Westport Journal

Songs of Spirit and Freedom: Community Sing to Draw Strength Together Through Music
2026-02-14 16:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | The Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport, 10 Lyons Plain Road, Westport, 06880, United States
Join together for a Community Sing, on Saturday, February 14th at 4:00 PM!
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport (“UU Westport”) opens our doors to all who need and want to be together to share songs of spirit and freedom during this trying time in our nation’s history. This “sing-along” program, sponsored by UU Westport’s Mending the Sacred Hoop committee, will be guided by singer/songwriter Bethany Yarrow, and joined by musicians Francine Wheeler and Gordon Titcomb. This is a FREE event, and all ages and faith traditions are welcome. Doors open at 3:30 PM, the event starts at 4pm, and is expected to finish by 6pm. There is free parking and handicap accessibility. For more information, visit uuwestport.org or contact UU Westport at 203-227-7250.

Karma Kabaret
2026-02-14 19:30 - 21:30 | Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Court, Westport, Connecticut, 06880, United States
Created and performed by M Zavidow, Karma Kabaret is the creative celebration of a life of exploring through 39+ years as a corporate communicator, stage and cabaret performer, songwriter, recording artist, social worker, stand-up experimenter, Yoga Teacher, marathoner, traveler and curious person trying to figure out this life!

Lecture: Beyond the Wine-Dark Sea: Sardis between East and West
2026-02-24 17:00 - 18:30 | Aloysius P. Kelley Center, Loyola Drive, Fairfield, CT, 06824, United States
Join us for a talk by Alexis Belis, Associate Curator of Greek and Roman Art at The Metropolitan Museum of Art!

In a lecture on Tuesday, February 24th in the Kelley Center’s Presentation Room, Alexis Belis, PhD, Associate Curator of Greek and Roman Art at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, will explore new discoveries and interpretations of the museum’s renowned collection from Sardis, the ancient Lydian capital celebrated for its wealth and cross-cultural connections. As the Met prepares a major exhibition on Greek encounters across the Mediterranean, Dr. Belis reveals how recent research into migration, trade, and cultural exchange reshapes our understanding of these remarkable objects and the diverse worlds that created them.
This lecture is sponsored by the Department of Visual & Performing Arts, and co-sponsored by the Museum.

Lifetime of Looking: Sensory Engagement
2026-02-26 14:00 - 15:30 | Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Drive, Greenwich, Connecticut, 06830, United States
Lifetime of Looking is a public program at the Bruce for adults experiencing cognitive decline, such as Alzheimer’s Disease, and their family members and caregivers. During this guided, interactive program, trained educators provide the opportunity for conversation and discussion through art on exhibit and creative art-making opportunities.
Programs take place one Thursday each month from 2–3:30pm. The program is free with Museum admission and advanced registration is required. Please contact Stephanie Rice at srice@brucemuseum.org or (203) 413-6743 to sign up or for further information.

Opening Reception: Art, Jazz + The Blues with WestPAC
2026-02-26 18:00 - 20:00 | MoCA CT, 19 Newtown Turnpike, Westport, Connecticut, 06880, United States
Art, Jazz + the Blues is a collaboration between the Westport Public Art Collections (WestPAC) + MoCACT.
This exhibit, curated by Anne Boberski, Ive Covaci and the WestPAC Committee—explores the powerful intersections between visual art and music, drawing from the rich holdings of the Westport Public Art Collections (WestPAC).
The exhibition centers on Giants of the Blues, a sweeping series of seven group portraits by Westport native Eric von Schmidt (1931–2007) honoring blues, jazz, and folk musicians from the 1920s to the 1960s. Complementing von Schmidt’s paintings are approximately forty artworks from the WestPAC collection depicting musicians, inspired by musical themes, or exploring the resonances between musical and visual forms. A selection of important loans from galleries, museums, artists and private collections deepen the conversation, and a screening room features historic performance footage of musicians portrayed in von Schmidt’s paintings. As the jazz great Charlie Parker once said, the show invites visitors to “hear with your eyes and see with your ears.”
Westport has long been home to a thriving community of artists and musicians. Since the early 20th century, the town has attracted generations of illustrators, painters, performers, composers, and cultural innovators, and this exhibition highlights the interconnections between artists in our own community and their relationship to broader national and international movements. Today, music and the visual arts remain a vital part of Westport’s identity, nurtured through its many performing arts venues, public art collection, schools awarded for excellence in music and arts education, and creative networks. Art, Jazz + the Blues celebrates this legacy while looking forward to its vibrant future.
Eric von Schmidt’s deep connection to blues and folk music traces back to his youth in Westport, where he often painted alongside his father, esteemed illustrator Harold von Schmidt (1893–1982). He fell in love with the blues when he heard Leadbelly on the radio, and early exposure to the Smithsonian’s music archives ignited a lifelong passion. After graduating from Staples High School and studying at the Art Students League and in Italy on a Fulbright, von Schmidt moved to Cambridge, MA, where he became a central figure in the American folk revival. A prolific artist, performer, and mentor to musicians like Bob Dylan and Joan Baez, von Schmidt also designed album covers and authored prize-winning books on music. Dylan once described him as “a man who can sing the bird off the wire and the rubber off a tire.”

Laura & Linda Benanti: Mothers Know Best
2026-02-28 20:00 - 21:30 | Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Court, Westport, Connecticut, 06880, United States
Westport Country Playhouse presents Tony Award® winner Laura Benanti as she joins forces with her mother, Linda, in a touchingly humorous show about mother-daughter relationships. Music direction by Billy Stritch. Saturday, February 28, at 8PM

Fred Elser First Sunday Science: Ecosystem Interactions: Sharing the Shore
2026-03-01 14:00 - 15:00 | Connecticut
The beaches of Long Island Sound are more than just places for people–they’re home to birds, crabs, fish, and countless other creatures. In this talk, Naturalist, Phin Anibal will explore how we can enjoy the LIS ecosystems while keeping animals safe and stress-free. You will learn why it is important not to harass or handle wildlife, how to recognize when an animal truly needs help, and what to do if you encounter an injured or distressed animal. Phin will guide you through practical steps for responding responsibly, including when to observe from a distance and when to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Our goal is simple: to help beachgoers become better neighbors to the wildlife that share our shores.

iCreate 2026 Call For Entries
2026-03-02 09:00 - 2026-04-06 17:00 | Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Drive, Greenwich, Connecticut, 06830, United States
The Bruce Museum in Greenwich, CT, invites current regional high school students (grades 9-12) to submit entries for iCreate 2026, an annual, juried art exhibition.
For almost 20 years, iCreate has showcased the talents of hundreds of regional high school students. This year, selected artwork will be featured in an exhibition from June 13 to August 23, 2026, in the Susan and Bill Mahoney Gallery Lobby, and all submitted artwork will be recognized in a video presentation featured in the exhibition and the Museum’s website.
The opening celebration will recognize the selected students and award prizes to the top submissions, determined by the jury and the high school interns curating the exhibition. A People’s Choice Award will be awarded in late August, allowing the public to vote for their favorite piece.

The Subject Was Roses
2026-03-02 19:00 - 21:00 | Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Court, Westport, Connecticut, 06880, United States
Westport Country Playhouse will present a Script in Hand playreading of “The Subject Was Roses,” winner of the 1965 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and a Tony Award for Best Play, on Monday, March 2, at 7 p.m. The timeless piece is written by Frank D. Gilroy and directed by Joe Delafield, Playhouse artistic associate.
It’s May 1946, and as the war draws to an end, a young soldier returns home to see his parents in the Bronx apartment where he was raised.

Coffee with a Curator
2026-03-04 09:00 - 10:00 | Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Drive, Greenwich, Connecticut, 06830, United States
Join us for Coffee with a Curator!
Please note this event is open to Bruce Members at the Patron/Benefactor level and above.
Join fellow members for coffee and tea in the Café’s Stephen Corman Dining Room at 9:00am followed by a curator-led tour of Ursula von Rydingsvard: states of becoming with Margarita Karasoulas, Curator of Art, at 9:30am.

