A trio of Jazz concerts hosted by the Westport Arts Center

The Westport Arts Center located on 51 Riverside Ave. is once again hosting a series of jazz concerts in January, February and March.  

The new year kicks off with the sounds of Brazilian Samba and Bossa Nova as performed by Ali Ryderson and Joe Carter on January 11 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.  Jazz flutist Ali Ryerson teams up with longtime duo partner, guitarist Joe Carter, along with bassist David Finck and Brazilian percussionist Ze Mauricio, to perform an exciting program of Brazilian favorites from master composers Antonio Carlos Jobim, Luiz Bonfa, Carlos Lyra and more. Admission is $30.

On February 1 from 3 pm to 5 pm, the Westport Arts Center is hosting a "Jazz Jam." Admission: $15.00 WAC Members and $30 for non-members.  Guests are invited to join the Center's Artistic Director Brian Torff, for a free-wheeling jam session with some of the community's most active musicians. The sessions are intended to be a spontaneous exploration of Jazz, Blues, and other music styles. The Center encourages students and semi-professionals to drop in and jam for free!

On March 22, the Center is hosting  the Hartford Jazz Orchestra at the Pequot Library on 270 Pequot Ave. in Southport from 3 pm - 5 pm.  The Hartford Jazz Orchestra will perform songs from the great American songbook with vocalist Nicole Pasternack. Since it's inception in 1965, the Hartford Jazz Orchestra has performed concerts with the Woody Herman, Stan Kenton band along with joint appearances with jazz greats Zoot Sims and Clark Terry. Among its notable band members was Chic Cicchetti, who joined them as a trombone player and later rose to lead the HJO.  Admission is $30 for non members and $25 for members of WAC.

For more information and to register for these events visit http://westportartscenter.org/programs/jazz

Momix 35 Anniversary at the Warner Theatre

On Saturday, January 17, 2015 and Sunday, January 18, 2015 the Warner Theatre will once again welcome the irrepressible Moses Pendelton and the internationally acclaimed dancer-illusionists troupe, MOMIX, as they celebrate 35 years of presenting works of exceptional inventiveness and physical beauty.

In this performance, the MOMIX 35th Anniversary Celebration features a collection of company and audience favorites, creating a show that breaks the bounds of the conventional and enters an aesthetic orbit all its own.

MOMIX is a company of dancer-illusionists based out of Washington, CT and under the direction of Moses Pendelton. Known internationally, MOMIX performs on stage world-wide and recently appears in nationally-televised commercials. With nothing more than light, shadow, props and the human body, MOMIX has astonished audiences on five continents for over 30 years.

Performances are Saturday, January 17 at 8 pm and Sunday, January 18 at 2 pm. Tickets start at $43 and are available by calling the Warner Theatre Box Office at (860) 489-7180 or online at www.warnertheatre.org

Start Your New Year at the Palace

Stamford's Palace Theatre 2015 season, features artists from all genres. The winter- spring season serves up an exceptional lineup of comedy, music, children's programming and holiday shows, suitable for patrons of all ages.

This season's selection includes superstars such as Jay Leno, beloved favorites such as Bill Cosby and Mannheim Steamroller, fresh-faced kids' shows such as "Sid the Science Kid" and "Dinosaur Train Live!" and shows the entire family can enjoy such asAmy Grant and "Haunted Illusions."

The Palace has an incredibly rich history of world-class artists performing at The Palace and this year they are continuing to expand their programing with new series like 'Laughtrax,' which will bring the best up-and-coming comedians from across the country, presented in the cozy, club-like UpStage space for an up-close-and-personal audience experience.

To buy tickets, visit http://palacestamford.org or call the box office at 203-325-4466. See PalaceStamford.org for a full list of upcoming events.

Below is a round up of shows from January - May, 2015. 

Comedy on the HARMAN Stage

Nobodies of Comedy Saturday, March 21, 2015 – 8 p.m.; tickets: $40, $30, $25 The funniest comics you've never heard of! Hand-picked as the nation's best up-and-coming comedians, they're about to hit the big time – say you saw them at The Palace first!

