PLAN ON IT
Best of the arts in the weeks ahead
BRIDGEPORT Comedy
Trey Kennedy, Bridgeport Stress Factory Comedy Club, 167 State St. March 4, 7:30 p.m., March 5, 7 & 9 p.m. Check website for show and ticket availability. Shows resume indoors with 50% capacity, and following all State guidelines for reopening. bridgeport.stressfactory.com
Visual Arts
“Photorealism: Fixing the Fleeting Moment,” Housatonic Museum of Art on the Housatonic Community College Campus, 900 Lafayette Blvd. New exhibit on view through Dec. 2021; “The Roots of Abstraction,” exhibit on view through Aug. 31, 2021. An appointment to visit the museum is necessary, and visitors must be prepared to comply with social distancing rules and wear protective face masks. Housatonic Museum of Art will also make the exhibit available as a slideshow, virtual tour and as a print-on-demand catalog. 203-332-5052, housatonicmuseum.org
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo online Zoo Photography Exhibit, “Photography Goes Wild.” beardsleyzoo.org
Visual Arts
“The Human + Animal Bond,” Spectrum Gallery, 61 Main St. Ingallery show through March 7. Masks required and use hand sanitizer upon entering. Gallery hours: WedSat noon-6 p.m.; Sun noon-5 p.m. 860-767-0742, spectrumartgallery.org
DANBURY Specials
Celebrating Chinese Lunar New Year, virtual program hosted by Danbury Library on Zoom, March 9, 6 p.m. Registration required. 203797-4505, danburylibrary.org
Visual Arts
“Abstractions: Shadows & Runes” photo exhibit by Joy Bush, Gallery at Still River Editions, 128 E Liberty St. Through March 26. Viewing in-person and virtually. Regular gallery hours: Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Open to 1 or 2 visitors from the same household at one time, masks required. 203-791-1474, stillrivereditions.com
DARIEN Books
Meet the Author hosted by Darien Library on Zoom: Kate Russo, author of “Super Host,” March 4, 7 p.m. Register at darienlibrary.org Need help registering e-mail apstaff@darienlibrary.org.
Lectures
Virtual lectures hosted by Darien Library on Zoom: “Strong Women in History: Ida B. Wells,” March 8, 3 p.m.; “Gardens of Cornwall and Devon,” March 9, 10 a.m.; “The Rise of the Virtuoso with Gil Harel,” March 9, 7 p.m. Register at darienlibrary.org Need help registering e-mail apstaff@darienlibrary.org
Visual Arts
Darien Arts Center’s Smartphone Photo Contest, “Pic Darien: Images of Hope, Heroes and Home.” Winners announced March 28. darienarts.org
FAIRFIELD Books
Virtual Author Talk hosted by Fairfield University Bookstore on Facebook: Dan Gutman, author of “Houdini and Me,” March 10, 6:30 p.m. Q&A. Visit facebook.com/ FairfieldUBookstore to join the event. All event books available for purchase online at fairfieldbookstore.com or in the Bookstore, 1499 Post Road in Downtown, 203-2557756.
Comedy
Fairfield Comedy Club hosts Paul Virzi, J.B. Percival Co., 63 Unquowa Road. March 4, 6 & 8 p.m. $29. fairfieldcomedyclub.com
Dance
Emily Coates and Emmanuèle Phuon present “The Creative Process,” virtual presentation hosted by Quick Center for the Performing Arts at Fairfield University, March 4, 11 a.m.-noon. Information at quickboxoffice@fairfield.edu, or contact the box office at 203-254-4010. Tune in to the program at thequicklive.com
Music
Orin Grossman, PhD-Europe: From Spain with Love: The Music of Isaac Albeniz, virtual performance and lecture hosted by Quick Center for the Arts at Fairfield University, March 5, 4-5 p.m. $10, free for Quick Center members. Password protected event. All viewers must purchase their ticket in advance through the Quick Center Box Office at quickcenter.com 203-254-4010, thequicklive.com
Specials
“Inside the Dangerous Rise of Religious Nationalism” presented virtually by journalist and author Katherine Stewart, hosted by Humanists and Freethinkers of Fairfield County, March 8, 7 p.m. Register at bit.ly/hffcStewart
Visual Arts
“The Art of the Discovery,” Hollis Taggart Gallery, 330 Pequot Ave. Through March 27. Masks required and all COVID protocols followed. Gallery hours: Wed-Sat 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Sun 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Masks required and all State Covid protocols followed. info@hollistaggart.com, 212-628-4000.
