Barley Beach House located directly on the beach in Rye NY will be celebrating Wednesday August 16th with its Reggae Rum Punch Party. They will be serving an Island buffet of great food, and of course plenty of rum punch!
Sway to the music of the reggae band, Royal Khaoz as you sip rum punch and you look out over beautiful Long Island Sound. Don’t miss this party of the season!
Witty, fast paced and full of intrigue. Dial M For Murder now on stage at the Westport Country Playhouse, delivers a superbly crafted two hours of murder, mystery and mayhem.
The setting is a mid century modern flat in London. The play opens with Tony Wendrice who enters the corner of a dark stage and lights a cigarette while a single spotlight illuminates him. The dark curtain rises behind him and we see a London flat and a woman who is attacked and murdered by a mysterious intruder. It is quite abrupt and unexpected. Yet Tony slowly strolls off stage with no emotion. We will soon learn that this is the plan he has in his mind for killing his wife and stealing her fortune. It is a foreshadowing of future events, or not? There are many twists and turns on the road ahead.
We next meet his wife Margot and her friend Maxine, a mystery novelist who is in London to promote her new book. We learn that not only are they good friends but are lovers which would certainly be quite scandalous in 1950s Britain. Maxine’s skills as a mystery writer will prove crucial as she matches wits with Margot’s plotting husband. The audience discovers that a racy letter from Maxine to Margot was stolen from her handbag and she is being blackmailed. She confides to her friend that she has paid the hefty ransom for the letter, but she has been double crossed by the unknown blackmailer. The blackmailer we learn is now using the money not only to hire a hit man, but he plans to frame the hit man as well for her murder. That is just one of the many twists in the story that take the audience on a wild ride.
Krystal Lucas and Kate Abbruzzese
The play was originally written by English playwright Frederick Knott. The play premiered in 1952 on stage in London’s West End and later that year on Broadway. It is best known for the film version directed by Alfred Hitchcock and starring Grace Kelly and Ray Milland. The current production was adapted by American writer Jeffrey Hatcher in 2022. If you are familiar with the original, you will be pleased that this adaptation has added intrigue and drama.
The excellent cast (all members of Actors Equity) includes Kate Abbruzzese as Margot (credits include various theater, off Broadway and television including a guest spot on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel). Patrick Andrews as the scheming husband, Tony (credits include Romeo+Juliet, Red, Camelot (all at Westport directed by Mark Lamos) as well as other productions. Tony award winner Kate Burton as the Inspector (credits include Broadway roles as well as long running roles on Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal ) and has been nominated for three Primetime Emmy Awards . The excellent cast is rounded out by Krystal Lucas as Maxine, and Denver Millord as the hit man.
The play was brilliantly directed by Mark Lamos who kept the audience riveted with a smoothly paced production filled with twists and sprinkled with the right amount of British humor. Alexander Dodge was the scenic designer and the mid century modern set was fantastic and provided the perfect setting. Costume design by Fabian Fidel Aguilar was period correct and especially well done.
Westport Country Playhouse is a local treasure that consistently produces Broadway quality shows right in our backyard. Dial M For Murder is being staged through July 30th 2023. Get your tickets now.
Circle your calendar for a fun event right here in Westchester. Barley Beach House will be hosting “Rose in Rye” at the restaurant beach deck. The beach deck is located right on the beach overlooking Long Island Sound. The event runs from 6pm to 8:30 pm.
Guests will enjoy unlimited rosè tastings and rose’ cocktails. As well there is a giant charcuterie board and a Island Buffet. You can sip delicious rose and listen to live music by John Praino. The sun will set and the sky and the sound itself may turn different shades of pink. Seating is available but you can bring your own beach chair to the event.
This is a great way to kick off the summer. See you at the beach!
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.
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
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.
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.
A great local car show returns to the Hudson Valley on May 5th-7th 2023. The Hudson Valley Antique Auto Association presents the Rhinebeck Car Show 2023 at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in beautiful Rhinebeck New York
The event kicks off the classic car show season in our area. Spectators from all over the Hudson Valley and the Northeast attend this yearly show.
The event spans three days and opens Friday May 5th with an automotive swap meet with vendors selling classic auto parts and more. There is even a “Car Corral” where you can view and purchase a classic car.
Saturday features an all Hot Rod and Custom car show. The show field will be filled with an amazing collection of custom cars.
Classic and antique autos will be in the spotlight on Sunday as the field will be filled with beautiful classics. There will be 60 different awards for the numerous categories of classic cars.
There is plenty of free parking and food available for purchase on the grounds. The Rhinebeck Car Show is a great event right here in the beautiful Hudson Valley. After the show you can visit the beautiful village of Rhinebeck with great shops and places to dine.
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.
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.
I On The Valley 