FCBuzz

Come enjoy an evening with Tony Award Winner Actor/Singer Brian Stokes Mitchell

2012-02-27T10:55:00.000-08:00

Neighborhood Studios of Fairfield County presents An Evening With Tony Award Winner Broadway Actor/Singer Brian Stokes Mitchell at the Westport Country Playhouse March 17. 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Brian Stokes Mitchell recently appeared on TV’s hit show Glee opposite Jeff Goldblum as Rachel’s adoptive parents where audiences were treated to the duo singing.

Dubbed “The Last Leading Man” by the New York Times, Brian Stokes Mitchell has enjoyed a rich and varied career on Broadway, television and film along with appearances in the great American concert halls. His musical versatility has kept him in demand by some of the country’s finest conductors and orchestras. A powerful baritone, he has been one of the central leading men of the Broadway theatre since the early 1990s. He won a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical in 2000 for his performance in Kiss Me Kate and most recently starred in the film “Jumping the Broom” opposite Angela Bassett. His TV credits include roles on “Frasier” and “Ugly Betty. His Broadway career includes performances in “Man of La Mancha”); “Kiss Me Kate”; “Ragtime”.

Ticket pricing for this event is as follows: $250 includes post performance reception with Brian Stokes Mitchell; $150 Patron/Preferred Seating; $75. These tickets are available by calling the Westport Playhouse Box Office at 203-227-4177 or by visiting www.westportplayhouse.org

Neighborhood Studios of Fairfield County provides arts education to children at risk and those with special needs. Our goals are to improve academic performance, increase graduation rates and serve as a catalyst for lifelong success. Neighborhood Studios is based in Bridgeport, CT and serves the greater Fairfield County community. http://www.nstudios.org/ For further information regarding Neighborhood Studios please contact Michelle Sapp, Director of Marketing & Development at 203.366.3300 ext. 230 or msapp@nstudios.org

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Bijoux: The Origins And Impact Of Jewelry

2012-02-16T09:57:00.000-08:00

Bruce Museum
7/16/11 - 3/11/12

brucemuseum.org/site/exhibitions_detail/bijoux_its_origins_its_impacts/

July 16, 2011 - March 11, 2012
Bijoux: The Origins and Impact of Jewelry investigates the wide range of materials used to make jewelry, from bones and fossils, to diamonds and CZs. Bijoux explores the ingenuity of artists to create adornment from a host of materials, from the common to the sublime. It delves into the genesis of these natural materials and explores the economic and environmental impact of our universal attraction to sparkle. Bijoux is a celebration of human nature and our ability to adapt.

SUPER Funny Comedy Show

2012-02-15T10:54:00.000-08:00

Bijou Theatre, The
2/16/12
9:00 PM - 11:45 PM
thebijoutheatre.com

Hosted by Cipha Sounds, and featuring some of the hottest talent, from SNL, Bad Boys of Comedy, Def Jam Comedy, and Comedy Central. The show combines lifestyle and nightlife ambiance, with laughter and live DJ.

Cipha Sounds is not “most DJs.” Whether hosting the #1 morning radio show “Cipha Sounds & Rosenberg Show” on New York’s Hot 97, or serving as the face of MTV’s hip-hop show “Sucker Free,” Cipha radiates personality, driving every project with his likeable swagger and confident tastes. Cipha has carved out a voice and personality in music over the past 15 years that is unmistakably his own. He has worked with A-lists Celebs such as Lil Kim, Mos Def, P. Diddy, Rihanna, Jay-Z, 50Cent, Eminem and Mariah Carey.

For past several years, Cipha’s success has afforded him to discover his other passion – comedy! He’s served as resident DJ for the Comedy Central’s cross-cultural phenomenon “Chapelle’s Show,” starring Dave Chappelle, along with working with some of the top names in comedy. Currently, Cipha Sounds produces and hosts NYC’s hottest comedy series at the legendary Caroline’s on Broadway, called “The Don’t Get Gassed Comedy Series.”
Special Ticket Prices:
$20 General Admission
$25 Cabaret Seating
Bar Opens 8:00pm

ON EXHIBIT: Charile Hewitt: Cut And Printed: Recent Color Woodcuts

2012-02-01T08:48:00.000-08:00

Exhibition on View: January 22 to March 18
Opening Reception: Sunday, January 22, 2-5 pm
Center For Contemporary Printmaking
http://www.contemprints.org/

Charles Hewitt is a printmaker, painter and sculptor, who has taught extensively since 1986 at schools including Dartmouth College and Fordham University. He has had numerous solo exhibitions and has his work in many major private and public collections including the Museum of Modern Art, The Whitney Museum of Art, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Brooklyn Museum, the New York Public Library, The Library of Congress and the Portland Museum of Art.