Jay Leno – The Palace Theatre's Annual Gala Saturday, May 2, 2015 – 8p.m.; tickets: $165, $125, $75, $65; Gala tickets: TBD On sale to members Jan. 15, 2015; to the General Public Jan. 22, 2015 After a triumphant run on The Tonight Show, where do you go? The Palace! Master comedian Jay Leno will make history on our stage at our annual Gala!

Bill Cosby Saturday June 20, 2015 – 8 p.m.; tickets: $85, $70, $60, $45 Beloved by all of America – from tweens to seniors – Bill Cosby delights with his signature storytelling and comic observations that have had us laughing for decades.

Laughtrax – UpStage @ The Palace

Bring a date and the whole gang to our cozy, relaxed UpStage space; get a table, have a drink and laugh out loud!

David Pendleton Friday, Jan. 23, 2015 – 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.; tickets: $25 Ventriloquist David Pendleton's flawless technique makes you believe anything can talk, and his razor-sharp comedy brings you right into the act!

NYC Comedy Night Thursday, Feb. 19, 2015 – 8 p.m.; tickets: $15.50 Current, hip, and straight from the city's smartest clubs! You're on the cutting edge of comedy with these about-to-break-out stand-ups.

Music on the HARMAN Stage

The Hit Men Featuring the former stars of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons! Friday, May 15, 2015 – 8 p.m.; tickets: $55, 35, $25 Oh What a Night it will be! The glory days of rock & roll will have you on your feet when these former members of mega-star acts share fascinating stories from their days on the road and perform your favorite songs!

Songbook Cabaret Series – UpStage @ The Palace

Tony DeSare Friday, March 6, 2015 – 8 p.m.; tickets: $65, $55 A "Rising Star" Male Vocalist and the talk of the cabaret world in New York, Tony DeSare brings his fresh take on old-school style to the intimate UpStage club-like venue at The Palace. A crooner for the new century!

Cyrille Aimée Friday, April 10, 2015 – 8 p.m.; tickets: $65, $55 Thrill to the glorious voice of Cyrille Aimée, an unforgettable artist whose musical outlook is reflected in her love of the guitar, an instrument that displays the diverse influences on her music.

Family on the HARMAN Stage

Sid the Science Kid Friday, Feb. 6, 2015 – 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.; tickets: $35, $25, $15 Join Sid and his friends from the hit PBS KIDS television series as they explore interactive moments with the audience that will bring out the curious scientist in your kid.

Dinosaur Train Live! Buddy's Big Adventure Friday, April 24, 2015 – 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.; tickets: $35, $25, $15 Jim Henson's hit TV show comes to life in this dynamic show that embraces and celebrates the fascination that children have with both dinosaurs and trains, taking them on a grand adventure!

The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley Thursday, May 21, 2015 – 11 p.m.; tickets: $10 The musical stage adaption of Jeff Brown's beloved children's book is a fun, Broadway-style musical comedy about the value of being different and the importance of family.

Variety

Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015 – 8 p.m.; tickets: $50, $40 Just in time for Valentine's Day, this hysterical show will have husbands and wives elbowing each other all evening as they see themselves on stage. Based on the sensational best-seller that started it all!

Playtime at the Palace - Stamford Center for the Arts

A brand new series featuring bubbles, puppets, slapstick, and more, Playtime at the Palace will continue to delight children of all ages in March and April at Stamford’s Palace Theatre. From Puppet Playground to Story Pirates, entertainers will charm families with up-close-and-personal performances on Sunday afternoons. All shows start at 3 PM and last approximately one hour.

The Silent Slapstick (All tickets: $10) program is scheduled for March 30 and is sure to have your kids laughing themselves silly!  This program features uproarious ’20s comedy films, presented with a live pianist!  Lincoln Center’s famous silent film accompanist/historian Ben Model will present 3 short slapstick silent comedies making this an ideal opportunity to introduce youngsters to inventive visual humor.  This program will be presented in the Palace Cinema.

The  P.i.E. Puppets in Education (All tickets: $15) will perform on April 6.  This program will show your children  how to put on their very own puppet show! The Monkey Boys team will teach them how to create a show with their own stuffed animals and learn how to create puppets through simple construction techniques!  Some of these will be used in a short show at the end of the class.

Tickets may be purchased online 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 in downtown Stamford, 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.

For area information www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com

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.

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.