret Theatre

Green Day’s American Idiot
Book and Lyrics by  Billie Joe Armstrong
Book by  Michael Mayer
Director: Lance Gray
Musical Director: Eli Newsom
Choreographer: Emily Frangipane

Event Description: A critical smash on Broadway and in London, the two-time Tony Award winning hit musical AMERICAN IDIOT tells the story of three lifelong friends, forced to choose between their dreams and the safety of suburbia. Their quest for true meaning in a post 9/11 world leads them on the most exhilarating theatrical journey of the season. Based on Green Day’s GRAMMY Award-winning multi-platinum album, AMERICAN IDIOT boldly takes the American musical where it’s never gone before. Featuring the hits “Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” “21 Guns,” “Wake Me Up When September Ends,” “Holiday” and the blockbuster title track.

Run time: approx 95 minutes with no intermission

This production contains LOUD rock music, strobe lighting, and explosion sound effects.

Complimentary ear plugs will be provided upon request!

Mature subject matter including references to drug use, sexual content and profanity; parental guidance is suggested.

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Aspiring and experienced playwrights are invited to submit unpublished one-act play scripts to the first annual Bijou Actors’ Guild One-Act Play Playwriting Competition. The Bijou Theatre has initiated this competition to foster and encourage new and experienced playwrights, whether amateur or professional.
The winning plays will be performed on Monday, May 16, 2016 before a live audience. The judging panel will include Tony Award Winning Playwright, Terrence McNally, and Broadway Producer, Tom Kirdahy. The two finalist playwrights will be awarded cash prizes on the final performance evening, as follows:
Best play $ 500
Second best play $ 250

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WRITTEN BY David Maiocco
Peggy Lee is played by the incomparable Chuck Sweeney.
Doors open at 7:00pm; Show starts at 8:00pm
Table seats: $75 (which includes a special Venetian Dessert presentation and a donation to the Bijou Capital Campaign)
Theatre seats: $25 (also includes a special Venetian Dessert presentation)

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NEIGHBORHOOD STUDIOS OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY ANNOUNCES

 ANNUAL GALA ON MAY 1, FEATURING AILEY II DANCE COMPANY

Annual Fundraising Event Supporting Arts Education Program to
Honor Robert A. Jacobs at Fairfield University’s Quick Center for the Arts

       FAIRFIELD, CONN., April 7, 2016 — Plans are well under way for Neighborhood Studio of Fairfield County’s (NSFC) 2016 Annual Gala that benefits NSFC’s arts education programs, with special emphasis on its three summer camps. The event will take place on Sunday evening, May 1, at Quick Center for the Arts at Fairfield University in Fairfield, Connecticut. Westporter Robert A. Jacobs, Chairman of the NSFC Board, is this year’s honoree. The popular fundraiser will feature performers from the world-renowned Ailey II Dance Company.

“We’re delighted that the Ailey Company II will be performing at our Gala right after a successful two week run in New York City,” said Harold Levine. Mr. Levine, a long-time Westporter, is Chairman of the Gala and Chairman Emeritus of NSFC. Former Chairman of the Alvin Ailey Dance Company Foundation board, he has been instrumental in involving the world-famous dance group with NSFC in the past, as well as the featured performers in the upcoming event.

For more than forty years, Ailey II has merged the spirit and energy of the country’s best young dance talent with the passion and creative vision of today’s most outstanding emerging choreographers. Started in 1974 as the Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble, Ailey II embodies Alvin Ailey’s pioneering mission to establish an extended cultural community that provides dance performances, training and community programs for all people. Mr. Ailey personally selected the veteran dancer Sylvia Waters to lead this junior company. As its Artistic Director for 38 years, she developed Ailey II into one of America’s most popular dance companies. In June 2012, Ms. Waters retired and named her longtime associate Troy Powell as the new Artistic Director. With Mr. Powell at the helm, Ailey II continues to thrive as he brings a fresh dimension to this beloved company.

The critically-acclaimed Ailey II has a distinctive repertory that has included works by dance masters Alvin Ailey, Talley Beatty, Donald Byrd, Ulysses Dove, George W. Faison, Lar Lubovitch, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Artistic Director Robert Battle and Artistic Director Emerita Judith Jamison, who shared stories of her remarkable career when she spoke at Quick Center for the Arts this winter. Gala attendees will be treated to several exciting new dances, as well as REVELATIONS, the Ailey favorite.

