Ridgefield Playhouse Fall Gala rocks with The Brian Setzer Orchestra & honors community members who support the arts


 This year marks the start of the 17th season for the Ridgefield Playhouse and what better way to kick it up a notch than with a Gala event starring the iconic guitarist, songwriter, vocalist and three-time Grammy-Award winner Brian Setzer and his 19-piece orchestra. 

In addition to an amazing performance, which will feature a retro holiday theme, and a pre-performance Gala dinner, open bar and auction, this year’s November 19th Gala will be handing out two very deserving awards to people who help the community as a whole and support the arts in a major way.  

This year’s Gala Award recipient is Anita and Nick Donofrio and the Arts Volunteer award will be presented to Kerry Anne Ducey, founder and CEO of HamletHub.  The Gala kicks off at 6pm on November 19th in the Yanity gym and continues with the award ceremony and performance at 8pm in The Ridgefield Playhouse theater.   In addition to being a part of The Pepsi Rock Series, powered by Xfinity, this year’s Gala underwriters include Peggy and Robert Kaufman, The Berisford, Cox, Ross and Stockel Families, Addessi Jewelers, Fairfield County Bank, Glori and Richard Norwitt, AllShows.com, and Rachel and Joe Sondheimer and an anonymous donor with additional support from Abby’s Tent Rentals, Campari, Hollandia Nurseries and Pera Wines.

The Donofrios have been patrons and supporters of many non-profits in Ridgefield and The Ridgefield Playhouse is no exception.  They have been a consistent annual supporter for the Bernie Williams and Friends Charity Softball Game and Concert which, due to their support, allows children from the Ridgefield Boys and Girls Club as well as low income families to attend the event and experience the arts for free.  Anita and Nick Donofrio recognize the importance of supporting charitable non-profit organizations in Ridgefield and have supported a wide variety of organizations including Ridgefield Library, Ridgefield Boys and Girls Club, Founders Hall and ROAR among many others.

 This year’s Arts Volunteer award will be presented to Kerry Anne Ducey, founder and CEO of HamletHub.  Kerry Anne Ducey has used her talent to create an award-winning local social network for communities. As a supporter, Kerry Anne not only reports on all of the cultural happenings at the Playhouse, but has helped create the HamletHub Whole New You Series, which focuses on speakers and shows that help you better yourself physically, mentally and spiritually. 

Following the award presentations and live auction, ticket holders will see the Brian Setzer Orchestra perform a night of hits and holiday tunes!

Throughout his decorated career as founder/leader of the Stray Cats, his 19-piece Brian Setzer Orchestra, and as a solo artist, Setzer has scored chart-topping hits – including “Stray Cat Strut,” “Rock This Town,” “Jump Jive An’ Wail” among many others, sold 13 million records and received the Orville H. Gibson Lifetime Achievement Award and is consistently cited as one of the world’s greatest living guitarists. 

In 1987, Setzer appeared in the film La Bamba portraying rockabilly pioneer Eddie Cochran. The Christmas Rocks! Tour features music from their latest Christmas album, “Rockin’ Rudolph,” their three other best-selling holiday albums, as well as original Brian Setzer hits. Setzer’s trademark guitar work and vocal stylings are matched with the Brian Setzer Orchestra’s rockin’ big-band horn arrangements—an unbeatable combination guaranteed to rock you into the holiday spirit!  Tickets to this Gala event include dinner by top area restaurants, exciting silent and live auction items including a piece of Brian Setzer memorabilia signed by Setzer on the night of the show!  

For tickets ($250 Gala and Show, $185 show only), call the box office at 203-438-5795, or visit ridgefieldplayhouse.org.  The Ridgefield Playhouse is a non-profit performing arts center located at 80 East Ridge, parallel to Main Street, Ridgefield, CT. 

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Submitted by Ridgefield, CT

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