In This Issue: Your guide to OUTwork art exhibit and Greater Bridgeport Pride Celebration – July 16, Bridgeport Pride over 10 Years, a message from OUTwork organizer Ricky Mestre, Bridgeport arts news and events.
Author Archives: Eve
Bridgeport Art Trail – June 2020, Part 2
IN THIS ISSUE: Black Lives Matter Mural, Outworks and Pride in Bridgeport, “Rumors of War” and Confederate Memorials Discussed, Meet City Lights Summer Intern Luis Lopez- COA Artists’ Workforce Initiative Grant, News and Events
BPT Art Trail News- June 2020: In a Special Feature BAT News Explores the Monuments of Richmond Virginia, Make Music Day BPT, Outworks & Pride BPT, Arts Events
BPT Art Trail News- May 2020, Part 2- A Special Message from BPT Art Trail, Make Music Day June 21, Calls for Art, Virtual Programs, and Reopening Updates!
BPT Art Trail News-May 2020, Part 1: “We Will Make it Exhibit”, Artist & Gig-Economy Features, Community Calendar Updates, and More!
In this issue we highlight artists and gig-economy workers, provide updates on virtual programs and resources, and explore what the future of the arts during and post Coronavirus/Covid-19 looks like. READ IT HERE
BPT Art Trail News-April 2020, Part 2: CT Artists Respond Grants, Call for Artists to Create Teaching Videos, Remembering Actor Brian Dennehy, Artists during Covid-19
Check out our latest issue for more information on funding opportunities through CT Office of the Arts, read our special “Artists during Covid-19” interviews, learn about virtual events, & more! READ IT HERE
BPT Art Trail News-April Part 1: Funding resources for artists impacted by Covid-19, special virtual exhibits and events, Q&A with BPT Musicians, and more!
BPT Art Trail News – March Part 2: A Special Message, Walking With The Wild Woman Archetype Virtual Exhibit, Online Events, Women Who Create Feature, and More!
BPT Art Trail News – February 2020 Part 2
February may be the shortest month but it’s full of exhibits, live music, theater, and more!
BPT Art Trail News – February 2020 – Featured artist Adger Cowans at The Smithsonian and Virginia Museum of Art. Plus, our February special events calendar
BPT Art News – January 2020- Join us Jan 25 for Three Art Parties – Plus, Our Arts and Culture Calendar!
Bridgeport Art Trail 2019 Revisited: Photos, Highlights, and More!
BPT Art Trail News: December guide-exhibits to view, festive shows to see, and where to shop local this holiday season!
BPT Art Trail 2019 – You’re Invited! Kickoff Party Thursday 11/7, Downtown Art Crawl 11/8, Open Studios Guide, Closing Party Storytelling Event 11/10
BPT Art Trail News: Special Art Trail Issue
Downtown Kickoff and Artists’ Party 11/7 and your day-to-day guide! Save the Date: Nov 7th-Nov 10th
BPT Art Trail News- October 2019 – Part 1
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BPT Art Trail News- September 2019 – Part 2
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Bridgeport Art Trail New- August 2019 Part 2
VISUAL ART
Fiber: An Arts Exhibition
Saturday, August 31, 2019
Gallery Hours: 7PM-Midnight
Live installation and exhibit featuring works by Ari Serrano and Elisha Brockenberry. Refreshments provided by Two Roads. The exhibit includes live sewing, garment display and hair demonstrations.
SameSex Exhibit explores LGBT themes, same-sex attraction, related feelings and issues of 2019. Artists need not be gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender to participate.
Artists: Christopher Augerson, Mario Baez, Patrice Barrett, Marieta Capobianco, Benjamin Casiano, Darron Copeland, Kevin Cox, Erica Czerwinski, Coco Garner, Andrew Graham, Delayne Gratopp, Kate Henderson, Don Houston, Susan Stinson-Hurwitz, Maxwell Kale, Niki Key, Mia Lipstick, Luis Lopez, Barbara Loss, Samuel McPherson, Ricky Mestre, Nancy Moore, Dale Parson, Adrian Pulido, Jon Puozzoli, Barbara Ringer, Ellen Schindermann, Susan Tabachnick, Richard Taddei, Amanda Walker
Thank you to sponsors:
Triangle Community Center,
Tito’s Vodka, Trevi Lounge, Circle Care Center,
John Brannelly and Dave Ivanko, Holiday Inn Bridgeport
Read the full article: “SAMESEX Stuns At City Lights”
Close to the Line
Housatonic Museum of Art
Exhibit Opening Thursday, September 5, 2019
Hours: 5:30PM – 7:30 PM
The Housatonic Museum is pleased to present Close to the Line: Mari Rantanen and Kirsten Reynolds, an investigation of geometric abstraction through a performative lens. Curated by Barbara O’Brien, the exhibition will be on view in the Burt Chernow Galleries at the Housatonic Museum Art September 5 – October 12, 2019. A reception with the artists and curator will be held on Thursday, September 5 from 5:30PM – 7:30PM. This event is free, and the public is cordially invited to attend.
Latinisimo, Art Exhibit Reception and Flag Raising
Saturday, September 14, 2019
Event Time: 2 PM – 6 PM
2PM: Flag raising recognizing Mexican Independence
4-6PM: Artist’s Talk and Reception
City Lights Gallery
LATINISIMO, A Biennial exhibit curated by Yolanda Vasquez Petrocelli, she descirbes it as, ” an exhibit beyond geographies, color and identities”, featuring Latin American artists living in USA.
Santa Barazza, Carlos Bautista Biernnay, Ann Chamberlain, Carlos Hernandez Chaves, Adiel Dominguez, Ivan Gaete, Sergio Garcia, Gabriela Galarza-Block, Julia Justo, Maria Lino, Luis Lopez, Miguel Angel Melchor, Aisha Nailah Perez, Yolanda Petrocelli, Valerie Rhodes, Ana Ruiz-Castillo, Liliana Wilson
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Downtown Market at McLevy
Thursdays, 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM
McLevy Green
The Bridgeport Downtown Farmers Market 2019 season is in full swing! On Thursdays from July 10th through October 10th, the DSSD will host the Downtown Farmers Market from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m in McLevy Green (102 Bank Street).
Come enjoy fresh fruits and veggies, food, crafts, live music, and more! Our vendors this year include: A Pinch of Salt Chef Raquel Rivera-Pablo Artist & Craftsman Supply Bridgeport Betzy’s Latin Flavors, Elegantly Casual Cuisine, Fortuna’s Catering Co. of Bridgeport, GardenMind Decor,
#hotchicksexceptionaleggs, Killam & Bassette Farmstead, LLC, Leisha’s Bakeria LLC, Proof Pizza Truck, Rooster’s Rise, Smith’s Acres LLC, Southwest Community Health Center, Inc., Popcorn Bar Avangrid, CMC Energy Services Connecticut
Colorful Conversation: Discover Downtown
Hosted by InfoBridgeport
Thursday, August 22, 2019
Event Hours: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Bridgeport DSSD
181 State Street
Bridgeport, CT 06604
Downtown Bridgeport radiates with diversity. Its many hues of humans, food, art, and business make it a place unlike any other. Please join us for a COLORFUL CONVERSATION to celebrate the full spectrum of Downtown and its beautiful and vibrant overlapping forms, shapes, and colors that intersect through its people, streets, places, and spaces. We will be revealing our new web presence and engaging in a variety of fun ways to DISCOVER DOWNTOWN.
We invite you to this discussion about your Downtown, how it is being shaped, and what you would like to see in its future. Then we hope you will roll out onto McLevy Green with us to enjoy the closing night of the Downtown Thursdays summer concert series!
LIVE MUSIC AND PERFORMING ARTS
Cher, Billy Joel, Streisand & More!
Vegas Impersonators The Edwards Twins
Saturday, September 14, 2019
Doors: 1 PM / Show: 2 PM
The world famous Edwards Twins take you on a trip through pop culture with their amazing Impersonations!
Remember all the wonderful Variety shows we all grew up on in the 70’s & 80’s? Now is your chance to see them live and re-created by Las Vegas’ number one impersonators of all time. All your favorite legendary Superstars come alive in An Evening with The Stars. The NBC Today show says “it’s one of the most extraordinary shows we have ever seen.” Sonny & Cher, Billy Joel, Elton John, Neil Diamond, Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Lady Gaga, Celine Dion, Rod Stewart, Bette Midler, Barbra Streisand, Andrea Bocelli, Tom Jones, and many many more hosted by THE EDWARDS TWINS FROM LAS VEGAS. All live vocal. USA TODAY and THE BOSTON GLOBE raves “A Must see show” Each Star sings their number 1 hits as well as of your favorite songs.
THEATRE & FILM
Bridgeport PechaKucha, Volume 5
Not your Mama’s Pechakucha
Thursday, September 12, 2019 at 6 PM – 9 PM
B-HIVE Coworking space
Bridgeport PechaKucha, Volume 5, will be at the B-HIVE Coworking space on Thursday, Sept. 12th. Attend to hear great personal stories each told in 400 seconds with 20 images!!!! The theme will be NOT YOUR MAMA’S PECHAKUCHA! (Some content will be edgy and “adult!”).
WE’RE LOOKING FOR MORE Artists, Veterans, Writers, Dancers, Musicians, History Buffs, Cooks, Librarians, Barbers, Unicyclists, Botanists, Body Builders, Foodies, Teachers, (pretty much anyone with a passion about something) to share personal stories at this Bridgeport PECHAKUCHA – VOL 5.
To help potential speakers with the process of understanding what a Pechakucha is and how to create the slides and presentation there will be one workshop at the Barnum Museum on Saturday, August 10th from 2:00-3:30.
48 Hour Film Project – Awards Night
Friday, August 23, 2019
Doors: 7 PM / Show: 8 PM
On July 26th, 30 plus teams of creative filmmakers set forth to make short films in just 48 hrs.
30 plus teams of creative filmmakers set forth to make short films on July 26th. The Judges have spoken and the Awards will be handed out after we screen some of the nominees!
30 plus teams of creative filmmakers set forth to make short films on July 26th. The Judges have spoken and the Awards will be handed out after we screen some of the nominees!
Put on your Red Carpet BEST and join us for our best of NHV48HFP 2019 Screening & Golden Awards Night!
BPT Art Trail News – August 2019- Part 1
This August Bridgeport’s arts and culture scene stays hot with a public art installation, 9th annual SAMESEX exhibition, disco at the Downtown Cabaret Theatre, and storyteller series “Not Your Mama’s PechaKucha”. Plus, live music at the Klein and Downtown Thursdays, 48 Hour Film Project at the Bijou Theater, and more!
CURRENT EVENTS
“IRWIN: A New York Story”
& “A Story In Stone”
An Evening Of Illustrators, Cartoonists & Fine Art Print Making
6:00pm Meet n’ Greet Reception With The Films Creative Team And Guest Panelists For All Ticket Holders
7:00pm Panel And Q&A For Both Films Moderated By: David Gesualdi
Guest Panelists: Q&A Discussion With Artists And Filmmakers.
David Gesualdi: Moderator – Sculptor, Printmaker And Town of Bethel Resident
Dan Makara: Co-Director, Writer, Producer, Painter And Town of Redding Resident Milestone Graphics
Frank Borres: Co-Director, Producer
James Reed: Master Printmaker, Owner of Milestone Graphics , Bridgeport CT
Irene Bednarczyk: Printmaker & Studio Assistant Milestone Graphics
IRWIN: A New York Story Trailer
Feisty nonagenarian Irwin Hasen recounts his colorful life in the NYC Boxing industry and as a pioneer comic book illustrator for DC Comics on features such as Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, & Wildcat. He reached nationwide stardom in the 1950’s with his newspaper strip DONDI , even appearing in the 1957 feature film. A lifelong New Yorker, Irwin’s bubbly tales of wine, women & song, will have you dancing in your seats!
A Story In Stone Trailer
A Story In Stone presents a brief history of French Lithographer Fernand Mourlots’ introduction of Stone Lithography to America, the process used by Picasso, Matisse, Chagall and Toulouse-Lautrec to reproduce some of master their work. American artist James Reed was one of the first to work with New York Mourlot printers first hand. Reed went on to establish Milestone Graphics in Bridgeport, Ct., where he’s printed for local & nationally recognized artists.
VISUAL ART
The Peacock Alley Mural Project Installation
Friday – Saturday
August 9th & 10th
9am – 6pm
Groundwork Bridgeport, Colorful Bridgeport, Bridgeport Arts & Cultural Council, BPT Creates and the The Trust for Public Land presents:
The Peacock Alley Mural Project Installation
In case you didn’t know, the walkway alley behind the Historic Arcade Mall and the Reads Art Space is called “Peacock Alley”. Join us in installing one of Bridgeport’s largest sidewalk murals ever. We’re supplying the paint, rollers, brushes, tape and music. And you bring the elbow grease and be ready to paint, we’ve got 5000 sq ft of sidewalk to get done!
If you’re interested in volunteering please contact:
Lauren Coakley-Vincent – lauren.dssd@infobridgeport.com
Christina Smith – csmith@groundworkbridgeport.org
Razul Branch – bptartscouncil@gmail.com
SameSex Exhibit explores LGBT themes, same-sex attraction, related feelings and issues of 2019. Artists need not be gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender to participate.
Artists: Christopher Augerson, Mario Baez, Patrice Barrett, Marieta Capobianco, Benjamin Casiano, Darron Copeland, Kevin Cox, Erica Czerwinski, Coco Garner, Andrew Graham, Delayne Gratopp, Kate Henderson, Don Houston, Susan Stinson-Hurwitz, Maxwell Kale, Niki Key, Mia Lipstick, Luis Lopez, Barbara Loss, Samuel McPherson, Ricky Mestre, Nancy Moore, Dale Parson, Adrian Pulido, Jon Puozzoli, Barbara Ringer, Ellen Schindermann, Susan Tabachnick, Richard Taddei, Amanda Walker
Thank you to sponsors:
Triangle Community Center,
Tito’s Vodka, Trevi Lounge, Circle Care Center,
John Brannelly and Dave Ivanko, Holiday Inn Bridgeport
Read the full article: “SAMESEX Stuns At City Lights”
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Downtown Market at McLevy
Thursdays, 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM
McLevy Green
The Bridgeport Downtown Farmers Market 2019 season is in full swing! On Thursdays from July 10th through October 10th, the DSSD will host the Downtown Farmers Market from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m in McLevy Green (102 Bank Street).
Come enjoy fresh fruits and veggies, food, crafts, live music, and more! Our vendors this year include: A Pinch of Salt Chef Raquel Rivera-Pablo Artist & Craftsman Supply Bridgeport Betzy’s Latin Flavors, Elegantly Casual Cuisine, Fortuna’s Catering Co. of Bridgeport, GardenMind Decor,
#hotchicksexceptionaleggs, Killam & Bassette Farmstead, LLC, Leisha’s Bakeria LLC, Proof Pizza Truck, Rooster’s Rise, Smith’s Acres LLC, Southwest Community Health Center, Inc., Popcorn Bar Avangrid, CMC Energy Services Connecticut
LIVE MUSIC AND PERFORMING ARTS
Decades in Concert: The Sounds of the Seventies – Preview
August 09 – August 11
Downtown Cabaret Theatre
The Downtown Cabaret is thrilled to be launching its very own original concert revue series: Decades in Concert. This inaugural production transports audiences back to the 1970s to revisit the sights and sounds of the AM Gold radio era. Using music from Elton John, Carole King, Stevie Wonder, Donna Summer, The Bee Gees and many many more, Decades in Concert tells the story of the history and culture of America’s bicentennial years.
Main Stage at The Klein: A Summer Music Celebration
Saturday, August 10, 2019
Doors open at 12:30pm, Show: 1 – 8:00p
Kick back & listen to outstanding bands! Rock – Blues – Reggae
Featuring Jay Stollman & Scott Spray, former bassist of the Johnny Winter Band with special guest Matt Schofield, British Blues Hall of Fame Inductee; Paul Gabriel Blues Band; The Zambonis; Anthem; Chris D’Amato & Billy Bileca.
Great live music, food trucks & drinks!
THEATRE & FILM
Bridgeport PechaKucha, Volume 5
Presenters Info Session
Saturday, August 10th from 2:00-3:30 PM
Barnum Museum
Bridgeport PechaKucha, Volume 5
Not your Mama’s Pechakucha
Thursday, September 12, 2019 at 6 PM – 9 PM
B-HIVE Coworking space
Bridgeport PechaKucha, Volume 5, will be at the B-HIVE Coworking space on Thursday, Sept. 12th. Attend to hear great personal stories each told in 400 seconds with 20 images!!!! The theme will be NOT YOUR MAMA’S PECHAKUCHA! (Some content will be edgy and “adult!”).
WE’RE LOOKING FOR MORE Artists, Veterans, Writers, Dancers, Musicians, History Buffs, Cooks, Librarians, Barbers, Unicyclists, Botanists, Body Builders, Foodies, Teachers, (pretty much anyone with a passion about something) to share personal stories at this Bridgeport PECHAKUCHA – VOL 5.
To help potential speakers with the process of understanding what a Pechakucha is and how to create the slides and presentation there will be one workshop at the Barnum Museum on Saturday, August 10th from 2:00-3:30.
48 Hour Film Project – Awards Night
Friday, August 23, 2019
Doors: 7 PM / Show: 8 PM
On July 26th, 30 plus teams of creative filmmakers set forth to make short films in just 48 hrs.
30 plus teams of creative filmmakers set forth to make short films on July 26th. The Judges have spoken and the Awards will be handed out after we screen some of the nominees!
30 plus teams of creative filmmakers set forth to make short films on July 26th. The Judges have spoken and the Awards will be handed out after we screen some of the nominees!
Put on your Red Carpet BEST and join us for our best of NHV48HFP 2019 Screening & Golden Awards Night!
Bridgeport Art Trail News – July 2019 – Part 2
Explore our Bridgeport Pride feature. Plus, special programming July 27th: Bridgeport Arts Festival, Artists Talk, and CL Vintage Sidewalk sale!
BPT Art Trail News – July 2019 – Part 1
JULY SPECIAL PROGRAMMING
Bridgeport is heating up!
Signature events this July include:
Bridgeport Pride, An Artful Celebration and Pride Walk,
Downtown Thursdays Concert Series, Bridgeport Arts Fest!
Check out event details and our arts and culture calendar below.
Look for a special feature on these programs in our next issue.
Bridgeport Pride, An Artful Celebration
Opens Thursday, July 18, 2019, 5:30-8pm
BPT PRIDE WALK STEPS OFF AT 7:30PM
Exhibit runs July 18-August 30
Lead sponsors Triangle Community Center, John Brannelly and Dave Ivanko
Join for the opening of the 9th Annual SAMESEX Exhibit at City Lights Gallery. View the exhibit and mingle at the indoor/outdoor patio reception featuring a DJ and light refreshments. 5th Annual Pride Walk steps off at 7:30 followed by the BPT Pride Variety Show!
Downtown Thursdays Concert Series
Bridgeport Arts Fest 2019
Saturday, July 27, 2019 at 12 PM – 10 PM
McLevy Green
The Bridgeport Arts Festival
Arts. Food. Culture. Music
Saturday July 27th 2019
Downtown Bridgeport @ McLevy Green
Stay tuned for further updates on vendors, performers, sponsorship and more.
More Information: bptartscouncil@gmail.com
The Bridgeport Arts Fest is a community celebration of local and original art, artists, makers and performers that happen on McLevy Green this summer July 27th 2019. The Bridgeport Arts Fest features local and original fine art, crafts, jewelry, clothes, live music, theater and dance performances.
We’re looking to feature a few performers on our day stage singers, dancers, bands, performers are encouraged to apply. Galleries and community organizations are also welcome to reserve an area to promote their cause or show their talents.
To participate please send us an email with any footage of your performance along with contact information.
Contact: bptartscouncil@gmail.com
CURRENT EVENTS
VISUAL ART
9th Annual SAMESEX Exhibit
July 18-August 30
Opening Reception, July 18,2019
5:30-8:00 PM
Hosted by City Lights Gallery and Bridgeport Pride
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Downtown Market at McLevy
Opening Day
Thursday, July 11, 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM
McLevy Green
Downtown Market at McLevy
Opening Day
Thursday, July 11, 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM
McLevy Green
Our 2019 season opening day is this Thursday! We will be on McLevy Green from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. every Thursday through October 10th.
In addition to fresh veggies and delicious lunch options, local phenom ALEECYA will be sharing her amazing musical talents this week. Under the art tent, Robin Gilmore from Made in Bridgeport will teach you how to make your own colorful collage and mixed media magnet art. Chess is back with Chess Master Gerald Moore. We will also have corn hole, jenga, and more! Not the gamer type? Then you might enjoy Chef Raquel Rivera-Pablo’s live cooking demonstration at noon. Come on out and join us!
Launch Party
Thursday, July 18, 2019 at 6 PM – 9 PM
The Discovery Museum and Planetarium
4450 Park Ave., Bridgeport, Connecticut 06604
Enjoy an evening of stars, rockets, and Apollo 11 celebration at Discovery Museum’s Launch Party!
Commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing while enjoying small bites and cocktails. Play a round of space-themed mini golf in the Museum, and participate in the Great Rocket Challenge. Moon viewing and stargazing will complete your night.
Tickets are $40 per person and $75 per couple.
Catering will be provided by Fortuna’s Catering Co. Beer will be provided by Two Roads Brewing Company. Popcorn will be provided by Urban Synergy Popcorn.
Your ticket purchase and donation allow the Discovery Museum to bring hands-on science to more kids in our region. Support the astronauts and engineers of tomorrow!
Giant Leap Day
Saturday, July 20, 2019 at 10 AM – 4 PM
The Discovery Museum and Planetarium
4450 Park Ave., Bridgeport, Connecticut 06604
The Discovery Museum is THE place to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the moon landing! Admission will be FREE, thanks to our sponsors NASA Connecticut Space Grant Consortium and Pitney Bowes.
We will have special activities throughout the day, including:
– Moon rock sample viewing
– Great rocket challenge
– Pop fizz rockets
– Planetarium shows
– Bounce house
– Historical video of Apollo 11 landing
– Live streaming of NASA celebrations across the country
– Space-themed mini golf course installed throughout the museum from July 18 to July 28 (Note: there will be an additional charge for mini golf — $5 for adults and $3 for children)
Local food vendors, including Goodfellas Pizzeria, PopCentric Gourmet Ice Pops, and Urban Synergy Popcorn
LIVE MUSIC AND PERFORMING ARTS
Downtown Thursdays featuring Anthem Band
Thursday, July 11, 2019 at 5:30 PM – 9 PM
McLevy Green
A truly original sound that is creating a big wave throughout the USA, Anthem provides musical enchantment and diversity for lovers of allreggae, from roots to dancehall.
Anthem is a diverse family that wants everyone to have as much fun listening to the music as they do playing it.
The live shows provide entertainment for your ears and your eyes, and raise the vibe to levels unlike any you have previously experienced. Come vibe with Anthem to experience the harmonious sounds of the new millennium!
Check them out at www.anthemband.com
Downtown Thursdays featuring Tiffany T’Zelle
Thursday, July 18, 2019 at 5:30 PM – 9 PM
McLevy Green
We welcome Tiffany T’Zelle and the Greg Glover Band. Tiffany ’T’zelle’ Wilson is a triple threat (singer/songwriter/actress), born & raised in the Bronx, New York. Her parents were lovers of many of the late R&B, Gospel and Jazz crooners so T’zelle’s household was filled with love and music. Being a preacher’s granddaughter, T’zelle spent many of her young years in a small baptist church with no other musical instrumentation but the congregation’s voices, hand claps and foot stomps, T’zelle learned to appreciate the sound of raw vocals and developed an ear for beautiful harmonies.
Downtown Thursdays featuring Jake Kulak
Thursday, July 25, 2019 at 5:30 PM – 9 PM
McLevy Green
Jake Kulak and the LowDown brings their blend of modern and traditional guitar-driven blues and blues-rock to music lovers everywhere. Formed in 2013, these talented young artists have represented CT for the past 4 years at the International Blues Challenge Youth Showcase in Memphis, TN. They have also been nominated for a New England Music Award in the “Best New Act of the Year” category and were one of 6 Boston-area bands to win the the House of Blues emerging artist competition. Bassist Anthony Dailey, from Longmeadow, MA is a crowd favorite with his quiet swagger and tasteful grooves. Drummer, Jeremy Peck, from Manchester, Connecticut is a formally trained, multi-instrumentalist whose killer, high-energy beats anchor the band.
Check them out at www.jakekulak.com
Sea & Sun Productions
The Music of Sade – No Ordinary Band
Bijou Theatre
Saturday, July 27, 2019
Doors: 7 PM / Show: 8 PM
Celebrate the music of Sade! Performed by CTs finest musicians, featuring vocals by Marisol Datiz.
Decades in Concert: The Sounds of the Seventies – Preview
August 09 – August 11
Downtown Cabaret Theatre
The Downtown Cabaret is thrilled to be launching its very own original concert revue series: Decades in Concert. This inaugural production transports audiences back to the 1970s to revisit the sights and sounds of the AM Gold radio era. Using music from Elton John, Carole King, Stevie Wonder, Donna Summer, The Bee Gees and many many more, Decades in Concert tells the story of the history and culture of America’s bicentennial years.
This live concert with a talented cast and music just the way you remembered it will immerse you in nostalgic multimedia and transport you back to a decade when the living was easy!
Performing Arts
Bridgeport PechaKucha, Volume 5
Presenters Info Session
Saturday, August 10th from 2:00-3:30 PM
Barnum Museum
Bridgeport PechaKucha, Volume 5
Not your Mama’s Pechakucha
Thursday, September 12, 2019 at 6 PM – 9 PM
B-HIVE Coworking space
Bridgeport PechaKucha, Volume 5, will be at the B-HIVE Coworking space on Thursday, Sept. 12th. Attend to hear great personal stories each told in 400 seconds with 20 images!!!! The theme will be NOT YOUR MAMA’S PECHAKUCHA! (Some content will be edgy and “adult!”).
WE’RE LOOKING FOR MORE Artists, Veterans, Writers, Dancers, Musicians, History Buffs, Cooks, Librarians, Barbers, Unicyclists, Botanists, Body Builders, Foodies, Teachers, (pretty much anyone with a passion about something) to share personal stories at this Bridgeport PECHAKUCHA – VOL 5.
To help potential speakers with the process of understanding what a Pechakucha is and how to create the slides and presentation there will be one workshop at the Barnum Museum on Saturday, August 10th from 2:00-3:30.
BPT Art Trail News -June 2019 Part 2
City Lights/Bridgeport Art Trail thanks the CT Office of the Arts for their ongoing support and partnership. Make Music is a free celebration of music around the world on June 21st. Launched in 1982 in France as the Fête de la Musique, it is now held on the same day in more than 1,000 cities in 120 countries. The CT Office of the Arts initiated statewide participation last year and continue to lead and support this project.
More Information
Bridgeport will be participating with a full schedule of free music in downtown Bridgeport including a lunchtime lineup and an evening concert at the Bijou Theatre, broadcast live on Wpkn Radio 89.5 fm.
MAKE MUSIC DAY BRIDGEPORT
EVENTS SCHEDULE
LUNCH-TIME MUSIC IN PUBLIC SPACES
12:00-1:30 pm
DOWNTOWN BRIDGEPORT
Take a stroll around Downtown Bridgeport at three lunchtime locations.
Grab a bite, do some shopping at City Lights Vintage, and participate in this citywide event!
Location: Broad Street
Performer: Billy Lopez-vocals and keyboard plays popular covers
Location: Broad Street Steps by the Downtown Cabaret Theatre
Performer: James Moss on kalimba and Asher Delerme on percussion
Location: Funchal American Buffet on the corner of Main and Fairfield Ave,
Performer: Chris Cavaliere on guitar
Location: Holiday Inn Main Street
Performer: George Kachmar jazz guitar and Kenny Owens percussion
CAPTAIN’S COVE SEAPORT
Nina Lesiga on Ukulele
The 2nd Annual Make Music Day Bridgeport is coming to Captain Cove’s boardwalk (1 Bostwick Ave, Bridgeport, CT). Ukulelist Nina Lesiga will hold a sing-along and play- along where she brings ukuleles with her and will encourage the public to play and songs with her. All ages and all experience levels are welcome – even first timers. If you own a ukulele, please bring it with you.
Happy Hour Jazz Guitar at Trattoria A’Vucchella,
5-7:30
What a great way to welcome summer, a nice glass of Italian wine, a nosh from a selection of fine Italian cuisine. Join after work or before the FREE concert at the Bijou Theatre.
