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Vampire Grave
Thirty years ago, two young boys were playing in a sand and gravel pit in the eastern Connecticut town of Griswold. Suddenly, they saw a human skull roll down the side of the pit near them. Then, a second.
They ran home to tell their mothers, who didn’t immediately believe them. Upon further inspection, the mothers phoned the police.
Police cordoned off the area, thinking it was a crime scene. After all, a serial killer in that area had recently killed four young women from that town and the bodies of several suspected victims had yet to be recovered.
Eventually, the State Archeologist’s office was brought in, as evidence indicated they needed to review the scene.
Dr. Nick Bellantoni arrived and made an observation that turned the case on its head. What he would uncover is something unique in New England – the only archeological evidence of the past practice of digging up, dismembering, and reinterring suspected vampires.
That’s right, actual evidence of the tampering of a grave because of suspicions of vampire activity. It was a common concern until the late 1800s, particularly in rural areas such as Griswold. But, no one had ever found any specific proof of the rumored activity.
It’s a frightening story to hear. Who was the man whose remains were found altered in that grave – a man known initially only by his initials “J.B.”? Why were his remains dug up, reconfigured, and then reinterred? What were Dr. Bellantoni and his team able to surmise about the case with modern investigative techniques?
Click this link to hear the story on the podcast Amazing Tales from Off and On Connecticut’s Beaten Path, with your host Mike Allen:
"Listeners can now tune in to WICC Radio (600 AM and 95.9 FM) every Saturday at 5:00 pm to hear all about the Amazing Tales from Off and On Connecticut's Beaten Path."
What’s Happening This Week at Aquila’s Nest Vineyards? Let’s Break It Down… If you’ve been looking for an excuse to sip wine while doing something awesome, Aquila’s Nest Vineyards has you covered—again! Thursday, June 19: Get cosmic with Angela Marie’s private astrology readings. Your stars, your wine, your vibe = aligned! Friday, June 20: Ready to live on a prayer? 1 Wild Night brings the Bon Jovi energy all night long. Limited seats—don’t wait! Saturday, June 21: Time travel to the ‘50s for a Prom Night Murder Mystery—think poodle skirts, punch bowls… and a killer twist. Sunday, June 22: The Rolling Stones tribute band Crossfire Hurricane is back, and they’re bringing 11-year-old prodigy Marco Lamberti on drums. YES. REALLY. Limited seats — so if you like music, fun, and wine, book your seats now! 👉 Click here to RSVP
This Father’s Day, give Dad the best gift of all — quality time together and a day filled with music, food, and fun in the sun! Whether he’s a music lover, a foodie, or just enjoys being outdoors, there are plenty of exciting events happening in and around Fairfield County to make Sunday, June 15 truly unforgettable. This week’s lineup is dedicated to all the dads, stepdads, grandpas, and father figures who deserve a day to kick back and enjoy the spotlight! Sunday, June 15 Bridgeport: Josh A at Port 5(3pm) Branford: Branford Festival(8:00am-4:00pm) Danbury: City Center Chow-Down 2025(11:30 AM) East Haven: Father's Day Trolley Rides – Shore Line Trolley Museum (11-3pm) Fairfield: Three Way Street - Fairfield Sherman Green Gazebo(6:30-8:00 PM) Greenwich: CARNIVAL FUN! - St. Catherine of Siena Church (4pm) Harwinton: Robin Hood’s Medieval Faire®(10:30am-6:00pm) Newtown: Sip & Shimmy Belly Dancing at Aquila’s Nest Vineyards(12-2pm) Newtown: Tony & The West Siders LIVE at Aquila’s Nest Vineyards(2:30–5:30 PM) Newtown: Dueling Pianos with the Flying Ivories at Aquila’s Nest Vineyards(6-8pm) Newtown: Sonic 3(PG) (1PM) Newtown: Sal Grillo LIVE at Aquila’s Nest Vineyards(5:30-8:30 PM) Newtown: Fine Cigars Night at Aquila’s Nest Vineyards(6:30-8:30pm) Piermont, NY: Sunday Piano Brunch with Kevin Lovejoy at OTTO'S (12-2pm) Redding: Jen and Tonic LIVE at Redding Concert on the Green Series(6:00 pm - 8:00pm) Riverside, CT: CARNIVAL FUN!