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Greenwich Concours 2023: an exciting weekend of automotive excellence

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Best of Show at the Concours d’Elegance: 1937 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 B owned by Lawrence Auriana.

Each June there is a special gathering in Greenwich Ct of automotive enthusiasts, collectors and experts to attend the Greenwich Concours d’Elegance. At this yearly event, the automotive faithful witnessed a finely curated collection of unique automobiles.  The passion of the owners, judges, attendees and the organizers was evident in Greenwich this past weekend.

Wayne Carini’s 1953 Studebaker Commander Starlight Coupe

On Sunday June 4th the waterside show field was filled with classic cars featuring a number of different classes.  Among the classes were Post War Alfa Romeo, Beach Cars, The Class of ’63, East Coast Coachbuilders, Ghia Concepts (cars hand built by Ghia of Italy), Historic Hot Rods, Muscle Cars (in high impact colors), Motorcycles, Woodie Wagons, Super cars and more. 

There were cars for every taste and interest.    On Sunday as on Saturday, Wayne Carini, restorer, collector and star of the tv program “Chasing Classic Cars” walked guests through some of his collection of cars that were displayed waterside.  Wayne was also the Grand Marshall of the Concours.

The DeSoto Adventurer II concept car built for Chrysler by Ghia of Italy. One of a kind.

Being invited to a Concours to show your vehicle is an honor, but to win best in show is quite the achievement.   Saturday’s Concours de Sport Winner of the best in show was The 1965 Ford GT40 Mk I owned by Benjamin Levy.

On Sunday the best of show winner at Concours d’Elegance wasthe 1937 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 B owned by Lawrence Auriana.  The judges must have had a challenging time choosing with all the amazing and unique cars on the show field.

The concours this year also featured a section with several food trucks and a bar truck which seemed to be a big hit with the guests. Attendees could also upgrade their experience and have access to Club Greenwich where they could dine in a beautiful pavilion overlooking the harbor and the winners platform.

In the parking lot across the street the electric car company Lucid was giving free test drives.  Hagerty Ride and Drive was also there with several classic cars and one modern Porsche for guests to test drive through the streets of Greenwich.  I was thrilled to drive a classic 1967 Pontiac GTO.  It is this kind of experience provided by Hagerty Events and the Greenwich Concours which set this event apart from other car shows.

Driving a classic 1967 Pontiac GTO as part of Hagerty’s Ride and Drive program.

If your interested in other Concours and car events presented by Hagerty, you should consider joining the Hagerty Drivers Club.  I have circled my calendar for the next Concours.  It should  be another great weekend.

More information>>  www.greenwichconcours.com

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Photos from the Concours can be seen all year on instagram @car_nation_frank

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Highlights of Greenwich Concours 2023, Day one

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The three wheeled Davis Divan, one of only 13 built and restored by Wayne Carini

Opening day of the 2023 Greenwich Concours was a fun filled day with unique cars on the show field, interactive displays, Hagerty’s Ride and Drive event and even food trucks. With cars like the the 1948 Davis Divan (above), to John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s Chrysler Town and Country station wagon, to a stunning race bred Ford GT40, there was something for everyone. Elvis was in the building as his 1971 Stutz Blackhawk was on display.

John Lennon’s 1972 Chrysler Town and Country station wagon

There was many classes of cars including Hot Rods, classic off road SUVs, Lime Rock Racing legends, Porsche outlaws, Corvettes, cars of Carrol Shelby, and cars from the amazing collection of Wayne Carini. Wayne is a car restorer, collector, and host of the popular television show, “Chasing Classic Cars”. A large audience gathered as Wayne explained each of the 8 cars he brought to the show. He explained their history, styling elements, how he obtained the car and its restoration. Later he signed posters and took photos with attendees.

Wayne Carini discussing his Davis Divan

The Greenwich Concours is a great way to spend the day and the setting is perfect. It is set in Roger Sherman Baldwin Park overlooking Greenwich Harbor. The Concours d’Sport concluded with the announcement of the Best of Show, the stunning 1965 Ford GT40 MK . Well deserved.

If you could not make the event, Sunday June 4th will feature an entire new line of up of classes of cars. The weather looks perfect to enjoy cars from Alfa Romeo, Beach Cars, Ghia Concept cars, the Class of 1963 and more. For tickets and information

http://www.greenwichconcours.com

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Caramoor announces an exciting slate of live music for the Summer 2023 Season

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Audra McDonald

Caramoor is not only one of the premier music venues in our area, it is truly a local treasure.  You may have the impression Caramoor only features string quartets and classical music performances, but it is so much more.  This season will feature a wide variety of music genres including jazz, blues, American standards, swing, folk, world music, gospel, opera and classical.  There is something for everyone.  The creative staff at Caramoor has curated a diverse and exciting season of music.

