<h2>"Christmas at Belmont: Live from Nashville' Streaming on Amazon Music and Prime Video</h2><p>Darien residents Luke Ryan and Nicholas Condon will be among the more than 600 student musicians and vocalists performing in Belmont University’s cherished annual concert tradition, <em>Christmas at Belmont: Live from Nashville</em>.</p><p>For the first time, this holiday spectacular will stream globally on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch, beginning Wednesday, Dec. 11, at 8 p.m. EST / 7 p.m. CST. The event showcases Belmont’s exceptional musical talent through traditional carols, classical masterworks, and seasonal favorites.</p><p>“This isn’t just a stage of choral and orchestral musicians performing one Christmas song after another,” shared Dr. Jeffery Ames, Director of Choral Activities. “We’ll have everything from poignant pieces by the loft choir to pop ensembles, percussion groups, country, bluegrass, and more. It’s an exciting blend of genres and styles.”</p><p>Filmed live at Belmont’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, the 90-minute performance highlights the diversity and depth of Belmont’s music education. Audiences can look forward to performances by more than 15 student ensembles, including the Belmont Chorale, Symphony Orchestra, Southbound (country), and Voxology (Gospel and R&amp;B).</p><p>This year’s event will also feature guest appearances by Belmont alumni Ashley Cooke, Cody Fry, and Dwan Hill, whose achievements in the music industry are a testament to the opportunities Belmont provides its students.</p><ul><li><strong>Ashley Cooke</strong> (Class of 2019), a rising country star, recently celebrated her first No. 1 song and earned Breakthrough Female Video of the Year at the 2024 CMT Awards for her hit, <em>your place</em>.</li><li><strong>Cody Fry</strong> (Class of 2012), a Grammy-nominated artist, is known for his orchestral rendition of <em>Eleanor Rigby</em>.</li><li><strong>Dwan Hill</strong> (Class of 2008, Master’s in 2013), a Grammy and Dove award winner, brings his experience as a performer and adjunct professor to the production.</li></ul><p>Ryan and Condon, along with their fellow student musicians, will gain invaluable experience performing alongside these accomplished alumni, both on stage and during rehearsals.</p><p>Tune in to <em>Christmas at Belmont: Live from Nashville</em> on Wednesday, Dec. 11, at 8 p.m. EST / 7 p.m. CST on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch. The concert will remain available for streaming throughout the holiday season. For more information, visit <a href="https://belmont.edu/christmas" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">belmont.edu/christmas</a>.</p><p><br></p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(24, 25, 26);">FC BUZZ Weekend December 6-8</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/irving-berlin-s-white-christmas-the-musical-41670" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Irving Berlin’s White Christmas The Musical</strong></a></p><p><strong>Music Theatre of Connecticut (MTC) MainStage</strong></p><p>Friday Dec 6, 8:00 pm - 10:30 pm</p><p>Fairfield County’s award-winning professional theatre company continues its 38th season with Irving Berlin’s White Christmas The Musical. Based on the timeless and beloved film, this heartwarming musical adaptation promises to delight audiences of all ages with its uplifting story and classic songs. The production runs from December 6th through the 22nd with performances on Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 2pm &amp; 8pm, Sundays at 2pm. White Christmas will also have two Thursday performances on December 12th and 19th at 7pm.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/a-stacked-workshop-paint-to-promo" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>A STACKED Workshop: Paint To Promo</strong></a></p><p><strong>The Norwalk Art Space</strong></p><p>Saturday Dec 7, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm</p><p>Personal branding as an artist can be overwhelming. Artists’ statements, photographing your work, and managing a social media presence are just a few responsibilities outside of making good art. Learn thoughtful ways to market your work better and boost your self-promotion with helpful tips and resources for artists.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/artist-talk-extra-extra" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Artist Talk Exhibit Extra Extra</strong></a></p><p><strong>Flinn Gallery</strong></p><p>Saturday Dec 7, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm</p><p>Creating a kind of psychology of visual experience, Palma Blank, Stephen Maine and Doreen McCarthy employ a variety of juxtapositions in their work. By questioning notions of both depth and flatness, illusion and objecthood, or gravitational force and weight, the viewer can connect imaginatively and physically with the artworks presented in Extra Extra.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/abiodun-oyewole---founder-of-the-last-poets" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Abiodun Oyewole – Founder of The Last Poets</strong></a></p><p><strong>Burroughs-Saden Library</strong></p><p>Saturday Dec 7, 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm</p><p>Mr. Oyewole is a founding member of the American musical spieling group, The Last Poets – originally formed a poetry reading in honor of Malcom X. The group’s message, deeply rooted in Black Nationalism, became well recognized in African American society and part of the Black Arts Movement. The Last Poets along with the artist Gil Scott-Heron are credited as having had a profound effect on the development of hip-hop music. Their spoken word albums preceded politically laced Rhythm and Blues projects, such as Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On, and foreshadowed the work of hard-hitting rap groups like Public Enemy and Dead Prez.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/holiday-special-with-kristen-young-violin-and-joe-bush-piano" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Holiday Special with Kristen Young and Joe Bush</strong></a></p><p><strong>MoCA CT</strong></p><p>Saturday Dec 7, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm</p><p>Join Kristen Young, violin and Joe Bush, piano for a festive holiday concert that beautifully blends classical masterpieces with your favorite holiday pop tunes! They will perform innovative arrangements that challenge traditional boundaries, creating a refreshing take on seasonal favorites. From the intricate harmonies of classical pieces to the lively rhythms of contemporary hits, this concert promises a captivating blend of sound that will resonate with all.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/hot-cool-jazz-the-jerry-bergonzi-alan-bartus-duo" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Hot &amp; Cool Jazz: The Jerry Bergonzi / Alan Bartus Duo</strong></a></p><p><strong>Wilton Library</strong></p><p>Saturday Dec 7, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm</p><p>Wilton Library is proud to present the Jerry Bergonzi / Alan Bartus Duo with Jerry Bergonzi on sax and Alan Bartus on piano. This duo will present their original music along with American Songbook jazz standards. The collaboration between the artists began in Europe, where they performed several tours across different countries. Their unique sound creates a shapable musical process with a message whose goal is to deliver it to the listener. Each artist is given space both as a composer and as an interpreter in this duo format.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/hip-hop-nutcracker" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Hip Hop Nutcracker</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stamford Center for the Arts</strong></p><p>Saturday Dec 7, 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm</p><p>Just like the original, Maria-Clara and the Nutcracker Prince go on a dream adventure battling a gang of mice, visiting the land of sweets and learning the lessons of the holiday season. Innovative digital graffiti and visuals transform the landscape of E.T.A. Hoffmann’s beloved story from traditional 19th century Germany to the vibrant, diverse sights and sounds of contemporary New York City. Through the modern, self-expressive gaze of hip hop culture, the dynamic performers of The Hip Hop Nutcracker celebrate the magic of the entire holiday season on the most inclusive holiday of them all – New Year’s Eve, a time for new beginnings.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/buffalo-rose-at-voices-cafe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Buffalo Rose</strong></a></p><p><strong>Voices Cafe</strong></p><p>Saturday Dec 7, 8:00 pm - 10:30 pm</p><p>Buffalo Rose is a charismatic six-piece modern folk/indie band from Pittsburgh, PA. They take the singer-songwriter tradition to a new level by crafting original songs which are emotive, meticulously arranged, and inspired by a world of idiosyncratic influences that never let a dull or predictable moment creep in. John Platt, of WFUV, founding of New Folk Initiative, gives a clue of what is in store: “Their sound is intoxicating - the combination of their tight string band rhythm and their supple harmonies.”</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/holiday-market-at-metro-art-studios" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Holiday Market</strong></a></p><p><strong>Metro Art Studios</strong></p><p>Sunday Dec 8, 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm</p><p>Join the artists of Metro Art Studios and guest artists for a unique holiday shopping experience on Sunday, December 8, from 12 to 4 PM. Visit three floors of studios and find affordable art, jewelry, home decor, stationery, holiday decorations, fashion, and so much more for everyone on your list. Handmade and handcrafted gifts are the best! Background Coffee is serving coffee and tea with proceeds going to childhood cancer research. Our gallery and gift shop will also be open. Visit<a href="https://www.metroartstudios.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> https://www.metroartstudios.org/</a> for more information or call 203-450-6720. Free parking on site. ADA accessible.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/an-afternoon-of-opera-with-stefano-russo" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>An Afternoon of Opera with Stefano Russo</strong></a></p><p><strong>Fairfield Public Library</strong></p><p>Sunday Dec 8, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm</p><p>Mr. Russo will perform songs of the season, accompanied by pianist Jacob Wang , followed by selections from Puccini , in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Italian composer's death. There will then be a reading from Mr. Russo's latest book of poetry, Beyond the Chains of the Mind, and one final aria performed by Mr. Russo to conclude the program. Autographed books will be available for purchase.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/holiday-concert-with-whim-n-rhythm-yale-s-a-cappella-group-at-the-carriage-barn" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Holiday Concert with Whim n' Rhythm, Yale's A Cappella Group</strong></a></p><p><strong>Carriage Barn Arts Center</strong></p><p>Sunday Dec 8, 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm</p><p>Enjoy a stunning performance by Yale’s celebrated A Capella group Whim n Rhythm, accompanied by a wine tasting with Gratsi Wines &amp; Red Grape. Enjoy the festive atmosphere of the Carriage Barn and personalize an ornament to take home! Whim n Rythm’s repertoire includes well loved holiday classics and spans genres ranging from jazz standards to soulful ballads to pop and rock classics. Songs may include fan favorites by Fleetwood Mac and Madonna, old classics from the Beatles and Frank Sinatra, and upbeat contemporary numbers by Beyonce and Chappell Roan.