Tuesday, August 15, 2023
Calling all volunteer singers: Griffin Health's Valley Soul holiday concert is back
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| Angela Clemmons |
DERBY - Griffin Health is seeking singers of all skill levels to help bring back some live holiday “soul” to the Naugatuck Valley this winter.
After a series of virtual concerts due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Griffin is once again assembling a gospel choir of volunteer singers from throughout the Valley under the direction of Angela Clemmons, a chart-topping vocalist who has captivated audiences for more than 35 years.
She is director of the acclaimed “Shoreline Soul” performances in Madison.
In addition to providing an inspiring and uplifting performance, the Valley Soul choir aims to bring together individuals from churches and organizations throughout the area to help build and strengthen partnerships that will improve the health of the region.
The volunteer singers will take part in six, two-hour workshops, culminating in a hand-clapping, foot-stomping, this-couldn’t-possibly-be-Naugatuck-Valley concert of traditional and contemporary gospel and holiday music on Dec. 12.
“Our weekly sessions are upbeat, fun, and very user-friendly,” Clemmons said, “No one needs to know how to read music. All songs are taught by ear and everyone is given a practice CD. It’s amazing how much the choir learns and how confident they become in six short weeks, particularly when many have never sung gospel before.”
The training sessions will be Sept. 13 and 20, Oct. 11 and 25, Nov. 15 and Dec. 6 from 6:45-8:45 p.m. The location for the practices is to be determined.
Although the workshop is primarily for adults, youth who are able to follow a lyric sheet are welcome to participate.
Sign up online at griffinhealth.org/valley-soul. The registration fee is $30 per singer. For more information, contact Lisa Nista at 203-732-7384 or lnista@griffinhealth.org.
Griffin’s Annual Holiday Concert is sponsored by the President’s Fund at Griffin Hospital as a thank you to Griffin’s sponsors and the community, and as a celebration of Griffin’s family of employees, medical staff, volunteers, corporators, and trustees for their dedication, compassion and expertise.
About Angela Clemmons
Soul in the Valley Director Angela Clemmons has been a professional singer for over 35 years.
As a background singer, she worked with Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake, Celine Dion, Steely Dan, Cyndi Lauper, Elton John, among many others.
Her voice could be heard on TV and radio jingles for Burger King, Canada Dry Ginger Ale, Coke, KFC, Slim Fast, and many more.
She did two albums for CBS Records, which included the #4 disco hit “Give Me Just a Little More Time.”
Angela spent 2013 touring with the Rascals (“It’s a Beautiful Morning,” “Groovin’”) as part of the “Rascals: Once Upon a Dream” show, performing on Broadway and theaters all over the US and Canada.
TV appearances include The View, The Tony Awards, Saturday Night Live, and others. Angela, mother of two, resides in Westbrook with her husband.
This is a press release from Griffin Health.
Seymour Public Library to show 'Elvis Has Left the Building'
SEYMOUR - Join us at 1 p.m. Aug. 23 in the lower level auditorium of Seymour Public Library to watch a movie! Light refreshments will be served.
We'll be showing "Elvis Has Left the Building" starring Kim Basinger, John Corbett, and Annie Potts. It is rated PG-13 and its duration is 1 hour, 30 minutes.
The Library is at 46 Church St.
Summary: A fugitive Pink Lady rep hooks up with a bored ad exec as she's trying to avoid going down for the murder of several Elvis impersonators.
This is shared from the Library's Facebook page.
Derby Neck Library to host Makerspace fun Wednesday
DERBY - Come find out all the things you can create here at Makerspace at Derby Neck Library!
Stop in tomorrow between 3 and 6 p.m. for your chance to "make it happen"!
The Library is at 307 Hawthorne Ave.
This is shared from the Library's Facebook page.
The Children's Room at the Ansonia Library to host LEGO Club
The Ansonia Library is at 53 S. Cliff St.
This is shared from the Library's newsletter.
Save the date: Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce slates Schmoozapalooza
It's back!!
SchmoozaPalooza 2.3
21st Annual Table Top Business Expo
Wednesday, September 27
2-5 p.m.
Trumbull Marriott
Exciting new details to be announced shortly.
Derby Neck Library Culture Club to discuss 2 short stories
DERBY - The Culture Club will meet next Monday at Derby Neck Library to explore two short stories and engage in lively conversations.
Copies of the two stories will be available at the library prior to each meeting. Pat Sweeney is the moderator.
The Library is at 307 Hawthorne Ave.
This is shared from the Library's Facebook page.
Larry Ayce Band concert postponed to Aug. 26 on Derby Green
RAIN DATE! ~ Country Music Dance Party...WEDNESDAY, Aug 26.
Derby Green, 7 p.m.
***LARRY AYCE COUNTRY MUSIC BAND!***
Shared from the Derby Cultural Commission Facebook page.
'Turnback Tuesday' features Derby High School Class of 1943
Turnback Tuesday visits the Derby High School Class of 1943.
Graduation was held on the evening of June 24, 1943 at the Commodore Hull Theater. Superintendent of Schools at the time was Richard T. Tobin. The graduating class boasted 127 graduates.
This image was taken at the class's 50th reunion in 1993. If you recognize anyone in the photo, please help identify them.
This was a recent donation from the Brady family to the Library. Helen Brady is in the second row, second from the right. Thanks in advance.
Thanks goes to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.