your love is like a rose I love watching it blossom each day another petal opens revealing a sliver of your beautiful heart
day after glorious day we grow closer soon very soon it will be in full bloom our worlds will come together our story’s will become a story written on the same page two individual souls with one heart beat
two distinct beings capable of shining on their own melded together as an example for all no typical union
I will love and worship you all the days of my life and beyond I will love you as I have never loved before I give you my heart and ask nothing in return I offer my support in times of need I love and accept you as you are my true love
Click here to see Christine Ohlman’s Summer-Fall Line-up!
This queen of blue-eyed rock n’ soul grew up loving equally the sweetness of a Memphis horn line and the raunch of an electric guitar riff, whether played by Muddy Waters, Keith Richards, or Pop Staples. Teased her blonde hair into a beehive in honor of Ronnie Spector and never looked back, picking up a guitar and forging a career as a songwriter in the process. She’s the current, long-time vocalist with the Saturday Night Live Band, whose latest CD, 2010’sThe Deep End, was honored on five national Top Ten lists and features special guests/duet partners Ian Hunter, Dion DiMucci, and Marshall Crenshaw, plus Levon Helm, GE Smith, Andy York, Eric “Roscoe” Ambel, Catherine Russell, Big Al Anderson and others. Ohlman’s legendary voice and presence were featured most recently at the 2102 Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Concert in Cleveland (filmed by HBO) and the 2012 Carnegie Hall tribute to the Rolling Stones, as well as on SNL’s 25th Anniversary telecast; Bob Dylan’s 30th Anniversary bash at The Garden (with George Harrison, Chrissie Hynde, and others); the Obama Inaugural Gala in Washington, D.C.; The Lincoln Center “American Songbook” series with Sting, Lou Reed and Van Dyke Parks; the 2011 WC Handy Festival (dueting with Bonnie Bramlett); and the Central Park Summerstage Tribute To Janis Joplin (where she fronted both Big Brother & The Holding Company and the Kozmic Blues Band).
She appears on Grammy nominees A Tribute To Howlin’ Wolf (with Taj Mahal and Lucinda Williams) and Charlie Musselwhite’s One Night In America (with Marty Stuart); sings the theme song for NBC’s 30 Rock; worked on a musical with the late Cy Coleman (who compared her sense of timing to Peggy Lee’s); duets live whenever possible with blues giant Hubert Sumlin (as she had with the late Eddie Kirkland) as well as with the aforementioned Miss Spector, Americana stalwart Paul Thorn and New Orleans legends The Subdudes (she joins The ‘Dudes, BB King, Irma Thomas, Richard Thompson and others on Get You A Healin’ to benefit the New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic); guested during the 2010 Jazz & Heritage Fest’s “Down On The Bayou II” with Widespread Panic’s JoJo Hermann, again to benefit The Clinic, and headlined 2011’s “Down On The Bayou III” with Mac Rebennack, Irma Thomas and others); collaborated on critically-acclaimed tracks with Marshall Crenshaw (Labour Of Love: The Music of Nick Lowe), Big Al Anderson (Pawn Shop Guitars), and Ian Hunter (both Shrunken Heads and his upcoming 2012 release); edited legendary Rolling Stones producer Andrew Loog Oldham’s autobiography 2Stoned and is a cover-story-writing contributor to Elmore Magazine; and worked with Bonnie Raitt, Ry Cooder & others on the Rhythm & Blues Foundation Awards–all the while continuing to torch clubs up and down the Eastern Seaboard in support of her recordings (Strip, The Hard Way, Radio Queen, Wicked Time, 2008 career retrospective Re-Hive, 2010’s aforementioned The Deep End, and 2011 concert DVD Live Hive) with her band Rebel Montez (Michael Colbath-bass; Cliff Goodwin-guitar; Larry Donahue-drums). “I’ve come here tonight to set your souls on fire,” she’ll tell an audience. And she will.