(4:00pm) Stamford: Comedian Trae Crowder at New York Comedy Club Stamford(7:00 pm) Shelton: Charlie Widmer at Jones Winery(2–4pm) Westport: Yankee Doodle Fair (1-5pm) Westport: Humbird at Levitt Pavilion(7:00pm) Monday, June 16 Norwalk: Back to Garden 1969 at Calf Pasture Beach (7:00 pm ) Stamford: Monday Night Mic at New York Comedy Club Stamford(7:30pm) Tuesday, June 17 Ridgefield: Christine Ohlman and Rebel Montez at Ballard Park(7:00 PM) Trumbull: Steve Elci and Friends LIVE at Trumbull's Kids Summer Concerts(10 am) Trumbull: Jukebox Hero’z at Trumbull Summer Concert Series(7:00 pm) Westport: Comedy Night #1: Pride Edition! at Levitt Pavilion (7:00 pm) Wednesday, June 18 Fairfield: BBMAK LIVE at StageOne in FTC(8 pm) Fairfield: Peanut Butter Jam Concert with Tom Weber at the Sherman Green Gazebo(10:15-11 am) New Canaan: The Tom Duffy Band at Waveny Park (7:30-9:30 pm) Piermont, NY : Columbian Jazz with Pablo Mayor Trio at OTTO'S (6-9pm) Redding: Tom Weber at Summer Acoustic Music at Topstone Park(2:00 pm) Southbury: The EcleKtics Concert at River Glen Health Care Center (6:30pm) Stamford: Happy Together Tour 2025 at The Palace Stamford(7:30 pm) Thursday, June 19 Bridgeport: Cruise Night – Port 5 (5pm) Danbury: City Center Chow-Down 2025(11:30 AM) Fairfield: The Girls at Sherman Green Gazebo (6:30-8 pm) Fairfield: Dana Fuchs Band LIVE at StageOne in FTC(8:00 PM) Greenwich: Billy & the Showmen at Music on the Great Lawn( 6:30 pm–8:00 pm) Litchfield: Nekita Waller & Band at Litchfield Summer Concert Series(6:00 pm - 8:00 pm) Milford: Shameless at Fridays After Five Concerts – Fowler Field( 6 pm) New Milford: Anchor Management + 9-Hole Mini Golf at Rock the Block ( 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm) Newtown: Astrology Reading Night - Aquila's Nest Vineyards (5pm) Newtown: Marc Huberman LIVE at Aquila’s Nest Vineyards(5:30 pm - 8:30 pm) Norwalk: Karaoke Night - SoNo 1420 America’s Maritime Distillery (7-9pm) Piermont, NY: Jazz Thursday with Kevin Lovejoy Trio at OTTO'S(6-9pm) Ridgefield: Liam Purcell and Cane Mill Road at Ridgefield’s Ballard Park(7 pm) Stamford: Comedian Noan Gardenswartz at New York Comedy Club Stamford(7pm) Westport: An Evening with Leon Timbo and Sug Daniels at Levitt Pavilion (7:30 pm) Friday, June 20 Bridgeport: The Two J's LIVE at Port 5(5:00-8:30 pm) Brookfield: The Blaney Brothers at Brookfield Town Hall(6:30pm) Bethlehem: Hazzard County at Friends Friday Summer Concerts at March Farm(6–8 PM) Danbury: The Men of Soul at City Center Green(7 pm - 9:30 pm) Fairfield: Daniel Glass Trio LIVE at StageOne in FTC(8:00 PM) Norwalk: Christopher Cavaliere LIVE at SONO 1420( 6:00pm - 9:00pm) Newtown: Bon Jovi Tribute Show at Aquila’s Nest Vineyards(6-9pm) Stamford: Comedian Dan Soder ("The Bonfire") at New York Comedy Club Stamford(7:00 pm - 9:30 pm) Shelton: Holley McCreary at Jones Winery(5–7pm) Westport: Madelyn Spera at Music on Church Lane (6:00pm – 9:00pm) Westport: Dogs in a Pile LIVE at Levitt Pavilion(7:30 PM) Saturday, June 21 East Haven: Irish Festivall (11:30am - 7:00pm) Fairfield: Make Music Fairfield at The Lot FTC(4pm) Harwinton: Robin Hood’s Medieval Faire®(10:30am-6:00pm) Mystic: Strawberry Festival At Olde Mistick Village(11:00am-6:00pm) Norwalk: Tie Dye Festival (11:00am-4:00pm) Newtown: Frandango LIVE at Aquila’s Nest Vineyards(2:30–5:30 PM) Stamford: Early Bird Comedy at New York Comedy Club Stamford(4:30pm) Stamford: Comedian Dan Soder ("The Bonfire") at New York Comedy Club Stamford(7:00 pm - 9:30 pm) Stamford: Summer Block Party at Stamford Town Center (12:00pm) Stamford: Meghan Patrick at The Palace Stamford(8pm) Westport: Theo Kandel with Katie Lynne Sharbaugh at Levitt Pavilion (7:00 pm) Westport: Picnic on the 4th of July at Music on Church Lane(6:00pm – 9:00pm)