Free First Saturdays
2026-03-07 11:00 - 17:00 | Westport Museum for History and Culture, 25 Avery Place, Wesport, Connecticut, 06880, United States
First Saturdays are a great opportunity to experience what we have to offer at the Westport Museum free of charge on the first Saturday of each month.
Young visitors can enjoy a scavenger hunt in the museum, the diorama of Westport featuring an audio tour by Joanne Woodward, coloring pages, colonial games and more. Adult visitors will enjoy our wide array of exhibits.

Isaac Mizrahi: Live in Concert
2026-03-07 20:00 - 21:30 | Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Court, Westport, Connecticut, 06880, United States
Westport Country Playhouse will present Isaac Mizrahi, “Project Runway: All Stars” judge and Broadway performer, in “Isaac Mizrahi: Live in Concert,” on Saturday, March 7, at 8 p.m. Mizrahi’s one-of-a-kind show brings together comedy, commentary, and an array of classic and soon-to-be classic songs from Stephen Sondheim to Blondie, from Comden and Green to Madonna. The actor, host, writer, designer, and producer will be accompanied by his six-piece jazz band.

French-Language Tour of Georges Braque: Tactile Space
2026-03-08 12:30 - 13:30 | Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Drive, Greenwich, Connecticut, 06830, United States
Enjoy a French-language tour of Georges Braque: Tactile Space with Bruce Museum docent Claire Negrin, a native French speaker and experienced arts educator. Learn about Braque’s decades-long exploration of texture, space, and materials in his native tongue.
This tour is free with museum admission but advanced registration is required.
Venez nous rejoindre pour une visite guidée en français de l’exposition Georges Braque: Espace tactile avec Claire Négrin, guide française au Bruce Museum et éducatrice spécialisée en histoire de l’art.
Vous découvrirez le travail d’exploration de Braque sur la texture, l’espace et les matériaux dans son œuvre, au cours des décennies et tout cela dans sa langue maternelle.
Cette visite est comprise dans le prix d’entrée au Musée mais une inscription préalable est obligatoire.

Cinema at the Bruce: Focus on French Film presents: The Cost of Heaven
2026-03-08 14:00 - 15:30 | Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Drive, Greenwich, Connecticut, 06830, United States
Join us for a special screening of the French-Canadian dramatic thriller, The Cost of Heaven.
On the cusp of his 50th birthday, Nacer Belkacem dreams of a better life. Yet, over the years, he has built himself an enviable position in the eyes of all: a loving family man, a happy husband, a model employee, and a respected citizen in his community. But the veneer is cracking. Beneath a seemingly perfect surface, Nacer has racked up expenses, made questionable investments, and is up to his neck in debt. On the brink of ruin, he devises a desperate plan to try to pull himself out of the water. You only have one life to earn your way to heaven…
The movie will start promptly at 2pm. Registration is required and seats are limited.
Additional parking: Island Beach parking lot, Steamboat Road, Steamboat Road Commuter Garage, Museum Drive.

Y's Women Meeting: Guest Speaker Miggs Burroughs
2026-03-09 10:45 - 12:30 | Green’s Farms Church, 71 Hillandale Road, Westport, CT, 06880
Y’s Women general meetings are open to members and their guests. We warmly welcome first-time visitors to attend any presentation before deciding to join The Y’s Women.
Place: Green’s Farms Church, 71 Hillandale Road, Westport
10:45 am Coffee and Conversation
11:20 am Announcements
11:30 am Speaker
March 9 – Miggs Burroughs, ‘Westport’s Artist’
Miggs Burroughs is a fine artist and designer based in Westport. He graduated from Carnegie Mellon School of Fine Arts with a degree in theater. His photographs and illustrations have been seen and collected internationally, and privately, by institutions and museums. Miggs’s work has also graced the covers of numerous magazines including four for Time magazine, as well as an illustration for a U.S. Postage Stamp. His graphic designs have been seen and appreciated internationally, including posters for the American Red Cross and Save the Children. Most recently, his installation of 30 lenticular images called “Signs of Compassion” was on display in the lobby of United Nations headquarters in New York City. Miggs will be speaking to us about his career in art – which he characterizes as a study and celebration of the human condition.

