The Eighth Annual Newtown Arts Festival, sponsored by Newtown Cultural Arts Commission, drew nearly 5,000 people from in and out of town to enjoy three days of art, from September 20-22, at Fairfield Hills.

Volunteers wearing decorative heart T-shirts, designed by local artist Paula Brinkman, worked tirelessly to make a memorable weekend that not only brought the community together and supported local art, but inspired the creative hearts and minds of all in attendance.

Nighttime Tunes

As the sun began to set last Friday evening, the kickoff party was just beginning for the 2019 Newtown Arts Festival on September 20. Guests navigated through the Wine & Beer Garden, noshed on food truck delights, and took their seats on hay bales and fold out chairs in front of the concert’s stage.

Musicians Chris Daly and Conor Brennan opened the show with a roaring good time that brought attendees to their feet to feel the music.

The duo played a mix of cover songs and originals that showcased Mr Daly’s powerful vocal pipes.

When the band went to thank the crowd and exit the stage at the end of their set, fans yelled out “one more song,” to which they obliged.

The evening’s headliner, Merchants of Rhythm — David Wheeler, Freddie “Fredo” Merrill, Dave Boyle, Butch Bochino, Chris Durham, and John Zulli — got things grooving during their set and were later joined by special guest Jim Allyn.

Among those out in the audience was Mr Merrill’s 4-year-old daughter, Rosalie, who proudly supported her dad’s music by doing enthusiastic twirls and twists, dancing in the grass.

Newtown resident Connie Widmann also danced the night away and between sets and told The Newtown Bee, “I love the Arts Festival… [Chris Daly and Conor Brennan] are super talented. I came to support them and The Merchants of Rhythm.”

Festival Fun

Walking into the festival on Saturday and Sunday, patrons were faced with the difficult choice of where to begin.

Large sculpture exhibits of metal work and seashell creations enticed the sights of people passing by, the sounds from the Entertainment Stage beckoned to the ears of all musical tastes, and the Dance Pavilion caused people’s jaws to drop from the athletic feats.

In between these spots were vendors in tents selling everything from photography and jewelry to hula hoops and board games. There were also multiple craft areas for all ages where people could make fiber art, science experiments, and more.

Ms Brinkman manned the tables where attendees could decorate reusable bags, courtesy of PeaceLove Art, who donated all the paint and brushes. A whopping 222 bags were painted.

Lining the edge of the festival by the trees were multiple food trucks to fuel, hydrate, and offer shade to the patrons on the warm 80-something degree days.

Evening Of The Arts

Music, poetry, theater, and the art of whistling entertained guests at An Evening of the Arts on Saturday, September 21.

A maze of artwork and sculptures spread across the Fairfield Hills lawn led to a small performance area where the New England New Music Ensemble played their “unique and daring compositions” of chamber-style music. Members Gregg Abimael, Phil Crevier, Kristen Provost Switzer, Scott A. Provost Switzer, and Robert Rabinowitz combined efforts to produce a musical blend of sound.

One familiar tune about a baby shark had people dancing, while other pieces were more experimental. Enjoying one tune in particular were Jackson and Sadie Baimel, watching their father play the clarinet and saxophone. With the Baimels was friend Katie Murphy.

Following the band to the stage was poet Philip Gross of Newtown, who recited both humorous and introspective work. His first reading was “Memories of Living,” and another poem was addressed to his GPS.

Getting ready for their performance Saturday were Town Players of Newtown actors, including Simone Matusevice, who perfectly knotted Steven Schmidt’s tie.

Newtown High School senior Shivani Mendiratta, a recent Masters of Musical Whistling competitor, closed out the Evening of the Arts on Saturday, regaling the crowd by whistling classic and contemporary tunes.