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<p><strong>The Rowan Center and Westport Town Hall to Host Proclamation Day for Sexual Assault Awareness Month</strong></p><p>The Rowan Center, in collaboration with Westport First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker, will host Proclamation Day 2025 at Westport Town Hall to formally recognize April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM).</p><p>The event will take place on Tuesday, April 8, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Westport Town Hall, 110 Myrtle Avenue, Westport, CT.</p><p>This community gathering will emphasize ongoing efforts to support survivors of sexual violence and raise awareness about prevention and response initiatives in Lower Fairfield County. During the event, First Selectwoman Tooker will issue an official proclamation designating April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Westport.</p><p>Speakers will include:</p><ul><li>Jennifer Tooker, First Selectwoman of Westport</li><li>Sharon Walker Epps, CEO, The Rowan Center</li><li>Elected representatives from Lower Fairfield County</li><li>Additional speakers to be announced</li></ul><p>The Rowan Center encourages community members, local leaders, and media representatives to attend and show their support for survivors.</p><p>For more information, contact Susie Lee, Director of Community Relations, The Rowan Center: <a href="mailto:slee@therowancenter.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">slee@therowancenter.org</a></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(24, 25, 26);">FC Buzz Weekend March 21-23</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/all-in-this-together-highlights-from-our-printmaking-programs-f3bf7" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>All In This Together: Highlights from our Printmaking Programs</strong></a></p><p><strong>Center for Contemporary Printmaking, Norwalk</strong></p><p>Friday Mar 21, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm</p><p>Over the past 12 months, the Center for Contemporary Printmaking has facilitated the printmaking projects of dozens of artists. We’ve hosted Artists-in-Residence, conducted collaboration and editioning services, offered workshops across a spectrum of printmaking processes, and mentored high school students through our Grace Ross Shanley Fellowship Program.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/colab-a-new-program-by-the-schubert-club-44dcc" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>CoLab: A New Program By The Schubert Club</strong></a></p><p><strong>Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Weston</strong></p><p>Friday Mar 21, 2:00 pm - 2:00 pm</p><p>The Schubert Club introduces CoLab, a new pilot program where all ages and all stages come together to perform works from any genre of music: Parents with their children, grandparents with their grandchildren, friends with friends, teachers with students, all combinations or solo. No rules!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/hansel-and-gretel-22eab" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Hansel and Gretel</strong></a></p><p><strong>Downtown Cabaret Theatre, Bridgeport</strong></p><p>Saturday Mar 22, 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm</p><p>Get ready to embark on a deliciously delightful adventure as we journey into the enchanted world of Hansel & Gretel at the Downtown Cabaret Theatre! Join Hansel and Gretel, the brave brother and sister duo, as they venture into the mysterious woods and stumble upon a house made entirely of gingerbread—yes, you heard right, gingerbread! But beware, because lurking within is a tricky witch with a sweet tooth and a mischievous plan. Will Hansel & Gretel outsmart the witch and find their way back home?</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/norwalk-symphony-s-music-for-all-ages" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Norwalk Symphony's "Music for All Ages"</strong></a></p><p><strong>Norwalk Concert Hall, Norwalk</strong></p><p>Sunday Mar 23, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm</p><p>Celebrate the winner of our 2025 Concerto Competition with the Norwalk Symphony. Also on the program are Aaron Copland's "Lincoln Portrait" narrated by TV News Host Craig Melvin, Gershwin's "American in Paris" and more!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/children-s-pillow-concert-featuring-the-haven-string-quartet" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Children’s Pillow Concert Featuring the Haven String Quartet</strong></a></p><p><strong>Suzuki Music Schools, Westport</strong></p><p>Sunday Mar 23, 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm</p><p>The Pillow Concert Series features professional artists performing in an informal setting designed for the whole family. Children of all ages can bring a pillow and sit up close with the performers. Concerts are about 45 minutes long and suitable for children ages 4 and up.