Thursday, February 23, 2006
Entertaining with Fairfield Theater Company
Check out the below schedule. Fairfield Theater Company is providing all of us in Fairfield County a chance to hear some cool, good quality and diverse music...who says that Fairfield doesn't have a downtown scene...FTC has just created one for us. Reserve online or call to make reservations http://www.fairfieldtheatre.org.Coming soon to FTC’s StageOne
Sun 3/5 @ 7PM
Double Image: Dave Samuels & David Friedman
We are honored to present Double Image, the vibe/marimba duo of Dave Samuels & David Friedman, celebrating thirty years of dynamic performance. It was 1974 when these two masters of mallet percussion introduced the unique combination of vibraphone and marimba. What emerged was a totally new sound and approach that has set the standard for mallet percussionists everywhere.
Their recordings have received critical acclaim and in performance they have been described as "spellbinding". Double Image performs music which spans many styles - from jazz standards and original compositions to through-composed pieces and spontaneous improvisations.
As individuals, Samuels and Friedman have played and recorded with the elite in jazz, classical, and popular music. As ambassadors of mallet keyboard percussion, they have been sharing their unique abilities with other percussionists through master classes, workshops and publications.
Dave SamuelsThroughout his career, Dave has been recognized by fans and critics alike for his quality in performance and recording. During his time with Spyro Gyra (1977-1994), the 5-time Grammy Nominated group was named #1 Contemporary Jazz Artist and Contemporary Jazz Group of the 80's by Billboard magazine. Dave's other awards include being voted Best Vibes Player in both Jazziz and Modern Drummer Magazine He received a Grammy in 2003 for "Best Latin Jazz Recording" with his group, the Caribbean Jazz Project for The Gathering. In 2004 he was nominated a second time for a Grammy for "Best Latin Jazz Recording" for the Caribbean Jazz Project's Birds of a Feather and in 2005 was nominated an unprecedented third consecutive time for the Caribbean Jazz Project's current release Here and Now - Live in Concert.
David FriedmanDavid Friedman, internationally renowned vibraphonist, marimbist, composer and jazz educator, has his own musical message, born of fascinatingly diverse musical influences. Few jazz musicians can claim as broad a spectrum of performing and recording experience, ranging from Leonard Bernstein and Luciano Berio, to Bobby McFerrin, Wayne Shorter and Yoko Ono. Friedman has also been heard either live or on recordings with Joe Henderson, Horace Silver, Johnny Griffin, Jane Ira Bloom, Ron Carter and John Scofield. His compositions can be heard on Chet Baker's Enja release Peace with bassist Buster Williams and drummer Joe Chambers.
Friedman's Enja recording Shades of Change, with pianist Gerry Allen, bassist Anthony Cox and drummer Ronnie Burrage, was voted by Downbeat magazine "...one of the year's best 20". Friedman's trio playing with Daniel Humaire and J.F. Jenny-Clarke, documented in their 1992 live Deux Z release Ternaire, showcases modern, interactive jazz improvisation, ranging from an aggressive, driving swing to tender lyricism.
Friedman's international reputation as a jazz educator led to an invitation to build a new Jazz department at the Hochschule der Künste in Berlin. As Professor of Jazz Studies since 1989, he is a devoted teacher and inspiration to his students, while still active as a performer.
Tickets $32 – FTC Members $22
Box-Office 203-259-1036 Hours: 12-5PM Tuesday through Saturdays
Buy Online @ www.fairfieldtheatre.org
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Fri 3/10 @ 8PM
James Montgomery
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.
Montgomery has toured with Aerosmith, Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Springsteen, the Allman Brothers, Steve Miller and others. He has jammed on stage with B.B.King, Buddy Guy, John Lee Hooker, Jr. Wells, James Cotton, Charlie Daniels, Bonnie Raitt, Greg Allman, Laverne Baker, Patti LaBelle, and Peter Wolf, and Mick Jagger
Regarding the Johnny Winter Band featuring James Montgomery, the Nashville Tennessean writes "If ever the time came to use two "legendary" tags in one story, it is to describe both Winter and Montgomery. They are blues masters of the first and highest degree".