Experiences at the Bruce Following Process: Collaborations in Paper
2026-03-10 17:00 - 19:30 | Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Drive, Greenwich, Connecticut, 06830, United States
Join us for an engaging conversation between master papermakers on collaborating with Ursula von Rydingsvard and Leonardo Drew in the creation of their handmade-paper artworks. These two sculptors approach papermaking in an experimental and improvisational way, following process and trusting their instincts and their collaborators in the papermaking studio. Ruth Lingen and Akemi Martin will discuss their 15-year-long collaboration with Drew at Pace Paper, which has resulted in over 100 editions of handmade-paper art to date. Tatiana Ginsberg and Amy Jacobs will explain how von Rydingsvard has developed her intimate series of unique paper-pulp works at Dieu Donné Paper Mill. Together we will learn what happens when paper pulp finds its way into the hands of sculptors. Moderated by Mina Takahashi, Editor, Hand Papermaking magazine. A Q&A will follow the panel discussion.
This program is organized in conjunction with Leonardo Drew: Alchemy and Ursula von Rydingsvard: states of becoming, on view at the Bruce Museum through May 10, 2026. Both exhibitions will be open late (between the hours of 5–6pm) for those attending the panel and light bites and refreshments will be served.
This event is $16 for members, $20 for non-members, and $12 for college students. Registration is required.

2MotherPluckers, a Musical
2026-03-10 19:00 - 20:30 | Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Court, Westport, Connecticut, 06880, United States
Westport Country Playhouse will present “2MotherPluckers, a Musical,” a hilarious and heartfelt journey through the bumps of motherhood, on Tuesday, March 10, at 7 p.m.
In “2MotherPluckers, a Musical,” two guitar-playing, songwriting moms, Julie Foldesi and Stacie Morgain Lewis, wear all the hats and play all the parts. Through comedy and song, the duo spotlight the joys and hilarity of parenting and the friendships that help get moms and dads through it. Director is Keira Naughton.

Bruce S. Kershner Art Gallery Opening: "A Bevy of Beauty"
2026-03-12 17:30 - 19:30 | Fairfield Public Library, 165 Unquowa Road, Fairfield, Connecticut, 06824, United States
The public is invited to attend the opening reception for A Bevy of Beauty at the Bruce S. Kershner Gallery, Main Library, from 5:30-7:30pm on Thursday, March 12. The Gallery’s latest show features the paintings of Keith Magner, Nathan Rosler, and Rosa Sclafani; the artists will speak at 6:00pm. Light refreshments will be served.
A Bevy of Beauty will be on display from March 5 through May 2, 2026, during regular Library hours.

Birding at the Bruce Museum with Greenwich Audubon
2026-03-14 10:00 - 11:30 | Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Drive, Greenwich, Connecticut, 06830, United States
Join the Bruce Museum and Greenwich Audubon for a tour of the neighboring Oneida Sanctuary. Tours will meet at the Visitor Services Desk in the museum lobby and walk from the Bruce Park Playground to Audubon’s neighboring Oneida Sanctuary. The Oneida Sanctuary is located in one of Greenwich’s only remaining coastal salt marshes. The walk covers unpaved and uneven ground and is approximately one mile from start to finish.
Oneida Sanctuary not only provides an opportunity to see bird species that use this special habitat such as waterfowl, shorebirds, herons & egrets, but also to learn about Audubon’s conservation efforts to improve our coastal resiliency in Greenwich.
https://www.audubon.org/connecticut/projects/coastal-bird-stewardship-long-island-sound
Please RSVP as space is limited. Birding at Bruce is a free program; admission to the Bruce Museum is not required. If you would like to visit the Bruce Museum galleries before or after Birding at Bruce, admission is required.