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/lila-downs" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Lila Downs</strong></a></p><p><strong>Quick Center for the Arts, Fairfield</strong></p><p>Sunday Mar 23, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm</p><p>Iconic Grammy and Latin Grammy Award winning singer Lila Downs is one of the world’s most singular and powerful voices. Her compelling stage presence and poignant storytelling transcend all language barriers. Raised in Minnesota and Oaxaca, this global superstar’s exquisite artistry bridges traditions from across the Americas, with influences ranging from the folk and ranchera music of Mexico and South America to North American folk, jazz, blues, and hip-hop. In 2023, Downs released her 14th album, La Sánchez, influenced heavily by music from the north of Mexico.</p><p>See these and discover hundreds more events on the <a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">FCBUZZ EVENTS</a> page at <a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://culturalalliancefc.org</a> Sign up for the <a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cultural Alliance eBuzz</a> to receive top picks and spotlights each week in your inbox.</p>

<p>WESTPORT, Conn. — <a href="https://versofest.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">VersoFest 2025</a> weekend will be a vibrant roof-raiser, from <a href="https://westportlibrary.org/event/versofest-2025-weekend-kickoff-celebration/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">a kickoff celebration hosted by renowned visual artist 5iveFingaz</a>, to an illuminating evening with <a href="https://versofest.org/henry-rollins-black-flag-artist-conversation-nabil-ayers/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">hardcore legend Henry Rollins and fellow musician Nabil Ayers</a> — and now, Verso Studios at The Westport Library is excited to welcome its newest Verso Visionary as part of this year’s annual music and media festival: three-time Grammy Award-winning hip-hop artist and co-founder of The Roots, Black Thought.</p><p>The conversation between The Roots’ lead emcee and music industry executive, entrepreneur, and celebrated community leader June Archer will take place Saturday, April 5, 4-5:30 pm, in the Library’s Trefz Forum.</p><p>The event is free to attend. Copies of Black Thought’s 2023 memoir, <a href="https://catalog.westportlibrary.org/polaris/search/title.aspx?ctx=1.1033.0.0.1&pos=1&cn=594735" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);"><em>The Upcycled Self: A Memoir on the Art of Becoming Who We Are</em></a>, will be for sale, with the author signing copies after the talk. <strong> </strong></p><p>Crowned by <em>HYPEBEAST </em>as “one of the best lyricists in hip-hop history,” critically acclaimed musician Tariq Trotter, popularly known as Black Thought, has led a diverse creative career not only as a musician, actor, writer, and producer — but also as one of the most prolific, innovative, and powerful voices in hip hop.</p><p>Black Thought founded The Roots in 1987 alongside fellow hip-hop legend Questlove. From humble beginnings performing on Philadelphia street corners, to more than two decades of commercial success before expanding their reach in 2009 as the house band for both <em>Late Night With Jimmy Fallon </em>and later<em> The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon</em>, The Roots’ eclectic, jazz-infused sound has transcended genres, with Black Thought’s influence and musical mastery rendering the group a hip-hop cornerstone.</p><p>In all, The Roots have produced 11 studio albums, including their debut, <em>Organix</em> (1993); the breakthrough <em>Things Fall Apart</em> (1999); the hard-hitting <em>Game Theory</em> (2006); the optimistic <em>How I Got Over</em> (2010); and countless more that have earned critical acclaim.</p><p>Beyond collaborations with Eminem, John Legend, J Dilla, Big Pun, Linkin Park, Logic, and Fall Out Boy, Black Thought also co-produced the multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning original Broadway cast recording of<a href="https://catalog.westportlibrary.org/polaris/search/title.aspx?ctx=1.1033.0.0.1&pos=1&cn=626712" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);"><em>Hamilton</em></a>. He has also succeeded in in film and television, with work on projects such as HBO’s <em>The Deuce</em> and <em>Hamilton</em> creator Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Golden Globe-nominated <em>Tick, Tick… Boom! </em>— as well as live theater, in his roles as main composer and lyricist of the 2022 off-Broadway production <em>Black No More</em>, which he also starred in.</p><p>“I think a writer should always be aware of his or her surroundings,” Black Thought told <em>The Paris Review.</em> “The material is there. It’s already in the world. You have to be in tune with it to hear it and see it. The best essays, the best books, all wrote themselves. Same with paintings and dances — all of the best art ... comes from the universe. You have to master the art of being in tune enough when it’s time to create.”</p><p>Like Black Thought, <a href="https://www.iamjunearcher.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">Archer</a> has led a diverse career, as an entrepreneur, music industry executive, motivational speaker, and educator. After getting his start in the music industry in 1995 as a member of the Elektra Records recording group Room Service, Archer transitioned into the business side of the industry. His accolades include gold and platinum plaques for his work on albums by Jay-Z, 50 Cent, Mario, Omarion, Beyonce, and more. A two-time Grammy and Soul Train Award nominee, Archer also previously served eight years on the Grammy Committee.</p><p>In addition to his current role as CEO of The Eleven28 Entertainment Group, Archer spearheaded the documentary <em>Stepping Into the Shade </em>— <a href="https://westportlibrary.org/stepping-into-the-shade-documentary-series-on-the-history-of-connecticut-tobacco-farming-to-debut-at-the-westport-library/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">screened at The Westport Library</a> in June 2024 — and he hosts the <em>The Winner’s Circle</em> podcast for rapper 50 Cent's 'This is 50' platform. Archer is the founder of The June Archer School of Arts, The Archer Foundation, The 100 Men and Women of Color Black Tie Gala & Awards, The New England Music Seminar, the Hot Chocolate Soul performance showcase, and June Archer's Celebration of Life AIDS/Breast Cancer Fundraiser. In 2013, he also added published author to his list of distinctions, with his children’s books, <em>Yes! You Can</em> and <em>Yes! Every Day Can Be a Good Day</em>.</p><p><strong>Event link:</strong> <a href="https://versofest.org/event/verso-visionary-black-thought-lead-emcee-of-the-roots-in-conversation-with-june-archer/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">https://versofest.org/event/verso-visionary-black-thought-lead-emcee-of-the-roots-in-conversation-with-june-archer/</a></p><p><strong>Registration:</strong> <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/verso-visionary-black-thought-of-the-roots-in-conversation-w-june-archer-tickets-1295050343439" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">https://www.eventbrite.com/e/verso-visionary-black-thought-of-the-roots-in-conversation-w-june-archer-tickets-1295050343439</a></p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong>Westport‘s Voices Cafe presents Lucy Kaplansky with Dustin Lowman on Saturday April 5th at 8pm</strong></p><p>Voices Cafe is thrilled to present the touching and captivating voices of two contemporary folk singer/songwriters, Lucy Kaplansky, with opener Dustin Lowman, on Saturday, April 5th at 8pm.</p><p>This concert promises two of the best singer/songwriters you will ever get to see, and we are thrilled to have them with us for just this one Spring evening. Scott Simon shares, "Utterly beautiful and affecting, Lucy sings songs from her life that have resonance in ours.” The New Yorker shares “Lucy is a truly gifted performer, with a bag full of enchanting songs.”</p><p>And we are thrilled to have Westport’s own native son, Dustin Lowman, one of his generation’s finest original voices! Livingston Taylor shares, “Dustin is on the path of a terrific musical career. His musical voice is waiting to be heard by those hungry for the next real thing.”</p><p><a href="https://voicescafe.org/show/live-in-person-damn-tall-buildings/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Tickets and Information: </a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">This concert is on Saturday, April 5th. Doors open at 7:30pm, with showtime at 8:00pm. Tickets and information are available at </span><a href="https://voicescafe.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">https://voicescafe.org/</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> General admission is $25 per ticket. </span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Voices Cafe offers a BYO setting with a choice of coffee-house style seating at tables or individual seating, and guests are welcome to bring their own beverages and snacks. Groups of four or more can reserve table space.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Voices Cafe concerts support social justice programs in our local community and are presented at The Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport at 10 Lyons Plains Road, Westport CT.</span></p><p>Learn more: <a href="https://voicescafe.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">https://voicescafe.org/</a></p>