Opening night is Saturday June 17th featuring the amazing Audra McDonald. The Tony, Emmy and Grammy award winner will be at Caramoor’s Venetian Theater performing songs from the Great American Song Book.

Sunday June 18th will feature a fun event with the Hot Jazz Frolic at the Friends Field Tent.  The tent will be turned into a 1920s jazz club where you can dance or just sit back and enjoy the music. 

A very special performance of Francesca Caccini’s “Alcina” opera will be performed on Sunday June 25th.  This opera is unique in that was written by a woman. It should be a very special evening.

Other special performances will be Over the Rainbow, the Songs of Harold Arlen .  Broadway performers will be singing from a selection of songs from this legendary song writer on July 8th.

Ukrainian band, DakhaBrakha

For something completely different, DakhaBrakha a Ukrainian band with roots in folk, punk,rock and hip hop will perform their unique sound on July 14th.

Samara Joy, the phenomenal 23 year old jazz singer will be on Friends Field on August 4th.  The Verve Records recording artist has been compared to the legendary Sarah Vaughn and is a must see show.

Mary Chapin Carpenter

The next night, 5 time Grammy and two CMA award winner, Mary Chapin Carpenter and her band will rock the stage on August 5th.   This music legend is a performance you’ll want to attend .

This is just a sample of the many performances this season at this amazing music venue.   Caramoor is special as it matches its performances to its various unique venues within the property.  There is the Venetian Theater (main stage), Friends Field, Music Room (indoor), Sunken Garden and the intimate Spanish Courtyard.

For more information on Caramoor and its Summer 2023 season: http://www.caramoor.org

Caramoor

149 Girdle Ridge Road Katonah New York

Visitors can take the Free Shuttle from Katonah Train Station  to the venue before and after each concert.

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Greenwich Concours D’Elegance. The ultimate car event returns to Greenwich June 2nd-4th

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2022 Best of Show 1948 Packard Convertible Victoria Eight, body by Vignale. Photo credit-Greenwich Concours

The premier automotive event in our area, the Greenwich Concours D’elegance returns June 2-4th 2023.  This fantastic car event is a must attend for any car enthusiast and has traditionally featured some of the finest automobiles to be seen at any national car event.

The event starts Friday June 2nd with an educational seminar titled “Concours Judging 101: ICJAG Fundamentals,” hosted by veteran judges
Chris Kramer and Nigel Matthews. This is for car enthusiasts who have want some insight into the concours judging process. Friday also features “The Grand Tour”.  The tour includes vehicles entered in the show which are driven by their owners through the roads of Greenwich, ending back at the event site, Roger Sherman Baldwin Park.

Saturday’s will feature a new format this year with the “Concours de Sport”.  The show field will displaycars from and inspired by the world of motorsports. There will be over 150 cars on display with categories such as   Racing Legends, RADwood Street Cars Built for the Track (Homologation Specials), Cars of Greenwich Avenue, Supercar Celebration,  British Racing Green (English Modern)  and  On Fire (Rod and Customs).

The Grand Marshal of the event is Wayne Carini of Portland Connecticut.  Wayne is the well known car restorer, author, collector, and host of the television show “Chasing Classic Cars” which can be viewed on the Motor Trend channel.

On Saturday evening there will be a Waterfront Party.  Visitors can join the Grand Marshal, entrants, judges, exhibitors, sponsors and fellow car lovers to celebrate. Enjoy entertainment, a roving dinner and open bar at Club Greenwich right on the show field from 7 pm to 9:30pm.

Sunday’s traditional Concours d’Elegance features 18 judged car classes including post-war American, Italian and English automobiles, a celebration of the storied Alfa Romeo brand, and Brass Era steam cars and automobiles transported from the dealerships of 1963.  This will be an automotive day to remember!

Hagerty’s Ride and Drive is a great addition to the event!

The event will also feature an Afternoon Awards Ceremony , free Hagerty Ride & Drives, open to the public on first come, first served basis .  Last year I was able to drive a classic 1963 Lincoln Continental convertible through the streets of Greenwich accompanied by a member of the Hagerty Events staff.  It was fantastic!  There is also a  Future Drivers Club, with free automotive activities designed for the next generation of car lovers and of course, various cuisines and concessions available for purchase to keep you fueled up during the day.

Mark your calendars now and get your tickets in advance.  See you in Greenwich.

For tickets and information: http://www.greenwichconcours.com

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Concours photos featured throughout the year on instagram @car_nation_frank

Ridgefield Independent Film Festival returns May 18th with 46 films, 4 parties in 4 days!

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The Ridgefield Independent Film Festival (RIFF) is back on May 18th to 21st 2023.   This will be an exciting year for the festival as it will host 46 films and 4 parties over 4 days.  The festival will be 100% live with no virtual events.  Festival films will be screened at Keeler Tavern, Ridgefield Theater Barn, Prospector Theater, Ridgefield Library and the Ridgefield Playhouse.   This is an amazing event right in our backyard with films that you just will not see anywhere else.