More info @ jamesmontgomery.com
Also appearing on the bill with James will be the phenomenal Otis and the Hurricanes.
Tickets $32 – FTC Members $22
Box-Office 203-259-1036 Hours: 12-5PM Tuesday through Saturdays
Buy Online @ www.fairfieldtheatre.org
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Sun 3/12 @ 7PM
Giacomo Gates
with the Rex Cadwallader Trio
The criteria for defining jazz singing will probably be argued for the rest of time. But no matter which side of the argument one may be on, there can be no doubt that Giacomo Gates is an authentic jazz vocalist. Heavily steeped in the traditions of the original vocal improvisers from Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald through their modern counterparts Betty Carter and Leon Thomas, Giacomo's own approach draws most heavily from the bebop-rooted masters like Jon Hendricks, Babs Gonzales, King Pleasure and most of all, Eddie Jefferson. Like his influences, Gates has forged his own unique path. Blessed with a full-bodied and mellifluous voice, extraordinary rhythmic precision and an unerring sense of lyricism, Gates' total command of the vernacular, boundless creativity and exuberant passion set him apart from nearly every other vocalist on the scene.
More info @ www.giacomogates.com/
This concert is generously underwritten by People Insurance & Investments.
Proceeds benefit Fairfield Rotary Club charities.
Advance Tickets $32 – FTC Members $22 $5 surcharge at door after half-hour/day of event
Box-Office 203-259-1036 Hours: 12-5PM Tuesday through Saturdays
Buy Online @ www.fairfieldtheatre.org
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Sun 3/19 @ 7PM
Exponential Brass Quartet
Chamber Music Series
Rich Clymer, Trumpet
Ken Tedeschi, Trumpet
Scott Cranston, Tenor Trombone
Bill Whitaker, Bass Trombone
The Exponential Brass Quartet is made up of some of CT and NYC's finest brass players. The members have demonstrated longevity and diversity in their individual music careers. They can be heard in the New Haven, Hartford, Bridgeport Symphonies and the Brooklyn Philharmonic. Members have performed on Broadway in "The Phantom of the Opera," "The Lion King," "Fosse," and "Peter Pan." They have toured nationally and internationally in the Eastern and Arlberg Brass Quintets. Some have toured Japan with Keith Brion's New Sousa Band. They perform in these ensembles in combinations of two and three but never as four. It is the coming together of these four that gives the concert goer an exponential night of musical joy.
Tickets $17 – FTC Members $12
Box-Office 203-259-1036 Hours: 12-5PM Tuesday through Saturdays
Buy Online @ www.fairfieldtheatre.org
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Sat 3/25
Al Kooper
Let the press speak…
"...no one has lived as much rock 'n' roll history as Mr. Kooper in his assorted lives as performer, producer, sideman, songwriter, author, talent scout, enthusiast, critic and muse...." SUNDAY NEW YORK TIMES - July 3rd 2005
“....Now, this sixty-one-year-old seems to be hitting his stride as a solo artist. Backed by his band, The Funky Faculty, Kooper has gone back to the future with a release that delivers heartfelt soul and R&B.” ROLLING STONE – ISSUE #981 – AUGUST 25, 2005
"... Kooper reminds us that he is a major talent from the revelatory songwriting, to the nuanced world-weary singing to the ease in which he plumbs the subterranean depths of his soul and comes up with sheer gold…..” MOJO MAGAZINE. UK M
More info @ alkooper.com
Tickets $32 – FTC Members $22
Box-Office 203-259-1036 Hours: 12-5PM Tuesday through Saturdays
Buy Online @ www.fairfieldtheatre.org
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Sun 3/25 @ 7PM
Eilis Kennedy
Known for her knockout debut CD TIME TO SAIL Eilis Kennedy (pronounced Ay-leesh) sings folk, traditional and contemporary songs in a voice called “a thing of sublime beauty” by The Irish Times. Singing in English and Irish, and playing the flute and whistle, she displays a major musical talent.
