Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Open House Tour in Litchfield CT

The 66th Annual Open House Day Tour of Litchfield to benefit the Connecticut Junior Republic (CJR) will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2013 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, rain or shine.  This year’s tour features five homes of historic and architectural interest and a lovely garden in the quaint community of Milton.

Hidden away among Litchfield’s country lanes and back roads, this storybook village features many fine homes, as well as the charming Milton Center Historic District, which flourished on waterpower until the middle of the 19th Century.  Surrounded by farmland and woods, Milton is a lovely destination often missed by visitors to Litchfield.

In addition to the featured homes, the self-guided tour will also include additional points of interest in Milton and Litchfield, including the Milton Congregational Church, Trinity Episcopal Church and Milton Hall, as well as the beautiful churches in the center of Litchfield, the Litchfield History Museum, Tapping Reeve Law School and Lourdes of Litchfield. 


The following homes are featured on this year’s tour:


Deacon Peter Buell House


The Deacon Peter Buell House
This remarkable 1723 center-chimney, chestnut framed Georgian farmhouse was constructed by Captain/Deacon John Buell near a place commonly called “Watch Tower.”  The dwelling was passed on to his son, Peter, in 1734, and a “lean-to” was added.  The house was held by the Buell family until 1863, when it was sold, and then reclaimed again in 1923, and finally sold in 1958.  In 1961, the house narrowly escaped demolition and was rescued and moved to Milton.  Here, the home was restored to reflect domestic life as it existed during Peter and his heirs’ fifty-year tenure.  Today, the Buell House stands as a document to 18th century rural family life in Litchfield.  Highlights of the home include transverse summer beams, a pine sheathed ceiling, six-over-four sash above entry and wide board chestnut and pine flooring.  Extensive renovations recently completed by the home’s current owner include a new rear addition with all the amenities and comforts of modern day living.


Dickinson Farm


Dickinson Farm
In 1726, Benjamin Boardman was granted the land on which this house stands to work as a farm.  Today, the Dickinson Farm is one of the few remaining intact farms in Litchfield, dating back to the 18th century.  The existing Colonial house was constructed circa 1760 and was designed as a five bay central chimney residence.  During the 19th century, a two bay extension was added, and for a period of time, served as a cobbler’s shop.  In 1849, Edwin P. Dickinson bought the house and surrounding farm land.  This property remained in his family for the next 110 years.  The current owner added on a great room in the back of the house for use as an art studio and to display family art.  The fabulous wall mural in the dining room, illustrating Litchfield history, is a continuing work in progress.


Fox Ridge Cottage
Fox Ridge Cottage
Built in 1996, this stunning Adirondack-style Cape home was sited on a granite ridge overlooking a small stream and fox den.  The interior features include nine-foot ceilings, wide plank hardwood flooring, two fireplaces and a state-of-the-art kitchen.  Attached to the back of the house is a screened three season porch, and an outdoor hot tub and shower, with undisturbed views of the woods.  Towards the back of the home is a new outdoor retreat center.  This enchanting section of the garden features unique stump seating around an open fire pit.  The grounds on the south side of the home include a heart-shaped herb garden and a crescent moon-shaped perennial garden.


White Bridge Farm

White Bridge Farm
The oldest part of this home was built by Levi Coe, Sr., circa 1787, on twelve acres.  In 1832, Levi Coe, Jr. inherited the home and enlarged the property to 300 acres, added the Greek Revival elements to the house and named it Cloverdale Farm.  The notable Greek Revival details include recessed panels on the pilasters, double fascia board with stringcourse molding, and the trabeated (horizon beams or lintels), in the entry.  The south parlor displays distinctive door surrounds with eared architraves (moldings surrounding doors), and splayed (oblique angled or beveled) frames.  The newel post is
original to the house.  Also of historic significance are the maple trees lining the front of the house, which are said to have been planted by Civil War veterans.  The glass greenhouse on the south elevation is a modern addition.  An in-ground pool, bath house, tennis courts, livestock arena, two barns and a 1920’s office building are located on the property.


William Sprat(s) House


William Sprat(s) House
William Sprat(s), a British soldier of Scottish decent, came to Hartford and Litchfield as a paroled war prisoner following the defeat of General Burgoyne, prior to 1779.  Sprat(s) bought five acres of land in Milton in 1786 and as a trained architect and builder, built his own small gambrel dwelling.  The house, erected in 1787 with a chimney and front entry on the original North-end, was typically called a “half-house.”  A shoemaker’s shop operated in the residence from 1814-1834.  In the 20th century, the present north side and gambrel roof were joined to the original house.  Dormers were added in the 1920’s.  Highlights of the original house include the well in the kitchen, the raised panel doors throughout the house, Litchfield hardware on some doors and a five light transom above the door.  Of interest outside are a vintage three seat outhouse and various sheds.