Organizing this year’s Gala are committee members: Claudia Cohen, of Westport; Cathy Colgan, of  Norwalk; Laurie Gross, of Westport; Beryl Kaufman, of Trumbull; Eileen Wiseman, of Westport, as well as Chairman Harold Levine.

Event sponsors include: Alison Wachstein Photography; Barrett Outdoor Communications; Garelick & Herbs; Hearst Newspapers; Joseph and Joan Cullman Foundation; Melissa Diamond PR; Moet Hennessey; Moffly Media; Peoples United Bank; and TracyLocke.

Tickets range from $40 for students and $75 for general admission, to $150 for preferred seating. VIP seating is $225 and VIP seating and parking is $500. Reception guests at the $225 and $500 ticket levels will be treated to a cocktail hour provided by Garelick & Herbs, which will begin at 5:30. General admission and preferred seating will be available at 6:30.

For additional information and to purchase tickets, call 203-254-4010 or visit www.quickcenter.com

Thrilling more than 4.5 million people worldwide since the show premiered in Montreal in 2009 as a Big Top show, OVO will embark on a new journey, performing the same captivating production, but now in arenas, giving more people the opportunity to enjoy a Cirque du Soleil show in their own town.

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All artists are invited to submit jpegs of their work for consideration by June 18, 2016 .Artists will be notified by June 30, 2016.  For more info email:  clgallerybpt@gmail.com
City Lights is a nonprofit arts organization located in downtown Bridgeport CT. that serves the community through art , easily accessible by Metro-North, Port Jeff Ferry, I-95 and the Merrit Parkway via the Route 25 Connector. There is no size limit to the dimension of art submitted, however larger works, over 60″ will be subject to space limitations.

SEND SUBMISSIONS IN JPEG FORMAT,(no more than 8 images), 72 DPI, DUE BY June 18, 2016 to: clgallerybpt@gmail.com

NECESSARY INFO TO INCLUDE WITH SUBMISSION:  Brief artists statement, itemized list of art submitted should include:  title, size, medium, price of work, Works not for sale should include a value rather than a price. Also include artist’s contact info: name, email, phone (evening and daytime numbers), mailing address and website if available.

For more info please email us at: clgallerybpt@gmail.com our website: www.citylightsgallery.org City Lights Gallery, 855 Main St, Bridgeport, CT. 06604 (203) 334-7748

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“Webster Bank Arena is honored to host and welcome one of the greatest music acts of all time, Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Daryl Hall & John Oates to the city of Bridgeport and Fairfield County,” said Webster Bank Arena President Michael Picker. Picker continued, “This show is the perfect way to kick off the summer season, an evening with the legendary #1 selling duo in music history, whose iconic sounds appeal to fans of all ages, then, now and forever.”

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VISUAL ART: DAVILA & DAVILA
On View April 7th to May 13th
City Lights Gallery
855 Main Street
Bridgeport, CT 06604

EVENT DESCRIPTION:

A MUST SEE EXHIBIT IN OUR TEMPORARY LOCATION…

Art and place complimenting and contrasting…

Enjoy the counterpoint of subject matter and materials in the 2 person exhibit of husband and wife artists. A master’s eye and touch are evident in the individual works of Jane and Carlos Davila.

Carlos Davila distills elements of ancient forms and motifs into technically precise colorful shapes punctuated with black. His clean yet complex constructions take us on a visual exploration of form, and a quiet journey through time and space. His works are included in the Yale University Art Collection.

Jane Davila incorporates printmaking and quilting in her fiber and mixed media art. A focus on fish, birds and insects as subject matter reflects her fascination and respect for nature. Her prints can be found in many private and corporate collections around the world, including the Lila Acheson Wallace Collection.

The exhibit “Davila & Davila” was an exhibit curator/executive director Suzanne Kachmar has wanted to do for some time. She decided to rearrange her calendar of events and take advantage of the current site because it is designed with a wall of windows facing an impressive edifice that is the epicenter of downtown business. The landmark designed by Richard Meier for People’s United Bank enters the viewer’s field of vision providing a provocative juxtaposition of scale, architectural elements and simple forms in pastel colors. Part of the idea is to encourage viewers to keep looking at art, design when they leave the gallery space and continue to be aware of it in their daily lives.

The title Davila & Davila is meant to sound like a business firm of lawyers, accountants etc. reminding the greater community that artists are business people, deserving to be treated and compensated as professionals.