More info @ www.eiliskennedy.com
This concert is Sponsored by The Shamrock Traditional Irish Music Society
Tickets $22 – FTC Members $17
Box-Office 203-259-1036 Hours: 12-5PM Tuesday through Saturdays
Buy Online @ www.fairfieldtheatre.org
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Sat 4/1
Steve Forbert
“The raspy-voiced singer-songwriter, who just turned 50, has attained an easy grace common to those who flash brilliance in their youth, and evolve into mature artists who master both craft and an ability to express a singular perspective. Forbert's new songs plumb personal issues with humanity and humor, and there's nothing easy or effortless about that. There's a reason his fans collect the series of live CDs, now five strong, that he sells only at shows: Forbert plays acoustic music with a rocker's heart, and like a true troubadour, he reacts spontaneously to each crowd, making each show different than the one before it.” NashvilleScene.com - December, 2004More info @ steveforbert.com
Tickets $32 – FTC Members $22
Box-Office 203-259-1036 Hours: 12-5PM Tuesday through Saturdays
Buy Online @ www.fairfieldtheatre.org
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Sun 4/2
Brian Torff & Florence Melnotte
A Tribute to Mary Lou Williams
Grammy winning bassist Brian Torff joins pianist Florence Melnotte, and drummer Theirry Arpino in a tribute to one of the most important women in jazz history.
Torff, also a composer, is currently Music Program Director at Fairfield University. A featured bass soloist, he frequently appears as a leader of his own band ‘Thunderstick’, and with many other groups.
Florence Melnotte, a native of Paris, is the founder, pianist and composer for the Four Roses quartet. Of her talent, a Swiss newspaper said, "When she accompanies, her playing lends cohesion to the ensemble and, when she sings, her solos shine with freedom and improvisatory brilliance."
More info @
Tickets $32 – FTC Members $22
Box-Office 203-259-1036 Hours: 12-5PM Tuesday through Saturdays
Buy Online @ www.fairfieldtheatre.org
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Fri 4/7
Graham Parker
One of the most successful singer-songwriters to emerge from England's pub-rock scene of the early '70s, drawing heavily from Van Morrison and the Rolling Stones, Parker developed a sinewy fusion of driving rock & roll and confessional folk-rock, highlighted by his indignant passion, biting sarcasm and bristling anger. Graham Parker and The Rumour were formed in the summer of 1975 and released their first album, "Howlin' Wind," in January 1976 to worldwide critical acclaim. Their second album, "Heat Treatment," followed six months later, garnering similar critical reaction and propelled Parker to international recognition. 2006 shows no sign of Parker slowing down with the haunting new song "2000 Funerals" released as a one-off single only in downloadable form on i-tunes and e-music.
More info @ grahamparker.net
Tickets $32 – FTC Members $22
Box-Office 203-259-1036 Hours: 12-5PM Tuesday through Saturdays
Buy Online @ www.fairfieldtheatre.org
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Sun 4/9 @ 7PM
‘Cookie’ Thomas
with the Rex Cadwallader Trio
A versatile vocalist, and an undiscovered treasure, Richard Thomas' career began in Philadelphia in 1960 when he had the opportunity, at fourteen, to open for B.B. King. Richard's voice is especially suited to well-known classic standards. Richard draws his inspiration from the likes of Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, and Johnny Hartmann. In fact, you can hear a bit of each one when he sings.
More info @ www.cookiethomas.com
This concert is generously underwritten by Mitchells of Westport.
Proceeds benefit Fairfield Rotary Club charities.
Tickets $32 – FTC Members $22
Box-Office 203-259-1036 Hours: 12-5PM Tuesday through Saturdays
Buy Online @ www.fairfieldtheatre.org
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Sun 4/16 @ 7PM
The Klezical Tradition
Chamber Music Series
The Critics Rave …
"One of the finest Klezmer bands on the East Coast, The Klezical Tradition provides the ultimate in Jewish musical entertainment. They are a group that must not be missed!"
"Adventurous, virtuosic, sensitive, and schooled musicians make their music joyously dance alive!"
Klezmer for Easter? Just go with us on this one…. you will be glad!