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/norwalk-symphony-s-joys-of-the-season-holiday-pops" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Norwalk Symphony's Joys of the Season "Holiday Pops"</strong></a></p><p><strong>Norwalk Concert Hall</strong></p><p>Sunday Dec 8, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm</p><p>Don’t miss this event joined by soloists, musicians from the Norwalk Conservatory of the Arts and dancers from the New England Academy of Dance! And a visit from a jolly elf!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/postmodern-jukebox" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Postmodern Jukebox</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stamford Center for the Arts</strong></p><p>Sunday Dec 8, 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm</p><p>Even in our futuristic age of AI chatbots and virtual realities, there is still nothing in the world that compares with the thrill of hearing classic genres of music, performed live by a group of exceptional singers and musicians that have truly mastered the ability to move an audience.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/fairfield-county-children-s-choir-winter-concert" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Fairfield County Children's Choir Winter Concert</strong></a></p><p><strong>Klein Memorial Auditorium</strong></p><p>Sunday Dec 8, 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm</p><p>The renowned Fairfield County Children’s Choir will kick off its 30th Anniversary Season with a “Best of the FCCC Winter Concert” on Sunday, Dec. 8, at 3 P.M. at The Klein Memorial in Bridgeport. Join us for a celebration of the holiday season that honors our legacy and supports our mission to provide all children the opportunity to participate in a musical experience that is challenging, rewarding, and enjoyable!&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Why Small Businesses&nbsp;Matter</strong></h2><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Shop small, do big things for your community</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Why Small Businesses Matter puts a spotlight on the local merchants who donate their time, talent, goods, and services for the betterment of our community</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Meet Marc Aquila founder of&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.crescendomusicdarien.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;"><strong>Crescendo Music</strong></a><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">.</strong></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Why did you start your small business?</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">I started my business back in 1998 in Stamford, CT then opened up in Darien in 2004. I have always had a love for music and music education and, along with some great teachers over the years, have brought music into the lives of thousands of young (and old) musicians.&nbsp;</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">What is your best-selling product or service?</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Our best selling service is our music lessons. As previously mentioned, we have some of the area’s best-accredited instructors, and results are seen in a very short time which makes the process of learning an instrument very enjoyable. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned musician, there’s always something new to learn on your instrument.&nbsp;</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">How many local businesses do you use to support your business in terms of products and services? Can you name them?&nbsp;</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">We are happy to use several local businesses to assist our company. AAA Band Rentals out of Norwalk supplies our student instrument rentals which total about 700 per year. The Darien Depot provides space for our semi-annual recitals and Haller Piano from Stanford provides us with the pianos we use for those recitals.&nbsp;Marc nominates Darien Depot Youth Center to be featured next! “They provide a great service to kids in the community,” he says.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Follow along on&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/crescendomusicdarien/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Facebook</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">&nbsp;and Instagram @</span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/crescendo_music_darien/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">crescendo_music_darien</a></p><p><a href="https://www.crescendomusicdarien.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Crescendo Music</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">&nbsp;is located at 351 Post Road in Darien.</span></p>

<p>The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is offering symbolic harbor seal adoption kits through <strong>Dec. 31</strong> — a unique and meaningful holiday gift idea!</p><p>Each adoption kit includes:</p><ul><li>A 10” harbor seal plush</li><li>A certificate of adoption</li><li>A fact sheet about harbor seals</li><li>Two tickets to the Aquarium’s 4D theater</li></ul><p>“This is the perfect gift for the holiday season,” said Danielle Tranzillo, Chief Strategy and Growth Officer. “Not only will it bring joy to the children in your life, but it will also help us advance conservation efforts in Long Island Sound, provide educational experiences for all ages, and care for our resident animals – including harbor seals Sono, Gracie, Feisty, Leila, and Rasal.”</p><p>Harbor seals, which inhabit Long Island Sound, are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, enacted in 1972 to safeguard marine species from human impact.</p><p>The adoption kit is available for $99 and can be purchased online. Kits can be mailed or picked up at the Aquarium.</p><p>For more details or to symbolically adopt a harbor seal, visit <a href="http://www.maritimeaquarium.org/holiday-guide" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.maritimeaquarium.org/holiday-guide</a>.</p>

