Stories

Music for All Ages Concert: American Classics on Sunday, March 23

<p>Immerse yourself and your whole family in an afternoon that&nbsp;celebrates favorite American Classics as well as other&nbsp;importantcomposers.</p><p>We are honored to have Craig Melvin, Anchor of NBC’s Today show and Westport resident, as our narrator for Copland’s&nbsp;<em>Lincoln Portrait</em>.&nbsp;Originally commissioned to be a&nbsp;musical portrait of an eminent American, Copland&nbsp;used material from speeches and letters of Lincoln, as well as original folk songs of the period, including "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camptown_Races" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Camptown Races</a>" and "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/On_Springfield_Mountain" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">On Springfield Mountain</a>."</p><p>Normally found&nbsp;seated&nbsp;as our Principal Violist, Suzanne Corey-Sahlin guest conducts Rossini’s&nbsp;<em>Barber of Seville Overture.&nbsp;</em>Suzannewon this dream role through an auction item from our 85thAnniversary Soiree.</p><p>The concert&nbsp;also&nbsp;features&nbsp;15-year-old&nbsp;pianist Lina Elwood, winner of our&nbsp;13th&nbsp;Annual&nbsp;Concerto Competition.&nbsp;With&nbsp;the&nbsp;full&nbsp;orchestra&nbsp;backing her,&nbsp;she will&nbsp;perform the&nbsp;piece&nbsp;that won her top honors,&nbsp;the first movement of&nbsp;Rachmaninoff’s&nbsp;<em>Piano Concerto #2.</em></p><p>William Grant Still&nbsp;was&nbsp;known as the&nbsp;“Dean of Afro-American composers.”&nbsp;As is the tradition with&nbsp;our&nbsp;March concerts,&nbsp;studentsfrom the Norwalk Youth Symphony’s Principal Orchestra will play&nbsp;the&nbsp;2nd&nbsp;Movement, “<em>Sorrow,</em>”&nbsp;side-by-side with our Norwalk Symphony musicians&nbsp;from&nbsp;Still’s&nbsp;<em>Afro-American Symphony</em>.</p><p>Going out on a high note,&nbsp;<em>American&nbsp;in&nbsp;Paris</em>&nbsp;by George Gershwin concludes&nbsp;the performance&nbsp;– complete with the taxi horns!&nbsp;&nbsp;You have a rare treat to see Music Director and Conductor Jonathan Yates utilize his talents as a concert pianist in this piece!</p><p>One performance&nbsp;only&nbsp;at the&nbsp;Norwalk Concert Hall,&nbsp;125 East Avenue. Individual tickets, which range from $10 for students&nbsp;and&nbsp;children,&nbsp;and&nbsp;$25,&nbsp;$40,&nbsp;and $60 for&nbsp;adults, can be purchased online at the Symphony’s website&nbsp;<a href="http://www.norwalksymphony.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">www.norwalksymphony.org</a>,&nbsp;by calling the&nbsp;Symphony&nbsp;office at 203 956-6771, or at the door.</p>

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La Cage Aux Folles

Mar

07

La Cage Aux Folles

<p>Music Theatre of Connecticut (MTC) MainStage, Fairfield County’s award-winning professional theatre company, concludes its 38th season with the Tony Award winning musical,&nbsp;<em>La Cage Aux Folles</em>. Glamorous, heartwarming, and full of show-stopping numbers, it’s a show you won't forget! The production runs from April 4th&nbsp;through the 19th&nbsp;with performances on Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 2pm &amp; 8pm, and Sundays at 2pm. There will be two Thursday performances at 7pm on April 10th&nbsp;and 17th.</p><p><br></p><p><em>La Cage Aux Folles</em>&nbsp;tells the story of Georges and Albin, a couple who have shared 20 years of love and partnership. Their blissful life takes a chaotic turn when Georges’ son — the result of a brief fling — announces his engagement to the daughter of a staunchly conservative politician. The situation becomes even more complicated by their “family business”: a glamorous drag nightclub in St. Tropez, where Albin, under the stage name "Zaza," is the star performer. To appease the bride-to-be’s family, Georges agrees to play it straight — but Albin has a few outrageous plans of his own, leading to a cascade of hilarious and heartfelt moments.</p>

