FEBRUARY ARTIST OF THE MONTH
Olivier Kpognon
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Can you tell me a bit about your work in the “How We See You” exhibition?
The “How We See You” exhibition is a collection of street images I took in Bamako, Mali portraying everyday women and life in this capital city.
Why were you interested in participating in this show?
I wanted to portray women of color in a positive light. I also wanted to highlight the beauty of daily scenes in Africa in my own way.
What are some topics you addressed in your artist talk?
I discussed what I believe is a women’s strengths, love, work and superior intellect and show how women are thriving in challenging contexts.
READ MORE AT THE BRIDGEPORT ART TRAIL WEBSITE |
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VISUAL ART: Prints That Work: printmaking in the service of a bigger picture
Opening Reception: Thursday, February 23rd from 5:30-7:00PM
On View February 23rd – March 25th
Housatonic Museum of Art |
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PRINTS THAT WORK: printmaking in the service of a bigger picture features the work of four artists offering unique perspectives on printmaking. Roxanne Faber-Savage, Kelsey Miller, John O’Donnell and Neil Daigle-Orians mine a range of subjects including wildlife trafficking and conservation, sexuality, religion, gender and the illusion of domestic bliss.
The exhibition, which will remain on view through March 25, is curated by Leslie Giuliani. The opening reception will take place on Thursday, February 23 from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm; all are encouraged to attend.
A panel discussion featuring the artists will take place on Thursday, March 23 at 6 PM. The Housatonic Museum of Art is located at 900 Lafayette Blvd. in Bridgeport, CT.
For directions and gallery hours please visit www.HousatonicMuseum.org.
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SPECIAL EVENT: ART & SOUL- How We See You- The perception of Black Women through the art of Black Men.
Fashion Show n’ Tell
Saturday, February 25th, 7-9PM
1103 Main Street
Bridgeport, CT 06604 |
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ART & SOUL- How We See You
The perception of Black Women through the art of Black Men.
Fashion Show n’ Tell
Designers will discuss their work. Come out and experience the works of Photographer OLIVER KPOGNON, Painter, sculptor, and performing artist, IYABA IBO MANDINGO, Graffitti Artist, and fashion designer, KULTJAH, AND Handcrafted Jewelry Designer,& Live D.J. vibrations from J3WELS.
ART WORK, JEWELRY, PICTURES, AND FASHION WILL BE ON SALE AT THIS EVENT.
Get in on the SILENT GALLERY ACUTION.
COME OUT, SIP, SNACK ,SHOP, AND ENJOY THE SOUL VIBE.
You will not forget this epic Event.
Held in the:
ART & SOUL POP-UP GALLERY. …
1103 MAIN ST. BRIDGEPORT, CT.
THIS EVENT IS FREE TO THE PUBLIC
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| SPECIAL PROGRAMMING: WPKN 89.5 FM radio celebrates Black History Month |
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The non-profit WPKN 89.5 FM radio celebrates Black History Month throughout February 2017 with a broad and in-depth program including music, poetry, interviews, authors, and film. This unprecedented one-month recognition of Black history intends to develop a deeper understanding of the history of Blacks in America and celebrate their inestimable contribution to all aspects of American culture.
Throughout the month programmers will present interviews with African-American musicians, noted Africa-American authors, poetry, with pre-recorded speeches and discussions featuring Martin Luther King, Cornel West, author James Baldwin and the famous appearance of Paul Robeson before the House Committee on Un-American Activities in 1956.
In addition, WPKN’s popular Music On Film Series at the Bijou Theatre in downtown Bridgeport will feature films about Nina Simone,Tupac Shakur and others.
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FILM: Tupac Resurrection – Black History Month Celebration
DATE: Friday, February 24th at 7pm
Housatonic Community College – Events Room
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CONCERT: On the Serious Side – Tower of Power Tribute Band w/ Sacred Fire – Santana Tribute Band at The Bijou Theatre
DATE: Friday, February 24th |
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| On the Serious Side is New England’s Premier Tower of Power Tribute band. Covering the best of Tower of Power 47 years of music. Covering such great hits as—What is Hip-Still a Young man–Don’t Change Horses–I like your Style–Diggi’n on James Brown–Only so Much oil–Squib cakes and many more.
