As a part of an on going global art exchange, organized by Norwalk’s Creative Connections, Guatemalan and US students will artistically share what they value in their cultures and the results will be seen throughout CityCenter Danbury. [...]]]> CITYCENTER DANBURY-WIDE EXHIBITION:
CHILDREN’S ART EXCHANGE FROM GUATEMALA & US
TO OPEN ON WEDNESDAY. DECEMBER 12th

As a part of an on going global art exchange, organized by Norwalk’s Creative Connections, Guatemalan and US students will artistically share what they value in their cultures and the results will be seen throughout CityCenter Danbury. Through the efforts of the Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut, as well as support from CityCenter Danbury, the Regional YMCA, The City of Danbury, Danbury Library, and Ortegas Restaurante, over 60 works of children’s art will be exhibited side by side – Guatemala to US – to initiate dialogue, encourage discovery, and make us look at our world in new and respective ways. Opening day is Wednesday, December 12th.

The collection, from the archives of Creative Connections, will be shown at CityCenter Danbury, 186 Main Street; Danbury City Hall, 155 Deer Hill Avenue; Danbury Public Library, 170 Main Street; and Ortegas Restaurante, 2b Ives Street.  Called “Putting Myself in the Picture,” the multi-spaced show will run through Thursday, January 10th. (Contact specific venues for times.)

Creative Connections was established to build cultural awareness as an essential element of every child’s education in an increasingly interconnected world. It connects children, through art and ideas, over 5 continents and in 38 countries. A teacher in Brooklyn, NY, wrote:  “My students definitely enjoyed learning about CHOCOLATE and where it actually comes from. From there they were so interested in why and how the rainforest is preserved. In turn, they began to look at the trees in their neighborhood in terms of differences and similarities. Most importantly, they realize trees are important for humans and our environment.” Make a Creative Connection now. Visit the exhibition spaces, then encourage your child to express what he sees.

For more information about the visceral and important work of children’s international art exchange, visit www.creativeconnections.org

JOURNALIST”S NOTE: Miguel Berreto, Director of Operations, Creative Connections, will be available to interview and photograph during the hanging of the exhibition. Please contact tedkillmer@earthlink.net to arrange coverage.

About the Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut
The Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut (formally the Housatonic Valley Cultural Alliance), based in Danbury, Connecticut is a leader in supporting a vibrant arts and culture community in Northern Fairfield and Southern Litchfield Counties. We promote and advocate for arts, history, and culture as a primary driver of the economy and as an enriching influence for communities and people. We understand and believe that the arts sector is a critical engine for growth through creativity, innovation and collaboration. The Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut, a 501c-3, is the largest and only regional service organization working to ensure better access to arts and culture for all residents and visitors in the Housatonic Valley region. We are supported by pubic funding, corporate and private contributions, and by our members. www.artswesternct.org

THE (VERY) BEST OF FIRST NIGHT: A VAUDEVILLE BENEFIT

PLAYS SUNDAY, MAY 20TH AT 2 PM AT THE PALACE DANBURY

FAMILY FRIENDLY FUN!

For more than 20 years, First Night Danbury has served its communities with family friendly entertainments on New Year’s Eve. In the past three years, First [...]]]>

THE (VERY) BEST OF FIRST NIGHT: A VAUDEVILLE BENEFIT

PLAYS SUNDAY, MAY 20TH AT 2 PM AT THE PALACE DANBURY

FAMILY FRIENDLY FUN!

For more than 20 years, First Night Danbury has served its communities with family friendly entertainments on New Year’s Eve. In the past three years, First Night’s centerpiece has been a variety show at the Palace Danbury, the 1928 vaudeville theatre that stands proud on CityCenter’s Main Street. In celebration and to raise funds to keep the tradition going, entertainers from past First Nights are joining together at the Palace Danbury on Sunday, May 20th at 2 pm for the (Very) Best of First Night, an afternoon of family fun.

Returning to the Palace Danbury stage are:

Airborne Jugglers

Astounding team juggling has been the signature of Joe Murray and Susan Kirby for almost 20 years. Their high energy and riotous audience laughter as folks are plucked from the audience to become stars of the show have made their synchronized performances festive-full.

Mad Hatters Barbershop Chorus

Danbury’s popular a cappella troupe has been singing since 1966. Promoting in song one of the city’s historic industries, they offer a rich repertoire of traditional barbershop, European hymnody and 19th century vaudeville.

Nancy Tucker

Can you imagine a hysterical jellyfish, cats and mice tangoing, or an unforgettable train ride powered by your face and arms? It all happens in Nancy’s musical romps. Nancy honors playfulness of spirit in each of us with gentle heart and contagious lunacy.

Peter Samelson

Illusionist-philosopher, this “magician’s magician” has created three Off Broadway shows, performed atop the Great Wall of China, for Grand Prix race car drivers, Princess Stephanie of Monaco, the jet set of Paris, and fishermen mending their nets on the beaches of Cartagena.

The afternoon of variety entertainment is hosted by comedienne Natalie Ferrier.

Tickets are $17.50 for adults, $10 for children under 12, or $50 for the WHOLE FAMILY. Tickets may be purchased at CityCenter Danbury, 186 Main Street, or from noon to showtime on Sunday, May 20th at The Palace Danbury, 165 Main Street. For your convenience, you may also call CityCenter Danbury at (203) 792 1711 and your tickets will be waiting at the door. (Cash or check only.)

This First Night Event is sponsored in part by the Danbury Cultural Commission, Union Savings Bank, News Times, CityCenter Danbury, and many local businesses.

“THERE’S SOMETHING GOING ON DOWNTOWN!”

Thank you!

As First Night Danbury enters its 22nd year as the city’s popular family friendly, alcohol free New Year’s Eve celebration, it’s “Looking Up & Moving Forward.” That’s this year’s theme, a nod to the fest’s venerable history and to the Danbury Main Street Partnership, [...]]]>

Airborne Jugglers, juggling with a comedy twist

As First Night Danbury enters its 22nd year as the city’s popular family friendly, alcohol free New Year’s Eve celebration, it’s “Looking Up & Moving Forward.” That’s this year’s theme, a nod to the fest’s venerable history and to the Danbury Main Street Partnership, for which First Night serves as a year-end acknowledgement of the ongoing excitement of what’s happening downtown.

Natalia Paruz

First Night Danbury begins with an afternoon 5K Run down Main Street, then continues with stilt walkers, giant puppets, storytellers, comic opera, gospel singing, Chinese puppet theatre, salsa dance classes, and much more, ending with a Grand Finale at 7:30 pm on Library Plaza. The centerpiece of the event, a vaudeville at The 1928 Palace Theatre, features the  Airborne Jugglers, a Branford CT team that joyfully amazes and lets audience members steal the show; Boston funny man Peter Gross, whose interactive comedy has entertained visitors to The Kennedy Center and The White House; and  Israel’s Natalia Paruz, “The Saw Lady,” who has presented her contemporary vaudeville turn with major symphony orchestras worldwide and at Carnegie Hall.

Design by Danbury artist Karin Mansberg

Buttons, providing entry to all events, are $7.50 and may be purchased at CityCenter Danbury and at various local outlets. Groups of 20 or more may purchase buttons at CityCenter for $5.00 each. For more information, call CityCenter at (203) 792 1711