FilmFest52

Find social & intellectual rewards around independent movies -- in a friendly film festival atmospher That's what people with FilmFest52! Show up this Wednesday!

Take a hip, exciting film festival -- and stretch it out over a year of Wednesdays. Every Wednesday brings another wonderful screening of every imaginable category of independent films. Evenings infused with intellectual rewards and fulfillment -- plus some great parties!

• Rich visual stories and thought-provoking content -- normally available only in New York, Boston, Toronto and Berlin -- ri

ght here in western CT, at the charming, easy-access Bethel Cinema!

• Frequent Pre-film happy hour gatherings and Post-film panels, Q&A discussions and interviews with directors and actors! Check the weekly schedule for details.

• Celebrity photo-ops and delicious post-film receptions, catered by Michael Bick's Some Things Fishy Catering in the cinema lobby. Connect with like-minded film fans and the creative geniuses behind independent film. Meet people who love escaping to the movies! We also welcome FF52'ers to volunteer behind the scene, as film screeners, judges and in other roles. FilmFest52 organizers and volunteers vet and judge submitted films quarterly. At the end of the first year of FilmFest52, semi-finalists will compete for awards in a variety of categories, including: Best Documentary, Narrative Feature, Dramatic and Comedic Short, Student Short, Audience Favorite, etc. FilmFest52 is the creative inspiration of Connecticut film industry heavyweights: the organizers of Connecticut Film Festival (CTFF), The Bethel Film Festival (BFF), and The Bethel Cinema. CTFF has been screening films in Bethel for a decade and decided to launch this year-round concept comprised of all the elements typically offered in a week-long festival, including feature films and shorts, discussion groups, networking -- and partying! Periodic workshops, panels and keynotes on Saturday and Sunday mornings and off-site gatherings will also be announced. At this introductory time, the price of admission is only a $10.50 movie ticket! Some special events may be priced differently -- and the senior discount is $9 per ticket. Parties, receptions and discussion groups all included! Purchase tickets at the cinema box office during business hours at 269 Greenwood Ave., Bethel, CT -- or in advance, online at www.bethelcinema.com. For info call (203) 778-2100

And please consider joining our group on meetup.com! Become part of our Indy Film Crowd!

05/13/2026

NYC's Blues-Jazz Guitarist Dave Stryker & His Organ Trio Hits Hard On The Stage At LaZingara 7pm Wed May 13 Tix https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1979487007927?aff=oddtdtcreator

Dave Stryker - Guitarist (John Patitucci, Dizzy Gillespie, Stanley Turrentine)
Whether you’ve heard guitarist Dave Stryker fronting his own group (with 35 CD’s as a leader to date), or as a featured sideman with, Stanley Turrentine and Jack McDuff, you know why Gary Giddins in the Village Voice called him "one of the most distinctive guitarists to come along in recent years.” Prime is Dave’s most recent recording and features his working trio of Jared Gold on organ and McClenty Hunter on drums. The trio recently opened up for Steely Dan’s 2002 summer tour. On his previous recording As We Are Dave broke new compositional ground for himself with an all-star band featuring John Patitucci, Brian Blade, Julian Shore and a string quartet arranged by Shore. The album made Best of 2022 in Downbeat Readers Poll, Jazz Times and many others, and hit #1 for 2 weeks on the JazzWeek Radio chart. Stryker has been on a roll the last several years with all the recordings (on his label Strikezone Records) reaching the Top 10 and 5 hitting #1 on JazzWeek. Hot House magazine awarded Dave the Best Guitarist Fans Decision for 2017. He was recently voted once again as one of the top Jazz Guitarists in the 2022 Downbeat Critics and Readers Polls for the 15th time. Stryker grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, moved to New York City in 1980, and joined organist Jack McDuff’s group (1984-85). From 1986 to 1995, Stryker played with tenor saxophonist Stanley Turrentine. He has also performed with Freddie Hubbard, James Moody, Dizzy Gillespie, Jimmy Smith, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Jimmy Heath, Kevin Mahogany, Eliane Elias, Joe Lovano, Steve Slagle and many others. Dave is Adjunct Professor of Jazz Guitar at Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University, Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University and John J. Cali School of Music at Montclair State University. Dave’s online teaching school is at www.artistworks.com.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXYglO0xRQg

NYC's Blues-Jazz Guitarist Dave Stryker & His Organ Trio Hits Hard On The Stage At LaZingara 7pm Wed May 13 Dave Stryker - Guitarist (John Patitucci, Dizzy G...