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FC Buzz Weekend Includes 25th Birthday Bash at Stepping Stones in Norwalk

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(24, 25, 26);">FC BUZZ Weekend March 7-9</strong></p><p>HamletHub is proud to partner with the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County and FCBuzz to Elevate Arts and Culture in Fairfield County! Each week, look for a listing of weekend events and activities. The Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County celebrates the vibrancy and diversity of the arts and culture across 15 towns in coastal Fairfield County. Sign up to receive a free eBuzz newsletter with top picks and spotlight events from the hundreds of events posted on FCBuzz.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/cabaret-comedy-series-58b5c" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Cabaret Comedy Series</strong></a></p><p><strong>Downtown Cabaret Theatre, Bridgeport</strong></p><p>Friday Mar 7, 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>Don’t miss the Cabaret Comedy Series—exclusive nights of stand-up comedy featuring a rotating lineup of top-notch comedians. Each show brings a unique blend of wit and humor to the stage, promising unforgettable evenings of laughter and good times. Grab your tickets now and join the fun with a comedy experience like no other!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/plant-swap-a0289" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Plant Swap</strong></a></p><p><strong>Rainy Day Paperback, Bethel</strong></p><p>Saturday Mar 8, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm</p><p>Bring a plant to swap or take some home! You don't have to bring plants to take some home and you can bring plants without taking.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/birding-at-the-bruce-museum-with-greenwich-audubon-912a2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Birding with Greenwich Audubon</strong></a></p><p><strong>Oneida Sanctuary, Greenwich</strong></p><p>Saturday Mar 8, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm</p><p>Join the Greenwich Audubon for a tour of the neighboring Oneida Sanctuary. Tours will go from the Bruce Park Playground to Audubon's neighboring Oneida Sanctuary, one of Greenwich's only remaining coastal salt marshes. This location not only provides an opportunity to see bird species that use this special habitat such as waterfowl, shorebirds, herons &amp; egrets but also learn about Audubon's conservation efforts to improve our coastal resiliency in Greenwich.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/asl-tour-blanche-lazzell-becoming-an-american-modernist" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>ASL Tour Blanche Lazzell: Becoming an American Modernist</strong></a></p><p><strong>Bruce Museum, Greenwich</strong></p><p>Saturday Mar 8, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm</p><p>Members of the D/deaf, Hard of Hearing, and ASL student communities are invited to experience Blanche Lazzell: Becoming an American Modernist, the artist’s first monographic exhibition in nearly two decades, on a special tour led by a Museum Educator and an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/working-for-the-revolution-patriot-women-s-lives-during-the-war" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Working for the Revolution: Patriot Women’s Lives During the War</strong></a></p><p><strong>Greenwich Historical Society, Greenwich</strong></p><p>Saturday Mar 8, 2:00 pm - 3:15 pm</p><p>In the third installment of the Reflections on the Revolution Lecture Series , join the Greenwich Historical Society this March for a special presentation in honor of Women’s History Month. The Historical Society will host an exciting talk from historian and Revolutionary War expert, Dr. Katherine Hermes, who will delve into women’s roles during one of the most tumultuous events in American history.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/25th-birthday-bash" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>25th Birthday Bash</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stepping Stones Museum for Children, Norwalk</strong></p><p>Saturday Mar 8, 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm</p><p>Come one, come all and celebrate 25 amazing years of Stepping Stones Museum for Children! The 25th Birthday Bash brings the magic of the circus to life with dazzling professional circus performances, exciting circus-themed activities and immersive opportunities to try your hand at circus skills. Plus, don't miss delicious food demos and other whimsical surprises around every corner! Join us for an evening of unforgettable family fun as we commemorate this milestone anniversary.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/bruce-after-hours-celebrating-women" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Bruce After Hours: Celebrating Women</strong></a></p><p><strong>Bruce Museum, Greenwich</strong></p><p>Saturday Mar 8, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm</p><p>Don’t miss this vibrant evening at the Bruce Museum as we celebrate women’s contributions to art, culture, fashion, business, and wellness. Bruce After Hours: Celebrating Women offers a perfect blend of creativity, inspiration, and connection, with activities and performances to enjoy throughout the night. The addition of International Women’s Day enhances the significance of the event and adds a global connection to the celebration.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/gallery-exhibition-reception" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Gallery Exhibition Reception</strong></a></p><p><strong>Center for Contemporary Printmaking</strong></p><p>Sunday Mar 9, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm</p><p>Be among the first to see these fantastic prints created in the studios over the past year. Meet some of the artists in the Center for Contemporary Printmaking's member community. Gather with other print enthusiasts as you enjoy light appetizers and beverages.</p><p>See these and discover hundreds more events on the&nbsp;<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">FCBUZZ EVENTS</a>&nbsp;page at&nbsp;<a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">https://culturalalliancefc.org</a>&nbsp;Sign up for the&nbsp;<a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">Cultural Alliance eBuzz</a>&nbsp;to receive top picks and spotlights each week in your inbox.</p>

