Friday, May 29, 2009

We remember Melanie Weeks...

Early Tuesday morning a beautiful spirit left us behind. Melanie Weeks, owner of Jyoti Yoga & Wellness in Stamford, died heroically in a house fire trying to save her friend. In true Melanie fashion she courageously walked back into the fire and facing her fears straight on, she put another's interests ahead of her own. Her departure has left a void in many hearts and her bold personality, sultry voice, and infectious smile will be deeply missed.
In the words of her favorite mantra:
Asato Ma Sat Gamaya Tamaso Ma Jyotir Gamaya Mrityor Ma Amritham Gamaya
Lead me from the Unreal to the Real
Lead me from the Darkness to light
Lead me from death to Immortality
- Liz Pia, dear friend of Melanie

More information: There will be a gathering of friends, family, and all those who wish to attend today (Friday, 5/29) from noon - 4:00 pm at: The Patriotic American Club 26 Sniffen Street Norwalk, CT
The community has also created a blog in honor of Melanie to collect stories and memories at:http://melanieweekssammarco.blogspot.com/
Facebook In Loving Memory of Melanie Weeks-Sammarco and Lucy <3

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Behind the Scenes with... Catch a Rising Star Comedy Club at the Stamford Marriott



Catch A Rising Star is thrilled to be headlining national Legend Pat Cooper on May 30th and Sirius Radio/Comedy Central/SNL Star Jim Breuer June 11th and 12th right here at the Stamford Marriott Hotel and Spa. Stamford's only Comedy Club will feature an open bar for all shows included in the ticket price! Comedy Clubs are opening in all types of new venues as an added value to the venue -- restaurants, hotels, casinos -- and Stamford Marriott's newly renovated ballroom will be christened with two of comedy's hottest stars. for tickets www.catcharisingstar.com

Legendary Comic Pat Cooper will take the stage on Saturday, May 30th, for one 7:30pm show at Catch A Rising Star Comedy Club located at The Stamford Marriott Hotel and Spa’s newly refurbished grand ballroom.
From his 1963 television appearance on "The Jackie Gleason Show" to his recent sold-out concert performances, Pasquale Caputo, aka Pat Cooper, continues to enthrall standing room only audiences with his lovable "comedic anger."
For nearly four decades Pat has appeared on many stages, from comedy clubs to major theaters, including the legendary Copacabana, Westbury Music Theater, Trump Castle, Caesar's Palace, the MGM Grand Hotel, and Trop World.
Throughout his long and lucrative career, Pat has had the opportunity to share the stage with such superstars as Jerry Lewis, Tony Bennett, Tom Jones, Paul Anka, Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, Englebert Humerdinck, Sammy Davis Jr. and the list goes on. Pat's humor also reaches the talk show audiences with his recurring and always successful appearances on "The Howard Stern Show," "Live with Regis and Kathie Lee," and "The Late Show with David Letterman."
Pat's impeccable timing, comedic genius and commanding stage presence will always leave his sold-out audiences roaring!