MAKE MUSIC DAY BRIDGEPORT
FREE CONCERT AND LIVE BROADCAST
BIJOU THEATRE AND 89.5 FM WPKN COMMUNITY RADIO
7:00-10:00 pm
ARTISTS PERFORMING
NETTA WALKER – Hip-hop/poetess
WORDSOUND w/ Iyaba Ibo Mandingo & DJ Chrome– utilizing the combination of MC and DJ that is so familiar in hip-hop- “Speaking truth to power in the spirit of Peter Tosh, The Last Poets and Fela Kuti.”
BARBRA– new jazz/experimental with some urban beats thrown in the mix.
FINGERSLEEVE – great roots band with originals and few well-chosen covers in the mix too. Female guitarist and co-lead singer.
Thank you to the Bijou Theatre and WPKN Radio 89.5-FM for partnering with City Lights Gallery and the Bridgeport Art Trail on MAKE MUSIC Day-Bridgeport, 6/21/19
The free concert Bijou line up features Netta Walker, Barbara, The Iyaba Ibo Mandingo Band, and Fingersleeve.
The concert will be broadcast live on WPKN 89.5 FM radio.
CURRENT EVENTS
VISUAL ART
Harmony – Group Exhibit
On View Till July 10, 2019
City Lights Gallery
This exhibit explores the principle of Harmony presented by artists who work in diverse materials, featuring: Leah Caroline, Diana Chamberlain, William Cody, Cris Dam, Herm Freeman, Crystal Heiden, Inna Linov, Iyaba Ibo Mandingo, Chris Perry, co-curated by Jane Davila and Suzanne Kachmar.
9th Annual SAMESEX Exhibit
July 18-August 30
Opening Reception, July 18,2019
5:30-8:00 PM
Hosted by City Lights Gallery and Bridgeport Pride
Join for the opening of the 9th Annual SAMESEX Exhibit at City Lights Gallery. View the exhibit and mingle at the indoor/outdoor patio reception featuring a DJ and light refreshments.
City Lights Vintage, adjacent to the gallery, will also be open. Partake in a fun shopping experience as attendees rummage through an eclectic inventory of clothing, furniture and collectibles. 5th Annual Pride Walk steps off at 7:30 followed by the BPT Pride Variety Show!
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Third Annual – Wine at The Klein
Thursday, June 20, 2019
6:30PM – 9:00PM
The Klein
An Evening of Cabaret, Cabernet & Spirits!
Taste 50+ wines on our stage!
Featuring wines and spirits from Kindred Spirits & Wine Shop. Plus, the talented Maureen Hamill & David Harris perform the great show tunes of our era! Kindred Spirits wine experts will discuss the sample wines between songs. And not to mention there will be delicious hors d’oeuvres – need we say more??
Proceeds benefit future programs at The Klein & Klein Theatre Arts! Organized by Kindred Spirits & Wine Shops with stores in Fairfield, Westport, Monroe, & Shelton.
A&C Customer Appreciation Day
Saturday, June 29, 2019 at 9 AM – 5 PM
Artist & Craftsman Supply Bridgeport
1001 Main St, Bridgeport, Connecticut 06604
We want to thank you for being our valued customer; come celebrate with us! During our customer appreciation day, you’ll have the chance to enter our raffle to win a $100 A&C gift card and more! Try out our temporary Jagua Tattoo Kit from Jacquard and take advantage of our awesome summer sales. We can’t wait to celebrate!
LIVE MUSIC AND PERFORMING ARTS
Downtown Thursdays featuring Funk Salsa Urban
Jun 20, 2019
5:30 PM – 9 PM
McLevy Green
Back by Popular Demand, The dynamic Latin fusion sounds of Funk Salsa Urban
New York based Latin band F.S.U (Funk Salsa Urban) are making their mark in music scene. Inspired by 90’s Latin group DLG, Funk Salsa Urban is fusing the basic Salsa rhythms with elements of Funk & Urban to create an inner city new sound. Between fusing the different types of rhythms, they are also using Spanglish lyrics to cater to a broader audience.
Downtown Thursdays featuring Pocket Hotties
Thursday, June 27, 2019 at 5:30 PM – 9 PM
McLevy Green
Local Legends, Crowd Favorites, Mash Up Artists. From Rock to Soul, R&B to Hip Hop, Disco to Classics. Pocket Hotties are Backkkkk!
In a world where cover bands are far too plentiful, dj’s rule the club scene, and television passes for entertainment at a bar, comes a band that reminds us what we love about live music. Familiar yet fresh, the never-ending mashups brought forth by the Hotties whip the crowd into a quivering dance party from the window to the walls. Boisterous enough for the bar, crisp enough for corporate events and wild enough for your wedding.
James Montgomery Band
Saturday, June 22, 2019
Doors: 7:00 pm / Show: 8:00 pm
Bijou Theatre
When blues legend James Montgomery plays the harmonica, he “brings it on home”. Whether it’s recording with Kid Rock, sitting in with Gregg Allman, or fronting his hot band of thirty years, Montgomery plays with authority. While growing up in Detroit he learned first-hand from the masters – James Cotton, John Lee Hooker, and Jr. Wells – at the legendary “Chessmate.” Over the years, he’s carried on in the tradition and continues to be a vital presence in Blues as one of the most dynamic performers on the scene.
MORE INFORMATION
CAN’T MISS SUMMER 2019!
The annual Barnum Festival is a seasonal celebration of the City of Bridgeport and its surrounding towns, including Monroe, Trumbull, Easton, Shelton, Stratford, and Fairfield. Dating back to 1948, the festival originated to help support local businesses and honor P.T. Barnum—a world-renowned showman and city leader. The Barnum Festival events span from late spring to early summer each year in an effort to build community spirit, foster philanthropy, and celebrate the many diverse cultures represented by residents. The festival culminates in a weekend-long Barnum Palooza that hosts parades, concerts, fireworks, and other family-friendly festivities.
The Bridgeport Arts Festival
Arts. Food. Culture. Music
Saturday July 27th 2019
Downtown Bridgeport @ McLevy Green
Stay tuned for further updates on vendors, performers, sponsorship and more. More Information: bptartscouncil@gmail.com
BPT Art Trail News -June 2019 Part 1
The city is heating up this June with artist talks, live music, community programs and more! Plus, mark you summer calendar for special events: Make Music Day June 21, Barnum Festival, Downtown Thursdays, The Bridgeport Arts Fest, Bridgeport Pride, and more!
We’re happy to announce our Art-to-Go Billboard Artist of the Month June 2019
RICHARD KILLEANEY
CURRENT EVENTS
MAKE MUSIC DAY BRIDGEPORT – JUNE 21, 2019
City Lights/Bridgeport Art Trail thanks the CT Office of the Arts for their ongoing support and partnership. Make Music is a free celebration of music around the world on June 21st. Launched in 1982 in France as the Fête de la Musique, it is now held on the same day in more than 1,000 cities in 120 countries. The CT Office of the Arts initiated statewide participation last year and continue to lead and support this project.
More Information
Bridgeport will be participating with a full schedule of free music in downtown Bridgeport including a lunchtime lineup and an evening concert at the Bijou Theatre, broadcast live on Wpkn Radio 89.5 fm.
VISUAL ART
Harmony – Group Exhibit
Artists Talk – Saturday June 15, 7-9pm
City Lights Gallery
Join for a Saturday Artist Talk on the new exhibit “Harmony”.
Get an in depth perspective from the artists, listen, learn discuss with fellow attendees.
This exhibit explores the principle of Harmony presented by artists who work in diverse materials, featuring: Leah Caroline, Diana Chamberlain, William Cody, Cris Dam, Herm Freeman, Crystal Heiden, Inna Linov, Iyaba Ibo Mandingo, Chris Perry, co-curated by Jane Davila and Suzanne Kachmar.
Harmony: Rhythm, repetition, proximity; combining similar and related forms, motifs, objects and visual elements.
The viewer is invited to find the simple elements that have been composed into complex compositions. Also notice how the artists have found unconventional ways to work with these diverse materials.
The intention of the exhibit is to encourage attendees appreciate the delicate beauty and complexity of the harmony and to consider the potential of mundane objects and simple elements, realizing how the creative mind can repurpose and re-invent.
CALL FOR ART: SAMESEX 2019 – EXTENDED TO JUNE 9TH
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Jane’s Walk: Explore Colorful Bridgeport
Saturday, June 8, 2019 at 9:30 AM – 4 PM
BPT Creates / Magnacon 7
1001 Main St Ste 14, Bridgeport, Connecticut 06604
Join us on Saturday, June 8th, for Jane’s Walk: Exploring Colorful Bridgeport. On the walk or bike ride, you will explore the city, connect with your neighbors, and contribute to thoughtful conversations about creative, community-driven city building. Event details are here. Sign up today!
SavorCity Bridgeport: El Pueblito
Saturday, June 8, 2019
12:15 PM – 2:00 PM
El Pueblito Restaurant
121 Wall Street
Bridgeport, CT 06604
We invite you to join us at SavorCity, a monthly tour of Bridgeport restaurants, food, art and music, showcasing the cultural delights and hidden gems of Connecticut’s most diverse city.
Our seventh visit is to El Pueblito at 121 Wall Street., Bridgeport, in Downtown Bridgeport. This edition of SavorCity is being held in conjunction with Jane’s Walk Bridgeport, a production of Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District. Our artist for El Pueblito is Julia Rose and our musicians are Edwin Rivera and Band.
Juneteenth Parade & Festival
Saturday, June 8, 12-7 PM
McLevy Green
Join Grand Marshall Walter Luckett, dignitaries, celebrities, marching bands, and more in the Juneteenth African-American / Caribbean Parade around the Downtown parade route! Line up is at 11:00 a.m.
Third Annual – Wine at The Klein
Thursday, June 20, 2019
6:30PM – 9:00PM
The Klein
An Evening of Cabaret, Cabernet & Spirits!
Taste 50+ wines on our stage!
Featuring wines and spirits from Kindred Spirits & Wine Shop. Plus, the talented Maureen Hamill & David Harris perform the great show tunes of our era! Kindred Spirits wine experts will discuss the sample wines between songs. And not to mention there will be delicious hors d’oeuvres – need we say more??
Proceeds benefit future programs at The Klein & Klein Theatre Arts! Organized by Kindred Spirits & Wine Shops with stores in Fairfield, Westport, Monroe, & Shelton.
SAMESEX Art Exhibit and Bridgeport Pride Celebration
Thursday, July 18, 2019
LIVE MUSIC AND PERFORMING ARTS
Latin Dance Party – Orquesta Afinke
Friday, June 7, 2019
Doors: 7:00 pm / Show: 8:00 pm
Bijou Theatre
Our sound will have everyone on their feet dancing in seconds!
ORQUESTA AFINKE is a latin musical group that features a dynamic percussion, a swinging rhythm section and a harmonious brass section. Playing the best of salsa (salsa dura), merengue, cumbia, bolero, plena, latin jazz, and more!
Bruce Springsteen Tribute – Tramps Like Us
Saturday, June 8, 2019
Doors: 7:00 pm / Show: 8:00 pm
Bijou Theatre
Celebrating the 35th anniversary of BORN IN THE USA, TLU will perform the entire album PLUS audience requests!
Tramps Like Us brings more than 25 years of road-tested musicianship that have won this band the hard-earned distinction of the planet’s most revered Bruce Springsteen Tribute band. Given high praise by dozens of publications, radio stations, music industry personal, and the ONLY tribute band to be endorsed by members of “The Springsteen Camp”
MORE INFORMATION
Neil Diamond* by Tom Sadge
Downtown Cabaret Theatre
June 15, 5pm & 8pm
Tom Sadge returns to the Cabaret Stage, the professional impersonator has been a favorite of Neil Diamond fans with his “as real as it gets” stage presence; a high moment for the artist’s career was during a performance back in 2002 where Diamond himself pointed out to the crowd that Sadge “sounded just like him.” Sadge even has his own fan base, the “Diamondheads.”
MORE INFORMATION
CAN’T MISS SUMMER 2019!
The annual Barnum Festival is a seasonal celebration of the City of Bridgeport and its surrounding towns, including Monroe, Trumbull, Easton, Shelton, Stratford, and Fairfield. Dating back to 1948, the festival originated to help support local businesses and honor P.T. Barnum—a world-renowned showman and city leader. The Barnum Festival events span from late spring to early summer each year in an effort to build community spirit, foster philanthropy, and celebrate the many diverse cultures represented by residents. The festival culminates in a weekend-long Barnum Palooza that hosts parades, concerts, fireworks, and other family-friendly festivities.
The Bridgeport Arts Festival
Arts. Food. Culture. Music
Saturday July 27th 2019
Downtown Bridgeport @ McLevy Green
Stay tuned for further updates on vendors, performers, sponsorship and more. More Information: bptartscouncil@gmail.com
BPT Art Trail News – May 2019 – Part 2
Summer is just around the corner and Bridgeport is heating up! May ends with two exhibit openings next week. Plus, live concerts, call for artists/musicians, and exciting community events!
Save The Date
Make Music Day Bridgeport
June, 21, 2019
Details Coming Soon!
READ THE FULL ARTIST FEATURE AND Q&A HERE
CALL FOR ART & BRIDGEPORT ART NEWS
_______________________________________________________
Help support Nest Arts Factory, a key member of the Bridgeport Arts Community and Bridgeport Art Trail!
A Message form the Nest:
As many of you know, the NEST will be relocating to a new larger building this year. We need to raise an additional $50,000 for our construction costs to create studios in a new-to-us cool old factory in the South End of Bridgeport. We’ve invested a lot of time and money on this building and we’re down to just a final $50,000 to complete the project and get the NEST community of artists into our new NEST. We hope you’ll consider making a donation to help us expand and continue to thrive in Bridgeport. bit.ly/savethenest
If you’d like to make a tax deductible donation, you can send a check to Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County, attn: Save the NEST, 301 West Avenue, Norwalk CT 06850, or make an immediate donation on our Go Fund Me page at bit.ly/savethenest
Thank you! We love Bridgeport and want to stay here and continue to provide workshops, concerts, poetry readings, open studios, and all sorts of events for all of you! Xoxo
__________________________________________________________________________
Call for Artist: A video project about YOU!
The Bridgeport Arts & Cultural Council is looking for a few good artists to feature in our new video project about Bridgeport based artist.
If you’re a painter, sculptor, photographer, dancer, singer, musician or any other artist and are based in Bridgeport, CT we want to interview you about art!
Shoot times:
Sunday May 19th 4pm-8pm
Monday May 20th 2pm-8pm
Thursday May 23rd 11am – 4pm
Location:
BPT Creates
1001 Main st ste 14
Bridgeport, CT 06604
Please contact us to schedule your shoot time.
203.395.1395
__________________________________________________________________________
CALL FOR ART: SAMESEX 2019
MAY 2019 CURRENT EVENTS – PART 1
VISUAL ARTS – NEW EXHIBITS/EVENTS
Black Rock: 375, Exhibition Opening Reception
Thursday, May 23, 2019 at 6 PM – 8 PM
Fairfield Museum and History Center
Join us as we open this exhibition full of rare photographs, artifacts and artwork related to the history of Black Rock. Founded 375 years ago, the neighborhood of Black Rock has tied together the communities of Fairfield and Bridgeport, while retaining its unique personality and sense of place. Through the ages of sail, steam, and rail Black Rock has served as a beacon of ingenuity, strength, and comfort for its residents and visitors alike.
Presented in celebration of Black Rock’s 375th Anniversary with the Black Rock History Committee and the Black Rock Community Council. Special thanks to Phil Blagys, Paula Butturini, Susan Graham, Betty Oderwald, and Bruce Williams.
_____________________________________________________________________
Harmony – Group Exhibit
Opening Reception: Thursday, May 30, 5:30-9PM
City Lights Gallery
This exhibit explores the principle of Harmony presented by artists who work in diverse materials, featuring: Leah Caroline, Diana Chamberlain, William Cody, Cris Dam, Herm Freeman, Crystal Heiden, Inna Linov, Iyaba Ibo Mandingo, Chris Perry, co-curated by Jane Davila and Suzanne Kachmar.
Harmony: Rhythm, repetition, proximity; combining similar and related forms, motifs, objects and visual elements.
On View: May 30 – June 10
City Lights Gallery and Frameshop
Gallery Hours: W-F 11:30-5, Sat 12-4, Thurs open ’til 7pm
City Lights Vintage Shop Hours: Thurs 12-7 pm Fri 12-5, Sat 12-4pm
_______________________________________________________________________
Selected & Collected
Hosted by Artists of 305 Knowlton
Opening Reception: Friday, May 31, 6-10PM
Join us for the opening of our next art show, Selected & Collected – Transformative Art from the Collective Artists of 305 Knowlton!
Light refreshments and complimentary wine will be served. There will also be pop up shops and a raffle of small art works (cash only).
Admission is free, donations appreciated!
COMMUNITY EVENTS
History Hustle II Benefit Concert
Hosted by Bridgeport Hope School and Hub & Spoke
Thursday, May 30, 2019 at 6 PM – 8 PM
Hub & Spoke Restaurant
History Hustle II Benefit Concert for Bridgeport Hope School: students and local artists performing to raise money for a history field trip!
$10 suggested donation to BHS; food and beverage sales to Hub & Spoke restaurant.
Jane’s Walk: Explore Colorful Bridgeport
Saturday, June 8, 2019 at 9:30 AM – 4 PM
BPT Creates / Magnacon 7
1001 Main St Ste 14, Bridgeport, Connecticut 06604
Join us for a Jane’s Walk, a unique story about how you see, interact with, and feel about your city. On a Bridgeport Jane’s Walk, you can explore the city, connect with your neighbors, and contribute to thoughtful conversations about creative, community-driven city building.
Opt-in to the day of activities at any point and for whatever portion you wish! We will start off the morning at BPT Creates / Magnacon 7 at 9:30 a.m. to learn about the legacy of Jane Jacobs and local Bridgeport activists just like her, watch short films inspired by Jane’s legacy, and engage in a vibrant panel discussion.
At noon, we will walk over to El Pueblito Restaurant for a delightful lunch including food, art, and music organized by SavorCity. Lunch reservations must be made in advance, sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/savorcity-bridgeport-el-pueblito-tickets-61952734296.
Walking and bike tours kick off at 2:00 p.m. in McLevy Green. Expert guides will take you through an exploration of #colorfulbridgeport, it’s history, and unique places.
SavorCity Bridgeport: El Pueblito
Saturday, June 8, 2019
12:15 PM – 2:00 PM
El Pueblito Restaurant
121 Wall Street
Bridgeport, CT 06604
We invite you to join us at SavorCity, a monthly tour of Bridgeport restaurants, food, art and music, showcasing the cultural delights and hidden gems of Connecticut’s most diverse city.
Our seventh visit is to El Pueblito at 121 Wall Street., Bridgeport, in Downtown Bridgeport. This edition of SavorCity is being held in conjunction with Jane’s Walk Bridgeport, a production of Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District. Our artist for El Pueblito is JuliaRose Arts; our musicians are Edwin Rivera and Band.
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Bridgeport PechaKucha Night, Volume 5: Dream it, be it, do it!
Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at 6 PM – 9 PM
The Barnum Museum
Bridgeport PechaKucha, Volume 5, will be at the Barnum Museum on Tuesday, June 18th.
Attend to hear great personal stories each told in 400 seconds with 20 images!!!! The theme will be DREAM IT!!! BE IT!! DO IT!!
This is a free event (donations accepted since we try to make a $1 donation per person to the global PechaKucha organization) AND cover costs!
The doors open at 6:00. Food will be lovingly and deliciously prepared and sold by Raquel Rivera-Pablo The program will begin at 6:45PM and will be completed by 9:00PM with a 15 minute intermission.
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LIVE MUSIC & CONCERTS
Allman Brothers Tribute – Brothers of the Road Band
Saturday, May 25, 2019
Doors: 7:00 pm / Show: 8:00 pm
Bijou Theatre
Come share an evening of Allman Brothers music with the most authentic and longest performing ABB Tribute in the country!
The Bijou and the BOTRB are proud to be raising money at this show for the Memory Box Project (heirloom memorabilia boxes for families of fallen soldiers). Please visit the donation table in the lobby! More info at: www.memoryboxproject.org
Yellow Brick road – Tribute to Elton John
Saturday, June 1, 2019
Doors: 7:00 pm / Show: 8:00 pm
Bijou Theatre
There is no other performer who looks and sounds so much like Elton John, nor any tribute act that provides the experience of being at an actual Elton John concert, the way Gerald Brann and Yellow Brick Road does. Brann not only bears an uncanny resemblance to the international superstar, complete with his mannerisms and gap-toothed smile, but he meticulously re-creates Elton John’s vocals and playing to the letter. To truly capture the essence of the piano man, Brann dresses in custom-tailored replica costumes and Elton’s trademark sunglasses.
Latin Dance Party – Orquesta Afinke
Friday, June 7, 2019
Doors: 7:00 pm / Show: 8:00 pm
Bijou Theatre
Our sound will have everyone on their feet dancing in seconds!
ORQUESTA AFINKE is a latin musical group that features a dynamic percussion, a swinging rhythm section and a harmonious brass section. Playing the best of salsa (salsa dura), merengue, cumbia, bolero, plena, latin jazz, and more!
___________________________________________________________________________
BPT Art Trail News -May 2019 Part 1
May is underway with a full calendar of new art exhibits, spring performances at The Klein and Bijou Theatre, live shows at the Downtown Cabaret Theatre, and so much more.
Plus, meet our Artist of the Month Asher Delerme and Call for Artists opportunities!
READ THE FULL ARTIST FEATURE AND Q&A HERE
CALL FOR ART & BRIDGEPORT ART NEWS
_______________________________________________________
Help support Nest Arts Factory, a key member of the Bridgeport Arts Community and Bridgeport Art Trail!
A Message form the Nest:
As many of you know, the NEST will be relocating to a new larger building this year. We need to raise an additional $50,000 for our construction costs to create studios in a new-to-us cool old factory in the South End of Bridgeport. We’ve invested a lot of time and money on this building and we’re down to just a final $50,000 to complete the project and get the NEST community of artists into our new NEST. We hope you’ll consider making a donation to help us expand and continue to thrive in Bridgeport. bit.ly/savethenest
If you’d like to make a tax deductible donation, you can send a check to Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County, attn: Save the NEST, 301 West Avenue, Norwalk CT 06850, or make an immediate donation on our Go Fund Me page at bit.ly/savethenest
Thank you! We love Bridgeport and want to stay here and continue to provide workshops, concerts, poetry readings, open studios, and all sorts of events for all of you! Xoxo
__________________________________________________________________________
Call for Artist: A video project about YOU!
The Bridgeport Arts & Cultural Council is looking for a few good artists to feature in our new video project about Bridgeport based artist.
If you’re a painter, sculptor, photographer, dancer, singer, musician or any other artist and are based in Bridgeport, CT we want to interview you about art!
Shoot times:
Sunday May 19th 4pm-8pm
Monday May 20th 2pm-8pm
Thursday May 23rd 11am – 4pm
Location:
BPT Creates
1001 Main st ste 14
Bridgeport, CT 06604
Please contact us to schedule your shoot time.
203.395.1395
__________________________________________________________________________
CALL FOR ART: SAMESEX 2019
MAY 2019 CURRENT EVENTS – PART 1
VISUAL ARTS – NEW EXHIBITS/EVENTS
Black Rock: 375, Exhibition Opening Reception
Thursday, May 23, 2019 at 6 PM – 8 PM
Fairfield Museum and History Center
Join us as we open this exhibition full of rare photographs, artifacts and artwork related to the history of Black Rock. Founded 375 years ago, the neighborhood of Black Rock has tied together the communities of Fairfield and Bridgeport, while retaining its unique personality and sense of place. Through the ages of sail, steam, and rail Black Rock has served as a beacon of ingenuity, strength, and comfort for its residents and visitors alike.
Presented in celebration of Black Rock’s 375th Anniversary with the Black Rock History Committee and the Black Rock Community Council. Special thanks to Phil Blagys, Paula Butturini, Susan Graham, Betty Oderwald, and Bruce Williams.
_____________________________________________________________________
Harmony – Group Exhibit
Opening Reception: Thursday, May 30, 5:30-9PM
City Lights Gallery
This exhibit explores the principle of Harmony presented by artists who work in diverse materials, featuring: Leah Caroline, Diana Chamberlain, William Cody, Cris Dam, Herm Freeman, Crystal Heiden, Inna Linov, Iyaba Ibo Mandingo, Chris Perry, co-curated by Jane Davila and Suzanne Kachmar.
Harmony: Rhythm, repetition, proximity; combining similar and related forms, motifs, objects and visual elements.
On View: May 30 – June 10
City Lights Gallery and Frameshop
Gallery Hours: W-F 11:30-5, Sat 12-4, Thurs open ’til 7pm
City Lights Vintage Shop Hours: Thurs 12-7 pm Fri 12-5, Sat 12-4pm
_______________________________________________________________________
Selected & Collected
Hosted by Artists of 305 Knowlton
Opening Reception: Friday, May 31, 6-10PM
Join us for the opening of our next art show, Selected & Collected – Transformative Art from the Collective Artists of 305 Knowlton!
Light refreshments and complimentary wine will be served. There will also be pop up shops and a raffle of small art works (cash only).
Admission is free, donations appreciated!
COMMUNITY EVENTS
The Bridgeport Flea
Saturday, May 25, 12-5
Blends Gallery
You, Me, & Flea!!! Located at Blends Gallery 1163 Main st., Downtown Bridgeport!
Cool, Quirky, Colorful, Dope, Vintage, Refurb’d, Handmade, all here!!!!
Interested vendors email: bpt.flea@gmail.com, Spaces are $25.
____________________________________________________________________________
Bridgeport PechaKucha Night, Volume 5: Dream it, be it, do it!
Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at 6 PM – 9 PM
The Barnum Museum
Bridgeport PechaKucha, Volume 5, will be at the Barnum Museum on Tuesday, June 18th.
Attend to hear great personal stories each told in 400 seconds with 20 images!!!! The theme will be DREAM IT!!! BE IT!! DO IT!!
This is a free event (donations accepted since we try to make a $1 donation per person to the global PechaKucha organization) AND cover costs!
The doors open at 6:00. Food will be lovingly and deliciously prepared and sold by Raquel Rivera-Pablo The program will begin at 6:45PM and will be completed by 9:00PM with a 15 minute intermission.
____________________________________________________________________________
FILM
WPKN’S Music on Film Series Presents: Yellow Submarine
Thursday, May 16, 2019
Doors: 6:00 pm / Show: 7:00 pm
The Bijou Theatre
In celebration of its 50th anniversary in 2018, The Beatles’ legendary animated film Yellow Submarine returned to the big screen. The theatrical re-release features a painstakingly restored 4K digital restoration of the movie, along with glorious surround sound.
Released in 1968, Yellow Submarine sees John, Paul, George and Ringo embarking on the technicolour adventure of a lifetime and features some of the most-loved songs from The Beatles including ‘Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds’, ‘Nowhere Man’, ‘Eleanor Rigby’ and ‘All You Need is Love’.
LIVE MUSIC & CONCERTS
David Ferrari Productions
Icons on Fire: The Ultimate Magic & Music Experience
Saturday, May 11, 2019
Doors: 3:00 pm / Show: 4:00 pm
The program promises to show brand new futuristic magic featuring illusionist David Ferrari. The music will be provided by Holly Beavon, one of the world’s premiere Madonna impersonators. Joining the musical portion of the program will be singer songwriters, Chelsea Takami and Lily Stockwell. The show also features the amazing dancing and choreography of The Viva Dance & Fitness Center. A portion of ticket sales will be donated to the Barnum Museum.
Magic & Music will provide a wholesome and fun activity for the entire family, all ages.
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The Bijou Theatre Presents
Chicago Tribute – Connecticut Transit Authority
Saturday, May 18, 2019
Doors: 7:00 pm / Show: 8:00 pm
The Bijou Theatre
Chicago Tribute – Connecticut Transit Authority
Saturday, May 18, 2019
Doors: 7:00 pm / Show: 8:00 pm
The Bijou Theatre
Connecticut Transit Authority faithfully recreates the music of one of the greatest American bands ever, Chicago. We focus on the early years of Chicago, better known as the “Terry Kath Era”, when the band was raw with emotion, heart and soul.
Songs from Chicago’s 1969 debut album through 1977’s Chicago XI are covered here with attention to detail and respect for the originators of these timeless classics. Our set list includes: Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is, Make Me Smile, Beginnings, Just You ‘n Me, Dialogue, Old Days, 25 or 6 to 4 and many more!
