Support the local Bridgeport arts scene and arts programs that enrich the learning experience for youth. Please donate here, thank you!

City Lights Gallery/Bridgeport Art Trail Bridgeport-Art-Trai.org CityLightsGallery.org

265 Golden Hill St. Bridgeport CT 06604 203.334.7748

Mailing 130 Elm St Bridgeport CT 06604 [email protected]

SAVE THE DATES:

FEBRUARY BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Wpkn Radio 89.5 fm hosts at the Bijou

Make It Funky + The Bernadettes

2/4/23, Tix $30/40

HOMECOMING a film by Beyonce

Wed Feb 8, 7:20pm

Purchase Tix $10

The Nest Arts Factory Presents

"Vision of Hues"

A Black History Month Exhibit

Opening Reception on Sunday, February 4 | 2pm-5pm

1720 Fairfield Ave

Vision of Hues is a celebration of cultural renaissance. The artists’ art work will reflect the continuing contributions of people of African descent to the arts and beyond. 

Can We Talk?

Exhibit at City Lights Gallery

February 8 - March 10, 2023

Artists’ Reception Saturday, February 18, 6-8:30 pm

Visual Art, Video, Spoken Word, Conversation

Lead Curator Iyaba Ibo Mandingo assisted by Suzanne Kachmar

Participating Artists: Greg Aime, Ina Anderson, Carlos Biernay, Bill Bored, Warren Bryant, Janine Brown, Will Corprew, Claude Desir Jr., Iyaba Ibo Mandingo, Willie Scaife, Lisa Seidenberg

Let Me Take Care of You

Photography Showcase

Fri Feb 17 | 6PM - 10 PM

Tickets $15.

Orphan Girl Studios, Arcade Mall

1001 Main St Suite #2

A photography and performance showcase based on queer trauma and healing. Who is the queer community when we are stripped of all our color?

The Klein Auditorium

Free Concert

910 Fairfield Ave

Upcoming Events

Rhonda Denet Concert

Thurs Feb 23 | 7:00 PM

Free with Ticket

Rev. Ina Anderson of Emerging Voices Production Co. presents

BLACK HERITAGE UBUNTU

the 6th Annual Black History Event at BPT Creates

Thursday Feb 23, 6-9 pm

Free Admission

RSVP here.

Free Talks & Film Viewing

Sponsored by the Bridgeport Public Library

Upcoming Programs

Thurs Jan 26

7;00 - 8:00 PM

Virtual Author talk

Zoom Registrationn Link

Wed Feb 8

6:00 - 7:00 PM

In person | All ages

Black History

The Underground Railroad

Newfield Branch Community Room A

755 Central Ave

Thurs Feb 9

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

In person | PG-13

Black History

Movie Night

"The Tuskegee Airmen"

Newfield Branch

CommunityRoom A

755 Central Ave

Housatonic Museum of Art

The Practice of Democracy: A View from CT

& The Bridgeport Portrait Project

Two Exhibits run thru Fri Feb 24

Burt Chernow Galleries, 900 Lafayette Blvd

More Info

The Bridgeport Portrait Project

A cultural heritage project that combines documentary-style photography and storytelling. Jay Misencik and Geralene Valentine have photographed more than 175 people who all have a connection to Bridgeport, Connecticut. Each participant tells their story. The Bridgeport Portrait Project began in 2014 and is ongoing.

Also at Housatonic Museum of Art

The Practice of Democracy: A View from Connecticut

Winter Activities

Sponsored by the Bridgeport Art Trail

"The BAT"

The Bridgeport Art Trail Storytelling Exchange

Thurs, Feb 2 | 7 - 9 PM

on Zoom | Free |Registration Link

The BAT storytelling exchange ("The BAT") is a great free winter activity to participate all year-round. Meet Nina Lesiga and learn about "The BAT."

BAT: Tell us about “The BAT” program that’s held the first Thursday evening of every month on Zoom from 9-11 PM ET.

