HVRHS bands throw down

Battle of the Bands was won by Kate From Baltimore, featuring Lou Haemmerle, Danny Lesch, Aron Ladanyl, Hudson Sebranek, and Jerome Maury.

Patrick L. Sullivan
music

HVRHS bands throw down

FALLS VILLAGE — Kate From Baltimore won the Battle of the Bands after a spirited set that had the audience dancing.

The fundraiser for the Housatonic Valley Regional High School Class of 2025 was held at the high school Friday, April 5.

There were only three acts. The judges were Joe Bouchard, Joan Levy Hepburn and Ram Miles.

Bouchard was the bass player for Blue Oyster Cult during that band’s heyday.

Opening the show was 19th Blossom of Boredom, with Abram Kirshner (lead vocals), Adam Hock (drums), Peter Austin (guitar), Aden Manes (keyboard). The group played with considerable energy.

Next up was Elizabeth Forbes, playing as Autumn Nostalgia. She noted before she started that her drummer couldn’t make it and she was a little under the weather.

It didn’t seem to affect her performance of three original songs.

Closing the show was the band Kate From Baltimore, with Lou Haemmerle (lead vocals and guitar), Danny Lesch (piano), Aron Ladanyi (bass), Hudson Sebranek (drums) and Jerome Maury (guitar). They charged through a set of originals, plus an encore, and inspired dancing in front of the stage.

Afterward the judges announced the winners: 1. Kate From Baltimore 2. Autumn Nostalgia and 3. 19th Blossom of Boredom.

Hepburn offered comments. She praised 19th Blossom’s energy but advised them to tighten up their rhythm. She praised Forbes’ willingness to proceed despite difficulties and her pitch. And she urged better enunciation from the singers in Kate From Baltimore, while lauding the overall set.

Bouchard said after the show that “there is a lot of talent here.”

The show was hosted by Tess Marks and Andy Delgado.

music

Latest News

Old Saybrook wins 54-36 over Housy in state tournament

Old Saybrook wins 54-36 over Housy in state tournament
Housatonic's Daniela Brennan matched up against Old Saybrook's Breleigh Cooke in round two of the Class S state tournament March 5.
Photo by Riley Klein

FALLS VILLAGE — Housatonic Valley Regional High School got knocked out of the state playoff by Old Saybrook High School March 5.

HVRHS, the eighth seed, hosted Old Saybrook, seeded ninth, for round two of the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference Class S tournament. As the eighth and ninth seeds in the tournament, both teams earned byes for the first round of the state postseason.

Keep ReadingShow less
hvrhs basketball

In Appreciation: Maureen Brady

In Appreciation: Maureen Brady

Maureen Brady, the first woman to be elected first selectman of Kent, died on Feb. 23 at her home after a long illness.
Brady, who served from 1985 to 1992, devoted much of her life to serving the community she loved.

Moving here with her young family from Queens, New York, when her husband, Thomas, became resident state trooper in Sherman, she quickly got involved in municipal activities by becoming secretary to then First Selectman Eugene O’Meara in 1973, and later to Robert Ward. Ward stepped down after two terms, and with his deep encouragement, she ran and won the town’s top spot.

Keep ReadingShow less
obituaries

Shirley Mae MacCallum

Shirley Mae MacCallum

EAST CANAAN — With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Shirley Mae MacCallum, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend, who passed away peacefully at the age of 94 on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025, at her home in East Canaan. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Toby MacCallum, with whom she shared many years of love and companionship.

Shirley was born on Aug. 27, 1930, in Irving, Massachusetts, to the late Edgar and Henrietta (Jodway) Daigneault. A proud graduate of Agawam High School in 1947, she went on to lead a life filled with hard work, love, and a spirit that touched everyone who knew her. Over the years, Shirley worked at Kaman Aircraft Corporation, where she built a solid foundation for her family, and later pursued her passion for antiques as the proud owner of Toby’s Antiques in East Canaan. She was known for her eye for unique treasures and her warm, welcoming nature that made all who entered feel like family.

Keep ReadingShow less
obituaries

Arthur Frigault

Arthur Frigault

SHARON — Arthur Joseph Frigault, 79, passed away Feb. 26, 2025, at Baystate Medical Center after a brave attempt to live with multiple myeloma cancer. He was surrounded by his devoted wife, loving family and friends.

Arthur was born July 7, 1945, in Waltham, Massachusetts, the son of the late Arthur and Delina Frigault. His parents migrated from New Brunswick, Canada to Waltham in 1945. Arthur attended french-speaking St. Joseph Church’s elementary school in Waltham, Waltham High School and Northeastern University in Boston for engineering. He served in the US Army.

Keep ReadingShow less
obituaries