Selected Review Quotes/ “The Deep End”
“There are so many ‘wow’ moments”- Dave Marsh, SIRIUS/XM Radio personality / Rolling Stone editor emeritus
“The Beehive Queen has never sounded better”- Andrew Loog Oldham, Producer, The Rolling Stones / SIRIUS/XM Radio personality
“Whatever she touches becomes soulful and passionate. Ohlman always sounds like her born-to-be-bad self, belting out songs like the spitfire she is. It’s that swagger combined with tenderness that makes her so compelling…the perfect balance of raw soul and gutsy rock. Perhaps the most powerful and potent moment is the title track, a gospel-infused swamp ballad that seems autobiographical, especially when she sings that she’s ‘hard to handle, the excitable kind/take off runnin’ when I could’ve walked.’ Ohlman never flinches from the hard stuff and throughout The Deep End, she dives in like the classic soul kings and queens she idolizes.” – Hal Horowitz, The All Music Guide
“Ohlman and Rebel Montez concoct a Soul atmosphere as thick and palpable as a humid Southern night. Ohlman’s voice is a dusky, supple thing of dark Soul beauty, like a genre splice of Dusty Springfield and Delbert McClinton. She sells the album’s handful of covers with aching authenticity, from her duets with Marshall Crenshaw on the Marvin Gaye/Mary Wells classic “What’s the Matter with You Baby” and with the incomparable Dion on “Cry Baby Cry.” But the standouts on The Deep End are Ohlman’s stunning originals, which blister and soothe in equal measure.”- Brian Baker, Cincinnati CityBeat
“The Deep End insists on telling the truth until it alters perceptions of love and loss and how it all works, especially when it falls apart so tragically as that which produced this work of art. Here comes the sun, healing and transcendent.” –www.thebluegrassspecial.com
“The husky-voiced singer is a full-package talent, a dynamic rocker who draws on soul and blues in ways that give her music a classic feel even as it pulses with her own personality. Make no mistake: If Ian Hunter, Dion DiMucci, Marshall Crenshaw, Levon Helm, G.E. Smith, Big Al Anderson, and Eric Ambel draw you into The Deep End, it’s Ohlman who ends up making the biggest impression. As in: ‘Wow’.” – Nick Cristiano, Philadelphia Inquirer (syndicated/185 markets)
“She of the beehive hairdo and the Saturday Night Live Band brings the ringing endorsement of Charlie Musselwhile to her excitedly sung and enjoyable roots-rock songs”- Downbeat
“Ohlman turns out the best blue-eyed soul of her career…’The Gone of You’ fully exhibits how much grief a blues-drenched heart can bear. The whole history of soul music can be heard here, reflected in a passionate life–or two.” – Dave Marsh, Rock & Rap Confidential
“As a singer, Ohlman makes each song sound like a prime cut on a jukebox in a Memphis barbecue joint. Hit(s) the sweet spot, straight and true.” –Vintage Guitar Magazine
“Expect this album to pepper a few best-of lists in December.” –Bill Holmes, www.popmatters.com
“Christine Ohlman and her band Rebel Montez have just released their sixth studio album, The Deep End, to what will undoubtedly be rave critical acclaim. Let it begin here. It’s staggering!” – Reb Landers, www.thealternateroot.com
“The record, like any good bit of love, has layers: not so much warning as honest admission – or perhaps understanding – of love’s varied means and ends.” –Kim Ruehl, NoDepression.com
“Christine Ohlman writes and sings about human interactions, from irresistible sex to true love and, ultimately, unbelievable loss. There’s never a doubt that Ohlman is singing from an experienced heart.” – Kay Cordtz, Elmore Magazine
“Her sound combines the romanticism of Brill Building pop and horn-fed Stax muscle into a potent rock ‘n’ roll stew. Ohlman’s band is similarly road-tested (the bass of Michael Colbath is particularly notable).” - www.hyperbolium.com
“If you give “The Deep End” a spin, you’ll be an Ohlman fan for life. (4 stars)” – The Daily News, McKeesport, PA (Pittsburgh Metro)
“Don’t let the beehive hair or glammed-up persona fool you. Christine Ohlman can deliver the goods. With a delivery that carries all the joy of early rock and roll, Ohlman owns the voice of choice for every style – Blues Revue - June/July 2010
“A perfect concoction of musicianship and road weary soaked vocals….making the disc a solid listen is the wonderful group of musicians, Rebel Montez, who really add an exceptional backing groove to these 15 tracks and gives it an A-plus sheen. The Deep End is a diamond in the rough.” – Carl Cortez, iF Magazine
“Ohlman exudes rock and soul authenticity from her wailing vocals to her beehive hairdo..a confident, cool and street-savy diva.” – M Music and Musicians (successor to Performing Songwriter)
CHRISTINE OHLMAN PERFORMS THE TITLE TRACK to “The Deep End”
CHECK OUT THE VIDEO FOR Christine Ohlman’s “LOVE MAKE YOU DO STUPID THINGS” feat. special guest Eric “Roscoe” Ambel of the Del Lords:
State Rep. Dan Carter Kicks Off Campaign With Full House at Greenwood’s
State Rep. Dan Carter, center, stands with members of the Republican Town Committee Paul Improta and Bill Hillman, right, and Mr. and Mrs. Paul Szatkowski, Bethel Selectman, left, at his campaign kickoff fundraiser. Photo credit: Wendy Mitchell
Dozens of supporters came out to Greenwood’s Grille and Ale House Thursday evening to kick off State Representative Dan Carter’s campaign for re-election. Fresh off the heels of Obama’s speech regarding Rep. Carter opened the evening with a few words about this change will affect each and every one of us and that changes need to be made on a state and national level to help those who are struggling. Carter said his top priority continues to be improving the economy.
“Every town is experiencing vacant storefronts and the impact of the poor economy; it’s not just Bethel,” Carter said. “I will continue to work on the with the Economic Development Commission on ways to create more jobs.”
In the 2011 legislative session, Rep. Carter joined Republican leadership to create the “no tax increase” budget as an alternative to the Democrats’ budget that included the historic $1.8 billion tax increase. He has been very active in the fight against overspending, tax increases and initiatives that inhibit job growth, according to his website.
Rep. Carter has joined legislators in the House and Senate to support bi-partisan legislation aimed at giving small businesses the assistance they need to grow and create jobs.
Rep. Carter served as a pilot in Saudi Arabia in Operation Desert Storm, two tours over war-torn Bosnia through NATO and served missions supporting this country’s drug interdiction program in Central America. His military dedication earned him the Meritorious Service Medal. Rep. Carter served his country as an Air Force reservist. He also volunteers his time on behalf of the Air Force to mentor students interested in pursuing military careers. Rep. Carter is a proud member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Aircraft Owner’s and Pilots Association.
Rep. Carter resides in Bethel with his two children.
Local Artist Launches “Pop Up Art” Exhibit in Bethel
Hang around Molten Java in downtown Bethel for long enough and you are sure to encounter Michael Seri; an artistic-looking fellow with paint splattered pants, a scruffy beard and a very interesting story to tell. Housepainter by day, sculptor and poet by night, Seri has lived a lifetime of hard knocks. A former drug addict, an Army veteran and self-taught artist, Seri said when he first began writing poetry while in prison for a crime he did not commit.
Seri was accused of exposing himself in front of a 15-year-old Girl Scout in the Newtown Public Library, a Class C felony. He went on the Connecticut Sexual Offenders list and was barred form being around even his family members’ children. His conviction was overturned only because of the help of his uncle, a retired FBI-agent whose investigation exposed flaws in the police case, according to Seri. Seri said when he was under investigation; the girl described the culprit as having a very different physical description than himself. The girl also failed to pick Seri out of a police lineup and his fingerprints did not match prints lifted from two books found at the crime scene. After one day of testimony a jury convicted Seri of risk of injury to a minor, a felony, and two misdemeanors. He spent the next six months at a maximum security prison, locked down most of the day.