More information on Carlos Davila:  http://www.carlos-davila.com/#!sculpture/ctzx
More information on Jane Davila: http://www.janedavila.com/#!Voices/zoom/c1jsh/i3ehi

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NEIGHBORHOOD STUDIOS OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY ANNOUNCES

 ANNUAL GALA ON MAY 1, FEATURING AILEY II DANCE COMPANY

Annual Fundraising Event Supporting Arts Education Program to
Honor Robert A. Jacobs at Fairfield University’s Quick Center for the Arts

       FAIRFIELD, CONN., April 7, 2016 — Plans are well under way for Neighborhood Studio of Fairfield County’s (NSFC) 2016 Annual Gala that benefits NSFC’s arts education programs, with special emphasis on its three summer camps. The event will take place on Sunday evening, May 1, at Quick Center for the Arts at Fairfield University in Fairfield, Connecticut. Westporter Robert A. Jacobs, Chairman of the NSFC Board, is this year’s honoree. The popular fundraiser will feature performers from the world-renowned Ailey II Dance Company.

“We’re delighted that the Ailey Company II will be performing at our Gala right after a successful two week run in New York City,” said Harold Levine. Mr. Levine, a long-time Westporter, is Chairman of the Gala and Chairman Emeritus of NSFC. Former Chairman of the Alvin Ailey Dance Company Foundation board, he has been instrumental in involving the world-famous dance group with NSFC in the past, as well as the featured performers in the upcoming event.

For more than forty years, Ailey II has merged the spirit and energy of the country’s best young dance talent with the passion and creative vision of today’s most outstanding emerging choreographers. Started in 1974 as the Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble, Ailey II embodies Alvin Ailey’s pioneering mission to establish an extended cultural community that provides dance performances, training and community programs for all people. Mr. Ailey personally selected the veteran dancer Sylvia Waters to lead this junior company. As its Artistic Director for 38 years, she developed Ailey II into one of America’s most popular dance companies. In June 2012, Ms. Waters retired and named her longtime associate Troy Powell as the new Artistic Director. With Mr. Powell at the helm, Ailey II continues to thrive as he brings a fresh dimension to this beloved company.

The critically-acclaimed Ailey II has a distinctive repertory that has included works by dance masters Alvin Ailey, Talley Beatty, Donald Byrd, Ulysses Dove, George W. Faison, Lar Lubovitch, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Artistic Director Robert Battle and Artistic Director Emerita Judith Jamison, who shared stories of her remarkable career when she spoke at Quick Center for the Arts this winter. Gala attendees will be treated to several exciting new dances, as well as REVELATIONS, the Ailey favorite.

Organizing this year’s Gala are committee members: Claudia Cohen, of Westport; Cathy Colgan, of  Norwalk; Laurie Gross, of Westport; Beryl Kaufman, of Trumbull; Eileen Wiseman, of Westport, as well as Chairman Harold Levine.

Event sponsors include: Alison Wachstein Photography; Barrett Outdoor Communications; Garelick & Herbs; Hearst Newspapers; Joseph and Joan Cullman Foundation; Melissa Diamond PR; Moet Hennessey; Moffly Media; Peoples United Bank; and TracyLocke.

Tickets range from $40 for students and $75 for general admission, to $150 for preferred seating. VIP seating is $225 and VIP seating and parking is $500. Reception guests at the $225 and $500 ticket levels will be treated to a cocktail hour provided by Garelick & Herbs, which will begin at 5:30. General admission and preferred seating will be available at 6:30.  For additional information and to purchase tickets, call 203-254-4010 or visit www.quickcenter.com

• More than 95% of Bridgeport children are economically disadvantaged.
• Low-income children in Connecticut public schools are almost four grade levels behind their upper-income peers. This marks the state as having the largest such “achievement gap” in the U.S.
• In Bridgeport, the median household income is $26,256 compared to the median household income of $74,000 for Fairfield County.
• Many families and schools in the poorest city of Connecticut can ill afford the benefits of art education programs.

The Benefits of an Arts Education:

• Students of lower socioeconomic status who took music lessons in grades 8 – 12 increased their math scores significantly as compared to non-music students. In addition, reading, history, geography and even social skills soared by 40%.
• The College Entrance Examination Board found that students in music appreciation scored 63 points higher on verbal and 44 points higher on math than students with no arts participation.

Neighborhood Studios’ Success:

• Conservatory high school graduation rates top 90% compared to 63% for Bridgeport and 79% for Connecticut statewide.
• Approximately 60% of Conservatory students go on to receive college degrees as compared to 16% in Bridgeport and 35% in Connecticut.
• Neighborhood Studios is an accredited member of the National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts, the United Way.
• Neighborhood Studios is the winner of a 2005 Coming Up Taller award presented by the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities.