A Night of Jazz and Folk at the Palace Theater
Jazz flutist Ali Ryerson is set to captivate audiences once again with her performances at Waterbury’s Poli Club at the Palace Theater. The event marks the start of the Early Fall Jazz Series, where Ryerson will take the stage on Friday. Known for her ability to transform each note into a meaningful conversation, Ryerson has established herself as one of the most compelling figures in contemporary jazz.
With a career spanning over five decades, Ryerson has consistently ranked among the top flutists in the Downbeat Jazz poll for more than a decade. Born in New York, she grew up in a family deeply rooted in music, with her father, Art Ryerson, being a renowned jazz guitarist. This early exposure helped shape her musical journey and passion for the art form.
Throughout her career, Ryerson has performed in some of the most prestigious venues around the world, including Carnegie Hall in New York, the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and Blue Note in both New York and Japan. She has collaborated with legendary jazz musicians such as Red Rodney, Roy Haynes, Kenny Barron, Frank Wess, Hubert Laws, Stephane Grappelli, Art Farmer, Mike Mainieri, Joe Beck, and even made a guest appearance with Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.
In addition to her work in jazz, Ryerson has also performed with classical artists like Julius Baker and Luciano Pavarotti when she was the principal flutist with the Monterey Bay Orchestra. As an educator and author, she has published the widely acclaimed Jazz Flute Practice Method and conducts master classes globally. Her compositions have been performed internationally, further solidifying her reputation as a versatile and influential artist.
Ryerson will perform two shows on Friday at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Attendees can purchase individual tickets with general admission seating or opt for a series ticket that includes all four shows with reserved seating. The Early Fall Jazz Series will continue on August 29 with Vanessa Racci: Jazz Italian, followed by Adam Burnbaum Trio on September 19, and Svetlana and The New York Collective closing the series on October 3.
For more details, visit the Palace Theater Box Office or check out their website at www.PalaceTheaterCT.org.
CT Folk Fest and Green Expo Returns
The CT Folk Fest and Green Expo is set to return next month on September 6 at Edgerton Park in New Haven. This annual event brings together live music, food trucks, and a variety of artisan vendors through the "Green Expo." With two stages for performances, the festival promises a vibrant celebration of folk and acoustic music.
The CT Folk Main Stage will feature Kala Farnham at 11:30 a.m., followed by The Meadow Brothers at 12:45 p.m., Eleanor & Dario at 2:15 p.m., Session Americana at 3:45 p.m., Chris Pierce at 5:15 p.m., Dustbowl Revival at 6:45 p.m., and Robert Finley at 8:30 p.m. Meanwhile, the Bigger Beast Stage will host D'Pew, Lee Totten and Canyon at 12:15 p.m., Oliva Clarke, Liz Read and Hailey Neal at 1:45 p.m., Undercover Cameo at 3:15 p.m., Sam Robbins at 4:45 p.m., and Frank Viele at 6:15 p.m.
Attendees are encouraged to make a tax-deductible donation of $25 to help cover event costs. The festival is held rain or shine and takes place at Edgartown Park, located at 75 Cliff St., New Haven. More information can be found at www.ctfolk.org/fest-expo-2025.
Tribute to Joan Baez at The MAC
Folk enthusiasts should mark their calendars for a special tribute to Joan Baez on August 21 at The MAC, or Milford Arts Council. The “Tip of the Hat” series will celebrate the music of Baez, featuring songwriters Meggie, Frank Crielli, North County Duo, and Denise Jones. These performers will take the stage in a round format, playing their own songs as well as interpretations of Baez's classic works.
The show starts at 6:30 p.m., with advance reserved tickets priced at $20. For more details or to purchase tickets, visit www.ctfolk.org/toth2joan.
This Week in Rock
On this day in 2017, Taylor Swift won a high-profile lawsuit against Denver disc jockey David Mueller. The case began when Mueller was fired after Swift accused him of groping her during a photo session before her concert in 2013. In response, Mueller sued Swift in 2015, prompting her to countersue for sexual assault. Ultimately, Swift was awarded $1 in damages, which she donated to charity, stating her hope was to help those whose voices should also be heard.