He began writing poetry to pass the time and read books. Seri was released from prison in 2002 and soon after found that the real criminal for the crime was arrested for committing the same crime. The man, who had a history of arrests for public indecency at libraries in Fairfield, New Milford, Brookfield and Newtown, was prosecuted and Seri’s name was cleared.“I didn’t realize there was an artist in me [until it all came flowing out],” he said.
On June 30th Seri, along with 24 other local artists, is displaying some of his works at his newest exhibit, Pop Up Art Bethel.Pop Up Art Bethel is the brainchild of Seri, who was inspired to create the exhibit after a trip to Las Vegas. In Vegas, Seri said, artists get together on Friday evenings to show their work, socialize and network. “I went to a pop up art show in Vegas and the seed was planted,” Seri said. “It brings artists together and is a great way for artists to showcase their work.”
The concept is “to move from town to town to bring new life to empty storefronts,” Seri said. “With the economy the way it is there are so many vacant storefronts that are desolate because of the recession. This is a way to bring it new life, bring people together and revitalize communities. And if it is successful it can turn into a full-time gallery.”
The artists’ works are an eclectic array of mixed media in a range of styles and genres including sculpture, charcoal drawings, paintings, photography and pottery. Two graffiti artists, Kenny Hess and Justin Buto, have their work on display, in the form of a large mural on one of the walls of the gallery. Pop Up Art Bethel is the first of many temporary art exhibits Seri said. The temporary gallery space is located at 262 Greenwood Ave., in the former location of Kara Signs.
Frank Kara, owner of Kara signs, is also an artist and will be exhibiting his pottery. The month-long show in Bethel runs from Saturday June 30th through July 30th. The opening reception on Saturday June 30th features Frank Kara’s three-piece jazz band, Tonal Eclipse. Wine and food will be served at the reception, courtesy of Stone River Grille in Sandy Hook, Seri’s brother’s new restaurant.. The reception on Saturday is from 2-5:00 p.m. Gallery hours for the month of July are as follows: Thursday-Sunday, June 30-July 30, 2-9:30 p.m.
Seri describes his artwork as “contemporary, avante garde and sophisticated.” His company, Detritus Art & Design, sells unique creations from found objects. When Seri first became interested in creating artwork he was noticing how many people were into still lifes and boring realistic artwork.
“I said to myself, ‘there has to be more to art than still life,’” he said.
His first piece was a coffee table he made out of an old barn door.
“It was taken from a hundred year old barn so I left the paint peeling, poured epoxy over it and kept the door knob on there- it sold a week later,” Seri said.
“Art starts in one place and I never know where it is going to end up.”
His current exhibit, Pop Up Art Bethel, will be on display at 262 Greenwood Avenue in Bethel from June 30-July 30, 2012.
For more information, contact Michael Seri, Pop Up Art Productions (PUAP), 203-512-9129.
Firecrackers, Firecrackers, Boom Boom Boom! This Season’s Local Displays
Photo contributed.
“Freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men and so it must be daily earned and refreshed – else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die.” ~Dwight D. Eisenhower
This weekend many area towns will celebrate our nation’s independence with July 4th fireworks celebrations. Below is a listing of just a few–
Friday, June 29
Town of Oxford Quaker Farms Fireworks Display will be held at Great Oak High School at 9:45p.m., 50 Great Oak Road, Oxford, CT.
Saturday, June 30
The Danbury Volunteer Fireman’s Council is hosting their annual fireworks display at the Danbury Town Park over Candlewood Lake, 36 Hayestown Rd., Danbury. Hayestown Road. Roads will be blocked off at Hayestown Ave. across from St. Gregory’s Church as well as Hayestown by North Street. Shuttle busses will be available at two locations: North Street parking lot and St. Gregory’s Church parking lot on Great Plain road in Danbury. Shuttle busses begin at approximately 8:30p.m. and the fireworks begin after dark, at approximately 9:00p.m.
Tuesday, July 3
The Danbury Fair Mall hosts fireworks at the Danbury Municipal Airport. Fireworks display begins at dark. Rain date is July 5th. Viewers can park in the parking lot of the Danbury Fair Mall.