Nina: It’s a night of enjoying the art of storytelling. Participants share a true or fictional story. It’s a place to try out a story idea, present a draft story or rehearse a story. If the teller wishes, the group provides constructive feedback.

BAT: What are the benefits of The BAT and why is it fun?

Nina: We discover ways to make stories CAPTIVATING. Sharing a piece in an early stage of development can lead to “ahah" moments that are hard to come by when working alone. The BAT is fun because each month enthusiastic people bring all kinds of surprising stories to share.

BAT: What is the format of the BAT? Who attends? Do you have to tell a story or can you just listen?

Nina: At the beginning of each session we ask, “Who’d like to share a story?” Each volunteer shares followed by a discussion about their story. Any experience level of storyteller is welcome as are those who just want to enjoy a night of stories.

BAT: How can someone participate, RSVP for the online program?

Nina: Just one mouse click will get you to the Zoom registration page here. Or visit the Bridgeport Art Trail website here

BAT: Tell us more about you? What do you get out of storytelling? What other storytelling project do you work on?

Nina:I began storytelling eight years ago after I attended a CT Storytelling Center training program. I specialize in humorous personal stories of uncommon adventure.

I've performed at shows such as PBS’s “Stories From the Stage”, “True Tales Live”, “Artists Standing Strong Together” and “Tell Me Another.“

Storytelling enables me to be better understood as an artist and as a person. Stories helps people remember me. I find that being remembered opens doors to new gigs and opportunities.

I am one of the producers of PechaKucha Night Bridgeport where storytellers share a personal story with twenty images projected for twenty seconds each. Watch some of my PechaKuchas here.

A hilarious adaptation of the timeless story of the duckling who doesn’t belong and his journey to becoming a beautiful swan.

More at the Downtown Cabaret Theater

Sat Feb 18 thru Sun Mar 26

Tickets $23 - $26

Various Times

Jack and his tangle with giants living in the sky. When Jack makes a deal to trade his beloved cow for a sack of magic beans in an attempt to save his home, he soon discovers that a magic beanstalk leads to all the riches he could ever dream of high above him in the clouds. But riches are not easy to get when they are being guarded by giants! A show that is fun for the whole family!

More at the Klein Auditorium

Free Workshops

910 Fairfield Ave

Upcoming Events

Mon Feb 6 | 6:00 - 7:30PM

Animal Trainer Bill Berloni

Original Annie on Broadway

In Person and Livestreamed

How to Audition for Acting Roles, College

Kevin Conners

Mon Feb 13 |6:00 - 7:30PM

In-person and livestreamed

Press Release:

Bijou Theatre Announces New Management

PRESS RELEASE - BIJOU THEATRE - STAR FACTORY

1/10/23 - Bridgeport, CT.



Louie Zayas, owner of Star Factory in Stratford CT., which is Connecticut's most popular kids dancing birthday party venue, announced today that he has purchased the Bijou Theater in Bridgeport, CT! The Bijou has been a beloved landmark in the community for 114 years. Zayas, a Bridgeport native, saw the opportunity to bring a new level of activity to the theatre’s already vibrant live music and event offerings.

"I am thrilled to be able to preserve such an important piece of Bridgeport's history and to add to the amazing job that previous owner Gary Peterson has done over the past five and a half years. I look forward to bringing new opportunities for entertainment to the community," said Zayas. "The Bijou Theater will not only continue to host live music, comedy shows, and film screenings, but will now also offer a theatre program for all ages, expanded Star Factory kids' dance parties, and much more."

"We can't wait to build on the great things the Bijou has done since 1909 and share all the exciting changes we have planned," said Zayas.

Former owner Gary Peterson commented, “I could not be happier knowing that this special place will live on in good hands. I’m extremely proud of how the business grew during my time here and I’m thrilled that Louie will be taking over the reins. He is the perfect fit and truly loves the theatre as much as I do. Most importantly, he is that rarest of businessmen whose heart is in the right place. I’m eager to watch the Bijou thrive as he brings a new level of excitement to downtown Bridgeport”

Mr. Peterson will be staying on for several months to assist with the transition of the business.