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Why Small Businesses Matter in Norwalk: Empire Upholstery & Panels

<h2><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Why Small Businesses&nbsp; Matter</strong></h2><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Meet Ayda Carvajal, owner of Empire Upholstery &amp; Panels.</strong></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Q: What inspired the creation of Empire Upholstery &amp; Panels, and how has your passion for restoration influenced your work?</strong></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">A:</strong><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> Empire Upholstery &amp; Panels was born out of a passion for transforming furniture and giving it new life. We believe that well-crafted pieces deserve to be restored and appreciated for years to come. This passion drives every project we take on, whether it's breathing new life into a beloved antique or customizing panels to enhance a modern space.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Q: How does your expertise in upholstery, paneling, and wood restoration set you apart from others in the industry?</strong></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">A:</strong><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> Our experience in upholstery, panels, and wood restoration allows us to offer fine, detailed craftsmanship that makes a real difference. We focus on precision and quality, ensuring that each piece we restore or create meets the highest standards. Our ability to combine traditional techniques with modern design makes us a trusted choice for customers looking for elegance and durability.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Q: Can you share a memorable project where your craftsmanship helped transform a space for a customer?</strong></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">A:</strong><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> One of our most rewarding projects was restoring a set of heirloom chairs for a family that had owned them for generations. The chairs had significant wear and tear, but with careful upholstery work and wood restoration, we brought them back to their original beauty. Seeing the customer’s emotional reaction when they saw the finished pieces reminded us why we love what we do—helping people preserve the stories and history behind their furniture.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Questions? Email Ayda at </span><a href="mailto:acdrapeshome@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">acdrapeshome@gmail.com</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Empire Upholstery &amp; Panels is located at </span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.027); color: rgb(24, 24, 24);">14 Glenwood Ave in Norwalk.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">HamletHub thanks</strong><a href="http://www.jkinfordbeautygroup.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong> </strong></a><a href="https://www.fairfieldcountybank.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Fairfield County Bank </strong></a><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!</strong></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

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Thrown Stone Awards 2025 ‘Persuasion’ Commission to Ramon Esquivel

