The audience listened closely, some taking notes, today as Westporter Sybil Steinberg, contributing editor and former book review section editor for Publishers Weekly, told a Suzuki School of Music crowd her favorites for fall reading. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

The Westport Country Playhouse said today it will present a series of special events, free-of-charge and open to the community, surrounding its world-premiere drama, “Thousand Pines,” playing Oct. 30 through Nov. 17. 

Written by Matthew Greene, and directed by Austin Pendleton, the production brings the national dialogue about gun violence to the Playhouse stage. Support for the community events is provided by a grant from CT Humanities.

“Thousand Pines” is a story of common humanity, healing, and forgiveness in the wake of a shooting at Thousand Pines Junior High School. As three families gather months later, on Thanksgiving Day, they are united in their grief and determination to move forward. The play contains mature themes/language.

“Great plays like ‘Thousand Pines’ open minds and invite conversation,” said Michael Barker, Playhouse managing director. “We are thrilled that CT Humanities is supporting all of these opportunities for our community to engage in dialogue around the play’s current and important themes.”

A visual component for the Saugatuck StoryFest, the “Wearable Book Art” exhibit showcasing artist-made garments, jewelry, hats and other and accessories fashioned from books, opens Friday.

“Book Bracelet” by Megan Dunn. Contributed photo

Almost 25 local and area artists will be contributing to the exhibit, among them, a freelance theatrical costumer who was one of a small army of artisans working on the internationally acclaimed Broadway production of “Hamilton.”

The exhibit will be staged at 1 Main St., in the old library building in the former Calypso store, and an opening reception will take place on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. and is open to the public.

The exhibit will then again be open to the public on weekends through Sunday, Nov. 4. StoryFest is a joint effort of the Westport Library and public schools.

Recipients of the 2018 Westport Historic District Commission (HDC) Preservation Awards, HDC members, and First Selectman Jim Marpe pose tonight on the Town Hall lobby steps following the annual HDC awards ceremony. The seven properties are located at 75 Kings Highway North, 27 Long Lots Road, 17 Canal Street, 333 Wilton Road, 15 Bridge St., 6 Great Marsh Road, and 36 Evergreen Parkway. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

The Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art/Cornell University has acquired for its permanent collection 30 photographs by Westport Photographer Larry Silver. Included in the acquisition are these three images from Compo Beach: (top to bottom) “Boy on Swing, Compo Beach, Westport, CT 1975;” “Woman with Straw Hat, Compo Beach, Westport, CT 1985,” and “Skateboarder, Compo Beach, Westport, CT 1995.” In 1973, Silver relocated to Westport,and began what has become a life-long project of documenting the town and Fairfield County. His work is included in over 30 museum collections including the Metropolitan Museum, Whitney Museum, Brooklyn Museum, Boston Museum, ICP, and Yale University Art Gallery. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Photos by Larry Silver

Bettman & Halpin, an acoustic folk music duo, tonight opened Voices Café‘s eighth season at the Unitarian Church. Featured were singer and fiddler Stephanie Bettman as well as Luke Halpin, who sang and played guitar, mandolin and fiddle. Touring together since 2008, Bettman & Halpin have been recognized in various regional and national competitions. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Jane Sherman for WestportNow.com

A vendor serves up a cold brew to a guest at today’s inaugural craft beer tasting called Westoberfest in downtown Westport sponsored by the Westport Downtown Merchants Association. Several hundred turned out for the event that featured beer, food, music, and crafts and face painting for youngsters. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo