Entertainment – Page 3

25th Annual “Wonderland at Roseville” Lights Up Fairfield

Fairfield, 11/29/2024 – The holiday season is in full swing as Gene and Mary Halliwell celebrate the 25th year of Wonderland at Roseville , their breathtaking light display at 226 Roseville Terrace. State Senator Tony Hwang led the ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the start of this cherished local tradition.

“As your State Senator and a huge fan, I want to thank the Halliwell family for their tireless effort in creating this magical experience year after year,” said Senator Hwang. “Tonight’s donations will support Shriners Children’s Hospital, providing crucial care for children in need.”

Wonderland at Roseville began as a simple family tradition decades ago and has grown into a stunning spectacle beloved by the Fairfield community. Gene Halliwell shared its humble beginnings:

“Seventy years ago, my dad and I hand-cut Santa and his reindeer from plywood and lit them with floodlights. What started as a small project has evolved into a display for all ages. It’s all for the children—young and old alike.”

Gene, a Shriner for over 40 years, emphasized the importance of giving back:

“Being a Shriner means being part of a global mission to care for children. This display is our way of giving back, and every donation to Shriners Children’s Hospital makes a difference. We hope to light up the season with joy and purpose.”

Wonderland at Roseville will be open throughout the holiday season, inviting visitors to experience the festive wonder while supporting a meaningful cause.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Halliwell family and everyone at Wonderland at Roseville!

Upcoming Local Events:

Black Rock PorchFest is coming back this Saturday, August 24th – Hosted by Park City Presents

Wednesday, August 28 · 6 – 7:30pm

Join ConnectFairfield for an exciting mozzarella-making experience with Dom from @Italian Kitchen at Elicit Brewing Co – Fairfield Learn, eat, and craft your own delicious fresh mozzarella!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/making-mozzarella-with-dom-from-italian-kitchen-tickets-974171100987?aff=oddtdtcreator

Elicit Brewing Company. Speakeasy

111 Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield

Wine on the Water

September 4, 2024 5-7pm

Proceeds to benefit Friends of the Bigelow Center

Tickets purchasable at https://friendsofthebigelowcenter.org/

International Make Music Day to Take Place on Friday, June 21

Fairfield, CT – Make Music Day 2024 returns to Fairfield on Friday, June 21 from 8AM – 10PM (EDT). Make Music Fairfield is music performed by anyone, enjoyed by everyone!

This is the largest Make Music Fairfield yet! This year, there will be over 70+ performers, 30 venues, and 110+ performances over the course of the 14-hour day. Let’s ring in the summer solstice together, as a community, while enjoying amazing music!

Make Music Day is the free, outdoor music festival celebrated worldwide on the Summer Solstice each year. This year, the solstice falls on Friday, June 21. Created in Paris, France in 1982 (Fête de la Musique), this is the 42nd anniversary of Make Music Day. This worldwide festival has grown to more than 1000 cities, making this the globe’s largest music event.

Make Music Day features music of all styles, and is open to anyone who wishes to participate. Performances take place in parks, sidewalks, town squares, beaches, front porches, and parking lots. Each performance throughout the day is completely free and open to the public. Everyone is invited to join the fun.

This is Make Music Fairfield’s 7th year and is Connecticut’s largest festival. Since its inception, more than 85 venues and 300 performers have participated. Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram @MakeMusicFairfield to learn more about the event and this year’s participating musicians and venues.

In addition to all of the performances, check out the other fun happenings during Make Music Fairfield:

Jennings Beach
- 8AM – 9AM: Free Yoga Class hosted by Yoga 4 Everybody
- 9AM – 10AM: Sound Bath hosted by Yoga 4 Everybody
Sherman Green Gazebo
- 10AM – 10:45AM: Sing & Stomp with the Fairfield Public Library
- 11AM – 11:45AM: Drum Circle with Jim LoPresti
- 12PM – 12:15PM: Opening Ceremony with Tina Weymouth & Chris Frantz of the Talking Heads
Alden Street
- 1PM – 1:45PM: Jazz Jam
- 3PM – 3:45PM: Open Jam Session
Crescent Road Stages A & B
- 1PM – 9PM: Red, White, and Blue theme on behalf of Legion Hall, food provided by Backwoods Dawgs, and a selection of lawn games
Fairfield School of Music
- 12:15PM – 2:45PM: Tēla Bus: Vintage VW Photo Booth
The LOT at Fairfield Theatre Company
- 4:30PM – 10PM: Family-friendly activities, Steak-In-It food truck, product samples from Red Bull, Downeast Cider, Mezcalum, and GoNetSpeed services
The Studio Fairfield
- 10AM – 4PM: One of a kind ceramics, planters and jewelry for sale as well as time slots available for an experimental trial with an instructor on the wheel

