To kick off Fairfield’s 375th anniversary, the Fairfield Museum and History Center presents a new exhibit, “Fairfield’s Rockin’ Top Ten,” sponsored by First Niagara Bank, Deej and Deborah Webb and WPKN Radio, running through April 28.
For more than 75 years, some of America’s most renowned musicians have called Fairfield and surrounding communities home. Many have created some of their best work here.
“Fairfield’s Rockin’ Top Ten” celebrates 10 musicians who have helped create the community’s musical legacy and will feature rare photographs, music videos and iconic artifacts from a diverse list of artists, including Nick Ashford & Valerie Simpson, The Remains, Leonard Bernstein, David Brubeck, Jose Feliciano, Chris Frantz & Tina Weymouth, Richard Rodgers, Nile Rodgers & Bernard Edwards, Keith Richards and Donna Summer.
The musicians were chosen because they were significant artists with recording careers going back at least 25 years (a criteria used by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame) and had homes or lived in the Fairfield area, including Westport, Weston and Wilton. For instance, Ashford & Simpson had a home in Westport although, like most of these artists, they were based in New York City. Barry Tashian, founder of The Remains, attended Staples High School and grew up in Westport and Jose Feliciano and Keith Richards currently live in Weston.
“First Niagara is proud to support the Fairfield Museum in bringing this exciting exhibition to music and arts enthusiasts across the state,” said Cathie Schaffer, First Niagara’s tri-state regional president. “I think many will be surprised, as was I, to learn how many talented artists and musicians have been a part of this community over the past 375 years.”
As the lead sponsor of the Fairfield Museum’s 375th anniversary celebration, First Niagara Bank will support numerous exhibitions throughout the winter and spring, including the annual “Images” photography exhibit.
For a complete list of 2014 museum events, exhibits and programs, visit fairfieldhistory.org.