05/02/2026

Melissa Newman & The Tony Lombardozzi Trio Swings LaZingara. Melissa Belts Out Classics And Shares Anecdotes Of Growing Up In A Famous Show Biz Family

Melisa Newman - Vocalist & Visual Artist Melissa Newman is an artist and singer. Her primary medium in visual art is porcelain and stoneware. She has shown her sculptures at venues across the tri-state area, including The Hamptons Show House (2012), Gallery 66 in Cold Spring, NY; Terrain in Westport, CT, the Westport Arts Center in Westport, CT; and many pop-up locations.

As a singer, Newman performs frequently with her Jazz Trio. For the past two decades, she has also taught art and drama at a correctional facility and worked with other programs in under-served communities. She has two sons and a lovely husband, and is writing a very messy novel that no one (not even you) will ever read.

Melissa Newman & The Tony Lombardozzi Trio Swings The Room While Melissa Shares Anecdotes Of Growing Up In A Famous Show Biz Family

04/28/2026

Saxy Man Jerry Vivino & His Quartet Heat Up Bethel Jazz At LaZingara 7pm Wed April 29.

If you don't know Jerry personally, you certainly have heard him play. Featured on countless recordings, TV commercials and movie soundtracks, his resume reads like a Who's Who In Entertainment. Jerry has played with Bruce Springsteen, James Taylor, Son Seals, Paul Shaffer, Frankie Valli, Al Kooper, Dion, James Brown, Phoebe Snow, Donald Fagen, Dr. John, Branford Marsalis, Wynton Marsalis and the legendary Keely Smith, to name just a few.

Jerry toured the country with Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons in 1978 and 1979. Jerry did not want to continue with lengthy tours, and wanted to make a living in New York, so he got off the road and started working steadily in the tri-state area. Jingle work and show work quickly followed. Jerry found himself working with Joan Rivers, Rodney Dangerfield, Tony Bennett and Ray Charles, to name a few. Jerry played in the band in many Broadway shows, including Leader of the Pack, Annie, A Chorus Line, Cats, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Starlight Express, Just Once, Groucho and Grease.

In 1989 Jerry was asked if he would play on a record with a relatively unknown band called Killer Joe. It was started by Joe Delia and Max Weinberg, who decided to contact a few session musicians in the NY area to form the group. A recording was released in 1990 and even though the project never really got off the ground, this is how Max Weinberg got to know Jerry.
In 1993, when Max was asked if he would put together a band for a late night talk show, he contacted Jerry to find out if he would like to audition for Late Night With Conan O'Brien. At that time, Jerry and his brother Jimmy were both playing with Donald Fagen and New York Nights, and were on the verge of making a commitment to the first Steely Dan Reunion tour. More than a few people thought they made the wrong decision, passing on a great opportunity to tour with Fagan and Becker for just the slim possibility of a TV show. Yet, Jerry eagerly agreed to the audition, and as it turned out, the Steely Dan Reunion tour only lasted five weeks! Jerry can still be heard nightly, playing in the Max Weinberg 7 on NBC's Late Night with Conan O'Brien.

Showtime is 7pm. Arrive at 6pm for seating and dinner. Get tix here: http://bit.ly/4egpTbE
https://youtu.be/Jvn6clTFXWE?si=torgVjhIRwC4T9oI

1 like. "JERRY VIVINO QUARTET - BAKED POTATO DEMO REEL"

03/31/2026

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/birth-of-the-cool-9pc-little-big-band-feat-miles-other-tasty-classics-tickets-1979451281067?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

Arranger Drake Smith conducts a 9 Pcs. band, performing Miles Davis & Other Tasty Classic Arrangements

