Smokebomb Mondays To Play Arts & Ideas Festival June 25

By JOHN VOKET

Published: Jun 17, 2011 12:00 am

Smokebomb Mondays To Play

Arts & Ideas Festival June 25

By John Voket

A group of Newtown High School sophomores isnât blowing smoke when they say their horn-driven ska and alternative rock band will be playing on the same stage as internationally acclaimed Yo-Yo Ma and dozens of other music stars as part of the 2011 International Festival of Arts & Ideas (www.ArtIdea.org).

Smokebomb Mondays recently won the opportunity to headline the New Haven Greenâs Elm Stage at the popular arts festival, and will play a 4:45 pm showcase on Saturday, June 25. Members Liam Reynolds, Jonah McKeown, Harrison Buzzi, Pat Milano, Danny Bittman, Tim Eames and Matt Spencer earned the honor by taking first place in the CT Association of Schools Bandjam, held on Friday, May 20, at Darien High School.

Eight top bands from around the state competed, but the high intensity ensemble from Newtown, which combines original songs and popular covers into a fusion of reggae, jazz, blues and punk, came away the winner.

The grand prizes for winning include three hours of professional recording studio time, gift cards from Sam Ash Music Stores, and the set at the International Festival of Arts and Ideas. Besides the bandâs top honor in the competition, Smokebombâs drummer Matt Spencer walked away with one of the Bandjamâs outstanding musicianship awards.

Learn more about the group by following them on Facebook or see Smokebomb Mondays winning performance from the Bandjam on YouTube at www.youtube.com/watch?v=B82A3d2CsTg.

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The voters certainly spoke — and I respect the outcome — but let’s not forget that a “majority” doesn’t mean everyone agreed. Many of us are deeply concerned about the rising cost of living here. Supporting schools and services is important, but so is ensuring that residents can afford to stay in the town they love. We all want Newtown to be a great place to live, but lately, it’s starting to feel less like “Nicer in Newtown” and more like “More Expensive in Newtown.” That’s not sustainable, and it’s not a criticism of the town itself — it’s a call for responsible budgeting and long-term planning that doesn’t rely on tax increases year after year. I hope future decisions will reflect not just the desire to maintain services, but also the need to ease the financial burden on residents.

Budget, Capital Projects Pass: Officials Respond

I appreciate the passion behind this message, and I absolutely understand the desire to invest in our town. That said, I voted no — not because I don't care about Newtown, but because I do. Fiscal responsibility is not about ignoring problems, it’s about making sure we address them in a sustainable and transparent way. It’s frustrating to feel like every year there’s a new “urgent” reason to raise taxes, with little serious effort to curb spending or prioritize needs. I worry this just sets the stage for another round of increases next year. That doesn't mean I’m against education, safety, or our town’s future — it means I believe in accountability and in asking tough questions about how our money is managed. Voting no wasn't a rejection of Newtown — it was a call for more thoughtful, balanced leadership. I hope future conversations can include all perspectives, not just those willing to write a bigger check.

The Voters Chose Newtown

The voters spoke, loud and clear that they support our schools and municipal services. The majority vote was a mandate to keep delivering well rated education services and keep it" Nicer in Newtown."

Great effort by the those who attended to shine a light on the attacks on Democracy. Thanks for the article so all can understand whats happening.

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Thank you LeReine, for speaking out about this. The list of public servants who are unfairly targeted for abuse just for doing their jobs has been growing. It is a testament to the power of propaganda that otherwise good and well-meaning people can get so emotional as to act out in this way.

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Smokebomb Mondays To Play Arts & Ideas Festival June 25

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