<p><em>South Norwalk, CT – March 3, 2025 —&nbsp;</em>Thrown Stone has awarded its&nbsp;<strong>2025 commission</strong>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<strong>Ramon Esquivel</strong>&nbsp;for his proposed play,&nbsp;Show Me the Gates of Heaven. Selected from&nbsp;<strong>150 submissions</strong>, this is Thrown Stone’s second full-length commission, following the 2023 world premiere of&nbsp;Seven Cousins for a Horse&nbsp;by Tammy Ryan — an examination of the life and work of Connecticut portraitist Ammi Phillips, now known as the most prolific folk artist in American history.</p><p><strong>Show Me the Gates of Heaven</strong></p><p>Perched atop a remote observatory, a scientist is held hostage by an intruder, who is convinced the telescope can reveal a fundamental truth that has been withheld from the public. This gripping showdown of reason versus belief asks: Can we find common ground before it’s too late? Or are some chasms too vast to cross?</p><p>“With this new play commission, Thrown Stone has invited me to tell a story about two characters struggling to understand each other despite their opposing beliefs about truth, love, and even the right to exist,” says Esquivel. “One is driven by curiosity, one is motivated by certainty, and each has built comfortable silos for themselves among others who think and believe as they do. Is it even possible for such chasms of difference to be bridged? Right now, at the beginning, I don’t know. But I hope they can find common ground by looking to the heavens, thousands of light years away, in the ominously named Omega Nebula.”</p><p><strong>About The Playwright</strong></p><p>Ramón Esquivel is a playwright, director, dramaturg, and educator. His plays have been produced in theatres, universities, and schools across North America.&nbsp;The Thrown Stone new play commission will continue his storytelling about humans engaging with science, spirituality, and the environment. Other works of this ilk include&nbsp;<em style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Watching for Sasquatch: An Environmental Play of Plays</em>, commissioned by&nbsp;<a href="https://click.pstmrk.it/3s/www.calpoly.edu%2F/w8RA/uca7AQ/AQ/3c3805b0-9daa-4c7b-8420-6b0c7321b1fc/1/rAvQy6deo1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>California Polytechnic State University</strong></a>, San Luis Obispo;&nbsp;<em style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">¡O Cascadia!</em>, featured at the&nbsp;<a href="https://click.pstmrk.it/3s/www.sevendevils.org%2F/w8RA/uca7AQ/AQ/3c3805b0-9daa-4c7b-8420-6b0c7321b1fc/2/zwUH4LAAhE" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Seven Devils Playwrights Conference</strong></a>; and&nbsp;<em style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">The Dress with the Crooked Collar</em>, developed at the&nbsp;<a href="https://click.pstmrk.it/3s/www.newharmonyproject.org%2Fconference/w8RA/uca7AQ/AQ/3c3805b0-9daa-4c7b-8420-6b0c7321b1fc/3/wEUnpk2cn_" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>New Harmony Playwrights Conference</strong></a>. Ramón also writes plays for young audiences, such as&nbsp;<em style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Fallenstar: The Watchoverers</em>, commissioned and produced at&nbsp;<a href="https://click.pstmrk.it/3s/www.newnativetheatre.org%2F/w8RA/uca7AQ/AQ/3c3805b0-9daa-4c7b-8420-6b0c7321b1fc/4/L5U7XyL2v3" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>New Native Theatre</strong></a>&nbsp;in the Twin Cities;&nbsp;<em style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">ZEQ</em>, a play with music for and about queer youth exploring love, friendship, and fame; and&nbsp;<em style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">The Shahrazad Society</em>, winner of the Aurand Harris Memorial Playwriting Award,&nbsp;<a href="https://click.pstmrk.it/3s/l.facebook.com%2Fl.php%3Fu%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.netconline.org%252F%253Ffbclid%253DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3nZEMzLZoARTdPyu-cNrE8FDyU8hPwbaCqg6iyJ1-AsMG8zVLZaU1dP-Y_aem_whzi9k7ozLBTdWVi96g-Pw%26h%3DAT31Srv7eLpKb_CtJvq9lTsEeJ8ysrrEmCO7YVPCkCaUgSq-Vpd_FbSaR_7o_jCj9Q-3oA-zpsWFcMexBQx7tLz5TdlI-_W-puMZ3sQji2gN887d7S3h3d99u5j2Dnkulc-wsiQW/w8RA/uca7AQ/AQ/3c3805b0-9daa-4c7b-8420-6b0c7321b1fc/5/QO2k6Klgoz" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>New England Theatre Conference</strong></a>. Published plays include&nbsp;<em style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Dulce</em>,&nbsp;<em style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">The Girl Who Talks to Spiders,</em>&nbsp;<em