Dar es Salaam. In a pioneering effort that combined elite athletic expertise with community development, internationally recognized swim coach Atiba Wade, a former USA Olympic Trials qualifier and NCAA athlete, conducted an empowering session with the Monti International School community. The event brought together parents, teachers, and young swimmers in an inspiring discussion centered on goal-setting, developing a growth mindset, and emphasizing the crucial role of parental involvement in sports. The forum was organized by Champion Rise Tanzania, in partnership with Monti International School, RM, Colosseum Hotel & Fitness Club, and Shaaban Roberts School. It was part of a larger initiative to improve swimming standards in Tanzania and included the International ASCA Coaches Certification Program, sponsored by Monti International. This certification aligns Tanzanian coaches with global coaching standards and ensures the future of the sport is built on knowledge, discipline, and best practices worldwide. Mindset, mentorship, and the impact of parents Coach Atiba brought more than just his impressive background—he delivered a powerful message about unity, purpose, and belief in the potential of young athletes. The forum specifically explored how emotional and psychological factors influence a child's journey in competitive sports. According to Atiba, understanding these hidden elements can often determine whether a child experiences burnout or achieves success. “It’s not just about training hard,” he said. “It’s about training smart. When parents understand the mindset required for growth in sports, children feel more supported, confident, and motivated to push beyond their limits.” He explained that young athletes often face pressure and self-doubt, and a supportive home environment can significantly enhance their resilience, motivation, and performance. By involving parents in the development process, Atiba believes that sports becomes not only an individual pursuit but also a shared family value. A vision realized at Monti International The forum also marked a significant milestone in Monti International School’s journey. As a Cambridge-certified institution offering Pre-Primary and Primary education, Monti has gradually become a model for holistic child development in Tanzania. The school used this opportunity to announce its plans to build a 25-meter swimming pool at its Rose Garden Road campus, reinforcing its long-term commitment to creating world-class sports facilities. Additionally, through the ASCA program, Monti has invested in training its coaches and administrators, ensuring that its sports philosophy is not only aspirational but also technically and structurally aligned with international standards. “We are truly grateful to Amina Mfaume for making this vision a reality,” said Fatma Fernandes, Head of Monti International School. “Bringing someone of Coach Atiba’s caliber to Tanzania has been a game-changer for our community. At Monti, we nurture the whole child—mind, body, and spirit.” Hosting Coach Atiba alongside parents reflects Monti’s deep commitment not only to academic excellence but also to world-class sports development. Fernandes added that events like these symbolize Monti’s broader educational mission: to create an environment where every child is empowered to dream big, grow with confidence, and embrace both local culture and global opportunities. “This event exemplifies the forward-thinking mindset and global exposure we strive to provide every Monti child,” she continued. “We are proud to build a school where parents are partners, coaches are certified to the highest standards, and each student is encouraged to pursue excellence—on every front.” The Role of Champion Rise Tanzania At the core of this initiative is Champion Rise Tanzania, an organization founded by Amina Mfaume to bridge the gap between local talent and international opportunities. For Amina, bringing Coach Atiba to Tanzania wasn’t just about coaching—it was about belief. “My goal is to expose Tanzanian children and coaches to global excellence,” said Mfaume. “Bringing Coach Atiba here was about showing what’s possible when we invest in our children’s potential. This is about raising the bar, not just for sports, but for how we raise a generation of disciplined, driven, and empowered young people.” Champion Rise continues to work closely with schools, local clubs, and international partners to elevate sports education and access in Tanzania. The inclusion of parents in this forum was intentional, Amina said, because sustainable athletic success starts with family understanding and encouragement. Empowerment inside and outside the pool The forum’s impact was clear and deeply felt. Monti’s young swimmers learned not just about technique or performance—but about setting personal goals, building habits, and believing in their own ability to grow. Parents left the session with practical tools, mindset shifts, and a greater appreciation of the role they play in their child’s sporting journey. The experience became a shared moment of transformation—where the pool became more than water; it became a platform for dreams, discipline, and determination. As Monti International School continues to invest in both academic and extracurricular excellence, initiatives like this reaffirm its role as a leading institution committed to raising confident, well-rounded global citizens—one lap at a time. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).