PERFORMING ARTS
Fairfield County Children’s Choir
A Night at the Opera
Saturday, May 11, 2019, 7;00 PM
The Klein
Not just for grown-ups anymore!! “A Night at the Opera” will close FCCC 2018-2019 season – Bizet’s fiery Carmen, Lakme by Delibes, Verdi’s Il Tavatore and Hansel and Gretl by Englebert Humperdinck will be among the selections performed by all four of our choirs. Come enjoy our year end celebration, featuring a wide array of musical styles – classical to folk to gospel and everything in between. Always a crowd pleaser, Song for the Mira is sure to be a highlight of the evening!!
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The Bijou Theatre Presents: The Whiffenpoofs
Friday, May 17, 2019
Doors: 7:00 pm / Show: 8:00 pm
The Bijou Theatre
Every year, 14 Yale Seniors are selected to be in the Whiffenpoofs, the world’s oldest and best-known collegiate a cappella group. Founded in 1909, the “Whiffs” began as a senior quartet that met for weekly concerts at Mory’s Temple Bar, the famous Yale tavern. Today, the group has become one of Yale’s most celebrated traditions.
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Greater Bridgeport Youth Orchestra – Spring Concert
Sunday, May 19, 2019, 2:00 PM
The Klein
Be amazed by the skills and sound of the winner of the GBYO Concerto Competition who will perform as soloist with accompaniment by Principal Orchestra. In addition, each GBYO ensemble will show its finest colors in the grand finale concert of GBYO’s regular season.
THEATRE
Snow White
April 13 – May 19
Downtown Cabaret Theatre
Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all? It’s the timeless tale of a beautiful princess, a wicked stepmother, and a poisoned apple. When the jealous queen places a curse on Snow White, the only thing that can save her is the help from some very clever new friends and true love’s kiss from a handsome prince.
Our Children’s Theatre shows run approximately 75-80 minutes with a 10-minute intermission.
The Full Monty
April 26 – May 19
Downtown Cabaret Theatre
Based on the cult hit film of the same name, The Full Monty is filled with honest affection, engaging melodies and the most highly anticipated closing number of any show. The powerhouse team of Terrence McNally (Ragtime) and David Yazbek (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels) cooks up an aggressive crowd-pleaser that both entertains and grabs your heart. While spying on their wives at a “Girls’ Night Out,” a group of unemployed steelworkers from Buffalo come up with a bold and unclothed way to make some quick cash. As they conquer their fears, the strength that they find in each other gives them the individual courage to “let it go.”
BPT Art Trail News – April 2019 – Part 1
It’s a year of milestones for the Bridgeport arts and cultural initiatives!
Following the 10th Annual Bridgeport Art Trail, join us in celebrating City Light’s 15th Anniversary.
An integral part of the Bridgeport Art Trail, City Lights promotes the Bridgeport Art Trail mission year-round with youth outreach programs, student field trips, cultural art programs, and exhibits.
Plus, our April 2019 Artist of the month feature Maggie Daly Arts Cooperative celebrates 5 years with a special program on April 25th!
Also in this issue: live concerts and shows at our Bridgeport theaters, Colorblends opens its doors for House & Spring Garden Celebration, and more!
ART-TO-GO BILLBOARD – ARTIST OF THE MONTH
ABOUT THE MAGGIE DALY ARTS COOPERATIVE
Located in the Read’s Artspace building in downtown Bridgeport, MDAC provides unique programming that assists individuals with disabilities in creative exploration, self-discovery and expansive artistic growth using: Visual Arts, Music, Dance, Yoga and more!
MDAC’s artists have made connections with neighbors, businesses, universities, museums, and art councils forming innovative partnerships to celebrate the universal language of art.
This Day Support Option program is designed for artists with disabilities ready to take the step to full participation in the arts both independently and collectively with peer artists and artists in the community. The candidates should have a strong commitment and interest in arts and a sincere desire to engage in the art making process.
April 2019 CURRENT EVENTS – PART 1
VISUAL ARTS – NEW EXHIBITS/EVENTS
City Lights 15th Anniversary Party/Motown Revue by Band Central
Friday, April 12, 2019 at 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
City Lights Gallery/Downtown Cabaret Theatre
CELEBRATE CITY LIGHTS’ 15th ANNIVERSARY ON APRIL 12, 2019 WITH A BAND CENTRAL MOTOWN REVUE AT THE DOWNTOWN CABARET THEATRE!
Affordable tickets at 2 prices. Click here to reserve your tickets.
The Cabaret Theatre is located just downstairs from City Lights Gallery at 265 Golden Hill St. Downtown Bridgeport CT 06604 203.334.7748.
Thank you to Rob Fried and BAND CENTRAL for partnering with us on music enrichment programs for youth and sponsoring the Motown Revue for our 15th anniversary party. The high energy ensemble of outstanding musicians will surely create a fabulous party atmosphere.
At the $50 level, enjoy a VIP reception at City Lights gallery followed by a high energy concert produced by Band Central. The Motown Revue features Stephanie Harrison, Soul Tempo, Vincent Ingala, Pat Marafiote, Tim DeHuff, Mike Marble, Lindsay Frank, Trevor Small and Rob Fried.
This charity concert supports City Light’s outreach programs.Click here to see outreach programs
AFFORDABLE TICKET PRICES AT 2 LEVELS:
$25 admission for the BYOB Motown Revue at the Downtown Cabaret Theatre.
$50 admission includes a pre-show reception at City Lights gallery, along with the performance at the Cabaret Theatre.
Call for Artists and Musicians for SavorCity
SAVOR CITY is a monthly tour of Bridgeport restaurants, food, art and music, showcasing the cultural delights of Connecticut’s most diverse city.
Organized by a coalition of organizations and agencies, including Rick Reyes Productions, Capital for Change, NEST Arts Factory, the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County, and others, SavorCity features monthly visits to neighborhood restaurants where guests can experience the authentic local cuisine of Bridgeport’s many neighborhoods as well as local musicians and artists working in a variety of genres and media.
MUSICIANS: Would you like to make some money playing a fun gig in a local restaurant? Tell us a little about yourself! What genre of music do you play? Have you had experience playing in a restaurant setting before? Please provide a link to a website, SoundCloud or iTunes so we can hear your music.
ARTISTS: If you would like to have a show of your work at one of the upcoming SavorCity events, please tell us about yourself! What type of artwork you make? What is your website or social media address where we can see your art? Typically between 4-7 artworks are hung for the event. All sales are handled directly by the artist and there is no commission taken.
Artists and Musicians need to live or work in Bridgeport to be considered. Please see the application on the website at: https://www.savorcitybpt.com/apply or email savorcitybpt@gmail.com
Artist’s Reception & Spring Celebration
Saturday, April 27, 2019 at 10 AM – 6 PM
Colorblends House & Spring Garden
893 Clinton Ave, Bridgeport, Connecticut 06604
You are invited to the Colorblends House & Spring Garden’s Artist’s Reception & Spring Celebration on Saturday, April 27th.
Tulips will likely be in their prime. Colorblends staff will be available to answer bulb questions.
The newly renovated Colonial Revival mansion will be filled with art of all kinds created by local artists: Benjamin Casiano, Bob Keating, Chandler Davis, David Joel Pratt, Jahmane, Jennifer Williams, JodiAnn Strmiska, Katie Jurkiewicz, looketha, Michael J Clocks, Nancy Moore, Patrice Barrett, Tara Blackwell and Vasilisa Romanenko.
Colorblends House & Spring Garden is located at 893 Clinton Avenue in Bridgeport, CT. Street parking is plentiful.
The Bridgeport Flea
Saturday, April 27, 12-5
Blends Gallery
You, Me, & Flea!!! Located at Blends Gallery 1163 Main st., Downtown Bridgeport!
Cool, Quirky, Colorful, Dope, Vintage, Refurb’d, Handmade, all here!!!!
LIVE MUSIC AND CONCERTS
WPKN Music in Film Series
The Harder They Come – Jimmy Cliff
Thursday, April 18, 2019
Doors: 6:00 pm / Show: 7:00 pm
The Bijou Theatre
Ivanhoe Martin (Jimmy Cliff) arrives in Kingston, Jamaica, looking for work and, after some initial struggles, lands a recording contract as a reggae singer. He records his first song, “The Harder They Come,” but after a bitter dispute with a manipulative producer named Hilton (Bob Charlton), soon finds himself resorting to petty crime in order to pay the bills. He deals marijuana, kills some abusive cops and earns local folk hero status. Meanwhile, his record is topping the charts.MORE INFORMATION
Bon Jovi Tribute – 1 Wild Night
Saturday, April 13, 2019
Doors: 7:00 pm / Show: 8:00 pm
The Bijou Theatre
1 WILD NIGHT, “the Official Band of Girls’ Night Out,” has been wowing Bon Jovi fans and building a loyal following in the New York Tri-State area since 2013. Featuring look- and sound-alike lead singer Alex Barbieri as “Jon Bon Jovi,” the band also includes pro musicians: keyboardist MJ, guitarist Marc Amendola, and drummer Rob Servedio. All four have decades of experience performing live at bars, clubs and theaters.
Sacred Fire – A Tribute to Santana
Friday, April 19, 2019
Doors: 7:00 pm / Show: 8:00 pm
The Bijou Theatre
Sacred Fire is a blistering six-piece Latin Rock SANTANA Tribute band that knows how to bring out the energy in a crowd. They pull out all the stops with your favorite songs spanning the career of Carlos Santana. With an exceptional presentation, Sacred Fire brings a bombastic sound full of Guitar, Organ, Percussions and Vocals. The excitement and entertainment level is hot – this band always takes it to the next level!
Eagles* by Desert Highway
April 20, 2019
Downtown Cabaret Theatre
Since its formation, Desert Highway Band “A Tribute to the Eagles” continues to captivate & entertain major audiences. They attribute this achievement to performing a non-stop journey via numerous radio hits, top ten singles, and album favorites. Both musically and visually, they present the excitement of a live Eagles concert.
Desert Highway Band is a passionate group of six talented professionals of studio and concert tour veterans with major recording artists, who together recreate ‘live’ the inspired rich vocal harmonies and intricate guitar styles made famous by the legendary Eagles. From the country inspired “Take it Easy” to the soaring guitar layered rock anthem “Hotel California” to the provocative edge of destruction lyricism “life in the fast lane”. Desert Highway Band -“A Tribute to the Eagles”- channels the music of this legendary band that to this day continues to resonate with long-time and new-found fans of all ages.
PERFORMING ARTS AND THEATRE
Snow White
April 13 – May 19
Downtown Cabaret Theatre
Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all? It’s the timeless tale of a beautiful princess, a wicked stepmother, and a poisoned apple. When the jealous queen places a curse on Snow White, the only thing that can save her is the help from some very clever new friends and true love’s kiss from a handsome prince.
Our Children’s Theatre shows run approximately 75-80 minutes with a 10-minute intermission.
The Full Monty
April 26 – May 19
Downtown Cabaret Theatre
Based on the cult hit film of the same name, The Full Monty is filled with honest affection, engaging melodies and the most highly anticipated closing number of any show. The powerhouse team of Terrence McNally (Ragtime) and David Yazbek (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels) cooks up an aggressive crowd-pleaser that both entertains and grabs your heart. While spying on their wives at a “Girls’ Night Out,” a group of unemployed steelworkers from Buffalo come up with a bold and unclothed way to make some quick cash. As they conquer their fears, the strength that they find in each other gives them the individual courage to “let it go.”
BPT Art News – March 2019 – Part 2
Spring into the season with a full calendar of arts and cultural events!
Visit exhibits on view, hear personal storytelling, see live music and theatre, and join for a powerful evening on March 28th to help end gun violence in Bridgeport.
We’re happy to announce Jane Davila is our “Art-to-Go” Billboard and Artist of the Month for February 2019!
“I love the energy leading up to and during the Art Trail weekend! I’m always so excited for visitors to our studios and the different venues around the city to discover what an arts and cultural treasure Bridgeport is. There is a gritty, scrappy vibrancy, an “aliveness” to this place, that isn’t found everywhere. I love hearing the wonder in the voices of first time visitors that didn’t realize how truly wonderful, inspiring, creative, and diverse we are.” Jane Davila
Read her full Artist of the Month feature here
VIEW OUR CLASS CALENDAR HERE
Visit our class calendar full details on upcoming art classes including quilting, figure drawing, creative writing workshops, dance, and more!
March 2019 CURRENT EVENTS – PART 2
VISUAL ARTS – NEW EXHIBITS/EVENTS
Aim Higher Together Bridgeport
Thursday, March 28, 2019
Blends Gallery
An evening to raise funds and awareness around a collaborate art activism initiative in Bridgeport to help bring an end to gun violence in the city. Live art from local artists, silent auction, youth artists and leaders will gather for the celebration!
Buy tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/aim-higher-together-bridgeport-tickets-56643747975
Exhibit: Re-Education of Smedley Butler by Scott Schuldt
On View February 28- April 6, 2019
City Lights Gallery
*Check Out An Article on The Exhibit in NewHavenArts.Org*
DESCRIPTION
This astonishing exhibit, “The Re-Education of Smedley Butler and other Stories; Drawings, Beadwork Paintings, and Other Marvels by Scott Schuldt, is on view through April 6, 2019, at City Lights Gallery.
The beaded embroidery has the mesmerizing effect like the elaborate fineness of the book of Kell’s contrasted by the slap-in-your-face content and imagery of tragic American recent history of the military-industrial complex and other big business meldings with U.S. governme
Read The Article HERE
SCOTT SCHULDT, ABOUT “THE RE-EDUCATION OF SMEDLEY BUTLER”
Smedley Butler served in nearly everyone of the “banana war” conflicts between 1900 and 1930. He went from being a Quaker enlistee to retiring as a General and becoming a whistleblower revealing the dirty tricks he did in support of US foreign policy and became an outspoken critic of US economic policies and especially those that required use of the US military in order to succeed. He is the last American to have been awarded two Congressional Medals of Honor.
FROM SMEDLEY BUTLER:
“I spent 33 years and four months in active military service and during that period I spent most of my time as a highclass muscle man for Big Business, for Wall Street and the bankers. In short, I was a racketeer, a gangster for capitalism. I helped make Mexico and especially Tampico safe for American oil interests in 1914. I helped make Haiti and Cuba a decent place for the National City Bank boys to collect revenues in. I helped in the raping of half a dozen Central American republics for the benefit of Wall Street. I helped purify Nicaragua for the International Banking House of Brown Brothers in 1902-1912. I brought light to the Dominican Republic for the American sugar interests in 1916. I helped make Honduras right for the American fruit companies in 1903. In China in 1927 I helped see to it that Standard Oil went on its way unmolested. Looking back on it, I might have given Al Capone a few hints. The best he could do was to operate his racket in three districts. I operated on three continents.”
– Smedley Butler, 1935
Call for Artists and Musicians for SavorCity
SAVOR CITY is a monthly tour of Bridgeport restaurants, food, art and music, showcasing the cultural delights of Connecticut’s most diverse city.
Organized by a coalition of organizations and agencies, including Rick Reyes Productions, Capital for Change, NEST Arts Factory, the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County, and others, SavorCity features monthly visits to neighborhood restaurants where guests can experience the authentic local cuisine of Bridgeport’s many neighborhoods as well as local musicians and artists working in a variety of genres and media.
MUSICIANS: Would you like to make some money playing a fun gig in a local restaurant? Tell us a little about yourself! What genre of music do you play? Have you had experience playing in a restaurant setting before? Please provide a link to a website, SoundCloud or iTunes so we can hear your music.
ARTISTS: If you would like to have a show of your work at one of the upcoming SavorCity events, please tell us about yourself! What type of artwork you make? What is your website or social media address where we can see your art? Typically between 4-7 artworks are hung for the event. All sales are handled directly by the artist and there is no commission taken.
Artists and Musicians need to live or work in Bridgeport to be considered. Please see the application on the website at: https://www.savorcitybpt.com/apply or email savorcitybpt@gmail.com
City Lights 15th Anniversary Party/Motown Revue by Band Central
Friday, April 12, 2019 at 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
City Lights Gallery
CELEBRATE CITY LIGHTS’ 15th ANNIVERSARY ON APRIL 12, 2019 WITH A BAND CENTRAL MOTOWN REVUE AT THE DOWNTOWN CABARET THEATRE!
Affordable tickets at 2 prices. Click here to reserve your tickets.
The Cabaret Theatre is located just downstairs from City Lights Gallery at 265 Golden Hill St. Downtown Bridgeport CT 06604 203.334.7748.
Thank you to Rob Fried and BAND CENTRAL for partnering with us on music enrichment programs for youth and sponsoring the Motown Revue for our 15th anniversary party. The high energy ensemble of outstanding musicians will surely create a fabulous party atmosphere.
At the $50 level, enjoy a VIP reception at City Lights gallery followed by a high energy concert produced by Band Central. The Motown Revue features Stephanie Harrison, Soul Tempo, Vincent Ingala, Pat Marafiote, Tim DeHuff, Mike Marble, Lindsay Frank, Trevor Small and Rob Fried.
This charity concert supports City Light’s outreach programs.Click here to see outreach programs
AFFORDABLE TICKET PRICES AT 2 LEVELS:
$25 admission for the BYOB Motown Revue at the Downtown Cabaret Theatre.
$50 admission includes a pre-show reception at City Lights gallery, along with the performance at the Cabaret Theatre.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
PechaKucha Night – Bridgeport, Vol. 4: Transformations
Thursday, March 21, 2019 at 6 PM
The Barnum Museum
DESCRIPTION
Come cheer on your artist friends, tell your story, chit chat…PechaKucha Night Bridgeport presents Volume 4: Transformations on Thursday, March 21; 6 pm to 9 pm. Want to be a presenter? Fill out a proposal here: http://bit.ly/BPT-PKN-proposal4.
The theme of TRANSFORMATIONS will honor both the first day of spring, the work of the InfoBridgeport, launching their “Colorful Bridgeport campaign, and the potential impact of the PechaKucha stories. This is a free event (donations accepted) and the doors open at 6. Food will be lovingly prepared and sold by A Pinch of Salt Chef Raquel Rivera-Pablo.
PechaKucha Night Bridgeport brings people together from diverse backgrounds to listen to great personal stories and learn from each other in a casual and authentic atmosphere. PechaKucha means “chit-chat” in Japanese. Speakers present their stories accompanied by 20 slides, shown for 20 seconds each, resulting in a total time of 6 minutes and 40 seconds. This licensed format keeps presentations focused and fast-paced.
PechaKucha Nights are organized by local community members and described as “live events with real people telling real stories.” Talks are uploaded to an international website including 1,000 participating cities.
Fiction vs Fact! The REAL story behind the REEL story!
March 26, 2019 – 12-1 pm
Barnum Museum Event: At Connecticut’s Old State House, Hartford, CT
Have you seen the 20th Century Fox film The Greatest Showman and wondered if it accurately portrayed of P.T. Barnum’s life and times? Join The Barnum Museum Executive Director, Kathleen Maher for an engaging comparison of the movie’s story and the real life story of Barnum.
From Barnum’s Connecticut childhood, to his service as a legislator in the Old State House, to his final bow with the Greatest Show On Earth, Ms. Maher will expand on the tales told in the screenplay and reveal the truth behind Barnum’s remarkable struggles and triumphs that is even more fantastic than the fictionalized version!
The Bridgeport Flea
Saturday, March 30, 12-5
Blends Gallery
You, Me, & Flea!!! Located at Blends Gallery 1163 Main st., Downtown Bridgeport!
Cool, Quirky, Colorful, Dope, Vintage, Refurb’d, Handmade, all here!!!!
PERFORMING ARTS AND THEATRE
Princess and the Frog – Children’s Theatre
February 23 – March 31
Downtown Cabaret Theatre
DESCRIPTION
When a young princess is unable to find a suitable prince, she turns to a very unlikely friend to help her. Little does she know that the secret to her happiness is right under her nose in this brand new musical that shows sometimes true love can be found in the least likely of places.
Our Children’s Theatre shows approximately run 75-80 minutes with a 10-minute intermission.
Sister Act
March 15 – April 07
Downtown Cabaret Theatre
DESCRIPTION
Sister Act is the feel-good musical comedy smash based on the hit 1992 film that has audiences jumping to their feet. When disco diva, Deloris Van Cartier, witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in a the assumed safety of a convent. Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with the uptight Mother Superior. Using her unique disco moves and singing talent to inspire the choir, Deloris breathes new life into the church and community. Filled with powerful gospel music (by Tony- and eight-time Oscar winner, Alan Menken) and a truly moving story, this uplifting musical is reason to REJOICE!
INVITE YOUR FRIENDS TO SUBSCRIBE TODAY
Bridgeport Art Trail News – March 2019 Part 1
Dreaming of spring?
We have an exciting calendar to help get you through these last winter weeks.
Full art class calendar, new exhibitions including hand-beaded works at City Lights, and NEST Arts Factory Open Studios. Plus, a powerful evening on March 28th to help end gun violence in Bridgeport
We’re happy to announce Jane Davila is our “Art-to-Go” Billboard and Artist of the Month for February 2019!
“I love the energy leading up to and during the Art Trail weekend! I’m always so excited for visitors to our studios and the different venues around the city to discover what an arts and cultural treasure Bridgeport is. There is a gritty, scrappy vibrancy, an “aliveness” to this place, that isn’t found everywhere. I love hearing the wonder in the voices of first time visitors that didn’t realize how truly wonderful, inspiring, creative, and diverse we are.”
Jane Davila
Read her full Artist of the Month feature here
VIEW OUR CLASS CALENDAR HERE
Visit our class calendar full details on upcoming art classes including quilting, figure drawing, creative writing workshops, dance, and more!
UPCOMING CLASSES
Beading Workshop at City Lights Gallery
Beginning Drawing for Youth
Dance Classes at Academy of New England Ballet Company
Free Creative Writing Workshop
Folkloric Fusion Bellydance with Joy Herbst
Quilting with Denyse Schmidt – Improv Stripes: Angles and the Grid
March 2019 CURRENT EVENTS – PART 1
VISUAL ARTS – NEW EXHIBITS/EVENTS
Exhibit: Re-Education of Smedley Butler by Scott Schuldt
On View February 28- April 6, 2019
City Lights Gallery
Opening Reception and Artist Talk
Thursday, March 14, 2019
5:30-8:30 PM, Artist Talk at 7:30PM
DESCRIPTION
DON’T MISS this astonishing exhibit, “The Re-Education of Smedley Butler and other Stories; Drawings, Beadwork Paintings, and Other Marvels by Scott Schuldt, February 28- April 6, 2019, at City Lights Gallery, 265 Golden Hill St. Bridgeport, CT 06604 www.citylightsgallery.org
Scott will present an artist’s talk at the reception on Thursday March 14, 2019. The free reception is open to the community running 5:30-8:30 pm with an artist’s talk at 7:30 pm. Scott’s artist’s talk will seem more like tales told around a campfire, but he says they are all “nonfiction.”
The beaded embroidery has the mesmerizing effect like the elaborate fineness of the book of Kell’s contrasted by the slap-in-your-face content and imagery of tragic American recent history of the military-industrial complex and other big business meldings with U.S. government.
SCOTT SCHULDT, ABOUT “THE RE-EDUCATION OF SMEDLEY BUTLER”
Smedley Butler served in nearly everyone of the “banana war” conflicts between 1900 and 1930. He went from being a Quaker enlistee to retiring as a General and becoming a whistleblower revealing the dirty tricks he did in support of US foreign policy and became an outspoken critic of US economic policies and especially those that required use of the US military in order to succeed. He is the last American to have been awarded two Congressional Medals of Honor.
FROM SMEDLEY BUTLER:
“I spent 33 years and four months in active military service and during that period I spent most of my time as a highclass muscle man for Big Business, for Wall Street and the bankers. In short, I was a racketeer, a gangster for capitalism. I helped make Mexico and especially Tampico safe for American oil interests in 1914. I helped make Haiti and Cuba a decent place for the National City Bank boys to collect revenues in. I helped in the raping of half a dozen Central American republics for the benefit of Wall Street. I helped purify Nicaragua for the International Banking House of Brown Brothers in 1902-1912. I brought light to the Dominican Republic for the American sugar interests in 1916. I helped make Honduras right for the American fruit companies in 1903. In China in 1927 I helped see to it that Standard Oil went on its way unmolested. Looking back on it, I might have given Al Capone a few hints. The best he could do was to operate his racket in three districts. I operated on three continents.”
– Smedley Butler, 1935
NEST Arts Factory Spring Open Studios
Saturday, March 9 from 2-5 pm
Nest Arts Factory
DESCRIPTION
The artists of the NEST open their studios to the public on Saturday, March 9, from 2-5 pm. Visit the artists and see lots of new and exciting artworks in the studios, the gallery, and all of the hallways! There will be art, art supplies, decorative items, and furniture for sale at excellent prices. It’s the perfect time to start shopping for mother’s day, father’s day, spring and summer weddings, and more!
NEST Associate Member Exhibit
The Associate Members of the NEST Arts Factory are exhibiting new works in the NEST Gallery in a wide variety of media. Associate Members are showing work in oil, watercolor, pastels, acrylic, printmaking, mixed media, and many other techniques. More info about Saturday’s events can be found at www.nestartsfactory.com/events
Call for Artists and Musicians for SavorCity
SAVOR CITY is a monthly tour of Bridgeport restaurants, food, art and music, showcasing the cultural delights of Connecticut’s most diverse city.
Organized by a coalition of organizations and agencies, including Rick Reyes Productions, Capital for Change, NEST Arts Factory, the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County, and others, SavorCity features monthly visits to neighborhood restaurants where guests can experience the authentic local cuisine of Bridgeport’s many neighborhoods as well as local musicians and artists working in a variety of genres and media.
MUSICIANS: Would you like to make some money playing a fun gig in a local restaurant? Tell us a little about yourself! What genre of music do you play? Have you had experience playing in a restaurant setting before? Please provide a link to a website, SoundCloud or iTunes so we can hear your music.
ARTISTS: If you would like to have a show of your work at one of the upcoming SavorCity events, please tell us about yourself! What type of artwork you make? What is your website or social media address where we can see your art? Typically between 4-7 artworks are hung for the event. All sales are handled directly by the artist and there is no commission taken.
Artists and Musicians need to live or work in Bridgeport to be considered. Please see the application on the website at: https://www.savorcitybpt.com/apply or email savorcitybpt@gmail.com
City Lights 15th Anniversary Party/Motown Revue by Band Central
Friday, April 12, 2019 at 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
City Lights Gallery
15 YEARS!!!! Wow, Times flies when you are serving the community through art… OK yes, having fun too!
CELEBRATE WITH CITY LIGHTS ON APRIL 12, 2019
at the Downtown Cabaret Theatre. Band Central creates the party atmosphere with fabulous Magic of Motown Revue. The Cabaret Theatre is located just downstairs from City Lights Gallery at 265 Golden Hill St. Downtown Bridgeport CT 06604 203.334.7748.
Thank you to Rob Fried and BAND CENTRAL for partnering with us on the music enrichment programs and sponsoring the Motown Revue for our 15th anniversary party. The high energy ensemble of outstanding Band Central musicians will surely create a fabulous party atmosphere.
This charity concert supports City Light’s outreach programs.Click here to see outreach programs
AFFORDABLE TICKET PRICES AT 2 LEVELS:
$25 admission for the BYOB Motown Revue at the Downtown Cabaret Theatre.
$50 admission includes a pre-show reception at City Lights gallery, along with the performance at the Cabaret Theatre.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Putting a Face to History: Forensic Facial Reconstruction of the Barnum Museum’s Mummy
Friday, March 8, 2019
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Barnum Museum
JOIN US on Friday, March 8th, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a momentous day in the Barnum Museum’s history when we will see the reconstructed face of an Egyptian woman who lived in ancient times, and was mummified at the time of her death, approximately 4000 years ago. Many people in the community will remember that the unwrapped mummy and coffin were on display at the Barnum Museum for decades. Utilizing advanced science and technology it was determined the remains were female, a woman about 30 years of age.
This special live-streamed program will be held in our People’s United Bank Gallery and can also be viewed via Facebook.
PechaKucha Night – Bridgeport, Vol. 4: Transformations
Thursday, March 21, 2019 at 6 PM
The Barnum Museum
DESCRIPTION
Come cheer on your artist friends, tell your story, chit chat…PechaKucha Night Bridgeport presents Volume 4: Transformations on Thursday, March 21; 6 pm to 9 pm. Want to be a presenter? Fill out a proposal here: http://bit.ly/BPT-PKN-proposal4.
The theme of TRANSFORMATIONS will honor both the first day of spring, the work of the InfoBridgeport, launching their “Colorful Bridgeport campaign, and the potential impact of the PechaKucha stories. This is a free event (donations accepted) and the doors open at 6. Food will be lovingly prepared and sold by A Pinch of Salt Chef Raquel Rivera-Pablo.