Image: Detail from Calypso, 2011, Woodcut, by Charlie Hewitt.

Travis Tritt

2012-01-30T09:22:00.000-08:00

A Special Acoustic Performance! Tritt has charted more than forty times on the Hot Country Songs charts, including five number ones - "Help Me Hold On," "Anymore," " Can I Trust You With My Heart," " Foolish Pride" and "Best of Intentions." Over the course of his career he has delighted fans and disarmed critics by exploring his deep love of hardcore country, flashing an ability and affinity for bluegrass, revealing unexpected sensitivity as a balladeer, winning respect as a songwriter and, most emphatically, drawing widespread recognition as one the finest vocalists the genre has ever known. A two-time Grammy winner, singer/songwriter Tritt has sold 25 million albums and performed for standing room only crowds coast to coast.
The Ridgefield Playhouse
3/9/12
8:00 PM - 11:00 PM
ridgefieldplayhouse.org/event/travis-tritt

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Joffrey: Mavericks Of American Dance LIVE WEBCAST

2012-01-26T08:11:00.000-08:00

The Bijou Theater will be co-hosting the world premiere of Joffrey: Mavericks of American Dance on January 28th. The film will include a webcast introduction and post-screening panel/Q&A from Lincoln Center in NYC.

JOFFREY: MAVERICKS OF AMERICAN DANCE takes a look at the Joffrey Ballet, the groundbreaking cultural treasure known as the first truly American dance company. Narrated by Tony® and Emmy® Award winner Mandy Patinkin and directed by Bob Hercules.
This event will also include a post-screening panel Q&A featuring talent from the Joffrey to be webcast LIVE into participating theatres. Our audience can submit questions and comments in real time to the panelists through Twitter.

Bob Hercules | Not Rated | 87min
General Admission Ticket Price: $20
http://thebijoutheatre.com/films/joffrey-mavericks-american-dance/

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One Acts 2012

2012-01-25T08:29:00.000-08:00

The Ridgefield Theater Barn will present An Evening of One Acts 2012 Friday and Saturday evenings, January 20 through February 4th at 8pm. Produced by Cheryl Boyd, the evening will feature the works of playwrights David Cohen, Jim Gordon, and Carol Mark. The Evening of One Acts has been very popular in the past and have featured the works of David Ives (2010) and Christopher Durang (2011). Plays to be presented this year include: The Committee and Drinks with Charles by Jim Gordon, directed by Sarah Lee Michaels, Paul’s Paintings by David Cohen,directed by Cheryl Boyd, Fog and Untitled Number Two by Jim Gordon, directed by Marla Manning, and Never Too Many and Shakespeare on a Shoestring Presents Romeo and Juliet, written and directed by Carol Mark.

The Ridgefield Theater Barn, 37 Halpin Lane; doors open at 7, curtain at 8 pm; cabaret seating, bring food & beverage, tickets $22 at http://www.ridgefieldtheaterbarn.org/; (203) 431-9850.

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FCBuzz Goes Live With Rex Reed

2012-01-23T09:10:00.000-08:00

Join FCBuzz Goes Live at Fairfield University's Open VISIONS Forum presentation, "Hollywood Notebook" featuring Rex Reed, film critic and former co-host of the syndicated television show "At the Movies". This event will take place on Sunday, January 29, 2012 at 3 pm at the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts. Tickets are on sale now. Click here for the Box Office

FCBuzz Goes Live was created by the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County in partnership with the Avon Theatre, Center for Contemporary Printmaking, Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo, Gallery of Contemporary Art at Sacred Heart University, Fairfield Arts Center, Fairfield Museum and History Center, Fairfield Theatre Company, Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts at Fairfield University, Ridgefield Arts Council Shakespeare on the Sound, Silvermine Arts Center, Westport Arts Center and the Westport Country Playhouse

Connecticut Ballet Presents THE NUTCRACKER

2011-12-19T06:52:00.000-08:00

Connecticut Ballet presents its blockbuster annual production of ‘The Nutcracker’ at the Palace Theatre, Stamford Center for the Arts. Starring American Ballet Theatre principal dancers Julie Kent, David Hallberg, Gillian Murphy and Jose Manuel Carreno and hailed by ‘Connecticut Post’ as “beguiling and a treat for the eyes,” this production will light up your family’s holiday season. Tickets are priced $25-$50 plus a $5.00 per ticket theater surcharge. Please call 203-325-4466 to order in person or online at http://www.scalive.org/.