More info @ www.klezband.com
Tickets $17 – FTC Members $12
Box-Office 203-259-1036 Hours: 12-5PM Tuesday through Saturdays
Buy Online @ www.fairfieldtheatre.org
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Sat 4/22
Professor Louie & the Crowmatix
The Bands’ band
Professor "Louie" & The Crowmatix have been touring nationally for the past six years playing premier clubs including BB Kings NYC, The House Of Blues in LA, The Towne Crier and The Turning Point in NY and Fitzgerald's in Chicago to name a few. They have shared stages with The Wailers, Eric Burdon, Johnnie Johnson, Luther Alison, Jimmy Vaughn, Bobby Blue Bland, Bela Fleck, James Cotton, Graham Parker and Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame artist Garth Hudson from The Band. The group recorded as Rick Danko's backing band on his critically acclaimed CD "Times Like These" and were the featured musicians on Garth Hudson's CD "The Sea To The North". In the 90's, Aaron Prof. "Louie" Hurwitz produced three CD's by "The Band". Their repertoire consists of original work, and select covers with a strong mix of Rock' n' Roll, Blues, Soul, Country and Folk.
More info @ www.woodstockrecords.com.
Tickets $32 – FTC Members $22
Box-Office 203-259-1036 Hours: 12-5PM Tuesday through Saturdays
Buy Online @ www.fairfieldtheatre.org
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Wed 4/26
Maria Muldaur
2005 Grammy nominee
"Midnight at the Oasis" remains a radio staple more than 25 years after she recorded it, but its goofy, lighthearted allure pales in comparison with the raw and throaty blues-drenched soul that Muldaur now sings with such seductive abandon. She has spent much of her career as a musical hobo, riding the rails from jazz to bluegrass, gospel to Appalachian folk, blues to Tin Pan Alley. At times, she excavates a hoarse growl that echoes Janis Joplin, but she never loses the sassy, teasing sexuality that has always served as her calling card. This sly, come hither wink distinguishes her from 90's rockers, as does the passion (born of experience) with which she attacks the lyrics; both qualities make even ancient song styles sound surprisingly fresh and vital.” -Critic's Choice
More info @ www.mariamuldaur.com
Tickets $32 – FTC Members $22
Box-Office 203-259-1036 Hours: 12-5PM Tuesday through Saturdays
Buy Online @ www.fairfieldtheatre.org
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Miles Marek
Producing Director
Fairfield Theatre Company
70 Sanford Street, Fairfield, CT 06824
203-319-1404 ext.2#
miles@fairfieldtheatre.org
www.fairfieldtheatre.org
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Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Entertaining Movies? Match Point?
Ok just a quick thing here. Saw Match Point the other night...the Woody Allen film. Everyone raves it is his best...Oh my it is such a good movie they all say! Well, I must be out there on my own because I didn't like a bit of it. The casting was bad. Scarlett was too young and just OK and what was up with that guy, the main character...I wasn't convinced he even liked women let alone 2 women! And how about the predictable theme? Yes I get it, luck prevailed over wisdon....yes I even saw a link with the book the guy was reading at the beginning, Crime and Punishment, but as movies go it was less than average. I normally would leave a movie so bad but because it was so bad I had to stay to see if it would get better or to see if there would be a surprise ending...no such luck!Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Entertaining lunch makes Money!
Here is a great idea that doesn't require a lot of upfront costs but makes a lot of money for those in need! Check it out and bid yourself!!Alicia Keys, Patti LaBelle, James Carville and NASCAR Legend Richard Petty To Dine With Highest Bidders
NEW YORK, February 20 -- THIS IS A MULTIVU SPECIAL REPORT.
FOR THE RICH AND FAMOUS, TIME IS MONEY. BUT, A GROUP OF THE MOST
INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE IN AMERICA JUST MADE TIME FOR A POWER LUNCH WITH YOU. CHOICES INCLUDE SEVERAL CEOS, SPORTS STARS AND ENTERTAINERS.
