June at Otto’s: Jazz, Latin Vibes & Piano Brunches Return to Piermont , NY's Hotspot.

What if you could hit rewind on life — just for one night — and relive the days when music videos ruled, mixed tapes mattered, and your weekend plans revolved around your favorite radio countdown? That’s exactly what happens when Electric Avenue – The MTV Experience takes the stage. On Friday, June 28, The Palace Theatre Stamford becomes the ultimate retro rewind destination, as Electric Avenue resurrects the soundtrack of a generation with staggering authenticity, high energy, and a whole lot of love for the 1980s. It’s Not a Cover Band. It’s a Time Machine. From the moment the first note hits, you’re there — back in the decade of cassette players, neon windbreakers, and shoulder pads. This isn’t nostalgia lite. It’s a full-on sonic revival. Electric Avenue meticulously recreates the sound, look, and spirit of New Wave and ‘80s radio pop with such precision; even major labels have mistaken their live recordings for the real thing. (Seriously — Warner Music once issued a takedown before realizing it wasn’t an original track.) Expect mega-hits from artists like Tears for Fears, Pat Benatar, The B-52s, Simple Minds, A-ha, and more — all performed with vintage instruments, authentic arrangements, and heart-thumping energy that brings the decade back to life. The MTV Era, Alive and Amplified An Electric Avenue show isn’t just about the music — it’s about how it felt. Coming home from school and blasting your favorite record. Cruising with the windows down. Friday nights at the movies. Finding your identity through the songs that raised you. It’s prom night and your first concert all over again. And this time, you’re singing every word. Want to Win Free Tickets? Thanks to Fairfield After Dark and The Palace Theatre Stamford, you can be there — for FREE. One lucky winner will score 2 tickets to see Electric Avenue on June 28. 👉 To enter, click here! https://www.fairfieldafterdark.com/win-great-prizes 🎧 Whether you lived through the decade or just wish you had, Electric Avenue – The MTV Experience delivers the ultimate ‘80s party, live and loud. Don’t miss it. Electric Avenue – The MTV Experience 📍 The Palace Theatre Stamford 📅 Friday, June 28, 2025, | 8 PM 🎟️ Tickets: https://bit.ly/43eibre 🎁 Win tickets here: https://www.fairfieldafterdark.com/win-great-prizes

An Intimate Evening with Billy Stritch: Dinner and a Show in the Backstage at OTTO'S. Enjoy a beautiful three-course dinner and an unforgettable, intimate evening with Grammy Award-winning writer, producer, and performer Billy Stritch . This exclusive event is priced at $125 per person (plus tax and gratuity). Beverages are not included. Seating is limited— performed in The Backstage at OTTO'S —and a $50 reservation deposit is required to secure your place. 🍽️ VIEW MENU Billy Stritch, pianist and singer, has been a standout presence on the New York and national nightclub scene for nearly four decades. He began his career in Houston, forming the vocal trio Montgomery, Plant, and Stritch, which toured extensively in New York and Europe from 1983 until 1990. That same year, Billy launched his solo career. He is perhaps best known for his 25-year role as musical director and pianist for Liza Minnelli , and has also toured with legends such as Tony Bennett , Christine Ebersole , Linda Eder , Melissa Manchester , and Linda Lavin . Billy’s Grammy-winning hit “Does He Love You” , originally recorded by Reba McEntire and Linda Davis in 1993, was re-recorded by Reba and Dolly Parton in 2023, earning another Grammy nomination. Voted Outstanding Musical Director five times by Broadway World readers, Billy’s 2022 birthday performance at Birdland Jazz Club was named Outstanding Vocal Jazz Engagement of the Year. He is also the bandleader for Jim Caruso’s Cast Party every Monday at Birdland, and co-hosts a beloved Sunday night residency at Bemelmans Bar in the Carlyle Hotel . Billy has released several solo albums and two collaborations with Christine Ebersole. His most recent album, Billy’s Place (Club44 Records), is available on all streaming platforms and at billystritch.com . 📲 Follow Billy on Instagram: @billystritch

KIDZ BOP LIVE 2025 is Coming to Stamford on June 14th – A Certified BOP You Can’t Miss! Get ready, Fairfield County — the ultimate pop concert for kids (and their grown-ups!) is headed to town! The KIDZ BOP Kids are hitting the road in 2025 with their all-new Certified BOP Tour , and they’re bringing the party to The Palace Theatre Stamford for two shows on Saturday, June 14 at 1PM & 6PM . From the moment the lights go down, kids will be singing and dancing along to chart-toppers like “espresso,” “HOT TO GO,” and the unstoppable “Dance Monkey.” This high-energy concert delivers all the fun of a stadium tour but perfectly sized for the youngest fans — and just as thrilling for the parents. One of the fan-favorite moments returns this year: the hilarious Daddy Dance Off — so Dads, be prepared to show off your best moves on stage! Expect dazzling visuals, interactive stage elements, and a concert experience that many kids call their very first live show — and one they’ll never forget. 🎟 ️ FAD Exclusive Discount: Fairfield After Dark followers and subscribers get an exclusive 15% off with promo code SUMMER15 . Don't wait — tickets are going fast! 📍 Where & When: The Palace Theatre Stamford 61 Atlantic St., Stamford, CT Saturday, June 14, 2025 Showtimes: 1PM & 6PM 📣 As Hoda Kotb said: “They loved it… They didn’t want to leave at the end.” And Good Day New York nailed it with: “Forget the Eras Tour and Taylor Swift — this is gonna be a big tour!” 🎉 Make KIDZ BOP Live 2025 your family’s must-do event this summer. The energy, the music, the joy — it’s all a Certified BOP!