PechaKucha Night Bridgeport brings people together from diverse backgrounds to listen to great personal stories and learn from each other in a casual and authentic atmosphere. PechaKucha means “chit-chat” in Japanese. Speakers present their stories accompanied by 20 slides, shown for 20 seconds each, resulting in a total time of 6 minutes and 40 seconds. This licensed format keeps presentations focused and fast-paced.
PechaKucha Nights are organized by local community members and described as “live events with real people telling real stories.” Talks are uploaded to an international website including 1,000 participating cities.
A FUNDRAISER FOR THE BARNUM MUSEUM
David Ferrari Presents
Extreme Magic with Illusionist Eric Wilzig
Saturday, March 16, 2019
Doors: 6:00 pm / Show: 7:00 pm
With over 2,500 national and international performances to date —— including appearances on NBC’s hit TV show “America’s Got Talent,” sold-out shows at The Tropicana and Caesars Hotel & Casino, headline acts in Times Square, Europe, Canada and the Caribbean —— Eric is considered the hottest rising star in the magic industry.
Known during his childhood as the “little entertainer,” Eric’s fascination with the art of magic began at five years old with a coin trick his father had brought home. Fast forward to age 10, when Eric received a standing-ovation for his magic act from a packed house onboard Royal Caribbean’s “The Explorer of the Seas” cruise ship. It was at that point that Eric realized magic wasn’t going to just be his hobby, but his life!
At age 12, The Extreme Magic Of Eric was born with Eric creating the name, the tone, the presentation and make-up of this award-winning show. Learning directly from David Copperfield, Criss Angel, and other masters of illusion in Las Vegas, Eric has continuously reshaped and modernized his performance to become a world-wide wonder receiving rave reviews wherever he goes. Combining an explosive mix of large cutting-edge illusions, mind-blowing daring escapes, outrageous stunts, customized lighting, and special effects, The Extreme Magic of Eric is truly a one-of-a-kind traveling illusion show!
Aim Higher Together Bridgeport
Thursday, March 28, 2019
Blends Gallery
An evening to raise funds and awareness around a collaborate art activism initiative in Bridgeport to help bring an end to gun violence in the city. Live art from local artists, silent auction, youth artists and leaders will gather for the celebration!
Buy tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/aim-higher-together-bridgeport-tickets-56643747975
PERFORMING ARTS AND THEATRE
Princess and the Frog – Children’s Theatre
February 23 – March 31
Downtown Cabaret Theatre
DESCRIPTION
When a young princess is unable to find a suitable prince, she turns to a very unlikely friend to help her. Little does she know that the secret to her happiness is right under her nose in this brand new musical that shows sometimes true love can be found in the least likely of places.
Our Children’s Theatre shows approximately run 75-80 minutes with a 10-minute intermission.
Sister Act
March 15 – April 07
Downtown Cabaret Theatre
DESCRIPTION
Sister Act is the feel-good musical comedy smash based on the hit 1992 film that has audiences jumping to their feet. When disco diva, Deloris Van Cartier, witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in a the assumed safety of a convent. Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with the uptight Mother Superior. Using her unique disco moves and singing talent to inspire the choir, Deloris breathes new life into the church and community. Filled with powerful gospel music (by Tony- and eight-time Oscar winner, Alan Menken) and a truly moving story, this uplifting musical is reason to REJOICE!
LIVE MUSIC & CONCERTS
The Bouchard Bros – Blue Oyster Cult Founding Members
Friday, March 8, 2019
Doors: 7:00 pm / Show: 8:00 pm
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.
Elton John* by Captain Fantastic
March, 9, 2019
Shows: 5:00 pm / 8:15 pm
DESCRIPTION
Take a journey with the Rocketman. Captain Fantastic, the premier Elton John Tribute Show, will dazzle you with an amazing musical extravaganza! “You’re gonna hear electric music, solid walls of sound”, as Captain Fantastic and the Rocketband perform stunning recreations of your favorite Elton John hits from the 70’s. Captain Fantastic will amaze you with costumes that go from bizarre to breathtaking, and his amazing 5-foot baby grand piano will shower you with lights, smoke, lasers, and a few surprises. You may think you’ve gone down the Yellow Brick Road!
Melissa Etheridge Tribute – Little Secret
Saturday, March 9, 2019
Doors: 7:00 pm / Show: 8:00 pm
“Little Secret brings together the talent and chemistry of the four members of Connecticut’s powerhouse rock and roll cover band, Highfield, as a force majeure tribute to one of the most powerful singer/songwriter artists of our time: Melissa Etheridge.
Etheridge’s career started with a slingshot debut album, going double platinum and earning her first Grammy. She continued to deliver her music to the world, while countless hits and awards illuminated the path of this icon as she cemented her place among the greatest music legends of our generation. Little Secret is proud to honor that legacy with all the passion and power, groove and energy, soul and dynamics that earned Melissa her legion of fans around the world.
In addition to some of the most beloved Etheridge songs, Little Secret also pays tribute to those that influenced and helped her forge her own style. Janis Joplin, Heart, Led Zeppelin, Pat Benetar and others have helped shape the sound and feel of her music, just as they do a Little Secret performance.”
Greater Bridgeport Symphony 2018-19: A Season in Space
Moonstruck
Saturday, Mar 16, 2019, 8:00PM
The Klein
Spring is here — and so is Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring! Johann Strauss’s Beautiful Blue Danube leads off this concert, and the Fairfield County Children’s Choir will join us for Vivaldi’s beautiful Gloria. Special guest Keir Dullea, star of 2001: A Space Odyssey will join us to introduce The Beautiful Blue Danube (a piece forever linked with the film) and a special arrangement of the 1962 sci-fi rock classic Telstar.
INVITE YOUR FRIENDS TO SUBSCRIBE TODAY
Bridgeport Art Trail News – February 2019 Part 2
A short month with a busy calendar, February comes to a close with film, lectures, and more.
Plus, March into next month with the WPKN Music Mash, Sister Act, PechaKucha Storytelling and a great calendar of arts and culture events!
“ART TO GO” BILLBOARD PROJECT: February 2019 – Shanna Melton
Shanna T. Melton is an award winning poet, painter and art consultant from Bridgeport, CT. Performing, exhibiting and creating performance venues since 1997 has offered great opportunities to share her work with diverse communities.
She continues to facilitate her workshops like The Writer’s Group out of a strong desire to build a strong network of artists who can encourage one another to continue creating.
VIEW OUR CLASS CALENDAR HERE
Visit our class calendar full details on upcoming art classes including quilting, figure drawing, creative writing workshops, dance, and more!
FEBRUARY 2019 CURRENT EVENTS – PART 2
VISUAL ARTS – NEW EXHIBITS/EVENTS
Exhibit: Re-Education of Smedley Butler by Scott Schuldt
On View February 28- April 6, 2019
City Lights Gallery
Opening Reception and Artist Talk
Thursday, March 14, 2019
5:30-8:30 PM, Artist Talk at 7:30PM
DESCRIPTION
DON’T MISS this astonishing exhibit, “The Re-Education of Smedley Butler and other Stories; Drawings, Beadwork Paintings, and Other Marvels by Scott Schuldt, February 28- April 6, 2019, at City Lights Gallery, 265 Golden Hill St. Bridgeport, CT 06604 www.citylightsgallery.org
Scott will present an artist’s talk at the reception on Thursday March 14, 2019. The free reception is open to the community running 5:30-8:30 pm with an artist’s talk at 7:30 pm. Scott’s artist’s talk will seem more like tales told around a campfire, but he says they are all “nonfiction.”
The beaded embroidery has the mesmerizing effect like the elaborate fineness of the book of Kell’s contrasted by the slap-in-your-face content and imagery of tragic American recent history of the military-industrial complex and other big business meldings with U.S. government.
SCOTT SCHULDT, ABOUT “THE RE-EDUCATION OF SMEDLEY BUTLER”
Smedley Butler served in nearly everyone of the “banana war” conflicts between 1900 and 1930. He went from being a Quaker enlistee to retiring as a General and becoming a whistleblower revealing the dirty tricks he did in support of US foreign policy and became an outspoken critic of US economic policies and especially those that required use of the US military in order to succeed. He is the last American to have been awarded two Congressional Medals of Honor.
FROM SMEDLEY BUTLER:
“I spent 33 years and four months in active military service and during that period I spent most of my time as a highclass muscle man for Big Business, for Wall Street and the bankers. In short, I was a racketeer, a gangster for capitalism. I helped make Mexico and especially Tampico safe for American oil interests in 1914. I helped make Haiti and Cuba a decent place for the National City Bank boys to collect revenues in. I helped in the raping of half a dozen Central American republics for the benefit of Wall Street. I helped purify Nicaragua for the International Banking House of Brown Brothers in 1902-1912. I brought light to the Dominican Republic for the American sugar interests in 1916. I helped make Honduras right for the American fruit companies in 1903. In China in 1927 I helped see to it that Standard Oil went on its way unmolested. Looking back on it, I might have given Al Capone a few hints. The best he could do was to operate his racket in three districts. I operated on three continents.”
– Smedley Butler, 1935
Intersectionality: Art, Nature+Technology
A Panel Discussion
February 23, 2019, 2 – 5 PM
Read’s Artspace Gallery
Read’s Artspace Ground Floor Gallery
1042 Broad Street
Bridgeport, Connecticut 06604
The Read’s Artspace Gallery cordially invites you to a special panel discussion with the artists Adger Cowans, Vasken Kalayjian, Daniel Lanzilotta, with guest presenters Berna Tural and Moira Williams, Intersectionality, Art, Nature + Technology.
The panelists and our presenters will offer a contemporary framework to conceptualize the role of the artist as a connector to a set of constantly shifting identities, nature and the environment and technology.
In Intersectionality, the Artists are giving us the tools to see, express and together create social change through a new framework that enables us to understand and shape our ever-evolving selves. The exhibit invites the viewer to weave their inner threads as they shift from the expression of one artist to the next and meet them individually and collectively.
You can also enjoy the unique exhibition which is currently on view until February 28, 2019.
Gallery Hours:
Tuesday – Saturday: 12PM – 5PM
Artists: Vasken Kalayjian. Liz Squillace. Adger Cowans. Yolanda Petrocelli. Daniel Lanzilotta.
NEST Arts Factory Spring Open Studios
Saturday, March 9 from 2-5 pm
Nest Arts Factory
DESCRIPTION
Visit the artists of the NEST and see lots of new and exciting artworks in the studios, the gallery, and all of the hallways! There will be art, art supplies, decorative items, and furniture for sale at excellent prices. It’s the perfect time to start your holiday shopping
City Lights 15th Anniversary Party/Motown Revue by Band Central
Friday, April 12, 2019 at 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
City Lights Gallery
15 YEARS!!!! Wow, Times flies when you are serving the community through art… OK yes, having fun too!
CELEBRATE WITH CITY LIGHTS ON APRIL 12, 2019
at the Downtown Cabaret Theatre. Band Central creates the party atmosphere with fabulous Magic of Motown Revue. The Cabaret Theatre is located just downstairs from City Lights Gallery at 265 Golden Hill St. Downtown Bridgeport CT 06604 203.334.7748.
Thank you to Rob Fried and BAND CENTRAL for partnering with us on the music enrichment programs and sponsoring the Motown Revue for our 15th anniversary party. The high energy ensemble of outstanding Band Central musicians will surely create a fabulous party atmosphere.
This charity concert supports City Light’s outreach programs.Click here to see outreach programs
AFFORDABLE TICKET PRICES AT 2 LEVELS:
$25 admission for the BYOB Motown Revue at the Downtown Cabaret Theatre.
$50 admission includes a pre-show reception at City Lights gallery, along with the performance at the Cabaret Theatre.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
PechaKucha Night – Bridgeport, Vol. 4: Transformations
Thursday, March 21, 2019 at 6 PM
The Barnum Museum
DESCRIPTION
Come cheer on your artist friends, tell your story, chit chat…PechaKucha Night Bridgeport presents Volume 4: Transformations on Thursday, March 21; 6 pm to 9 pm. Want to be a presenter? Fill out a proposal here: http://bit.ly/BPT-PKN-proposal4.
The theme of TRANSFORMATIONS will honor both the first day of spring, the work of the InfoBridgeport, launching their “Colorful Bridgeport campaign, and the potential impact of the PechaKucha stories. This is a free event (donations accepted) and the doors open at 6. Food will be lovingly prepared and sold by A Pinch of Salt Chef Raquel Rivera-Pablo.
PechaKucha Night Bridgeport brings people together from diverse backgrounds to listen to great personal stories and learn from each other in a casual and authentic atmosphere. PechaKucha means “chit-chat” in Japanese. Speakers present their stories accompanied by 20 slides, shown for 20 seconds each, resulting in a total time of 6 minutes and 40 seconds. This licensed format keeps presentations focused and fast-paced.
PechaKucha Nights are organized by local community members and described as “live events with real people telling real stories.” Talks are uploaded to an international website including 1,000 participating cities.
A FUNDRAISER FOR THE BARNUM MUSEUM
David Ferrari Presents
Extreme Magic with Illusionist Eric Wilzig
Saturday, March 16, 2019
Doors: 6:00 pm / Show: 7:00 pm
With over 2,500 national and international performances to date —— including appearances on NBC’s hit TV show “America’s Got Talent,” sold-out shows at The Tropicana and Caesars Hotel & Casino, headline acts in Times Square, Europe, Canada and the Caribbean —— Eric is considered the hottest rising star in the magic industry.
Known during his childhood as the “little entertainer,” Eric’s fascination with the art of magic began at five years old with a coin trick his father had brought home. Fast forward to age 10, when Eric received a standing-ovation for his magic act from a packed house onboard Royal Caribbean’s “The Explorer of the Seas” cruise ship. It was at that point that Eric realized magic wasn’t going to just be his hobby, but his life!
At age 12, The Extreme Magic Of Eric was born with Eric creating the name, the tone, the presentation and make-up of this award-winning show. Learning directly from David Copperfield, Criss Angel, and other masters of illusion in Las Vegas, Eric has continuously reshaped and modernized his performance to become a world-wide wonder receiving rave reviews wherever he goes. Combining an explosive mix of large cutting-edge illusions, mind-blowing daring escapes, outrageous stunts, customized lighting, and special effects, The Extreme Magic of Eric is truly a one-of-a-kind traveling illusion show!
Aim Higher Together Bridgeport
Thursday, March 28, 2019
Blends Gallery
WPKN MUSIC MASH
The biggest one-day RECORD FAIR in New England
Brought to you by WPKN 89.5-FM (Bridgeport)
FILM
WPKN’s Music on Film Series Presents: Finding Fela
Thursday, February 21, 2019
Doors: 6:00 pm / Show: 7:00 pm
DESCRIPTION
Finding Fela tells the story of Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s life, his music, his social and political importance. He created a new musical movement, Afrobeat, using that forum to express his revolutionary political opinions against the dictatorial Nigerian government of the 1970s and 1980s. His influence helped bring a change towards democracy in Nigeria and promoted Pan Africanist politics to the world. The power and potency of Fela’s message is completely current today and is expressed in the political movements of oppressed people, embracing Fela’s music and message in their struggle for freedom. Finding Fela was directed by the Academy Award winning director, Alex Gibney.
WPKN’s Film Series Presents: Symbiotic Earth
Tuesday March 5, 2019
Doors: 6:00 pm / Show: 7:00 pm
Symbiotic Earth explores the life and ideas of Lynn Margulis, a brilliant and radical scientist, whose unconventional theories challenged the male-dominated scientific community and are today fundamentally changing how we look at ourselves, evolution, and the environment.
PERFORMING ARTS AND THEATRE
Princess and the Frog – Children’s Theatre
February 23 – March 31
Downtown Cabaret Theatre
DESCRIPTION
When a young princess is unable to find a suitable prince, she turns to a very unlikely friend to help her. Little does she know that the secret to her happiness is right under her nose in this brand new musical that shows sometimes true love can be found in the least likely of places.
Our Children’s Theatre shows approximately run 75-80 minutes with a 10-minute intermission.
Sister Act
March 15 – April 07
Downtown Cabaret Theatre
DESCRIPTION
Sister Act is the feel-good musical comedy smash based on the hit 1992 film that has audiences jumping to their feet. When disco diva, Deloris Van Cartier, witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in a the assumed safety of a convent. Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with the uptight Mother Superior. Using her unique disco moves and singing talent to inspire the choir, Deloris breathes new life into the church and community. Filled with powerful gospel music (by Tony- and eight-time Oscar winner, Alan Menken) and a truly moving story, this uplifting musical is reason to REJOICE!
LIVE MUSIC & CONCERTS
Lee Squared – An Evening with Liberace & Miss Peggy Lee
Friday, March 1, 2019
Doors: 7:00 pm / Show: 8:00 pm
In this funny and touching tribute, New York City Bistro and MAC Award Winners David Maiocco and Chuck Sweeney reprise their iconic performances as the music legends who defined four decades of music and pop culture. Two Lees for the price of one!
Liberace lived a life of flamboyance, sparkle, and lavish costumes. In this funny and touching tribute, the virtuoso musician gets one more chance to glitter and shine as he tickles the ivories through his favorite songs. Miss Peggy Lee is beyond description. These two music legends defined four decades of music and pop culture
Formed in 2016, Lee Squared features New York City favorites David Maiocco as Liberace and Chuck Sweeney as Peggy Lee. Long time friends and collaborators, Maiocco and Sweeney had been performing these iconic characters indiviually and decided that two Lees were better than one (Liberace was known to friends as “Lee”) So they imagined what it would be like if both were alive and touring together today. The result is an evening of music and laughter, from the virtuoso playing of Liberace, to the sultry jazz and swing of Miss Lee.
Maiocco and Sweeney are each Bistro and MAC Award Winners, for Musical Direction and Outstanding Impersonation, respectively, and have jointly won the 2017 Bistro Award for Lee Squared in the category of Outstanding Musical Comedy Duo! Maiocco, a graduate of The Boston Conservatory, spent two decades in NYC as a Music Director, Off Broadway Conductor, and Broadway Orchestra Pianist prior to taking on the role of Liberace. David is truly honored to perform as a licensed artist of The Liberace Foundation for the Performing and Visual Arts in professional theatres nationwide. Sweeney is a veteran musical theater artist who has performed solo shows–as himself or as Peggy Lee– in cabarets from Montreal to Miami Beach and points in between. An accomplished actor, he has also had roles in Off-Broadway productions and regional theaters (e.g. South Pacific, Personals, etc)
The Bouchard Bros – Blue Oyster Cult Founding Members
Friday, March 8, 2019
Doors: 7:00 pm / Show: 8:00 pm
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.
Elton John* by Captain Fantastic
March, 9, 2019
Shows: 5:00 pm / 8:15 pm
DESCRIPTION
Take a journey with the Rocketman. Captain Fantastic, the premier Elton John Tribute Show, will dazzle you with an amazing musical extravaganza! “You’re gonna hear electric music, solid walls of sound”, as Captain Fantastic and the Rocketband perform stunning recreations of your favorite Elton John hits from the 70’s. Captain Fantastic will amaze you with costumes that go from bizarre to breathtaking, and his amazing 5-foot baby grand piano will shower you with lights, smoke, lasers, and a few surprises. You may think you’ve gone down the Yellow Brick Road!
INVITE YOUR FRIENDS TO SUBSCRIBE TODAY
Bridgeport Art Trail News – February 2019 – Part 1
“ART TO GO” BILLBOARD PROJECT: February 2019 – Shanna Melton
VIEW OUR CLASS CALENDAR HERE
FEBRUARY 2019 CURRENT EVENTS – PART 1
VISUAL ARTS – NEW EXHIBITS/EVENTS
Forgotten Panoramas by Ned Gerard
City Lights Gallery
On view January 17-February 21, 2019
DESCRIPTION
City Lights hosts a second, one person exhibit of photography encouraging viewers to consider fine art photography in relationship to the ubiquitous cell phone shots and advertising. Viewers can follow Ned and experience the beauty, calm and restorative solitude he finds through the perspective of his camera lens while kayaking and trekking to capture forgotten panoramas. Ned is a long time staff photographer for Bridgeport office of CT Post of Hearst Media; this is his debut fine art exhibit.
Intersection 5D
On View: Jan 24 – Feb 28, 2019
Read’s Artspace Ground Floor Gallery
1042 Broad Street
Bridgeport, Connecticut 06604
The exhibition offers a contemporary framework to conceptualize the artist as a connector to a set of constantly shifting identities. Thematics of context, meaning, and time are addressed in various styles and media including: painting, sculpture, digital, collage, video and 3D fabrication.
In Intersectionality, the Artists are giving us the tools to see, express and together create social change through a new framework that enables us to understand and shape our ever-evolving selves. The exhibit invites the viewer to weave their inner threads as they shift from the expression of one artist to the next and meet them individually and collectively.
Artists: Vasken Kalayjian. Liz Squillace. Adger Cowans. Yolanda Petrocelli. Daniel Lanzilotta.
Rhythms – AMFAB: The American Fabrics Arts Building
University of Bridgeport Schefhauldt Gallery
Artist’s Discussion February 8th
On View January 22 through March 2, 2019
DESCRIPTION
The exhibit Rhythms features a diverse collection of work from American Fabrics Building artists. You are invited to a discussion with artists to hear about their work and process. Exhibit on view through March 2, 2019.
Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. If you are interested in visiting and cannot make our hours, please call 203-240-7333 to schedule an appointment.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
PechaKucha Night – Bridgeport, Vol. 4: Transformations
Thursday, March 21, 2019 at 6 PM
The Barnum Museum
DESCRIPTION
Come cheer on your artist friends, tell your story, chit chat…PechaKucha Night Bridgeport presents Volume 4: Transformations on Thursday, March 21; 6 pm to 9 pm. Want to be a presenter? Fill out a proposal here: http://bit.ly/BPT-PKN-proposal4.
The theme of TRANSFORMATIONS will honor both the first day of spring, the work of the InfoBridgeport, launching their “Colorful Bridgeport campaign, and the potential impact of the PechaKucha stories. This is a free event (donations accepted) and the doors open at 6. Food will be lovingly prepared and sold by A Pinch of Salt Chef Raquel Rivera-Pablo.
PechaKucha Night Bridgeport brings people together from diverse backgrounds to listen to great personal stories and learn from each other in a casual and authentic atmosphere. PechaKucha means “chit-chat” in Japanese. Speakers present their stories accompanied by 20 slides, shown for 20 seconds each, resulting in a total time of 6 minutes and 40 seconds. This licensed format keeps presentations focused and fast-paced.
PechaKucha Nights are organized by local community members and described as “live events with real people telling real stories.” Talks are uploaded to an international website including 1,000 participating cities.
Bridgeport PechaKucha Workshop for PechaKucha Volu
Aim Higher Together Bridgeport
Thursday, March 28, 2019
Blends Gallery
SAVE THE DATE
The biggest one-day RECORD FAIR in New England
Brought to you by WPKN 89.5-FM (Bridgeport)
LIVE CONCERTS & FILM
Lucky Peterson Blues Band
Saturday, February 16, 2019
Doors: 7:00 pm / Show: 8:00 pm
DESCRIPTION
American Blues legend, the multi-instrumentalist Lucky Peterson, is one of the most riveting performers of the modern blues era. A searing lead guitarist, a rich and powerful organist, and a first-rate vocalist, Lucky’s musicianship effortlessly translates gospel, rock, and jazz into a 21st century blues. Many reminisce about the bygone days of the blues, but its flame still burns hot in the hands of Lucky Peterson!
PERFORMING ARTS AND THEATRE
Rumpelstiltskin – Children’s Theatre
January 12 – February 10
Downtown Cabaret Theatre
DESCRIPTION
What’s in a name? An awful lot in this classic tale of peculiar magic troll and a special young girl willing to give anything to spin straw into gold and become a Princess. But when the cost is too high, it is up to the quick-thinking and determination of the Princess to play the ultimate trick on the ultimate trickster.
1984
February 1 – 17
Downtown Cabaret Theatre
DESCRIPTION
What if one thought cost you everything? 1984 is the un-nerving stage adaptation of George Orwell’s dystopian masterpiece. 1984 brings us the story of Winston Smith, a cog in the giant machine state of Oceania. Under the close eye of Big Brother, Winston has been caught struggling for scraps of love and freedom in a world awash with conformity, distrust, control, and violence. With the brutal “help” of four Party Members, Winston is forced to confess his Thoughtcrimes before an unseen inquisitor, and the audience — which acts as a silent witness to his torture.
One of the most widely referenced and best-known fiction titles of all time, 1984 makes the dark implications of unchecked, out-of-control state power feel urgent and real.
Please note: This production may contain flashing lights, strobe effects, loud noises, gunshots, smoking, and graphic depictions of violence and simulated torture.
ADVISORY: Due to the strong adult content we urge parents or guardians to research the play further before purchasing tickets for children under the age of 18.
Elton John* by Captain Fantastic
March, 9, 2019
Shows: 5:00 pm / 8:15 pm
DESCRIPTION
Take a journey with the Rocketman. Captain Fantastic, the premier Elton John Tribute Show, will dazzle you with an amazing musical extravaganza! “You’re gonna hear electric music, solid walls of sound”, as Captain Fantastic and the Rocketband perform stunning recreations of your favorite Elton John hits from the 70’s. Captain Fantastic will amaze you with costumes that go from bizarre to breathtaking, and his amazing 5-foot baby grand piano will shower you with lights, smoke, lasers, and a few surprises. You may think you’ve gone down the Yellow Brick Road!
INVITE YOUR FRIENDS TO SUBSCRIBE TODAY
Bridgeport Art Trail News – January 2019 – Part 2
“ART TO GO” BILLBOARD PROJECT: January 2019 – New England Ballet Company
JANUARY 2019 CURRENT EVENTS – PART 1
VISUAL ARTS – NEW EXHIBITS/EVENTS
Forgotten Panoramas by Ned Gerard
City Lights Gallery
Exhibit Opening Reception: January 24, 5:30-8:30 PM
Artist Talk at 7:30 PM
On view January 17-February 21, 2019
DESCRIPTION
City Lights hosts a second, one person exhibit of photography encouraging viewers to consider fine art photography in relationship to the ubiquitous cell phone shots and advertising. Viewers can follow Ned and experience the beauty, calm and restorative solitude he finds through the perspective of his camera lens while kayaking and trekking to capture forgotten panoramas. Ned is a long time staff photographer for Bridgeport office of CT Post of Hearst Media; this is his debut fine art exhibit.
The reception is free and open to the public.
Intersection 5D
Opening Reception January 24 at 6 PM
Read’s Artspace Ground Floor Gallery
1042 Broad Street
Bridgeport, Connecticut 06604
Opening Reception:
Thursday January 24, 2019 @ 6–10 pm. Join us for wine and hors d’oeuvres and meet the artists. The show will be open through February 28, 2019.
The exhibition offers a contemporary framework to conceptualize the artist as a connector to a set of constantly shifting identities. Thematics of context, meaning, and time are addressed in various styles and media including: painting, sculpture, digital, collage, video and 3D fabrication.
In Intersectionality, the Artists are giving us the tools to see, express and together create social change through a new framework that enables us to understand and shape our ever-evolving selves. The exhibit invites the viewer to weave their inner threads as they shift from the expression of one artist to the next and meet them individually and collectively.
Artists: Vasken Kalayjian. Liz Squillace. Adger Cowans. Yolanda Petrocelli. Daniel Lanzilotta.
Rhythms – AMFAB: The American Fabrics Arts Building
University of Bridgeport Schefhauldt Gallery
Opening Reception January 24, 5:30-7:30 PM
On View January 22 through March 2, 2019
DESCRIPTION
An opening extravaganza for AMFAB will be held on Thursday, January 24th, 2019 and will be an evening for art lovers and the community. Please come and bring friends and family. All are welcome! Complimentary refreshments will be served for your enjoyment.
Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. If you are interested in visiting and cannot make our hours, please call 203-240-7333 to schedule an appointment.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Welcome to our “Birdland Celebration”
City Lights Vintage
Thursday, January 24, 2019 at 12 PM – 8 PM
City Lights Vintage
265 Golden Hill St,
Bridgeport, Connecticut 06604
DESCRIPTION
Please join us as we celebrate the One Year Anniversary of City Lights Vintage on Golden Hill Street next door to the Downtown Cabaret Theatre. Our Celebration will include rare and beautiful costume jewelry bird pins or brooches that have been in our favorite Kenn Hopkins collection from the 1980s through the 1990s. Listen to a little JAZZ, drink a little WINE and shop a little VINTAGE as we introduce our new collection of over 1000 bird brooches!!