“Outside” show by Art/Place members, Fairfield Theater Company building, 70 Sanford St. On view in the gallery daily 11 a.m.-5 p.m. until futher notice. 203-319-1404
“By Design: Theater and Fashion in the Photography of Lalla Essaydi” art exhibit featuring photos by Lalla Essaydi, 3-D virtual tour and audio guide, presented by Fairfield University Art Museum’s Walsh Gallery in the Quick Center for the Performing Arts, on view through the museum’s website, through May 21. thequicklive.com fairfield.edu/museum
GREENWICH Visual arts
Artist Talk: “The Artists of Instagram: Everything You Always Wanted to Know and Aren’t Afraid to Ask,” virtual webinar hosted by Bruce Museum on Zoom, March 4, 7-8:30 p.m. Q&A to follow. $20 nonmembers, free members. Register at brucemuseum.org or call 203-869-0376, ext. 311.
“Lost Landscape Revealed: Childe Hassam and The Red Mill, Cos Cob,” Greenwich Historical Society, 47 Strickland Road. In-person exhibit on view through March 28. Tickets must be reserved in advance by visiting greenwichhistory.org. Museum Store open Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat-Sun noon-4 p.m. Library and Archives open by appointment only. Guided Tour Site and Landscape Tours, Sat & Sun (weather permitting) and must be reserved in advance. The Bush-Holley House remains closed.
Online classes hosted by Greenwich Art Society on Zoom: “Portrait Drawing & Painting with Leeanna Chipana,” through March 25, Thursdays only from 10 a.m-1 p.m. $475. Registration required at admin@greenwichartsociety.org or 203-629-1533.
MADISON Music
Lenten Concert Series with guest organists performing on the historic 1929 Möller pipe organ, hosted by First Congregational Church of Madison, 26 Meetinghouse Lane. Line-up: Walden Moore, March 5. All concerts are 12:15-12:45 p.m. Each recital will be broadcast over the steeple speakers. Sit in your car and listen or bring a chair and sit on the lawn. Also streamed live on the church’s Facebook page. 203-245-2739, ext. 14, fccmadison.org or Facebook page.
MIDDLETOWN Visual Arts
Wesleyan University’s Ezra and
Cecile Zilkha Gallery presents “Flames of My Homeland: The Cultural Revolution and Modern Tibet” works by Tsering Dorje, Tsering Woeser, and Ian Boyden, Wesleyan University Center for the Arts, 283 Washington Terrace. Through April 1. wesleyan.edu
MILFORD Books
Presentation by author Richard Seltzer, virtual event hosted by Milford Library on Zoom, March 10, 2 p.m. Register at milfordlibrary.org
Visual Arts
“Home” Member Exhibit, virtual exhibit hosted by Milford Arts Council, through March 18. 203-8786674, milfordarts.org
NORWALK Films
Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk IMAX Theater, 10 N. Water St. opens its new 4D Movie Theater. 3D glasses send the action spilling off the screen and over audiences, with additional sensory special effects, such as scents, bubbles, wind, mists and more. Two films: BBC Earth’s “Shark: A 4D Experience” at 15 minutes after each hour, and “Ice Age: No Time for Nuts 4D” at 45 minutes after each hour, weekdays, and on weekends & holidays, the movies will run alternatingly every 20 minutes starting at 10:20 a.m. 4D movie tickets: $7 per person, $6 members. Tickets optional in addition to Aquarium admission. Aquarium admission: $26.95 adults, $24.95 seniors (age 65+), $19.95 children (ages 3-12). COVID precautions include reduced capacity, physical distancing and required face masks. See the entire movie schedule, and reserve tickets at maritimeaquarium.org.
