<p>FAIRFIELD, Conn.—TrailBlazing Productions, a new nonprofit theatre company providing a platform for writers to further develop their works while collaborating with classic stars from the stage and screen, will launch its first production on June 21 at the&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC2VRyW2NTXlI61YTK60lzUVnm-2BhOMDqc7wl-2BFJ1svGFBim2k_FrbdBNjFDoEa-2F9q6J5rbxTv-2FYob5s2OonmKskZDAI3EecPYSNkmoV-2FmUlS5o1MX9o2qLY9lEh3oYSJOVkoscZLkjJqE3bGS38EAyVy06JHUI1cq5On-2F-2FIWH14f-2BS1OV7WAUONTMHXZfXZtLvhXai9nDHNyRW20TRatqs8-2B3lXP6P1o-2BBRiKEV8w4PgqJkbMkaU5RnotaSFI2TCfevKmJlRcgyyKnBDBBaoeaJ6Qz80CK6EqLKate7Jj-2BRyYHKYPb9PEhwLF0SgmERTYmY7arzBZKwnKkHiv0xvWTMI93vWX8iwqeJOEh6X38H9sKH6bbwX-2BwJ9jSkC8Kk3ZwrXMuJze8FzvCajkydBswpPtBpa4-3D" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">Sacred Heart University Community Theatre</a>.&nbsp;</p><p>The company will debut&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC24Mx1gs7P-2B7v-2BhAl-2Fcm6MUWrUxWZdMPJnBzp5SXbCzxF0mj8hypcC2mdAMGxXx3uS1-2BUR28vrBWE9vNQm6AnCE-3D7c51_FrbdBNjFDoEa-2F9q6J5rbxTv-2FYob5s2OonmKskZDAI3EecPYSNkmoV-2FmUlS5o1MX9o2qLY9lEh3oYSJOVkoscZLkjJqE3bGS38EAyVy06JHUI1cq5On-2F-2FIWH14f-2BS1OV7WAUONTMHXZfXZtLvhXai9nDHNyRW20TRatqs8-2B3lXP6P1o-2BBRiKEV8w4PgqJkbMkaU5RnotaSFI2TCfevKmJlTZk62ucUmiI7ieFQJZngTfntlSzdgsQU-2BlhV-2BuBDEbt-2BggPCb0U7CY-2F6bUX7cYX3CD4-2FWsaBwAClvSzBeD21sBy7RnHx-2FF1uiiU66E6qTMyaUpLs2U7VAYRtvuwWjeAIJBvtBt1L5uBqi2BPcohGgc-3D" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: blue;"><em>The Petrillos</em></a>, a new farce written by TrailBlazing’s founder, and SHU alum, Justin Weigel ’20, and will star Aida Turturro, best known for her Emmy-nominated portrayal of Janice Soprano in HBO’s acclaimed series&nbsp;<em>The Sopranos</em>. Turturro will take on the role of Angela, the indomitable matriarch of the Petrillo family. Alongside Turturro, the inaugural production will feature&nbsp;<em>Sopranos’</em>&nbsp;alums Robert Funaro as Angela’s brother, Sal, and John Fiore as the Petrillo patriarch, Vinny. Funaro and Fiore are best known for their iconic roles on as Eugene Pontecorvo and Gigi Cestone.&nbsp;</p><p><em>The Petrillos</em>, set in Westchester County, NY, takes place on the night of Lyndon's proposal to Olivia. Chaos erupts when Angela misplaces the engagement ring. Amidst a whirlwind of misunderstandings and coverups, secrets are exposed and hilarity ensues in this comedy of errors that will keep you laughing from start to finish. Rounding out the ensemble is John Flaherty, Alexander DeChino, Becca Ferrante and stand-up comedian Kitty Reynolds. The show will run at the Sacred Heart University Community Theatre from June 21-23. Visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC24Mx1gs7P-2B7v-2BhAl-2Fcm6MUWrUxWZdMPJnBzp5SXbCzxF0mj8hypcC2mdAMGxXx3uS1-2BUR28vrBWE9vNQm6AnCE-3DS4Rq_FrbdBNjFDoEa-2F9q6J5rbxTv-2FYob5s2OonmKskZDAI3EecPYSNkmoV-2FmUlS5o1MX9o2qLY9lEh3oYSJOVkoscZLkjJqE3bGS38EAyVy06JHUI1cq5On-2F-2FIWH14f-2BS1OV7WAUONTMHXZfXZtLvhXai9nDHNyRW20TRatqs8-2B3lXP6P1o-2BBRiKEV8w4PgqJkbMkaU5RnotaSFI2TCfevKmJlblt2fjQMWLOGpmrRhOYW47jF3VlZgojQf7zh5j0ZyQChP80cCX54AHMAPwcZREO0I-2B8VXJx7z1ekx8d4IHeiKo2aLo2j0JrM0mQTxIwPE7bHV6ATOrHc6NKZYNqzVKabV5kKxjyuyrSZvEreyXvfwQ-3D" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">theatre’s website</a>&nbsp;to purchase tickets.&nbsp;</p><p>In addition to the play, the company will host exclusive events at the theatre, including “A Sit Down with The Sopranos” on June 22, featuring an intimate hour-long talkback session with cast members, including Dan Grimaldi (Patsy and Philly Parisi), Matt Servitto (Agent Dwight Harris) and&nbsp;Jason Cerbone (Jackie Aprile, Jr.)&nbsp;and more cast members to be announced in the coming weeks. The proceeds from these events will be donated to Sandy Hook Promise.&nbsp;</p><p>“Thanks to the support of TrailBlazing Productions, we will be able to empower even more students to ‘know the signs’ to prevent school shootings, reduce bullying and create more supportive learning environments that help minimize the potential for youth violence and self-harm,” said Nicole Hockley, co-founder and CEO of Sandy Hook Promise.&nbsp;</p><p>TrailBlazing Productions was launched earlier this year by Weigel, a writer and producer who was part of the launch team of Saltbox TV in 2020, the first-ever streaming service for older adults. The pioneering venture is also co-founded by Dan Murphy ’17, Serena Morin and Henley Solomon ’19.