Your purchases help raise funds for City Lights Gallery and its art programming in our community. In fact you will be feeding 3 birds with one seed. On the topic of “BIRDLAND” well what are the 1940’s without Jazz? Come wearing your best vintage era get up. Or come choose from our great collection of vintage clothing and hats. Prohibition has been long gone so come in and raise up your glass and celebrate these rare birds of City Lights Vintage…There is something for everyone at City Lights Vintage!
Just a few steps away experience the world of Ned Gerard Photography “FORGOTTEN PANORAMAS” at City Lights Gallery ~ 5:30pm – 8:30pm ~ Artists Reception
Bridgeport PechaKucha Workshop for PechaKucha Volume 4
Sat, February 2, 2019
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Barnum Museum
DESCRIPTION
Planning to present a PechaKucha? (The next Bridgeport PechaKucha is on Thursday, March 21, 2019 at The Barnum Museum from 6-9.) Please attend this workshop for some hints and tips on how to create an engaging PechaKucha. Nina Lesiga and Bill Derry will go over preparation ideas, places to get copyright free images, and strategies on how to prepare your images and tell your story!
BRIDGEPORT PECHAKUCHA COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Lauren Coakley-Vincent – President Downtown Bridgeport Special Services District
Bill Derry – Teacher/Librarian/Playsultant
Suzanne Kachmar – Director of City Lights Gallery
Nina Lesiga – Nina Lesiga Productions
John Swing – Assistant Director and COO of the Barnum Museum
SAVE THE DATE
The biggest one-day RECORD FAIR in New England
Brought to you by WPKN 89.5-FM (Bridgeport)
LIVE CONCERTS & FILM
Pocket Full of Soul
Saturday, January 26, 2019
Doors: 7:00 pm / Show: 8:00 pm
DESCRIPTION
Pocket Full of Soul is a horn driven band built on a 70’s musical influence. We play music by such great bands as Tower of Power, James Brown, Earth, Wind & Fire, Average White Band, Kool & the Gang, KC & the Sunshine Band, Blues Bros., Sam & Dave, Santana, Chicago, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Rick James, Barry White,Sly & The family Stone and so many more!
Any Way You Want It – Journey Tribute
Saturday, February 2, 2019
Doors: 7:00 pm / Show: 8:00 pm
DESCRIPTION
Journey Tribute band. “Any Way You Want It” captures the voice, the sound & the energy of one of the legendary bands of our time! Serious Journey fans will not be disappointed!
Fairfield County Children’s Choir
The Colors of Broadway
Saturday, February 2, 2019, 7:00PM
The Klein
DESCRIPTION
Our Annual Broadway Concert and Auction never disappoints!! Always an audience favorite, this year’s concert will feature music from Phantom of the Opera, Porgy and Bess, and in a nod to our Bridgeport connection – Barnum and The Greatest Showman. Pair those fantastic shows with some of the most outstanding youth soloists of Fairfield County and our amazing choirs, you are certain to enjoy an evening of unforgettable music. We are pleased to announce our special guest for this concert will be Michele McConnell, the voice of Carlotta in Phantom of the Opera. Ms. McConnell performed this role on Broadway for eight years and will perform a selection from the show.
Support our choir AND walk away with something fabulous – the Silent Auction promises to be bigger and better than ever! Held in the spaces surrounding the auditorium, past auction items have included gourmet gift baskets, sporting event tickets, music lessons, jewelry, restaurant gift cards, autographed children’s books………………… the list goes on. Cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and auction bidding begin at 5:30 pm and continue through intermission.
PERFORMING ARTS AND THEATRE
Rumpelstiltskin – Children’s Theatre
January 12 – February 10
Downtown Cabaret Theatre
DESCRIPTION
What’s in a name? An awful lot in this classic tale of peculiar magic troll and a special young girl willing to give anything to spin straw into gold and become a Princess. But when the cost is too high, it is up to the quick-thinking and determination of the Princess to play the ultimate trick on the ultimate trickster.
1984
February 1 – 17
Downtown Cabaret Theatre
DESCRIPTION
What if one thought cost you everything? 1984 is the un-nerving stage adaptation of George Orwell’s dystopian masterpiece. 1984 brings us the story of Winston Smith, a cog in the giant machine state of Oceania. Under the close eye of Big Brother, Winston has been caught struggling for scraps of love and freedom in a world awash with conformity, distrust, control, and violence. With the brutal “help” of four Party Members, Winston is forced to confess his Thoughtcrimes before an unseen inquisitor, and the audience — which acts as a silent witness to his torture.
One of the most widely referenced and best-known fiction titles of all time, 1984 makes the dark implications of unchecked, out-of-control state power feel urgent and real.
Please note: This production may contain flashing lights, strobe effects, loud noises, gunshots, smoking, and graphic depictions of violence and simulated torture.
ADVISORY: Due to the strong adult content we urge parents or guardians to research the play further before purchasing tickets for children under the age of 18.
Flash Pointe Dance Presents: Fire and Ice Benefit
Sunday, January 27, 2019
Doors open at 3:00PM, 4:00PM
The Klein
DESCRIPTION
This is our sixth year of this successful fundraiser!
Each year our Director, Victoria Carey, choses two charity/organizations to honor as beneficiaries. She feels a tremendous responsibility to teach our dancers the importance of giving back to our community, locally and globally. Through dance, we raise awareness in a beautiful family setting. The raffle/silent auction will have some amazing prizes with proceeds benefiting WoofGang & Co and The Hole in the Wall Gang.
INVITE YOUR FRIENDS TO SUBSCRIBE TODAY
Bridgeport Art Trail News – January 2019 – Part 1
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2019!
After a successful Bridgeport Art Trail 2019, the city is ringing in the new year with new exhibition openings, live music, film, dance, theatre, and more!
Read our 2018 Bridgeport Art Trail Revisited Feature
We’re excited to share our January 2019 feature on Bridgeport Art Classes to help make your new year one full of color, dance, and creativity!
THURSDAY, JANUARY 24TH
JOIN FOR TWO ART OPENINGS IN DOWNTOWN BRIDGEPORT AND AN OPENING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BRIDGEPORT SCHELFHAUDT GALLERY,
JOIN FOR TWO ART OPENINGS IN DOWNTOWN BRIDGEPORT AND AN OPENING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BRIDGEPORT SCHELFHAUDT GALLERY,
We’re also happy to announce that the The New England Ballet Company is our “Art-to-Go” Billboard of January 2019! Learn more about their exciting workshop offerings at the Academy of NEBCO.
“ART TO GO” BILLBOARD PROJECT: January 2019 – New England Ballet Company
JANUARY 2019 CURRENT EVENTS – PART 1
VISUAL ARTS – NEW EXHIBITS/EVENTS
Forgotten Panoramas by Ned Gerard
City Lights Gallery
Exhibit Opening Reception: January 24, 5:30-8:30 PM
Artist Talk at 7:30 PM
On view January 17-February 21, 2019
DESCRIPTION
City Lights hosts a second, one person exhibit of photography encouraging viewers to consider fine art photography in relationship to the ubiquitous cell phone shots and advertising. Viewers can follow Ned and experience the beauty, calm and restorative solitude he finds through the perspective of his camera lens while kayaking and trekking to capture forgotten panoramas. Ned is a long time staff photographer for Bridgeport office of CT Post of Hearst Media; this is his debut fine art exhibit.
The reception is free and open to the public.
Intersection 5D
Opening Reception January 24 at 6 PM
Read’s Artspace Ground Floor Gallery
1042 Broad Street
Bridgeport, Connecticut 06604
Five unique artists, 5 unique perspectives
Vasken Kalayjian I Liz Squillace I Adger Cowans I Yolanda Petrocelli I Daniel Lanzilotta
Rhythms – AMFAB: The American Fabrics Arts Building
University of Bridgeport Schefhauldt Gallery
Opening Reception January 24, 5:30-7:30 PM
On View January 22 through March 2, 2019
DESCRIPTION
An opening extravaganza for AMFAB will be held on Thursday, January 24th, 2019 and will be an evening for art lovers and the community. Please come and bring friends and family. All are welcome! Complimentary refreshments will be served for your enjoyment.
Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. If you are interested in visiting and cannot make our hours, please call 203-240-7333 to schedule an appointment.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
A special Martin Luther King Jr Day performance created by the young people of Bridgeport, CT.
Monday, January 21, 2019
Sponsored by ConnectUs
LIVE CONCERTS & FILM
Doors Tribute- Riders on the Storm
Bijou Theatre
Saturday, January 12, 2019
Doors: 7:00 pm / Show: 8:00 pm
DESCRIPTION
Riders On The Storm have performed thousands of concerts, in dozens of countries, to countless numbers of The Doors’ Fans World Wide! From the eerie organ tones to the primal jazz drumming to the powerful, other-worldly guitar, the music is brought to life. The “Brass and Leather” voice of Jim Morrison is alive and well. On stage, Riders On The Storm create a séance-like mood. A mood of resurrection, of eroticism, obsession, ritual, horror and of Celebration!
WPKN Music on Film Presents:
Beside Bowie – The Mick Ronson Story
Thursday, January 17, 2019
Doors: 6:00 pm / Show: 7:00 pm
DESCRIPTION
The story of Mick Ronson, the guitar great who helped to create the sound of David Bowie’s hugely influential glam rock years.
Beside Bowie provides insight into the life and career-long associations of Mick Ronson, who played most famously with with David Bowie (with whom Ronson played guitar on The Man Who Sold The World, Hunky Dory, The Rise Fall of Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders From Mars, and Aladdin Sane), as well as other greats including Bob Dylan, Ian Hunter (Mott The Hoople), Lulu and Lou Reed, amongst a wealth of others.
Working closely with members of Ronson’s family, Jon Brewer continues his tradition of intimate access and authenticity in chronicling the life and works of this man, a cornerstone of Rock.
http://bijoutheatrect.ticketfly.com/event/1811213-film-beside-bowie-mick-bridgeport/
Simon and Garfunkel* by Scarborough Fair
January 19, 2019
Downtown Cabaret Theatre
Jeb Guthrie and Jock Guthrie, The GUTHRIE BROTHERS, knew the first time they played a Simon & Garfunkel song that they had a natural and almost spiritual connection to it. “Our voices seemed to blend effortlessly into that S & G signature sound, and the overwhelming audience reaction to our first tribute performance confirmed our feelings,” Jock says. “Since that first performance, we’ve worked to perfect our tribute to these two amazing artists.”
A Night with Natalie Redd
Saturday, January 19, 2019
Doors: 7:15 pm / Show: 8:00 pm
DESCRIPTION
A Sassy Spirited Neo-Soul / Jazz Singer who is going to ignite the atmosphere at The Bijou! Backed by the Wayne Patrick Band.
Hosted by JAZZ ON ICE Radio Personality, Doc Hardy
Pocket Full of Soul
Saturday, January 26, 2019
Doors: 7:00 pm / Show: 8:00 pm
DESCRIPTION
Pocket Full of Soul is a horn driven band built on a 70’s musical influence. We play music by such great bands as Tower of Power, James Brown, Earth, Wind & Fire, Average White Band, Kool & the Gang, KC & the Sunshine Band, Blues Bros., Sam & Dave, Santana, Chicago, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Rick James, Barry White,Sly & The family Stone and so many more!
PERFORMING ARTS AND THEATRE
Rumpelstiltskin – Children’s Theatre
January 12 – February 10
Downtown Cabaret Theatre
DESCRIPTION
What’s in a name? An awful lot in this classic tale of peculiar magic troll and a special young girl willing to give anything to spin straw into gold and become a Princess. But when the cost is too high, it is up to the quick-thinking and determination of the Princess to play the ultimate trick on the ultimate trickster.
Flash Pointe Dance Presents: Fire and Ice Benefit
Sunday, January 27, 2019
Doors open at 3:00PM, 4:00PM
The Klein
DESCRIPTION
This is our sixth year of this successful fundraiser!
Each year our Director, Victoria Carey, choses two charity/organizations to honor as beneficiaries. She feels a tremendous responsibility to teach our dancers the importance of giving back to our community, locally and globally. Through dance, we raise awareness in a beautiful family setting. The raffle/silent auction will have some amazing prizes with proceeds benefiting WoofGang & Co and The Hole in the Wall Gang.
INVITE YOUR FRIENDS TO SUBSCRIBE TODAY
Bridgeport Art Trail Revisited 2018
We are grateful for those who together produced, attended and supported Bridgeport Art Trail 2018.
Reflect on the event with a special feature issue!
READ THE STORY HERE
Bridgeport Art Trail News – December 2018
Thank you for helping make Bridgeport Art Trail 2018 a success! We couldn’t have made it to 10 years without all of the amazing artists, members of the creative community, and supporters just like you!
Look for our special feature: Bridgeport Art Trail Revisited in our next issue!
Visit our events calendar below for your December 2018 guide to Bridgeport arts and culture
December 2019 Feature:
Bridgeport Art Trail Enrichment Program for Bridgeport youth
Congratulations to all the artists, partners, sponsors and attendees who together made the 10th annual Bridgeport Art Trail a successful milestone.
To nurture enthusiasm for arts enrichment City Lights and Bridgeport Art trail artists bring arts enrichment programs to local schools. City Lights thanks sponsors like Connecticut Office of the Arts, The Bridgeport Rotary Club, Pitney Bowes Foundation, Band Together and Make Music Now. It is a pleasure to collaborate with the dedicated school teachers and administrators of the Bridgeport schools.
Help us continue to make an impact in 2019!
CONTRIBUTE TODAY
Writing music and performing with FUZZ at various Bridgeport schools.
The Vejigante Project at Multicultural Magnet School
Visual artist Iyaba Ibo Mandingo
Percussionist Asher Delerme
DECEMBER 2018 EVENTS
The Christmas Elf 2
November 10 – December 30
Downtown Cabaret Theatre
DESCRIPTION
It’s that time of year again for Santa to call on everyone’s favorite elves and their toy friends to bring holiday joy to boys and girls all over the world, but this Christmas is about more than presents and carols. With new adventures and new challenges, our hero must enlist all the help he can get to save Christmas for everyone.
Our Children’s Theatre shows approximately run 75-80 minutes with a 10-minute intermission.
Annie
November 30 – December 30
Downtown Cabaret Theatre
DESCRIPTION
Based on the popular comic strip, this perfect family-friendly musical has become a worldwide phenomenon. The beloved book and score by Tony Award winners, Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin, features some of the greatest musical theatre hits ever written, including “Tomorrow.” With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie is determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. In adventure after fun-filled adventure, Annie finds a new home and family in billionaire, Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary, Grace Farrell, and a lovable mutt named Sandy.
City Lights Vintage – Words and Cloth
December 13, 5:30 – 9:30 PM
City Lights Vintage
DESCRIPTION
Join for an evening of fashion and poetry titled “Words and Cloth” at City Lights Vintage Shop, 265 Golden Hill Street. Located right next door to the Downtown Cabaret Theater. Art by Angelica and Clothing Designed by Iyaba Ibo Mandingo, and Sheneta Nicole will highlight our evenings event. Poetry and Readings from the artists also will be woven into the ambiance of the Vintage Shop’s eclectic mix of nostalgia and curiosities.
Bridgeport Flea Market – Holiday Bazaar
December 15, 12-5 PM
Blends Gallery
DESCRIPTION
Just in time for your holiday shopping! Don’t miss our spectacular holiday Bazaar! Find some Dope, Unique, Custom, Vintage, Handmade, Refurb’d, Original pieces and people! The vibe is always right at Blends Gallery 1163 Main st. For vendors: spaces are $25, bring your own setup. Find us on Facebook, like our page and shoot us an email: Bpt.flea@gmail.com. There’s still space for vendors!!
The Bridgeport Arts & Cultural Council presents
Block pARTy (The Closing)
Friday December 14th -10 PM
HSW Bridgeport
1115 Main Street,
Bridgeport, Connecticut 06604
DESCRIPTION
Join us in celebrating the closing night for our exhibits and make sure you stop by the Collab Exchange for a little late holiday shopping. Light snacks, beverages and entertainment provided. 1 night 4 events in 4 locations on 1 block. Located on the first floor of the HSW apartment buildings downtown Bridgeport.
Admission is free for all events
27th Annual Nutcracker featuring New England Ballet Company
The Klein
Three Shows!
Saturday, December 15, 2018 AT 12:00PM
Saturday, December 15, 2018 AT 5:00PM
Sunday, December 16, 2018 AT 1:00PM
DESCRIPTION
New England Ballet Company presents Tchaikovsky’s holiday favorite, The Nutcracker.
The composer, Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, premiered his work 127 years ago during the holiday season, beginning a family tradition that has continued through the generations.
The ballet tells the story of a Christmas party, the gift of a nutcracker doll to Clara from her toymaker godfather, Herr Drosselmeyer, and the young Clara’s dreams, all set to the beautiful melodies of the now famous score. The moment the lights dim, the audience is transported to a magic place filled with adorable children, marching toy soldiers, a villainous Rat King and mischievous mice. Enter the Land of Sweets through a dreamy on-stage snowstorm led by the elegant Snow Queen and Prince, with little angels to light the way.
Choreographer and Artistic Director Victor Trevino creates a Nutcracker for New England Ballet Company that is a magical holiday gift perfect for all ages!
Jingle Mingle Ugly Sweater Party + Art Supply Drive
Hosted by AIGA Connecticut
December 19, 2018 at 6 PM – 9 PM
Brewport Brewing Company
DESCRIPTION
Break out your bedazzled best and join AIGA Connecticut Wednesday, December 19 for a glittery good time! This year, we want to see that sweater. You know–the one so hideous, you save it especially for occasions such as this. Admission is free with a $10 donation benefiting art and design programs at area high schools. Feeling generous? Additional donation options are available during registration.
Bring your ugly ‘A’ game and grab a beer with us to help students in need!
WPKN MUSIC ON FILM SERIES
FILM – KOYAANISQATSI – LIFE OUT OF BALANCE
December 20, 2018, Doors: 6:00 PM / Show: 7:00 PM
Bijou Theatre
DESCRIPTION
Prepare to experience a truly remarkable film – a cinematic masterpiece so extraordinary that it regales the senses, stimulates the mind and actually ‘redefines the potential of filmmaking (The Hollywood Reporter). Celebrated director Godfrey Reggio, innovative cinematographer Ron Fricke and Golden Globe-winning composer Philip Glass have created a ‘spellbinding [film] so rich in beauty and detail that with each viewing it becomes a new and different film (Leonard Maltin). Unique profound mesmerizing and thought provoking (Boxoffice), Koyaanisqatsi contrasts the tranquil beauty of nature with the frenzied hum of contemporary urban society. Uniting breathtaking imagery with a hauntingly evocative, award-winning score, it is original and fascinating (People) one of the greatest films of all time (Uncut).
Magic of Motown by Motown Revue NYE ’18
December 31 – December 31
Downtown Cabaret Theatre
DESCRIPTION
$85 includes the concert, dance party, parking, service fees, party favors, concessions, noise makers, balloon drop, and coffee & danish. As part of the Cabaret tradition, you are allowed to BYOB and Picnic.
PETER KONSTERLIE: A Retrospective Art Exhibition
On View through January 5th, 2019
Curated by Johnes Ruta
University of Bridgeport’s Schelfhaudt Gallery
84 Iranistan Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604
DESCRIPTION
This exhibition celebrates the life and works of Peter Konsterlie, the Gallery Director of the Schelfhaudt Gallery for 5 years and a well-loved Professor of Art History at U.B. for the past 15 years. Peter passed away suddenly at age 55, on August 13, 2018. He received his BA from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. As Director of the University’s Schelfhaudt Gallery, he produced exemplary exhibitions for the school and broader community. His dedication and inspiration within the Shintaro Akatsu School of Design at the University of Bridgeport will be deeply missed.
Bridgeport Art Trail Feature 2018: Downtown Kick-Off Party Nov 8th and your day-by-day highlights
Bridgeport Art Trail Feature 2018: Celebrating 10 years with 10 new venues and events!
The Bridgeport Art Trail is a citywide arts venue open house celebrating its 10th year!
Attendees are invited to mingle with creative community and see how industrial and storefront spaces have been repurposed as artists studios, gallery spaces, and pop-ups. The Bridgeport-art-trail.org website and guide will provide the full weekend calendar of events to tour arts venues throughout the city: studios, gallery spaces, temporary pop-ups, receptions, artists demos, performances of music, spoken word, theatre, and more!
DOWNLOAD THE 2018 BRIDGEPORT ART TRAIL GUIDE PDF
THURSDAY
NOVEMBER 8, 5:30 – 9:30
READ’S GROUND FLOOR GALLERY
1042 BROAD STREET
BRIDGEPORT CT 06604
The weekend begins with a Downtown BAT Kick-Off/Artists Party at the Read’s Ground Floor Gallery in the ArtSpace building.
Once the Read’s department, an anchor of the downtown shopping experience, it is now an artists’ living and working space. Artists, patrons, arts enthusiasts and the general public celebrate community, view art, and enjoy live music from the Park City All Stars a line-up of popular Bridgeport musicians organized especially for the BAT Artists’ Party by John Torres of Color Fields and Oh, Cassius!. John will be jamming with other all-star musicians and Bridgeport’s own Symphonic Bodega as the BAT house band, Christopher Cavaliere; Composer/Guitar/Vocals, Mike Colvolpe; Guitar, Kenny Owens; Drums, Alex Swift; Bass.
Exhibit: opening reception for Artists Choose Artists featuring new artwork from the Read’s community, as well as work chosen by Read’s artists.
Enjoy our community, music, art, food and beverages.
Special thanks to our party sponsors and partners City Lights, the City of Bridgeport, the Downtown Special Services District, Spread Music Now and the Donor Advised Fund of Fairfield County’s Community Foundation.
This is a party not to miss!
SAVE THE DATE: NOVEMBER 8-11
1. NEW!: Art-To-Go Billboard Project
2. NEW EVENT: Latin America-NA Live Music at The Bijou Theatre
3. NEW VENUE: Mongers Market
4. NEW VENUE: City Lights Vintage
5. NEW EVENT: Downtown Block pARTy
6. NEW VENUE: Bridgeport Art Trail Artists Pop-Up at AMFAB II
7. NEW EVENT: Thomas Mezzanotte “I See What You Meme” & Open Studio
8. NEW EVENT: Pechakucha Storytelling & Closing Party
9. A SPECIAL TRIBUTE: Peter Konsterlie: A Retrospective
10. NEW PROGRAMMING: Bridgeport Audio Trail (BAT)
NEW!: Art-To-Go Billboard Project
CALL FOR BRIDGEPORT ART:
“ART TO-GO” Billboard on I-95
ART TO-GO, on I-95 Digital Billboard is a collaboration with the city of Bridgeport to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Bridgeport Art Trail by monthly showcasing a local artist.
Executive Director Suzanne Kachmar thanks the city for this partnership and says, ““ The arts and culture are a natural resource of humanity that needs to be protected, just as we protect forests, air and water supplies. Artists and cultural traditions demonstrate how resilience can be transformed into beauty, solve problems, pass down heritage and build community. Bridgeport artists epitomize this. They are a cultural resource from diverse backgrounds, specializing in a variety of artforms. This billboard project reflects the creativity and potential that is rejuvenating Bridgeport.
ART TO-GO billboard graphic design is contributed by Hatch 130. City Lights is a grateful recipient of the Hatch Initiative.
CALL FOR BRIDGEPORT ART – “ART-TO-GO” BILLBOARD PROJECT
NEW EVENT: Latin America-NA Live Music at The Bijou Theatre
Friday, November 9th at 8 p.m.
Rick Reyes of the Cosmic Jibarros has crafted an eclectic fusion of Latin, Bluegrass, Blues, Country and Folk performed by a line-up of outstanding musicians even adding some ‘Beatnik-style’ spoken word by poet Iyaba Ibo Mandingo, accompanied by bassist Rich Zurkowsky. Other musicians include, Dan Carlucciof Hitch and Giddy-Up with vocals and guitar, Jordan Jancz on cello, Chris Stanley ‘Gospel’ drums and more.
The Savorcity group meets up next door at Eat Noodle before going to the Bijou. Or visit neighboring restaurants Trattoria A’Vucchella or Milano Wine & Pizza Bar, all on Fairfield Avenue.
Admission $12 to benefit the BAT, Bijou and WPKN.
WPKN radio will broadcast live on 89.5 fm.
NEW VENUE: Mongers Market
1155 Railroad Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06605
Business Hours: Sundays 10 am – 4pm
203-326-0904 / info@mongers-market.com / mongers-market.com
Newly opened this summer! A palatial 75,000-square-foot market filled with antique, vintage and salvaged objects from a collection of mongers (aka dealers). Items are uniquely displayed and you’ll discover authentic, reclaimed inventory including doors, windows, light fixtures, lumber, furniture, architectural elements, wrought iron, sinks, lockers, bins, fireplace mantels, machine legs, shutters, etc. The inventory is ever changing and new pieces are brought in weekly.
Mongers Market will get your creative juices flowing and very likely inspire DIY projects for your home, workspace or gardens. Use an antique door for a headboard, or bowling alley lanes for a table top, or reclaimed wood for a shelf. Buying salvaged and reclaimed materials helps our environment by keeping usable artifacts out of our landfills.
Come on in to shop or rent a booth to sell with like-minded mongers/dealers. Free parking on premises.
NEW VENUE: City Lights Vintage
265 Golden Hill, Bridgeport CT 06604
Create your style with vintage clothes, accessories, radios, camera, toys, antiques, collectibles, nostalgic art and housewares – the inventory is always changing.
Event: Shop and Munch
Saturday, November 10; 12 pm to 4 pm
Sunday, November 11; 12 pm to 4 pm
Enjoy a nostalgic shopping experience in downtown Bridgeport. Find pieces that reflect your personal interests and tastes.
NEW EVENT: Downtown Block pARTy
Friday, November 9th, 5-10 p.m.
On Friday, November 9th, the pARTy begins on Main Street between Fairfield Avenue and Elm Street (stops #24-25), 5pm-10pm. The Bridgeport Arts and Cultural Council, BLENDS gallery, Design Night Out and I Luv Bpt join forces to activate a block full art, conversation, music good vibes, vitality, networking, friend-making, food and drink. Congrats to BLENDS Gallery (Stop #25) celebrating its one year anniversary in downtown Bridgeport.
Design Night Out, 1135 Main Street
Friday, November 9; 6 pm to 9 pm
Design Night Out is an event series that takes a creative theme and explores how great design is transforming that theme here in Connecticut. The featured topic this year is “PAINT”. Enjoy an evening with an open bar, food, music, networking friend-making, and fun! Check dnoct.com for more information.
NEW VENUE: Bridgeport Art Trail Artists Pop-Up at AMFAB II
Saturday, November 10; 11 am to 5 pm
Sunday, November 11; 11 am to 5 pm
Local artists gather to create and exhibit and vending space.
The Bridgeport Art Trail welcomes AFII in its 1st year of Open Studios, showcasing a new community of artists in their studios where the creative process happens in this recently renovated factory building near the Bridgeport/Stratford line. AFII’s group of artists are engaged in diverse practices, offering affordable art for sale. Am Fab II artists include: Carole McClintock, Diane Dunne, Janet Rathert and Anna Hill.
Christina Blais Art Quilter: Christina uses fabric that others have cast off to create art quilts that reflect the physical, social, spiritual and historic worlds as she perceives them in all their beauty, complexity, simplicity and emotion. Christinablais.com
Veronica Martins: Brazilian, artist specializing in drawing faces graffiti and teaching art to children. She also can be commissioned for large scale works. veronicaartscenter.com
Jay Misencik & Geralene Valentine at AFII
Photographers
The Bridgeport Portrait Project is a photo/audio/video documentary style, cultural heritage project that introduces you to the people who are Bridgeport. Event: The Bridgeport Portrait Project Saturday, November 10; 10 am to 5 pm Sunday, November 11; 10 am to 5 pm Jay Misencik and Geralene Valentine present slide shows/videos from their ongoing Bridgeport Portrait Project and other Bridgeport-based photo projects they have produced. The Bridgeport Portrait Project is a documentary-style cultural heritage project that will introduce you to people who make the City of Bridgeport much more than just a place. Jay and Geralene invite you to come share your memories of Bridgeport and volunteer to be included in their project.
NEW EVENT: Thomas Mezzanotte “I See What You Meme” Exhibit & Open Studio
Art Trail attendees will have the unique opportunity to view the one person exhibit of the work of Tom Mezzanotte at City Lights Gallery. Get a peek behind-the-scenes with a tour of his studio in the American Fabrics Arts Building on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 10 & 11, 2018.
About the Exhibit
Viewers are prompted to consider the history of photography, the camera obscura, and the process of sight. In this digital age, photographic imagery is ubiquitous. This provocative exhibit focuses on the basics of vision and how it has been influenced by the invention of the camera and mathematical perspective. Thomas’s mind-bending photography represents his extensive exploration into the evolution of visual cognition.
