Aldrich Museum Announces

New Stage A Performance Series

RIDGEFIELD — The Aldrich Contemporary Art museum’s galleries may be closed for construction until June 13, but its performing art series Stage A is very much alive with performances and readings by singer and songwriter Richard Thompson, jazz songstress Cassandra Wilson, past U.S. Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky, acclaimed author Jonathan Frazen, and NPR radio host Ira Glass.

 Programs will be at  The Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge Avenue.

Richard Thompson will open the new Stage A series on Friday, March 19, at 8 pm. Recently listed at 19th on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the World’s 100 Greatest Guitarists, the critically acclaimed singer-songwriter will be performing a solo show. Tickets are $35.

Past U.S. Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky, who also served as juror for the 2003 Annual Aldrich Poetry Competition, will introduce this years’ winning poets of the competition on Sunday, March 21, at 4 pm.

This is the one Stage A performance scheduled to take place at Ridgefield Library, 472 Main Street (Route 35).

The winning poets — Mark Conway and Cameron K. Gearen — will give a reading, with a reception following, at which time the chapbook published for this event will be available for purchase. Admission is a suggested $5.

Stage A returns to Ridgefield Playhouse when Cassandra Wilson, who has been recognized as an unequaled jazz singer for a new generation, performs on Wednesday, March 24, at 8 pm. Tickets are $55.

Ms Wilson’s distinctive style and daring aesthetic have earned her wide recognition, including chart-topping albums, a Grammy and countless accolades, such as Time magazine’s 2001 pick for America’s Best Singer.

National Book Award winner and frequent contributor to The New Yorker Jonathan Franzen is the author of The Corrections, which was selected for Oprah’s Book Club.

Mr Franzen will give a reading on Thursday, April 1, at 8 pm. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for students.

Ira Glass will perform “Lies, Sissies, and Fiascoes: Notes on Making a New Kind of Radio,” on Saturday, April 17, at 8 pm. Tickets are $35.

Mr Glass is the award-winning host and prodcuer of the documentary radio program “The American Life,” heard on over 400 public radio stations each week by over 1.4 million people.

To purchase tickets for any of these special events contact the Aldrich Museum, 203-438-4519.