Lectures
“Oystering in Norwalk, Connecticut” by photographer Bill Whitbeck, virtual chat hosted by Norwalk Historical Society on Zoom, March 4, 5:30 p.m. Q&A to follow. Free. Registration required at norwalkhistoricalsociety.org
Visual Arts
“A Slug’s Life: Facing the Climate Endgame,” Maritime Aquarium, 10 N. Water St. Through June 13. Exhibit features forms and adaptations of animals from ocean reefs, discover the important warnings they can tell us about climate change. The exhibit blends live marine animals with sculptures of a type of sea slug called nudibranchs by New Haven artist Gar Waterman, plus photos by divers from around the world. Limited guest capacity, masks required, ticket sales online with timed entries. $26.95, $24.95 age 65+, $19.95 ages 3-12. Free with admission. 203-852-0700, maritimeaquarium.org
“In the Garden,” Rowayton Arts Center, 145 Rowayton Ave. Through March 6. Gallery hours: Tue-Fri noon-5 p.m.; Sat 10 a.m.-1 p.m. rowaytonarts.org
“Socially Distant Art: Creativity in Lockdown,” Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum, 295 West Ave.
Exhibit opens April 8 and run through Aug. 29, and will be held in the Billiards Room. For more information on schedules, tour tickets and programs visit lockwoodmathewsmansion.com, 203-838-9799.
Norwalk Historical Society and Norwalk Historical Commission calls on the community for historic objects and artifact donations to be featured in the upcoming permanent exhibit in the Smith Street Jail entitled “Miserable Vagrants, Petty Thieves and Scamps: A History of Crime in Norwalk.” Seeking Norwalkrelated photographs, mugshots, documents, memorabilia and ephemera pertaining to crime, punishment and the police. While particular emphasis is on the pre-1940 era and Norwalk specifically, there is an interest in viewing or hearing about all items that fall within the above categories regardless of location or time period. Complete an object donation form at bit.ly/2Xa8PLT norwalkhistoricalsociety.org, 203-846-0525.
City of Norwalk Parking Authority’s Maritime Garage Gallery is holding a virtual exhibit entitled “Splash.” Featuring artwork with pieces that bring light and energy via bright colors and dynamic composition. The exhibit will run through March 14. Artists and the public are encouraged to participate via the Gallery’s social media. 203- 8319063, norwalkpark.org/public-art
RIDGEFIELD Lectures
“Did She Just Say That? Women’s Voices, Impropriety, and The Power of Speaking Up” by Gina Barreca, online lecture hosted by Ridgefield Library on Zoom, March 4, 7 p.m. Register at ridgefieldlibrary.org or call 203-438-2282.