This exhibit focuses on work made exclusively with pinhole cameras and film. The rudimentary tools that he makes himself, harken back to the origins of photography. By manipulating the shape and orientation of the negative in the camera he creates provocative distortions of the human form. He is intrigued by the curvature of the retina in the human eye and what this suggest about how we see the world. The exhibit poses this question, “Why do we imagine the world as if it is projected onto a flat plain, when in fact the image of the world we see is projected onto a curved surface at the rear of the eye?”
Open Studio – American Fabrics Building
Bridgeport Art Trail visitors will have the rare opportunity to view the exhibit at City Lights Gallery and then tour Thomas’s working studio at the American Fabrics Building (#1). Thomas will host an open house on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 10 &11 where the public can further discuss Thomas’s perspective and process and view more of his art and his impressive collection of antique cameras. Attendees can enjoy the gallery exhibit coupled with a studio tour experience, only scheduled during the Bridgeport Art Trail weekend.
http://www.thomasmezzanotte.com/
NEW EVENT: Pechakucha Storytelling & Closing Party
Come cheer on your artist friends, tell your story, chit chat… The Art of Conversation and Community, PechaKucha – Bridgeport, Storytelling, and the BAT Closing Party Sunday November 11; 6 pm to 9 pm.
PechaKucha Night Bridgeport brings people together from diverse backgrounds to listen to great personal stories and learn from each other in a casual and authentic atmosphere. PechaKucha means “chit-chat” in Japanese. Speakers present their stories accompanied by 20 slides, shown for 20 seconds each, resulting in a total time of 6 minutes and 40 seconds. This licensed format keeps presentations focused and fastpaced.
PechaKucha nights are organized by local community members and described as “live events with real people telling real srtories.” Talks are uploaded to an international website including 1000 participating cities.
Bridgeport Art Trail artists will be among the presenters at this Sunday evening gathering, also serving as the closing party of the BAT weekend, celebrating the art of conversation and community. Confirmed presenters are: Ina Anderson, Michelle Blacksmith, Alicia Cobb, Lauren Coakley Vincent, Iyaba Ibo Mandingo, Tom Mezzanotte, Thomas Patsaneka, Liz Torres.
$1 contribution goes to the international PechaKucha organization. https://www.facebook.com/groups/2102310943338181/
A SPECIAL TRIBUTE: Peter Konsterlie: A Retrospective
Thursday, November 8; 11 am to 4 pm
Friday, November 9; 11 am to 4 pm
Opening Reception
Saturday, November 10; 3 pm to 5 pm
This exhibition celebrates the life and works of Peter Konsterlie. Peter was the Gallery Director of the Schelfhaudt Gallery for the past 15 years. As Director of the University’s Schelfhaudt Gallery, he produced exemplary exhibitions for the school and broader community. Peter was a prolific and passionate visual artist. He brought a unique perspective to his paintings integrating several visual styles from pop art to abstract expressionism. His drips of paint combined with spray paint formed patterns, becoming a structure on the canvas for his metaphysical themed abstracts.
NEW PROGRAMMING: Bridgeport Audio Trail (BAT)
On Sunday, November 11, from noon to 2 pm, tune into WPKN while traveling the many venues of the Bridgeport Art Trail. WPKN radio programmers David Golden & Joseph Celli present an Audio Open House with Bridgeport composers, songwriters, electronic musicians, and more with a Live Audience. This WPKN broadcast features the diverse and eclectic range of creative music being produced in Bridgeport including acoustic and electronic music. Take WPKN with you on your Art Trail tour and sample the growing community of Bridgeport composers and musicians at WPKN 89.5FM.
BPT Art Trail News – October 2018 Part 2 -Events
OCTOBER EVENTS 2018 – PART 2
VISUAL ARTS – NEW EXHIBITS/EVENTS
Migrant’s Alphabet Exhibit
City Lights Gallery, Bridgeport
On View: 10/4/18 – 10/18/18
DESCRIPTION
Curated and produced by Jane Davila
Sponsored by City Lights
Inspired by a book from 1846 (The Anti-Slavery Alphabet), leading mixed media artists and activists from all over the US started a project, called the Migrant’s Alphabet, to bring awareness, education, and conversation to the current crisis of immigration in the United States and around the world. The Migrant’s Alphabet exhibit of 26 mixed media artworks will debut at City Lights Gallery in Bridgeport CT, opening October 4, running to Oct. 26 the and then travel to a variety of venues across the nation.
A book is being published of all of the art and the accompanying poetry. Proceeds from the sales of the book will be donated to organizations defending and working to better immigrant communities. The Migrant Alphabet website is under construction and will serve as a resource for education, links to donate funds, the art on view with statements and links to the individual artists, and information about the exhibits and events.
Drawing/Painting from Life
Tuesday: October 9th & 30th, 6-9 PM
Tuesday: November 6th, 6-9 PM
City Lights Gallery
NOVEMBER DATE: 11/6/18
Free Demo: The A to Z of Acrylics by Golden Artist Colors
Saturday, October 20, 2018, 2-4 PM
Artists & Craftsman Bridgeport
1001 Main St, Bridgeport, CT 06604
DESCRIPTION
FREE Educational lecture from Golden Artist Colors
The A-to-Z of Acrylics.
Come join author/artist Patti Mollica in a fun 2 hour informative lecture on acrylic Paints, Gels, Mediums and more!
Advanced registration required with a $5 refundable deposit to receive free paint and product samples.
Squillace Paintings at ‘A Vucchella: Closing Reception
October 24, 5-8 p.m.
Trattoria ‘A Vuchella Restaurant
272 Fairfield Ave,
Bridgeport, Connecticut 06604
Please join us for a closing reception of Liz Squillace’s paintings at ‘A Vucchella on Wednesday, October 24th from 5-8pm. Enjoy a glass of wine and slice of wood fired pizza by Chef Pasquale, while perusing Liz’s latest collection of oil & acrylic paintings.
Night At The Museum: Bringing Art To Life
October 25, 2018, 7PM – 10PM
Burt Chernow Galleries
Housatonic Museum of Art
DESCRIPTION
The collection at Housatonic Museum of Art will set the scene for a sophisticated and challenging scavenger hunt in the stunning and newly designed Housatonic Community College. Using your wits and keen tracking skills, pit yourself against other players for a unique and professionally crafted scavenger hunt.
While hunting, enjoy decadent desserts and smart cocktails at our Sips and Sweets Faire with fun activities, live music and a fabulous silent auction.
Join in the excitement as the Housatonic Museum of Art brings the ART to LIFE in this thrilling scavenger hunt and fundraising event.
Advanced Tickets Available
PETER KONSTERLIE: A Retrospective Art Exhibition
Opening Reception: November 10th, 2018, 3:00 – 6:00 PM
Panel Art Discussion: Thursday, November 8th, 4:30 – 5:30 PM
Johnas Ruta (curator), Joe Provey, and Cynthia Anderson
Exhibition: November 10th, 2018- January 5th, 2019
Curated by Johnes Ruta
University of Bridgeport’s Schelfhaudt Gallery
84 Iranistan Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604
DESCRIPTION
This exhibition celebrates the life and works of Peter Konsterlie, the Gallery Director of the Schelfhaudt Gallery for 5 years and a well-loved Professor of Art History at U.B. for the past 15 years. Peter passed away suddenly at age 55, on August 13, 2018. He received his BA from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. As Director of the University’s Schelfhaudt Gallery, he produced exemplary exhibitions for the school and broader community. His dedication and inspiration within the Shintaro Akatsu School of Design at the University of Bridgeport will be deeply missed.
Peter was a prolific and passionate visual artist. He brought a unique perspective to his paintings integrating several visual styles from pop art to abstract expressionism. His drips of paint combined with spray paint formed patterns, becoming a structure on the canvas for his metaphysical themed Abstracts.
Peter Konsterlie had several solo and group exhibitions in the United States and abroad, most notably The Aldrich Contemporary Museum, Minneapolis Institute of Art, The Plains Art Museum, Carnegie Mellon, Washington D.C., Sarah Bowen Gallery in Williamsburg, NY, Housatonic Museum, Claire Oliver Gallery, N.Y, and most recently at the Drawing Center Viewing Program in New York City. Konsterlie’s work has been purchased and leased for feature film productions, and television productions such as the Blue Bloods with Tom Selleck, and on the ABC news program 20/20 with John Stossel.
Funds are being raised towards an endowment in his name to support the Schelfhaudt Gallery. Donations may be made via https://give.bridgeport.edu/ or (203)576-4542.
Please visit http://www.backward.us/pk/index.htm to see more of Peter Konsterlie’s work.
Please come and bring friends and family. All are welcome! Complimentary refreshments will be served for your enjoyment. The reception is free and open to the public.
The exhibition continues through January 5, 2019.
Peter Konsterlie – A HOME IN THE WOODS acrylic on canvas on board 48w x 48h inches 2004 (Photo Credit: Johnes Ruta, 2018)
The Discovery Museum
Exhibits On View
DESCRIPTION
PLASTIC PRIMA VERA BY DANIEL LANZILOTTA
Daniel Lanzilotta’s artistic mission is to bring greater significance to the seemingly insignificant. Daniel calls himself a “plastician,” working with plastic waste, detritus, rubbish, fragments of litter, trash, flotsam, and jetsam. He works predominantly with plastic ocean debris. He has collected a majority of his debris from the Atlantic Ocean along Southwestern France and northern Spain, as well as the Bronx River, Orchard Beach, other sites in the Bronx, and along Coastal Connecticut’s Long Island Sound.
Daniel uses his art to engage his viewers to ponder their consumer habits contributing to plastic debris affecting our shared environments. Daniel’s mission is to help people and communities to shift in baby steps to a more sustainable lifestyle.
Daniel’s work is inspired and influenced by Gestalt Philosophy, specifically Kurt Koffka’s principle posit, “The whole is other than the sum of its parts.” Daniel’s “whole” invites the viewer to find increased value and richness in the common and mundane. The world has become plasticized. He rescues this debris from landfills, oceans, beaches and other waterways. He recoups wasted, discarded materials. Daniel repurposes insignificant items and gives them a new purpose. Significance. Beauty. A new vision.
Daniel Lanzilotta was born and raised in the Bronx. He is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree. He is a Bronx 200 artist. His work has been shown in Europe, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and California. Daniel is also a classically trained chef and has a culinary arts degree from The New York Restaurant School. He currently owns and operates Leap Foods, a private dinner party and events service.
LOST IN LEARNING: THE ART OF DISCOVERY BY EVA KOLEVA TIMOTHY
Eva Timothy has been fascinated by history for as long as she can remember. Growing up in Europe, she was continually surrounded by the stories of the great explorers, artists, and inventors.
Her own learning journey has taken her from the University of Utah where she received a B.A. in Communications – emphasis on film and photography to a certification program at The Oxford School of Photography and a Licentiateship Certification from the Royal Photographic Society of Great Britain.
Eva believes that the art’s purpose is to empower us in looking beyond the dulling distractions and to focus on our noblest aspirations in life.
In the Lost in Learning project, Eva explores learning through the photographer’s lens where unique angles, the play of light versus shadow, and an intense focus all combine to tell an unforgettable tale.
For Eva, learning is the never-ending voyage. It draws us throughout our lives to pursue our potential and in the process to come to a better understanding of those who have so brilliantly blazed the trail before us.
SUNSET SCIENCE: PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL FLORIO
Connecticut native Michael Florio has a huge passion for photography, art, science, and technology. His love of these subjects has brought him through a rabbit hole of wonder and amazement. His desire to share the incredible aspects of our universe with others is captured through a dynamic study of sunsets and the fascinating reasons why we experience the glorious colors in a twilight sky.
He wishes to reignite the imagination in adults and inspire young people, whether it is through the art of photography, exploring the cosmos through a telescope, or creating an at-home science project.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
2nd Annual Wine at The Klein
Thursday, October 25, 2018
Doors open at 6:30pm for appetizers;
Wine tasting is from 7:00pm-8:30pm
The Klein Memorial Auditorium
DESCRIPTION
Calling all wine lovers! Sample 30+ distinctive wines from local liquor distributors. Proceeds benefit future programs at The Klein & Klein Theatre Arts, our arts education program for Bridgeport youth. Light refreshments will be served and Klein Dance Company will make a special appearance!
The Klein is a 501c3 nonprofit organization – $25 of your contribution is tax deductible.
Organized by Super Saver Spirits in the Shelton Square shopping center
2018 Harvest Hootenanny
Call for Vendors!
Saturday, October 27th, 1-5 PM
Black Rock Farmers Market
481 Brewster St, Bridgeport, CT 06605
DESCRIPTION
Who’s ready to hoot and holler?! The 2018 Harvest Hootenanny to benefit the Black Rock Farmers Market is back in action!
Vendors can apply here: http://blackrockfarmersmarket.com/hootenanny/
Get your tickets to cut the line: http://blackrockfarmersmarket.com/hootenanny/
HCC STEAMfest
Wednesday, November 7
Thursday, November 8
Housatonic Community College
Beacon Hall Events Center
DESCRIPTION
YOU ARE INVITED! Join us at ‘STEAMfest 2018’ in the Beacon Hall Events Center, Wednesday, November 7 and Thursday, November 8, for career planning, employer panelists, student poster presentations, food and more! Mark your calendar today!
An Evening with Trevor Noah: Annual Gala for the Anti-Defamation League
Sunday, November 11;
Doors open at 7:30 pm. Program starts at 8:00 pm
The Klein
DESCRIPTION
Trevor Noah, comedian and host of Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show”, presents an evening of conversation and comedy at this year’s annual gala/fundraiser for the Anti-Defamation League.
The Klein Memorial Auditorium 910 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport info@theklein.org / theklein.org
LIVE CONCERTS & FILM
WPKN Music on Film Series
Woodstock: Three Days of Peace & Music
The Bijou Theatre
Friday, October 19, 2018
Doors: 6:00 pm / Show: 7:00 pm
DESCRIPTION
The three-day Woodstock music festival in 1969 was the pivotal event of the 1960s peace movement, and this landmark concert film is the definitive record of that milestone of rock & roll history. It’s more than a chronicle of the hippie movement, however; this is a film of genuine historical and social importance, capturing the spirit of America in transition, when the Vietnam War was at its peak and antiwar protest was fully expressed through the liberating music of the time.
With a brilliant crew at his disposal (including a young editor named Martin Scorsese), director Michael Wadleigh worked with over 300 hours of footage to create his original 225-minute director’s cut, which was cut by 40 minutes for the film’s release in 1970. Eight previously edited segments were restored in 1994, and the original director’s cut of Woodstock is now the version most commonly available on videotape and DVD.
The film deservedly won the Academy Award for Best Documentary, and it’s still a stunning achievement. Abundant footage taken among the massive crowd (“half a million strong”) expresses the human heart of the event, from skinny-dipping hippies to accidental overdoses, to unpredictable weather, midconcert childbirth, and the thoughtful (or just plain rambling) reflections of the festive participants. Then, of course, there is the music–a nonstop parade of rock & roll from the greatest performers of the period, including Crosby, Stills, and Nash, Canned Heat, The Who, Richie Havens, Joan Baez, Ten Years After, Sly & The Family Stone, Santana, and many more. Watching this ambitious film, as the saying goes, is the next best thing to being there–it’s a time-travel journey to that once-in-a-lifetime event. –Jeff Shannon
WPKN’s Music on Film Series at the Bijou
Fall 2018 Schedule
Livingston Taylor
Rebecca Loebe
Thursday, October 18, 2018, Doors: 7:00 pm/Show: 8:00 pm
Bijou Theatre
DESCRIPTION
Livingston Taylor picked up his first guitar at the age of 13, which began a 50-year career that has encompassed performance, songwriting, and teaching. Born in Boston and raised in North Carolina, Livingston is the fourth child in a very musical family that includes Alex, James, Kate, and Hugh. Livingston recorded his first record at the age of 18 and has continued to create well crafted, introspective, and original songs that have earned him listeners worldwide.
From top-40 hits “I Will Be in Love with You” and “I’ll Come Running,” to “I Can Dream of You” and “Boatman,” the last two recorded by his brother James, Livingston’s creative output has continued unabated. His musical knowledge has inspired a varied repertoire, and he is equally at home with a range of musical genres—folk, pop, gospel, jazz—and from upbeat storytelling and touching ballads to full orchestra performances.
Livingston is a full professor at Berklee College of Music, where he has taught a Stage Performance course since 1989. He teaches young artists invaluable lessons learned over the course of an extensive career on the road; the course is consistently voted the most popular at the College. His high-selling book, Stage Performance, released in 2011 offers those lessons to anyone who is interested in elevating their presentation standards to professional standards.
Livingston’s 50th year of making music was celebrated by Boston Mayor Marty Walsh and Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, both declaring January 18, 2017 “Livingston Taylor Day”.
Jonathan Edwards
Friday, October 26, 2018, Doors: 7:00 pm/Show: 8:00 pm
Bijou Theatre
DESCRIPTION
Warm as summer sunshine, real as the truth, intimate as a long overdue visit between old friends … such is a Jonathan Edwards concert. Four decades into a stellar career of uncompromising musical integrity, the man simply delivers, night after night – songs of passion, songs of insight, songs of humor, all rendered in that pure and powerful tenor which, like fine wine, has only grown sweeter with age
These days Jonathan is likely to be found on the road. I’ve been…doing what I do best, which is playing live in front of people. I’ve been concentrating on that and loving it,” he says.
Jonathan maintains that it is the feedback he receives after his shows that keeps him going. “It is really gratifying to hear [someone say], ‘Your stuff has meant a lot to me over the years.’”
The “stuff” he’s referring to is a highly respected repertoire that includes such classics as “Honky Tonk Stardust Cowboy,” “Sometimes,” “One Day Closer,” “Don’t Cry Blue,” “Emma,” “Everybody Knows Her,” “Athens County,” and everyone’s favorite ode to putting a good buzz on, “Shanty.” And then, of course, there’s the anthemic “Sunshine (Go Away Today),” that fierce proclamation of protest and independence that resonated with thousands and thousands of frustrated and angry young men and women when it was first released in 1971. Almost 40 years later, at show after show, the song continues to be embraced by faithful followers and new fans alike.
David Bromberg Quintet
Sunday, October 28, 2018, Doors: 6:00 pm/Show: 7:00 pm
Bijou Theatre
DESCRIPTION
For Americana godfather David Bromberg, it all began with the blues.
His incredible journey spans five-and-a-half decades, and includes – but is not limited to – adventures with Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Jerry Garcia, and music and life lessons from seminal blues guitarist Reverend Gary Davis, who claimed the young Bromberg as a son. A musician’s musician, Bromberg’s mastery of several stringed instruments (guitar, fiddle, Dobro, mandolin), and multiple styles is legendary, leading Dr. John to declare him an American icon. In producing John Hartford’s hugely influential Aereo-Plain LP, Bromberg even co-invented a genre: Newgrass.
Add in a period of self-imposed exile from his passion (1980-2002), during which he became a renowned violin expert, and Wilmington, Delaware’s cultural ambassador; top that off with a triumphant return to music-making, and you have an amazing tale leading back to one place: the blues.
PERFORMING ARTS AND THEATRE
Children’s Theatre: Little Witches
October 6 – October 28
Downtown Cabaret Theatre
DESCRIPTION
Just in time for Halloween, this spellbinding new musical is sure to answer the question: are you a good witch or a bad witch? When three teenage witch sisters are ready to grow up and fly their own brooms, they learn that there is more to being a witch than spells, potions, and Halloween mischief.
Our Children’s Theatre shows approximately run 75-80 minutes with a 10-minute intermission.
ARTS & CULTURE NEWS
BRIDGEPORT ARTIST FEATURED IN CONNECTICUT POST
“Adger Cowans’ archive captures over 50 years of the famous and the natural world”
Peter Konsterlie Memorial Fund – Schelfhaudt Gallery
We are saddened by the loss of Bridgeport artist Peter Konsterlie. In addition to his independent work as an artist, Peter was the Gallery Director of the Schelfhaudt Gallery at University of Bridgeport and Professor at University of Bridgeport’s Shintaro Akatsu School of Design. There will be a celebration of Peter’s life and retrospective of his work at his beloved Schelfhaudt gallery in the fall.
To memorialize Peter there is a fundraiser to create an endowment in his name that will support the continued work of the gallery. If you would like to contribute, the website is https://give.bridgeport.edu/. Under designation a dropdown bar select the Peter Konsterlie Memorial Fund.
BPT Art Trail News – October 2018 – Part 1
NEXT MONTH!
Bridgeport Art Trail Nov. 8-11, 2018!
Celebrate a decade of arts and culture in this city.
Stay tuned for announcements on events and developments as we start our countdown to the main event.
Newbies can check out 2017 BAT highlights here.
MONGERS MARKET FEATURED IN CONNECTICUT MAGAZINE
Mongers Market Aims to Salvage People’s Love for ‘All Things Old’
“ART TO GO” BILLBOARD PROJECT: OCTOBER – RICK SHAEFER
CALL FOR BRIDGEPORT ART:
“ART TO-GO” Billboard on I-95
ART TO-GO, on I-95 Digital Billboard is a collaboration with the city of Bridgeport to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Bridgeport Art Trail by monthly showcasing a local artist.
Executive Director Suzanne Kachmar thanks the city for this partnership and says, ““ The arts and culture are a natural resource of humanity that needs to be protected, just as we protect forests, air and water supplies. Artists and cultural traditions demonstrate how resilience can be transformed into beauty, solve problems, pass down heritage and build community. Bridgeport artists epitomize this. They are a cultural resource from diverse backgrounds, specializing in a variety of artforms. This billboard project reflects the creativity and potential that is rejuvenating Bridgeport.
ART TO-GO billboard graphic design is contributed by Hatch 130. City Lights is a grateful recipient of the Hatch Initiative.
CALL FOR PARTICIPANTS FOR PECHAKUCHA BRIDGEPORT
NOVEMBER 11TH
BRIDGEPORT ART TRAIL
PECHAKUCHA-CALL for artists, storytellers, anyone… with a story or project they would like to share with the public in a fun, comfortable atmosphere.
Registration required, deadline October 10, 2018, presentation workshop Saturday, October 6 at the Barnum Museum, 820 Main St. Downtown Bridgeport, CT. 06604.
Bridgeport Art Trail artists will be among the presenters at this Sunday Nov. 11, 2018 evening gathering serving also as an interactive closing party of the Bridgeport Art Trail, celebrating the art of conversation and community.
PechaKucha nights are organized by local community members and described as “live events with real people telling real stories.” Talks are uploaded to an international website including 1000 participating cities.
If you would like to present, please fill out a proposal here: http://bit.ly/BPT-PKN-proposal3
To help potential speakers with the process of understanding what a Pechakucha is and how to create the slides and presentation there will be one workshop at the Barnum Museum on Saturday, Oct. 6th at 2:00. You can find the registration on our FaceBook page: http://bit.ly/FB-Pechakucha-Bridgeport . If you have any questions email PKBridgeport@gmail.com or call City Lights Gallery (203) 334-7748.
Pecha Kucha Night Bridgeport brings people together from diverse backgrounds to listen to great personal stories and learn from each other in a casual and authentic atmosphere. PechaKucha means “chit-chat” in Japanese. Speakers present their stories accompanied by 20 slides, shown for 20 seconds each, resulting a total time of 6 minutes and 40 seconds. This licensed format keeps presentations focused and fast-paced.
Bijou Doors open at 6 pm. $1 contribution goes to the international PechaKucha.org
OCTOBER EVENTS PART 12018
VISUAL ARTS – NEW EXHIBITS/EVENTS
Migrant’s Alphabet Exhibit
Opening Reception: Oct. 4, 5:30-8:30pm
City Lights Gallery, Bridgeport
On View: 10/4/18 – 10/18/18
DESCRIPTION
Curated and produced by Jane Davila
Sponsored by City Lights
Inspired by a book from 1846 (The Anti-Slavery Alphabet), leading mixed media artists and activists from all over the US started a project, called the Migrant’s Alphabet, to bring awareness, education, and conversation to the current crisis of immigration in the United States and around the world. The Migrant’s Alphabet exhibit of 26 mixed media artworks will debut at City Lights Gallery in Bridgeport CT, opening October 4, running to Oct. 26 the and then travel to a variety of venues across the nation.
A book is being published of all of the art and the accompanying poetry. Proceeds from the sales of the book will be donated to organizations defending and working to better immigrant communities. The Migrant Alphabet website is under construction and will serve as a resource for education, links to donate funds, the art on view with statements and links to the individual artists, and information about the exhibits and events.
Drawing/Painting from Life
Tuesday, October 9th & 30th, 6-9 PM
City Lights Gallery
Free Demo: The A to Z of Acrylics by Golden Artist Colors
Saturday, October 20, 2018, 2-4 PM
Artists & Craftsman Bridgeport
1001 Main St, Bridgeport, CT 06604
DESCRIPTION
FREE Educational lecture from Golden Artist Colors
The A-to-Z of Acrylics.
Come join author/artist Patti Mollica in a fun 2 hour informative lecture on acrylic Paints, Gels, Mediums and more!
Advanced registration required with a $5 refundable deposit to receive free paint and product samples.
Night At The Museum: Bringing Art To Life
October 25, 2018, 7PM – 10PM
Burt Chernow Galleries
Housatonic Museum of Art
DESCRIPTION
The collection at Housatonic Museum of Art will set the scene for a sophisticated and challenging scavenger hunt in the stunning and newly designed Housatonic Community College. Using your wits and keen tracking skills, pit yourself against other players for a unique and professionally crafted scavenger hunt.
While hunting, enjoy decadent desserts and smart cocktails at our Sips and Sweets Faire with fun activities, live music and a fabulous silent auction.
Join in the excitement as the Housatonic Museum of Art brings the ART to LIFE in this thrilling scavenger hunt and fundraising event.
Advanced Tickets Available
PETER KONSTERLIE: A Retrospective Art Exhibition
Opening Reception: November 10th, 2018, 3:00 – 6:00 PM
Panel Art Discussion: Thursday, November 8th, 4:30 – 5:30 PM
Johnas Ruta (curator), Joe Provey, and Cynthia Anderson
Exhibition: November 10th, 2018- January 5th, 2019
Curated by Johnes Ruta
University of Bridgeport’s Schelfhaudt Gallery
84 Iranistan Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604
DESCRIPTION
This exhibition celebrates the life and works of Peter Konsterlie, the Gallery Director of the Schelfhaudt Gallery for 5 years and a well-loved Professor of Art History at U.B. for the past 15 years. Peter passed away suddenly at age 55, on August 13, 2018. He received his BA from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. As Director of the University’s Schelfhaudt Gallery, he produced exemplary exhibitions for the school and broader community. His dedication and inspiration within the Shintaro Akatsu School of Design at the University of Bridgeport will be deeply missed.
Peter was a prolific and passionate visual artist. He brought a unique perspective to his paintings integrating several visual styles from pop art to abstract expressionism. His drips of paint combined with spray paint formed patterns, becoming a structure on the canvas for his metaphysical themed Abstracts.
Peter Konsterlie had several solo and group exhibitions in the United States and abroad, most notably The Aldrich Contemporary Museum, Minneapolis Institute of Art, The Plains Art Museum, Carnegie Mellon, Washington D.C., Sarah Bowen Gallery in Williamsburg, NY, Housatonic Museum, Claire Oliver Gallery, N.Y, and most recently at the Drawing Center Viewing Program in New York City. Konsterlie’s work has been purchased and leased for feature film productions, and television productions such as the Blue Bloods with Tom Selleck, and on the ABC news program 20/20 with John Stossel.
Funds are being raised towards an endowment in his name to support the Schelfhaudt Gallery. Donations may be made via https://give.bridgeport.edu/ or (203)576-4542.
Please visit http://www.backward.us/pk/index.htm to see more of Peter Konsterlie’s work.
Please come and bring friends and family. All are welcome! Complimentary refreshments will be served for your enjoyment. The reception is free and open to the public.
The exhibition continues through January 5, 2019.
Peter Konsterlie – A HOME IN THE WOODS acrylic on canvas on board 48w x 48h inches 2004 (Photo Credit: Johnes Ruta, 2018)
ON VIEW
Figurative & Landscape Art with Herm Freeman & Ben Casiano
Thursday, September 27th, 2018, 6:00-8:00 pm
Klein Mezzanine Gallery
The Klein
DESCRIPTION
Figurative & Landscapes with Herm Freeman & Ben Casiano
Free Admission/Open Bar
Exhibit Opening Reception: Afrika360
Saturday, September 29
8 PM – 11 PM
Blends Gallery
1163 Main Street
Bridgeport, Connecticut 06604
DESCRIPTION
“AFRIKA360: The Journey” is a collection of new work by painter, poet, performer Iyaba Ibo Mandingo. the exhibit will include paintings, sculptures and a live performance piece by Iyaba as he takes us along on his journey home to Afrika after 400 years.