<p class="ql-align-justify"><strong style="background-color: transparent;">Ariane Maclean Trimuschat: From Global Visionary to Local Advocate</strong></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><span style="background-color: transparent;">With a career spanning over 30 years in marketing, events, and the arts, Ariane Maclean Trimuschat brings a dynamic blend of creativity and leadership to the Westport Young Woman’s League (WYWL). Her professional journey began in the fast-paced world of magazine publishing in New York City, where she worked with renowned publications like </span><em style="background-color: transparent;">Sassy</em><span style="background-color: transparent;">, </span><em style="background-color: transparent;">Bon Appétit</em><span style="background-color: transparent;">, </span><em style="background-color: transparent;">Vanity Fair</em><span style="background-color: transparent;">, and </span><em style="background-color: transparent;">Condé Nast Traveler</em><span style="background-color: transparent;">.</span></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><span style="background-color: transparent;">A move to the West Coast marked a shift to the arts, where Ariane held prominent roles as the chief executive for two major organizations: The San Francisco Fall Show, the largest international art and antiques fair on the West Coast, and Gen Art SF, a platform for cutting-edge emerging artists in San Francisco. Her passion for design and storytelling led her to launch </span><em style="background-color: transparent;">Sojournest</em><span style="background-color: transparent;">, a design and travel blog, during her time in London with her husband, daughter, and labradoodle.</span></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><span style="background-color: transparent;">Ariane’s commitment to community service runs just as deep as her professional accomplishments. Her dedication to philanthropy and volunteerism began early and has remained a cornerstone of her life. She has served on several boards, including the Modern Art Council for SFMOMA, the Achenbach Graphic Arts Council for the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, and the PTA for Coleytown Middle School in Westport. She is also a sustaining member of the New York Junior League and spent seven years as a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) for foster children.</span></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><span style="background-color: transparent;">Since moving to Westport in 2021, Ariane has become a vital member of the WYWL. She has twice served as Community Service Co-Chair and as the Chair of CraftWestport, one of the League’s major fundraisers. Both roles embody the League’s mission: giving back to the community through volunteerism and raising funds for the grants program. Ariane finds profound meaning in these efforts, from building strong friendships with fellow members to making a tangible impact on Fairfield County.</span></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><span style="background-color: transparent;">For Ariane, the WYWL represents more than an organization—it’s an adventure of shared purpose, strong female leadership, and deep community connections. Inspired by the warmth and support of the members, she is proud to help carry forward the League’s legacy of service and impact in the Fairfield County community.</span></p><p>Read about Westport Young Woman's League <a href="https://www.wywl.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.wywl.com/</a></p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(24, 25, 26);">FC Buzz Weekend March 14 - March 16</strong></p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/acts-of-beauty---featuring-katie-bassett-nicole-bricker-6c731" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Acts of Beauty</strong></a></p><p><strong>Jim Felice Studios, Bethel</strong></p><p>Friday Mar 14, 11:00 am -5:00 pm</p><p>Trailer Box Project presents "Acts of Beauty" featuring Artists Katie Bassett and Nicole Bricker. Artist talk March 15th, the show closes April 19, 2025</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/my-story-revealed-a-global-student-art-show---closing-reception" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>"My Story Revealed", A Global Student Art Show - Closing Reception</strong></a></p><p><strong>New Canaan Library, New Canaan</strong></p><p>Friday Mar 14, 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm</p><p>This exhibition is a powerful representation of our work and our mission, and we can't wait to share it with you one last time. Come enjoy the artwork ,connect with the stories behind them and meet new friends. Don’t miss this final opportunity to experience My Story Revealed!