Thursday May 18th will be a day full of screenings.  Student films, Made in Connecticut documentary, and Iranian Cinema Shorts are just some of the events.   Thursday evening will feature the Opening Night Reception, and screening of “A Little White Lie”. The movie is based on the book “Shriver” and the author, Chris Belden will be in attendance for a Q & A session following the screening

Scene from ” A Little White Lie”

Friday May 19th  the festival will be in full swing with Essential Documentaries, an International feature, Iranian Cinema Feature, and Black Flag Shorts.  On Friday night the festival will present the Featured Rom-Com “Hard Shell, Soft Shell”.  The screening will include a signature cocktail, dessert reception and a Q&A with the filmmakers.  We always enjoy the Q& A sessions as it is a fantastic way to gain insight into the making and the meaning of the film.

Saturday May 20th will be a full day with events at both the Ridgefield Theater Barn and Keeler Tavern.   The day will kick off with Breakfast and a Rom Com featuring “His Girl Friday”.  It will be followed by  a made in Connecticut documentary, a short film program and more.  The Barn will host the Saturday Night Flick, “Daddy” with Hot Dogs from Chez Leonard and craft beer from Ridgefield’s own Nod Hill Brewery.  The night at the barn will wrap with Psych Night, a collection of short films.

Also on Saturday over at Keeler, there will be documentaries, short films and a featured documentary, “JessZilla”.  That film will be followed by a Q& A. 

Sunday will wrap up with brunch and the awards presentation to the filmmakers.

The Ridgefield Independent Film Festival is a great way to experience independent film, and meet and talk with filmmakers.  The festival is a real treasure and the perfect way to spend the weekend. So come out and support the art of filmmaking. You might just be watching the next Steven Spielberg.

See you at the movies!

For more information and tickets>>>>>>>

https://www.riffct.org

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New York International Auto Show returns to the Javits Center April 7th -16th.

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The New York Interational Auto Show is back at the Javits Center from April 7th to April 16th.  The show is a delight for all ages.   You can see hundreds of new cars as well as concept cars from a number of manufacturers.  Among the companies displaying their cars will be Ford, Nissan, Toyota, Jeep, Dodge, Subaru, Kia, Volkswagen and so much more.

As with last year there is a focus on Electric Vehicles and there are indoor test tracks where you can ride as a passenger in cars from Ford, Hyundai, (with their own tracks) and a main track featuring  EV test drives from other manufacturers.   The New York Power Authority and Con Edison also have displays with regards to electric vehicle recharging. 

There are over 100 Immersive exhibits and experiences at this year’s Auto Show including Camp Jeep  (an amazing outdoor off road experience), New York Toyota’s Thrill Ride, Virtual Reality Drives, Subaru’s National Park themed exhibit and more.

A Jeep Wrangler getting ready to climb the 40 degree incline at the Jeep outdoor course.

A great time for the whole family so don’t miss the New York International Auto Show.  

For tickets and information:

http://www.nyautoshow.com

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Foodies rejoice! Greenwich Restaurant Week is back!

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Foodies rejoice!  Greenwich Restaurant Week returns from Monday, March 27th to Sunday, April 2nd 2023. Eat, drink. and celebrate in Greenwich with special price-fixe offers for only one week!

There is a great list of restaurants all offering their own menu for restaurant week.  Among the Greenwich eateries are Bianca, Bistro V, Blackstones, East End, Coffee For Good, Elm Street Oysters, Harvest, Tony’s J House and so much more.  

This is a great way to sample some of the exciting dining right in your own back yard. 

For more information and complete restaurant please go the website >

Greenwich Restaurant Week

Presented by Moffly Media.

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The Orchid Show has returned to New York Botanical Garden

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The Orchid Show has returned to the New York Botanical Garden now through April 23, 2023.

Acclaimed artist Lily Kwong, the designer for The Orchid Show’s 20th year, presents a beautiful design inspired by her ancestral connections to the natural world. Kwong’s vibrant and fantastical vision envelops visitors in thousands of orchids, allowing them to reconnect to nature amidst picture perfect beauty. You can stroll slowly through the glass conservatory taking in the thousands of exotic orchids.

Don’t miss this chance to be immersed in a mesmerizing array of orchids, enfolded into rolling mountains throughout the historic Enid A Haupt Conservatory In the middle of the city, this is clearly a natural oasis not to be missed.. On select nights during The Orchid Show, adults 21 and over can experience the exhibition through Orchid Nights, with music, cash bars, and food available for purchase. Great for date night!

for tickets and information

https://www.nybg.org/event/the-orchid-show-natural-heritage/

The New York Botanical Garden

2900 Southern Boulevard
Bronx, NY 10458-5126

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I Hate Hamlet. The hilarious Broadway comedy now at the Music Theatre Of CT in Norwalk

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Now on stage at the Music Theatre of Connecticut MainStage, Fairfield County’s professional award is t the very funny comedy, I Hate Hamlet by Paul Rudnick. The production had the audience laughing during the entire performance.