Get ready, Connecticut— Roast Battle is back and fiercer than ever! The bi-coastal comedy sensation, as seen on Comedy Central, is bringing its no-holds-barred showdown to New York Comedy Club Stamford for one night only. Wednesday, June 11th at 7pm. Featuring Geo Yankey , Michael Angunbiade , and more of the sharpest joke writers in the game, this event is not for the faint of heart. Two comedians enter, one leaves hilariously humiliated. It’s brutal, it’s brilliant, and it’s absolutely not kid-friendly . Don’t miss the comedy clash of the summer. Come for the burns, stay for the belly laughs! 🎟️ Grab your tickets now before it sells out!
An exciting new event celebrating culture + community F airfield, CT -The first-ever Fairfield International Food Fest, known simply as The Fest, launches Saturday, August 30, 2025 (Labor Day Weekend) at Fairfield Theatre Company. This lively, family-friendly event will bring people together to enjoy global flavors, live music, local artistry, and engaging activities. Taking over the entire FTC campus - The Warehouse, StageOne, and The Lot - The Fest will feature standout bites like Korean bulgogi, Mexican ceviche, Vietnamese bánh mì, Thai dumplings, fresh mozzarella, British pot pie, and Greek gyros, along with international desserts including Italian ice, gelato, and more. Guests 21 and over can explore the Mezzanine Lounge in The Warehouse, where Kindred Spirits & Wine and Highland Imports will offer wine tastings from around the world. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit Operation Hope, a Fairfield-based nonprofit supporting those facing hunger and homelessness. "An international food fest with such a wide array of food, music, and activities is a welcome addition to life in Fairfield," said First Selectman Bill Gerber. "Hosting it at the Fairfield Theatre Company - right across from the train station - makes it easily accessible for families and food lovers from all over. I can't wait to attend!" Produced by ConnectFairfield, The Fest celebrates the diversity, creativity, and flavor that define our community.
Explore what’s happening this week in and around Fairfield County! Today kicks off a vibrant lineup of events including Pirates Day in Milford, the Little Poland Festival in New Britain, and Black Rock Day—plus several outdoor concert series launching for the season. Check out the full list below and start planning your week. And don’t forget: next weekend is shaping up to be a sweet one with Strawberry Festivals popping up across the region! This edition of “Things to Do” is proudly supported by SONO 1420 , America’s Maritime Distillery . Join them next Saturday for their 6th Anniversary Bash from 2–9 PM. For a more laid-back vibe, swing by on Friday nights for their ongoing Acoustic SONO Music Series —featuring great music, craft cocktails, and award-winning whiskey. Summer Concerts, Carnivals and Things to do from Sunday, June 8 – Saturday, June 14, 2025 Sunday, June 8 Bridgeport: Black Rock Day w/Simple Jim at Port 5(3pm) Fairfield: Fairfield's 9th Annual Car Show at Ludlowe High School(9:00am –3:00pm) Fairfield: Herman & Company at Sherman Green Gazebo (6:30-8 pm) Greenwich: Jumpin’ Jams at Tides + Tunes Summer Concerts(10:00 am) Greenwich: The Danned at Tides + Tunes Summer Concerts( 4:00 pm) Harwinton: Robin Hood’s Medieval Faire®(10:30am-6:00pm) Milford: 23rd Annual Pirate’s Day (8am – 2pm) Milford: New England Guitar Society at Firehouse Gallery (2pm) Mystic: Strawberry Festival At Olde Mistick Village(11:00am –6:00pm) Newtown/Sandy Hook: Valerie Rose at Aquila’s Nest Vineyards(2–5 PM) Newtown/Sandy Hook: Silent Disco Spring Party at Aquila's Nest Vineyards New Britain: Little Poland Festival (8:30am-7:00pm) Norwalk: Flag Day with the Fairfield Counts at Norwalk Green Summer Concerts(5:00 pm – 6:30 pm) Piermont, NY: Sunday Piano Brunch with Kevin Lovejoy at OTTO'S (12-3pm) Shelton: Canyon at Jones Winery( 2–4pm) Sherman: Unbroken Glass at Sherman Summer Concert Series(4:00pm – 7:00pm) Stamford: Comedians Salma Hindy, Erik Terrell, Derek Humphrey, DJ Collins at New York Comedy Club Stamford (7pm) Wilton: Georgetown Day(12:00pm –5:30pm) Monday, June 9 Stamford: Music and Variety Mic at New York Comedy Club Stamford (7:30 pm) Tuesday, June 10 Ridgefield: Cimarron 615 at Ballard Park (7 pm) Wednesday, June 11 Fairfield: Okkervil River & The Antlers in The Warehouse at FTC (8:00 pm) Piermont,NY : Retro Salsa with Pablo Mayor & Julio Salgado at OTTO'S (6-9 PM) Stamford: Roast Battle at New York Comedy Club Stamford (7pm) Thursday, June 12 Bridgeport: Ringo Starr at Hartford HealthCare Amp (7:30) Danbury: City Center Chow-Down 2025 – More Info (11:30 AM) Fairfield: Sachuest Beach at Sherman Green Gazebo (6:30-8 pm) Fairfield: Anna Moss W/ Kendra McKinley on StageOne at FTC (8:00 pm) Milford: Dance Party at Milford Arts Council with DynaMojo (7:30pm) Newtown: Michael Brandon at Aquila’s Nest Vineyards ( 5:30–8:30 PM) Piermont, NY: Jazz Thursday with Livia & Kevin Lovejoy at OTTO'S (6-9pm) Ridgefield: Amy Speace at Ballard Park (7 pm) Stamford: That's Fair Comedy at New York Comedy Club Stamford (7 pm) Westport: Bandits on the Run at Levitt Pavilion (7:30 pm) Friday, June 13 Bridgeport: Andy & Scott at Port 5 (5:30-8:30 pm) Brookfield: Bock & Blu LIVE at Brookfield's Concerts in the Park (6:30 pm) Branford: Branford Festival - More Info ( 5:00pm - 10:00pm) Fairfield: Ellis Island & Clear Blue Soul at The Warehouse in FTC (8:00 PM) Fairfield: Sand Jam Movie Night at Jennings Beach featuring Cinderella (8:45pm) Greenwich: Harf . at Tides + Tunes (4:00 pm) Litchfield: Scott Hopkins Band at Litchfield Summer Concert Series (6:00 pm - 8:00 pm) Milford: Rum Runners at Fowler Field's Fridays After Five Concerts (6 pm) Newtown/Sandy Hook: Round Two Acoustical Duo LIVE at Aquila’s Nest Vineyards (5:30 pm - 8:30 pm) Newtown: DRIVE-IN MOVIE – Friday the 13th (R) at Edmond Town Hall (9pm) Norwalk: Anthony Gadaleta LIVE at SONO 1420 (6:00 pm-9:00 pm) Piermont, NY: Billy Stritch at Otto’s (6-9 pm) Stamford: Beer Garden at Stamford Museum & Nature Center (6:30pm) Stamford: Comedian Matthew Broussard at New York Comedy Club Stamford (7-9:30 pm) Westport: Owen Daniel & The Breakers at Music on Church Lane (6:00pm – 9:00pm) Saturday, June 14 Branford: Branford Festival - More Info (8:00am-10:00pm) Bethany: CT Local Palooza - More Info (11:30am) Cheshire: Cheshire Strawberry Festival and Craft Fair - More Info (10;00am- 4:00pm) Croton-On-Hudson, NY: Hudson River Music Festival (10 am- 9pm) Danbury: 2025 Danbury Street Festival - More Info (12:00pm-6:00pm) Fairfield: Simple Jim at Sherman Green Gazebo (6:30-8 pm) Fairfield: Spafford at The Warehouse in FTC (7pm) Fairfield: Larry Campbell & Teresa Williams W/ Lilly Hiatt at StageOne in FTC (8pm) Harwinton: Robin Hood’s Medieval Faire® - More Info & Ticket (10:30am –6:00pm) Middlefield: Strawberry Festival at Lyman Orchards (10am –4:00pm) Monroe: Strawberry Festival at Monroe Congregational Church (10:00am –5:00pm) Newtown/Sandy Hook: Herman & Company at Aquila’s Nest