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/biophilia-6823d" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Biophilia</strong></a></p><p><strong>Flinn Gallery, Greenwich</strong></p><p>Friday Mar 14, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm</p><p>Drawing inspiration from both real and imagined aspects of the natural world, these artists explore the intersection of nature, imagination, and technology. Their diverse practices reflect personal connections to the environment, sustainability, and the fragility of life. Their works are expressed through a dynamic range of 2D and 3D materials, textures, and colors. Using a range of materials and techniques—from traditional painting to upcycled sculptures—they offer unique perspectives on ecological responsibility and the evolving relationship between humans and the Earth.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/the-met-live-in-hd---beethoven-s-fidelio" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Beethoven’s Fidelio</strong></a></p><p><strong>Quick Center for the Arts, Fairfield</strong></p><p>Saturday Mar 15, 1:00 pm - 4:15 pmAfter a series of mesmerizing Live in HD performances, Norwegian soprano Lise Davidsen returns to the Metropolitan Opera as Leonore, the devoted wife who risks all to rescue her husband from tyranny in Beethoven’s Fidelio. The stellar cast includes British tenor David Butt Philip as the political prisoner Florestan, Polish bass-baritone Tomasz Konieczny as the villainous Don Pizarro, veteran German bass René Pape as the jailer Rocco, Chinese soprano Ying Fang and German tenor Magnus Dietrich as the young Marzelline and Jaquino, and Danish bass Stephen Milling as the principled Don Fernando. Susanna Mälkki conducts the performance.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/kenji-nakahashi-strange-beauty-a34ca" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Kenji Nakahashi: Strange Beauty</strong></a></p><p><strong>Bruce Museum, Greenwich</strong></p><p>Saturday Mar 15, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm</p><p>Best known for his conceptual and street photography, Kenji Nakahashi (Japanese, 1947–2017) produced a highly experimental body of work grounded in the everyday.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/open-day-at-new-pond-farm-education-center" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Open Day</strong></a></p><p><strong>New Pond Farm Education Center, Redding</strong></p><p>Sunday Mar 16, 10:30 am - 1:00 pm</p><p>Stop by anytime between 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. to learn more about our stunning landscape, the diverse habitats, our fascinating history, the varied wildlife, the multitude of educational opportunities, in addition to our warm and welcoming staff.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/all-that-jazz-sunday-soundscapes" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>All That Jazz! Sunday Soundscapes</strong></a></p><p><strong>Weston Public Library, Weston</strong></p><p>Sunday Mar 16, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm</p><p>“All That Jazz!” introduces two new voices from the New York jazz scene – guitarist Matthew Rotker-Lynn and vocalist Ariana Stefanidis. TheIr renditions of jazz classics, bossa nova hits and original compositions are sure to warm up your spring!</p>

<p>Best-selling author David Baldacci will be coming to The Westport Library to launch and discuss his newest book, <em>Strangers in Time</em>, on its release date: Tuesday, April 15.</p><p>The event will take place at 7 pm in the Library’s Trefz Forum, with a keynote presentation by Baldacci followed by a book signing.</p><p>For this premier event, the Library will be including one copy of <em>Strangers in Time </em>with each ticket option. One seat with one copy of the book is priced at $40, and the option for two seats with one copy is priced at $50. Extra copies are also available on-site for $30 each.</p><p>Additionally, there will be a special opportunity to meet Baldacci one-on-one, with one copy of the book included, for $150 per ticket.</p><p><em>Strangers in Time</em> tells the story of a bereaved bookshop owner and two teenagers scarred by the Second World War in 1944 London — and the healing and hope they find in one another.