Get a taste of the blues this week in CT arts featuring legendary beats and new treats
A tribute to the late guitar legend George Baker at Cafe Nine reminds attendees of Baker's prowess in the R&B, jazz and blues genres, and the Connecticut Blues Challenge, which sends the victorious act to a national competition in Tennessee, is in its final round.
Van Gogh and Monet, both known for their vibrant blues, are the subjects of a multimedia 'Beyond' art exhibit at Connecticut Convention Center and the String Queens feature a violin/viola/cello combo who delves into numerous styles, from classical to spirituals to 'Stand by Me.'
Here are some of the top things to see this week.
The late George Baker settled in New Haven in the 1990s after an astounding career as the music director for Marvin Gaye, a member of the house band at New York's Apollo Theatre and as the guitarist for dozens of pop, Motown, blues and R&B acts, from the Dixie Cups to The Drifters to Melba Moore to Earl Davis and the Upsetters. Former members of his band, the George Baker Experience, and many other friends and fellow musicians will be part of a tribute to Baker marking five years since his death. The celebration is March 18 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Cafe Nine. Hosts include Baker's longtime friend Jo Ann Haller, Cafe Nine founder Mike Reichbart and the event's music director Lou Ianello. cafenine.com.
The 2025 Connecticut Blues Challenge is holding its four-hour finals on May 18 at Black-Eyed Sally's starting at 3 p.m. The winner gets to go to the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee. No cover charge. blackeyedsallys.com.
Billy Sherwood, the multi-instrumentalist who succeeded Chris Squire as the bassist for Yes (a gig he's had for over a decade), also has nearly a dozen solo albums to his name and has worked with many other bands from World Trade and Lodgic to Prog Collective and Light Freedom Revival. Sherwood, who is the son of 1960s actor/singer/heartthrob Bobby Sherman, is at Toad's Place on May 20 at 8 p.m. $40, $35 in advance. toadsplace.com.
Two long-serving pop/punk bands are on tour together, each playing one of their best-known albums (which also happen to be their respective second albums) in their entirety. For The Smoking Popes, it's their 1995 classic 'Born to Quit,' which featured the song 'Need You Around.' For the Minnesota punk legends Off With Their Heads, it's the album 'In Desolation,' released after the band signed with Epitaph Records in 2010. May 21 at 8 p.m. $32.34; $28.75 in advance. spaceballroom.com.
The New York-based New Orleans-rooted comedian Sean Patton, who's been on all the late night shows, is at Fairfield Theatre Company on May 22 at 8 p.m. $40, $35 FTC members. fairfieldtheatre.org.
Little Theater of Manchester's regular script-in-hand reading series offers three one-acts: David Ives' 'Time Flies,' Murphy Guyer's 'The American Century' and Rich Or's 'The Whole Shebang,' directed by Bobby Schultz. May 23 at 7 p.m. Free; $5 suggested donation. cheneyhall.org.
Mayday Parade is on its 'Three Cheers for 20 Years' tour, marking two decades as a band. Not only that, the Florida rockers just released the first part of what will be a trilogy of new albums this year. Mayday Parade is joined on tour by Microwave, Grayscale and Like Roses. May 23 at 7 p.m. $50.35-$136.33. collegestreetmusichall.com.
Septuagenarian horror rocker Alice Cooper, who is releasing a new album featuring the surviving members of the original Alice Cooper group in July, is doing one of his standard hits-filled shows with his usual backing band on May 23 at 8 p.m. at Mohegan Sun Arena. $61.85-$253.70. mohegansun.com.
Three hot soul/R&B acts of the 1990s — 112 ('Only You'), Total ('Kissing You') and H-Town ('Knockin' Da Boots') — are on a nostalgic tour, groovin' at Foxwoods' Premier Theater on May 23 at 8 p.m. $78.55-$154.55. foxwoods.com.
Cuban actor/comedian Faizon Love, who has appeared in everything from 'Elf' and the first 'Friday' film to 'The War with Grandpa' and the series 'Step Up: High Water,' does four sets at the Funny Bone in Manchester on May 23 at 7 and 9:45 p.m. and May 24 at 6:30 and 9:15 p.m. $32. hartford.funnybone.com.
The new exhibit opening on Memorial Day weekend at Mystic Seaport Museum is designed to show the massive scale and scope of the whaling industry in the United States at its peak in the 19th century. The exhibit includes a 51-foot whale-themed mural, harpoons and other tools used in whaling, items made from whale parts and much more. Opening on May 24 in the Collins Gallery at the seaport's Thompson Exhibition Building, the exhibit is viewable daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Museum admission is $32, $30 seniors and $22 youth. mysticseaport.org.
