Actors eat in Bedford, N.Y.; news host dines in Darien DISH
Scene … Darien resident and journalist Ashleigh Banfield, host of “Banfield” on NewsNation, was seen having dinner with a friend at 1020 Post in Darien on Thursday night.
Out there … C. Parker Gallery at 409 Greenwich Ave. in Greenwich is featuring an exhibit, “Cool Yule — A Rock & Roll Holiday Art Exhibition,” showcasing an amazing collection of art and photographs of musicians, including Paul McCartney, Jerry Garcia, John Entwistle of The Who, Jimi Hendrix, Ron Wood of the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Robby Krieger of The Doors, Tony Bennett, The Police, Lynyrd Skynyrd, John Lennon, Ringo Starr, U2, Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen and Led Zeppelin. The exhibition also features animation art, concert tour posters including a rare collection of Bruce Springsteen framed memorabilia of handsigned items, photographs, and gold records as well as a rare Bob Dylan original painting. The exhibit runs through Sunday. For more info, call 203-661-0205
Out there … The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion in Norwalk, nominated for the second consecutive year as one of the “10 Best Historic Holiday Houses in the U.S.” by USA Today, is featuring its annual seasonal exhibit: “Holiday Enchantment at the Mansion.” The exhibit, curated by trustees Mimi Findlay and Paul Veeder, includes Christmas trees and seasonal displays by renowned interior designer Victoria Vandamm of Vandamm Interiors and floral designer Danna DiElsi of The Silk Touch; a history of Christmas cards; table décor; vintage toys; and Victorian gowns curated by Stacy Danielson. Tickets range from $8 to $15, free for children under 8. Call 203-838-9799 or go to www.lockwoodmathewsmansion.com.
Scene ... Darien resident Brian Cashman, general manager of the New York Yankees, met up with Sky Mercede of Forever Sweet Bakery in Norwalk and his son Sky Mercede II after his descent down the Landmark Building in Stamford last Sunday for the annual Heights & Lights holiday event. Mercede provided cupcakes and cookies for the Christmas tree lighting ceremony and an extra bag of cookies for Cashman to take home.
Out there … Connecticut Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” takes place Dec. 18 and Dec. 19 at The Palace Theatre in Stamford with two performances each day. Guest stars including New York City Ballet’s Unity Phelan and Jovani Furlan and American Ballet Theatre’s Gillian Murphy and Blaine Hoven will alternate in the roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and Her Cavalier. The professional company will be joined by 105 local children from a dozen local dance schools and academies. Ticket holders may take photos with guest artists after the performances as well as obtain autographs. Collectible nutcrackers and ornaments, children’s books and souvenir posters will be for sale at the Nutcracker Boutique in the theater lobby. For tickets ($75, $60 and $50 plus a theater surcharge; student/senior discount day of show only) call 203-9641211 or go to www.connecticutballet.org.
Scene … Award-winning British actress Emily Blunt and her husband, awardwinning actor John Krasinski, were seen having dinner at Truck in Bedford, N.Y., last Friday evening. The couple, who married in 2010, have two daughters, Hazel and Violet.
Out there … Athena Books at 228 Sound Beach Ave. in Old Greenwich opened its doors on Thursday. The 2,000-square-foot space — formerly CmAlmy religious goods — is owned by Riverside residents Jennifer Bird and her husband Odysseas Kostas. For more info, visit their Instagram page @AthenaBooksOG.
Winter wonderlands … Beautifully decorated windows are on display at Sophia’s on Liberty Way in Greenwich.
“Want to keep Christ in Christmas? Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, forgive the guilty, welcome the unwanted, care for the ill, love your enemies, and do unto others as you would have done unto you.”
— Steve Maraboli
And that’s all for now.