Music
Pepsi Rock Series on Film: “The Rolling Stones Shine A Light,” Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 E. Ridge. March 5, 7:30 p.m. $10. Socially distanced, limited capacity performance. Face masks required at all times. Tickets at ridgefieldplayhouse.org, or visit or call the box office. 203-438-5795, ridgefieldplayhouse.org
Brandon “Taz” Niederauer, Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 E. Ridge. March 6, 5 & 8:30 p.m. $35. Socially distanced, limited capacity performance. Face masks required at all times. Tickets at ridgefieldplayhouse.org, or visit or call the box office. 203-438-5795, ridgefieldplayhouse.org
Specials
“Doktor Kaboom & The Wheel of Science,” virtual Family Series event hosted by Ridgefield Playhouse, March 4, 1 p.m. $10. ridgefieldplayhouse.org
Visual Arts
Ridgefield Guild of Artists CameraWorks 2021, Ridgefield Guild Of Artists, 34 Halpin Lane. Through March 28, noon-4 p.m. Tickets are free, but entry is by appointment through Sign-up genius on our website. 203-438-8863, rgoa.exhibitions@gmail.com
“Twenty Twenty” exhibit of works on paper that presents the work of seven artists whose work is based on photographic imagery, Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, 258 Main St. Through March 14. In-person viewing but timed ticketing reservations required. aldrichart.org
STAMFORD Books
“Nature’s Best Hope” by Douglas Tallamy, Ph.D., Professor of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware, live, interactive online author event hosted by Stamford Museum & Nature Center, March 10, 6-7:30 p.m. $15 members, $25 nonmembers. Register at stamfordmuseum.org
Outdoors
Maple Sugar Festival, Stamford Museum & Nature Center, March 7, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $10 nonmembers, $7 members. Register at stamfordmuseum.org
Visual Arts
“Welkom to Amsterdam et Vienna” online exhibit featuring Gayle Gleckler and Tony Woolner, Stamford Art Association Townhouse Gallery, 39 Franklin St. Through March 13. 203-325-1139, stamfordartassociation.org
“Global Garden: Resonant Beauty” Solo Exhibit of Orchid Paintings by Patricia Laspino, Museum & Nature Center’s Bendel Galleries, 151 Scofieldtown Road. Through March 21. 203-977-6521, stamfordmuseum.org
“Small, Smaller, Smallest,” Loft Artists Gallery, 575 Pacific St. Through March 21. In-gallery all member exhibit of small works. Gallery hours: Fridays 5-7:30 p.m.; Saturdays 1-4 p.m. Facemasks required. 203-247-2027, loftartists.org
WEST HARTFORD Music
Music at the Red Door series livestreamed on St. John’s Episcopal Church’s YouTube channel and Facebook page. Line-up: Pipes Alive! Organ Recitals-Carolyn Craig, March 7. Links for streaming at reddoormusic.org.
WESTPORT Books
Virtual Authors Talk hosted by Westport Library: Abraham Riesman, author of “True Believer: The Rise and Fall of Stan Lee,” March 8, 7-8 p.m. westportlibrary.org
Lectures
“The Doctors Blackwell,” virtual event hosted by Westport Library, March 4, 7-8 p.m. Register at westportlibrary.org
Music
Connecticut Guitar Festival, virtual event hosted by Suzuki Music School, March 5-7. Kickoff Concert featuring female artists in Jazz, Rock, World Music and Classical guitar: Camila Meza, Sus Vasquez, Badi Assad, and Ana Vidovic, March 5, 7-9 p.m. The virtual festival continues through the weekend with performances and events. The weekend caps with a festival guitar orchestra composed of Connecticut teachers, alongside their students, performing the piece “Pop” by acclaimed guitar composer Andrew York. Pillow Concert with Rami Vamos, March 7, 2-3 p.m. For a full list of events and corresponding links visit facebook.com/connecticut guitarfestival/events. Overview of entire festival visit connecticutguitarfestival.com
Specials
Virtual programs hosted by Westport Museum for History and Culture: Chats on the Past: Stephen James, author and podcaster, March 5, 5-6 p.m.; Tuesday Treasure: Hang on to Your Hats, March 9, 6-6:30 p.m. To watch live and ask questions, visit the museums Facebook page or YouTube channel.
University of Connecticut Osher Lifelong Learning Institute course explores notable events and periods in Connecticut history with “Connecticut’s Hidden History: 16401848,” virtual program hosted by Westport Museum for History and Culture, March 9, 1:45-2:45 p.m. Register for UCONN’s OLLI course at olli.uconn.edu/welcome.
Visual Arts
“Vanishing Species Vanishing Murals,” outdoor gallery in downtown Westport. Murals on exterior walls visible to shoppers, diners, and visitors, and will depict a different endangered animal species. Locations: courtyard at Bedford Square; next to Jeera Thai on the back of Sconset Square; Post Road below Amy Simon Fine Art, and along the handicapped ramp at the front of Anthropologie. amykaplanartwork@gmail.com
“Say the Word,” Westport Library, 20 Jesup Road. Exhibit on view through March 31 in the South Gallery near the main entrance. Online exhibit, “Westport’s Suffragists-Our Neighbors, Our Crusaders.” westportlibrary.org
Writing plays a big part in the musical career of singer-songwriter Anna
May.