The India Arts Foundation presents an adaptation by Rasa Dance Project of a classic romantic Indian play from the 5th century. May 24 at 6 p.m. $10-$20; $10 seniors and children. bushnell.org.
A violin/viola/cello trio that plays everything from classical chamber pieces to old-school jazz and present-day pop, The String Queens are at The Kate on May 24 at 7 p.m. $42. downtownlivect.com.
The Louisiana-rooted Latin pop duo Ha*Ash titled its sixth album 'Haashtag.' Now its seventh is out and it's 'Haashville,' with a country theme. Sisters Hannah and Ashley are at the Oakdale Theatre on May 24 at 8 p.m. $30-$86.50. concerts.livenation.com.
The celebrated cellist Yo Yo joins Orchestra Lumos. The program includes Jean-Féry Rebel's Les élémens, Antonín Dvořák's 'Silent Woods' for cello, Jean Sibelius' Symphony No. 5 and Josef Haydn's Cello concerto No. 1. May 24 at 7 p.m., May 25 at 3 p.m. $25-$125. palacestamford.org.
The multimedia 'Beyond Van Gogh' exhibit is back at Connecticut Convention Center (where it was first seen in 2022), and this time it's been joined by 'Beyond Monet.' These great artists' works are rendered not just in digital clarity but become the basis of fancy projection/lighting effects installations. May 24 through June 29. $29. ctconventions.com.
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USA Today
a day ago
- USA Today
Alyson Stoner book reveals stalkers, rehab, dark side of child fame
Jennette McCurdy's memoir 'I'm Glad My Mom Died.' Demi Lovato's documentary 'Child Star.' The Nickelodeon docuseries exposé 'Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV." Child stars are speaking out about the not-so-glamorous and sometimes abusive conditions they faced under the spotlight, and Disney alum Alyson Stoner is the latest to share their story. Stoner, who broke into the public eye dancing in Missy Elliott's 2002 music video 'Work It,' is known for roles in 'Cheaper By the Dozen,' 'Camp Rock,' 'Step Up' and 'Phineas and Ferb.' In recent years, they've been open about their 'harrowing' experiences of child stardom, including an eating disorder that sent them to rehab. In their memoir 'Semi-Well-Adjusted Despite Literally Everything' (out now from St. Martin's Press), Stoner, who uses they/them pronouns, doesn't shy from sharing the dark side of fame, including public scrutiny that led to body dysmorphia and self-esteem issues, unsafe and inappropriate working conditions, financial loss and stalkers. Amid 'fractured home' life, 'Cheaper by the Dozen' was an escape Stoner's career took off at age 6 after competing at the International Modeling and Talent Association convention. They booked their first feature film appearance at 9, playing Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt's tomboy daughter Sarah in 'Cheaper By The Dozen.' Stoner's accolades may have been skyrocketing, but behind the scenes they say they struggled with a tumultuous home life, including an abusive stepfather, alcoholic mother and growing distance from their father. Stoner writes that on set as part of the fictional Baker family, they felt like they finally 'belonged,' and leaving was 'excruciating pain.' Hunt, who played the Baker matriarch, was a particular influence on Stoner. 'A former nurse in real life, Bonnie emotionally attuned herself to every one of the Baker dozen as if she'd carried us in her own womb,' Stoner writes. 'Her unconditional care translated through the screen.' Stalkers, kidnapping plots and exploitation As their fame grew, so did safety concerns. Strangers tracked their location and left candy and letters outside their hotel room. In one instance, a supposed terminally ill 'Camp Rock' fan requested to meet Stoner as an end-of-life wish, but it ended up being a scam to get Stoner alone 'to be held hostage for ransom,' they write. The meeting never happened, thanks to Stoner's mom uncovering the person's sham website. Stoner also had a middle-aged stalker who was convinced Stoner 'was his wife, named Cinderella, with whom he shared pet mice,' they write. He showed up a youth arts studio where Stoner volunteered. Stoner didn't want to scare the children they were teaching, so they slipped out of class and alerted the front desk, just narrowly coming into contact with the stalker before he was kicked out. When he returned for a second time that day, a parent helped Stoner drive around until they were sure he was gone. Stoner said police said they couldn't do anything if the stalker hadn't physically harmed Stoner, even though the stalker said he would 'end' Stoner if they didn't wear their hair a certain way. "Without a budget for a bodyguard, I became an expert at studying body language and herd behavior, noting traits and tendencies among people so I could anticipate interactions," they write. When they were a young teen, Stoner came across their face edited onto a naked body on a porn site, a crude example of today's 'deepfake nudes' affecting many celebrities and, especially, young women. Alyson Stoner