Marking an incredible milestone in the history of smooth jazz, the band turns 20 years old this year, and invites fans all around the world to celebrate with The Rippingtons 20th Anniversary, a remarkable new CD/DVD package that includes a CD of all new Ripps music and a DVD featuring a colorful retrospective as well as exciting videos from over the years.

Complementing his own trademark mix of fiery electric and romantic classical guitars, Freeman's guest list is truly a smooth jazz fan's dream-saxophonists Jeff Kashiwa, Paul Taylor, Kirk Whalum, Dave Koz and Eric Marienthal; keyboardist Bill Heller; bassist Kim Stone; vocalists Patti Austin and Jeffrey Osborne; drummer Dave Karasony; and special guest Brian McKnight, who wrote, produced and sings lead vocals on the lush romance "Anything." As if that group wasn't enough to get Bill Mayer's famed jazz cat (which graces every Ripps album cover) dancing, The Rippingtons 20th Anniversary also reunites most of the lineup of L.A. musicians who performed on The Rippingtons' groundbreaking 1986 debut album, Moonlighting, which Jazziz Magazine once called the most influential contemporary jazz album of all time: saxophonists Brandon Fields and Dave Koz (who played the EWI on the original recording); pianists David Benoit and Gregg Karukas; bassist Jimmy Johnson; drummer Tony Morales and percussionist Steve Reid. The collection is dedicated with love to the late great singer Carl Anderson, who first tantalized Ripps fans with his brilliant vocalizing on 1989's Tourist in Paradise.

Westport Arts Center presents:
Not All Rubber Ducks Look Alike

Thurs., Oct. 30 - Sunday, Nov. 30

Studio Party: Thurs., Oct. 30, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Studio Gallery

Lucy Sander Sceery's whimsical, charming take on rubber ducks.

Open to the public.

For more information, contact Westport Arts Center at 203-222-7070 or www.westportartscenter.org,
or visit the gallery M-F 10-4 and Sat-Sun 12-4 at 51 Riverside Ave., Westport.

Playhouse on the Green presents The Rocky Horror Picture Show by Richard O'Brien

Oct. 24 - Nov. 9

Classic kitschy sci-fi and a rock n' roll musical phenomenon.

Friday Oct. 24 at 8 p.m., Saturday Oct. 25 at 8 p.m., Saturday Oct. 25 at midnight, Thursday Oct. 30

at 8 p.m., Friday Oct. 31 at 8 p.m., Friday Oct. 31 at midnight, Saturday Nov. 1 at 8 p.m., Friday Nov. 7 at 8 p.m.,

Saturday Nov. 7 at midnight, Saturday Nov. 8 at 8 p.m.

Tickets $32.

Playhouse on the Green, 177 State St., Bridgeport. Free parking available.
Box office: 866-811-4111 or purchase online: www.playhouseonthegreen.org.

Westport Arts Center presents:

Optomism

Sept. 26 - Nov. 30

An exhibition examining the role of art as a form of political activism. Open to the public.

Gallery Talkback: Wed, Nov. 12, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.

WAC Main Gallery

For more information, contact WAC at 203-222-7070, www.westportartscenter.org, or visit the gallery, M-F 10-4; Sat/Sun 12-4 at 51 Riverside Ave., Westport.

Artistry on the Shoreline Holiday Sale

October 20 - January 11, 2009

Visit our website at www.guilfordartcenter.org.

Now through Dec. 14 -

Holidaze: The Real Story of Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas

Special exhibit at the Henry Whitfield State Museum

Learn why the Puritans did not celebrate Christmas, the myths behind the First Thanksgiving, and how All Hallow's Eve became a night of costumes and candy. The exhibit is available for viewing during regular museum hours and is included with museum admission.

Woodbury painter Matt Wood returns to nature’s essence
in “Pentimento” exhibition at Good News Cafe & Gallery

Woodbury artist Matt Wood returns to the essence of the subjects he paints from the natural world in his new exhibition titled “Pentimento,” showing through Jan. 5, 2009, at the Good News Cafe and Gallery, 694 Main Street South, Woodbury.

A native of southern California, Wood began his artistic odyssey with painting studies at the University of Iowa influenced by the work of Mauricio Lasansky. Wood notes that his own Polish and Russian heritage, and his marriage to Polish native Joanna Czaderna, have established a natural affinity for Lasansky’s passionate approach to the creative process that seeks to use art as a means to raise personal awareness.

Good News Cafe & Gallery is open from 11:30 am to 10 pm daily; closed Tuesdays.
 

Jennifer Jane Gallery has organized an art exposition with a cooperative of local artists in New Haven.

The best place around this holiday season to buy handmade, original gifts.

Original photography, paintings, stained glass, giclees, watercolors, jewlery, etc.

Located at ArLoW

838 Whalley Ave.

The Westville Arts District

New Haven, CT 06515

Hours: Wed - Sat, 12 - 6 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

www.GroupX20.com

ART@jenniferjanegallery.com