style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">The Hero Twins: Blood Race</em>,&nbsp;<em style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Nasty</em>,&nbsp;<em style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Nocturnal</em>, and&nbsp;<em style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Luna</em>, which was recently produced at&nbsp;<a href="https://click.pstmrk.it/3s/www.zachtheatre.org%2F/w8RA/uca7AQ/AQ/3c3805b0-9daa-4c7b-8420-6b0c7321b1fc/6/hnSDrMQuwT" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>ZACH Theatre</strong></a>&nbsp;in Austin. Ramón has taught playwriting and theatre education at&nbsp;<a href="https://click.pstmrk.it/3s/www.cwu.edu%2F/w8RA/uca7AQ/AQ/3c3805b0-9daa-4c7b-8420-6b0c7321b1fc/7/4nw4BCznYs" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Central Washington University</strong></a>, creative writing at the&nbsp;<a href="https://click.pstmrk.it/3s/www.ubc.ca%2F/w8RA/uca7AQ/AQ/3c3805b0-9daa-4c7b-8420-6b0c7321b1fc/8/3SuamQrA9E" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>University of British Columbia</strong></a>, and middle school Humanities and Drama in Washington DC, Brooklyn, and Seattle. He has an MFA Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, MA Educational Theatre from&nbsp;<a href="https://click.pstmrk.it/3s/nyu.edu%2F/w8RA/uca7AQ/AQ/3c3805b0-9daa-4c7b-8420-6b0c7321b1fc/9/m-9kyG2L5l" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>New York University</strong></a>, and BA History from&nbsp;<a href="https://click.pstmrk.it/3s/yale.edu%2F/w8RA/uca7AQ/AQ/3c3805b0-9daa-4c7b-8420-6b0c7321b1fc/10/OR1n2n7-rH" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Yale University</strong></a>. Ramón is currently Assistant Professor of Theatre, Playwriting at Cal Poly.</p><p><strong>Selection and Artistic Statement</strong></p><p>“Ramon’s proposal stood out for its tension, theatricality, and the complexity of its central question,” said Jonathan Winn, Thrown Stone’s Co-Artistic Director. “It takes persuasion beyond rhetoric and into the realm of survival — showing what happens when two people with completely different worldviews have no choice but to engage.”</p><p>Jason Peck, Thrown Stone’s Co-Artistic Director, added: “This concept has all the ingredients for a gripping, intimate play — high stakes, a clear dramatic question, and a setting that amplifies the clash of ideas. We’re eager to see where Ramon takes it.”</p><p><strong>Finalists</strong></p><p>From 150 submissions, a select group of playwrights emerged as finalists. Their work stood out in a highly competitive field, and Thrown Stone is pleased to recognize them as part of this process.</p><ul><li><a href="https://click.pstmrk.it/3s/criseliblak.wixsite.com%2Fmy-site/w8RA/uca7AQ/AQ/3c3805b0-9daa-4c7b-8420-6b0c7321b1fc/11/8gM-3sNMXv" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cris Eli Blak</a></li><li><a href="https://click.pstmrk.it/3s/www.jillianblevinsplaywright.com%2F/w8RA/uca7AQ/AQ/3c3805b0-9daa-4c7b-8420-6b0c7321b1fc/12/MPGsdnova6" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Jillian Blevins</a></li><li><a href="https://click.pstmrk.it/3s/www.katieduggan.org%2F/w8RA/uca7AQ/AQ/3c3805b0-9daa-4c7b-8420-6b0c7321b1fc/13/vAO6ZwdivX" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Katie Duggan</a></li><li><a href="https://click.pstmrk.it/3s/www.facebook.com%2Fyussef.guindi/w8RA/uca7AQ/AQ/3c3805b0-9daa-4c7b-8420-6b0c7321b1fc/14/lKxbPpGBfH" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Yussef El Guindi</a></li><li><a href="https://click.pstmrk.it/3s/www.southernrailroadtheatrecompany.com%2F/w8RA/uca7AQ/AQ/3c3805b0-9daa-4c7b-8420-6b0c7321b1fc/15/Q0pdNCYkX7" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Susan Lily Jackson</a></li><li><a href="https://click.pstmrk.it/3s/amymerrillplays.com%2F/w8RA/uca7AQ/AQ/3c3805b0-9daa-4c7b-8420-6b0c7321b1fc/16/pc7i3Z1Pjx" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Amy Merrill</a></li><li><a href="https://click.pstmrk.it/3s/jermontoya.com%2F/w8RA/uca7AQ/AQ/3c3805b0-9daa-4c7b-8420-6b0c7321b1fc/17/-xnouSj6P_" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Jerry Montoya</a></li><li><a href="https://click.pstmrk.it/3s/brianjamespolak.com%2F/w8RA/uca7AQ/AQ/3c3805b0-9daa-4c7b-8420-6b0c7321b1fc/18/OhRu3qT-pK" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Brian James Polak</a></li><li><a href="https://click.pstmrk.it/3s/newplayexchange.org%2Fusers%2F9683%2Fsevan/w8RA/uca7AQ/AQ/3c3805b0-9daa-4c7b-8420-6b0c7321b1fc/19/w2lj2csSOm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">SEVAN</a></li></ul><p><strong>Acknowledgements</strong></p><p><em>With support from the Burry Fredrik Foundation.</em></p>