The Discovery Museum
Exhibits On View
DESCRIPTION
PLASTIC PRIMA VERA BY DANIEL LANZILOTTA
Daniel Lanzilotta’s artistic mission is to bring greater significance to the seemingly insignificant. Daniel calls himself a “plastician,” working with plastic waste, detritus, rubbish, fragments of litter, trash, flotsam, and jetsam. He works predominantly with plastic ocean debris. He has collected a majority of his debris from the Atlantic Ocean along Southwestern France and northern Spain, as well as the Bronx River, Orchard Beach, other sites in the Bronx, and along Coastal Connecticut’s Long Island Sound.
Daniel uses his art to engage his viewers to ponder their consumer habits contributing to plastic debris affecting our shared environments. Daniel’s mission is to help people and communities to shift in baby steps to a more sustainable lifestyle.
Daniel’s work is inspired and influenced by Gestalt Philosophy, specifically Kurt Koffka’s principle posit, “The whole is other than the sum of its parts.” Daniel’s “whole” invites the viewer to find increased value and richness in the common and mundane. The world has become plasticized. He rescues this debris from landfills, oceans, beaches and other waterways. He recoups wasted, discarded materials. Daniel repurposes insignificant items and gives them a new purpose. Significance. Beauty. A new vision.
Daniel Lanzilotta was born and raised in the Bronx. He is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree. He is a Bronx 200 artist. His work has been shown in Europe, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and California. Daniel is also a classically trained chef and has a culinary arts degree from The New York Restaurant School. He currently owns and operates Leap Foods, a private dinner party and events service.
LOST IN LEARNING: THE ART OF DISCOVERY BY EVA KOLEVA TIMOTHY
Eva Timothy has been fascinated by history for as long as she can remember. Growing up in Europe, she was continually surrounded by the stories of the great explorers, artists, and inventors.
Her own learning journey has taken her from the University of Utah where she received a B.A. in Communications – emphasis on film and photography to a certification program at The Oxford School of Photography and a Licentiateship Certification from the Royal Photographic Society of Great Britain.
Eva believes that the art’s purpose is to empower us in looking beyond the dulling distractions and to focus on our noblest aspirations in life.
In the Lost in Learning project, Eva explores learning through the photographer’s lens where unique angles, the play of light versus shadow, and an intense focus all combine to tell an unforgettable tale.
For Eva, learning is the never-ending voyage. It draws us throughout our lives to pursue our potential and in the process to come to a better understanding of those who have so brilliantly blazed the trail before us.
SUNSET SCIENCE: PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL FLORIO
Connecticut native Michael Florio has a huge passion for photography, art, science, and technology. His love of these subjects has brought him through a rabbit hole of wonder and amazement. His desire to share the incredible aspects of our universe with others is captured through a dynamic study of sunsets and the fascinating reasons why we experience the glorious colors in a twilight sky.
He wishes to reignite the imagination in adults and inspire young people, whether it is through the art of photography, exploring the cosmos through a telescope, or creating an at-home science project.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Downtown Brideport Farmer’s Market
Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
McLevy Green
DESCRIPTION
The Downtown Bridgeport Farmer’s Market is held every Thursday on McLevy Green from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
In addition to fresh veggies and delicious lunch options, join for live music and art demonstrations!
2nd Annual Wine at The Klein
Thursday, October 25, 2018
Doors open at 6:30pm for appetizers;
Wine tasting is from 7:00pm-8:30pm
The Klein Memorial Auditorium
DESCRIPTION
Calling all wine lovers! Sample 30+ distinctive wines from local liquor distributors. Proceeds benefit future programs at The Klein & Klein Theatre Arts, our arts education program for Bridgeport youth. Light refreshments will be served and Klein Dance Company will make a special appearance!
The Klein is a 501c3 nonprofit organization – $25 of your contribution is tax deductible.
Organized by Super Saver Spirits in the Shelton Square shopping center
2018 Harvest Hootenanny
Call for Vendors!
Saturday, October 27th, 1-5 PM
Black Rock Farmers Market
481 Brewster St, Bridgeport, CT 06605
DESCRIPTION
Who’s ready to hoot and holler?! The 2018 Harvest Hootenanny to benefit the Black Rock Farmers Market is back in action!
Vendors can apply here: http://blackrockfarmersmarket.com/hootenanny/
Get your tickets to cut the line: http://blackrockfarmersmarket.com/hootenanny/
HCC STEAMfest
Wednesday, November 7
Thursday, November 8
Housatonic Community College
Beacon Hall Events Center
YOU ARE INVITED! Join us at ‘STEAMfest 2018’ in the Beacon Hall Events Center, Wednesday, November 7 and Thursday, November 8, for career planning, employer panelists, student poster presentations, food and more! Mark your calendar today!
LIVE CONCERTS & FILM
WPKN Music on Film Series
Woodstock: Three Days of Peace & Music
The Bijou Theatre
Friday, October 19, 2018
Doors: 6:00 pm / Show: 7:00 pm
DESCRIPTION
The three-day Woodstock music festival in 1969 was the pivotal event of the 1960s peace movement, and this landmark concert film is the definitive record of that milestone of rock & roll history. It’s more than a chronicle of the hippie movement, however; this is a film of genuine historical and social importance, capturing the spirit of America in transition, when the Vietnam War was at its peak and antiwar protest was fully expressed through the liberating music of the time.
With a brilliant crew at his disposal (including a young editor named Martin Scorsese), director Michael Wadleigh worked with over 300 hours of footage to create his original 225-minute director’s cut, which was cut by 40 minutes for the film’s release in 1970. Eight previously edited segments were restored in 1994, and the original director’s cut of Woodstock is now the version most commonly available on videotape and DVD.
The film deservedly won the Academy Award for Best Documentary, and it’s still a stunning achievement. Abundant footage taken among the massive crowd (“half a million strong”) expresses the human heart of the event, from skinny-dipping hippies to accidental overdoses, to unpredictable weather, midconcert childbirth, and the thoughtful (or just plain rambling) reflections of the festive participants. Then, of course, there is the music–a nonstop parade of rock & roll from the greatest performers of the period, including Crosby, Stills, and Nash, Canned Heat, The Who, Richie Havens, Joan Baez, Ten Years After, Sly & The Family Stone, Santana, and many more. Watching this ambitious film, as the saying goes, is the next best thing to being there–it’s a time-travel journey to that once-in-a-lifetime event. –Jeff Shannon
Film Short – Ain’t Playin Wit Ya
Bijou Theatre
Thursday, October 4, 2018
Doors: 8:00 pm / Show: 9:00 pm
DESCRIPTION
Official premiere of the short film “Ain’t Playin Wit Ya” and “The Great” EP listening party.
Film was written by recording artist Chaz-O and directed by Edwin Escobar
Music by DJ Ryda!
Appetizers served – Cash Bar – Free Raffle
Admission: $5.00
WPKN’s Music on Film Series at the Bijou
Fall 2018 Schedule
Frank Vignola’s Hot Jazz Guitar Trio
The Hot Club of Black Rock
Friday, October 5, 2018, Doors: 7:00 pm/Show: 8:00 pm
Bijou Theatre
DESCRIPTION
FRANK VIGNOLA’S HOT JAZZ GUITAR TRIO
Frank Vignola is one of the most extraordinary guitarists performing before the public today. His stunning virtuosity has made him the guitarist of choice for many of the world’s top musicians, including Ringo Starr, Madonna, Donald Fagen, Wynton Marsalis, Tommy Emmanuel, the Boston Pops, the New York Pops, and guitar legend Les Paul, who named Vignola to his “Five Most Admired Guitarists List” for the Wall Street Journal. Vignola’s jaw dropping technique explains why the New York Times deemed him “one of the brightest stars of the guitar”.
Often featured on National Public Radio, Frank Vignola has also become a familiar figure on Public Television, featured previously on three popular shows, including the heavily programmed Tommy Emmanuel and Friends and his own PBS special, “Four Generations of Guitar” produced by Peter Berkow.
THE HOT CLUB OF BLACK ROCK
Paying homage to Django Reinhardt. The Hot Club of Black Rock plays hot swing, or jazz manouche, the kind of jazz that was popular in Paris in the 1920s and 1930s. Think the Moulin Rouge, or a cafe at four in the morning.
Livingston Taylor
Rebecca Loebe
Thursday, October 18, 2018, Doors: 7:00 pm/Show: 8:00 pm
Bijou Theatre
DESCRIPTION
Livingston Taylor picked up his first guitar at the age of 13, which began a 50-year career that has encompassed performance, songwriting, and teaching. Born in Boston and raised in North Carolina, Livingston is the fourth child in a very musical family that includes Alex, James, Kate, and Hugh. Livingston recorded his first record at the age of 18 and has continued to create well crafted, introspective, and original songs that have earned him listeners worldwide.
From top-40 hits “I Will Be in Love with You” and “I’ll Come Running,” to “I Can Dream of You” and “Boatman,” the last two recorded by his brother James, Livingston’s creative output has continued unabated. His musical knowledge has inspired a varied repertoire, and he is equally at home with a range of musical genres—folk, pop, gospel, jazz—and from upbeat storytelling and touching ballads to full orchestra performances.
Livingston is a full professor at Berklee College of Music, where he has taught a Stage Performance course since 1989. He teaches young artists invaluable lessons learned over the course of an extensive career on the road; the course is consistently voted the most popular at the College. His high-selling book, Stage Performance, released in 2011 offers those lessons to anyone who is interested in elevating their presentation standards to professional standards.
Livingston’s 50th year of making music was celebrated by Boston Mayor Marty Walsh and Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, both declaring January 18, 2017 “Livingston Taylor Day”.
Jonathan Edwards
Friday, October 26, 2018, Doors: 7:00 pm/Show: 8:00 pm
Bijou Theatre
DESCRIPTION
Warm as summer sunshine, real as the truth, intimate as a long overdue visit between old friends … such is a Jonathan Edwards concert. Four decades into a stellar career of uncompromising musical integrity, the man simply delivers, night after night – songs of passion, songs of insight, songs of humor, all rendered in that pure and powerful tenor which, like fine wine, has only grown sweeter with age
These days Jonathan is likely to be found on the road. I’ve been…doing what I do best, which is playing live in front of people. I’ve been concentrating on that and loving it,” he says.
Jonathan maintains that it is the feedback he receives after his shows that keeps him going. “It is really gratifying to hear [someone say], ‘Your stuff has meant a lot to me over the years.’”
The “stuff” he’s referring to is a highly respected repertoire that includes such classics as “Honky Tonk Stardust Cowboy,” “Sometimes,” “One Day Closer,” “Don’t Cry Blue,” “Emma,” “Everybody Knows Her,” “Athens County,” and everyone’s favorite ode to putting a good buzz on, “Shanty.” And then, of course, there’s the anthemic “Sunshine (Go Away Today),” that fierce proclamation of protest and independence that resonated with thousands and thousands of frustrated and angry young men and women when it was first released in 1971. Almost 40 years later, at show after show, the song continues to be embraced by faithful followers and new fans alike.
David Bromberg Quintet
Sunday, October 28, 2018, Doors: 6:00 pm/Show: 7:00 pm
Bijou Theatre
DESCRIPTION
For Americana godfather David Bromberg, it all began with the blues.
His incredible journey spans five-and-a-half decades, and includes – but is not limited to – adventures with Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Jerry Garcia, and music and life lessons from seminal blues guitarist Reverend Gary Davis, who claimed the young Bromberg as a son. A musician’s musician, Bromberg’s mastery of several stringed instruments (guitar, fiddle, Dobro, mandolin), and multiple styles is legendary, leading Dr. John to declare him an American icon. In producing John Hartford’s hugely influential Aereo-Plain LP, Bromberg even co-invented a genre: Newgrass.
Add in a period of self-imposed exile from his passion (1980-2002), during which he became a renowned violin expert, and Wilmington, Delaware’s cultural ambassador; top that off with a triumphant return to music-making, and you have an amazing tale leading back to one place: the blues.
PERFORMING ARTS AND THEATRE
Children’s Theatre: Little Witches
October 6 – October 28
Downtown Cabaret Theatre
DESCRIPTION
Just in time for Halloween, this spellbinding new musical is sure to answer the question: are you a good witch or a bad witch? When three teenage witch sisters are ready to grow up and fly their own brooms, they learn that there is more to being a witch than spells, potions, and Halloween mischief.
Our Children’s Theatre shows approximately run 75-80 minutes with a 10-minute intermission.
Legally Blonde – The Musical
September 21 – October 14
Downtown Cabaret Theatre
DESCRIPTION
A fabulously fun award-winning musical based on the adored movie, Legally Blonde follows the transformation of Elle Woods, as life is turned upside down when her boyfriend Warner dumps her so he can attend Harvard Law. With the support of some new friends, though, Elle tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams in this action-packed show, exploding with memorable songs and dynamic dances.
ARTS & CULTURE NEWS
BRIDGEPORT ARTIST FEATURED IN CONNECTICUT POST
“Adger Cowans’ archive captures over 50 years of the famous and the natural world”
Peter Konsterlie Memorial Fund – Schelfhaudt Gallery
We are saddened by the loss of Bridgeport artist Peter Konsterlie. In addition to his independent work as an artist, Peter was the Gallery Director of the Schelfhaudt Gallery at University of Bridgeport and Professor at University of Bridgeport’s Shintaro Akatsu School of Design. There will be a celebration of Peter’s life and retrospective of his work at his beloved Schelfhaudt gallery in the fall.
To memorialize Peter there is a fundraiser to create an endowment in his name that will support the continued work of the gallery. If you would like to contribute, the website is https://give.bridgeport.edu/. Under designation a dropdown bar select the Peter Konsterlie Memorial Fund.
BPT Art Trail News – September 2018 – Part 2
SAVE THE DATE…
Bridgeport Art Trail Nov. 8-11, 2018!
Friends, we are less than two months away from our 10th annual Bridgeport Art Trail.
The 2018 line-up of programs is nearly complete. Celebrate a decade of arts and culture in this city. Stay tuned for announcements on events and developments as we start our countdown to the main event.
Newbies can check out 2017 BAT highlights here.
“ART TO GO” BILLBOARD PROJECT: SEPTEMBER
City Lights is on the go, building momentum for its 10th annual Bridgeport Art Trail, city-wide arts celebration by initiating new public art program: “Art to Go”.
To recognize this anniversary Mayor Ganim and the City of Bridgeport have partnered with City Lights and the Bridgeport Art Trail to feature “Art to Go,” an initiative that will recognize Bridgeport art on the I-95 digital billboard, changing monthly throughout the year. September’s featured artist is Read’s Artspace resident Yolanda Petroceli.
Billboard graphic design is an in-kind contribution from Hatch 130. City Lights & Company is a non-profit arts organization that serves the community through art and a grateful recipient of the Hatch 130 Initiative.
Yolanda Vasquez Petrocelli
“As a contemporary artist living at Read’s Artspace, Bridgeport, my works are inspired by a rich culture of colors where I live and ethical laws of my mestiza heritage of protecting the land, its people, and the political of chaos we live now. I attempt to give the viewer paz, esperanza solidaridad.”
CALL FOR PARTICIPANTS FOR PECHAKUCHA BRIDGEPORT
NOVEMBER 11TH
BRIDGEPORT ART TRAIL
PECHAKUCHA-CALL for artists, storytellers, anyone… with a story or project they would like to share with the public in a fun, comfortable atmosphere.
Registration required, deadline October 10, 2018, presentation workshop Saturday, October 6 at the Barnum Museum, 820 Main St. Downtown Bridgeport, CT. 06604.
Bridgeport Art Trail artists will be among the presenters at this Sunday Nov. 11, 2018 evening gathering serving also as an interactive closing party of the Bridgeport Art Trail, celebrating the art of conversation and community.
PechaKucha nights are organized by local community members and described as “live events with real people telling real stories.” Talks are uploaded to an international website including 1000 participating cities.
If you would like to present, please fill out a proposal here: http://bit.ly/BPT-PKN-proposal3
To help potential speakers with the process of understanding what a Pechakucha is and how to create the slides and presentation there will be one workshop at the Barnum Museum on Saturday, Oct. 6th at 2:00. You can find the registration on our FaceBook page: http://bit.ly/FB-Pechakucha-Bridgeport . If you have any questions email PKBridgeport@gmail.com or call City Lights Gallery (203) 334-7748.
Pecha Kucha Night Bridgeport brings people together from diverse backgrounds to listen to great personal stories and learn from each other in a casual and authentic atmosphere. PechaKucha means “chit-chat” in Japanese. Speakers present their stories accompanied by 20 slides, shown for 20 seconds each, resulting a total time of 6 minutes and 40 seconds. This licensed format keeps presentations focused and fast-paced.
Bijou Doors open at 6 pm. $1 contribution goes to the international PechaKucha.org
MANY THANKS TO THE AMAZING PechaKucha PRESENTERS at the Bridgeport PechaKucha – VOL #2 tonight: Lady Beth Lazar, Jeff Becker, Mike Roer, Ellen Hardy, Jeanette Harris, Rae Anne Locke, Dean Schuster, Katie Settel, and Nina Lesiga. Each story was unique with 20 images that lasted 20 seconds each! We took this picture of the ENTIRE WONDERFUL GROUP (presenters and the audience) all with clown noses for at least two reasons: THE FUN OF IT, and WE WERE AT THE BARNUM MUSEUM.
Special thanks AS WELL to Raquel Rivera-Pablo of A PINCH OF SALT who made delicious healthy food available to attendees!
Bridgeport PechaKucha is planned and implemented, through licensing from the PechaKucha Global Foundation in Tokyo, as a community building project by the Barnum Museum, City Lights Gallery, the Downtown Special Services District and Nina Lesiga Productions! The next PechaKucha will be on Nov. 11th – a Sunday night – at the Bijou Theater. To propose a presentation, please complete an online proposal: http://bit.ly/BPT-PKN-proposal3
SEPTEMBER EVENTS 2018
VISUAL ARTS
Figurative & Landscape Art with Herm Freeman & Ben Casiano
Thursday, September 27th, 2018, 6:00-8:00 pm
Klein Mezzanine Gallery
The Klein
DESCRIPTION
Figurative & Landscapes with Herm Freeman & Ben Casiano
Free Admission/Open Bar
Exhibit Opening Reception: Afrika360
Saturday, September 29
8 PM – 11 PM
Blends Gallery
1163 Main Street
Bridgeport, Connecticut 06604
DESCRIPTION
“AFRIKA360: The Journey” is a collection of new work by painter, poet, performer Iyaba Ibo Mandingo. the exhibit will include paintings, sculptures and a live performance piece by Iyaba as he takes us along on his journey home to Afrika after 400 years.
Migrant’s Alphabet Exhibit
Opening Reception: Oct. 4, 5:30-8:30pm
City Lights Gallery, Bridgeport
On View: 10/4/18 – 10/18/18
DESCRIPTION
In 1846, two Quaker sisters, Mary and Hannah Townsend, published the Anti-Slavery Alphabet to bring attention to the abolitionist cause against enslavement. Inspired by this book of Illuminated characters and accessible poetry, Bridgeport artist Jane Davila started a project, the Migrant’s Alphabet, to bring awareness, education, and conversation to the current crisis of immigration in the United States and around the world.
Jane has invited leading mixed media artists and activists from all over the US and locally from Connecticut, to create 12” square works of art for each letter of the Migrant’s Alphabet. The Migrant’s Alphabet exhibit of 26 mixed media artworks will debut at City Lights Gallery in Bridgeport, opening October 4, and then travel to a variety of venues across the nation. A book will be published of all of the art and the accompanying poetry. All proceeds from the sales of the book will be donated to organizations defending and working to better immigrant communities.
The Migrant Alphabet website is under construction and will serve as a resource for education, links to donate funds, the art on view with statements and links to the individual artists, and information about the exhibits and events.
On View- Drawn to Color
Thursday, September 6th, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
City Lights Gallery
265 Golden Hill St, Bridgeport, Connecticut 06604
DESCRIPTION
“Drawn to Color, Exhibit at City Lights 9/6-9/29/18 ” features paintings by 24 artists who work in the studio of Leona Frank. Each of the painters uses color in her/his own way. Some prefer highly intense color, while others enjoy the subtlety of understated color. Some artists seek to use naturalistic color, and others seek to be more experimental. Regardless of one’s approach, color is a powerfully evocative element in these paintings.
EXHIBITING ARTISTS:
Mia Auray, Mary Lou Bierman, Bean Corcoran, Gianne Craw, Stacy Fowle, Andy Fowle, Leona Frank, Richard Frank, Sheila Goldman, Joyce Greenfield, Ulla Heheberger, Peggy Henkel, Marie Hulme, Judy Kubica, Carol Lisi, Carol Luders, Wendy MacCordy, Jody Peterson, Teri Shimmel, Gina Smith,
Karen Tarshis, Jo Titsworth, Dara Tomeo and Dede Traynor
LEONA FRANK:
Leona Frank is a painter who has taught art in private and group lessons to both children and adults for many years. The painters she works with use a variety of media. There is also a wide variety of subject matter and style being explored in her studio. The appreciation of individuality of expression and the search for individual solutions are hallmarks of her experienced approach to teaching art.
MORE ABOUT COLOR:
Color is one of the essential Principles of Art. It is also one of the most enjoyable and subjective aspects of artmaking. Major movements in the history of art, such as Impressionism, Op Art and Pointillism were based on new visions of color theory, and painters such as Monet, Seurat, Rothko and Albers each revolutionized painting by exploring unique properties of colors and how colors behave in relation to each other.
The Discovery Museum
Exhibits On View
DESCRIPTION
PLASTIC PRIMA VERA BY DANIEL LANZILOTTA
Daniel Lanzilotta’s artistic mission is to bring greater significance to the seemingly insignificant. Daniel calls himself a “plastician,” working with plastic waste, detritus, rubbish, fragments of litter, trash, flotsam, and jetsam. He works predominantly with plastic ocean debris. He has collected a majority of his debris from the Atlantic Ocean along Southwestern France and northern Spain, as well as the Bronx River, Orchard Beach, other sites in the Bronx, and along Coastal Connecticut’s Long Island Sound.
Daniel uses his art to engage his viewers to ponder their consumer habits contributing to plastic debris affecting our shared environments. Daniel’s mission is to help people and communities to shift in baby steps to a more sustainable lifestyle.
Daniel’s work is inspired and influenced by Gestalt Philosophy, specifically Kurt Koffka’s principle posit, “The whole is other than the sum of its parts.” Daniel’s “whole” invites the viewer to find increased value and richness in the common and mundane. The world has become plasticized. He rescues this debris from landfills, oceans, beaches and other waterways. He recoups wasted, discarded materials. Daniel repurposes insignificant items and gives them a new purpose. Significance. Beauty. A new vision.
Daniel Lanzilotta was born and raised in the Bronx. He is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree. He is a Bronx 200 artist. His work has been shown in Europe, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and California. Daniel is also a classically trained chef and has a culinary arts degree from The New York Restaurant School. He currently owns and operates Leap Foods, a private dinner party and events service.
LOST IN LEARNING: THE ART OF DISCOVERY BY EVA KOLEVA TIMOTHY
Eva Timothy has been fascinated by history for as long as she can remember. Growing up in Europe, she was continually surrounded by the stories of the great explorers, artists, and inventors.
Her own learning journey has taken her from the University of Utah where she received a B.A. in Communications – emphasis on film and photography to a certification program at The Oxford School of Photography and a Licentiateship Certification from the Royal Photographic Society of Great Britain.
Eva believes that the art’s purpose is to empower us in looking beyond the dulling distractions and to focus on our noblest aspirations in life.
In the Lost in Learning project, Eva explores learning through the photographer’s lens where unique angles, the play of light versus shadow, and an intense focus all combine to tell an unforgettable tale.
For Eva, learning is the never-ending voyage. It draws us throughout our lives to pursue our potential and in the process to come to a better understanding of those who have so brilliantly blazed the trail before us.
SUNSET SCIENCE: PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL FLORIO
Connecticut native Michael Florio has a huge passion for photography, art, science, and technology. His love of these subjects has brought him through a rabbit hole of wonder and amazement. His desire to share the incredible aspects of our universe with others is captured through a dynamic study of sunsets and the fascinating reasons why we experience the glorious colors in a twilight sky.
He wishes to reignite the imagination in adults and inspire young people, whether it is through the art of photography, exploring the cosmos through a telescope, or creating an at-home science project.
OBJECT LESSONS:
Recent Acquisitions and Highlights of the Permanent Collection
Housatonic Museum of Art
Atrium in front of the Burt Chernow Galleries
DESCRIPTION
Drip-Drop, Tick-Tock, featuring work by Joe Fucigna, has been postponed due to damage to the gallery, the Housatonic Museum of Art believes that the SHOW MUST GO ON!!
The permanent collection has been reinstalled throughout the campus featuring over TEN thematic installations to include Collage, Photography, Sculpture, Paintings, Drawings and Prints.
We have also included two works by Joe Fucigna and we will be celebrating in the atrium of our newly renovated facility!
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Downtown Brideport Farmer’s Market
Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
McLevy Green
DESCRIPTION
The Downtown Bridgeport Farmer’s Market is held every Thursday on McLevy Green from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
In addition to fresh veggies and delicious lunch options, join for live music and art demonstrations!
Workshop: Copyright Basics for Artists, Photographers
and Other Creative Types
A free SCORE Small Business Workshop co-sponsored by Milford Center for the Arts and Coastal Arts Guild of CT
Thursday, September 27, 2018 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
DESCRIPTION
A free SCORE Small Business Workshop co-sponsored by Milford Center for the Arts and Coastal Arts Guild of CT
Thursday, September 27, 2018 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Without proper copyright protection, it is almost impossible for an artist, photographer or other creative type to build a unique and recognizable “brand” in the marketplace. Every creative professional needs to know the basics of U.S. and international copyright law.
• What is copyright, and why is it important?
• What must you do to claim a copyright?
• Can I use someone else’s copyrighted work without permission?
• Am I protected when I post my work online?
• What should I do if I see someone has copied my work without permission?
… and much more
Barnum: A Story of Wonder and Imagination
Saturday, September 23rd at 2:00 PM
Barnum Museum
DESCRIPTION
Barnum: A Story of Wonder and Imagination
On Sunday, September 23, 2018 at 2:00 PM, join us at the Barnum Museum for a special presentation.
Tom Lee is a professional storyteller with thirty years’ experience performing traditional stories, folktales, and myths for adults and for children. His repertoire is a rich trove of myths and stories from cultures around the world; some are centuries old, some originated thousands of years ago.
After encountering a traditional story that Tom finds intriguing, he researches its origins going back in time through various manuscripts, often in other languages, to get as close as he can to the source of the tale. After this process of research and discovery, Tom crafts his own retelling of the story in a version that he hopes is both true to the original, and relevant to audiences of today. Spending time with the curator and collections at the Barnum Museum, Tom will create and present a special Barnum story spun from his research and imagination. Storytelling in museum galleries creates a synergy between art and language. “I tell stories that reveal the narratives depicted within the artworks from the museum’s collection. Paintings, sculpture and artifacts spring to life in the context of the stories, myths and legends they depict.”
As a frequent guest artist at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Tom brings together his passion for research, art, and story, continually connecting with new audiences of all ages. In addition, Tom is a performing arts partner with the Yale Center for British Art and the Metropolitan Opera Education Conference.
LIVE CONCERTS & FILM
Van Halen Tribute – Completely Unchained
Bijou Theatre
Saturday, September 29, 2018
Doors: 7:00 pm / Show: 8:00 pm
DESCRIPTION
Completely Unchained are four talented and creative musicians that re-create the ultimate Van Halen production – the attitude, sounds, excitement, energy and most of all the fun that Van Halen produced as one of the best rock bands in the world. Starting off by reproducing the very best of the original line up, then merging the “Van Hagar” era with some David Lee Roth solo hits, completes a whole catalog of the greatest hard rock songs ever recorded.
Completely Unchained takes the concept of a tribute band and raises it to a whole new level. Not only do we recreate the music with unsurpassed skill, but the stage energy and the production at a Completely Unchained show is unmatched. No one else brings the entire package together like Completely Unchained. Come to a show and judge for yourself.
Admission: $22.00 – $37.00
Film Short – Ain’t Playin Wit Ya
Bijou Theatre
Thursday, October 4, 2018
Doors: 8:00 pm / Show: 9:00 pm
DESCRIPTION
Official premiere of the short film “Ain’t Playin Wit Ya” and “The Great” EP listening party.
Film was written by recording artist Chaz-O and directed by Edwin Escobar
Music by DJ Ryda!