03/17/2026

Redding Jazz Pianist David Morgan And His N'awlins Infused Jazz n’ Blues Quintet Light’s Up Bethel 7pm Wed Mar 18 . Get tix: https://bit.ly/4sU56ik
The band features:
David Morgan (Piano)
A lifelong musician and educator, David Morgan studied under jazz legends Ellis Marsalis and Harold Battiste. Since 1992, he has toured globally with artists like Jane Lynch and Neshama Carlebach. His original compositions are featured on CBS, NBC, and shows like Pawn Stars. Beyond performing with his quartet, Portal, Morgan founded The Music Shed, a premier rock and jazz coaching program for young musicians.
Greg Wall (Saxophone)
Known as "The Jazz Rabbi," Wall is a versatile musician and ordained rabbi. He has recorded extensively for John Zorn’s Tzadik label and led the critically acclaimed ensemble Hasidic New Wave. His career spans film scores, dance commissions, and global festival appearances. He previously served as the Artistic Director for the Center for Jewish Arts and Literacy in Manhattan.
Andy Gravish (Trumpet)
A Berklee graduate, Gravish began his career touring with Buddy Rich, Frank Sinatra, and Tony Bennett. After years as a staple in the NYC and Italian jazz scenes, he served on the faculty for NYU’s jazz program in Florence. He is a veteran of the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra and recently performed with the legendary Dr. Lonnie Smith.
Yuriy Galkin (Bass)
An award-winning composer and bassist, Galkin is a graduate of the Royal Academy of Music in London. He has performed at prestigious venues like Ronnie Scott’s and the Barbican Centre. Since moving to NYC in 2017, he has released critically acclaimed albums, including ...For Its Beauty Alone, featuring prominent jazz figures like David Binney.
Eric Halvorson (Drums)
Halvorson is a highly sought-after drummer across jazz, pop, and Broadway. He has performed at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, touring with artists such as Linda Eder and Ute Lemper. A prolific Broadway musician, his credits include The Book of Mormon, Moulin Rouge, and Hamilton. He is an official Paiste Cymbals Artist.

His original music can be heard regularly on CBS and NBC sports telecasts and cable TV shows like Pawn Stars, Catfish, Counting Cars.....

03/01/2026

🎶 Join us for two unforgettable nights of jazz with Eric Person & Marvin Stamm! 🎷
https://conta.cc/3OS5dvP

Email from Festival 52 Foundation Jazz Doubleheader ...Eric Person (McCoy Tyner) Quartet Mar 4, Marvin Stamm (Quincy Jones, Bill Evans) Thur Mar 5, Share This Email Share This Email Share This Email P

01/25/2026

Marvin Stamm Has Performed & Recorded With The Royalty Of The Music Industry. On Wed Jan 28th at 7pmHe Performs For . You! LaZingara & Bethel Jazz And World Beat. 8 P.T. Barnum Square, Bethel 06801 Tix: https://bit.ly/49ZM3vb

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEvZLskQliQ

This tune is taken from Alexander Borodin's 2nd String Quartet and was made popular in the 1950's by trumpeter Jonah Jones. Bill Mays and I have been enjoyin...

01/05/2026

Vocalist & Bethel Native Isabelle Rose Miner performs with her band at 7pm Wed Jan 7 at LaZingara in Bethel, kicking off the 2026 Bethel Jazz & World Beat weekly series.

Bethel Native Isabelle Miner returns to town to tear the house down with her sultry vocals and a new take on funk, blues and Jazz!

11/26/2025

Tonight! Jazz - Blues Vocalist Abena Koomson-Davis takes the stage with Trombonist Steve Davis’s Quintet. This is Bethel Jazz’s 2025 season closer and we’re going out with a bang! Incredibly vocalist and ensemble. Hope you can make it. 7pm LaZingara in Bethel Cheers TC Tix: https://bit.ly/481er04

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtH8vQUBJO4

Steve Davis Quintet featuring Abena Koomson-Davis: Softly, As In A Morning SunriseFilmed at Jazz Forum ArtsTarrytown, New YorkJune 19, 2022Steve Davis, tromb...

11/04/2025

Steps Behind returns to Bethel Jazz at LaZingara in Bethel 7pm Wed Nov 5. The Quartet features the a cast of award winning musicians including: Sarah Jane Cion on Piano, Mike Rubino on Saxophones, Dave Reeve on Drums and Dave Livolsi on Bass. Tix: http://bit.ly/49kig1B

https://youtu.be/M7rUsunq3Qg?si=Z7nE136L5DTzhQ2y

Sarah Cion & Steps Behind performing at GTown Arts Gallery in Georgetown CT Feb 2024

Address

Bethel, CT
06801

Opening Hours

7pm - 10pm

Telephone

+12032474273

Website

http://www.filmfreeway.com/festival/filmfest52

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