&nbsp;It is backed by an advisory board of legendary industry actors, writers, producers, directors and talent agents who will lend their support to help further the company’s mission. They include Treva Silverman (Emmy Award-winning writer,&nbsp;<em>The Mary Tyler Moore Show</em>), Randy Graff (TONY Award-winning actress for&nbsp;<em>City of Angels</em>) Perry Zimel (co-owner and partner Oscars, Abram, Zimel &amp; Associates) and Liza Asner the acclaimed filmmaker and daughter of legendary actor, Ed Asner, who will serve on the board as chairman emeritus.&nbsp;</p><p>“TrailBlazing Productions brings together my deep love for theater and admiration for classic stars, infusing new stories with their timeless charm. I can't help but feel my father’s presence, his adventurous spirit dancing alongside us, as we honor tradition while pushing the boundaries of innovation in every performance,” said Asner.</p><p><strong><em><u>About Sacred Heart University</u></em></strong></p><p>As the second-largest independent Catholic university in New England, and one of the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers nearly 90 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. More than 10,000 students attend the University’s nine colleges and schools: Arts &amp; Sciences; Communication, Media &amp; the Arts; Social Work; Computer Science &amp; Engineering; Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education &amp; Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business &amp; Technology; the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., &amp; Richard J. Henley College of Nursing; and St. Vincent’s College. Sacred Heart stands out from other Catholic institutions as it was established and led by laity. The contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts, and at the same time cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change—in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its&nbsp;<em>Best 389 Colleges: 2024 Edition</em>, and&nbsp;<em>Best Business Schools: 2023 Edition</em>. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliate station, WSHU Public Radio, a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theatre.&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.b00YhNV2Nr0-2BaZn7eVNAdfZFQXURG8FP-2B04JtGtKgvbMBw7-2BIpfvTuer8r78ReWBW3Li_FrbdBNjFDoEa-2F9q6J5rbxTv-2FYob5s2OonmKskZDAI3EecPYSNkmoV-2FmUlS5o1MX9o2qLY9lEh3oYSJOVkoscZLkjJqE3bGS38EAyVy06JHUI1cq5On-2F-2FIWH14f-2BS1OV7WAUONTMHXZfXZtLvhXai9nDHNyRW20TRatqs8-2B3lXP6P1o-2BBRiKEV8w4PgqJkbMkaU5RnotaSFI2TCfevKmJlQYS2mvnmsQCol2r574mhr-2BrvwKSN9jRNLw-2FAW6bzFl5MafQIlOuCx-2BrJ07sKvlsqEJ9OmjDWdi-2Fs60BGTpqW45UADs-2Ft-2Fx3SAfZDmE2j3HWibB2jeTW8XA2UcSEo05Mr5FMdqmUQYPZmKHwjX9mrxU-3D" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">www.sacredheart.edu</a></p><p><a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC5zXlYyHAjRdaEmJAu5iuR06yFQYlg4tcNAxmEK7HDByjAjR9jatA9EEd9MRTzfB6A-2Fyzu7G-2Bq6d2LECa9KaapQ3QFqWq-2B9L-2FFR1rl434q8-2B7d7ReiGDirc0NX-2BUikBQV1cEMaVJRjdIqaWBN4CeIZ8QqCXDgYTT5Lnk4MGY0Z7VR2FX_FrbdBNjFDoEa-2F9q6J5rbxTv-2FYob5s2OonmKskZDAI3EecPYSNkmoV-2FmUlS5o1MX9o2qLY9lEh3oYSJOVkoscZLkjJqE3bGS38EAyVy06JHUI1cq5On-2F-2FIWH14f-2BS1OV7WAUONTMHXZfXZtLvhXai9nDHNyRW20TRatqs8-2B3lXP6P1o-2BBRiKEV8w4PgqJkbMkaU5RnotaSFI2TCfevKmJlTHAeqCab-2B2GyFjPtdr6yDQiCaieBO4nKBrVAENPA-2BFqxtlZw-2BJoYMe2fpm-2FLNQWU9dAsmTv6-2FQZSkA9kGBemF5X2DzSXanGov-2B27aqLUehLAPzubdHvXdayQTLASkRVSo5E192AIU5YtGQHIKS3PWU-3D" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">View SHU’s Faculty Experts Here</a></p><p><strong><em><u>About TrailBlazing Productions</u></em></strong></p><p>TrailBlazing Productions is a non-profit theatre company dedicated to igniting the stage</p><p>with innovative theatrical experiences that blend the creativity of new works with the</p><p>timeless allure of classic stars. Rooted in a commitment to honoring the rich legacies of</p><p>older artists and voices, the company strives to push the boundaries of artistic</p><p>expression and uphold the standards of excellence on stage and screen.</p><p>For more information and production updates — FaceBook: TrailBlazing Productions,</p><p>Instagram: @trailblazingproductions, Threads: @trailblazingproductions,</p><p>TikTok: @trailblazingproductions.</p>