The 27-year-old from Waterford recently released her fourth studio album, “Kites,” a four-song EP, which adds to a prolific body of recorded work she’s accumulated since 2015.
Her passion for writing began at a remarkably early age, and, as she explained during a recent interview, she wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.
“If I didn’t write, and this has been true probably since I was 4 years old, I would just not feel myself,” she said. “I’m used to writing, and I feel inspired a lot.”
Growing up in Waterford, May was surrounded by music. Her father, a college professor, is also a professional musician and a composer, and she’s got an aunt who’s an opera singer and another who plays jazz.
The singers and songwriters she listened to in her youth inspired her, too.
“I started delving into the types of music that I liked by people such as Leonard Cohen, Natalie Merchant, Billie Holiday, Joan Baez and people like that,” said May, who accompanies herself on guitar.
“That was when I saw myself not so much as a singer or vocalist, but more as a writer.”
May developed a composing style that sets her music to stream-ofconscious poetry. The “Kites” EP features May’s lyrically rich, delicate vocals, sparse guitar instrumentation and lengthy songs.
Three on the EP clock in at over five minutes, and she’s written others that are even longer. The leadoff track to her “Flimsy Diatribe”
CD from 2019, for example, is a 10-minute composition called “Poet Masquerade.”
“There was a phase in my life when I really liked jam band music,” she said, “and I was into jazz in general, how the rules are broken, where songs can go on forever. So I wanted to insert that into folk music and see how it would work.
“Some people want a three-minute song, and I do have some of those. But I grew up with jazz, and I got pulled into that vein a lot.”
May attended Waterford public schools as a youth but eventually chose a different path for her education. “I went to Waterford High for a couple years and then started playing shows and getting into music,” she said.
“Then I began unschooling, which is an independent form of homeschooling. My dad’s a college professor, and my mom’s a teacher, so they started a curriculum for me, and I did a lot with independent mentors.
“I ended up going to a small arts community school in Colorado called Unschool Adventures. It was a travel-based program, where they do a lot of writing. During a writing-intensive project, we wrote novels for the month of November, so I wrote a novel in a month.”
May is also a classically trained pianist, gives piano lessons privately and plays the organ at her church, but performing her own music excites her the most.
“I’ve done other jobs, but when I think of myself, ultimately, I think this is where I feel most comfortable, playing shows and performing my music,” she said.
She’s traveled with her music throughout the country, appearing at the Boston Arts Festival, the Wildflower Arts & Music Festival, the Crying Wolf in Nashville and the Bar Redux in New Orleans.
She’s also opened for award-winning songwriter Jann Klose.
Besides the “Kites” EP and the “Flimsy Diatribe” CD, May’s released two other recordings, “Hey Houdini,” her debut EP from 2015, and her 2017 album, “I’m Still Thinking of You,” released this year.
“It’s like this hidden album,” May said about “I’m Still Thinking of You.” “I never intended to release it, but I did during the pandemic.”
She found that living through the COVID-19 outbreak allowed her time to work on her music.
“I’ve written tons of songs during this whole time. Totally alone, I have just been writing. So I am excited to record some of this, and I’m hoping to go back into the studio during the summer.
“The songs were inspired by nature. Most of the time we’re surrounded by people, and when we’re not, what comes from that? For me, it’s been these rich explorations into the natural world, and how we as people are intersecting with the natural world.”
One of her goals is simply to perform as best as she can.
“Some people would probably describe my personality as intense,” she said. “A lot of people have said that to me, but I think it’s being the best you can be.
“Sometimes that means playing at venues in Nashville, and playing where you’re a small fish in a big pond. Those are the greatest experiences that I’ve had, when you’re in a room with tons of really great musicians. You want to be better.”
“IF I DIDN’T WRITE, I WOULD JUST NOT FEEL MYSELF”