News Briefs: $5 Kids Movies, Phil Lesh Lane and Rutsch Award Winner

“News Briefs” articles report on recent local arts and culture news stories in bite-sized pieces. The goal of these brief articles is to keep readers informed of new arts developments in their communities.

Jacob Burns Film Center Offers $5 Tickets for Kids Movies

The Jacob Burns Film Center (JBFC) has announced a new initiative that makes family film screenings more accessible. Beginning this month, tickets for all JBFC Kids screenings will be available at a flat rate of $5 for children and adults. This marks a significant reduction, with previous prices being as high as $16. The change is part of JBFC’s ongoing commitment to expanding access to family-friendly cinema to the greater community.

The Jacob Burns Film Center has long offered an eclectic mix of films—from international animations and silent comedies to modern musicals. Screenings are held every Saturday at 11am, with select showings featuring free post-screening activities. The initiative also includes monthly sensory-friendly screenings designed for young audiences who may find traditional movie settings overwhelming.

Executive Director Mary Jo Ziesel notes: “Cinema is for everyone. Lowering our ticket prices is a step forward in ensuring that families can experience the magic of film without barriers.” The price reduction builds on previous accessibility measures, such as discounted rates for EBT cardholders.

Upcoming JBFC Kids screenings include Raya and the Last Dragon in 3D (4/19, 26), WALL-E (5/3, 10), The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (6/7-8, 14), Little Women (7/19) and more.

Phil Lesh Honored with Street Renaming in Port Chester

The Capitol Theatre and the Village of Port Chester recently paid tribute to founding Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh. The corner of Westchester Avenue and Broad Street—located outside the historic Capitol Theatre—has been officially renamed Phil Lesh Lane. This permanent honor commemorates the artist’s decades of impact on the local community. The site holds special meaning, as it is the location of The Cap’s “Door 12.” For fans in the know, this marks the same entrance Lesh used for his 106 performances since the venue reopened in 2012.

The street dedication kicked off a four-night celebration at the Capitol Theatre. In related remarks, Capitol Theatre owner Peter Shapiro stated, “Phil performed here more than any other musician. Now he’ll be with us for every show, a permanent part of our history.” The renaming marks another milestone in a series of honors for Lesh. In the past, the musician has also received the Key to Port Chester and been named an Honorary Firefighter.

Pelham Art Center Announces Alexander Rutsch Award Winner

Pelham Art Center has revealed ransome as the recipient of the 13th Biennial Alexander Rutsch Award for Painting. The artist was selected amid a field of 560 nationwide applicants. Each year, the award honors innovative work in contemporary painting. This time, it recognizes ransome’s exploration of his African American heritage and its intersection with broader social and historical narratives.

The award comes with a solo exhibition, So Fresh and So Clean: The New Negro, which will be on view from May 29 through July 13, 2025. ransome’s work employs layered textures and found objects to evoke themes of ancestry, resilience, and identity. The judging panel included members of the Rutsch family, Pelham Art Center staff, and guest juror Erika Ranee. Together, they praised ransome’s ability to merge personal narrative with universal symbolism. An opening reception is scheduled for May 29 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., offering the community a first look at ransome’s distinctive artistic voice.

^{Photos: The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh; the newly unveiled sign for Phil Lesh Lane; ransome, The Artist}

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