Dec. 23 at 7:30pm
Stamford Center For The Arts
The Palace Theatre
61 Atlantic Street
Stamford, CT 06901

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Trustee Network Forum Raises Awareness About Congress’ Proposed Cap on Charitable Donations

2011-11-14T09:02:00.000-08:00

Elisabeth Morten, President of the Board of Directors, Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County introduces speakers, Heather Noonan, Vice President for Advocacy, League of American Orchestras and Doug White, Academic Director fo the George H. Heyman, Jr. Center for Philanthropy and Fundraising at New York University.

Last night, the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County sposored the second annual Trustee Network Forum at the Fairfield Theatre Company. Focusing on Congress’s proposed cap on charitable deductions, they discussed what that could mean for you, your organization, and your community. Following the discussion, a reception was held at the Fairfield Arts Center. This event had a great turnout, and helped to raise awareness of the impending congressional supercommittee meeting on Nov 23, during which they will discuss reducing the incentives for charitable donations. The following is information provided by Americans for the Arts, giving an extensive background on the issue at hand.

Congressman Jim Himes, Elisabeth Morten, President of the Board of Directors, Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County and James Naughton

BACKGROUND For three consecutive years, the Obama Administration has proposed capping the value of charitable deductions to 28 percent for those taxpayers who itemize. Currently, the value of the deduction is tied to the marginal income tax rate the donor pays; 35% for the highest earning families. The administration has used this proposal to help close revenue gaps for everything from the newly enacted health care law to federal deficit reduction. Each time, Congress has passed on seriously considering the cap.

The nonprofit community has remained vigilant in opposition to itemized deduction changes. Most analysis, including a recent Congressional Budget Office study, show charitable giving would drop if the tax incentive’s value were to be reduced. Urban Institute research shows that charitable giving to the arts would be among the most affected by this kind of tax change. To that end, Americans for the Arts has been working closely with nonprofit sector advocacy groups like Independent Sector, recently signing a letter addressed to Congress and the Administration that was published in POLITICO, urging that the charitable deduction be taken off the table as a possible revenue raiser.

Ann Sheffer, State Senator John McKinney and Ryan Odinak, Executive Director of the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County

SENATE FINANCE HEARING ON CHARITABLE DEDUCTION The U.S. Senate Finance Committee held a hearing on October 18, 2011 on possible reforms to the Charitable Deduction in response to the Obama Administration’s persistent call to propose limiting the value of itemized deductions. The administration’s latest attempt to cap the deduction was to raise revenues for the American Jobs Act which seeks to provide small business tax breaks, hiring incentives and infrastructure investment in an effort to spur sagging employment. The cap was recently removed from the jobs bill in large part due to the lack of support in using it as a “pay-for.”

The Senate Finance committee took the opportunity to nearly unanimously reject the president’s plan to limit the charitable deduction. In their opening statements, Finance Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) and Ranking Member Orrin Hatch (R-UT) both praised nonprofit charities and their missions especially as they are a critical lifeline for goods and services during these hard economic times. Senator Hatch went even further in defense of charitable incentives in his statement saying “As state and local governments grapple with budget deficits and revenue shortfalls, Americans in crisis are turning for help in ever greater numbers
to churches, charities, shelters, and other social welfare groups. Charitable donations are the lifeblood of charities and the last thing Congress should do is interrupt the blood supply.”
Testimony at the hearing consisted of various organizations such as the United Way and Church of Latter Day Saints along with the Congressional Budget Office and Urban Institute. The panelists had varying opinions on how best to preserve and administer the charitable deduction. Some were in favor of major reforms while most believed that it needed little amending and is the model for charitable giving around the world. Even the most critical voices expressed with some certainty that the proposed cap would impact giving negatively, but as to how much was disputed.

What became abundantly clear is that the panel and the senators almost unanimously agreed about the social value and worth of the arts and their importance in shaping, building and preserving communities. Often the arts have been maligned as patronage and not sometimes worthy of the same treatment under the tax code as direct social services provided by such organizations as the Catholic Charities and the United Way. In fact, United Way President and CEO Brian Gallagher directly refuted this misperception by praising the arts as “a huge part of community development – as part of the common good; I have seen the crossover between the arts and human services. We should not parse between the different nonprofits.” Ranking Member Hatch said resolutely, “Congress has wisely chosen not to prefer one charity over another” when talking about the charitable deduction. Senator Hatch added that he hears criticism of charitable contributions to the arts but cited the importance of helping the sick and the underprivileged through use of the arts, demonstrating their public good. He himself came from an underprivileged background and acknowledged how the arts had aided his development.
Elder Dallin Oaks of the Church of Latter Day Saints sternly warned against government making the decision of what is a charity and commenting that it should be left to the “marketplace of donations.”

