It was a packed crowd tonight as the Westport Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts launched its 43rd summer season with Desert Highway – A Tribute to the Eagles. Freda Welsh, executive director, said although tickets were free, they quickly sold out as the band made its second appearance in two years at the venue. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) J.C. Martin for WestportNow.com

Celebrated Westport pianist, Dalia Lazar acknowledges applause today at a concert at the Pequot Library in Southport. The Croatia-born musician performed three Beethoven sonatas. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) J.C. Martin for WestportNow.com

Westport writer Jarret Liotta (l) today captures a scene at Westport’s Harding Funeral Home for his forthcoming feature-length film entitled “Home Movie.” According to Liotta, writer, director, and producer of the film, it was inspired by the artistic works of Woody Allen and Wes Anderson. The dark comedy is scheduled for completion and release in 2017. Liotta is pictured with actors Risa Benson and Joe Fusco. Holding the boom is Roza Gavrilidis. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

The Westport Arts Center tonight held its opening reception for the “SOLOS 2016” exhibition featuring the work of eight artists selected by juror Douglas Hyland, former director of the New Britain Museum of American Art in New Britain. Among the artists was Allan Gorman, a Brooklyn, N.Y.-born realistic oil painter who brings his strengths as an internationally celebrated brand marketing consultant and graphic designer to his artworks that include the power of cities, machines, and the night. Gorman currently maintains a studio practice in Kearny, N.J., and resides in West Orange, N.J. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Leslie LaSala for WestportNow.com

Among guests at the opening reception tonight of “SOLOS 2016” at the Westport Arts Center (WAC) were (-r) Alice Hyland, “SOLOS 2016” juror Douglas Hyland, and WAC Acting Executive Director Amanda Innes. The exhibition will be on display through Aug. 20 and is free and open to the public. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Leslie LaSala for WestportNow.com

Technicians from New York’s public television station WNET-TV 13 were at the Westport Country Playhouse today preparing to tape Saturday afternoon and evening performances of “Buyer & Cellar,” the one-man show starring Michael Urie for its “Theater Close-Up.” The series showcases Off-Broadway and regional not-for-profit, professional productions for Tri-State viewers. According to a WCP spokesperson, tickets for the play are still available for these performances at http://www.westportplayhouse.org. Pictured are Playhouse facilities manager Anne Kendall (l) and WNET-TV audio specialist Daryl Bornstein. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

“Photographs by Larry Silver, 1949-1955,” black and white photographs by Westport photographer Larry Silver opens July 1 at the New York Historical Society. The exhibit showcases 45 photos of post-war New York City life, including this scene of two boys playing in the debris of a construction site with the new United Nations building towering in the background. Silver is a 43 -year resident of Westport and a recipient of the Westport Arts Achievement Award in the Visual Arts 2006. He has exhibited recently throughout Connecticut, including the Westport Arts Center, Westport Historical Society, Westport Library and The Housatonic Museum of Art.The works by the Bronx-born photographer will be on display until Dec. 4 at the Society, 170 Central Park West (77th Street). (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Photo by Larry Silver