Vineyards (2:30–5:30 PM) Newtown/Sandy Hook: Mom & Dad Prom DJ Bingo at Aquila's Nest Vineyards 6PM) Newtown: DRIVE-IN MOVIE – Friday the 13th (R) at Edmond Town Hall (9pm) Norwalk: Juneteenth Celebration at Norwalk Green Living ( 12:00pm – 4:00pm) Norwalk: SONO 1420 Anniversary Bash (2-9om) Croton-On-Hudson NY: Hudson River Music Festival - More Info (10:00am- 9:00pm) Orange: Strawberry Festival at Orange Congregational Church (9:00am-5:00pm) Stamford: Comedian Matthew Broussard at New York Comedy Club Stamford (7 pm-9 pm) Stamford: KIDZ BOP LIVE: Certified Bop Tour - The Palace Stamford Theatre! (1:00 pm & 6:00 pm) Weston: Adam Ezra Group at the Music in the Meadow concerts ( 6 pm) Westport: Steve Keith at Music on Church Lane (6:00pm – 9:00pm) Windsor: 43 Annual Strawbery Festival & Craft Fair - South Windsor (9:00am –5:00pm) Westport: Garth. at Levitt Pavilion (7:30 pm) Wilton: Jon DeLucia at Brubeck Room – Wilton Library (7-8:30pm)
RuPaul’s Drag Race contestant Loosey LaDuca and Pose actor Indya Moore are joining Greater Bridgeport Pride on June 21 to celebrate 15 years of Pride in the Park City. Loosey is this year’s headline performer, and Moore will serve as the festival’s keynote speaker, at GBP’s Unity in the Park centerpiece event at Wheeler Park, happening 3-8 p.m. Loosey LaDuca competed on RuPaul’s Drag Race season 15 and is known for theatrical lip syncs and her viral hit song “Let Loose,” plus her impersonations of Dolly Parton and Joan Rivers. A native of Ansonia, Loosey was among the first Drag Race contestants from Connecticut. “It’s such an honor to have a Connecticut She-ro, Loosey LaDuca, as our headlining performer at Unity in the Park this year,” said Jason A. Coombs, Greater Bridgeport Pride co-chair and a board member of GBP’s presenting organization, the Bridgeport Pride Center. “Loosey is not only such a dynamic, engaging and divine performer, but also a wonderful and kind human being who uplifts the community!” Indya Moore (they/them and she/her) is an actor, writer, director, model and social activist. After their breakout role as Angel on the groundbreaking FX series Pose, Moore was named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world in 2019 and became the first transgender person to be featured on the cover of Elle magazine’s U.S. edition. Moore is appearing in the indie thriller Ponyboi, which premiered to critical acclaim at Sundance Film Festival 2024 and arrives in theaters June 27. Coombs: “To have someone as inspiring, brave and passionate about social justice as Indya Moore as our speaker headliner at our Unity in the Park event is iconic and truly a gift to the Greater Bridgeport Community. I’m so excited to hear her words resonate through Bridgeport and inspire all of us to continue the fight for equality and inclusion for all members of our community and the global majority!” The Unity in the Park event also will feature two hosts for the first time in its history: Drag Race season 10 contestant Yuhua Hamasaki, and drag queen Xiomarie LaBeija, a Bridgeport native. Yuhua was a headline performer at last year’s Greater Bridgeport Pride and has appeared on numerous programs, including Saturday Night Live with Katy Perry. She has won multiple pageant titles, including Miss Fire Island, Miss Stonewall and Miss Asia NYC. Xiomarie, known as Connecticut’s plus-sized dancing diva, has hosted the two previous Unity in the Park events. She is the state’s chapter mother of the legendary House of LaBeija drag family and an organizer of New Haven Black Pride, happening June 14. More event speakers and performers, plus the march’s grand marshals, will be announced in the lead-up to the big day June 21. GREATER BRIDGEPORT PRIDE 2025 SCHEDULE 12-6 p.m. OUTwork art