Art Adventures! – Saturday Drop-In Art Class for Kids
2026-03-14 12:00 - 13:30, 2026-03-21 12:00 - 13:30 | MoCA CT, 19 Newtown Turnpike, Westport, Connecticut, 06880, United States
Your child can join us every Saturday for a relaxed and inspiring drop-in art class at the museum! Whether your child is an experienced artist or just looking to have fun, our multi-media classes offer a creative space to explore new techniques and expression through art. Each session is designed to be fun, interactive, and hands-on, with a focus on encouraging your child’s unique artistic voice.
Each class will feature a new theme or project, including painting, drawing, sculpture, and collage so they can come back week after week to try something fresh and create their own masterpieces.
Materials are provided. Come create, connect, and have fun with art!

Bruce After Hours and Experiences at the Bruce: Gisela Colon & Dr. Danielle O’Steen
2026-03-19 17:00 - 20:30 | Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Drive, Greenwich, Connecticut, 06830, United States
Experience the Bruce after hours while enjoying unique programming that brings the exhibitions to life. Galleries will be open from 5–6:45pm, with Curatorial Associate, Emma Zavodny, available to answer visitor questions about the vibrant monoliths and pods in Gisela Colón: Radiant Earth. There will also be food and drink in the lobby accompanied by the classical piano styles of Clint Edwards.
At 7pm, following Bruce After Hours, we are delighted to host a discussion between Gisela Colón and Dr. Danielle O’Steen, guest curator of Radiant Earth. A Q&A will follow this engaging conversation.
Tickets are $16 for members and $20 for non-members. Each ticket will include two drink tickets to be used at the bar. Registration is required.

Cinema at the Bruce and Avon Theatre present: Turner and Constable
2026-03-22 14:00 - 16:00 | Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Drive, Greenwich, Connecticut, 06830, United States
Celebrating the 250th anniversary of their births, this unmissable new documentary explores Turner and Constable’s intertwined lives and legacies alongside the groundbreaking Tate exhibition.
The movie will start promptly at 2pm. Registration is required, and seats are limited.
Additional parking: Island Beach parking lot, Steamboat Road, Steamboat Road Commuter Garage, Museum Drive.
Registration is required. The code for Bruce Members is: Bruce2026

Live from Laurel Canyon
2026-03-22 19:00 - 21:00 | Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Court, Westport, Connecticut, 06880, United States
Westport Country Playhouse will present “Live from Laurel Canyon – Songs and Stories of American Folk Rock,” an evening of live music and narrated stories of some of the most influential songwriters who lived in Laurel Canyon in the mid-1960s and ‘70s, on Sunday, March 22, at 7 p.m. “Live from Laurel Canyon” celebrates The Mamas and The Papas; The Byrds; Buffalo Springfield; The Doors; Crosby, Stills and Nash; Neil Young; James Taylor; Carole King; Joni Mitchell; Jackson Browne; Linda Ronstadt; America; and Eagles with their own unique interpretations of some of the most iconic songs of the era.

Y’s Women Meeting: Guest Speakers Susan Shansky and Natalie Sustache, American Red Cross
2026-03-23 10:45 - 12:30 | Green’s Farms Church, 71 Hillandale Road, Westport, CT, 06880
Y’s Women general meetings are open to members and their guests. We warmly welcome first-time visitors to attend any presentation before deciding to join The Y’s Women.
Place: Green’s Farms Church, 71 Hillandale Road, Westport
10:45 am Coffee and Conversation
11:20 am Announcements
11:30 am Speaker
March 23 – Susan Shansky and Natalie Sustache of the American Red Cross
Susan Shansky began volunteering with the American Red Cross in May 2024, after retiring from a long career in budget management and communications at MIT. With a lifetime blood donation total of 10 gallons, it didn’t take long to direct her post-career volunteer efforts to the Red Cross, where she serves as a blood donor ambassador and supports Natalie’s volunteer recruitment work.
Natalie Sustache has spent the past four years with the American Red Cross as a Senior Recruiter, leading divisional and strategic recruitment efforts that strengthen our mission and build the teams needed to serve communities when they need it the most. Her focus is on developing strong leadership pipelines and ensuring we bring in talented, mission‑driven people who help the Red Cross deliver hope and relief every day.