Script-in-Hand Reading Monday, June 9, 6:30 pm, Trefz Forum Grammy-nominated artist, trailblazing singer-songwriter, and Westport resident Sophie B. Hawkins will be showcasing her new original musical drama Birds of New York in an exclusive script-in-hand performance at The Westport Library on Monday, June 9, at 6:30 pm . The event will take place in the Library’s Trefz Forum. Tickets are $40 and available for purchase here . True to the trademark authenticity and soulfulness that has defined her diverse career, this special performance offers an early look at Hawkins’ playwriting debut, with original music, wholehearted storytelling, and emotional depth that promises to resonate with fans and theater lovers of all ages. Currently in development, Birds of New York is directed by acclaimed Broadway and West End choreographer/director JoAnn M. Hunter (School of Rock, Bad Cinderella, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat) and features an ensemble of Broadway and local talent, including actors Liz Larsen, Carlos Velasquez Escamilla, Sarah Stiles, Ren King, and Alysha Umphress. Birds of New York brings to life the story of an estranged daughter who returns home to New York City with her 7-year-old son to reconnect with her dying father. Amid the tensions of old conflicts with her mother and sister, she seizes on the opportunity to create a new family. When a painful childhood memory resurfaces, it sets the stage for forgiveness, healing, and redemption. This performance comes in tandem with Hawkins’ 2025 tour celebrating the 30th anniversary of her second album, Whaler. An accomplished multi-instrumentalist, producer, and performer, Hawkins is best known for her platinum debut album Tongues and Tails and timeless hits like “Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover” and “As I Lay Me Down.” Her most recent album, Free Myself, was released in 2023 to international acclaim. Hawkins’ multifaceted career has defied genre and industry expectations, with six studio albums, multiple awards, sold-out concerts, and songs featured in movies and on television — from recent hits Stranger Things, Euphoria, Ozark, and PEN15, to landmark series such as Beverly Hills 90210, Dawson’s Creek, The L Word, and more. Her memorable onscreen appearances include the celebrated NBC series Community, the acclaimed documentary film The Cream Will Rise, and a critically lauded performance as Janis Joplin in the nationally touring play Room 105. “One thing I’ve heard from people is that my songs have been like teachers to them, and helped them along on their journey,” Hawkins said. “I hope my music helps people feel more connected to their own heart. I hope it brings them closer to whatever makes them feel special and valuable. That’s what the music I love most has always done for me.” *** Event Information at a Glance Birds of New York: A Script-in-Hand Musical Drama Performance by Sophie B. Hawkins Monday, June 9 6:30 pm Trefz Forum, The Westport Library Story: https://westportlibrary.org/critically-acclaimed-singer-songwriter-sophie-b-hawkins-premieres-new-musical-drama-birds-of-new-york-at-the-westport-library/ Event listing: https://westportlibrary.org/event/birds-of-new-york-a-script-in-hand-musical-drama-performance-by-sophie-b-hawkins/ Ticket link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birds-of-new-york-a-script-in-hand-musical-drama-tickets-1295695162109 *** About The Westport Library Founded in 1886, built in 1908, and transformed in 2019, The Westport Library is one of the most active and innovative public libraries in the nation, devoted to enriching the intellectual and creative lives of the community. Among its many highlights are a full collection of books for children, teens, and adults; an engaging and colorful Children’s Library; a MakerSpace; a Library of Things; a Seed Library; a robust café and store; and professional art installations that rotate throughout the year. The Westport Library is also home to Verso Studios, replete with an SSL hybrid analog sound studio and broadcast control suite featuring a state-of-the-art console and six robotic cameras, and the Trefz Forum, an open, flexible space that can accommodate up to 600 patrons and features an 18-foot video wall, 35-foot stage, state-of-the-art sound, and theatrical lighting. Situated in the heart of downtown Westport overlooking the scenic Saugatuck River, The Westport Library annually hosts StoryFest, the largest literary festival in Connecticut, and VersoFest, its multi-day music and media festival. Above all, the Library strives to serve the whole community as a vibrant gathering spot where people of all ages come to seek information, gain knowledge, exchange ideas, and share experiences. For more information, visit westportlibrary.org .

