A Darien concert review, a music workshop with the musical director of Wicked on Broadway, a trunk or treat event, and a “fireside chat” with the interim superintendent are some of the events noted in Interim Schools Superintendent Eric Byrne’s newsletter this Friday. Also: Trunk or Treat at Darien High School, a fall festival at the Mather Homestead, a haunted house at Post 53, and a rundown of what DHS sports teams are participating in this weekend. Here’s the newsletter:
Dear Darien Community,
If you have never been to a concert at DHS, you are missing out! Last night I attended my first performance and it was amazing. It was a water-themed concert of choral music, featuring our DHS Concert Choir, Sound Waves a cappella group, our barbershop quartet “Fantastic 4,” and the DHS Tudor Singers!
Brian Wilson, the creative force behind The Beach Boys, revolutionized 1960s pop music with his innovative compositions, intricate harmonies, and pioneering studio techniques (most notably on the groundbreaking album Pet Sounds). His music is the subject of a lecture by Professor Gil Harel this Thursday evening, Aug. 21, at Darien Library. — an announcement from Darien Library
Wilson’s ability to blend surf rock with sophisticated orchestral arrangements influenced countless artists, from The Beatles to modern indie bands, shaping the evolution of popular music. Despite personal struggles, Wilson’s visionary approach to songwriting and production left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire musicians across genres.
Celebrate the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day weekend with a lively performance of Irish ballads and sea songs by The Kerry Boys band, starting at 4 p.m., Saturday at Darien Library. — an announcement from Darien Library
Expect soul-stirring melodies of traditional Irish tunes that will have you singing and clapping along in joyous celebration! The Kerry Boys have dazzled fans of all ages from Maine to Pennsylvania with their humorous high-energy performances and engaging style of Irish ballads and sea songs. Come and experience the magic as The Kerry Boys transport you to the enchanting world of Irish music.
Darien Library invites you to Open Mic Night this Friday. Come recite poetry, play music, or dazzle us with any other talent. — an announcement from Darien Library
All ages are welcome to perform or to support our creatives as part of the audience. If You’re Going … This event takes place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Friday, Jan.
Darien Summer Nights Concerts will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. with three concerts in the next four Fridays, first with the Bob Button Big Band, then The Dooh Dah’s and, two weeks later, Diggity. — an announcement from the Corbin District website
The Corbin District and Darien Parks and Recreation are sponsoring the Summer 2024 concerts at Tilley Pond Park. The concerts have been held at Grove Street Plaza, but this summer the park is the venue, so bring beach chairs and blankets. The music — from live bands — is from 6 to 9 p.m. (expect a break or two), and it’s free. A few food trucks will be on hand to make it easy to enjoy the music and have dinner.
Lil’ Kim, Wyclef Jean and Sublime with Rome will be performing in separate concerts over a three week period this summer in the Alive At Five concert series, the Stamford Special Services District has announced. — an announcement from Stamford Downtown
The three-concert series starts at 5 p.m. on Thursdays, July 25 (Sublime with Rome), Aug. 1 (Lil’ Kim) and Aug. 8 (Wyclef Jean) at Mill River Park. Each concert night features DJs, opening acts, food trucks and a large variety of beer, wine and cocktails for purchase.
Thirteen cities and regions in Connecticut, including New Canaan will join forces to present hundreds of free outdoor musical events on Friday, June 21 for Make Music Day. — an announcement from Make Music Alliance
The celebration, the world’s largest annual music event, takes place on the summer solstice each year, bringing people of all ages and skill levels together to make music. More than 150 communities in the United States are hosting thousands of Make Music Day performances. In Connecticut, they include Bethel, Bridgeport, Danbury, Fairfield, Hebron, Middletown, New Canaan, Northwest CT, Norwalk, Ridgefield, Southbury, Southeast CT, and Waterbury. Make Music Day is the world’s largest annual music event.
For 35 evenings this summer, on Friday and Saturday nights from June 1 to Sept. 28, you can attend free concerts outdoors on Church Lane in downtown Westport. The Music on Church Lane concert series is organized by the Westport Downtown Association, a business group. Professional musicians from the area will play starting at 6 p.m. and ending at 9 p.m. each Friday and Saturday night. The organizers ask that you donate to support this summer’s schedule of local, professional musicians and bands.
Fun rides and the Long Island Sound’s tides are right around the corner at Playland, in Rye, New York, as the historic amusement park and premier waterfront destination will host a special ribbon cutting opening ceremony at 12 noon, Saturday, May 18, to celebrate the start of the summer season. — an announcement from Playland Park
Guests can enjoy a full season of entertainment, rides, beach going and more with the 2024 All Access Season Pass.The award-winning amusement park features over 50 rides and attractions including the iconic Dragon Coaster, which will turn 95-years-old this year, and the debut of Playland’s newest ride, Jack the Puppeteer. Other opening weekend festivities include a celebratory drum roll line up by the Lighting Drumline from the Barack Obama School for Social Justice in Yonkers, a special performance by an electric violinist, strolling entertainers, face painters, airbrush tattoo artists, and more. “Through our diverse offerings ranging from recreation to leisure, and thrilling entertainment, coupled with our new and robust arts and community programming this year, Playland is committed to not only growing and revitalizing the historic park but to introduce Playland to a new generation of visitors to create lasting memories and traditions for the next 100 years,” said Evonne Keeler, CEO of Playland. On Sunday, a Half Marathon and 5K Run/Walk
On Sunday, May 19, 2024, Playland Park will also host a 2nd Annual Half Marathon & 5K Run/Walk event by Soul Ryeders, a nonprofit cancer support organization based in Rye.