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SONO 1420 Distillery Presents Live Music Series

<p class="ql-align-center"><br></p><p>Norwalk, CT – Since opening its distillery and tasting room in 2019 in South Norwalk, SONO 1420, America’s Maritime Distillery, has built a stellar reputation for its award-winning spirits. This veteran-owned and operated distillery has received double gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its whiskey, earned a spot on <em>Wine Enthusiast’s</em> "Top 100 Spirits" list in 2024 for its vodka, and offers a diverse selection of ready-to-drink cocktails, innovative Threesome Ready-to-Mix Cocktails, and botanical gins.</p><p>Starting in March, SONO 1420 will enhance its Tasting Room experience with <strong>Acoustic SoNo</strong>, a live music series showcasing local talent from across Connecticut. Admission is free, making it an inviting way to enjoy great drinks, a lite bites menu, and live entertainment with friends and family. In addition to live music, SONO 1420 will introduce comedy nights to its event calendar, with the first show, produced by Don’t Tell Comedy, set for April 12 at the distillery.</p><p><strong>Acoustic SoNo</strong> is the perfect way to wrap up the workweek and kick off the weekend, featuring a dynamic lineup of musicians, singers, and songwriters across a variety of genres. Whether stopping by for a drink or making a night of it, guests can expect an unforgettable blend of craft spirits and top-tier entertainment.March 7 - Vinnie Ferrone</p><p>March 14 - Glenn Roth</p><p>March 21 - Al Rivoli</p><p>March 28 - Henry Jones</p><p>April 4 - Billy Genuario Duo</p><p>April 11 - Benny MikulaApril 18 - Sal Grillo</p><p>April 25 - Mike Milazzo</p><p>May 2 - Lander Blue</p><p>May 9 - Sarah Chesler</p><p>May 16 - Carlos Miller</p><p>May 23 - Bittersweet Descent</p><p>May 30 - Neil Currie</p><p>June 6 - Jed Luckless</p><p>June 13 - Soloist Anthony Gadaleta</p><p>June 20 - Christopher Cavaliere</p><p>June 27 – Rio Sorrentino</p><p class="ql-align-justify">The SoNo 1420 Tasting Room, an extension of the distillery where everything is produced and packaged in-house, is known for its whiskey flight tastings and craft cocktail offerings created by mixologist Blake Poon. Local CT wine, beer, and the distillery’s new lite bites menu round out the bar offerings. Private events, distillery tours, and SONO 1420’s retail shop continue to attract locals and visitors alike.</p><p>What’s next for this pioneering distillery? Look for a “Haze” on the horizon…&nbsp;</p><p>19 Day Street, South Norwalk, CT 06854</p><p>IG&nbsp;<a href="http://us.cisionone.cision.com/c/eJwsy0GOrCAQgOHTwA4DVSXogkVvvEYHpHhNnkoPkPH6k57M9vvzJw_LTtpK9saRdpZQz_LlY9hdsGnFSCnOiJpsDLCYhIFnXKws3rrdZFoAc8jz05AmWowhyIsg3Uvi_-VLnaEc3Lpy5OaY4jo7BS933NMnyMO_xnh3gQ8Bm4Dtvu-pXH2Efy2c015PAVuvVzUEWsAmT04lqMYHh86qJP8Lzz8Q-LCIxsjmY21X4S5I1_eo11Euni4eso_GfH5OZ1ayGEFRzllR3o2K2WqFgThBdLTGXX57-AkAAP__EGxX_w" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">@sono1420</a></p><p>Website: <a href="http://us.cisionone.cision.com/c/eJwsyz1uxCAQQOHTQIfFDGOwC4pt9horfgYZxTYbg-LrRxul_Z5e9rgk0layB0faWTJ6lpu3JjOxZVwA3Yq4Rs4WAwYTKRGyrN66BIUWNCWU-QWkiRYAwrII0r1m_qrf6gh156srR26OOa6zU7i5_Z4-Qe5-G-MtzEPgU-Dzvu-pt7MBoZ5SO-TBuQZ18c6hs6rZ_8HrH4R5WGMA5OVju87KXZBu79HOvZ48nTxkHxfz8TkdrGRNREWlFEUlgYrFamUCccboaI1J_nj8DQAA__9a2lJk" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">www.sono1420.com</a></p>