Sacred Fire will also be performing on this night. Comprised of seasoned experienced musicians and singers. Sacred Fire is a solid six-piece Latin Rock Santana Tribute band. |
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| LIVE THEATRE/CONCERTS: The Downtown Cabaret Theatre |
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Bennie and the Jets is the Premier Elton John Tribute Band
February 25th
Bennie and the Jets is led by Greg Ransom whose vocals are exactly like Elton John’s and whose piano playing is right on the money! Greg has the ability to make you believe that you’re at an Elton John concert. If you were to attend an Elton John concert today, you would miss seeing the plumage and costumes of yesteryear. With a Bennie and the Jets show, you get both — SUPERB MUSICIANSHIP and an AMAZING THEATRICAL EVENT.
BAND OPENER: Bridgeport Local, Elle Sera
Children’s Theatre: Little Red Riding Hoods
February 25 – April 02
What could be better than one Little Red Riding Hood? Two Little Reds! It’s a case of mistaken identity in this brand new comedy of errors adaptation of the classic tale. Come along as we travel through the woods to grandmother’s house where we discover fun, excitement and more than a few surprises along the way.
Power of Love – Huey Lewis and the News*
March 04
“Boston, MA’s own POL formed in 2012 with one simple goal: to be the best Huey Lewis & The News cover band you … or anyone else … has ever heard. Featuring a five-piece line-up and a full horn section, The Power of Love boasts an impressive collection of Boston indie rock and punk rock stalwarts. POL’s live show is no ironic, tongue-in-cheek takedown of Huey Lewis, nor is it a slavish tribute act. The band has the pure musicianship to honor the original songs and their arrangements while still attacking the material with a raw rock and roll ferocity.
Spring Awakening
March 10 – April 02
The winner of 8 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Spring Awakening explores the journey from adolescence to adulthood with poignancy and passion that is illuminating and unforgettable, through “the most gorgeous Broadway score this decade” (Entertainment Weekly). The landmark musical is an electrifying fusion of morality, sexuality and rock & roll that is exhilarating audiences across the nation like no other musical in years.
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PERFORMANCE ART: “AFRIKA 360” Performance and Discussion
Friday, March 3rd, 2017
HSW Buildings |
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“AFRIKA 360″
PERFORMANCE & DISCUSSION
created and performed by Iyaba Ibo Mandingo
Friday March 3, 2017 6:30 – 9:00 pm
DON’T MISS “AFRIKA 360”
One man autobiographical performance and installation by Iyaba Ibo Mandingo
Followed by discussion, Friday March 3, 2017 6:30 – 9:00 pm
at the HSW Buildings, 1103 Main St. Downtown Bridgeport , CT
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SPECIAL EVENT: WPKN 89.5-FM: Music Mash ’17
Saturday, March 4th
Read’s Artspace
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WPKN 89.5 FM TO HOLD FOURTH ‘MUSIC MASH ‘17 – RECORD FAIR’
Saturday, March 4th– Read’s Artspace –Downtown Bridgeport
50 Dealers of Vinyl LP’s, CD’s, Memorabilia, Restaurants, Celebrities & Live DJ’s
On Saturday, March 4th, WPKN 89.5-FM presents MUSIC MASH ’17-Record Fair, a Record Fair selling vinyl LPs, CDs and memorabilia in downtown Bridgeport at the Read’s Artspace Building. Steve di Costanzo, the GM at WPKN says, “We are hoping for a big turnout again. Last year we had around 900 people.” John Bastone from Record Riots calls it “one of best Record Fair’s in New England”. More than 50 dealers in Vinyl LP’s and CD’s and memorabilia will be on hand. Vendor tables are already sold out.
Early Bird hours are from 8 to 10am with $20 admission for buyers looking to get a jump. The main show opens at 10am and runs through 6pm. Admission is $6/$5 students and kids under 12 are free.
Two Roads Brewing will be on-site and a consortium of downtown Bridgeport restaurants are helping to sponsor Music Mash ‘16 by pushing info out to their customer-base and by offering 15% discounts all day to Music Mash-goers. A short list of those participating include: Two Boots Bridgeport, Barnum Publick House, Tiago’s, ‘A Vucchella, Milano and Leishas.
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PERFORMANCE: The Vagina Monologues by Eve Ensler
Benefit for The Center for Family Justice
Saturday, March 4, 2017 at 8 PM
The Bijou Theatre
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The Vagina Monologues is an episodic play written by Eve Ensler. The Vagina Monologues is made up of a varying number of monologues read by a varying number of women. Each of the monologues deals with an aspect of the feminine experience. A recurring theme throughout the piece is the vagina as a tool of female empowerment, and the ultimate embodiment of individuality.