Louie Zayas adding the Bijou to his portfolio will allow him to bring even more entertainment options to the city of Bridgeport and the State of Connecticut.

The Bijou Theater is located at 275 Fairfield Ave in Bridgeport, CT. More information about the theater and its upcoming events will soon be available on the Bijou Theatre website at BijouTheatreCT.com

THE CRABBY CABARET is back!

A "Not So" Happy Valentine's Show

Friday, February 10th | 8PM

BIJOU THEATRE

Tix $15: purchase here

*$5 Promo Code: LOVE at checkout

Sponsored in part by the Bijou Theatre and City Lights/Bridgeport Art Trail

Free Talks & Film Viewing

Sponsored by the Bridgeport Public Library

Upcoming Programs

Park City Music Hall

2926 Fairfield Ave

https://parkcitymusichall.com/

Thurs Jan 26 | 8:00 PM

Tickets $11-$13, Ages 21+

Fri Jan 27 | 9:00 PM

Ticket $15 - $19, Ages 21+

Sun Jan 29 | 6:00 PM

Tickets:$0 - $10, Ages 21+

What else is happening in Bpt Art Scene? Read on... or...

Go to BAT calendar.

SHOP LOCAL

City Lights Vintage

City Lights Vintage

Create your own style, find that unique gift.

265 Golden Hill St, Bridgeport CT (by the painted stairs)

Shop hrs: Th-Sat 12-5 pm, or by appointment

Contact City Lights Vintage here 

Shop online on Etsy

Follow @citylightsvintage on Facebook/Instagram

BIJOU THEATRE

275 Fairfield Ave

Live Music & Film: In-Person & Streaming

Bijoutheatrect.net

Total. Mortgage Arena - Concert

Sat Jan 28 | 7:30 PM

Tickets $29 and up

600 Main St

Bridgeport Film Fest

February Events

Official Website

The Bridgeport Film Fest will be opening our brand new office and workspace in the Nest Arts Factory on Saturday, February 18. Come on down to check out us out at 6:00pm before Movie Trivia at 7pm!

Then let's celebrate Black History Month on Sunday, February 26 from 5pm-8pm with the BFF Film Club presentation of the Academy Award winning film "Get Out" written and directed by Jordan Peele!

Stress Factory: Stand-Up Comedy

167 State Street

Ages 16+

https://bridgeport.stressfactory.com/

Vinnie Brand

Thurs Jan 26 -

Sat Jan 28

Various Times

Tickets $20

JT Moore

Thurs Feb 2

7:30 PM

Tickets $25

Ahmed Ahmed

Fri Feb 3 -Sun Feb 5

Various Times

Tickets $20

BPT Creates Events

1001 Main Street

Ages 16+

Official Facebook Page

WORKSHOPS + OPPORTUNITIES

FOR ARTISTS 

BRIDGEPORT FILM FEST

Save 15% on All Submissions!

www.BridgeportFilmFest.org

for more info!

Figure Drawing

the First 2 Tuesdays of the Month

at the NEST Arts Factory

1720 Fairfield Ave Bpt, CT

RSVP [email protected]

Model Fee: $15

Easels, tables and chairs available, please bring drawing and painting materials. The Nest Arts Factory invites artists and students to join their working artists community to draw and paint from life in the rustic community room. This workshop is sponsored by City Lights/Bridgeport Art Trail.

On the 1st and 2nd Tuesday of the month. Bring your own drawing materials. $15 model fee.

Please RSVP to [email protected]

This is an open sketch studio workshop moderated by Ellie Mesa, sponsored by City Lights/Bridgeport Art Trail.

Stratford Arts Alliance

Long Pose Figure Study on Zoom

Wednesdays| 5:45pm-9:00pm

City Lights & Company is a nonprofit organization

that serves the community through art.

Please click here to support free arts enrichment programs for youth and the community.