A Digiplex spokesperson said a the company is “taking full advantage of new technologies to serve diverse audiences and present an expanding array of entertainment options.”
Digiplex has already leveraged digital technology to present entertainment alternatives ranging from live sporting events including the Mayweather vs. Guerrero match live from Las Vegas on May 4, an exclusive engagement of ultra-marathon documentary Running America to Broadway shows and opera from The Met. Now, the same technology is being harnessed to present mainstream movies in different languages.
The first movie in Spanish at Digiplex is IRON MAN 3 starring Robert Downey, Jr. and Gwyneth Paltrow with shows on May 6 and 13. The next features include STAR TREK – INTO DARKNESS on May 20 and the animated family feature EPICon May 27. Upcoming titles appearing in the series include Man of Steel, World War Z and The Lone Ranger. Additional titles will be announced throughout the summer as they become available. Movies will blend Spanish audio tracks or subtitles, enabling speakers of both languages to follow the story lines.
Bud Mayo, the Company’s President and CEO said Bloomfield is the newest addition to Digiplex in California and Pennsylvania and that these movies will give multi-generational families the opportunity to enjoy motion picture entertainment together by bridging language gaps.
It is also good for students of Spanish, who are native English speakers if they are looking for a new and engaging way to improve their skills.
HARTFORD – Planned Parenthood of Southern New England (PPSNE) will present the inaugural Hartford Cares about Health…A Choice Affair on May 9. This entertaining evening will take place from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Riverfront Boathouse, 20 Leibert Road, Hartford, CT with a Sponsor’s Reception taking place from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Lizz Winstead, comedian, activist and co-creator and former head writer of “The Daily Show” will host the event.
Winstead is known for her progressive ideas and her commitment to creating a public conversation around women’s health. As co-creator of The Daily Show, co-founder of Air America Radio, and author of Lizz Free or Die her humorous, analytical slant on the news cycle — one based on questioning authority and identifying the real drive behind the issues — has not only influenced a growing generation of writers, reporters and broadcasters but also inspired thousands of women and men to speak-up about their own experiences.
An advocate and friend to Planned Parenthood, Winstead has toured the nation with her profound comedy show,“Planned Parenthood: I Am Here for You”. Recently, she joined elected officials, supporters, sponsors and advocates at PPSNE’s annualOcean State CHOICE Affair in Rhode Island for an evening of laughter and compassion.
“Lizz Winstead has proven to be such a great friend to Planned Parenthood,” said Judy Tabar President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Southern New England. “She is so entertaining and passionate about our mission. We just had to share her with Connecticut as well.”
All proceeds from Hartford Cares about Health…A Choice Affair go directly to care for PPSNE patients who receive high quality health care, regardless of their ability to pay.Annually, PPSNE serves close to 70,000 men, women and teens, providing a range of critical, life-saving health care services, including breast cancer screenings, Pap tests, birth control, and STD/STI testing and treatment.
Hartford Cares about Health…A Choice Affair will feature an evening filled with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, comedy and camaraderie while celebrating the important work of Planned Parenthood of Southern New England. This special event is open to the public. For more information or to purchase tickets go tohttps://giving.ppsne.org/hartford2013 and register online; or contact Laurie Diorio at (203) 865-5158 or laurie.diorio@ppsne.org.
HARTFORD – Rustic Overtones returns to Sully’s Pub in Hartford on May 4 following their recent 2013 New England Music Awards “Best Live Act” win.
Rustic’s definitive sound combines elements of radio rock and funk, Rustic Overtones are one of the most powerful live bands that you will see, ever. From the start of their career twenty years ago playing basement parties in Portland, Maine, Rustic Overtones has wooed audiences of all kinds with music exploding with character and imagination. Combining elements of rock, ska, jazz and funk, they quickly rose to prominence as one of New England’s most eminent rock bands.
In the late 90’s, the band was signed by the legendary Clive Davis to Arista Records, and in 1999 they went into the studio with guest appearances by David Bowie, Imogene Heap, and Funkmaster Flex, and the result was the groundbreaking “Viva Nueva”.