Proceeds from this event will go to support The Center of Family Justice in Bridgeport, CT. The Center for Family Justice breaks the cycle of abuse and violence – domestic, sexual and child – by providing services that create hope, restore lives and drive social change through education and community collaboration.
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CONCERT: Greater Bridgeport Youth Orchestras – Winter Concert
Sunday, March 5, 2017 – 3:00PM
The Klein
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GBYO is excited to return to The Klein for their Winter Concert! All six ensembles, including Jazz will perform. Principal Orchestra will play Bacchanale from Samson & Delilah by Saint-Saëns.
The concert will also feature special guest musicians Michael Breaux on saxophone and David Smith on Vibraphone accompanying Principal Orchestra in the exciting Escapades by John Williams. Student musicians Joey Williams and Julian Shively will also be featured on saxophone and piano.
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SPECIAL EVENT: Bridgeport Artists Networking Party
Friday, March 10th from 6-9pm
Artist2Artist Lecture, 5-6pm: Using Social Media to Promote and Sell Art
The Nest Arts Factory
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The artists of the NEST Arts Factory cordially invite you to an Artists Networking Party on Friday, March 10, 2017 from 6-9 pm.
We love the Bridgeport Art Trail each November but have always wished that we could visit all of the other venues, and especially the other artists, but have always been so busy welcoming the public that we don’t get a chance. We started this series of networking get-togethers for the artists of Bridgeport and we welcome the other arts venues to host future meetings so we all get a chance to visit each other and to strengthen our community. How fun would it be to visit all of the arts venues in the city, one after another? We can all learn about each others’ programs and missions, and meet all of the other arts professionals on their “home turf”.
There is a $5 suggested donation to help cover the cost of food and drinks. Our studios will be open for visiting, music will be playing, we’ll have a new show in our gallery, and we’d love to hang out with all of you! There are new artists at the NEST, new spaces to explore, and new opportunities for collaboration, you won’t want to miss it!
This year we’re adding a free lecture/discussion immediately before the party from 5-6 pm. This lecture/discussion series, called Artist2Artist, is by Bridgeport artists, for Bridgeport artists, all on topics for professional development. The topic of this 1st in the series is Using Social Media to Promote and Sell Art (including Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Periscope, and more).
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PERFORMANCE: Lee and Friends:
An Evening with Liberace and Special Guest
Saturday, March 11, 2017 at 8 PM
The Bijou Theatre
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David Maiocco’s 88 Keys Presents
Lee and Friends: An Evening with Liberace and Special Guests
WRITTEN BY David Maiocco
Liberace lived a life of flamboyance, sparkle, and lavish costumes. In this funny and touching tribute, the virtuoso musician gets one last chance to glitter and shine as he tickles the ivories through his favorite songs. 2017 Bistro Award Winner and Connecticut native, David Maiocco will reprise his iconic performance as the man who defined four decades of music and pop culture.
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VISUAL ART: Exhibit How we See You at City Lights Gallery
On View till March 3, 2017
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The bulk of the exhibit presents the work of photographer Olivier Kpognon and painting and sculpture by Iyaba Ibo Mandingo. The juxtaposition of styles and media create a stimulating counter point between fine vivid photography and the abstracted figurative paintings and sculpture. Also featured is a photograph by Ajani Housen that exquisitely expresses the intention of the exhibit.
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VISUAL ART: Exhibit “Selfie”
The Schelfhaudt Gallery
On View: February 10, 2017 – April 8th, 2017 |
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VISUAL ART: Liz Squillace Solo Exhibition
chaBridgeport |
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Liz Squillace’s Solo Exhibition at chaBridgeport, 305 Fairfield Ave., has gallery visiting hours of 1-4pm on Wednesday & 1-5pm on Thursday & Friday. These hours will run until March 31st. Can’t get to the gallery but want to take a look? Liz has selected items from the boutique listed on her Paradox Ink Etsy page. https://www.etsy.com/shop/paradoxink?ref=pr_shop_more.
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ART WORKSHOPS: Workshops at The Nest Arts Factory
DATE: Winter and Spring 2017
Full calendar available here. |
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LET’S GET SOCIAL
Announcing the Bridgeport Art Trail Facebook Submission form. This form allows Bridgeport artists, arts organizations, event attendees, and those involved in related programming to share content to be considered for our Facebook page. Some examples include information on upcoming events, news, photos of projects you’re currently working on, photos of you at arts events, related articles and advice, etc.
SUBMIT TO OUR FACEBOOK PAGE HERE |
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