Vocalist, pianist, percussionist, composer and arranger Susan Pereira, a New York native, has been one of the most versatile musicians on that city’s Brazilian music scene since 1983.  She is a cum laude graduate of Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT, where she earned a B.A. in Music and English with High Honors in Music.  Since its inception Sabor Brasil has appeared at many of New York’s leading clubs including Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, Iridium, B.B. King’s, Birdland, Smoke, Zinc Bar, The Kitano, 55 Bar and Enzo’s, among others. The band has also appeared at a variety of festivals and special events including the Rochester International Jazz Festival, the Savannah Jazz Festival; the Hartford Jazz Festival; New Jersey Performing Arts Center’s “Sounds of the City” Festival; the Wall St. Festival in Kingston, NY; the Jazz and Roses Festival at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden; the Mayfair Festival; Riverside Park’s “Sunset Concerts” series; the Hudson River Museum’s festival “Summer Sounds Goes Global;” and the Central Park/Harlem Meer Music Festival.  We’re pleased to bring Susan and her band to the 2010 Branford Jazz on the Green Series!

In one of the hottest months on record I want to go to the movies just to get out of the heat. So, where are the big blockbusters? Could this be a popcorn-free summer? Okay, the Twilight series new release is huge but I can wait a bit until the kids have all seen it. Though I’m not usually big on remakes, who doesn’t love a story like Karate Kid? It was a really fun feel-good film the first time and so with little to choose from it peaked my interest. Jaden Smith makes my case again for having a pre-teen category in the Oscars. Anyone could tell after his amazing performance in “The Pursuit of Happiness” that he was born to act. Though it was a little slow in developing, the storyline differed just enough to give it a more current flavor. Jackie Chan played the new Mr. Miyagi but had a lesser impact part than the original, which I felt worked well in trying to create a new character. The beautiful Taraji Henson (“Hustle and Flow”, “Benjamin Button”, “Date Night”) plays the single mom somewhat oblivious to the ripple effect of her relocation and its impact it has on her son socially. One thing stays consistent and that is kids can be mean in any time or place. Once again, the strong finish leaves you with a smile and a big thumbs-up.

Next, I’d like to talk about two films I saw; one a couple of years ago and the other a couple of months ago but didn’t review for a couple of reasons. One reason being I’d rather not get into the habit of trashing films especially since I’d like to think I don’t waste my time and money seeing crappy films on the big screen. I wasn’t writing my cine-blog when the first film came out so now I have to.

I was more than just a casual fan of the HBO series “Sex and the City” so I feel qualified to critique the full length features that followed. I will say that the hype surrounding the release of the first installment was feverish but the movie to me just fell flat on its face much like Carries runway experience. However, the movie didn’t recover as well. Too much time had passed in my opinion. The storyline was weak and was short on the usual borage of great one-liners. Didn’t we have enough of Big’s shortcomings throughout the series without watching him leave Carrie at the alter? The sequel was even more pathetic with another two years passing. The girls still dressing like it’s 2000 and they’re still hotties out on the town… in Abu Dhabi? Come on. Aidan and Big looked like they haven’t aged a day but I can’t say the same for the weary looking cast of ladies. I went to see it because I followed it from the start and the only reason I wasn’t terribly disappointed was because I went in with the lowest of expectations. I beg you Michael Patrick King, no more Sex and ANY City.

Thanks for your continued support and comments. I remain, John.

Basically, a slackwire is just opposite of a tightrope.

Now, that was easy.

But when I saw the slackwire performance at Cirque du Soleil OVO the other night I was amazed. Think about it. Walking on a wire that is about a half inch in diameter as it is suspended about 20 feet above the ground.  Remember growing up, how you used to walk on a a rail, just to see how far you could go, and falling off after about 5 feet. Now, make that same rail a wire, and kind just let it hang there. Now, you can almost get a feel for this.

But to truly get the feel for what a slackwire performance is, you have to get up to see Cirque du Soleil OVO, which will be in Hartford until Sunday July 11th. And here is where we make it easy for you. Follow the link and buy one ticket, and get the second ticket free.

Last chance to see OVO by Cirque du Soleil in Hartford — must leave July 11!

Cirque du Soleil is back in Hartford with OVO, now playing under the Grand Chapiteau at Market Street. Through this special promotion, you now can explore a world where the tiniest creatures come to life at 2-for-1 prices for category 1, 2 & 3 seats for all shows, all times!

Don’t miss this great opportunity for experience OVO — fun for the whole family!

Soleil.

edwinbartlett@hotmail.com

Discount Tickets

Last chance to see OVO by Cirque du Soleil in Hartford — must leave July 11!

Cirque du Soleil is back in Hartford with OVO, now playing under the Grand Chapiteau at Market Street. Through this special promotion, you now can explore a world where the tiniest creatures come to life at 2-for-1 prices for category 1, 2 & 3 seats for all shows, all times!

Don’t miss this great opportunity for experience OVO — fun for the whole family!

That’s right, two for one tickets. But wait, that’s not all.