Soon after the album’s completion, Rustic Overtones found themselves in the midst of a massive quake in the music industry when Davis was asked to step down from his own label of over 25 years. Rustic Overtones managed to break from Arista while still retaining the rights to their master recordings which were released about a year later by classic indie label Tommy Boy.
In 2002 the band took a much needed break where many members pursued side projects of their own. They joined back together in 2006 rising like a phoenix from the ashes of the music industry. Rustic Overtones are a band of pure passion and love for what they do. In a 2013 interview, when asked if music was his passion, frontman Dave Gutter replied “1000%…My plans for after my music career? None. I plan to play music till I’m dead.”
2012 found the band with a new CD, “Let’s Start A Cult”, a renewed energy and two new members. This new CD and the continuation of their tour in Northeastern US pave their way through the future as they approach their 20th anniversary this year.
HARTFORD – Esperanza Spalding, the first jazz musician ever to win the Grammy for Best New Artist in 2011, just picked up two more in 2013 – Best Jazz Vocal Album (topping a class that included the work of Kurt Elling, Denise Donatelli, Luciana Souza and Al Jarreau) and Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalists (with mentor Thara Memory) for the song “City of Roses.”
The Grammy-winning jazz phenom Spalding will stop at Jorgensen’s Cabaret on her popular Radio Music Society tour on April 25. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for food and drink (cash only) before the show starts at 7:30 p.m.
Radio Music Society (2012) is the second in a one-two punch originally envisioned as a two-disc set that kicked off with her 2010 chart topper, Chamber Music Society. Her recording career began withJunjo in 2006, followed by Esperanza, her 2008 international debut recording, which quickly topped Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz Chart and became the year’s best selling album worldwide by a new jazz artist.
Attention followed, including an invitation by President Barack Obama to appear at both the White House and the Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony, and an appearance on the Late Show with David Lettermanthat found Letterman and bandleader Paul Shaffer proclaiming the young musician the “coolest” guest in their 30 years on the air.
The young lioness, now 28, first felt her creative heartstrings plucked at age 4 when she saw cellist Yo-Yo Ma play on TV in an episode of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. “It was definitely the thing that hipped me to the whole idea of music as a creative pursuit,” the bassist/vocalist/composer says.
Spalding basically taught herself the violin and was admitted at age 5 to The Chamber Music Society of Oregon, a Portland community orchestra of children and adults. In 10 years she was at the concertmaster level. By then she had discovered the bass and before long was playing blues, funk, hip-hop and such on the local club circuit.
Changing coasts, she went to Berklee College of Music for three years of accelerated study, earning her bachelor of music and signing on as an instructor in 2005 at the age of 20, one of the youngest faculty members in the college’s history. That year she won the prestigious Boston Jazz Society scholarship for outstanding musicianship.
Besides her own touring, Spalding has toured with Joe Lovano’s US 5, performed at Rock In Rio with Milton Nascimento, played at Prince’s “Welcome 2 America” tour and joined Wayne Shorter in celebrating Herbie Hancock’s 70th birthday at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.
Jorgensen’s Cabaret was designated “Best Cabaret” in Connecticut Magazine’s 2011 and 2012 “Best of Connecticut” issues. Jorgensen was also named Best College/University Performing Arts Center in the Hartford Advocate Best of Hartford Readers’ Poll for 2012.
Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts is located at 2132 Hillside Road on the UConn campus in Storrs. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Sandwiches, dessert, alcohol and other beverages can be purchased before the show (cash only). Or pre-orders can be placed at www.jorgensen.uconn.edu. Ticket prices are $32, $30 and $27, with some discounts available. For tickets and information, call the Box Office at 860.486.4226, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., or order online at jorgensen.uconn.edu. Convenient, free parking is available across the street in the North Garage.