LOOKING FORWARD
It has become evident that the charitable deduction enjoys broad, popular and bipartisan support. Any attempt to devalue the deduction, to this point, has been met with extreme prejudice by the majority of Congress. The larger question becomes how the deduction fits into the entire tax reform effort that has become a prominent ancillary of recent deficit reduction negotiations. It is clear tinkering with it to pay for other programming is highly controversial. But with momentum building for sweeping, comprehensive reform of the tax code, the charitable deduction will be part of a larger conversation to find more government revenue to address the national debt while still preserving the traditional role and treatment of nonprofit charities.

Questions? Please contact Americans for the Arts Associate Director of Federal Affairs Gladstone Payton at gpayton@artsusa.org
Senate hearing materials online http://finance.senate.gov/hearings/hearing/?id=915d5477-5056-a032-524b-feac6e9e3321

Summer Jam Live @ Stepping Stones

2011-08-17T06:54:00.000-07:00

This summer get ready to rock under the Stepping Stones Museum for Children's Celebration Courtyard Tent!

Four fabulous rocking Wednesday nights to benefit Stepping Stones youth enrichment initiatives. Featuring the hottest, up-and-coming teen-aged musicians in the industry.
Parents and chaperones Be there without being there! Join the party outside or relax in our exclusive lounge created just for you!
July 13 / August 3 / August 10 / August 17

One concert left – Don't miss out!
Battle of the Bands
Wednesday, August 17

Doors open: 6:00 pm Concert starts: 7:00 pm

Tickets $10 in advance, $12 at the door

www.steppingstonesmuseum.org/summerjam

Art About Town

2011-05-23T07:29:00.000-07:00

ART ABOUT TOWN will bring original artists’ works to 55 store and restaurant windows, turning the Westport shopping district into one continuous gallery for strolling, appreciating and purchasing quality art. Original, undiscovered and obtainable are the keys to ART ABOUT TOWN. All works will be juried by local art experts and professionals, and will be for sale to the public. Award-winning student works will also be on display.

ART ABOUT TOWN begins with a festive Opening Night Street Fest on Thursday May 26th from 5:30-8:00 pm. That night, Main Street will be closed to vehicular traffic and the length of Main – and beyond – will be filled with entertainment and refreshments. Street performers will delight, music will fill the air, and visitors will be able to see artists in action as they demonstrate their talent in open air “studios.” Participating businesses will stay open late and have some surprises in store as well. The exhibit will remain in stores through Sunday June 26th.

Presented by the Westport Downtown Merchants Association

Welcome to FCBuzz

2011-04-28T09:11:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our new blog, FCBuzz. This blog is brought to you by the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County, an organization that advocates for arts and cultural organizations and artists by promoting participation in arts and cultural activities. The Cultural Alliance manages a website called, you guessed it, FCBuzz.org – a cultural calendar that is worth checking out if you want to know all that is going on throughout Fairfield County. It is a great site to bookmark and revisit when you are looking for something fun to do.

Each week we will blog here about some of the many events posted on FCBuzz.org in the hopes that you will be inspired to go visit a few of them yourself. We are lucky to live in such a culturally rich area, and we can’t wait to share what is going on around us. We’re looking forward to having our readers post what they’ve experienced at these events too! Together we’ll create an arts & culture blog for Fairfield County that showcases the best of the region.

FCBuzz

Come enjoy an evening with Tony Award Winner Actor/Singer Brian Stokes Mitchell

Bijoux: The Origins And Impact Of Jewelry

SUPER Funny Comedy Show

ON EXHIBIT: Charile Hewitt: Cut And Printed: Recent Color Woodcuts

Travis Tritt

Joffrey: Mavericks Of American Dance LIVE WEBCAST

One Acts 2012

FCBuzz Goes Live With Rex Reed

Connecticut Ballet Presents THE NUTCRACKER

Trustee Network Forum Raises Awareness About Congress’ Proposed Cap on Charitable Donations

Summer Jam Live @ Stepping Stones

One concert left – Don't miss out!Battle of the BandsWednesday, August 17

One concert left – Don't miss out!Battle of the BandsWednesday, August 17

One concert left – Don't miss out!

Battle of the Bands

Wednesday, August 17

Wednesday, August 17

Wednesday, August 17

Doors open: 6:00 pm Concert starts: 7:00 pm

Art About Town

Welcome to FCBuzz

One concert left – Don't miss out!
Battle of the Bands
Wednesday, August 17

One concert left – Don't miss out!
Battle of the Bands
Wednesday, August 17