Make Music Fairfield 2024 is brought to the community through the support of the Town of Fairfield’s Office of Community and Economic Development, Fairfield Theatre Company, Believe Your Grreatness, 501c(3) organizations, the Connecticut Office of the Arts, Scott Vincent Photography, generous donors, and enthusiastic volunteers.

Anime Comes To Fairfield

In the vibrant world of Japanese pop culture, a new destination has emerged, promising an unparalleled retail experience for anime and manga enthusiasts. Ellie Greenberg, the visionary behind Arisu, has unveiled the store’s second location at 226 Kings Highway East in Fairfield, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in a unique shopping adventure.

A Journey to Japan

Arisu is not your typical retail store. As soon as customers step through its doors, they are transported to the heart of Japan. The store is meticulously designed to evoke the essence of Japanese culture, making patrons feel as though they have embarked on a journey across the Pacific. “You come in and you feel like you’re being transported to Japan,” Greenberg shares, capturing the essence of the experience.

A Playground for Pop Culture Fans

The store is a haven for fans of Japanese pop culture, offering an extensive selection of anime and manga merchandise. But Arisu goes beyond just selling products; it offers an interactive experience that captivates visitors of all ages. “I feel like a kid all over again,” one visitor exclaims, highlighting the store’s nostalgic and playful atmosphere.

Diverse Sections to Explore

Arisu features a variety of sections designed to engage and delight. From intricately detailed statues to free-to-play video games, there is something for everyone. Capsule machines, a staple of Japanese pop culture, provide an element of surprise and excitement. Additionally, an authentic Japanese market within the store offers a range of snacks and candies, allowing visitors to savor the flavors of Japan.

Expansion and Success

The grand opening of this new location marks the successful expansion of Arisu, building on the popularity of its first store in Mystic, Connecticut. Greenberg’s vision of creating an immersive retail experience has resonated with fans, leading to the growth of this beloved destination.

As the countdown concludes and the ribbon is cut, Arisu opens its doors to a world where Japanese pop culture comes to life. With its blend of interactive experiences and authentic products, Arisu is set to become a must-visit for anyone passionate about anime, manga, and the vibrant culture of Japan.

New Album Drop–What Is The Meaning Behind It?

Joe Grit$’s new album More Gangsta Than Political has been released. Before he headed out on his tour he gave us an insight on the meanings behind the songs. Oh, Mayor Joe Ganim also makes an appearance in the album! Hear the album here: https://songwhip.com/joe-grit/the-hypocritical-2-more-gangsta-than-political-album latest album link

Two Roads Brewing Company Introduces Tee Box: A Premier Golf Simulator Experience in Stratford

Stratford, CT – March 13, 2024 – New to the town of Stratford is Two Road’s Brewing Company’s Tee Box. Tee Box offers an immersive golfing experience featuring a state-of-the-art simulator sponsored by Unicore, access to over 300 global courses, and a vibrant atmosphere complete with food, drinks, and live sports. Located conveniently on the Two Roads Campus, Tee Box is open Wednesday through Sunday from noon until 9:00 PM. Book your reservation today for an unforgettable time at Tee Box.

Bull Riding Coming To Bridgeport

For the first time in history, PBR’s (Professional Bull Riders) Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour will buck into Bridgeport, Connecticut, debuting at Total Mortgage Arena on March 1-2, 2024, with PBR Bridgeport. For two nights only, some of the best bull riders in the world will battle the sport’s rankest bovine athletes in the ultimate showdown of man vs. beast in one of the most exciting live sporting events to witness. Adding extra significance to the event, the tour stop will mark the organization’s lone event in Connecticut in 2024.

The debut of PBR’s Velocity Tour in Bridgeport comes on the spurs of one of the organization’s most dynamic individual seasons in 2023, as the Velocity Tour broke and reset numerous attendance and competition records enroute to its most successful season to date. With the 2024 season in full swing, having completed 17 events through the first two months of the year, the Velocity Tour continues to set records coast-to-coast.