The biopic about how Jackie Robinson — the legendary player who broke the MLB color barrier in 1947 — ushered in a new era for the league and black baseball players (outside of the Negro Leagues) makes its way into movie theaters just as a discussion about a long-standing lack of representation of African Americans in the major league is reaching a feverish pitch. Also gaining momentum are discussions about newcomer Chadwick Boseman’s performance as the iconic sports figure, raising the question of whether another iconic figure — the Oscar — might be in Boseman’s future.
What is the likelihood of an up-and-coming black actor landing the lead role in a major film like 42 anyway, in an industry that is constantly criticized for the lack of complex roles for black actors and the stereotypical representations of black men in the roles that do exist? “I try not to think about it in those terms. It’s a lot of pressure,” says Boseman.
The Howard University graduate says that he prepared for the role as any other actor would. “When you’re in college, you do primary research and secondary research. My preparation was similar to that. I just tried to take in as much as I could about Robinson. Whether I could use it or not or in the moment, I had to figure out where he was mentally and physically. You just prep yourself as much as possible for whatever may come.”
HARTFORD – The Widener Gallery has announced the Studio Arts Annual, exhibition, l feature artwork by students enrolled in Trinity College’s Studio Arts Program.
An opening reception will take place, Thursday, April 4, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
The Studio Arts Annual highlights a selection of student artwork from foundation through advanced levels. Included is a selection of media and styles ranging from representational drawing, abstract painting and color prints to documentary photography and mixed media sculpture, among many others.
The exhibition will rung from April 4 – 28, 2013.
For more information, please contact Felice Caivano, Fine Arts Curator, Widener Gallery, at 860-297-5232 or Felice.Caivano@trincoll.edu.
The Widener Gallery is located in Trinity College’s Austin Arts Center, Hartford, Conn. Gallery hours 1-6 p.m., closed Saturdays.
Founded in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1823, Trinity College (www.trincoll.edu) is an independent, nonsectarian liberal arts college with over 2,200 students from 45 states and 47 countries. It is home to the eighth-oldest chapter of Phi Beta Kappa in the United States.
HARTFORD — Windsor native Adaora Akubilo works hard to maintain her career in the rarified arena of the fashion industry.
As a Sports Illustrated Model, the 20-year-old Central Connecticut State University student has a strict workout regimen and a strict diet to help maintain her statuesque physique because, she said, she’s not naturally thin.
So the Nigerian-American tries to keep up her exercise routine by running twice a week and practicing Pilates, also twice week.
“I do have to work out hard to maintain my body,” Akubilo said in a telephone interview on Friday. “I’m in a business that hires you based on how you look.”
The import of Akubilo’s looks resonates on many levels. Her smooth and seemingly poreless, ebony, skin on the pages of Sports Illustrated and other magazines is an anomaly. Some observers say the modeling business lost its diversity after fashionista Bethann Hardison closed her modeling agency in 1996. Today, industry observers criticizethe runways, the magazines, the modeling agencies and advertising for lack of diversity. Hardison said that models of color mostly “disappeared for a whole decade.”
And that’s why this is, well, a big deal—even after models such as Roshumba Williams in 1992 and Carla Campbell in 2006, both of whom are dark-skinned black women. Akulbio knows she’s a role model for many African-Americans girls whom, she said, can learn to embrace their own beauty.
Perhaps that is what a John Casablanca scout sensed about Akulbio when she spotted her at Windsor High School several years ago. Hartford Director of John Casablancas Tina Kiniry said that it wasn’t just about Akubilo’s look.
“It’s her smile and personality. It’s a certain aura about her that really makes her stand out in a crowd,” Kiniry said. “And she’s pleasant to be around.”
The 5’11″ beauty was also a part of a SI‘s swimsuit model search contest. She took a few minutes to do a Q and A with The Hartford Guardian. See below. HG: Tell us what its like being a Sports Illustrated model?
AA: Being an SI model has given me public recognition. People know me by name because SI promotes the model. Being an SI model also gives me access to exclusive events and gifts, and the privilege of traveling to the most remote and exotic world destinations during shoots.
HG: Talk about your first gig as a model–was it local?