nearly had their own 'Hannah Montana' After 'Cheaper By the Dozen,' Stoner writes they felt typecast as either a dancer or tomboy. They were waiting for their breakthrough lead role. Disney reps contacted Stoner and asked them to guest-star on 'That's So Raven' as Ally Parker, a child actor and dancer who longed to be a regular kid. The plan was to have Stoner helm a spin-off series, turning Ally Parker into a new leading character. But then networks greenlit 'Hannah Montana' instead, the hit show starring Miley Cyrus and Billy Ray Cyrus that had essentially the same plot. Ally Parker was reduced to a single 'That's So Raven' episode. Shortly after, Stoner felt duped again after a producer pitched a musical summer camp Disney original film with Stoner as the lead. They never heard back. A few months later, Stoner found an audition for an untitled Disney Channel Original Movie with the same plot. 'Was I just used by a producer to sell his project? Or did he actually believe in me, but Disney doesn't? Are any of my ideas in this script?' Stoner recalls thinking, they write in 'Semi-Well-Adjusted.' That project was 'Camp Rock.' Stoner was brought in to audition for the lead, but it ultimately the role of Mitchie went to Demi Lovato, skyrocketing a different Disney actor to mainstream fame. 'Hunger Games' audition led Stoner to harmful 'medical weight loss camp' In the throes of their eating disorder, Stoner's preparation to audition for 'The Hunger Games' pushed them to the brink. Their eating disorder was leading to constipation, cramps and a thin layer of hair called 'lanugo' growing, which the body uses as a survival mechanism during starvation. Aiming for the role of Katniss Everdeen, Stoner enrolled in a 'world-renowned medical weight loss camp,' where they trained for seven hours a day for two weeks on a calorie deficit. 'Doctors and trainers should've never permitted an underweight minor to do seven hours of fourteen-mile hikes, heavy lifting, and high-intensity cardio. But all I had to say was that I was training for an acting role. They assessed me as mentally stable and opened the door,' Stoner writes. Stoner was rationing food, compulsively exercising and then binging, which led to a spiral of shame. When they had sought help in the past for eating disorder recovery, their mom said 'Alyson, you're not that anorexic,' Stoner writes. After 'The Hunger Games' training, Stoner went around their mom to a member of their church to get resources and checked into a inpatient facility. The night before they left, Stoner recalls fellow Disney alum Debby Ryan surprising them in the middle of the night with flowers made out of pipe cleaner and encouraging posters: 'You can do this." Stoner nearly died by suicide after coming out to church peers The same church members who helped Stoner get help with rehab were the most discriminatory when Stoner revealed they had feelings for a woman. After Stoner tried to come out to their Christian peers, they organized an 'exorcism' for Stoner. Then they stopped talking to Stoner. Stoner's mother, who wasn't a part of the church like they were, also wasn't accepting. Neither was their music manager. They warned coming out could ruin their career. Stoner contemplated suicide, writing 'it felt like my sexual attractions were ruining my connection to my friends and family, my career opportunities, and worst, all of my Christian community said that it went against God.' Eventually, Stoner embarked on a deconstruction journey, surrounding themselves with friends of different belief systems and reexamining their preconceived notions around gender and purity culture. Stoner is now openly queer and nonbinary, and has been candid in recent years about losing out on roles because of their sexuality. In 2021, they released "Mind Body Pride," a guide book to support the mental and emotional health of the LGBTQ+ community. This article discusses suicide and suicidal ideation. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at If you or someone you know is struggling with body image or eating concerns, you can call The National Alliance for Eating Disorders' clinician-run helpline from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. EST at (866) 662-1235. If you are in crisis or need immediate help, please text 'ALLIANCE' to 741741 for free, 24/7 support. Celebs tell all: New memoirs about aging, marriage and Beyoncé
New York Post
2 days ago
- New York Post
Jazzercise is making a comeback with Gen Z and Millennials
