The Westport Library will host a five-day series of FLEX innovative programs in March designed to showcase the future flexibility and innovation coming to the new Westport Library.
It kicks off Wednesday, March 21 and runs through Sunday, March 25, library officials announced.
From hosting small, quiet study groups one afternoon to large events for hundreds of people, the new space completed next year is designed to respond to community needs. The March FLEX experiences are designed to give the community a sneak preview, officials said.
From art, cinema, music, dance, food and authors, the events are free-of-charge, while others are fundraisers to support the Library Transformation Project.
The March 21 event will be a celebrity lunch fundraiser hosted by local author Jane Green and emceed by James Beard Award winner Elissa Altman.
Keynote speaker will be Sam Kass, former Obama White House chef and senior policy nutrition advisor who served as executive director of Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” campaign. Kass will also host a book signing for his book “Eat a Little Better” after the luncheon.
That evening, the Friedman Gallery will host “The Lost Rock & Roll Negatives of Michael Friedman,” featuring photography of some of rock’s biggest icons.
Community blogger Dan Woog will emcee the evening of rock and roll storytelling by Rob Fraboni, David Bennett Cohen, Mark Naftalin, Crispin Cioe, Michael Friedman, Bari Rudin, Roger Kaufman, Wendy May, Deb Robicheau, Caissie St. Onge and Rusty Ford.
On Thursday, March 22, the library will host “Triple Play,” a dance-a-thon from 9 to 10 a.m. led by Jose Ozuna,, an Ailey Extension instructor and off-Broadway actor and dancer.
In the afternoon, the Great Hall will show classic movies honoring Westport legends Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward.
That evening there will be a food lovers’ Q&A with gourmet guru Ruth Reichl.
The former editor of Gourmet Magazine will be joined by a celebrity panel including local celebrity chef and restauranteur Bill Taibe, a farmer and sustainability expert Annie Farrell of Millstone Farm and celebrity chef Lulu Powers, officials said.
Friday, March 23 will be “FLEX: Unplugged,” a day of live music performed in the Great Hall by various local artists: Brian Dolzani, Twice Around, the Mike Cusato Band, Ethan Walmark and Suzy Bessett and Rob Morton.
Also, local authors will be on hand throughout the day for readings and signings. They will include Alisyn Camerota, Fiona Davis, Nina Sankovitch, Lynne Constantine, and Mary-Lou Weisman
On Saturday, March 24, the library will host “FLEX: Mix,” as the Great Hall transforms into a performance and party space for a gala evening of food and dancing set to live music by Chevy Chevis and her band honoring former Westporter Eartha Kitt.
After dinner, there will be a dance party featuring music and drinks served up by a mixologist.
The week concludes Sunday, March 25 with local tech guru and CBS “Sunday Morning” contributor David Pogue offering arts and crafts, face-painting and magic and more.
It will also feature local children’s authors, including Victoria Kann, Joshua Prince, Tommy Greenwald, Lauren Tarshis, Nora Baskin, Clare Pernice and illustrator Tim Fite.
Library officials added that participants can take part in writing a love letter to the Westport Library with artist and storyteller Diego Romero.