Starr and Ziehl Garden
At the end of this delightful formal garden, an Adirondack-style pergola overlooks a small brook with a large granite slab set in the earth to serve as a bridge.  Gravel paths lead to an impressive sized millstone centered within the courtyard and an Adirondack-style bench sits on the opposite side of the pergola to take in a view of the entire garden.  The north side of the garden includes shade perennials and decorative stone work.  Ornamental pear and cherry trees in stone lined ovals, lead your eye to a stone bench, anchoring the South side of the garden.  Other plants in the garden include hornbeams – a small hardwood tree, as well as boxwoods, blueberry bushes and honeysuckle growing on a trellis.

Stonecroft-Montfort
The site of the 2013 Celebrate CJR Cocktail Reception, Stonecroft-Montfort was built in 1926-27, on a 170-acre estate by Richard and Lura Liggett to serve as a seasonal home.  In 1947, Stonecroft was sold to the Montfort Missionaries, a Roman Catholic religious order.  The Order purchased the property as a Seminary for training missionary priests.  This monumental two-and-one-half story, Tudor house of native fieldstone was designed by the noted Colonial Revival architect Richard Henry Dana.  Impressive and superbly sited, Stonecroft is one of two Cotswold cottage-inspired houses that Dana designed on the east side of Litchfield, the other being Topsmead.  NOTE:  Stonecroft-Montfort is not a part of the tour from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.  General admission tickets for the Saturday tour do not include the evening tour and cocktail reception.  

TICKETS
Tickets and information about the evening tour and cocktail reception may be obtained by calling the Connecticut Junior Republic (860) 567-9423, ext. 278.  Advance tickets for the general tour on Saturday are $30.00 and may be ordered by contacting the Litchfield Aid of CJR, P.O. Box 214, Litchfield, Connecticut 06759.  Please include a stamped, self-addressed envelope with your credit card information, or check or money order, made payable to:  Litchfield Aid of CJR.

Those using credit cards (American Express, MasterCard and Visa) for payment should provide account name, number, security code and expiration date.  Discover Card is NOT accepted.  Advance orders are non-refundable and must be received no later than Friday, June 28.  Requests for tickets after this date will be held for pick-up on the day of the tour at the ticket tent on the Green.  Special rates are available for tour groups that reserve a minimum of 20 tickets in advance.

Tickets for the Saturday Tour from 10: AM to 4:00 PM will be sold on the date of the event for $35.00 for adults and children on the Litchfield Green.  (No charge for infants.)  Further information about the House Tour and ticket sales may be accessed online:  www.litchfieldhousetour.org.


 Luncheon
Visitors may enjoy lunch at the Connecticut Junior Republic for $7.00 from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM.  A choice of a seafood salad or smoked turkey and Swiss cheese sandwich plate, including pasta salad, brownie, and iced tea, will be offered by CJR students.  The luncheon may be viewed on the House Tour website:  www.litchfieldhousetour.org. 

For area information www.litchifeldhills.com

Monday, July 1, 2013

Perfect Pairs at The Palace in Stamford CT

The Palace - photo by Happyhaha

Some of the most entertaining acts in history have been “Perfect Pairs” – Abbott & Costello, Martin & Lewis, Lucy & Desi.  This Fall the Courtyard by Marriott presents “Broadway/Cabaret/Jazz Series: Perfect Pairs at The Palace.”  Perfect Pairs will feature the very best dynamic duos in Broadway, Cabaret and Jazz performing in an intimate setting on the HARMAN Stage on four evenings throughout the fall and winter. This series is made possible through the generosity of Presenting Sponsor Courtyard by Marriott.

This unique series, where the performers and audience both occupy the stage, is the result of the passion and hard work of Palace Theatre Board Member Lynn DiMenna.  “Lynn has been working quite diligently to bring this series to fruition for almost four years now,” said Executive Director, Michael E. Moran, Jr.  “Combining Broadway, Cabaret and Jazz and seating the audience on the stage with the performers will make for four extraordinary and intimate events.”

"I wanted to launch the series with something a little special," said DiMenna, a cabaret performer herself. "Pairing some of the best entertainers in the different genres brings something unexpected and exciting to the mix that I think our audiences will love!"

Saturday, September 7, 2013 – 8 p.m.
JUDY CARMICHAEL & STEVE ROSS
Grammy nominated pianist Judy Carmichael, one of the world’s leading interpreters of stride piano and swing, and Steve Ross, who the New York Times calls "Crown Prince of New York Cabaret," team up for an unforgettable evening.

Friday, October 18, 2013 – 8 p.m.
CHRISTINE PEDI & JOHNNY RODGERS
October’s evening features musical theater singer, comedienne and Drama Desk nominated Christine Pedi, and internationally-celebrated singer-songwriter, pianist, Broadway star, and recording artist Johnny Rodgers, who is described by Stephen Holden (The New York Times) as an entertainer “that can’t be found anywhere else” with “fused elements of Billy Joel, Peter Allen and Johnny Mercer.”

Wednesday, November 13, 2013 – 8 p.m.
CYRILLE AIMÉE & FREDDY COLE
In November, old world jazz and standards meets the next generation – Cyrille Aimée, an unstoppable, undeniable talent in the modern age of jazz and whose unique vocal stylings reflect her culturally rich background of Dominican rhythm and the incredible swing of the French gypsies, teams up with Freddy Cole (Nat “King” Cole’s brother) whose vocals – suave, elegant, formidable, and articulate – are among the most respected in jazz today.

Wednesday, January 22, 2014 – 8 p.m.
MARILYN MAYE & HOUSTON PERSON
The series goes out with a bang when Cabaret legend Marilyn Maye returns to the HARMAN Stage with world renowned tenor saxophonist Houston Person mixing the best in Broadway, Cabaret and Jazz.

Tickets for the Broadway/Cabaret/Jazz Series can be purchased as single tickets and partial subscriptions at www.SCAlive.org or charged by phone with major credit cards by calling the Palace Box Office at 203-325-4466. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the Palace Theatre box office on 61 Atlantic Ave. in downtown Stamford, CT. The box office is open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The 2013-2014 season is made possible by Palace Theatre's Season Sponsors Seaboard Properties, Inc. and the Whittingham Family.

About the Palace Theatre
The vision of the Palace Theatre is to be the regional arts center for exciting entertainment that enhances and enriches the cultural, educational, economic, and social life of the community.  The Palace strives to achieve this vision by demonstrating integrity in all work and relationships, providing service and quality in all activities, fostering and promoting diversity of thought, ideas and culture, providing stewardship for the Stamford Arts community, emphasizing outreach in our community, and offering creativity in all endeavors.  Major funding is provided by the Department of Economic & Community Development and the Office of the Arts.  Programs made possible in part by the Fairfield County Community Foundation.


Summer Concerts at Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk

Summer nights in Norwalk mean music by the Sound, and there is no better place to enjoy a concert as the sunsets than at Calf Pasture Beach.  In addition to music, four concert evenings begin with a classic car show organized by The Coachmen for several hundred-car buffs from throughout the tri-state area.

Bill Genuario
On July 3, Norwalk will celebrate its annual Independance Day Celebration (rain date July 5).  Dance to the Music with DJ Nuxxo opens Shady Beach entertainment at 6 p.m. and family fun at Calf Pasture Beach starts at 5:30 p.m. with The Amazing Andy Show.  Bill Genuario, one of the most popular vocalists in the tri-state area, headlines at 8:00 p.m. at Shady Beach. He will be joined by his band, Destiny, which includes Tommy Hartlett (keyboard and vocals), Linda Fakundiny (guitar/vocals), Johnny Mennonna (bass guitar) and Ron Nihoff (drums). Parking will be available at Calf Pasture Beach only. 

On July 10 at 6:30 p.m. concertgoers will enjoy Curious Creatures, a hands on exhibit of exotic animals followed by Scarborough Fair.  With voices that blend effortlessly into that Simon & Garfunkel signature sound, brothers Jeb and Jock Guthrie pay tribute to the famous musical duo.

A Classic Car Show beginning at 6:00 p.m. on July 17 is followed by the music of The Royal Kings.  This musical ensemble features vocalists Joey Bennett, Douglas Dorsey, Timmy Hayes, Tommy Talercio and Richard “Cookie” Thomas. These performers have opened for headlining acts from the 50s, 60s and 70s that include Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, Little Anthony, AWB and the Flamingos.  They continue to perform on the Oldies Rock and Roll circuit, as well as concerts and special events, and have two CDs, “Dreamin’ Through the Years” and “Dreamin’ at Christmas.”

Fleetwood Macked

The final July concert on July 24 headlines Fleetwood Macked at 7 p.m.  This tribute band recreates the musical experience of Fleetwood Mac’s most popular line-up -- Mick Fleetwood (Frank Saitta), John and Christine McVie (Bobby Trombley and Sue Rowe), Stevie Nicks (Hillary Epstein) and Lindsey Buckingham (Mike Epstein). 

The Facts
Each Wednesday night throughout the summer, area residents look forward to packing a picnic and a blanket and heading to the beach to enjoy a relaxing evening of music beside Long Island Sound. A $5.00 parking fee is charged for cars without a Norwalk beach sticker. For updates and additional information call the Norwalk Recreation and Parks Office at 203-854-7807. All concerts have a rain date of the following day.  For cancellation information call 203-854-7938.  A $20.00 parking fee is charged for cars without a Norwalk beach sticker.