<p>Yesterday, Darien Police Department congratulated the newest police officer, Katrina Cook, who graduated this morning from the Stamford Police Academy! Not only did Officer Cook complete six months of rigorous basic training, she placed top of her class and was the recipient the “Samuel J. Luciano Award.” This lauded award is issued by the Connecticut Chief’s of Police Association to the recruit in each police academy class who achieves the highest cumulative grade point average during basic training. </p><p>Ofc. Cook will begin her probationary employment period tomorrow and undergo several more months of comprehensive field training. Congratulations to Ofc. Cook on her tremendous accomplishment, and welcome aboard! </p><p>.Photo shows (L to R) Lieutenant Mulcahy, Captain Mastroianni, Ofc. Katrina Cook, &amp; Chief Jeremiah P. Marron Jr. </p><p>A special thank you to the <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2F_u%2Fstamford_police_department%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0JChREX3UNmBdfMySmHykE3Tfie4q_95mUx-6B34-XI_EwY2Hjao9zdOY_aem_myy7t0S2pD1H2mjS9FKjNg&amp;h=AT2HR8NNv1dp1gxBLfm9A9vU8DM_5DJYtJZIb7E5NwtxTG6vvpGmiqI34t_jolKTsXhTU68sZxvuFuzZX7Dd7xjABuOlmv3n2ixaQPuFHOdFvumkhL4uX9FiRKhxz4w&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT23Vst0_RR66Qpvqq8grIi0OlHSUFfe6r203Yn5R6PpaM5DF1mxnN_mA6uQMDRRYdNqPNcYINjp6YWZI92DuAdYLKO79vdEjtWHJCMvFQKHrMVjOjPGUI8hlIkcVjIX0EfhE4-qvhgFRNqt-k6v90UK_-hpLedqcOkqv0k8BdY6BwP64Bv4FfFXiWr6t0lGa2ezYNYll9O8mwAeMs1P26_RUg" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: var(--blue-link);">@stamford_police_department</a> for hosting this police academy session and providing elite instruction to and for these new officers. @cityofstamfordct</p>

<p>(Norwalk, CT) – The best lights to see this holiday season are the ones in your children’s eyes. Visit The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk to make unforgettable memories with your loved ones and spark curiosity about the wonders of Long Island Sound.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 4D</strong>&nbsp;</p><p>Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer shines in an all-new 4D experience now playing at The Maritime Aquarium. In this 10-minute adaptation of the beloved television classic, guests will join Rudolph as he meets new friends and escapes the clutches of the Abominable Snow Monster.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Member Appreciation Morning (Member Only)</strong>&nbsp;</p><p>On Nov. 29, members can beat the holiday crowds and bring additional friends for exclusive access starting at 8 a.m. Each membership, no matter the level, will provide Aquarium access to nine individuals. Additionally, they will receive deeper discounts in the gift shop, free 4D movies, and special treats.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Shark Diving Santa</strong>&nbsp;</p><p>Most Saturdays and Sundays in December at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., Santa will be diving with sand tiger sharks in the Aquarium’s Ocean Beyond the Sound exhibit.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Breakfast with Santa (Member Only)&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;</p><p>On Sunday Dec. 15 at 8 a.m., members are invited to visit the Aquarium in their pajamas for Breakfast with Santa. This festive morning includes a delicious breakfast, pictures with Santa, and a showing of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer in the Aquarium’s 4D Theater.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Flurry Zone</strong>&nbsp;</p><p>No matter the weather outside, the Aquarium is guaranteeing a snowy forecast inside every day in December. A magical snow machine will produce a fun flurry every hour in Newman’s Own Hall.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Elf Power Virtual Reality Experience</strong>&nbsp;</p><p>Discover the true meaning of Christmas as you fly by snow-capped mountains in Santa’s jet-powered sleigh in search of a child who needs to believe again. You never know who you’ll meet, thanks to your Elf Power!&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Noon Year’s Eve Celebration</strong>&nbsp;</p><p>On December 31 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., young families looking to celebrate the new year early are invited to attend the Aquarium’s Noon Year’s Eve Celebration. Family-friendly activities include face painting, crafts, music, and a countdown to noon.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Aquarium Hours:</strong></p><p>10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day</p><p><strong>Admission</strong>&nbsp;</p><p>Child (3-12): $24.95&nbsp;</p><p>Adult: $33.95&nbsp;</p><p>Senior (65+): $29.95&nbsp;</p><p>4D movie: $7 per person ($6 for members)&nbsp;</p><p>Discounted tickets are available for families that receive SNAP benefits through the Museums for All program. These tickets must be purchased in-person. SNAP EBT card and photo ID required.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>For more information, visit <a href="https://www.maritimeaquarium.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(5, 99, 193);">www.maritimeaquarium.org</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>