AA: My first modeling gig was a runway show that I booked through my CT agency, John Casablancas. I remember being excited and wanting more looks so that I could get out on the runway and strut some more!
HG: Which schools did she attend?
AA: I attended Windsor High School and Central Connecticut State University, where I received a B.A. in English. I was studying to become an English teacher.
HG: Did she pursue her career from the Greater Hartford area? Or did she move to New York?
AA: I started my modeling career in CT at John Casablancas. I moved to NYC after college to pursue it full-time.
HG: What does she eat?
AA: I eat whatever I am in the mood for. Nigerian food, salads, pizza, pancakes, smoothies…I try to chose healthy options more often and avoid stuffing myself with the junk ones.
HG: What kind of struggles, or set backs have you had so far?
AA: The struggles I’ve had is handling rejection. Several agencies rejected me (and some of the same ones more than once) when I was trying to find representation in the city. Being away from my family when I need to travel over an extended period of time is heartbreaking.
HG: What is your goal after SI?
AA: My goal after SI is to continue modeling and to launch a business of my own eventually.
HG: What advice do you have for girls who want to be successful models?
AA: My advise to girls who want to start modeling is to really have a strong passion for it. Work really hard and put in the time and commitment that is required. I encourage girls to love themselves, to be confident, and to not take it personal when they experience rejection. Rejection is necessary for growth and besides if they get all the jobs they will be burnt out and their career will be over quickly!
HG: Where should we look for her next: movies, videos, TV shows?
AA: To know where to see me next follow me on twitter @adaoraakubilo and Facebook.
HG: Tell us more about growing up in a Nigerian household?
AA: Growing up in a Nigerian household has exposed me to a rich culture full of inspirational traditions. I have a strong sense of self-identity by knowing my heritage, values, and morals. I was taught to value education, to have a strong Christian faith, and to work hard.
VERNON– Hartford-based artists Balam and Jade Soto will perform at an opening reception for the Paper to Pixel exhibit in Vernon on April 7.
The event is a part of an an exhibit using a range of media from one of the oldest–paper, to one of the newest–computer technology, inviting the audience to interact with installations, and appreciate the mathematical relationship between origami and cutting edge technology. It is produced by produced by the Vernon Community Arts Center.
The Opening Reception is Sunday April 7 from 1 to 4 p.m. The event will feature two performances by award winning artist Balam Soto with Jade Soto performing “The Body Sound Suit.” which captures gestures and body movements and translates them into data triggering audio and graphic displays.
This gathering of local, regional and international artists will celebrate the exhibit curated by Lori Robeau, Melissa Ralston-Jones, and Ben Parker.
Paper to Pixel, organizers said, expands the viewer’s appreciation of what art is and can be.
Performances are scheduled for 1:30pm and 3:30 pm. The VCAC also welcomes musical trio and Flautist Melanie Chirignan, along with Scott Hill and Carlos Boltes. Performance is from 2-3pm. Artists displaying work in the galleries are Christiane Bettens, Erik and Martin Demaine -origami artists featured in documentary “Between the Folds”, Kevin C. Ferreira, Eric Gjerde, Chris Huestis, Beth Johnson, Carlos Natan, Benjamin Parker, Balam Soto, Alex Soukas, Russell Sutherland and Brian k. Webb.
The exhibit will be on display at the VCAC located at 709 Hartford Turnpike in Vernon, CT from Sunday, April 7 and run through Sunday, May 12, 2013.
This event is free and open to the public (a $5 recommended donation is suggested). For more information and gallery hours go to www.vernonarts.org
The Vernon Community Arts Center is a non-profit organization committed to enriching lives and enhancing economic development by bringing the arts to the diverse communities East of the River through education, events, exhibits, and performances.
HARTFORD – The Irish-American Parade will begin at the corner of Capitol Avenue near the State Capitol on March 9 at 11:00 a.m. in Hartford.
On Saturday and Sunday, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman will march in Hartford’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
The parade begins at Capitol Avenue by the State Capitol, takes a left on Main Street, a left on Asylum, a left on Ford Street, and then ends by the Memorial Arch. See the parade route.