<p><span style="color: var(--geeks-body-color); font-weight: var(--geeks-body-font-weight);">Westport, CT - Westport Country Playhouse announces its upcoming 94th theater season, from October 2024 through April 2025, featuring three Playhouse-produced plays, each running three weeks, and two shorter-run productions, including a holiday offering and a musical revue.</span></p><p>“Welcome back to a season of fully produced theatre at the Playhouse!,” said Mark Shanahan, Westport Country Playhouse artistic director. “I’ve been thinking a lot about our loyal audience lately! As I’ve scoured my bookshelf, lined with favorite plays, I’ve been asking: What stories do we want to tell at the Playhouse at this time? What would our community want to see on stage? What kinds of plays will bring us together?</p><p>“With these questions in mind, I’m proud to present ‘A Season of Laughter,’” Shanahan continued. “I’ve put together a slate of comedies, chosen specifically to energize our community with a welcoming sense of warmth, joy, and humor. From family friendly plays to old-fashioned romps, to biting and topical humor, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”</p><p>Shanahan added, “Just as the Playhouse continues to undergo a transformation into a year-round venue for our homemade productions and special presented events, our season of plays is rooted in the very idea of transformation, too. It’s my hope that every trip to the Playhouse will feel like a fresh, new experience, and one that will keep your spirits lifted long after the curtain falls.”</p><p>Opening the 2024-25 season will be “The 39 Steps,” a fast-paced frenzy of espionage and murderous mayhem, playing from October 22 through November 9. Unflappable hero Richard Hannay goes on the run from dangerous spies and femme fatales in an adventure that mixes Alfred Hitchcock’s classic film with a juicy spy novel, and a dash of Monty Python. This two-time Tony and Drama Desk Award-winning treat is packed with nonstop laughs as a talented cast of four portrays over 150 zany characters in a riotous homage to the “Master of Suspense.” The family friendly work is produced by arrangement with Firery Angel Limited, adapted by Patrick Barlow from the novel by John Buchan, from the movie by Alfred Hitchcock, licensed by ITV Global Entertainment Limited, and based on a concept by Simon Corble and Nobby Dimon. Presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.concordtheatricals.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">www.concordtheatricals.com</a>.&nbsp;</p><p>“Native Gardens,” an outrageous comedy by popular modern playwright Karen Zacarías, will run February 18 through March 8. Bad behavior reigns as two sets of well-intentioned neighbors become feuding enemies in a backyard battle for the ages. When expectant parents Tania and Pablo Del Valle move in next door to longtime suburbanites Virginia and Frank Butley, a little dispute over their yard’s property line spirals into an epic, flower-flinging war over taste, culture, class, personal identity…and gardening. Can these couples ever learn to love their neighbor and mend the fences that separate them?&nbsp;Presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.concordtheatricals.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">www.concordtheatricals.com</a>.</p><p>“Theatre People,” a throwback to the classic screwball comedies of yesteryear by Connecticut-born&nbsp;playwright Paul Slade Smith, adapted from Ferenc Molnár’s “Play at the Castle,” will be staged March 25 through April 12.&nbsp;It’s 1948, and the brightest names on Broadway have descended upon a glamorous Newport mansion for a weekend of romance, chaos, and more than a few misunderstandings. An unforgettable cast of characters, populated by a pair of scheming playwrights, a couple of misbehaving actors, a star-struck young author, and a disgruntled housekeeper, offer a love letter to the theatre and all the people who make it.&nbsp;A hit in last year’s Script In Hand playreading series, “Theatre People” will now receive a full production on the Playhouse stage.&nbsp;Presented by arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, a division of Broadway Licensing Global.</p><p>Two shorter-run productions, or ‘add-ons’, will round out the season. “A Sherlock Carol,” a family friendly holiday show by Mark Shanahan, will be back by popular demand after a sold-out run in December 2023. Part mystery, part ghost-story, the play is&nbsp;based on a Sherlock Holmes tale by Sir Arthur Conan and “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens,&nbsp;playing December 17 through 22. “Broadway Scores at the Playhouse,” a concert of songs from the Golden Age as well as recent musicals, will feature new arrangements created for a powerhouse band of musicians and distinct interpretations performed by a cast of Playhouse favorites and Broadway veterans, running January 23 through 26.