show (City Lights Gallery) 2-3 p.m. Pride March (1 p.m. lineup on Broad Street steps) 3-8 p.m. Unity in the Park (Wheeler Park) 10 p.m. Queer Dance Party (Trevi Lounge, Fairfield) Greater Bridgeport Pride, presented by the nonprofit Bridgeport Pride Center, returns as a single day of activities on June 21. The festival’s hallmark Pride March will officially kick off the day’s events at 2 p.m. Marchers will begin lining up at 1 p.m. at the painted steps at Broad and Elm streets, travel through downtown Bridgeport and finish at Wheeler Park. Unity in the Park begins at 3 p.m. in Wheeler Park, at the corner of Golden Hill Street and Lafayette Square. The free event will include about 40 local vendors, food trucks, community and health services providers, games, and performances. Bar service, provided by Trevi Lounge, will be available for guests ages 21 and older with valid ID. VIP tickets (21+ only) are available starting at $50 and include priority seating near the stage, a goodie bag, and VIP-only bar service. Higher tiers also feature a meet-and-greet with headline performer Loosey LaDuca. The VIP tickets can be found on Eventbrite. City Lights Gallery, the longtime former operator of Greater Bridgeport Pride, remains at the heart of the festival. The gallery’s signature art exhibit OUTwork, which became the first-ever LGBTQ+ art exhibit in Fairfield County in 2010, will debut its 2025 edition during GBP. OUTwork explores gender, queer life, love and relationships, social justice, personal stories, and more. The gallery will be open 12-6 p.m. at 265 Golden Hill St. Greater Bridgeport Pride 2025 will conclude with a thrilling After Party at Trevi Lounge, located at 548 Kings Hwy Cutoff in neighboring Fairfield. This DJ dance party will begin in earnest at 10 p.m. with a featured performance from artist and GBP founder Ricky Mestre. In addition to a dazzling array of events, Greater Bridgeport Pride unveiled its first-ever theme: I AM. “I AM reclaims space for our voices, stories, and existence, reinforcing that we are here, we are valid, and we are proud,” said GBP co-chair Stephanie Saujon. A public campaign with the I AM theme launched in early April. For direct updates and information about Greater Bridgeport Pride, follow @bridgeport_pride and @bridgeportpridecenter on Instagram or visit www.BridgeportPrideCenter.org . Interested in volunteering, vending, performing, marching, or other involvement with Greater Bridgeport Pride? Visit GBP’s Linktree at linktr.ee/BptPride for various sign-up sheets and contact forms, or visit Bridgeport Pride Center at its physical location in downtown Bridgeport at 116 Elm Street. ABOUT GREATER BRIDGEPORT PRIDE A community-based event celebrating diversity and inclusivity, Greater Bridgeport Pride seeks to raise awareness of the vibrant local LGBTQ+ community, offer a platform for creative expression, and connect the community to work opportunities for queer creatives. Greater Bridgeport Pride began in 2010 when artist Ricky Mestre approached City Lights Gallery to host the first-ever LGBTQ+ art exhibit in Fairfield County. Now organized under the Bridgeport Pride Center, GBP maintains a diverse and dedicated steering committee of LGBTQ+ artists, professionals and community advocates involved in the greater Bridgeport area and Fairfield County. GBP believes in communities that embrace everyone, regardless of whom they love or how they identify. Through education, events and support, GBP strives to build understanding, acceptance, and a sense of belonging. Our goal is to create a future where every person can be proud of who they are and live without fear or discrimination. GBP’s planning committee received the Futures Award at the 2024 Connecticut Voice Honors.