Jazzercise: It is your mother's workout. At least that was the case for Madison Farfan, 25. Growing up in the San Diego area, where Jazzercise is headquartered, Farfan's mom occasionally Jazzercised while Farfan pursued competitive dance. To Farfan's mind, the two were out of sync. So when a coworker — who happened to be a Jazzercise instructor — pushed Farfan to join a class, she scoffed. Advertisement 'I had that preconceived notion: Jazzercise is not for people my age,' she told The Post. Rather, the stereotype goes, it's for grannies with unitards and leg warmers, hip replacements and Motown records. 11 If you haven't thought about Jazzercise since the '80s or '90s, it might look quite a bit different than you'd expect. Jazzercise, Inc. 11 The dancing workout tends to bring to mind leotards, leg warmers and big hair — but things have changed. master1305 – But after enduring a few months of the colleagues' insistence, Farfan, an HR professional for a construction company in San Marcos, caved. Her first class was led by Skyla Nelson — the impossibly shredded, infectiously peppy, Gen-Z granddaughter of Jazzercise founder Judi Sheppard Missett. Advertisement Wearing a monochrome set and slick bun, Nelson, 22, blasted the likes of Charli XCX and Sabrina Carpenter, leading the mixed-gen class through Jazzercise's proprietary heart-pumping choreography. 'Double lunge, right left! Right leg, ball change! Double jump, left side!' Nelson hollered between 'woos!' and swigs from her Jazzercise-branded Stanley. Farfan was 'blown away,' she said. 'Everything that I had in my mind about what type of workout it was, who takes the workout, who teaches the workout, the music that's used — totally out the window.' Advertisement Now, about a year and a half later, she said, 'I'm addicted. That's just the simplest way to put it.' 11 Women of all ages join workouts, like this one in Astoria — and there are plenty of millennials and Gen Z. Kim Max Aging gracefully Sheppard Missett, now 81 and a dancing advertisement for Jazzercise doing the body good, launched the company in 1969 after discovering why her adult dance students weren't coming back: The women — mostly moms in their 20s like her — weren't aspiring to be professional dancers like Sheppard Missett; they just wanted to look like one. 'That was kind of my aha moment,' Sheppard Missett said. She turned the ladies away from the mirror and exacting technique — and towards the good music and fun. 'And boy, it just went crazy.' Advertisement 'I've never once had to explain that Jazzercise is not what it was in the 80s to someone my age. We just know Jazzercise as our favorite fitness program — period.' Skyla Nelson Since then, Jazzercise has grown into a global phenomenon with 8,500 franchises across 25 countries that tap out fresh routines five times a year. There are classes that aim to build strength, and others that punch back at perimenopause. There's an on-demand platform for streaming at-home workouts, and new sleep programming and nutrition support add-ons. The company frequently revamps its line of apparel and posts its playlists to Spotify. 11 Jazzercise has 8,500 franchises across 25 countries. There are classes that aim to build strength, and others that punch back at perimenopause. They're even on TikTok. Jazzercise, Inc. 11 Madison Farfan, 25, (left) didn't think Jazzercise was for people her age — after all, her mom did it. Then she got hooked. Courtesy of Madison Farfan Jazzercise is even on TikTok. 'A lot of the time, I'll have older members or older instructors ask, 'How is it telling younger people that Jazzercise isn't leg warmers and leotards anymore?'' Nelson said. 'And my response is, 'I've never once had to explain that Jazzercise is not what it was in the '80s to someone my age. We just know Jazzercise as our favorite fitness program — period.'' Advertisement Not that Gen Z has step-kicked boomers to the curb. 'What's really amazing is that many of those early customers stayed with the program, even as new generations continued to join in,' said CEO and chief choreographer Shanna Missett Nelson, who's the founder's daughter and the instructor's mom. 11 'We've done a great job in being able to continue doing what we do, but improve it as we went along,' founder Sheppard Missett (not pictured) said. Kim Max 11 Sheppard Missett (not pictured), now 81, launched the company in 1969. Kim Max While Missett Nelson doesn't know the age breakdown of Jazzercisers nationwide, she said the ages of the flagship studio's instructors likely paint a representative picture: Nine, including her daughter, are in their 20s; 10 are in their 30s; 13 are in their 40s; seven are in their 50s; three are in their 60s. Advertisement One — her mom — is in her 80s. 'We've done a great job in being able to continue doing what we do, but improve it as we went along,' founder Sheppard Missett said. 11 'In the competitive dance world, you show up at a dance competition, you've got the dance instructors looking at you funky and it's … not very nurturing,' said Farfan (not pictured). 'Jazzercise is the complete opposite.' Jazzercise, Inc. No judgment, just fitness Michael Stack, an exercise physiologist in Michigan and president of the Physical Activity Alliance, has a few theories as to why Jazzercise's appeal is age-blind: It's social in a time when IRL connections — and especially intergenerational ones — are scarce. Advertisement It's judgment-free in an era where even a side part can earn you a side eye. And it's noncompetitive in a fitness culture where gym rats battle over the number of REM cycles in their sleep and supplements in their smoothies. 