MORE THAN 60 OF THE BIGGEST NAMES IN AMERICA ARE AUCTIONING OFF AN
HOUR-LONG LUNCH TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER ON E-BAY THROUGH THE FOURTH ANNUAL LUNCH WITH A LEADER ONLINE AUCTION. PROCEEDS BENEFIT COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS, THE NATION'S LARGEST DROPOUT PREVENTION ORGANIZATION. WALLY "FAMOUS" AMOS, FOUNDER OF "FAMOUS" AMOS COOKIES, IS A COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS BOARD MEMBER PARTICIPATING IN THIS AUCTION.
"We've got Richard Petty, we've got Alicia Keys, Patti Labelle, we've got
a guy named Danny Glickman who a lot of people probably don't know but Dan
Glickman is the president of the Motion Picture Association of America."
SINCE 1977, COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS HAS HELPED MILLIONS OF KIDS STAY IN
SCHOOL AND PREPARE FOR LIFE. VISIT http://WWW.LUNCHWITHALEADER.COM TO BID ON YOUR
OWN POWER LUNCH.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Video, hard copy requests, contact information and
more available at: http://www.prnewswire.com/broadcast/23367/consumer.html
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Party with Chocolate
I think I may have another post from the past about the positives atrributes of chocolate...you can see that I have a thing for it!Well now that Valentine's day is over and I have received some yummy chocoalte gifts, I have to report on the best and that would be Knipschildt Chocolatier out of Norwalk, CT http://www.knipschildt.com. My mother, chocolate hound herself, had a couple of boxes that she shared and they were amazing....fresh currants, blackberries, praline, red chili with tangerine...the list goes on and on and the box doesn't unfortunately, so hurry and buy some and enjoy every bite!
For more tips or event planning help, call White Linen Events, 203 254 4490 or email info@whitelinen-events.com or check out the website: www.whitelinen-events.com
Friday, February 10, 2006
Entertaining Napkins and Paper Plates
Well I am, as you know, in the middle of planning this lovely party for a local not for profit. In order to save money and in order to keep a casual feeling to the event, we are having a buffet filled to the brim with sandwiches and salads, cookies and brownies and all of that good stuff will go on paper plates to stay with the idea of "casual." But for me casual doesn't have to replace style and so I found some great napkins (which will hopefully lead to paper plates as well) from a company called Design Design http://designdesign.us.Now, Design Design normally only sells to retail stores. Normally companies like Design Design are very cranky and unforgiving about trying to help an event planner with their one event, but this company is different. They were lovely on the phone and helpful. They are going to help me with this event which shows they are flexible...they have made a customer out of me! They are even giving me a break on the price because the event is for a not for profit...how great is that?
Check them out on their website and then punch in your zip code for local stores. Their selection is unique and high end and will give a lift to any old party you are throwing!
For more hints on planning your next event or for full event planning, call Valorie Luther directly at 203 254 4490 or email info@whitelinen-events.com Check out the website too: www.whitelinen-events.com
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Men & Women Entertain Differently!
Men and women entertain differently and plan differently...nothing new here but just an interesting observation.I am planning a lovely event...one that celebrates community, one that celebrates family. In the past I have worked with many women from this not for profit. Every detail is looked at as a separate entity which means that they can fiddle with it until it doesn't look the same which therefore changes the look of the event. The big picture is lost and the small details are all that matter for these women (not all of the women are the same...just making a broad generalization about the women from this not for profit). Don't get me wrong, small details (what color will the flowers be, what kind of drinks are we having, will there be candles or not) are very important and make the event special and make the event work. There needs to be a balance, though, between big picture strategies and attention to small details .
The men I am working with are a joy! They have hired White Linen Events to oversee the details. There is no micromanaging because they have no time but they do have confidence in their choice of hiring our company. Now, they need to know the details and why each vendor or theme was chosen, but they appreciate the details in the land of the big picture.
When planning an event, start with the final outcome and work yourself back down to the small details. That is how you get started. Always keep your eye on the long term vision so that each detail works towards your dream of the perfect event.
For more information on events, parties, fundraisers or any other celebration you can think of, go to www.whitelinen-events.com, call Valorie Luther at 203 254 4490 or email info@whitelinen-events.com.
Have a great day!