</p><p>Streetwise Blitz survivor Charlie Matters steals to get by, knowing any day could be his last. Uprooted by a large-scale evacuation, Molly Wakefield returns to a shattered London, only to discover her parents are gone. Their paths cross at The Book Keep, a literary sanctuary run by Ignatius Oliver, who, despite his own loss, offers them refuge. Together they form a kinship in each other, and as secrets surface and the perils of war rage on, they discover that their united trust in each other may be the only way for them to survive.</p><p>Early reviews for the book rave about Baldacci’s foray into historical fiction.</p><p><em>New York Times </em>best-selling author Jodi Picoult called it “a meticulously precise account of what it was like to live through the Blitz in London — a visceral reminder that war not only levels social classes, but creates the most unlikely and indefatigable bonds between unlikely souls.”</p><p>And best-selling author Mitch Albom wrote: “A riveting story of secrets, betrayals, and unlikely friendships during World War II. An emotional web that keeps spinning — and keeps you guessing — right until the startling finish.”</p><p>For nearly 30 years, Baldacci’s novels have captivated readers with gripping narratives that blend political intrigue, espionage, and courtroom suspense. He has published <a href="https://catalog.westportlibrary.org/polaris/search/searchresults.aspx?ctx=1.1033.0.0.1&type=Keyword&term=david%20baldacci&by=KW&sort=RELEVANCE&limit=TOM=*&query=&page=0&searchid=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">more than 50 novels</a>, all of which have been national and international best-sellers, and five of which have been adapted for film and television. His 1996 debut novel, <a href="https://catalog.westportlibrary.org/polaris/search/searchresults.aspx?ctx=1.1033.0.0.1&type=Keyword&term=absolute%20power%20baldacci&by=KW&sort=RELEVANCE&limit=TOM=*&query=&page=0&searchid=2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);"><em>Absolute Power</em></a>, was an instant best-seller, adapted as a 1997 feature film starring and directed by Clint Eastwood. Other novels made into films include <em>Wish You Well</em> (2013) and <em>The Christmas Train</em> (2017).</p><p>Baldacci’s vast collection of published legal dramas can be attributed to his years practicing law in Washington, D.C. Published in more than 45 languages and in more than 80 countries, with 150 million copies sold worldwide, Baldacci’s works span numerous best-selling series, including the legal-driven <em>John Puller </em>and <em>Amos Decker</em> thrillers, the action-packed <em>Will Robie</em> and <em>Atlee Pine </em>series, and the beloved <em>King & Maxwell </em>books. In addition to his adult thrillers, Baldacci has also expanded his reach across generations of readers with seven middle-grade novels, denoted by his entry into the fantasy genre with the <em>Vega Jane</em> series.</p><p><br></p><p>A lifelong writer, Baldacci credits his mother’s gift of a lined notebook as the spark for his literary ventures in childhood, later igniting his writing career — even if she later reported that her purpose was to keep him occupied, “because every mom needs a break now and then.”With such an extensive anthology of works traversing many diverse genres, Baldacci doesn’t have to go out of his way to look for new story ideas — inspiration finds him in his everyday life.</p><p>“As a writer, you can never ‘turn off’ your passion for the written word and love of a great story,” Baldacci said. “So I watch life, listen intently, and basically drive everyone around me a bit crazy as I absorb my environment. When you’re naturally curious, you uncover storylines everywhere.”</p><p><strong>Event Information</strong></p><p><strong>Best-Selling Author David Baldacci Launches His Newest Book, <em>Strangers in Time</em>, in Westport!</strong></p><p>Tuesday, April 15</p><p>7 pm</p><p>Trefz Forum, The Westport Library</p><p><strong>Story link:</strong> <a href="https://westportlibrary.org/best-selling-thriller-author-david-baldacci-to-launch-new-novel-at-the-westport-library/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">https://westportlibrary.org/best-selling-thriller-author-david-baldacci-to-launch-new-novel-at-the-westport-library/</a></p><p><strong>Event link:</strong> <a href="https://westportlibrary.org/event/best-selling-author-david-baldacci-launches-his-newest-book-strangers-in-time-in-westport/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">https://westportlibrary.org/event/best-selling-author-david-baldacci-launches-his-newest-book-strangers-in-time-in-westport/</a></p><p><strong>Register:</strong> <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/best-selling-author-david-baldacci-launches-his-newest-book-tickets-1253783432999" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">https://www.eventbrite.com/e/best-selling-author-david-baldacci-launches-his-newest-book-tickets-1253783432999</a></p>