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Why Small Businesses Matter in Norwalk: Affordable Pet Services

<h2>Why Small Businesses Matter</h2><p><strong>Meet Chandni Bechar,&nbsp;founder of&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.apsct.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);"><strong>Affordable Pet Services</strong></a><strong>!</strong></p><p><strong>What is your best-selling product/service?</strong></p><p>My best-selling service is doggy daycare and boarding pups at my residence. We provide park days and hikes when the dogs are in our care. We do offer dog walks as well, but unfortunately, with the traffic the way it is nowadays, we've cut back on daily walks.</p><p><strong>How many local businesses do you use to support your business (products and services) and can you name them?</strong></p><p>I have partnered with other dog care professionals in my area and the surrounding areas. Some of the dog care businesses I support are Happy Leash, No Place Like Home, and Sabrina's Pet Care.</p><p><strong>Have you "reimagined" your small business?</strong></p><p>I have reimagined my small business so much that we've gone through three phases. We are currently providing the best care from our residential area and will be looking into buying or leasing a bigger area of land so we can provide our pups with private playtime without worrying about aggressive dogs or people invading their space and comfort zone.</p><p><em>Chandni is First Aid &amp; CPR Certified and Affordable Pet Services is&nbsp;100% insured</em></p><p>Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apsct.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">Affordable Pet Services</a>&nbsp;online&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apsct.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">here</a>, and make sure to check out their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/affordablepetsitterct" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">Facebook</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/affordablepetservicesct/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">Instagram</a>&nbsp;pages as well!</p><p><strong>HamletHub thanks</strong><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.jkinfordbeautygroup.com/&amp;sa=D&amp;source=editors&amp;ust=1658238881436694&amp;usg=AOvVaw39W0bJpATtDqE_cBmJU58x" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.fairfieldcountybank.com/&amp;sa=D&amp;source=editors&amp;ust=1658238881437096&amp;usg=AOvVaw3RsWKp-KhAsGejMtOWDanG" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);"><strong>Fairfield County Bank&nbsp;</strong></a><strong>for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!</strong></p>

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