 The play  involves  Andrew Rally, a young and successful television star who has ended a run on his network show and is looking for work.  His agent, Lillian convinces him to move to New York City and take on the role of Hamlet in Shakespeare in the Park.   Andrew decides to make the move though he is overwhelmed with doubt  that he can make the jump from tv drama actor to Shakespeare.   His realtor Felicia, shows him an old apartment where the famous actor John Barrymore once lived.  Felicia thinks the apartment is perfect as Barrymore himself once played Hamlet.  

Andrew has a problem. He does not like the apartment , he misses Los Angeles and  he hates Hamlet! What is an out of work television actor to do?  With the help of the realtor (who claims to be a psychic), his girlfriend Deidre (who loves Shakespeare) and the agent (who had a brief affair with Barrymore), a séance is performed in the apartment to contact the spirit of John Barrymore.   The madcap comedy really starts to roll as the ghost of Barrymore, dressed as Hamlet appears. 

Though he doubts he can actually perform as Hamlet, the ghost of Barrymore who partakes of champagne and other spirits, challenges Andrew to a sword fight in the apartment.  The fight scenes arranged by Dan O’Driscoll who also plays Barrymore are quite impressive and realistic and still the scene is quite funny.  More humor roles in as Gary, a producer from L.A. enters in an attempt to lure Andrew away from his new role with promises of a new television series and a lucrative contract. His over the top performance had the audience in stitches. Torn in two directions, what will Andrew do?

The  Actors Equity cast is hilarious and the comedic timing is spot on.  Directed by Kevin Conners who delivers yet another wonderful  production to the MTC stage.

 I Hate Hamlet will run three weekends from February 3rd – 19th, 2023 with performances on Fridays & Saturday at 8pm and Saturdays & Sundays at 2pm.  I Hate Hamlet stars Constantine Pappas (Nat’l Tour- Phantom of the Opera, Off B’wayPenelope) as Andrew, Dan O’Driscoll (Off B’way- The Pirates of Penzance, Babes in Toyland) as John Barrymore, Elena Ramos Pascullo (Florida Studio Theatre- Something Rotten, MTC- The Buddy Holly Story) as Deirdre, Liliane Klein (Nat’l Tour- Scrooge, Titanic) as Felicia, Robert Anthony Jones (B’way- Finding Neverland, Nat’l Tour- Phantom of the Opera) as Gary, and Jo Anne Parady (Players Club- The Life of Shakespeare, Stratford Shakespeare Festival- Othello) as Lillian.

Support local theater!!

Ticket prices range from $40-$65 plus fees and can be purchased online

http://www.musictheatreofct.com/i-hate-hamlet

or over the phone (203-454-3883).

MTC MainStage

509 Westport Ave in Norwalk, CT.

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First Ladies Of Disco (Retro Music Box) will be live on stage at the Wall Street Theater on Saturday February 11th

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The Wall Street Theater in Norwalk Ct is a fantastic local venue to experience live music.  This historic theater opened in 1915 hosting live entertainment.   This famous venue is now hosting on Saturday February 11th, “The First Ladies of Disco”.

Three decades of music come together in the First Ladies Of Disco (Retro Music Box) Tour. A rocking, toe-tapping, on your feet, ninety-minute tribute to Billboard’s ’70s 80’s ’90s, Soul, Rock, Pop, and  R&B,

The performance features the  original  platinum, and gold-selling hit makers of its time, Two-time Grammy nominee MARTHA WASH, the voice of The Weather Girls, C&C Music Factory and Black Box.  NORMA JEAN WRIGHT, formerly of American Disco, Funk and R&B Band CHIC; and Soul, R&B legend LINDA CLIFFORD.   This is a power house trio that will have the audience on their feet!

Join these legendary performers as they sing their hits and pay tribute to some of their favorite artists and songs. The show is a breathtaking, non-stop thrill ride. This supergroup has sold millions of records around the world and audiences are on cloud 9 when they get to see and hear these scintillating performers who made our youth so much fun! The First Ladies Of Disco (Retro Music Box) Tour is an electrifying, high-energy concert and a stunning lesson in the evolution of music.

Tickets are on sale now and range from $35-$59.  If you are a fan of this genre of music, this is a must see performance in a legendary venue.  Doors open at 7pm and show starts at 8pm

For more information and tickets:

http://www.wallstreettheater.com/ct-concerts/first-ladies-of-disco/

Wall Street Theater

71 Wall Street Norwalk Ct.

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