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Jeannie C. Riley: The Go-Go Girl of Country
Today marks the 78th birthday of country singer Jeannie C. Riley, who rose to prominence in the 1960s and navigated the changing cultural landscape of the era by incorporating modern sensibilities into her work. At the time, country music was not as widely broadcast as it is today. Many people living outside of the South…
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“Something Rotten” is Something Beautiful
On Thursday, October 12, 2023, the Department of Theatre Arts’ production of “Something Rotten” played its second student & faculty preview. I had waited for this day since the 2023-24 season was announced and sat eagerly in the audience with several friends, waiting for the curtain to rise. “Something Rotten” is a spectacular musical set…
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‘Carrie’ Actress Piper Laurie Dead at 91
Piper Laurie, an accomplished, dramatic actress, died at 91 on Oct. 14, 2023, in Los Angeles, California. Her manager confirmed that Laurie had died in an article from the Associated Press. The cause of death is currently unknown. Born Rosetta Jacobs on January 22, 1932, she was able to overcome shyness in childhood through elocution…
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Little Free Library’s Fight Against Book Banning
On October 1, 2023, nonprofit organization Little Free Library (LFL) kicked off Banned Book Week by giving out free books to people across the South. LFL partnered with the Freedom to Read Foundation and Pen America “to hand out copies of banned books in some of the most affected communities,” according to their website. They…
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Banned Books 101: How to Challenge a Challenge
In 2023, 3,923 total book titles have been challenged, according to the American Library Association (ALA). This is a 20% increase from the data collected in 2022. “Banned Books Week is a reminder of how important it is to maintain the freedom to seek and express ideas.” Kathy Reilly, director of New Milford Public Library…
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Chappell Roan Talks Debut Album “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess”
Chappell Roan, is a 25-year-old queer artist from the Midwest who captivated audiences by being unapologetically herself through her creative expression and musical endeavors. With music videos that feature sapphic romance and out-of-this-world imagery, her music has become a staple in the queer community. On Sept. 22, Roan will be releasing her highly anticipated debut…
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Wallingford, Conn. Poet Laureate Releases Third Collection
On Friday, September 15, 2023, Debora Kuan, the poet laureate of Wallingford, CT, released her third poetry collection, Women on the Moon. Kuan hosted and read at several events around the state (including an event with friend of The Echo Aaron Caycedo-Kimura) this summer to promote her book. Shortly after meeting her, I interviewed her about…
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‘Stop Making Sense’ Delights and Reunites
On Sept. 11, a crowd of 45 took shelter from a thunderstorm in a Danbury AMC Theater. In their hands were tickets to Stop Making Sense, Talking Heads’ newly restored 1984 concert film released by A24. Presented in 4K, the hour-and-a-half show was filmed over four nights in December 1983 at the Pantages Theater in…
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