Appetizers served – Cash Bar – Free Raffle
Admission: $5.00
WPKN’s Music on Film Series at the Bijou
Fall 2018 Schedule
WPKN’s Music on Film Series
Film: Pirate Radio
Thursday, September 20th
Doors: 6:00 pm / Show: 7:00 pm
Bijou Theatre
DESCRIPTION
The Boat That Rocked (retitled Pirate Radio in North America, Good Morning England in France, Radio Rock Revolution in Germany, and I Love Radio Rock in Italy) is a 2009 British comedy film written and directed by Richard Curtis, with pirate radio in the United Kingdom during the 1960s as its setting. The film has an ensemble cast featuring Philip Seymour Hoffman, Bill Nighy, Rhys Ifans, Nick Frost, and Kenneth Branagh. Set in 1966, it tells the story of the fictitious pirate radio station “Radio Rock” and its crew of eclectic disc jockeys, who broadcast rock and pop music to the United Kingdom from a ship anchored in the North Sea while the British government endeavors to shut them down. It was produced by Working Title Films for Universal Pictures, and was filmed on the Isle of Portland and at Shepperton Studios.
PERFORMING ARTS AND THEATRE
NEW ENGLAND BALLET COMPANY
“Open Community” NUTCRACKER Auditions
150 Elm Street, Bridgeport
Sunday, September 23rd, 2018
DESCRIPTION
Please arrive the half-hour before your audition time for Registration.
Proper dance attire required. No parents allowed in audition room.
Performances fees: (Due at the time of registration)
One role: $100. Two roles: $195. Three or more roles: $250.
(Academy of New England Ballet Company students ask about discount.)
Questions: (203) 345-4194 or 203-494-9205
MORE INFORMATION
Legally Blonde – The Musical
September 21 – October 14
Downtown Cabaret Theatre
DESCRIPTION
A fabulously fun award-winning musical based on the adored movie, Legally Blonde follows the transformation of Elle Woods, as life is turned upside down when her boyfriend Warner dumps her so he can attend Harvard Law. With the support of some new friends, though, Elle tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams in this action-packed show, exploding with memorable songs and dynamic dances.
ARTS & CULTURE NEWS
Peter Konsterlie Memorial Fund – Schelfhaudt Gallery
We are saddened by the loss of Bridgeport artist Peter Konsterlie. In addition to his independent work as an artist, Peter was the Gallery Director of the Schelfhaudt Gallery at University of Bridgeport and Professor at University of Bridgeport’s Shintaro Akatsu School of Design. There will be a celebration of Peter’s life and retrospective of his work at his beloved Schelfhaudt gallery in the fall.
To memorialize Peter there is a fundraiser to create an endowment in his name that will support the continued work of the gallery. If you would like to contribute, the website is https://give.bridgeport.edu/. Under designation a dropdown bar select the Peter Konsterlie Memorial Fund.
Bridgeport Public Library History Center Awarded Grant to Exhibit the History of the Art Center and its Influence on Community
Bridgeport, CT – A $10,511.00 grant to the History Center of the Bridgeport Public Library has been awarded by Connecticut Humanities to fund an exhibition and public programming conceptualized and delivered by guest curator Michelle Black Smith on the rich history of the Art Center, a vibrant arts and culture organization that had a profound impact on the Bridgeport community during the 1970s and 1980s.
We Are Artists Every One: The Art Center in Action, 1970-1986 is an exhibition of photos, art work, photographs, artifacts, and oral histories that explores the Art Center, its influence on the city of Bridgeport, and the context of its role in the national Black Arts Movement. Public programming will include a lecture, panel discussion, documentary screening, and K-12 public school art instruction, and behind-the-scene tours. The exhibition opens on November 2, 2018 and closes April 30, 2019. All events are free.
“The Art Center was a creative, cultural, social and political space that flourished in the 1970s and early 1980s. Its impact was far greater than its stated mission to teach art, photography, and music,” said independent curator, Michelle Black Smith. “A casualty of shifting priorities in the mid-1980s, the Art Center lives on in the work created, the photographs that bear witness to shared experiences, and the trajectory of lives affected by both its existence and its demise. We are delighted that this grant from Connecticut Humanities will allow us to share this underrepresented history with the public, and create an archive for future research.”
Connecticut Humanities, a nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, supports cultural and historical organizations that tell the state’s stories, build community and enrich lives.
For more information about the exhibition, call (203) 545-9127 or visit
Endangered Freeman Homes get $50k grant
DESCRIPTION
The 1848 Mary and Eliza Freeman Houses in Bridgeport’s South End were recently added to the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s list of “America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places.” The news was celebrated by ceremonies at the Houses and at Housatonic Community College June 26 (see CT Post article). CT Humanities has announced a $10,000 capacity grant to the organization to create its first-ever strategic plan and to digitally store and preserve its institutional records. July 6th, the National Trust announced a $50,000 grant to the Freeman Center to begin permanent stabilization of the Freeman structures (more…).
The mission of The Freeman Center is not only to “restore, preserve and ensure the viability of the Freeman Houses,” but also to “teach the history of Black people in CT; revitalize the surrounding South End community; and facilitate preservation of other African American and Bridgeport communities.”
A discussion about these recent developments was featured on the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County’s Spotlight on Arts & Culture earlier this week.
BPT Art Trail News – September 2018 – Part 1
“ART TO GO” BILLBOARD PROJECT: SEPTEMBER
City Lights is on the go, building momentum for its 10th annual Bridgeport Art Trail, city-wide arts celebration by initiating new public art program: “Art to Go”.
To recognize this anniversary Mayor Ganim and the City of Bridgeport have partnered with City Lights and the Bridgeport Art Trail to feature “Art to Go,” an initiative that will recognize Bridgeport art on the I-95 digital billboard, changing monthly throughout the year. September’s featured artist is Read’s Artspace resident Yolanda Petroceli.
Billboard graphic design is an in-kind contribution from Hatch 130. City Lights & Company is a non-profit arts organization that serves the community through art and a grateful recipient of the Hatch 130 Initiative.
BRIDGEPORT ART TRAIL NEWS
REMINDER: SUBMIT YOUR LISTING FOR
BRIDGEPORT ART TRAIL PROGRAM BOOK/ARTISTS’ DIRECTORY BY 9/5/18.
BRIDGEPORT ART TRAIL PROGRAM BOOK/ARTISTS’ DIRECTORY BY 9/5/18.
As you enjoy the dog days of summer, Autumn seems a long way off, but we are in the planning stages of the Bridgeport Art Trail weekend scheduled for November 8-11, 2018, the annual city-wide event marks our 10 years in 2018.
Artists, musicians, performers and arts organizations who would like to participate or submit their information for the 2018 program book and artists directory are welcome to submit info, the deadline for submission is: 9/5/18. Please send info to clgallerybpt@gmail.com
Attached please find directions regarding the format for submitting info for the 2018 Bridgeport Art Trail program guide/directory. You can review examples of 2018 listings at: https://bridgeport-art-trail.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/BAT2017_guide_website.pdf
IMPORTANT DATES:
The deadline for submission is September 5, 2018. . Please send any ideas or proposals for new program ideas to be considered to clgallerybpt@gmail.com
Venues and organizations provide a general listing followed by specific information for the November Art Trail weekend along with pertinent November/December program info. Theatres, music venues, museums, arts venues are encouraged to create special programs for the city-wide arts celebration weekend or just submit info regarding programs that are part of the regular programs, already taking place November 8-11, 2018.
The Thursday Kick-off party will take place November 8. with a Bridgeport Art Trail sampler exhibit and artists’ party, including food, drink, the Park City All Stars, a lineup of Bridgeport musicians..
Find attached a general information about creating and submitting a B.A.T. listing
SEPTEMBER EVENTS 2018
VISUAL ARTS
Exhibit Reception- Drawn to Color
Thursday, September 6th, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
City Lights Gallery
265 Golden Hill St, Bridgeport, Connecticut 06604
DESCRIPTION
“Drawn to Color, Exhibit at City Lights 9/6-9/29/18 ” features paintings by 24 artists who work in the studio of Leona Frank. Each of the painters uses color in her/his own way. Some prefer highly intense color, while others enjoy the subtlety of understated color. Some artists seek to use naturalistic color, and others seek to be more experimental. Regardless of one’s approach, color is a powerfully evocative element in these paintings.
EXHIBITING ARTISTS:
Mia Auray, Mary Lou Bierman, Bean Corcoran, Gianne Craw, Stacy Fowle, Andy Fowle, Leona Frank, Richard Frank, Sheila Goldman, Joyce Greenfield, Ulla Heheberger, Peggy Henkel, Marie Hulme, Judy Kubica, Carol Lisi, Carol Luders, Wendy MacCordy, Jody Peterson, Teri Shimmel, Gina Smith,
Karen Tarshis, Jo Titsworth, Dara Tomeo and Dede Traynor
LEONA FRANK:
Leona Frank is a painter who has taught art in private and group lessons to both children and adults for many years. The painters she works with use a variety of media. There is also a wide variety of subject matter and style being explored in her studio. The appreciation of individuality of expression and the search for individual solutions are hallmarks of her experienced approach to teaching art.
MORE ABOUT COLOR:
Color is one of the essential Principles of Art. It is also one of the most enjoyable and subjective aspects of artmaking. Major movements in the history of art, such as Impressionism, Op Art and Pointillism were based on new visions of color theory, and painters such as Monet, Seurat, Rothko and Albers each revolutionized painting by exploring unique properties of colors and how colors behave in relation to each other.
Past, Present, Future
Featuring Artworks by Clyde Theophilus McLaughlin
Opening Reception Saturday September 7th, 5-8pm
Blends Gallery
OBJECT LESSONS:
Recent Acquisitions and Highlights of the Permanent Collection
Thursday, September 13 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm in the
Housatonic Museum of Art
Atrium in front of the Burt Chernow Galleries
DESCRIPTION
Drip-Drop, Tick-Tock, featuring work by Joe Fucigna, has been postponed due to damage to the gallery, the Housatonic Museum of Art believes that the SHOW MUST GO ON!!
The permanent collection has been reinstalled throughout the campus featuring over TEN thematic installations to include Collage, Photography, Sculpture, Paintings, Drawings and Prints.
We have also included two works by Joe Fucigna and we will be celebrating in the atrium of our newly renovated facility!
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Downtown Brideport Farmer’s Market
Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
McLevy Green
DESCRIPTION
The Downtown Bridgeport Farmer’s Market is held every Thursday on McLevy Green from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
In addition to fresh veggies and delicious lunch options, join for live music and art demonstrations!
PechaKucha Night Bridgeport
September 12th, 2018
The Barnum Museum
DESCRIPTION
PechaKucha Bridgeport is designed to bring people together to listen to great personal stories. PechaKucha is Japanese for “chit-chat.” It is a presentation style in which one speaker uses 20 slides, each shown for 20 seconds resulting in a total time of 6 minutes and 40 seconds. This licensed format keeps presentations focused and fast-paced.
Our first PechaKucha was on May 9th! We had 14 presenters and their stories can be viewed online at: https://www.pechakucha.org/cities/bridgeport/events/5a935d7a3c70efad7400010dThis
PechaKucha is FREE, and registration is not necessary. Arrival by 6:00 PM is a good idea to get a good seat and FOOD will be available to purchase through the community work of CHEF RAQUEL RIVERA PABLO (a PechaKucha presenter at our Vol.#1 event!).
SavorCity Bridgeport: Ola Latin Kitchen
Wednesday, September 12th, 6-9pm
Ola Latin Kitchen
DESCRIPTION
Explore the Food, Music, and Art of Bridgeport
SAVORCITY, a monthly tour of Bridgeport restaurants, food, art, and music, showcasing the culinary and cultural delights of Connecticut’s most diverse city, continues for our fifth visit – to Ola Latin Kitchen on 694 Brooklawn Ave, in Bridgeport’s Brooklawn/St. Vincent section. Organized by Rick Reyes Productions, Capital for Change, The NEST Arts Factory, and the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County, SavorCity organizes visits to neighborhood restaurants where guests can experience the authentic local cuisine of Bridgeport’s many, diverse neighborhoods. Each restaurant presents a prix fixe menu. To accompany the food, and create a festive mood of celebration, Bridgeport musicians perform and Bridgeport artists showcase their work.
Our exploration continues with dinner at Ola Latin Kitchen, in the Brooklawn/St. Vincent neighborhood on Wed. Sept 12, 6-8pm. Presenting an artful blend of Latin styles and bold flavors, on a $30 prix fixe menu with vegetarian options, chef-owner René Lemus spins regional ingredients into beautifully balanced dishes, reflecting the cuisine of Latin America inflected with Portuguese and Spanish flavors. Our musician will be guitarist Victor Anthony Ramirez and the art on the walls will be the astonishing textile weavings by Ruben Marroquin.
For details of each month’s tour and upcoming restaurants, see the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/savorcity/. To sign up for updates, send a request to savorcitybpt@gmail.com.
Jane Davila, Managing Director of The NEST Arts factory curates the art for each event. Rick Reyes, of the Cosmic Jibaros, curates the music. Funding by Capital for Change assists in marketing the restaurants.
Bridgeport Arts and Culture Thematic Meeting
Hosted by Plan Bridgeport
Saturday, September 15 at 10 AM – 12 PM
University of Bridgeport, Tower Room
DESCRIPTION
Join us for a discussion on arts and culture in the City of Bridgeport. This meeting will dive deeper into the issues and potential solutions. We can’t wait to hear your bold ideas for the future of Park City #PlanBridgeport
Your input and feedback will guide Bridgeport’s Master Plan which is a guiding document that establishes a vision for growth and determines strategies to achieve that vision. The Master Plan examines how economic development, housing, transportation, infrastructure, sustainability, public health, and the environment interact throughout Bridgeport.
Workshop: Copyright Basics for Artists, Photographers
and Other Creative Types
A free SCORE Small Business Workshop co-sponsored by Milford Center for the Arts and Coastal Arts Guild of CT
Thursday, September 27, 2018 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
DESCRIPTION
A free SCORE Small Business Workshop co-sponsored by Milford Center for the Arts and Coastal Arts Guild of CT
Thursday, September 27, 2018 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Without proper copyright protection, it is almost impossible for an artist, photographer or other creative type to build a unique and recognizable “brand” in the marketplace. Every creative professional needs to know the basics of U.S. and international copyright law.
• What is copyright, and why is it important?
• What must you do to claim a copyright?
• Can I use someone else’s copyrighted work without permission?
• Am I protected when I post my work online?
• What should I do if I see someone has copied my work without permission?
… and much more
LIVE CONCERTS & FILM
The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience – Joby Rogers
Saturday, September 8, 2018
Doors: 7:00 pm / Show: 8:00 pm
DESCRIPTION
The Ultimate Michael Experience” starring Joby Rogers is the essential Michael Jackson Tribute Show. “UMX” celebrates the music and dancing of the legendary ‘King of Pop’! This multimedia theatrical experience takes audiences on an amazing journey through the life and music of one the greatest and inspirational entertainers of all time. “UMX” is a high energy production dedicated to the Music, Dancing and Spirit of the iconic Michael Jackson. As the mirror image of MJ, Joby Rogers has entertained sold out audiences worldwide for over a decade. Joby is the only Tribute Artist with the recognition of being personally chosen by Michael Jackson in a signed statement as an “Official Substitute” & is the only Tribute Artist to ever appear credited on the Cover of “Rolling Stone Magazine”.
Joby Rogers stunning resemblance to Jackson combined with the intricate dance moves of the genius himself presents an exhilarating performance preserving the legacy and spirit of the “Entertainment Icon”. Be prepared for an evening to remember.
Jimmy Buffett* by Changes in Latitudes
September 15th, Shows at 5:00 pm & 8:00 pm
DESCRIPTION
Changes In Latitudes is the leading concert celebrating the iconic Jimmy Buffett. Grab a cocktail and hear your favorite hits as Steve Kareta portrays the Mayor of Margaritaville along with his nationally acclaimed band.
Changes In Latitudes will take you on a musical cruise around the sun-drenched tropical islands of the Caribbean. Bring your friends and your kids because It’s Five O’Clock at the Downtown Cabaret.
An Evening with Cher, Elton John, Bette Midler, & Streisand*:
Las Vegas’ The Edward Twins
Sunday, September 16th
Doors: 1:00 pm / Show: 2:00 pm
The Bijou Theatre
DESCRIPTION
Remember all the wonderful Variety shows we all grew up on in the 70’s & 80’s? Now is your chance to see them live and re-created by Las Vegas’ number one impersonators of all time. All your favorite legendary Superstars come alive in An Evening with The Stars. The NBC Today show says “it’s one of the most extraordinary shows we have ever seen.” Sonny & Cher, Billy Joel, Elton John, Neil Diamond, Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Lady Gaga, Celine Dion, Rod Stewart, Bette Midler, Barbra Streisand, Andrea Bocelli, Tom Jones, and many many more hosted by THE EDWARDS TWINS FROM LAS VEGAS. All live vocal. USA TODAY and THE BOSTON GLOBE raves “A Must see show” Each Star sings their number 1 hits as well as of your favorite Songs…
“Extraordinary”-The NBC Today Show
WPKN’s Music on Film Series at the Bijou
Fall 2018 Schedule
WPKN’s Music on Film Series
Film: Pirate Radio
Thursday, September 20th
Doors: 6:00 pm / Show: 7:00 pm
Bijou Theatre
DESCRIPTION
The Boat That Rocked (retitled Pirate Radio in North America, Good Morning England in France, Radio Rock Revolution in Germany, and I Love Radio Rock in Italy) is a 2009 British comedy film written and directed by Richard Curtis, with pirate radio in the United Kingdom during the 1960s as its setting. The film has an ensemble cast featuring Philip Seymour Hoffman, Bill Nighy, Rhys Ifans, Nick Frost, and Kenneth Branagh. Set in 1966, it tells the story of the fictitious pirate radio station “Radio Rock” and its crew of eclectic disc jockeys, who broadcast rock and pop music to the United Kingdom from a ship anchored in the North Sea while the British government endeavors to shut them down. It was produced by Working Title Films for Universal Pictures, and was filmed on the Isle of Portland and at Shepperton Studios.
PERFORMING ARTS AND THEATRE
With Love, Marilyn
Sunday, September 9th at 7:30pm
The Klein
DESCRIPTION
Critically-acclaimed actress Erin Sullivan gives a tour-de-force performance as Marilyn Monroe in this one-woman show. It will transport you back in time with songs made famous by the iconic ingenue, such as “I Wanna Be Loved By You” and “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend” while weaving in the love stories of the many men in Marilyn’s life. It is the first stop on a national tour and is produced and directed by Broadway producer Stephanie Rosenberg.
Tickets are $44, $32, & $20
Box office: (800) 424-0160 x2 or www.theklein.org
Legally Blonde – The Musical
September 21 – October 14
Downtown Cabaret Theatre
DESCRIPTION
A fabulously fun award-winning musical based on the adored movie, Legally Blonde follows the transformation of Elle Woods, as life is turned upside down when her boyfriend Warner dumps her so he can attend Harvard Law. With the support of some new friends, though, Elle tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams in this action-packed show, exploding with memorable songs and dynamic dances.
ARTS & CULTURE NEWS
Peter Konsterlie Memorial Fund – Schelfhaudt Gallery
We are saddened by the loss of Bridgeport artist Peter Konsterlie. In addition to his independent work as an artist, Peter was the Gallery Director of the Schelfhaudt Gallery at University of Bridgeport and Professor at University of Bridgeport’s Shintaro Akatsu School of Design. There will be a celebration of Peter’s life and retrospective of his work at his beloved Schelfhaudt gallery in the fall.
To memorialize Peter there is a fundraiser to create an endowment in his name that will support the continued work of the gallery. If you would like to contribute, the website is https://give.bridgeport.edu/. Under designation a dropdown bar select the Peter Konsterlie Memorial Fund.
Jenny Lind Scholar Swedish Soprano at Queens Museum “Wake and Unmoored” through September
The Barnum Museum participated in organizing an event with the Queens Museum – Wake and Unmoored – an event in partnership with Times Square Arts and No Longer Empty.
The Barnum Museum helped to bring the 2015 Jenny Lind Scholar, Swedish soprano Sara Swietlicki to celebrate the opening event in Times Square on Wednesday, July 11th. “Sara came to the United States in 2015 and performed at the Barnum Museum. Her magnificent voice is a tribute to the artistry and legacy of the acclaimed Jenny Lind.”
Artist Mel Chin has created a massive augmented-reality project that features an animatronic statue of Swedish Nightingale, Jenny Lind. The exhibition will be the centerpiece of NY’s Time Square through September.
For more information: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/21/arts/design/mel-chin-augmented-reality-times-square.html and http://www.queensmuseum.org/events/wake-and-unmoored
https://barnum-museum.org/events/queensmuseum/
Bridgeport Public Library History Center Awarded Grant to Exhibit the History of the Art Center and its Influence on Community
Bridgeport, CT – A $10,511.00 grant to the History Center of the Bridgeport Public Library has been awarded by Connecticut Humanities to fund an exhibition and public programming conceptualized and delivered by guest curator Michelle Black Smith on the rich history of the Art Center, a vibrant arts and culture organization that had a profound impact on the Bridgeport community during the 1970s and 1980s.
We Are Artists Every One: The Art Center in Action, 1970-1986 is an exhibition of photos, art work, photographs, artifacts, and oral histories that explores the Art Center, its influence on the city of Bridgeport, and the context of its role in the national Black Arts Movement. Public programming will include a lecture, panel discussion, documentary screening, and K-12 public school art instruction, and behind-the-scene tours. The exhibition opens on November 2, 2018 and closes April 30, 2019. All events are free.
“The Art Center was a creative, cultural, social and political space that flourished in the 1970s and early 1980s. Its impact was far greater than its stated mission to teach art, photography, and music,” said independent curator, Michelle Black Smith. “A casualty of shifting priorities in the mid-1980s, the Art Center lives on in the work created, the photographs that bear witness to shared experiences, and the trajectory of lives affected by both its existence and its demise. We are delighted that this grant from Connecticut Humanities will allow us to share this underrepresented history with the public, and create an archive for future research.”
Connecticut Humanities, a nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, supports cultural and historical organizations that tell the state’s stories, build community and enrich lives.
For more information about the exhibition, call (203) 545-9127 or visit
Endangered Freeman Homes get $50k grant
DESCRIPTION
The 1848 Mary and Eliza Freeman Houses in Bridgeport’s South End were recently added to the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s list of “America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places.” The news was celebrated by ceremonies at the Houses and at Housatonic Community College June 26 (see CT Post article). CT Humanities has announced a $10,000 capacity grant to the organization to create its first-ever strategic plan and to digitally store and preserve its institutional records. July 6th, the National Trust announced a $50,000 grant to the Freeman Center to begin permanent stabilization of the Freeman structures (more…).
The mission of The Freeman Center is not only to “restore, preserve and ensure the viability of the Freeman Houses,” but also to “teach the history of Black people in CT; revitalize the surrounding South End community; and facilitate preservation of other African American and Bridgeport communities.”
A discussion about these recent developments was featured on the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County’s Spotlight on Arts & Culture earlier this week.
BPT Art Trail News – August 2018 – Part 2
AUGUST FEATURE
Bridgeport Art Trail Artists in the Community,
Bringing Art to the People
We are preparing for our 10th Anniversary of the Bridgeport Art Trail November 8th-11th.
Bridgeport Art Trail artists summer outreach: along with the annual open studio weekend, “BAT” artists share their talent and creativity with the community year-round.
BRIDGEPORT ART TRAIL NEWS
REMINDER: SUBMIT YOUR LISTING FOR
BRIDGEPORT ART TRAIL PROGRAM BOOK/ARTISTS’ DIRECTORY BY 9/5/18.
BRIDGEPORT ART TRAIL PROGRAM BOOK/ARTISTS’ DIRECTORY BY 9/5/18.
As you enjoy the dog days of summer, Autumn seems a long way off, but we are in the planning stages of the Bridgeport Art Trail weekend scheduled for November 8-11, 2018, the annual city-wide event marks our 10 years in 2018.
Artists, musicians, performers and arts organizations who would like to participate or submit their information for the 2018 program book and artists directory are welcome to submit info, the deadline for submission is: 9/5/18. Please send info to clgallerybpt@gmail.com
Attached please find directions regarding the format for submitting info for the 2018 Bridgeport Art Trail program guide/directory. You can review examples of 2018 listings at: https://bridgeport-art-trail.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/BAT2017_guide_website.pdf
IMPORTANT DATES:
A planning meeting for the BAT 2018 is scheduled for Thursday, starting at 6: 15 pm August 23, 2018 at City Lights Gallery 265 Golden Hill St. Bridgeport CT. near the Downtown Cabaret Theatre.
The deadline for submission is September 5, 2018. . Please send any ideas or proposals for new program ideas to be considered to clgallerybpt@gmail.com
Venues and organizations provide a general listing followed by specific information for the November Art Trail weekend along with pertinent November/December program info. Theatres, music venues, museums, arts venues are encouraged to create special programs for the city-wide arts celebration weekend or just submit info regarding programs that are part of the regular programs, already taking place November 8-11, 2018.
The Thursday Kick-off party will take place November 8. with a Bridgeport Art Trail sampler exhibit and artists’ party, including food, drink, the Park City All Stars, a lineup of Bridgeport musicians..
Find attached a general information about creating and submitting a B.A.T. listing
AUGUST EVENTS 2018
VISUAL ARTS
SAMESEX – 8th Annual Art Exhibit
City Lights Gallery
DESCRIPTION
SAMESEX annually reflects the current zeitgeist of the LGBTQ community, their friends, family, neighbors and allies.
Exhibiting Artists: Mario Baez, Nate Bass, Marieta Capobianco, Darron Copeland, Erica Czerwinski, Daniel Eugene, Andrew Graham, Eliska Greenspoon, Don Houston, Maxwell Kale, Julia Rose Liptak, Alison Margo, Marla Mcleod, Cassandra Mendoza, Ricky Mestre, Thomas Mythos, Jon Puozzoli, Aly Maderson Quinlog, Colleen Reilly Rees, Barbara Ruger, Ellen Schinderman, Shilarts, Richard Taddei, Francesca Winfield
Past, Present, Future
Featuring Artworks by Clyde Theophilus McLaughlin
Opening Reception Saturday September 7th, 5-8pm
Blends Gallery
Drip Drop, Tick Tock by Joseph Fucigna
Exhibit Opens: September 6th
Opening Reception: September 13, 5:30-8:00pm
Housatonic Museum of Art
DESCRIPTION
The Housatonic Museum of Art presents a new exhibition, “Drip Drop, Tick Tock” by regional artist, Joseph Fucigna. The show focuses on sculptures from the on-going Plastic Fencing Series created in the last 14 years. With his sculptures Fucigna enjoys taking modest industrial materials and transforming them into elegant yet provocative abstractions that speak about the inherent qualities of the material, process, craft and time. The exhibition opens on September 6 with a reception to be held on Thursday, September 13 from 5:30–8:00pm.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Downtown Brideport Farmer’s Market
Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
McLevy Green
DESCRIPTION
The Downtown Bridgeport Farmer’s Market is held every Thursday on McLevy Green from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
In addition to fresh veggies and delicious lunch options, join for live music and art demonstrations!
- August 23rd –Susan Murray of Finished With Style: Stenciling, Textural Surface Treatments, Upcylced Furniture Artist of the NEST Arts Factory
- August 30th – Melida Alford : Jewelry. Prints and Bags READ MORE
- August 30th Shanna Melton. Visual art, art to wear, poetry
Plan Bridgeport
PechaKucha Night Bridgeport
September 12th, 2018
The Barnum Museum
DESCRIPTION
PechaKucha Bridgeport is designed to bring people together to listen to great personal stories. PechaKucha is Japanese for “chit-chat.” It is a presentation style in which one speaker uses 20 slides, each shown for 20 seconds resulting in a total time of 6 minutes and 40 seconds. This licensed format keeps presentations focused and fast-paced.
Our first PechaKucha was on May 9th! We had 14 presenters and their stories can be viewed online at: https://www.pechakucha.org/cities/bridgeport/events/5a935d7a3c70efad7400010dThis
PechaKucha is FREE, and registration is not necessary. Arrival by 6:00 PM is a good idea to get a good seat and FOOD will be available to purchase through the community work of CHEF RAQUEL RIVERA PABLO (a PechaKucha presenter at our Vol.#1 event!).
LIVE CONCERTS
Downtown Thursdays Free Summer Concert Series 2018
DESCRIPTION
8/23 – Old School Hip Hop & RnB Finale
Featuring a Legendary Hip Hop Group @ Seaside Park Bandshell
Beginnings – Chicago*
Saturday, August 25
Downtown Cabaret Theatre