The Town of Westport’s fireworks display is hosted by the Police Athletic Stadium and held at Compo Beach at 9:15 p.m. The rain date is July 5th.
Wednesday July 4
For a unique fireworks experience, check out Quassy Amusement Park ay 8:00p.m., Middlebury Road, Middlebury, CT. Their special 3-D fireworks presentation goes to benefit Prevent Blindness Tri-State. The event is being sponsored by Naugatuck Savings Bank, Gibraltar Pools, Price Chopper and Pepsi.
The Town of Ridgefield is holding their annual fireworks display at Ridgefield High School at 9:00p.m., 700 North Salem Road Ridgefield, CT. Rain date is July 7th.
Washington- Shepaug Region #12 School South St, 9:15pm
Town of Wilton, Wilton High School Athletic Complex, 9:00p.m., Wilton, CT.
Saturday July 7
Town of New Milford – Fort Hill/Still Meadow 9: 30pm, presented by The Greater New Milford Chamber of Commerce. The fireworks will start at 9:30 p.m., launched from over Still Meadow on Fort Hill Road.
The Lion’s Club is sponsoring a carnival July 5 from 6 to 10 p.m.; July 6 from 6 to 11 p.m.; and July 7 from 5 p.m. until 10:30p.m. at Young’s Field on Young’s Field Road. Tickets for rides will cost $1 each. A book of 28 will cost $25 or can pay $20 for a wrist band to ride the rides July 5 only.
The southern crossover of the Green and Bank Street will be closed from 2:30 p.m. until after the fireworks. Bank Street will be closed from 3:30 p.m. until after the fireworks show. Fort Hill Road, Peagler Hill and Town View Road will also be closed to traffic during the fireworks display.
Registration Now Open for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Light The Night Walk To Help Fund Lifesaving Research
Each participant carries an illuminated balloon during the Walk. Red for supporters, White for Survivors and Gold for loved ones lost. Photo contributed.
June 25, 2012 – Registration is open to join The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Light The Night® Walk onSaturday, September 29, 2012 at Newtown Youth Academy, Fairfield Hills Campus, Newtown, CT. Please join us to help build awareness for the over 1,012,533people in the United States living with a blood cancer.
Light The Night, LLS’s annual fundraising walk held in communities throughout the country, features teams of co-workers, families and friends walking together at twilight holding illuminated balloons – white for survivors, red for supporters and gold to remember those who have died. The Walk, which commemorates lives touched by blood cancers, is a celebration, with music, refreshments and family activities. This years walk will be held on Saturday, September 29, 2012 at Newtown Youth Academy, Fairfield Hills Campus, Newtown, CT. Festivities will begin at 5:00pm.
“Light The Night is the nation’s opportunity to pay tribute to lives touched by blood cancer,” said Jeannie Montano, Executive Director. “We are grateful to all of our participants for supporting this lifesaving program. The funds raised help LLS support cutting-edge research and provide much-needed patient services.”
Last year, participants in Light The Night Walk raised more than $51 million nationwide. For more information or to register for a local Walk, contact the Connecticut Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at 203-665-1400 or visitwww.lightthenight.org/ct
Every walker who raises $100* or more will become a Champion For Cures and will be recognized on the night of the Walk with:
-A Light The Night t-shirt
- An illuminated Light The Night balloon in red (supporters), white (survivors) or
gold (in memory of a loved one)
- A wristband which entitles the wearer to food and refreshments
Be a Champion For Cures and let everyone know you’re helping cure cancer!
Summer Promotion: Between July 1, 2012 and August 31, 2012 when participants raise funds online ($250 or more), they will be rewarded with redeemable dinner codes through restaurant.com. The promotion applies to funds raised for Light The Night Walk, online in the months of July and August only.
About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society ® (LLS) is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services.
Founded in 1949 and headquartered in White Plains, NY, LLS has chapters throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more, visitwww.LLS.org or contact the Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. www.lls.org.
:: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society – CT Chapter | 372 Danbury Rd., Ste. 200, Wilton, CT 06897