Malloy and Wyman will also march in the New Haven parade on Sunday. That parade route will begin at corner of Derby Avenue and Chapel Street/
Organizers say the parade will be held rain or shine.
STORRS — The Celtic culture is interwoven with journey, comings and goings that shaped family, friends, love and loss. But the thread of music and dance was the constant.
Preparing us for the March season of all things Irish, “Celtic Nights: The Emigrants Bridge” will arrive in Jorgensen’s award-winning Cabaret on March 8 and 9. Doors will open at 7 p.m. for food and drink (cash only) before the show starts at 8 p.m.
Celtic Nights, created by Gaelforce Dance, will transport the audience in time through traditional ballads, vivid choreography and the story of a people struggling to find their place in a changing world. Songs will trace the diaspora connecting that land and this in “May We Never Have to Say Goodbye,” “Isle of Innishfree,” “Danny Boy,” “My Heart Will Go On” and songs in the native tongue. Dances will include the percussive sounds of jigs and reels, hornpipes and Appalachian polkas.
Singers are: Irish tenor Derek Moloney, who has performed with the Chieftains and Sarah Brightman and is a favorite for singing the national anthem for the Irish Rugby Team; bass baritone Derek Ryan, a Tipperary native who performs with Opera Ireland and co-wrote and performed in a tribute show to his American hero Paul Robeson; Scottish-born Rebekah Robertson, who contributes a purely Celtic sound from the Highlands to the ensemble; Ross William Wild, a young man with a rock band past, musical theater and film credits; Suzanne Savage, a diversified “hidden hero” who has performed for Van Morrison, Jimmy Cobb of the Miles Davis Quartet and on vocals for Riverdance; and Una Pedreschi, a fusion of Irish and Italian heritage who has toured in the U.S. with Celtic Woman.
Brian Kelly offers expert accompaniment. He has been playing traditional Irish music since age 7 and won the All Ireland Championship on banjo on his first try at age 11. Since then he’s won eight All Ireland Championships, half on banjo and half on mandolin.
Violinist Ben Gunnery, classically trained at the Royal College of Music and Trinity College of Music, has toured internationally with Riverdance, Gaelforce, Dance Masters, Celtic Legends, Calgary Philharmonic and myriad others. Stevie O’Connor will play the Uillean Pipes, which he took up at age 11 and has studied with the best bagpipe teachers.
Dancers are James McDonnell, Gavin Boyle, Louise O’ Sullivan, Clodagh Roper, Leanne Phelan, Heather Metcalfe and Abigail Collins.
All will create a spell-binding picture of a proud people and their passion. You’ll want to sing and dance along. Feel free. Parts of the show will include audience participation, and performers will hold a meet and greet with fans after the show.Celtic Nights takes place in Jorgensen’s Cabaret, winner of the “Best Cabaret” designation in Connecticut Magazine’s 2011 and 2012 “Best of Connecticut” issues. Jorgensen was also named Best College/University Performing Arts Center in the Hartford Advocate Best of Hartford Readers’ Poll for 2012, and was recently named a Reader’s Choice Winner by the Mansfield-Storrs Patch.
Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts is located at 2132 Hillside Road on the UConn campus in Storrs. Doors open at 7 p.m. Or pre-orders can be placed at www.jorgensen.uconn.edu. Ticket prices are $59/50, $43 and $39, with some discounts available. For tickets and information, call the Box Office at 860.486.4226, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., or order online at jorgensen.uconn.edu.
The first movie in Spanish at Digiplex is IRON MAN 3 starring Robert Downey, Jr. and Gwyneth Paltrow with shows on May 6 and 13. The next features include STAR TREK – INTO DARKNESS on May 20 and the animated family feature EPIC on May 27. Upcoming titles appearing in the series include Man of Steel, World War Z and The Lone Ranger. Additional titles will be announced throughout the summer as they become available. Movies will blend Spanish audio tracks or subtitles, enabling speakers of both languages to follow the story lines.