Jim Breuer:
Breuer has established himself as one of the most outrageous comedians in the U.S. through his incredible stand-up performances, charismatic stage antics and impressions, various television appearances, movie roles and his Sirius Satellite Radio show. After being in New York for only seven months, he landed a gig on the nationally syndicated show, “Uptown Comedy Club,” where he spent two seasons.
In 1995, Jim joined NBC's “Saturday Night Live,” becoming best known for his original character “Goat Boy” and his impression of actor Joe Pesci, resulting in the recurring “Joe Pesci Show” sketch. Word of his uncanny imitation of Pesci spread to the actor himself, who later made a surprise appearance on “SNL” to confront the comedian – creating one of the most memorable skits in the show’s history – which was later featured on the documentary, “101 Most Unforgettable Top SNL Moments."
In 1998, after a four-year stint on “SNL,” Jim starred in the movie “Half Baked,” alongside of comedian Dave Chappelle. That summer, MTV also invited the comedian to be a host on the popular show “MTV’s Beach House,” which featured Jim strolling the New Jersey shore boardwalk with hidden cameras. Additional appearances include numerous stints on NBC’s “Late Night with Conan O’Brien,” as well as roles in several movies, such as “Dick” (1999) and “Once in the Life” (2000), and in 2006, he made a cameo appearance in Artie Lange’s movie “Beer League.” Also in 2006, Jim was named as the new host of VH1’s popular show “Web Junk 20,” where he guides viewers through the top 20 viral clips of the week.
Jim Breuer pioneered the “heavy-metal comedy” revolution, combining his love of rock ‘n’ roll with comedy. Backed by a full band, Jim continues to entertain packed crowds with his impressions of AC/DC’s Brian Johnson doing “The Hokey Pokey” and Metallica singing “If You’re Happy and You Know It.” In July 2007, word of Breuer’s uncanny impression of Brian Johnson spread to the rock god himself, who personally requested that Jim sing with him live onstage during a John Entwistle Foundation benefit concert at BB King’s Blues Club in New York. The comedian joined Brian Johnson onstage to perform a hilarious duet of Breuer’s classic version of “Hokey Pokey,” followed by an encore performance of “Highway to Hell."
Jim’s “Heavy Metal Man” comedy tours also feature a mix of routines that have become cult favorites, such as "The Wizard," "Coming Home at 4 a.m." and "Party in the Stomach." This revolutionary style of stand-up comedy secured Jim a spot on Comedy Central’s list of the “100 Greatest Stand-Ups of All Time.” Following his hour special on Comedy Central, Jim was invited to be a special guest host on “MTV Icon: Metallica,” VH1’s “Rock Honors” and Comedy Central’s “Roast of Denis Leary."
Unlike other comedians, Jim also shows his fans a softer side with his “Family Man” show, where he brings hilarious anecdotes about being a family man to life through charismatic stage antics and impressions. Nothing is sacred, as Jim introduces the audience to his family, telling side-splitting stories about his Dad (a.k.a. “Shuffles”), going to tap dancing lessons and gymnastics with his daughters and more.
Throughout the years, Jim has also supported various charities through his comedy, including the Chris Farley Foundation, VH1 MusiCares, his local police and fire departments and more.
In 2004, Jim began his career at Sirius Satellite Radio as the host of his own show “Breuer Unleashed” on RawDog 104. Along with co-hosts, comedian Pete Correale and his high school buddies Larry Schneidmuller and Jimmy “Shaka,” “Breuer Unleashed” takes listeners through a wide array of topics from music to family and friends to baseball and more. A variety of guests have appeared on “Breuer Unleashed,” ranging from legendary rock stars like AC/DC’s Brian Johnson, Metallica’s James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich, Rob Zombie and Willie Nelson, to comedy greats Chevy Chase, Bill Cosby, Denis Leary and Dave Attell, and celebrities like Howard Stern, Luke Wilson, Matt Dillon, Sugar Ray Leonard and more. Airing live weekdays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. EST, “Breuer Unleashed” is celebrating its third year on Sirius.
Jim currently resides in New Jersey with his wife and three daughters. He enjoys spending time with his family, playing pick-up games of baseball, softball and Wiffle ball and watching the New York Mets, and most of all, he is loving life!
Tickets range from 25.00 to 40.00 plus $20.00 beverage minimum, and food will be available during the show.
Shows are 7:30pm and 10pm.

There are only a few brand names that, when you hear them, you immediately think of quality entertainment, talented artists, and funny star makers, i.e., Second City, HBO, Sirius Satellite Radio, National Lampoon, Saturday Night Live and Catch A Rising Star. “Catch” as it is affectionately called in the entertainment industry, first opened its comedy club doors in New York City in 1972. Catch now has clubs in several states including Providence RI, Monticello NY, Reno NV, Stamford, CT and Princeton NJ.

Tickets available exclusively online at www.catcharisingstar.com. For additional information, please call our Box Office at 877-94-CATCH (22824). For Press information, please contact Catch President and Partner Suzy Yengo at 201-433-6705 .

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE.

Monday, May 4, 2009

Behind the Scenes with... Duo













Changing Duo- It’s Now a Sushi and Tapas Place

Jimmy says- “Duo was originally opened as a way to offer a NYC quality experience in Stamford. A way to give something back to Stamford residents for being so supportive of my other restaurant (Plateau- now Thai Chi) for more than 7 years and a way to keep local wealth with- in Stamford, instead of just sending it to somewhere else.”

But lately Duo has changed into something even more exiting than the original idea.

It had and still has the coolest atmosphere and some of the best food around Fairfield County. A stunning green marble bar that most people can’t resist touching in wonder, as the centerpiece of the dining room, along with funky textured walls that are hard to miss, pretty much always take a central role in conversations around the tables, along with the “sparkly” floors and “crazy, fully automated” bathrooms.

Add to the atmosphere 2 (yes, two) separate kitchens that prepare incredibly fresh sushi, and innovative “nouveau” European cuisine and did I mention the bar that does seasonal cocktails like no others around here (try a cocktail called the Purple Rain, made with shochu, pomegranate juice and Thai Basil and you’ll understand) and you pretty much have an irresistible formula, if you happen to be into fun dining experiences.

However, what has changed, is this






Instead of preparing one ingredient in two separate ways like they used to, Duo has now morphed into a sushi and tapas place. Inventive Japanese and European small plates unlike anything you’ve ever had before, both served under one roof, being the big idea. The changes make dining out a little more affordable during these times and a lot more fun as well, because now instead of having to commit to a full traditional size entree, one has a choice to sample multiple items in one sitting, while sipping on drinks and just hanging out. They have something like 30 different tapas on their menu in addition to all the entrees, sushi, soups and salads, so you’re pretty much guaranteed not to run out of different options even if you ate there every day for a month. Anyway, they are new, exciting and friendly to boot, so go check them out, if you haven’t yet.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE.

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