John Friend

Yoga instructor Joe Palese is also a guitarist, and in his many years of gigging, what with hauling equipment, the stresses of road work, and the strain of holding a heavy guitar for hours, or standing in one position for too long, he was finding himself with all kinds of debilitating aches and pains at the end of the day. But by utilizing Yoga's ancient poses and stretches, he was able to relieve these issues. And as he continued with his playing, he found more and more musicians asking him to help them, each with their specific problems. Over the years, he found that he was helping, and in some cases even curing, stress-related injuries. Now, with a record of these successes behind him, Palese and Muse-Eek Publishing Company present 'Yoga for Guitarists.'

Over 400 guests attended Westport Country Playhouse's annual fundraising gala, 'Sophisticated Lady: A Gala Evening Honoring Phylicia Rashad,' on Monday evening, September 16. In addition to honoring the Tony Award-winning actress, arts advocate and philanthropist Howard J. Aibel of Weston was presented with the Westport Country Playhouse Leadership Award. Scroll down for photos from the big event!

Arts advocate and philanthropist Howard J. Aibel of Weston will be honored with the Westport Country Playhouse Leadership Award at the theater's annual fundraising gala on the evening of Monday, September 16.

Tony Award winner Phylicia Rashad, who directed Westport Country Playhouse's "A Raisin in the Sun" last fall, will be honored at the Playhouse's annual fundraising gala on the evening of Monday, September 16. Proceeds will benefit the non-profit, professional producing theater, now in its 83rd season - its work on stage, with schools, and throughout the community. The gala includes a one-night-only performance by Broadway talent and surprise guests.

A packed house honored the theatrical achievements of award-winning playwright Terrence McNally at Westport Country Playhouse's annual fundraising gala, "The Full McNally: A Celebration of the Writing and Works of Terrence McNally," on Monday evening, September 24.

Westport Country Playhouse's one-night-only fundraising gala, "The Full McNally: A Celebration of the Writing and Works of Terrence McNally," will take place this evening, September 24. McNally is the winner of Tony Awards for his plays "Love! Valour! Compassion!" and "Master Class," and his books for the musicals "Ragtime" and "Kiss of the Spiderwoman." His other works include "The Full Monty," and "Lips Together, Teeth Apart," which was produced at Westport Country Playhouse in 2011.

Westport Country Playhouse's one-night-only fundraising gala, "The Full McNally: A Celebration of the Writing and Works of Terrence McNally," will take place Monday evening, September 24. McNally is the winner of Tony Awards for his plays "Love! Valour! Compassion!" and "Master Class," and his books for the musicals "Ragtime" and "Kiss of the Spiderwoman." His other works include "The Full Monty," and "Lips Together, Teeth Apart," which was produced at Westport Country Playhouse in 2011.

One of America's most distinguished playwrights, Tony Award winner Terrence McNally, will be honored at "The Full McNally: A Celebration of the Writing and Works of Terrence McNally," presented by Westport Country Playhouse at the theater's annual fundraising gala on the evening of Monday, September 24.

Westport Country Playhouse: Please Join Us For Gala 2009!