</p><p>Season ticket packages for all three longer-run productions start at $68. Prices vary according to performance day/time and seating location. Additional charge for the optional, shorter-run shows. Season tickets are now on sale for current subscribers only. Renewals on or before Friday, May 31, 2024, will include a guest pass for one 2024-2025 season production to share with a friend, along with the benefits of retaining priority seats, substantial savings over single ticket prices, flexible ticket exchanges, discounts at selected restaurant partners, and more.</p><p>Playhouse Encore Club members and donors may purchase season ticket packages starting Tuesday, May 14; season tickets available to the general public Saturday, June 8.&nbsp;Single tickets will be on sale Tuesday, June 25.</p><p>For complete 2024-25 season details, visit:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.westportplayhouse.org/2024-2025-season/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">https://www.westportplayhouse.org/2024-2025-season/</a></p><p>2024 Programming and Season Sponsor is Barbara Streicker. Media sponsors are Moffly Media and WSHU Public Radio. Westport Country Playhouse is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.&nbsp;</p><p>A complete schedule of year-round Playhouse events, including plays, concerts, comedy, Script in Hand playreadings, Mic in Hand, Family Festivities, Barnstormers, speakers, and more, is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://westportplayhouse.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">westportplayhouse.org</a>.&nbsp;All play titles, artists, dates, and times are subject to change.</p><p>For Westport Country Playhouse information and tickets, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://westportplayhouse.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">westportplayhouse.org</a>&nbsp;or call the box office at (203) 227-4177, toll-free at 1-888-927-7529. Stay connected to the Playhouse on Facebook (Westport Country Playhouse), Instagram (wcplayhouse), and&nbsp;YouTube (WestportPlayhouse).&nbsp;Westport Country Playhouse is located at 25 Powers Court, off Route 1, Westport.&nbsp;</p>

<p>HARTFORD, CT – Senate Democrats voted unanimously to pass&nbsp;<a href="https://cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&amp;which_year=2024&amp;bill_num=416" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(5, 99, 193);">Senate Bill 416</a>&nbsp;allowing developers to bypass municipal zoning and convert commercial property into residential housing without a public hearing or a special permit from the local governing body. Senator Hwang spoke passionately about the negative impacts this legislation would have on communities, taking away residents’ voices and concerns about how their town’s commercial properties could be re-developed.</p><p>“When you take away the right of local zoning authorities to hold public hearings and use special permits, you have given a blank check to a developer who will convert a commercial property for residential use.”&nbsp;<strong>Senator Hwang&nbsp;</strong>remarked. “This is not compatible, consistent, or compliant with the needs of our communities.”</p><p>Senator Hwang noted the detrimental impact of the “as of right” language in this bill, granting the aforementioned conversion of commercial property to residential property if it “complies with local zoning regulations”. However, the bill prevents the town from holding a public hearing on the proposed conversion.</p><p>“The key word is no public hearing, no public input, no insight from local zoning authorities. This bill denies local input and gives carte blanche to an owner of a commercial property to develop that property.”&nbsp;<strong>Senator Hwang</strong>&nbsp;added.</p><p>The bill will now be passed onto the House of Representatives for a vote. If the bill is not called in the House by Wednesday, May 8, it will be considered dead.</p>