The Fairfield Comedy Circle: Where Laughter Takes Center Stage

The Fairfield Comedy Circle, founded by Joe Garrix, has recently reopened its doors, welcoming comedy enthusiasts to a revamped and exciting venue. Located at the Circle Hotel, this comedy hub has been a beloved part of the local entertainment scene for nearly five years. In this article, we’ll explore the highlights of this comedy haven and the experiences it offers to both seasoned comedy fans and newcomers.

A Room Transformed:

The Circle Hotel’s lobby, an unlikely comedy venue, has been artfully transformed into a cozy showroom. The seating arrangement is theatre-style, with all the furniture in the room rearranged to accommodate the eager audience. It’s an ingenious way to create an intimate and inviting atmosphere for comedy lovers.

A Stellar Lineup:

Every Saturday night, the Fairfield Comedy Circle features a new headliner, typically hailing from the vibrant comedy scene of New York City. Notable names like Tina Farmer and Jim Florentine have graced the stage, setting the bar high for an evening of laughter. As Joe Garrix mentions, they have an impressive lineup of comedians scheduled throughout the fall, including Luke Monas, Mike Hanley, and Brian Bowden, ensuring a steady supply of top-tier talent. A Unique Comedy Experience: The Fairfield Comedy Circle stands out not only for its talented comedians but also for its unique setting. Guests are often surprised by the transformation of the once ‘weird hotel lobby’ into a hilarious hotspot. The combination of great comics and a creatively configured space makes for an unforgettable comedy experience. The comedy shows at the Fairfield Comedy Circle have garnered a growing fanbase. The crowds have been described as great, and the feedback from both audience members and comedians has been overwhelmingly positive. It’s a testament to the club’s commitment to creating a welcoming and enjoyable comedy destination.

In Joe Garrix’s words, if you haven’t had the chance to experience the Fairfield Comedy Circle, you’re missing out. He warmly invites everyone to come and be a part of the laughter. Whether you’re a long-time fan of comedy or a newcomer looking for a night of entertainment, the Fairfield Comedy Circle promises a memorable and enjoyable evening. The Fairfield Comedy Circle has reinvented itself as an exciting comedy venue, offering a wonderful blend of top-notch comedians and a uniquely transformed space. With a fantastic lineup and a commitment to creating a fun and welcoming atmosphere, it’s no wonder that this comedy club is gaining popularity. So, if you’re in the Fairfield area, don’t miss the chance to share a laugh at the Fairfield Comedy Circle – it’s where laughter takes center stage.

Robot Fighting In Norwalk

Last month NHRL invited DoingItLocal to its summer competition which will lead to their Final Botdown on September 30th and World Chapionship on November 11. Their facilities are located at 165 Water Street in Norwalk.

My biggest takeaway from the event was just how entertaining and affordable it is to bring the family. Just $15 for adults and $10 for kids. Even their VIP tickets at $50 are a bargain especially when you consider its all-day entertainment. Our guide Matt was enthusiastic about the sport and was very patient during some technical difficulties I was encountering! National Havoc Robot League (NHRL) robots are in the 3 to 30-pound weight category whereas Battlebots robots can weigh as much as 250 pounds! The bots go head-to-head in an enclosed cage with the goal of knocking each other out of commission. NHRL provides a safe, fun environment for the builders as well as the spectators. They foster an environment to encourages engineering and robotic skill sets for future careers for middle school and high school students. According to their website, “We’re working to remove barriers to entry so we can create more opportunities that ensure anyone interested in STEM, robotics, and engineering has a chance to participate. We are committing $2,000,000 to charitable giving this year across the two distinct initiatives”.

As I said, this is an all-day event but food trucks are available as well as drinks are available for purchase. I can’t recommend this family-friendly event enough! Visit their website at www.nhrl.io to find out more and to purchase tickets.

Sneak Peek The Two Roads Food Hall + Bar

Thursday I got a sneak peek of the new The Two Roads Food Hall + Bar. It will open to the public on Saturday. It is located at 1625 Stratford Avenue in Stratford.

The Two Roads Food Hall + Bar is a fork in the Road Less Traveled, offering three distinct types of cuisine from best-in-class purveyors: Skull City Taquitos, Roost House Chicken and Industry Schnitzel Bar. Each is taking a local and sustainable approach to ingredient sourcing and a curated drinks menu featuring Two Roads beers, ready to drink cocktails and distilled spirits, custom paired to distinct menu items.