How about I give away two family four packs. I always, always make giveaways a part of any agreement I offer. I know that I have no website without my readers, so this is my way of saying thank you. All you have to do is what you already do. Just visit my site, and read the the posts. At the end of certain post will be a word. There will be a total of 5 words, and trust me, you can’t miss them. They will only be in posts that are on the landing page. The last word will be posted on Tuesday. You will then have til noon on Wednesday July 7th to email me the phrase. You can do this threw the sites contact me, and I will include my email in every one of the posts.I will then chose two people from this list, and you will then be going to Cirque du Soleil on us.

But, wait, that’s not all, again. I am so happy about this, that I am going to give away dinner for two at the Bee and Thistle, a free massage/membership to Daydream in Branford, and wait, there’s more, how about a gift certificate to The Stone House in Guilford?

Now, one of the absolute coolest things to me about Cirque is the fact that it is under the “Big Top”. That’s right, a tent. The way circuses started. I have done stage productions before, so I understand the technical end. When I walked into the tent, I was absolutely floored. From a “techie” point of view, it was incredible. Every angle covered, every inch utilized, and the stage was one surprise after another. After observing this, I knew that I was in for an amazing night, and I was right.

Cirque du Soleil is known for it’s unique themes, and “OVO” was no exception. The setting is a diverse ecosystem inhabited by colorful array of insects. Suddenly, a mysterious egg is introduced. From this point on, it is just one eye popping and awe inspiring act after another. Contortionist, jugglers, acrobats, just as you would expect, but even more amazing than you would have thought. Now we had some serious seats. As in 5 rows back from the stage. Due to the intimate setting, 5 rows back means that you are literally part of the show. Like, when the net went up for the trapeze act, well we were pretty much directly under them. Really. As in, I had to put my head directly back and look straight up to see half the act. Way cool, but a little eerie…

What makes Cirque du Soleil truly unique is the fact that every person you see on stage is a featured act. There is no supporting cast, no extras. What this means is that the everyone has to be able to perform their own specialty, AND be able to do all other parts of the show, including assisting the crew in scene changes, and setting up safety equipment. And every part was seamless, there were no flaws.

So, while Cirque is in town, do what ever you can to catch this show. If you have young kids, or young adults like me, this will be an event that they, and you will remember. This show, and the performers that are on stage are truly worth the price of admission.

for show information and ticket sales, go to www.cirquedusoleil.com

Welcome back. I finally got to see “Alice in Wonderland” and I am glad I saw it in 3D. I had decided that the only way to see this was to clear the “Avitar” residue from my brain and review it on its own merit. Once again, the always interesting Tim Burton lends his imaginative perspective to a timeless classic. This is the 5

Keeping with my usual format, I would like to discuss another, and possibly my favorite, Johnny Depp film. “Finding Neverland” is the story of J.M Barrie’s friendship with a family who inspired him to write “Peter Pan.” With a supporting cast consisting of Kate Winslet, Julie Christie, Rahda Mitchell and Dustin Hoffman, how can you miss? It won an Oscar and another 17 awards with a total of 54 nominations throughout the various academies. It also introduced the world to Freddie Highmore who was so amazing that it landed him the lead in “Charlie and the Chocolate factory”. Much like Mia Wasikowska, I knew this kid was destined to be a star. I think he may have set the record for how much water the eyes can hold. The rest of the kids cast in this movie were also entertaining and quite gifted. I remember being disappointed when Depp lost his Oscar bid to Jamie Foxx’s “Ray”. I’ve watched it several times and will see it again and again. If you haven’t seen it, you should. Thanks again for letting me share. I remain, John

Welcome back. This week I would like to review the comedy “Date Night”. Normally, this is the type of movie I would wait to see on DVD – but with two huge comedy stars like Steve Carell and Tina Fey, I decided to make an exception. Separately, they have been in some of the funniest films/tv shows of this decade. Together, they had great chemistry and I would not be surprised to see them team up again on another project. I liked the concept of the storyline provided by Josh Klauser of “Shrek” fame. I am also a fan of both Mark Wahlberg and Mark Ruffalo, who did not disappoint. The only mistake you can make going to see this film is to be surprised that it goes a little over-the-top. That being said, my date night with “Date Night” was all I hoped it would be.

I’ll stick with the silly comedy theme and move onto something older. Woody Allen’s “Bullets over Broadway” had 7 nominations at the 1995 Oscars with one winner. It was an absolute romp with an outstanding cast including Dianne Weist (winner), Chaz Palminteri, John Cusack, Jennifer Tilly, Mary-Louise Parker, Jack Warden, Tracey Ullman and many more. For Palminteri, it was his follow-up to “A Bronx Tale” and really put him on the map. Although Douglas McGrath has a co-writing credit, you can see Allen’s fingerprints all over it and I think it’s one of his many gems. I saw it when it came out and it’s part of my library. If you haven’t seen it, you should…. and if you have seen it, it’s worth revisiting.

Well, I’ll thank you again for letting me share. Until next blog, I remain, John.