<p><strong>Westport, CT —&nbsp;</strong>The Westport Book Shop is pleased to welcome local artist Clark Hanford as guest exhibitor for the month of May at the Book Shop’s Drew Friedman Art Place.&nbsp;&nbsp;Clark is exhibiting a series of oil paintings of dogs, painted in a 19th century style, and presented in antique frames.&nbsp;</p><p>Clark has been an artist for over five decades, working in a variety of mediums, including painting, clothing, and sculpture.&nbsp;&nbsp;Before returning to Westport in 1985, Clark lived, worked and studied in London for 17 years, making and selling his work from his Notting Hill shop.&nbsp;&nbsp;He is well known for his life-like sculptures of actors such as Marlene Dietrich, Lucille Ball, Katherine Hepburn, and Liz Taylor, dressed in period clothing made by Clark.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Clark is a Westport/Weston native and a 1962 graduate of Staples High School. He studied art in England at Goldsmith College, and here at Silvermine College of Art.&nbsp;&nbsp;Some of his notable clients over the years have included Burt Bacharach, Demi Moore, John Entwistle, Elton John, Debbie Reynolds, and David Bowie.&nbsp;&nbsp;One of Clark’s sculptures of Marlene Dietrich was featured in the May 1983 Playboy magazine, and photographed by Helmut Newton.</p><p>The Westport Book Shop will hold a reception for Clark Hanford and his exhibit on Wednesday evening, May 15, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;Space is limited; please RSVP to the Book Shop at 203-349-5141 or by email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:bookshop@westportbooksaleventures.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">bookshop@westportbooksaleventures.org</a></p><p>Clark Hanford’s artwork will be on exhibit at the Book Shop through May 31, 2024.&nbsp;&nbsp;All work on display is available for purchase.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Westport Book Shop, a nonprofit independent used book store, is downtown Westport’s only source for gently used and antiquarian books, vintage vinyl records, CDs, DVDs and audio books.&nbsp;&nbsp;It is located at 23 Jesup Road, right across Jesup Green from the Westport Library.</p><p>The Book Shop’s “Drew Friedman Art Place” is an area of the store dedicated to exhibiting the work of community artists year-round, on a rotating basis.&nbsp;&nbsp;Miggs Burroughs, a Trustee of the Drew Friedman Community Arts Center, and a founding member of The Artists Collective of Westport, curates these exhibits, which change monthly.</p><p>The art exhibit is open to the public during the Book Shop’s regular business hours:&nbsp;&nbsp;Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays from Noon to 5 p.m. </p><p><em>The Westport Book Shop is operated by Westport Book Sale Ventures, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit enterprise with the dual social mission to provide meaningful employment for adults with disabilities, while raising support for The Westport Library, through used book sales.&nbsp;&nbsp;In addition to the nonprofit Westport Book Shop, gently used books are also offered for sale online on the company’s website&nbsp;</em><a href="http://www.westportbooksaleventures.org/shop" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>www.westportbooksaleventures.org/shop</em></a><em>&nbsp;and through our eBay store at&nbsp;</em><a href="http://www.ebay.com/str/westportbooksalesct" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>www.ebay.com/str/westportbooksalesct</em></a><em>, as well as at periodic large book sale events. The next book sale event is the Big Spring Book Sale, to be held at the Westport Library May 17 through May 20, 2024.&nbsp;&nbsp;For more information, or to make a charitable donation, please visit our website at&nbsp;</em><a href="http://www.westportbooksaleventures.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>www.westportbooksaleventures.org</em></a></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><em>Westport Book Sale Ventures welcomes volunteers for all aspects of our operations, from book donation receipt and sorting, to preparing for and working at book sale events, to work in our online sales operation, and at the Westport Book Shop. For more information, and to get involved, please visit&nbsp;</em><a href="http://www.westportbooksaleventures.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 3, 255);"><em>www.westportbooksaleventures.org</em></a><strong><em>&nbsp;</em></strong><em>or send an email to&nbsp;</em><a href="mailto:info@westportbooksales.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>info@westportbooksales</em><strong><em>.</em></strong><em>org</em></a><strong><em>&nbsp;</em></strong></p><p><br></p>