'Gen Z in particular may be less about those highly competitive metrics, and more about that sense of belonging and enjoyment and joy,' Stack said. 'Your metric of success at Jazzercise is: Did you breathe heavy? Did you sweat? And did you dance with your friends?' 11 Jazzercise founder Judi Sheppard Missett (right); her daughter, CEO and chief choreographer Shanna Missett Nelson (left); Shanna's daughter Skyla Nelson, who is an instructor. Paul Smith Photography 11 The women who join love the noncompetitive nature in today's intense fitness culture. Kim Max 11 Many also get a sense of community and are friends with their classmates. Kim Max Advertisement For Farfan, the answer is yes, yes and yes. It's a welcome change, she's found, from the high-pressure pipeline she pursued growing up. Maybe her mom was onto something after all. 'In the competitive dance world, you show up at a dance competition, you've got the dance instructors looking at you funky and it's … not very nurturing,' said Farfan, who attends live classes almost every day after work. 'Jazzercise is the complete opposite, so it's very refreshing.' Across the country at a recent Jazzercise class in Astoria, a millennial named Elizabeth Laberge shared a similar sentiment. She'd taken ballet for years as a kid but let the interest — and structured exercise as a whole — fade as life and motherhood took center stage. Then, about a year ago, Quinn McClure, the 38-year-old Astoria instructor and studio manager, invited her to class. The women's daughters were best friends, and Laberge obliged 'to be a friend' to McClure, too. She's been a regular ever since. 'What's the name of that song? I think it's by Pink,' Laberge asked the handful of other women — ages 35 to 60 — lingering after the Sunday morning class. Some had been to each others' baby showers, birthday parties and at least one bachelorette. Suddenly, unexpected tears welled in Laberge's eyes. 'I took so long of a break from dancing,' she said. 'I've been through a lot in my life, like a lot of trauma, and so coming here and just dancing, smiling, laughing is really …' Her classmate interjected. She remembered the name of the song: 'Never gonna not dance again.'
Black America Web
5 days ago
- Black America Web
Giveon Reflects on His Journey and "Beloved" at Urban 1 Summit
Source: Norris Ford / R1 The Urban 1 Summit brought another iconic moment in music as Giveon, the baritone voice redefining R&B, shared insights into his artistic evolution and new project, Beloved . Speaking candidly, his reflections combined vulnerability, wit, and an unfiltered passion for music, captivating the audience. Giveon has solidified his place in contemporary music, blending timeless soul with raw emotion. Rising to fame with hits like 'Heartbreak Anniversary,' he's drawn comparisons to legends while staying uniquely authentic. During the Summit, he revealed how growing up in Long Beach, California—surrounded by Motown influences and nonprofit programs—laid the foundation for his career. He credited a local arts nonprofit for igniting his songwriting process, demonstrating how community support shapes raw talent into greatness. STAY INFORMED! CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! Transitioning to Beloved , Giveon described it as his most honest project yet. The album, recorded with live instrumentation, offers a distinct analog feel reminiscent of 70s soul. Tracks like 'Diamonds for Your Pain' and 'Keeper' reflect deeply personal moments, with romantic turbulence and self-reflection carved into lyrics. Giveon explained how the live recording process added soul that digital tools can't replicate, making Beloved a standout work in modern R&B. Beyond the music, Giveon's personality shone through. He masterfully balanced humor with introspection, confessing to working through flaws like defensiveness in relationships. He also expressed nostalgia for a simpler time in music when the art, not personal lives, was the focus—although he acknowledged the importance of connecting with fans. READ MORE STORIES: Giveon Reflects on His Journey and 'Beloved' at Urban 1 Summit Tonio Armani Brings Southern Soul Vibes at Urban 1 Summit Sentury Talks Inspiration and New Music at Urban 1 Summit Giveon's growth as an artist is showcased in every track of his new project—his second studio album, Beloved , out now. With its raw storytelling, soulful live instrumentation, and honest reflections, Beloved marks a powerful new chapter in his career. It's more than just an album; it's a testament to Giveon's talent, authenticity, and lasting impact on the R&B landscape. LIKE US ON FACEBOOK . FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM & TWITTER . SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE . STAY INFORMED! CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! HEAD TO THE HOMEPAGE SEE ALSO