You’ll have to crawl through congested rush-hour traffic on Interstate 95 to get to downtown Westport, but here’s a list of 12 Levitt Pavilion outdoor concerts you can attend there for free. The Levitt charges for some other concerts, and 10 are listed below. — an announcement from the Levitt Pavilion
The Free Ones
The Levitt has announced these free concerts appearing on stage from May 31 to July 18:
Fri, May 31: Prince/Bowie * Free-Ticket Show *
The Music of Prince and David Bowie ft members of Twiddle, Pink Talking Fish, Remain in Light, Deep Banana Blackout and more * W/S/G Cal Kehoe Band
Sat, Jun 01: Couch * Free-Ticket Show *
Boston-based band Couch infuses pop with funk, rock, and R&B/soul
Sun, Jun 02: Arun Ramamurthy Trio * Free-Ticket Show *
The trio freely explores the kindred spirit of Raga music and Jazz, resulting in a deeply invigorating and spiritual experience. Sponsor: Leifer Properties
Thu, Jun 06: Pine Leaf Boys * Free-Ticket Show *
High energy, Cajun & Zydeco rock ‘n roll band based out of Lafayette, LA, since 2005, 4 Grammy Noms.
Tue, Jun 18: Isle of Klezbos * Free-Ticket Show *
The powerhouse all-gal klezmer sextet with a touring history from Vienna to Vancouver, proudly celebrates their 25th anniversary year and latest album: Yiddish Silver Screen (Zilberne Kino)
Thu, Jun 20: Molly Grace * Free-Ticket Show *
Nashville-based queer pop-funk starlet Molly Grace is quickly blazing on the scene one platform heel at a time and is set to perform at Bonnaroo in June 2024. Fri, Jun 21: Carbon Leaf * Free-Ticket Show *
A touring mainstay and indie folk rock staple, the Virginia quintet’s well-hewn live show and musical style drift in and out of Americana, bluegrass, rock, folk, Celtic and pop traditions with ease, using an arsenal of instruments to define the band’s lively stage presence and sonic landscape.
The Yale Alley Cats a cappella group will sing this Sunday, Jan. 28, in a free concert as part of the First Music & Arts Series at the First Congregational Church in Greenwich. — This article previously was published by GreenwichFreePress.com. The 4 p.m. concert is free, although a freewill offering would be welcome to support future programing in the series. The concert is open to attendance by anyone, and reservations are not necessary.
Professor Gil Harel will give a talk about the music of John Williams on Thursday, Jan. 18, at Darien Library. — an announcement from Darien Library
Perhaps no composer in the canon of cinematic music has had a more prolific career than John Williams. Indeed, over the past seven decades, Williams’ music seems nearly ubiquitous in films spanning a veritable cornucopia of genres. What, can we surmise, is the secret to his success? Among his many gifts as a composer, John Williams is a master of the musical leitmotif – melodic cells that provide an aural reference to a character, place, object, or idea in a given story.
On Thursday night at Darien Library, frequent Darien Library lecturer Gil Harel will examine Bach’s Mass in B-Minor, the composer’s final amazing achievement, a testament to his career, with a work that transcends any historical period. — an announcement from Darien Library
Johann Sebastian Bach did not complete his B Minor Mass until 1749, the year before he died. Indeed, that this pietist Lutheran musical juggernaut set the Mass Ordinary in Latin is itself a curiosity that invites closer examination. Scholars have long debated the “why” part of this question, but posterity can only express gratitude that he did. Towering in scope, Bach employed the “parody” technique of repurposing older compositions (something for which G.F. Handel is well known), and supplemented these older reworkings with new movements of exquisite expressivity.
Darien Pride, a local LGBTQ+ advocacy group, is excited to announce its upcoming fundraiser, Loud and Proud Karaoke. — an announcement from Darien Pride
Loud and Proud Karaoke aims to be a fun-filled evening of live music and entertainment, featuring Tony Bellomy on the piano, playing any selection from a huge list of popular songs, classics, and show tunes. He can also accompany anyone who brings their own sheet music. Attendees will have the opportunity to showcase their vocal talents and sing their hearts out, all while supporting a great cause. The evening will feature an open bar serving a variety of beverages, including beer, wine, and soft drinks, as well as light snacks to keep energy levels up throughout the evening.
Several weekend concerts are planned for April and May at Western Connecticut State University, showcasing the talents of WCSU musicians and performers. — an announcement from Western Connecticut State University
Sponsored by the WCSU Department of Music, all events are open to the public (tickets can be purchased at wcsuvpac.eventbrite.com) and held in the Veronica Hagman Concert Hall, located in WCSU’s Visual and Performing Arts Center (VPAC), 43 Lake Ave. Extension, Danbury:
• Piano Studio Recital — 3 to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 2. Tickets are $7 plus fees online, $10 at the door. • Opera Scenes — 2 to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 15.
The Darien Community Association’s Duo Piano Group will offer a diverse selection of music for four hands in an upcoming concert, “Two’s Company!” at 4 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 13. — an announcement from the DCA
The DCA Duo Piano Group is an enthusiastic set of accomplished amateur pianists who play together for fun and to continue their musical education. They perform twice-yearly concerts to help support the mission of the DCA. Performing the duo and duet piano music will be Yoko Araki, Elizabeth Drugge Hobbs, Kathy Edwards, Fiona Hallinan, Michael Karpilow, Lisa Nakamura, Yasuko Uchida, Yuan Wang and Yuki Yamaguchi.