<p>Bridgeport, CT - Music emanated from a stairwell at an elementary school in Bridgeport, CT. Students passing by glanced in to see a few children learning how to play the piano and asked if they could have lessons too. That was 20 years ago.</p><p>Initiated by Rob Silvan, a local jazz musician, composer, and music director, KEYS Inc. (short for Kids Empowered by Your Support) began with a portable keyboard in the only space available at Columbus Elementary School in Bridgeport CT. Rob shared, "I founded KEYS in 2004 because I believe that all children benefit from music, especially through personalized one-on-one instruction. My belief stems from my own music education, experience as a musician, and years as a piano teacher."</p><p>This belief has evolved into an independent music education program that operates in partnership with Bridgeport schools for students from kindergarten through 12th grade. To date, KEYS has served over 5,600 students offering one-to-one music lessons across 20 different disciplines including piano, violin, and guitar. All services are provided free of charge, including instruments, cases, sheet music, supplies, and top-notch instruction by a faculty of 40 - many of whom are local professional artists. KEYS also offers a dynamic Saturday program comprising individual and group lessons, as well as ensembles for orchestra, concert band, jazz band, and choir. Continuing individual lessons and a 4-week summer music program in July and August helps prevent summer learning loss and offers summer employment opportunities for numerous KEYS high school graduates.</p><p>"Our program stands out by offering consistent music education to students throughout their school years, even if they change schools or relocate nearby. This fosters years of steady mentorship that develops genuine connections with our students and their families," explains Karen Cobham, KEYS Executive Director. Notably, all KEYS students graduate from high school, with many continuing their musical studies in college. Karen Cobham emphasizes that regardless of their path after high school, through music education all students gain essential social-emotional skills crucial for success in life.</p><p>Unfortunately, not all students have the same access to a high-quality music education. School districts such as Bridgeport are underfunded, and family resources are limited. School bands are often eliminated when a director retires, or course scheduling makes it impossible, leaving a void for a student musician to continue lessons and have ensemble experience.</p><p>This is where KEYS bridges the gap.</p><p>KEYS provides an academic advantage for Bridgeport students through a music education that creates knowledge, builds confidence, and breaks down barriers to opportunity.</p><p>Audie Szymanski can attest to the positive impact of a KEYS music education on his life. He shares, "KEYS granted me a scholarship for individual violin studies and enrolled me in the Saturday morning orchestra. The summer camp provided orchestral experiences, musical workshops, meals, and more - all free of charge! As a reserved 7th grader, it was a dream come true. I eagerly anticipate passing on the musical gift from KEYS to the next generation of musicians." Audie, who began as a KEYS violin student at age 12, pursued a music education degree in college, continued as a KEYS intern, now serves as the KEYS Orchestra Director - a source of inspiration and a superb teacher for future KEYS students.</p><p>KEYS is proud to celebrate 20 years of music education in Bridgeport schools. They welcome you to join them and commemorate this significant milestone at their annual benefit on November 8th at the Fairfield Theatre Company in Fairfield, CT. For more details about KEYS, please visit <a href="https://www.hamlethub.com/darien-connecticut/stories/keysmusic.org." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">keysmusic.org.</a></p>

<p class="ql-align-center">Westport, CT - Get away from the everyday with an afternoon of music and dance from Bali, Indonesia, performed by Gamelan Galak Tika.</p><p>On Saturday, May 4, starting at 3 pm in the Library’s Trefz Forum,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/elektrogamelan" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">Gamelan Galak Tika</a>&nbsp;returns to Westport with original compositions by Gusti Komin, who has been hailed as one of the leading composers, performers, and teachers of Balinese music of his generation.</p><p>Galak Tika has been at the forefront of innovative, cross-cultural music for Balinese gamelan — the instrument and music of Indonesia — since 1993. Founded at MIT by Evan Ziporyn, Desak Madé Suarti Laksmi, and I Nyoman Catra, Galak Tika is currently directed by Komin, drawing its membership from across the Boston community as well as MIT students and staff. The name “Galak Tika” is Bahasa Kawi (classical Javanese, a dialect of Sanskrit) for “intense togetherness.”</p><p>The group has performed at Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center Out of Doors, BAM, Boston Symphony Hall, Jordan Hall, several Bang on a Can Marathons, Southern Exposure, the Cleveland Museum of Art, Zankel Hall, the Boston Museum of Science, and the Kripalu Yoga Institute, along with many east coast universities. In 2005, Galak Tika performed at the Bali International Arts Festival and in numerous villages around the island. Watch a performance of the group&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/MITMusicandTheater/videos/global-music-mit-rambax-and-gamelan-galak-tika/194902566188311/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">here</a>.</p><p>Originally from the village of Pengosekan, Bali,&nbsp;<a href="https://mta.mit.edu/person/gusti-komin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">Gusti Komin Darta</a>&nbsp;first studied with his father, renowned musician Gusti Ketut Kerta, and began performing professionally for shadow puppet plays (wayang) at the age of 9. As a teenager, he enrolled at the prestigious national arts conservatory, now known as the Indonesian Institute for the Arts.&nbsp;</p><p>Widely acknowledged as master of gendér wayang,&nbsp;a style of gamelan music played in Bali, Komin is one of its foremost contemporary composers blending traditional and modern gamelan music in imaginative ways. An exacting teacher and rebellious spirit, Komin writes music that explodes conventions and pushes limitations of even the strongest performers.</p><p>This concert is made possible by the generosity of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.maurerfamilyfoundation.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">Maurer Family Foundation</a>.</p><p><strong>Event Information</strong></p><p><strong>The Music of Bali with&nbsp;</strong><strong style="color: rgb(20, 24, 39);">Gamelan Galak Tika</strong></p><p>Saturday, May 4</p><p>3 pm</p><p>The Westport Library&nbsp;(Trefz Forum)</p><p><strong>Event link:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://westportlibrary.org/event/the-music-of-bali/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">https://westportlibrary.org/event/the-music-of-bali/</a></p><p><strong>About The Westport Library</strong></p><p>Founded in 1886, built in 1908, and transformed in 2019, The Westport Library is one of the most active and innovative public libraries in the nation, devoted to enriching the intellectual and creative lives of the community. Among its many highlights are a full collection of books for children, teens, and adults; an engaging and colorful Children’s Library; a MakerSpace; a Library of Things; a Seed Library; a robust café and store; and professional art installations that rotate throughout the year. The Westport Library is also home to Verso Studios, replete with an SSL hybrid analog sound studio and broadcast control suite featuring a state-of-the-art console and six robotic cameras, and the Trefz Forum, an open, flexible space that can accommodate up to 600 patrons and features an 18-foot video wall, 35-foot stage, state-of-the-art sound, and theatrical lighting. Situated in the heart of downtown Westport overlooking the scenic Saugatuck River, The Westport Library annually hosts StoryFest, the largest literary festival in Connecticut, and VersoFest, its multi-day music and media festival. Above all, the Library strives to serve the whole community as a vibrant gathering spot where people of all ages come to seek information, gain knowledge, exchange ideas, and share experiences. For more information, visit<a href="https://westportlibrary.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">westportlibrary.org</a>.</p>