Bruce Socials: Trivia
2026-03-24 18:00 - 19:30 | Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Drive, Greenwich, Connecticut, 06830, United States
Before heading home after a long workday, join us for a lively and engaging evening at the Bruce Museum! Grab a slice of pizza, a refreshing beer, and get ready to flex your brainpower with our fun-filled trivia game, moderated by museum staff.
Bring your friends or come solo—everyone’s welcome to this exciting after-hours event that promises laughter, learning, and a little friendly competition.
Price: $10 includes pizza and a drink.

Wine with Braque
2026-03-26 17:00 - 18:00 | Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Drive, Greenwich, Connecticut, 06830, United States
Please note this event is open to Patron/Benefactor level and above Members.
Join fellow Patron level Members for a glass of wine in the Gallery Lobby at 5pm followed by a Curator-led tour of Georges Braque: Tactile Space with Jordan Hillman, Assistant Curator of Art, at 5:30pm. Please feel free to come with a friend!

Community Conversations: Jazz Inspirations
2026-03-26 17:30 - 19:00 | MoCA CT, 19 Newtown Turnpike, Westport, Connecticut, 06880, United States
In conjunction with WestPAC’s, Art, Jazz + the Blues, this engaging discussion brings together musicians, artists, educators, and scholars to consider how jazz and blues music continue to inspire visual expression, creativity, and collaboration within our community and beyond. Each panelist will share insights from their own creative and teaching practice before a group discussion and audience Q&A about the intersections of music, art, and culture. This conversation will begin with a guitar performance with Tim Cole at 5:30pm.

Jennifer Butler Spring Fashion Show & Fundraiser
2026-03-26 18:30 - 21:00 | Fairfield Public Library, 165 Unquowa Road, Fairfield, Connecticut, 06824, United States
The Friends of the Fairfield Public Library invite you to Jennifer Butler’s Spring 2026 Fashion Show for women and men in the Bruce Kershner Gallery at the Main Library.
Tax-deductible donations will be taken at the door (suggested donation is $50.00). Light refreshments will be served.
All proceeds benefit the Library’s programs and services for the public. Advance registration is appreciated.

UU Players present Birthday Club at UU Westport
2026-03-27 19:00 - 21:15 | The Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport, 10 Lyons Plain Road, Westport, 06880, United States
Birthday Club, a play by American playwright Phil Olson, will be presented Friday and Saturday March 27 and 28 at 7 PM; Sunday March 29 at 2 PM, at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport, 10 Lyons Plain Road, Westport. Plenty of free parking and the building is handicap accessible.
Birthday Club centers on five longtime friends who reunite to celebrate a milestone birthday. The women confront changes in marriage, career, health, and identity while examining what has sustained their friendships over decades. Humor carries the evening, but beneath the laughter lies a current of recognition and tenderness. The story gives space to regret, loyalty, and second chances, revealing the warmth and resilience that shape enduring friendships. A recent review noted, “Birthday Club is more than a play, it’s a party, and everyone is invited to join the fun.”
The production is presented by UU Players, a theater troupe founded in 2008 by Director Emeritus Jim Luongo. The group’s mission is to perform great plays for fun and community enjoyment. This spring’s production is directed by Julyen Norman, and features Angi Haen, Arnela Ten Meer, Joanne Glasser Orestein, Jerusha Vogel and Sarah Bell.
All proceeds go to support UU Westport and its mission: to inspire and support individual spiritual growth; to connect through worship, music, learning and caring ministries; and to act in the service of peace and justice. We are a judgment-free spiritual community that explores together what it means to be human, and how to care for one another with love, grace and justice. Services and children’s programs at 10 AM each Sunday.