With Memorial Day Weekend now in the rearview mirror, summer in Fairfield County is officially in full swing—and there’s no better way to celebrate than by diving headfirst into the season’s vibrant lineup of concerts, festivals, carnivals, and more. This week, Fairfield After Dark is proud to shine a spotlight on our incredible sponsor: SONO 1420 America’s Maritime Distillery , located in the heart of South Norwalk at 19 Day Street. A Toast to Summer, Courtesy of SONO 1420 Known for their house-made spirits, small-batch cocktails, and the ever-growing buzz of their Acoustic SONO Music Series , SONO 1420 has become the heartbeat of SONO. For the past three months, their Friday night concerts have been a hotbed of local talent—featuring a non-stop lineup of incredible musicians that has lit up the block and packed the distillery with a community of music lovers. From indie acoustic sets to soulful blues and high-energy folk, each performance has been nothing short of stellar. But SONO 1420 isn’t just your Friday night go-to. Planning a birthday bash, corporate outing, or rehearsal dinner? This unique venue offers customizable event packages that include: Casual space for up to 100 guests Charcuterie options or BYO catering Distillery-crafted cocktails and Spacecat Brewery beers BYO wine options Optional private distillery tours and personalized bottle gifting Whether you're planning something intimate or epic, SONO 1420 has the style and spirit to make it unforgettable. So…Where’s the Fun Happening This Weekend? Ready to explore? Here’s your go-to guide for the best festivals, fairs, and concerts from Wednesday, May 28 through Sunday, June 1 —all happening in and around Fairfield County: WEDNESDAY, MAY 28 Piermont, NY : Charanga Duo at Otto’s (6–9pm) Stamford : Comedian Kevin Sullivan at NY Comedy Club (7pm) THURSDAY, MAY 29 Fairfield : ACE & Friends at Sherman Green Gazebo (6:30–8pm) Danbury : City Center Chow-Down 2025 (11:30am–1:30pm) Milford : Rock the Dock for Mental Health, Lisman Landing Marina (5:30–8pm) New Milford : 100 Proof + Henna By Elyse at Rock the Block (4–6pm) Newtown : JC Hill at Aquila’s Nest Vineyards (5:30–8:30pm) Piermont, NY : Jazz Night at Otto’s (6–9pm) Stamford : Comedians Matt Pavich, Liz Barrett, Jake Velazquez, Jared Harvin at New York Comedy Club Stamford (7pm) FRIDAY, MAY 30 Bridgeport : Elana Zabari LIVE at Port 5 (5–8:30pm) Danbury : Lebanese Mahrajan Festival, CityCenter (5–11pm) Newtown : Michael Malone at Aquila’s Nest (5:30–8:30pm) Newtown : Yappy Hour at Aquila’s Nest (6:30–8:30pm) Norwalk : Neil Currie – Acoustic SONO Music Series at SONO 1420 (6–9pm) Milford : School of Rock at Fowler Field (6pm) Shelton : Food Trucks on the River, Veteran’s Memorial Park (5–10pm) Stamford : That’s Fair Comedy at NY Comedy Club (9:30pm) SATURDAY, MAY 31 Danbury : Lebanese Mahrajan Festival continues (11am–11pm) Danbury : Roomful of Blues at The Palace Theatre (7:30pm) Fairfield : The Underdogs at Sherman Green Gazebo (6:30–8pm) Fairfield : Sugar Mountain at FTC’s StageOne (8pm) Harwinton : Robin Hood’s Medieval Faire (10:30am–6pm) Newtown : Iris Lies (2–5pm) & Pink Floyd Tribute Show (6–9pm) at Aquila’s Nest New London : Strawberry Festival & Craft Show at N. Stonington Fairground (11am–7pm) Shelton : Food Trucks on the River (11am–8pm) Stamford : Bark in the Park – Latham Park (11am–3pm) Stamford : Comedian Scott Thompson as Buddy Cole (7pm), plus Saturday Night Comedy (9:30pm) at NY Comedy Club Torrington : Strawberry Festival in Coe Memorial Park (10am–3pm) SUNDAY, JUNE 1 Bridgeport : Josh A at Port 5 (3pm) Fairfield : The Sun Kings at Sherman Green Gazebo (6:30–8pm) Harwinton : Robin Hood’s Medieval Faire (10:30am–6pm) Naugatuck : Duck Day & Festival, Maple Street (11am–4pm) Newtown : Filo Fox (1–4pm) & Albanian Night (5–9pm) at Aquila’s Nest New Canaan : New Canaan Dog Days at the Nature Center (11am–4pm) New London : Strawberry Festival & Craft Show continues (11am–7pm) New Milford : Pets in the Park, Pettibone Park (11am–4pm) Stamford : Sunday Night Comedy Showcase at NY Comedy Club (7pm) Wilton : Food Truck Festival at Wilton Historical Society (11am–4pm)