Arts & Entertainment
Weston Teens Jam In Westport and Fairfield
Toquet Hall in Westport and The Beanery in Fairfield offer something different for local teenagers tired of the quiet ambiance in rural Fairfield County.
We at Patch are shocked — shocked! — to discover that teenagers may not find the rural quiet and lack of industry appealing to their adventurous selves. With Weston, Easton and Redding's businesses somewhat confined to adult or family-oriented activities, local teenagers have discovered Toquet Hall in Westport, and The Beanery in Fairfield.
Toquet Hall, located near the Westport Library, opened in 1998 "as a positive response to the need of Westport youth for a safe and fun place to call their own," according to the website. Toquet Hall is operated by Westport Youth Services and events are always supervised by adults.
The venue entrance, located in an alley and convenient to parking, is a cavernouse, club-like space, with a stage and lighting equipment so local bands can showcase their talents. There are cafe-style tables, couches, air hockey and foosball.
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This past Friday evening, trhee local bands played, including Borrowed Glory, a band made up of students from . Although the bands must supply their own instruments and basic equipment, including drum sets, Toquet Hall has additional microphones and amplifiers that students can use, along with lights.
Musicians and comics — Toquet Hall hosts stand up, too — can contact toquethall@hotmail.com or call 203-341-1155 to reserve a time slot to perform.
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In addition to music and comedy, there are movie and coffeehouse nights, and local theater groups use the space for rehearsals and performances, as well. Movie nights are free.
The Beanery, located on Old Dam Road in Fairfield, is another popular teen venue. It's operated by the town of Fairfield. Open on Fridays, The Beanery hosts local bands every other week, and is also adult-supervised.
The activities are similar but the venues are different in feel. Both have a stage, although The Beanery has less of a club vibe than Toquet Hall. However, unlike Toquet Hall, The Beanery also has a large television, along with a pool table and foosball table.
This past Friday, another Weston High School band — Chillingsworth — played in the late slot.
Performers can contact The Beanery at vpaules@town.fairfield.ct.us or 203-256-3191.
